DYNAMICAL THERAPEUTICS 
A WORK DEVOTED TO THE 
THEORY AND PRACTICE OF SPECIFIC MEDICATION 
With Special Reference to the Newer Remedies 
WITH A CLINICAL INDEX, ADAPTING IT TO THE NEEDS OF THE 
BUSY PRACTITIONER 
BY 
Herbert T. Webster, M. D. 
- 
Professor of the Principles and Practice of Medicine and Pathology in 
California Medical College; formerly Editor of the 
California Medical Journal 
With Notes on Practical Pharmacy 
By Prof. J. U. Lloyd 
And Therapeutics of the Eye and Ear 
By Prof. Kent O. Foltz, M. D. 
SECOND EDITI ON 
Revised and Enlarged 
Sold by Subscription Only 
Webster Medical Publishing Company "" - 
230 Douglass Street, - San Francisco, Cal. Copybight, 1898, 
BY HERBERT T. WEBSTER. PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION. 
In issuing a second edition of Dynamical Therapeutics, 
I have endeavored to keep pace with the progress of the 
times, in a conservative sense. Many of the new things 
of today will be old tomorrow, and it might be better 
if they were not recorded in text-books. However, 
therapeutics which are good today will be good for all 
time, and the new things of this character which are re- 
corded here may be considered as fixtures. Already, 
there are rather ominous signs that bacteriology will soon 
cease to play the prominent part in medicine it has in 
the near past; though I have seen fit to refer to the doc- 
trines of antitoxin treatment and serum-therapy-in order 
that the reader may know what they are, rather than that 
much practical use will likely be made of them. 
Strenuous objection has been made, in certain quarters, 
to the manner with which I have recommended specific 
medicines throughout the work. It will be well, perhaps, 
for me to mention the fact that my reference to a particu- 
lar class of drugs was intended to emphasize the import- 
ance of a reliable remedy in each instance, and to refer 
to a class of reliable drugs without intention of publish- 
ing a standing advertisement of one kind. Lloyds' prepa- 
rations were here when I came to California, and no other 
Eclectic house was then represented. I therefore became 
accustomed to specific medicines, and used them exclu- 
sively for years. In the same class with specific medi- 
cines are the Wm. S. Merrell Co's green plant fluid 
extracts and the H. M. Merrell Co's specific tinctures. 4 
PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION. 
They are probably equal in quality with specific medi- 
cines. Possibly some of them may not be so strong, and 
possibly some are stronger. Quality, however, is almost 
everything. If a drug from a plant represent the inher- 
ent properties of the recent product, the question of 
strength does not weigh so much, as a minute quantity of 
the article then goes a long distance. The homoeopathic 
tinctures-those prepared at homoeopathic pharmacies- 
are also very satisfactory preparations. The pharmaceu- 
tical methods are admirable, and put to shame the loose 
practices of those who count themselves the salt of the 
earth, and follow the dictum of the dominant school. 
To those who complain that the material is scattered 
too much through Specific Therapeutics and that it is too 
much trouble to find it, I emphasize the suggestion, 
liefer to the clinical index frequently. This will be found a 
complete organizer; and it has been carefully read, and 
errors expunged, by Dr. A. M. Field, so that its refer- 
ence will be found reliable. Another point to be observed 
with care is, only the second part is indexed, and the in- 
quirer after points should not allow himself to search 
among the pages of Principles. If reference to anything 
here is to be made, the Table of Contents will enable him 
to get very near what he wants. 
The author desires to thank a generous profession for 
the kindly reception accorded the first edition, with all 
its faults. The Eclectic medical press, as well as many 
personal friends and others, have placed the author under 
obligations for kind and encouraging words, and liberal 
patronage. 5 
TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
Part First. 
PRINCIPLES OF DYNAMICAL THERAPEUTICS. 
I. Introduction, 7. 
II. Therapeutic Classification, 17. 
III. The Principles of Selection, 26.-The Old 
C'assification, 27; Dynamical Therapeutics, 29; Relation 
of Pathology to Dynamical Therapeutics, 31; Relation of 
Physiology to Diagnosis and Therapeutics, 35; The 
Blood, 38; Blood Making, 40; The General Circulation, 
44; The Pulmonary Circulation, 48; Oxygen Artificially 
Supplied, 51; The Portal Circulation, 53; Blood Pressure 
-Arterial Tension, 58; The Pulse, 61; The Temperature, 
64; The Alimentary Canal, 67; The Tongue, 73; The 
Nervous System, 79; The Cerebrum, 83; The Cerebellum, 
88; The Medulla Oblongata, 88; The Spinal Cord, 93; 
The Sympathetic Nervous System, 95; Morbid Nervous 
Reflexes, 96; Secretion and Excretion, 100; Tissue Regen- 
eration, 105; Inflammatory Deposits, 116; The New For- 
mations, 118; Pain, 120; Periodicity, 125. 
IV. The Science and Art of Prescribing, 127.-The 
Quality of Drugs, 127; Form for Administration, 131; 
Triturations, 133; The Question of Dose, 140; The Sin- 
gle Remedy Versus Combinations, 143; Time of Admin- 
istration, 147; Prescription Writing, 148, Infusions and 
Decoctions, 154. 
V. The Medicine Case, 156. 
VI. Notes on Practical Pharmacy, 171. - Coloring 
Matter, 173; Odor, 174; Medicating Pellets, 175; Char- 
acteristics of a Few Prominent Specifics, 175. 
VII. Therapeutics of Complemental Organs, 180. 6 
table of contents. 
Part Second. 
SPECIFIC THERAPEUTICS. 
I. Inorganic Proximate Principles, 1. 
IF. Blood Makers, 29. 
III. Antiseptics, Antizymotics, Correctives, 40. 
IV. The Osseous System, 92. 
V. The Periosteum, 97. 
VI. The Articulations, 103. 
VII. The Nervous System, 109. 
VIII. The Circulatory System, 220. 
IX. The Lymphatic System, 229. 
X. The Ductless Glands, 316. 
XI. The Digestive Organs, 322. 
XII. The Respiratory Organs, 388. 
XIII. The Urinary Organs, 417. 
XIV. The Sexual Organs, 463. 
XV. The Muscles, 510. 
XVI. The Skin, 537. 
XVII. The Eye, 561. 
XVIII. The Ear, 602.-Recent Advances in Eye and 
Ear Therapeutics, 637. 
XIX. Pharmacological Excerpts, 707. 
XX. New Remedies and New Uses for Old Ones, 
709.  OP 
DYEAMIGAL THEPAPEUTIGS. 
INTRODUCTION. 
Elementary forms of life consist of single cells, each 
made up of a mass of protoplasm containing nuclear 
threads. Simple as the structure is, these lowly organ- 
isms possess the power of selecting material for nourish- 
ment from the surrounding medium, of appropriating it 
to their needs, and of reproduction, while many of them 
are capable of active motion. In other words, simple 
cells are capable of exhibiting independent nutritive, 
formative, and other functional activities. 
Higher forms are also cellular. All living bodies are 
made up of cells and cell derivatives, but the more com- 
plex organization demands a community of cells with 
reciprocal relationship, so arranged and endowed as to 
operate in unison, while each one carries out its special 
part in the general organization; but throughout this ar- 
rangement, certain elementary properties persist, though 
somewhat modified by the controlling influence of ele- 
ments and functions absent in the simpler forms. In the 
mammalia, of which man constitutes the head, as well as 
in many lower forms, cell function is evidently more or 
less governed by the influence of the nervous and circu- 
latory systems; but notwithstanding this the endow- 
ments peculiar to independent cells still prevail, each one 8 
INTRODUCTION. 
possessing the faculties of selection and appropriation, 
independently of the others. 
It is upon these properties that the therapeutist largely 
relies for success in the administration of remedies for 
the cure of disease. If cells did not possess a selective 
property and remedies could not be made to influence 
special portions of the body, the scope of therapeutics 
would be very much narrowed. "Specific Medication" 
would hardly have been written, homeopathy would have 
had but a feeble following, and the medicine of the past 
would have made but little progress. 
Physiology teaches the selective properties of certain 
cells in the most emphatic terms. The lacteal secretion, 
the saliva, the gastric juice, the pancreatic fluid, the bile, 
the succus entericus-all the secretions as well as some 
of the excretions, are. separated from the blood by the 
action of cells, the selective faculty of each endowing 
it for its special function. 
Going further we find that the cells of every structure 
possess a physiological endowment, distinguishing them 
by peculiar selective properties. The red blood corpus- 
cles contain the salts of potassium in excess, while the 
plasma in which they float contains an excess of sodium. 
The cells of osseous tissue contain a preponderance of 
calcium phosphate, due largely without doubt to their 
capacity of imbibing the salt from the circulating me- 
dium. In short, every tissue is distinctive on account 
of its selective properties, though formative force carries 
out processes which make the distinction more marked. 
Of the selective attraction of the structures of the 
human body for specific drugs, there are also numerous 
well proven examples which no one will deny. Digitalis 
possesses an established reputation for its influence upon 
the heart-a specific or selective influence. In other 
words, an affinity exists between the sphere of the cardiac INTRODUCTION. 
9 
functions and this drug} which is infallible in its manifes- 
tations if a preparation representing the qualities of the 
recent plant be employed. The reputation of cantharis 
as to its affinity for the genito-urinary system is too well 
known to require more than ' mention. There is un- 
doubted affinity between the specific emetics and the 
nervous centers governing the peristaltic action of the 
stomach, between cathartics and the intestinal canal, be- 
tween diaphoretics and the sudiparous glands, or their 
controlling centers, between the salivary glands and 
sialagogues, and so on throughout the gamut of old 
classification. 
But we go further and assert that every organ and 
tissue of the body possesses drug affinities. It might 
be difficult to make this assertion good by furnishing the 
proof in all cases with present means of knowledge; in- 
deed the subject is yet in an embryo state, though nu- 
merous the instances which suggest it. Vital processes 
are often so complicated that it is impossible to know 
whether a drug influences the tissues of a part or a ner- 
vous center exercising control over it. Physiology must 
make further discovery before these problems can be 
explained', though we already possess enough clinical 
knowledge to enable us to make valuable use of the sug- 
gestions in this direction, and the line of study if carried 
out must materially assist in making the practice of 
medicine more pleasant and positive. 
When we are able to prescribe an agent for every part 
of the body with precision the subject will not then have 
been perfected. The functions of cells are various, and 
the character of the impressions of different drugs also 
varies. A remedy that will bring about favorable results 
in one case because of its affinity for a part, may fail in 
another, because different functions may be at fault, a 
differentiation beyond the ability of the most astute pre- 10 
INTRODUCTION. 
scriber to make, perhaps; a differentiation beyond the in- 
telligence of everything except the subtle law of affinity. 
Evidently, then, even with the best knowledge we are 
likely to obtain, the treatment of disease will not be re- 
duced to a practice of certainties. More than one trial 
may be requisite in order to select the proper drug from 
a group having affinities somewhat in common. 
To illustrate, let us take the larynx and its drug af- 
finities as an example. The leading drugs influencing 
this part are aconite, arum triphyllum, lachesis, potas- 
sium bichromate, potassium hydrate, spongia and stillin- 
gia. Each of these possesses an affinity for the larynx, 
but this is manifested when administered in therapeutic 
doses, only under certain circumstances. Aconite asserts 
its influence when acute disease of inflammatory nature is 
present, probably an influence exerted through the vaso- 
motor center of the part, croup and subacute inflamma- 
tory states resulting from cold being its principal field 
of usefulness. In chronic laryngitis,where tissue change 
has progressed beyond the control of the circulation, it 
would be useless to attempt to bring about a favorable 
change with this remedy. Here arum, if there is ulcer- 
ation, or potassium bichromate, if there is a hoarseness 
without ulceration, or potassium hydrate if there is ul- 
ceration with profuse catarrhal discharge, (muco-puru- 
lent,) or stillingia, if there is chronic inflammation with 
history of struma, will be applicable. 
But these indications may not be clearly pronounced. 
The classifications and indications of medical writers are 
convenient as landmarks or suggestions of remedies, but 
in practice we do not find these indications very clearly 
set forth in all cases. There might be an inflammatory 
condition pointing to aconite as the remedy which spon- 
gia would control more readily, and the reason for this 
be difficult of explanation. There might be an abnormal INTRODUCTION. 
11 
state of the larynx giving rise to hoarseness without 
evident structural change, which potassium bichromate 
might fail to benefit, but which would promptly yield to 
arum, or stillingia, or potassium hydrate, or arsenicum 
iodide, or nitrate of sanguinarina, or verbascum, and the 
reason be entirely unexplainable, because there are certain 
peculiarities of affinity which are not yet known. 
Lachesis seems to influence the nervous centers of 
function and sensibility of the larynx in a pronounced 
manner, usually relieving cough of irritable character 
where the nervous element is predominant and there is 
little evidence of structural change, but sticta or nitrate 
of sanguinarina might fulfill this indication better, and it 
would puzzle the most astute observer to give the reason 
therefor. 
It cannot fail however to prove advantageous to pos- 
sess a wide knowledge of the drug affinities of every 
part. Such knowledge places us in the immediate neigh- 
borhood of means likely to cure, even though we must 
still be liable to necessity of numerous trials before the 
proper remedy is discovered. Long practice, close ob- 
servation, or acuteness of intuition, may enable one phy- 
sician to excel another in the selection, but the most 
indifferent prescriber must be able to do better than 
one who has not given this subject study. 
There ought to be agents to encourage the growth of 
every tissue and to promote the normal activity of every 
function of the body. Many of these it is true are yet to be 
discovered, though we have already learned to differentiate 
with respect to different remedies having affinity for the 
same organ. It was once enough to believe that all rem- 
edies were cholagogues which influenced the liver in any 
manner. Now we entertain somewhat different views. The 
secretion of bile depends upon the action of a special class 
of cells, to influence which, when impairment of action is 12 
INTRODUCTION. 
present, we require a special class of agents, of which chi- 
onanthus may be taken as a type. But jaundice may be 
the result of impairment not directly due to faulty func- 
tion of the bile secreting cells, but due perhaps to faulty 
circulation in the hepatic blood-vessels and more amenable 
to such agents as chelidonium and nux, which probably 
influence the vaso-motor center. Or, the glycogenic func- 
tion may be disturbed, and glucose precipitated into the 
general circulation. Then we must resort to syzygium or 
nitrate of uranium, until a larger list of this class of agents 
has been unearthed. 
It is not improbable that with the liver, as well as with 
every other organ of the body, a better knowledge of the 
affinities of drugs for the tissues concerned in the func- 
tional activities in question, with increase of information 
respecting functions now little understood, will enable us 
to treat diseases heretofore considered incurable, success- 
fully. 
The general nutritive condition of an organ or part will 
demand special consideration, requiring in many instances 
a different class of remedies from those impressing its 
functions. However this need not invariably be the case, 
for structure and function are so intimately related that 
their therapeutics can hardly be completely separated. 
Schuessler proposes to provide all the remedies required 
by a part through the inorganic tissue-element predomi- 
nating in its structure, but we cannot thus simplify the 
treatment of disease, satisfactory though it would be. 
The inorganic elements of the tissues constitute valuable 
therapeutic reliances under some conditions, but they 
often fail when apparently prominently indicated. The 
explanation probably lies in this differentiation between 
structural and functional therapeutics. 
If new growths are ever brought under the controlling 
influence of drugs, it will be when a better knowledge of INTRODUCTION. 
13 
their tissue affinities has been evolved. Grauvogl and 
others have asserted that cartilaginous tumors can be 
cured by the influence of silica, the effect undoubtedly 
depending upon the selective affinity of this agent for car- 
tilaginous tissue, and its tendency to correct abnormality 
of the nutritive processes of the part. Thuja has long 
been extolled as a remedy for the cure of warty growths of 
skin and mucous membrane, given internally, though it is 
quite likely that more failures than successes attend such 
medication. Even as pronouncedly sceptical therapeu- 
tists as those of the old school are asserting the efficacy 
of magnesium sulphate as an internal remedy for the cure 
of warts. 
Scattered throughout the literature of medicine is much 
valuable knowledge of this kind, which can be made more 
useful if given prominence through classification and other 
special notice. In another department, it is the purpose 
of the author to indicate some of the possibilities of this 
subject, and point out the principal information bearing 
upon it to be found in Eclectic medical literature, in such 
a manner as to adapt it to practical purposes. That all 
the propositions made in this Introduction will be fully 
enunciated, an emphatic disclaimer is here interpolated. 
It is the purpose to suggest more than can at present be 
demonstrated; for while this is the proper direction of 
study for a fruitful field of therapeutics, much additional 
knowledge must be obtained before we can expect a frui- 
tion of all that seems promised. Some future author, with 
more perfect physiological data and larger accumulation 
of definite therapeutic knowledge, may carry this subject, 
thus imperfectly begun, to a better state of development. 
The subject of tissue affinity cannot cover the entire 
field of medical practice. The fluids of the body are not 
tissues, yet they often demand remedial measures, in order 
to correct conditions involving serious derangement of the 14 
INTRODUCTION. 
entire economy. It would not be straining a point much 
to assert that in acute disease, our principal therapeutic 
reliance must be upon agents which either directly or 
indirectly influence the fluids, while in chronic disease, 
we must depend more upon remedies which specifically 
influence the tissues. 
Morphological elements of disease,-germs, promise to 
assume an important position in the field of pathology. 
Here we require an entirely different class of remedies. 
The disease in this case would really constitute an entity 
to be excluded or expelled, leaving aside the question of 
tissue integrity altogether. 
Electricity constitutes a means of reaching a part when 
required, independently of specific drugs. It really pos- 
sesses a tissue affinity of its own,-a general affinity, by 
virtue of the conducting properties of the tissues which 
enable the physician to convey it to any part as desired, 
and thus produce a salutary molecular disturbance. Some- 
times this proves more efficacious than the most potent 
drug. 
Correct diagnosis, quality of drug, size of dose, proper 
selection, and susceptibility of patient are important ele- 
ments to be considered in connection with this subject. 
Neglect of these points will lead to failure every time; 
inattention to them has been the cause of much of the 
dissatisfaction and scepticism of the therapeutists of old. 
Ability in diagnosis will depend upon knowledge of 
physiology and capacity of determining character and ex- 
tent of deviation in disease. To the function impaired or 
perverted the proper remedy must be adapted through 
knowledge of its selective affinity, if a tissue be involved. 
Quality of drug agent is as important as proper selec- 
tion. Without doubt much of the difference of opinion 
among therapeutists depends upon want of uniformity in 
this direction. The average pharmacist is not conscien- INTRODUCTION. 
15 
tious enough about the quality of his drugs, making it in- 
cumbent upon the careful practitioner to be particular 
when purchasing or prescribing, that only those of known 
quality are accepted. 
Size of dose and susceptibility of patient sustain a di- 
rect relationship. Dr. H. C. Wood asserts that suscepti- 
bility of a system to the action of drugs depends upon 
the extent to which it is specialized in structure and func- 
tion. The cerebrum of man, for instance, is more highly 
developed than in the lower animals, and consequently 
more highly- susceptible to the influence of medicines or 
toxic agents. The same author refers to the remarkable 
susceptibility of the frog to the action of such agents as 
strychnia and opium, and draws an interesting compari- 
son between the effects of the latter drug in the two cases. 
Opium has a double affinity in all animals: one for the 
brain and one for the spinal cord. In man, with the large 
and active brain, the agent exerts its selective influence 
upon this part, and somnolence and stupor result, while 
in the case of the batrachian, with the relatively larger 
spinal cord, the affinity is more prominently manifested 
in convulsions consequent upon disturbance of the spinal 
centers. 
In the human family we find almost as striking differ- 
ences. The markedly lymphatic person and the individ- 
ual of highly organized nervous temperament are almost 
as widely separated in their susceptibilities as the man 
and the frog. There is no doubt that the high attenua- 
tions of homeopathy sometimes effect cures, and that dis- 
ease is often aggravated through highly developed suscep- 
tibility, by ordinary doses. 
The effects of drug affinity are often modified by diet, 
climate, or other incidental influence, until remedial results 
are fully lost. The most approved skin remedies would 
fail to satisfy the expectations of the prescriber if the 16 
INTRODUCTION. 
patient were subsisting largely on bacon or salt fish. In 
this case, also, the influence of a stimulating saline atmos- 
phere might play a modifying part. Vesical and renal 
affections could hardly be expected to improve under the 
best selected remedies, if the patient were following the 
impulses of alcohol addiction, or habitually drinking wa- 
ter highly impregnated with calcareous salts. Cardiac af- 
fections could not be expected to improve rapidly while 
the patient was indulging freely in coffee, or tobacco, or in 
immoderate bodily or mental exertion, or sexual indul- 
gence. 
It should be remembered, also, that the reflexes often 
play "hide and seek" with the indiscriminating practi- 
tioner. Surely the fault lies at his own door if he fail to 
care abdominal neurosis dependent upon anal fissure, rec- 
tal pockets, hemorrhoids, or stricture, with colocynth, di- 
oscorea, collinsonia, nux, cimicifuga, or other remedy that 
might seem demanded by the abdominal tissues. As rea- 
sonable would it seem to attempt the relief of cardiac ir- 
regularity hinging upon lacerated uterine cervix, chronic 
endometritis, or other structural wrong of the reproductive 
apparatus, with Scutellaria, cereus, digitalis, or strophan- 
thus. True, temporary relief might follow as a result of 
the specific action upon irritated nervous centers, but no 
permanent effect could reasonably be expected. 
The intelligent physician will survey the whole field. 
He must do this in justice to the claims of therapeutics. 
No one but the charlatan will blindly prescribe without 
due inspection of all the premises. When rationalism be- 
comes the guide, instead of superstitious faith in mysteri- 
ous remedial action, or blind following of a therapeutic law, 
there will be more certainty in the practice of medicine. THERAPEUTIC CLASSIFICATION. 
17 
THERAPEUTIC CLASSIFICATION. 
In the study of therapeutics, classification formerly con- 
stituted quite an imposing feature of the plan pursued. 
Writers were disposed to give more attention to the ar- 
rangement of the materia medica into groups suggestive 
of the general action and use of agents, than to the in- 
dividual study of each drug separate from its analogues. 
More modern writers, recognizing that much of the knowl- 
edge of the best virtues of remedies was thus overlooked, 
have discarded the plan of classification, and given the in- 
dividual study of each drug separate attention, ignoring 
the grouping of agents altogether. 
Individualization is, without any question, an excellent 
plan to pursue in therapeutical research. This is so be- 
cause every drug is peculiar to itself in one or more re- 
spects, and upon such peculiarity may depend its most 
sterling quality as a curative agent, while in the generaliza- 
tion of old methods of classification, this very quality was 
the one most liable to be overlooked. Still, a comparison 
with analogous remedies has been found advantageous fre- 
quently, in order to emphasize some peculiarity of the 
agent under study, and impress it more forcibly upon the 
mind of the student. 
But we cannot afford to discard the old classification 
altogether, for it includes some very essential resources 
which are often imperatively demanded. It comprehends, 
in the majority of cases, the physiological or pronounced 
drug effect of medicines,-an effect, apparent whether 
drugs are administered in health or in disease, so marked 
as to indicate disturbance of function as the result; yet 
such action is often desirable. 
However, our knowledge of the healing art can be facil- 
itated by the addition of a new classification, which will 18 
THERAPEUTIC CLASSIFICATION. 
recognize a finer effect of medicines than that resulting 
from the old-fashioned, crude dose. 
The "dual action of drugs" of numerous writers, is a 
misconception. A drug invariably acts in one direction 
and in the same manner, except that in a large dose, 
through excess of action, it may become a disturber of 
function or structure to the extent of arrest or impairment, 
while in a sufficiently small quantity, it may produce the 
proper disturbance necessary to healthy rearrangement 
of molecular elements, and thus result in favorable change 
when disease is present. 
Upon the ground of dose, then, remedies should be di- 
vided into two general classes, the same remedy quite 
often appearing in both divisions, as its effects are modi- 
fied by amount administered. 
Take ipecac, for example, a drug which in certain doses 
disturbs the gastric functions violently, the disturbance 
resulting in nausea and powerful, inverted action,-vomit- 
ing. Here we have no augmentation of function, but in- 
stead, an abnormal condition is for the time set up -an 
artificial disease. In other words, the so-called physiolog- 
ical action of the drug is made manifest. 
How does a minute dose of the same agent affect the 
stomach? for it, as well as the larger dose, manifests a se- 
lective affinity for the gastric centers. Administered to a 
healthy person in doses too small to produce unpleasant 
sensations or other appreciable effects its influence might 
be considered absent, yet in the same doses, when nausea 
and vomiting occur in disease, with irritation of the parts 
and disturbance of function, it tends to correction of the 
abnormal state. This is an example of a great number of 
instances where the large dose disturbs or arrests normal 
function, while the small one conduces to restoration when 
the disturbance is that of disease. 
Dose, then, would divide a large number of remedies THERAPEUTIC CLASSIFICATION. 
10 
into two general classes, of which we might christen one 
<hynamical} its agents acting in unison with the forces of 
normal life, and the other statical, because its members 
oppose or arrest, for the time at least, such action. 
Not all remedies, however, can belong to these two 
classes ; quite a number of agents exhibiting excellent 
dynamical properties, manifest little if any physiological 
action, even in exorbitant doses. Olden-time therapeu- 
tists would have pronounced such agents inert, because 
of this, but the excellent clinical effects resulting from 
their use fail to justify such a verdict ; triturated oyster 
shell (calcarea ostrearum') is one of these, and silica, an- 
other, both possessing rare dynamical properties-as well 
as a number of others, which the materia medica could ill 
afford to spare. 
Both kinds of action are of value in the management of 
disease, when the physician is liberal enough to avail him- 
self of them ; but the average homeopathist disdains the 
physiological effects of drugs, except so far as they serve 
as indicators for use in dynamical doses, while the adher- 
ent of old prejudices is unwilling to entertain belief in the 
attenuated doses essential to successful dynamical action. 
Thus for many years lack of a genuine eclectic spirit 
hampered the progress of medicine, until it fell behind in 
the march of the ages. 
In the growing interest in the study of dynamical drug 
action, importance of the frequent necessity of the uses 
recognized by the old classification, should not be forgot- 
ten. The derivative effect of a drug, or the detergent ac- 
tion of another, or the soporiferous influence of a third, 
may be found the action most desirable, for the time, at 
least, in the treatment of a given case. Emetics, though 
for a time perverters of function, are an important item of 
the wise physician's resources-not confined to those 
cases where simple evacuation is indicated, by any means. 20 
THERAPEUTIC CLASSIFICATION. 
The follower of Thomsonian methods might attempt 
too much with this class of remedies, and do harm by in- 
discriminately subjecting his patients to emesis; this, how- 
ever, ought not to be employed as an argument against 
their proper use to fulfill important indications when so 
demanded. Cathartics were abused in the days of igno- 
rant and superstitious medicine, until many physicians, 
as a result of the reaction consequent upon a better knowl- 
edge of physiology, avoid them altogether; still, while 
we realize that cathartics disturb the alimentary functions, 
and are but sorry promoters of secretion as a rule, a peri- 
staltic persuader is occasionally very essential to a suc- 
cessful and satisfactory practice. As much might be as- 
serted of the majority of agents recognized by the old 
classification. Then why abandon them? better retain the 
old, and add the new. 
The importance of minuteness of dose, in order to de- 
. rive satisfactory dynamical results, must not be forgotten. 
An abnormal state of a tissue or organ may render it ex- 
tremely sensitive to drug influence, and all the good effect 
hoped for may be neutralized by impressing the part too 
powerfully. People are, ordinarily, unfavorably impressed 
with the idea of influencing vital processes with the mi- 
nute doses proposed by those who deal in the dynamical 
action of drugs. Especially is this so with the student, 
if the ideas of therapeutics which have characterized the 
old school have been his early impressions. Much of the 
fine and accurate knowledge of therapeutics has been lost 
through prejudice. 
Dynamical remedies may be divided into two groups, 
though the line between them is not clearly marked in all 
cases: From the inception of embryonic life the two essen- 
tials of existence and development are plasma and plastic 
force, and these essentials are paramount throughout the 
life of the individual. There must be a properly prepared THERAPEUTIC CLASSIFICATION. 
21 
material for the supply of the body, and this must be 
properly distributed, while each part must possess the 
ability of appropriating that which is most needful for its 
special wants. 
The plasma remedies include but a small number com- 
pared with those of the other class. Alteration or depra- 
vation of the fluids of the body offers indications for their 
use. Sodii sulphis is a prominent one of this class, indi- 
cated when the blocd depravation manifests itself in pal- 
lidity of mucous membranes, with pasty white coating on 
the tongue. Acidum sulphurosum is indicated when the 
tongue is coated brown, and brown sordes collect on the 
lips and teeth; acidum hydrochloricum, where the tongue 
presents the color and general appearance of beefsteak. 
Such are examples of corrective action by virtue of 
chemical influence-at least in the cases of sulphite of so- 
dium and hydrochloric acid; for blue litmus paper is red- 
dened by contact with the pasty white coating of the for- 
mer, while the slick, dark-red tongue of the latter affords 
proof of alkalinity by the characteristic reaction with red 
litmus. 
However, it is not impossible that a dynamical action 
may attend, the action being chemico-vital, instead of a 
purely chemical one. Certainly, in the case of baptisia 
the corrective action cannot be considered a chemical 
one, the influence being exerted dynamically entirely, as 
there is no evidence of its being an antiseptic outside the 
body; and yet it proves a corrective of rare virtue in cer- 
tain cases when administered internally. 
The subject of "ptomaines" ' is one at present engross- 
ing professional attention. These are a class of putrefac- 
tive alkaloids generated by bacteria, in septic processes in 
organic matter. Since attempt to discover remedies de- 
structive of bacterial organisms has apparently proven 
futile, a disposition seems manifest on the part of some 22 
THERAPEUTIC CLASSIFICATION. 
of the germ theorists to abandon this line of research,, 
and seek to correct the evils of germ infection by neutral- 
izing or eliminating the poisons generated-though not all 
ptomaines are poisonous. 
Each class of bacteria is supposed to generate a spe- 
cific ferment (ptomaine), which is peculiar to the special 
disease it creates. For example : The typhoid fever bacil- 
lus can only produce the ptomaine typhotoxine, while 
the bacterium of tetanus must be present for the gener- 
ation of tetanine. Such propositions, though yet hardly 
ripened, approach the position long held by the Eclectic 
school; and though we have not given as much attention 
to the microscopy of disease, we have more than antici- 
pated the results of their search by recognizing, virtually, 
the presence of putrefactive ferments, and specifically 
adapting remedies to their correction, the credit being due 
in great measure to the clinical observation and inductive 
reasoning of Scudder. 
It is not the purpose to more than allude to the plasma 
remedies in this place, for they will be fully treated in 
a special department. Suffice it to remark that they con- 
stitute an important, frequent, and satisfactory source of 
supply to every inquiring ? liberal physician. 
The plastic remedies are the tissue remedies proper; 
they possess an affinity for the tissues, selecting and dif- 
ferentiating, in a manner entirely inexplicable. The nu- 
clei of the cells are probably the primary point of impres- 
sion ; at least, the nutritive quality of the cell is gener- 
ally believed to be the elaborating center, through which 
new protoplasm passes, upon its arrival, before being 
adapted to the uses of the part. Thus every cell is spe- 
cially constructed for its purposes, and if normal condi- 
tions fail, the therapeutic agent probably restores it to 
its former state of activity. Let us suppose so. 
Tissue remedies act in various ways upon a given part. THERAPEUTIC CLASSIFICATION. 
23 
One may influence the nutrition of the cells, or of the 
nutritive center, in such a manner as to encourage retro- 
grade metamorphosis and the building of better structure, 
thus being applicable to chronic lesions, where there is 
considerable alteration of tissue. Another may influence 
the circulation in the part through the vaso-motor center, 
and thus relieve acute congestive conditions. A third 
may affect specifically some function, and still another 
may be adapted to a painful state of the part- a remedy 
for myalgia or neuralgia. 
Knowledge of the selective affinities of drugs may be 
determined by experimentation,-by what the homeopa- 
thist would term "provings," or the modern old-school- 
man the "physiological action"-but such differentiation 
as that here referred to must be determined by clinical 
experience alone. 
It will be observed that this variety of purposes must 
demand a multitude of remedies; we cannot construct a 
materia medica upon this plan, by reducing the number 
of anents. The most effective materia medica will include 
o 
a goodly list of remedies influencing each part collect- 
ively, but embracing a variety of therapeutic properties, 
that numerous changes may be rung, to adapt the treat- 
ment to the different pathological conditions liable to be 
present. 
Plastic remedies influencing a part might be divided 
into remedies of nutrition, of function, remedies for vas- 
cular disturbance, for myalgia, for neuralgia, etc. ; but 
this might prove confusing, as two or more of these prop- 
erties may belong to the same drug, and it would there- 
fore be perplexing to attempt such arrangement; it would 
be difficult to set apart a list of nutrition remedies which 
do not influence in greater or less degree the functions 
of the same part, and these might relieve painful states 
by reason perhaps of such influence. 24 
THERAPEUTIC CLASSIFICATION. 
It would be better to divide the plastic remedies into1 
classes to correspond with anatomical parts influenced. 
For example : Remedies which influence the osseous sys- 
tem might be grouped, without reference to any common 
property except that of affinity for such structure. With 
this in mind the differentiation would not be difficult, and 
if doubt existed as to the proper selection, such grouping 
would readily suggest the agents for trial by rotation; 
and this plan might apply to every tissue of the body. 
But we must not stop at classification upon the basis 
of structure alone; every organ possesses its group of 
remedies, which manifest specific affinities for it. This 
fact was recognized in much of the crude practice of the 
ancients, which seems to have consisted largely in the 
administration of purgatives, until "regular" medicine 
added digitalis for cardiac affections, cantharis for its in- 
fluence upon the genito-urinary sphere, and a few other 
inconsequential specifics. Organopathy,-therapeutics 
directed to the influencing of organs,-however, seems to 
have received tacit recognition throughout the history of 
medicine, though much of it has been of a very crude 
character. 
Plastic remedies become plasma remedies in an indirect 
way when they specifically correct perverted states of the 
blood-making organs, when they regulate hepatic abnormi- 
ties, by which there is an overflow of bile into the general 
circulation, or when digestive disorders result in abnormal 
elements to be precipitated upon the kidneys. There is 
such an intimate relationship existing between all the 
vital processes, that complete classification of dynamical 
action would be impossible. 
Just where the line of demarkation between functional 
and structural disease lies, is a fine point for discrimina- 
tion. "Whether it be possible," says Green, "for the 
function of an organ or tissue to be abnormally performed THERAPEUTIC CLASSIFICATION. 
25 
quite irrespective of any alteration in its structure, admits 
of some doubt. At all events, as our methods of minute 
investigation improve, and our knowledge of morbid his- 
tology increases, the class of functional diseases grows 
less; and although there still remain a large number of 
diseases in which we are unable to recognize any alter- 
ation of structure, and which, therefore, must still be de- 
scribed as functional, it is probable that all disease will 
ultimately be found to be attended by more or less struct- 
ural change." 
Upon such grounds it would be quite proper to class 
all those remedies markedly influencing the functions of 
an organ or part as plastic remedies, though in doing so 
more or less encroachment on the domain of the plasma 
remedies would result in certain instances. However, it 
is not technical classification we should aim at so much 
as rational methods of grouping, for satisfactory selec- 
tion. 
Bacteriology has failed to develop an extensive list of 
agents adapted to the destruction of micro-organisms of 
disease. Still, a few remedies have promised something 
in this line; ozone has earned some reputation as an agent 
capable of arresting the inroads of cholera,-a disease 
supposed to be due to the presence of a specific bacillus, 
when generated in hospital wards devoted to its treat- 
ment,-and it has also been found serviceable as an inhal- 
ant to destroy certain organisms in the blood stream. 
Peroxide of hydrogen, bromine, chlorine, and other drugs, 
have been suggested, but they have not yet attained emi- 
nence ; it remains to be proven that they are worthy to 
be classed among germ-destroying agents. In fact, some 
bacterial forms, as those of diphtheria, seem to be almost 
indestructible, resisting with surprising vitality immer- 
sion in boiling water, and strongest carbolic acid. 26 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
The selection of remedies for disease expressions is a 
subject which may be discussed with profit, for it is one 
requiring much thought and study in order that the high- 
est excellence may be attained in the art of adapting ther- 
apeutic agents to the various phases of pathology. 
The characteristic of modern medicine is, that in this 
respect-as well as others-an attempt to proceed on ra- 
tional grounds is prominent in the mind of the physician; 
the custom of grouping symptoms, giving them a name, 
and applying stereotyped treatment, has become obsolete. 
The progressive physician of the present seeks to thor- 
oughly analyze each individual case, before proceeding 
with its treatment. 
There is too much positive knowledge of therapeutics 
at the present time to admit of an excuse for empiricism, 
except perhaps in a few instances where the testing of 
drugs is the object, or where obscureness of diagnosis or 
want of clearly defined expression leaves no alternative; 
there are many avenues open to intelligent prescribing. 
Rational medicine rests upon the foundation of a liberal 
education, embracing knowledge of the laws of normal life, 
of the processes of disease, or abnormal life, of the physi- 
ological action of drugs, of their dynamical action and 
clinical effects, as well as the value and applicability of 
many adjuncts to therapeutics, such as electricity, mas- 
sage, and climato-therapy. 
It is an important qualification to be able to know 
when not to administer drugs, as well as to know what to 
select at the proper time. The principles of selection 
should involve so wide a knowledge of the collateral 
branches of medicine that the physician would make no 
mistake in this respect. The practitioner who persists in THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
27 
administering pulsatilla, leontin, cimicifuga, lilium tigri- 
num, sepia or hydrastis for the symptoms arising from 
irritation due to chafing of a lacerated, everted uterine 
cervix needs to extend his reading and widen his lines of 
thought. There are many conditions, also amenable to 
drugs, which may be relieved more promptly by other 
measures,and measures which it would be profitable for 
the practitioner to adopt. Saint Vitus' dance may some- 
times be cured with drugs, but electricity so infinitely 
excels their action that they are not worthy of recognition 
in such a case. An excessively troublesome erythema 
may be made to yield to rhus, apis, juglans, or arctium 
lappa; but as the relief of the troublesome pruritus 
might be the desideratum and in fact the indirect cure, 
a topical application might be found the short and com- 
mendatory way of affording relief. The most scientific 
method is that which succeeds best. 
THE OLD CLASSIFICATION 
Offers many indications for remedies which are not wor- 
thy of mention here, for they are so simple and appar- 
ent that little study is required for their recognition, 
while many of the indications must become obsolete for 
reason of the adoption of modern ideas which ignore their 
utility. The physician who marches not with the prog- 
ress of the times but remains wedded to old ideas is 
laboring under an incubus. 
The old classification arose when disease was regarded 
as an entity-a tangible devil to be forcibly expelled from 
the body, and the harsh and violent agent, one which 
commended itself by its unpleasant effects, even though 
it prostrated the patient nigh unto death, was employed. 
Large doses of powerful drugs were the fashion then and 
unfortunately a fashion it has been very difficult to 
change. 
The conclusions arrived at by the ancients as to the ex- 28 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
pressions of disease were often crude and erroneous, tor 
their light was a dim candle beside the better illumi- 
nation of the subject afforded by later advances in physi- 
ology, pathology, and therapeutics. Constipation was 
considered an infallible indication for the use of a cathar- 
tic. Diarrhea demanded an astringent. Pain, a narcotic. 
We now realize that though constipation may occasion- 
ally indicate the need of a cathartic, it may really call for 
the very reverse; if physiology teaches any lesson here it 
carries the conviction that the customary use of cathar- 
tics is bad practice. Astringents, used to arrest a diar- 
rhea, might aggravate an irritation upon which the flux 
depended and thus prove but sorry relievers of the condi- 
tion, even though temporary arrest might follow; the 
modern therapeutist relies upon something more specific 
than the general property of astringency, in such cases. 
Narcotics induce a temporary suspension- of nervous sen- 
sibility-paralysis-for a time, and also suspend in a 
measure important vital functions, and are to be avoided 
when there are reliable indications for remedies which 
relieve by correcting perversion of vital processes giving 
rise to pain. 
The rationalism of early medicine was of the most 
primitive kind. There is a simple rationalism in the use 
of an emetic to remove morbid accumulations from the 
stomach, and in the use of a cathartic to rid the aliment- 
ary canal of irritating material, which, retained, might be 
the occasion of disease of that part. It is certainly 
reasonable to administer a narcotic to relieve severe pain, 
until curative measures succeed, and in the use of a hyp- 
notic to invite slumber when insomnia has distracted the 
nervous energies; or of a counter-irritant to divert inflam- 
matory action from an important internal organ; but all 
this is so simple that the ordinary person grasps the idea 
almost as readily as the physician. THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
29 
Such rationalism constitutes the simple elements of 
practice and is extremely clear in its propositions. It 
consists in the application of agents for the removal of 
causes of disease which are so prominent as to be rec- 
ognized by the unsophisticated,-of the paralyzing of the 
entire nervous system for the relief of localized pain, or 
the lulling of hyper-sensitive nerves through the charging 
of the blood with lethal agents,-simple propositions 
familiar to the ancients, though some of the agents em- 
ployed may be new. 
If this practice constituted the sum total of medical 
rationalism, the elaborate and laborious researches of the 
biologist might as well have been neglected. Such means 
and measures are largely perverters of function, and 
though they may indirectly serve as restoratives, the pri- 
mary action should be dispensed with at as early a period 
as is consistent with success. Powerful drugs may be 
as objectionable as the disease tor which they are used. 
DYNAMICAL THERAPEUTICS. 
But a change has taken place in the ideas of therapeu- 
tics. Disease is no longer regarded as an entity,-some- 
thing to be driven out, but as an absence or perversion 
of some factor essential to healthy action, a condition 
calling for such means as tend to foster, encourage, and 
restore vital activities,-as a condition in which medicine 
may encourage a lagging function, neutralize a septic ten- 
dency, or supply a lacking element; and as a condition 
precluding the embarrassing effects of heroic doses of 
drugs, if healthy action is to be readily restored. 
When we enter upon the domain of dynamical thera- 
peutics, we deal with a class of agents which directly and 
specifically influence vital operations. It is no roundabout 
action we are now considering; the function of dynamical 
remedies is the direct influencing of disturbed processes 
in such a manner as to turn them into normal channels 30 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
and bring about restoration of physiological life. We 
here deal directly with the corrective and restorative 
properties of drugs and their affinities for affected parts, 
organs, or functions. 
A rational application of dynamical therapeutics must 
rest upon the foundation of biology, the science of life. 
Not that it must be expected to always prove a remedy 
upon the healthy person, in order to render its place in 
the materia medica definable, but the remedy applicable 
to each function of life must be learned either by experi- 
mentation or by clinical experience, and when disease oc- 
curs, with deviation of that function, the remedy which by 
its selective influence impresses the part or function fa- 
vorably, must be administered in doses just sufficiently 
large to exert a kindly restorative influence. 
Remedies seldom or never succeed in completely restor- 
ing a part after its histological elements have been al- 
tered, for though apparent recovery may follow judicious 
medication, an increased susceptibility to disease remains 
for a long period if not for a life-time; still, its vitality 
may be improved and its functional activity augmented 
until an apparent state of health exists, and with a knowl- 
edge of the remote effects of disease, the vitality of the 
part may be guarded from exposure and injury to the full 
and satisfactory performance of all its offices. 
It will be years before the scheme of dynamical thera- 
peutics can be perfected. The therapeutist must bide the 
time of the physiologist. The mystery of vital force is 
not yet explained. The complexities of the nervous sys- 
tem-the location of centers of function, the bewildering 
maze of reflexes, the puzzle of ganglionic masses and de- 
cussating fibers-the functions of the ductless glands, 
these and other problems must be solved before it can be 
hoped to complete a scientific system of therapeutics. 
Meanwhile the work of the past can be continued-the THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
31 
annotation of isolated facts, which may sometime serve 
as links in a completed chain of reliable data. Until then 
it may be best for medical men to regard the present 
knowledge in a candid light-thankful for what has been 
acquired, though the information already possessed may 
seem but as a series of uncertain glimpses into an endless 
field of supply. 
Do the best we can, there is more or less uncertainty 
about the practice of medicine. Careful grouping of 
agents according to the part or function impressed nar- 
rows the field of uncertainty down to a point much 
short of older methods of gross empiricism, but not 
enough is yet known that a drug may always be adapted 
to a given case on first trial. In order to overcome such 
objection, a number of agents should be at command; we 
should be able to draw upon a list of several remedies 
similar in action, but each possessing some individual 
merit and peculiarity; then if one should fail we are not 
at loss for other means. 
RELATION OF PATHOLOGY TO DYNAMICAL THERAPEUTICS. 
Investigation of the nature of disease has advanced 
the standing of medicine greatly in modern time. The 
post-mortem study of diseased structure-pathological 
anatomy-has done much toward affording clearer ideas 
of morbid processes and suggest'.' g rational methods of 
treatment. Better and more appropriate classification of 
disease has been the result of added pathological knowl- 
edge, and it has moreover cleared up some obscure phases 
of etiology, thus affording important assistance in the 
adaptation of remedies to abnormal states. 
Knowledge of pathology is an important aid to the 
therapeutist. Take, for example, such a disease as ty- 
phoid fever. Here we may have a variety of therapeutic 
indications manifested during an epidemic, or even during 
the progress of a single case, but in all a knowledge of the 32 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
fact that much of the force of the disease is usually spent 
upon the intestinal structures-Peyers' patches-prompts 
us to guard these tissues from beginning to end, and we 
administer baptisia for this purpose, without regard to 
other indications or remedies, believing that it specifically 
influences these parts to sustain their vitality. 
In numerous other cases the same principle applies. 
With a knowledge of the pathology of a case, of the part 
liable to suffer damage from the affection, or of the tis- 
sues suffering most severely, and of remedies which influ- 
ence the restorative powers of the part favorably, we 
may be able to make our therapeutic selection upon 
rational grounds. 
Knowledge of pathology also enables us to direct our 
treatment to the correct purpose when there seem to be 
indications for remedies in an opposite direction. Take 
senile gangrene, for instance. Here the natural impulse 
with one unacquainted with pathology would be to at- 
tempt to control the progressing death of an affected 
extremity, due to occlusion of the supplying artery, with 
stimulants and antiseptics locally and constitutionally, 
when pathology would suggest the administration of such 
remedies and diet as tend to aid the circulating fluids to 
hold in solution calcareous material and dissolve obstruc- 
tions in the arteries, already formed, that blood might per- 
meate the starved tissues. 
A knowledge of the pathology of fever enables us to 
rationally provide by therapeutic means, through the 
employment of the sedatives, nourishment, and proper 
management in other respects, against the grave tissue 
changes that might otherwise lead to fatal results. 
However, important as the subject is, pathology at- 
tracts but little attention in the field of therapeutics-in 
the adaptation of remedies to disease. Here we must 
rely upon expressions-symptoms which seldom have ref- THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
33 
erence to nosologically indicated conditions, stereotyped 
treatment after nosology being among things of the past. 
There must be a direct relationship between expressions 
-indications-and remedies, without particular regard 
for pathology. Here, symptoms might fail to afford defi- 
nite indications of special pathological states, and might 
manifest themselves at a distance from the actual seat of 
morbid process. 
Observation of tissue activities is as difficult during 
disease as in health. Post mortem conditions cannot dem- 
onstrate the processes by which the alteration of pre- 
viously healthy tissue is brought about, nor can these 
processes usually be studied during activity. 
True, the web of a frog's foot, the ear of a rabbit, or 
a fold of the intestine of one of the lower animals, may 
afford an opportunity of observing the prominent changes 
taking place during the course of inflammatory action, 
but the symptoms, "pain, heat, redness and swelling" are 
taken into account more after all than these, in the select- 
ing of remedies for the relief of this condition. However, 
the skillful practitioner bears in mind his knowledge of 
pathology, and it constitutes the basis or underlying prin- 
ciple of all his prescribing. 
Pathological processes in the skin, the epithelia and 
the eye, are open to ready and frequent observation, and 
yet the therapeutics of disease of these parts have not 
progressed more rapidly than of those not so situated. 
Certain of the functions of cells, as motion, growth, and 
reproduction, can be seen through the microscope, and 
some of the changes of disease thus made note of, but to 
trace connection between such changes and the impres- 
sions of a therapeutic agent, or to be able to adapt an 
agent to specific cell function, must depend upon experi- 
mental research and clinical experience. 
Then we can only infer, perhaps, that particular patho- 34 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
logical processes have been influenced from the fact that 
physiological action has been re-established, rather than 
from ocular evidence that specific changes have been 
wrought. The manner of action of most remedies is un- 
known, except as regards the gross results. 
True, Brown-Sequard observed contraction of the capil- 
laries to follow the introduction of belladonna into th© 
circulation, and the corollary of its administration in cap- 
illary congestion with successful result followed. Con- 
traction of the arterioles has been observed to result 
from the influence of ergot and hydrastis, the latter caus- 
ing contraction of the muscular fibers of the coats of the 
vessels without producing a general action upon the mus- 
cular system at large ; but not very much of value thera- 
peutically has accrued from these observations, the em- 
pirical use of both agents for disease expressions having 
afforded more practical knowledge ; for the circulation ex- 
erts but a relative influence upon cellular and intercellular 
changes. Still, the importance of the physiological action 
of drugs should not be underestimated; all knowledge of 
this character will sometime find its legitimate place. 
Doubtless, knowledge of pathology will afford some aid 
in the selection of the remedies of the future, as it has in 
the past; and knowledge thus gained will be of reliable 
and substantial character, not to be supplanted by more 
positive measures; but it will hardly be possible for the 
older plans of experimental test and clinical observation 
to be completely dispensed with. 
Even in parasitic diseases, pathology only informs us of 
the nature of the affection and suggests the plan of treat- 
ment, not the means. The specific agent to abate the 
abnormal condition must be determined by experimenta- 
tion-by clinical research-exploration in a field entirely 
foreign to pathology. 
The idea of the entity of disease has been a stumbling- THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
35 
block in the study of therapeutics. Pathology has been 
investigated with tireless zeal for years, with the belief 
that the knowledge thus acquired would enable the physi- 
cian to apply the corrective means in like cases. 
But we should recollect that pathological processes are 
not subject to the same laws of constancy as those of 
healthy life. It is a biological principle, that in health 
the efforts of nature are in the direction of normal forms 
or types and normal functions, and these efforts are per- 
sistent through cycle after cycle of time, environment and 
other physical influences bringing about normal changes 
but slowly, ages being required for their full development. 
Pathological processes are vital processes running riot, 
except, perhaps, when disease results from lack of nutri- 
tion. The character of disturbance or the normal pecul- 
iarity of the part may impress the pathological elements 
with characteristics rendering them susceptible of clas- 
sification, but there is no fidelity to fixed forms except in 
the influence that normal processes may still exert under 
the embarrassment of morbid surroundings. 
EELATION OF PHYSIOLOGY TO DIAGNOSIS AND THEEAPEUTICS. 
The successful correction of pathological conditions 
by therapeutic means then will depend upon the favora- 
ble influencing, not of pathological processes but of the 
normal energy that may remain. The sooner we can in- 
fluence this element favorably after departure from health, 
the more readily we may turn the deviated forces back 
into normal channels and stay the gross results of abnor- 
mal deviation-pathological change. 
Evidently therapeutics could not be systematically ap- 
plied to pathological states, for there would be no unifor- 
mity of condition for constancy of application or reliability 
of action. There must be a reciprocity of action between 
the influence of the remedy and the normal functions of 
an affected part, in order that recuperation may follow. 36 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
Health then being the point of departure, it should? 
constitute the standard of measurement with which every 
abnormal state should be compared. A knowledge of 
physiological constants should be familiar to every physi- 
cian, that character of deviation as -well as probable 
amount may be estimated, the estimation looking toward 
therapeutic selection, or drug diagnosis,, as well as diag- 
nosis upon the basis of disease nomenclature, and progno- 
sis. Nor is a knowledge of physiology as taught by 
books all to be desired. The senses of the practitioner 
must be trained to accuracy to detect many expressions 
that a knowledge obtained from written authorities alone, 
would leave out of the question. 
An intimate personal acquaintance with the expressions 
of health, one based upon all the trained senses can ob- 
serve or detect, is as essential to successful drug selection 
as a knowledge of written physiology, for much that can 
be impresssed in this way cannot possibly be taught 
by books. This is the part of the physician's education 
which, becoming better and better developed, as he de- 
votes himself to his calling, assists in those happy percep- 
tions and impulses that often help him out of dilemmas, 
and to which the term "intuition" has, not inaptly, been 
applied; he thus learns to observe what -words would but 
doubtfully express, but which his own senses assure him 
to be deviations from health, and at the same time indica- 
tions for this or that remedy. 
The expression of the healthy eye, its luster, the condi- 
tion of the pupil, the facial expression, the normal color, 
shape, and consistency of the tongue, its freedom from 
coating, the color, transparency, and suppleness of the 
skin, the soft, full, regular pulse, the easy and rhythmical 
rise and fall of the chest in respiration, the absence of ab- 
normal odor, the comfortable pose and movement,-all 
these and other expressions of health impress the senses THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
37 
of the observer so that he recognizes deviation with 
readiness, and aided by a knowledge of the affinities and 
•other characteristics of drugs, he connects the deviation 
with some remedy specifically adapted to the correction 
of the disordered function. 
But valuable as superficial inspection proves, it may, 
if trusted too far, become misleading and commit the 
physician to error. It cannot supply the place of well-ad- 
apted physical exploration, though it may be indispensa- 
ble in leading up to the point where positive investigation 
can be satisfactorily begun. Physical diagnosis, auscul- 
tation, percussion, mensuration, palpation, thermometry, 
microscopy, urinary analysis, all the tests which science 
can afford, are of value in practice to aid in the selec- 
tion of remedies. 
The sense of touch might convey an idea of the temper- 
ature which the thermometer would materially correct; 
impressions of the character of the respiration formed 
from superficial inspection may be very much altered 
and even proven eminently erroneous, and an entirely dif- 
ferent line of remedies suggested upon resort to careful 
physical exploration of the chest; urinary analysis may 
convince the practitioner that his deductions based upon 
a superficial inspection are in error, and alter impres- 
sions which might otherwise lead to injurious medica- 
tion. With the normal standard as a guide, then, we train 
the senses to lead us up to the point where more exact 
methods of selection can be begun with well-defined pur- 
poses. 
Knowledge of normal conditions enables the practi- 
tioner to readily recognize abnormal action, and. knowl- 
edge of drug individuality combined with this enables 
him to readily refer, in many instances, to the appropriate 
remedy. 
Suppose the pulse and respiration suggest cardiac de- 38 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION'. 
rangement; the suggestion must take more definite form 
before the practitioner can rationally decide upon the 
proper remedy, and a knowledge of the normal sounds en- 
ables him, upon auscultation, to determine still more ac- 
curately the condition present, and decide as to its thera- 
peutic requirements. 
The muffled, labored sound of effusion would suggest 
digitalis, convallaria, adonis, or apocynin; the rasping 
sound of valvular obstruction silica or fluoride of cal- 
cium ; the feeble, tremulous sound, indicating loss of pro- 
pulsive power, would call for nitro-glycerine, strophan- 
thus, or lachesis; the irregular, or intermittent sound 
would suggest cereus speciosissimus, or Scutellaria; etc. 
The grouping of remedies in dynamical therapeutics 
can be properly made only upon the basis of physiology. 
Remedies influence function, and in this manner effect res- 
toration, when diseased structure can be repaired; they 
sustain no direct relationship to disease except by their 
influence upon normal structure, except in such cases as 
those of parasites, where the disease is an actual entity 
and requires expulsion. 
THE BLOOD. 
Naturally, in a general survey of therapeutics we essay 
those first which have relation to the fluids of the body. 
Old pathologists divided disease for study into disease 
of the fluids and disease of the solids. That any great 
advantage was derived from this classification remains a 
question; but from the fluids are built up the solid parts; 
the fluids are largely the solid parts in process of prepa- 
ration, and it therefore seems more like beginning at the 
foundation of the subject to begin with parts approaching 
the completed structure. All parts of the body, fluid and 
solid, have been separated from the blood or else are 
constituent portions of it. 
The blood serves the purpose of a navigable stream, THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
39 
through which all parts of the body are reached by nour- 
ishment, medicines, and toxic agents, while certain parts 
of it. the red corpuscles, constitute carriers to convey 
oxygen from the lungs to the tissues, and return, laden 
with carbon dioxide. It also represents the aggregate 
of elements in various stages of development, which are 
passing forward to the point fitting them for reception by 
the body, as well as certain elements of former structures, 
which have been broken down, and are seeking exit. 
We have here, it will be observed, a circulating fluid 
subject to considerable normal variation in the proportion 
of its constituents at various times, and yet one very eas- 
ily contaminated by causes of disease, and one which may 
become, in a measure, the disturber of its own rate of 
movement, inasmuch as it circulates in, and supplies, the 
vasomotor centers. Its quality also determines, in many 
respects, the quality of the solid parts supplied by it. 
Anatomists divide the blood into plasma and corpus- 
cles, and divide the corpuscles into two classes, red and 
white. The plasma, though a certain portion of it be- 
comes solidified upon exposure to the air, represents the 
fluid portion, from which is obtained all the tissue-sup- 
plies, except oxygen, and which holds in solution all the 
excretions, except carbon dioxide, this, as already re- 
marked, being transported by the red corpuscles. The 
white corpuscles are not only phagocytes, but scavengers. 
They circulate in the tissues as well as in the vessels, 
enwrapping, through their amoeboid action, bacteria, pig- 
ment particles, and other foreign materials, probably 
destroying bacteria through a solvent or digestive func- 
tion, and depositing pigment and other insoluble sub- 
stances among the fixed-tissue cells. They also congre- 
gate about the foci of inflammatory action and fortify the 
surrounding parts against further invasion, and, to a cer- 
tain extent, against absorption of deleterious products. 40 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
BLOOD-MAKING. 
Blood-making is an indispensable source of every func- 
tion, and upon it depends the foundation of every struct- 
ure. If we could know all the secrets of this process, 
and were able to adapt remedies to them with the cer- 
tainty that we adapt phytolacca to the mammary gland in 
mastitis, collinsonia to the rectum in hemorrhoids, or 
polymnia to the spleen in chronic splenitis, wre could hold 
in abeyance many intractable forms of disease. But in 
the absence of positive knowledge, we can only speculate, 
and though certain premises may seem to warrant some 
very positive conclusions, these are not yet indorsed by 
the acquiescence of physiologists. 
The pabulum is supplied by alimentation, through the 
portal circulation on the one hand, and through the lac- 
teals on the other, the material reaching the general cir- 
culation from the portal, after being more or less elabo- 
rated by the liver, and from the lacteals after the 
impressions of the mesenteric glands have been made. 
It is hardly probable that this new material is fitted to 
the important demands of the delicate operations of 
secretion and nutrition immediately upon introduction 
into the general system; the anatomy and general func- 
tions of the lymphatic system suggest that it is exuded 
by the capillaries of the general circulation and returned 
to the blood stream through the lymphatic system, the 
succession of glands traversed serving as a series of scaf- 
foldings by which it is successively raised to a higher 
level of excellence as a means of body maintenance. Pos- 
sibly several rounds of this character may be necessary 
before the plasma is fitted for the offices of a storehouse 
for the needs of life. 
Much then must depend upon a normal activity of the 
lymphatic system. This has been recognized by thera- 
peutists as a correct proposition for a long time, and the THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
41 
class of remedies supposed to favorably influence the 
functions of the lymphatics has been regarded as an im- 
portant collection of remedial agents. However, little 
progress has really been made beyond a vague idea that 
the class known as alteratives produce some favorable 
influence upon the lymphatic system in scrofula and 
syphilis. 
Some authors stop short of this point in their ideas of 
blood-making, and propose to influence the entire process 
by the impression made by drugs upon the digestive func- 
tions. Good digestion is certainly important to assimi- 
lation, but the majority of cases of imperfect digestion 
depend more upon faulty action of those organs which 
elaborate the nutritive elements of the food after they 
have left the alimentary canal, than upon lack of diges- 
tive power. They are the result of that backward wave 
which might be likened to a smoking fire-place, due to an 
obstructed flue-to interference with the normal flow of 
the products of digestion through the liver and lacteals. 
With the blood-making processes in good action, func- 
tional dyspepsia can hardly exist, though we must recol- 
lect that local causes are often at work in faulty digestion, 
these cases being the exception, however, rather than the 
rule. 
Faulty plasma-making may sometimes be corrected by 
supplying factors which the glands are unable to obtain 
from the food. The inorganic elements of the blood, 
though present in sufficient quantity in a mixed diet, may 
not be properly extracted and appropriated. Here these 
elements should be supplied by the therapeutist. Salts 
of sodium, potassium, lime, and magnesium, constitute 
valuable adjuncts in such cases. 
The mode of origin of the red blood corpuscles is yet a 
vexed question. In the embryo, there seems a marked 
similarity between red and white corpuscles as regards 42 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
their appearance and properties, the only distinction 
being that of color. Here the red corpuscles are granu- 
lar, nucleated, exhibit amoeboid movement, and multiply 
by subdivision. Later in foetal life, non-nucleated red 
corpuscles originate from the cells of connective tissue. 
In adult life this origin has been observed in the connect- 
ive tissue of the red marrow of bones. 
While it is possible that the red corpuscles may, in 
some instances, be derived from the white corpuscles dur- 
ing life, modern investigations point strongly to the belief 
that the principal source of supply is the red marrow of 
bone, especially the bones of the thorax. Large pale cells 
in the ribs have been observed, and found to become col- 
ored by the formation of haemoglobin, chiefly in one part 
of their protoplasm. This colored part constitutes the 
basis of a new red blood-corpuscle, which is at first cup- 
shaped, but which soon assumes the form of a mature 
red corpuscle. The spleen also probably has something 
to do with the formation of red corpuscles, though the 
majority are doubtless generated in the red marrow of the 
bones. In marked anaemia the marrow of the bones of 
the lower extremities may become actively engaged in the 
production of red corpuscles. 
The white corpuscles are identical with the lymph-cor- 
puscles, and are formed chiefly in the lymphatic glands, 
though division may afterward increase their number. 
When the flow of blood is impeded in the veins, the 
red corpuscles are squeezed out into the surrounding cel- 
lular tissue, but they do not possess the power of return- 
ing to the circulation as is the case with the colorless 
corpuscles, and are finally broken up and absorbed. 
Outside the blood-vessels their functions cease, while the 
colorless corpuscles carry on active amoeboid movement 
and circulate within the connective tissues, as well as 
within the bloodvessels. THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
43 
"When there is lack of blood, the condition is termed 
anaemia. This may be due to absence of a normal num- 
ber of corpuscles, or normal amount of plasma. The 
causes of anaemia are so numerous that a wide variety of 
remedial measures may be required in a series of cases. 
Malarial anaemia may be due to the destructive action of 
hematozoa on the red corpuscles; anaemia to faulty nutri- 
tion, due to imperfect assimilation from disturbance of 
the vegetative system through orificial or other sympa- 
thetic disturbance; anaemia in wasting diseases to rapid 
destruction of blood from suppurative or pyrexial action. 
The proper general measures are those which remove 
reflex irritation calculated to disturb the vegetative sys- 
tem, and increase innervation-not by the stupid admin- 
istration of strychnia and stimulants which often aggra- 
vate, nor by the administration of iron, which is a relic of 
barbarism in medicine-but by the removal of all sources 
of tension on the extremities of sensitive nerves; the 
destruction of morbific elements, so far as possible; and 
by the judicious use of general faradism and massage, 
combined with a pure and invigorating atmosphere and 
a spare but nutritious diet. 
The vegetative processes are largely under the control 
of the sympathetic nervous system, doubtless, though 
how far trophic impulses influence growth is to be consid- 
ered. Massage and electricity invigorate the vegetative 
processes, and certain medicines may assist. 
However, clinical experience seems to indicate that 
means which promote activity in the capillaries are most 
effective in the correction of anaemia. General faradism, 
massage-such measures as these can hardly be excelled 
in impoverished states of the blood where red corpuscles 
are lacking. As for medicament, iron often aggravates 
anaemic states, and is most impotent to bring about favor- 
able changes. Cuprum and a few other drugs, perhaps, 44 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
specifically influence the blood-making organs, though 
the influence is feeble beside that of the agencies of the 
electrician and masseur. 
THE GENERAL CIRCULATION. 
The general circulation consists of the distribution, by 
the aorta and its branches, of oxygenated blood from the 
left ventricle of the heart to all the tissues of the body, 
and its return, after circulating in the capillaries, by the 
veins, to the right auricle. 
This circulation serves as a great irrigating system to 
the body at large. The heart acts as a force-pump to 
impel the blood onward in the elastic arteries, which 
throbbing under its impulse, aid by their elasticity in im- 
pelling the stream to the capillaries, where the real func- 
tions of the flushing begin. 
Here, as the blood slowly moves along the transparent, 
delicate-walled canals, the interchanges between the 
stream and tissues take place. Pabulum passes through 
into the intercellular spaces for the nourishment of the 
histological elements, broken up and worn out material 
passes outward to drift away in the stream, oxygen re- 
sponds to the attraction of the tissues, and displaced 
carbon dioxide joins the red corpuscles for a journey to 
the outer world. 
The alternate pressure of the heart's impulse from be- 
hind, the attraction of the tissues for the newly oxygen- 
ated corpuscles, and other forces, perhaps, serve to move 
the mass steadily onward, until, the changes having been 
completed, the veins gather up all the diffused fluid and 
pass it through one gateway, the right auricle, into the 
vessels of the pulmonary system, for rejuvenation. 
Meantime important side issues have been going on. 
The abdominal aorta has contributed, through a number 
of large branches, blood to the abdominal viscera -which 
perform certain offices of digestion and assimilation, thus THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
45 
setting apart a separate, peculiar circulation, the portal, 
and distributing a second set of capillaries-to the liver. 
The renal arteries have ramified into capillaries which 
have been in close relationship with glandular and 
osmotic forces that have separated a certain portion of 
nitrogenous waste material, in the form of a watery so- 
lution of urea, uric acid, and other elements, as urine; the 
capillaries of the skin have been giving off other waste 
products, while the pancreas, liver, gastric glands, and 
other secretory organs, have been separating and ap- 
propriating, from the general stream, certain substances 
for further use in the economy; thus secretion and ex- 
cretion perform their offices as a part of a harmonious 
plan, as the regular round goes on. 
The action of the heart is regulated by the influence of 
the cardiac nerves, and the caliber of the vessels deter- 
mined, through branches from the vasomotor centers, so 
that supply and demand, waste and renewal, are nicely ad- 
justed, the blood maintaining an even temperature of 
98.6° Fahr., the pulse or heart stroke numbering near 70, 
and the respirations 15 to 18 per minute. 
But disease seriously disturbs this nicely adjusted equi- 
librium, and disarranges the entire economy; and disturb- 
ance of a single function is reflected throughout the body. 
Suppose the blood is hurried along more rapidly than 
at the usual rate, respiration becomes excited, the heart 
and arteries respond to the stimulus and contract more 
rapidly, the governing centers becoming disturbed by the 
presence of excess of oxygen. Increased oxidation gives 
rise to increased temperature, for oxidation is a literal 
burning, and as the blood rushes upon its round with un- 
due rapidity, all the functions of growth, of secretion, and 
excretion, become disturbed. The urinary elements are 
now but partially removed, the skin becomes dry, secre- 
tion arrested, all the vital forces impaired, and destruction 46 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
of tissue ensues, as evidenced by emaciation, debility, 
and, perhaps, impairment of the mental forces. 
Suppose on the other hand there be a failure in the im- 
pelling power of the circulation,-failure upon the part of 
the heart or blood-vessels to perform well; the stream 
moves but slowly, and the capillaries are filled with blood 
but partially supplied with oxygen, for the pulmonary cir- 
culation receives but a compensating impulse. Oxidation 
of tissue, the removal of carbon dioxide, the distribution 
of pabulum, the transportation of waste material go on 
imperfectly, the vital organs and the nervous centers,-all 
parts are imperfectly stimulated, the blood becomes 
loaded with waste products, and the entire body suffers. 
The normal rate of the circulation cannot be disturbed 
long before the quality of the blood deteriorates; this 
would result if lack of nourishment and increased breaking 
down of tissue, which must follow from disturbed circula- 
tory function, were the only causes, but a more important 
one, in many acute diseases, as fever and inflammation, is 
the generation of septic elements, ptomaines (?) which 
tend to seriously threaten the continuation of existence, 
through rapid development, and depressing influence upon 
the nervous centers. Blood depravation becomes mani- 
fest in numerous ways, but the tongue is an important in- 
dex here, not only to denote the advent of the septic ele- 
ment, but also to suggest the appropriate remedy for its 
correction. 
A febrile or inflammatory state does not continue many 
days before the tongue manifests the tendency to such 
changes, and when an indication of this kind becomes 
prominent, it should not be neglected. In treatment, it is 
well to recollect that the means which will control disturb- 
ance of the general circulation, applied early, may avert 
all danger of septic changes, by allowing the excretory 
organs to rid the blood of the disturbing and zymotic THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
47 
element, which tends to rapidly reproduce itself. Later, 
means looking to the direct correction of the depraved 
state must be applied. 
A special group of remedies, by virtue of their specific 
influence upon the cardiac and vasomotor centers of the 
general circulation, prove very reliable means of control- 
ling excitement, thus augmenting the functions which 
tend to free the blood of zymotic material. These have 
been termed the "special sedativesthe leading ones be- 
ing aconite, gelsemium, jaborandi, and veratrum. When 
properly adapted, they calm and strengthen the govern- 
ing nervous centers, contribute to ' normal heart action, 
and arterial impulse, invigorate the capillaries, and in this 
manner encourage secretion, excretion, and all other func- 
tions concerned in the circulatory processes. 
But if septic changes have begun, the case has passed 
beyond the reach of these remedies, for while they may 
still modify the excitement, in a measure, the provoking 
element persists, and tends to the increase. Here a neu- 
tralizing agent must be applied, to act as a dynamical 
corrective. Then we have resort to the salts of sodium 
when the tongue presents the white coating and pallid 
mucous membrane, acids, when the dark red color of 
tongue and mucous membranes prevails, or other cor- 
rectives, as clinical experience has previously suggested. 
Baptisia serves as a corrective when prune-juice dis- 
charges, indicating gangrenous tendencies of mucous sur- 
faces, are present; chlorate of potassium, when feculent 
odors pervade the exhalations; chloride of potassium, 
when plastic exudations threaten mischief; or lachesis or 
echinacea, when systemic poisons threaten paralysis of 
important nervous centers. 
But there are other ways of controlling vascular excite- 
ment than the use of the special sedatives,-means which 
are sometimes more prompt and efficacious. The hot 48 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
pack, or, if the patient possess a vigorous constitution, the 
cold pack, or bath, or the spirit vapor bath, may accom- 
plish more in a few minutes than the sedatives can, 
safely, in as many days. These means will often serve to 
so thoroughly arrest the onset of a severe attack of fe- 
ver, as to leave but moderate after effects, and enable the 
practitioner to control the remaining disturbances with 
little difficulty. 
The effect of these remedies is not specifically upon 
the vasomotor centers; surface evaporation tends to refrig- 
eration, and the moist condition of the skin induced by 
such treatment must favor this action; but doubtless the 
principal results are derived from the derivative influence 
of powerful determination to the superficial capillaries, 
thus diverting excitement from the vascular nervous cen- 
ters, while the same means encourage active removal of 
the disease-producing element, through the cutaneous 
vessels. 
The feeble circulation may depend upon heart failure, 
upon arterial lesion, upon want of capillary activity, or 
imperfect innervation of the vascular system. In acute 
phases, the capillaries are usually at fault; here minute 
doses of belladonna, liberal doses of capsicum, or the al- 
cohol vapor bath, singly or combined, as indicated, usu- 
ally serve the desired purpose. Venous fullness may call 
for hamamelis, carduus marianus, or podophyllin. 
THE PULMONARY CIRCULATION. 
The pulmonary circulation serves to distribute the ve- 
nous blood of the general circulation, which has been re- 
turned to the heart by the right auricle, to the pulmonary 
mucous membrane, through which the interchange of 
gases between the blood and inspired air takes place. 
The pulmonary artery conveys the venous blood 
through its bifurcations, which accompany the bronchial 
tubes and which ramify in capillaries upon the walls and THE PRINCIPLES OE SELECTION. 
49 
septa of the air cells, and upon the walls of the intercellu- 
lar passages, from the right ventricle of the heart, which 
contracts and relaxes synchronously with the left ventri- 
cle. These capillaries are gathered up after distribution 
and united, finally, to form four veins,-the pulmonary, 
which return the newly oxidized blood to the heart by 
the left auricle. The constant filling of this cavity is req- 
uisite to compensation between this and the general 
circulation. 
With regular and free supply of atmospheric air to the 
respiratory mucous membrane, and even and free distri- 
bution of blood to this part, and free exit through the 
heart into the general circulation, the offices of these or- 
gans and systems are carried on without commotion or 
friction; but a disturbance of the action of the heart, 
obstruction to the passage of blood through the pulmo- 
nary capillaries, or to the ready onward flow into the 
aorta, gives rise, at once, to imperfect oxygenation, dis- 
turbed respiration-in fact, disturbance of all the fluids 
of the body. 
The function of the pulmonary circulation is the sepal- 
rating of oxygen from the respired air, and its delivery 
to the general circulation through the left auricle, as well 
as the elimination of carbon dioxide, which, unless re- 
moved promptly, soon becomes powerfully depressing to 
vital activities. The therapeutist recognizes the impor- 
tance of the pulmonary processes, and seeks to maintain 
them in the highest state of perfection, by every possible 
means. 
In therapeutic application, we find a number of direc- 
tions in wffiich to aim our resources. Inflammatory states 
of the lungs, whether of the parenchyma or lining mem- 
brane, must be reached largely through the general circu- 
lation, and by such means as control cardiac and arterial 
excitement in other portions of the body. It must be 50 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
recollected that the general circulation supplies the tissues 
of the lungs, through the bronchial arteries, with blood, 
which is returned to the general venous circulation by 
way of the vena azygos and superior intercostal vein. 
The sedatives, then, are applicable here, though they do 
not probably directly impress the pulmonary circulation, 
but instead exert their influence upon the vascular sup- 
ply from the aorta. 
By such means we seek to preserve the integrity of the 
pulmonary tissues-prevent engorgement, thus preserving 
open passages for the entrance of air to an unob- 
structed respiratory membrane, and, at the same time, 
preventing encroachment upon space devoted to the capil- 
laries of the pulmonary circulation. 
A few remedies manifest a marked predilection for the 
parenchyma of the lungs. One of these is asclepias 
tuberosa, which is one of the most reliable agents known 
in interstitial pneumonia. Veratrum, a more universally 
known agent, also is of great value, until the period of 
exudation arrives, when it should be abandoned for po- 
tassium chloride, which exerts a powerful influence to- 
ward restoration in such cases, by aiding in the successful 
removal of the exudates by absorption. 
The integrity of the respiratory membrane is of great 
importance. Delicate and unobstructed capillary walls 
are essential to proper interchange of gases. Indura- 
tions and other pathological changes are to be averted as 
far as possible by the use of such remedies as tend to en- 
courage the plastic power of this part in its different 
localities. 
The respiratory mucous membrane manifests affinities 
for various remedies in different portions, which affinities 
may be found of use in inflammatory conditions manifest- 
ing tendency to chronicity. For example, the Schneiderian 
membrane may be influenced by atropia, potassium iodide THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
51 
or bichromate, or sambucus, etc. The larynx manifests 
affinities for aconite, arum, collinsonia, causticum, lachesis, 
and potassium bichromate; the trachea for nitrate of san- 
guinarina and sticta pulmonaria; the smaller bronchi for 
tartar emetic, ipecac, lobelia, and myosotis. The entire 
pulmonary mucous membrane is promptly influenced by 
calcarea carb., when its nutrition is at fault. 
We directly influence the pulmonary circulation 
through cardiac remedies; indeed, the functions of the 
heart and pulmonary circulation are so intimately related 
that their therapeutics can hardly be separated. Reme- 
dies then which strengthen and accelerate cardiac action 
add to the activity of the blood in the pulmonary vessels, 
while those which sedate and steady cardiac function, 
produce a similar effect upon this system. 
OXYGEN ARTIFICIALLY SUPPLIED. 
Oxygen, in its influence upon the removal of worn-out 
material from the system, is far-reaching. Thoroughly ox- 
idized waste products are readily removed by the emunc- 
tories with little tax upon their powers, but material 
not perfectly incinerated, may cause such serious diffi- 
culty as to impair the structure of the kidneys and 
other emunctory organs. 
WTien the offices of the pulmonary circulation are im- 
perfectly performed, it may be found of service to supply 
the element, oxygen, by artificial means. This has been 
practiced successfully by isolated practitioners, though 
not always discriminately, perhaps, for a long time, and 
the profession generally are forming more favorable opin- 
ions of this resource, as medicine progresses. 
A few quotations from recent issues of the California 
Medical Journal will serve to illustrate:- 
"Dr. J. H. Kellogg found oxygen gas injected into the 
lower bowel to act promptly in converting the dark ve- 
nous blood of the portal capillaries into bright arterial 52 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION'. 
blood under vivisection, practised upon the guinea-pig 
and other lower animals. 
He also found that a patient presenting uremic symp- 
toms, viz., muddy skin, dingy sclerotics, coated tongue, 
metallic, brassy taste, and persistent and distressing 
headache, while analysis disclosed an excessive amount 
of uric acid in the urine, improved promptly upon the 
daily use of two liters of oxygen per rectum for three 
days. At this time the excess of uric acid had entirely 
disappeared from the urine. The same author reports fa- 
vorable results from this treatment in phthisis. 
"Grestwell treated nineteen severe cases of scarlatina 
with inhalations of oxygen gas, and the administration of 
oxygen water internally. The latter was taken gratefully 
by the patient, as it diminished the thirst and removed 
the nausea so often met with during the course of scarla- 
tinal nephritis. By carrying a larger quantity of fluid to 
the kidneys it aided these organs in the throwing off of 
the epithelia clogging up the tubules, and also in the ex- 
cretion of the specific virus. The inhalations were prac- 
ticed every two hours or every hour or half hour, accord- 
ing to the urgency of the ease. About one-fourth of one 
cubic foot was inhaled at a sitting. In every case it re- 
moved the albuminuria. Convalescence was speedy. 
"Rehn, of Frankfort, has made use of inhalation of oxy- 
gen in a number of cases. A girl of twenty-one years, who 
had been sick one year, and under good medical service, 
was suffering from what was diagnosed as leucaemia. She 
had total loss of appetite, great debility, and could not walk. 
The anaemia -was of a high grade. She had enlargement of 
the spleen and liver; there was moderate oedema of the 
lower extremities. A microscopical examination of the 
blood showed a great increase in the number of white 
blood corpuscles. Inhalations of oxygen, fifteen liters 
daily, were ordered, and their use persisted in for one THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
53 
year, so that the girl is now as healthy as one could 
wish. " 
The peroxide of hydrogen may sometimes serve as a 
valuable medicament, for reason of the oxygen it contains. 
Even in threatened asphyxia in pulmonary congestion, 
this agent has been known to sustain life and ameliorate, 
meantime, a very unpleasant train of symptoms, until the 
severe local congestion has subsided, and the supply of 
oxygen could be obtained in sufficient quantity in the 
natural way. 
THE PORTAL CIRCULATION. 
This portion of the sanguineous system is peculiar in 
its anatomy in that it consists of a double distribution of 
capillaries after leaving the arteries before entering the 
general venous circulation, and in its offices, that it re- 
ceives the food pabulum except W'hat is absorbed by the 
lacteals, and exerts upon it the primary impressions 
which fit it for distribution by the general circulation as 
fuel and tissue-building material. 
The coeliac axis and the superior and inferior mesen- 
teric arteries furnish the blood from the abdominal aorta, 
which is distributed to the stomach, pancreas, spleen, and 
intestines. The capillaries from this distribution to the 
alimentary canal serve as means of reception of the nutri- 
ment which has been put in condition by action of the di- 
gestive solvents, for ready absorption. 
These capillaries are gathered into venous channels 
which unite to form one large trunk, the portal vein, 
which enters the liver and distributes capillaries, these 
uniting within the hepatic organ with the capillaries of 
the hepatic artery, one of the branches of the cceliac axis. 
The branches of the portal vein, hepatic artery, and bil- 
iary duct, keep company in their distribution through 
the liver, their capillaries forming vascular tufts of inti- 
mate association, the hepatic cells lying among the 54 
THE PRINCIPLES OP SELECTION. 
masses performing their important functions, the hepatic? 
veins and their branches being common venous channels 
for the exit of the remodeled portal blood into the vena 
cava. 
With normal activity of the hepatic cells, the secretion of 
bile goes on in such a manner as to conform with healthy 
processes. But with torpor of the biliary function, or 
obstruction to the free exit of the bile from the ducts 
after its secretion, this fluid finds its way through the 
capillaries of the hepatic vein into the general circulation, 
and symptoms of jaundice appear. 
"Bile, as such, is not pre-formed in the blood. It is 
formed by the hepatic cells, although some of the mate- 
rial may be brought to them almost in condition for imme- 
diate secretion. When it is, however, prevented by an 
obstruction of some kind from escaping into the intes- 
tines (as by the passage of a gall-stone along the hepatic 
duct), it is absorbed in great excess into the blood, and 
circulating with it, gives rise to the well-known phenom- 
ena of jaundice. This is explained by the fact that the 
pressure of secretion in the ducts is very low, and if it ex- 
ceed three-fifths inch of mercury the secretion ceases to 
be poured out, and if the opposing force be increased, the 
bile finds its way out into the blood. "-•. Kirke. 
Evidently the principles of selection demand discrimi- 
nation in the matter of the bile-secreting function, if we 
are to expect success to follow our efforts for relieving 
different cases of jaundice. It is not enough to prescribe 
a remedy here possessing an affinity for the liver. The 
remedy must exert an influence to correspond with the 
part effected. The sluggishly operating biliary process 
may be encouraged, in the absence of obstruction, by chi- 
onanthus, or a similarly acting remedy, but if obstruction 
exists, the character of the lesion must be determined and 
rationally prescribed for. Obstruction by gall-stones, in THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
55 
the absence of more specific means, may be relieved by 
olive oil, but if tumefaction of the lining membrane 
of the biliary ducts from catarrhal inflammation be pres- 
ent, chelidonium will be a more appropriate remedy; or 
if the obstruction be due to pressure from general conges- 
tion of the abdominal blood-vessels, we will expect ben- 
efit from polymnia, ceanothus, carduus, or grindelia squar- 
rosa; or nux or podophyllin, if the fault be due to fullness 
of the hepatic capillaries. 
Cholagogues deserve no consideration in a work on dy- 
namical therapeutics; agents which stimulate the flow of 
bile appreciably, must act as disturbers, not only of the 
biliary function, but of every associated process. Resto- 
ration of the bile-secreting function can be brought about 
more satisfactorily and permanently, by agents not so 
liable to disturb the general functional relationship pre- 
vailing. 
The glycogenic function of the liver is an important 
one, serious consequences being the result of its perma- 
nent disarrangement. 
The glucose formed from the saccharine and amyla- 
ceous portions of the food is converted into glycogen, or 
liver starch, and stored away in the substance of the 
gland as a means of supply for the needs of the body when 
sugar is demanded; this is reconverted into glucose by 
the hepatic functions when required. Disturbance of 
this function interferes with such elaboration, and permits 
the raw product from the portal vein to traverse the he- 
patic circulation without change, to serve as an irritating 
element in the general circulation, or else the transforma- 
tion by the liver goes on at an excessive rate, and the 
lungs, which sustain a certain relationship by the com- 
bustion of sugar in the pulmonary circulation, as well as 
the kidneys, upon which devolve the duty of removing the 
excess, must suffer. 56 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
Therapeutically, we are at a loss to know whether rem- 
edies relieve such disturbance through specific influencer 
upon the liver, upon the vaso-motor centers of the organ, 
or through their influence upon the respiratory centers by 
encouraging the combustion of sugar in the pulmonary cir 
culation. But we know, empirically, that syzygium re- 
lieves such disturbance in some cases, at least, and less- 
ens the amount of sugar present in diabetic urine. 
Probably to effect a cure its use must be begun early, 
but the success already met with will encourage the be- 
lief that diabetes may yet be classed among the cur- 
able complaints, and thus stimulate further research. 
Nitrate of uranium has been accredited with the cure 
of numerous cases of diabetes mellitus by physicians of 
our own school, as well as those of homeopathic and allo- 
pathic persuasion, and we should not forget two so impor- 
tant remedies as this and syzygium when the glycogenic 
function of the liver is at fault. 
The action of the liver upon the products of albuminous 
food conveyed to it by the portal vein is a function of the 
greatest importance. The peptones of the portal blood 
must be submitted to the action of the liver cells before 
their presence can be tolerated in the general circulation. 
It has been found that such matter injected into the jugu- 
lar vein speedily appears in the urine, demonstrating its 
rejection as blood or tissue-making pabulum unless the 
liver has exerted an influence upon it. 
Excessive indulgence in lean meats is usually the cause 
of disarrangement of this function, and knowledge of the 
cause would suggest an important element of cure,-avoid- 
ance of animal food. 
But the tired liver may be invigorated in this case by 
the proper remedy, the effects being observable, not so 
much perhaps in local changes, as in the sense of relief 
experienced in the system generally. THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
57 
In such a case the symtoms of general prostration are 
out of all proportion to the real amount of disease pres- 
ent. The patient is tired, so that the least exertion is 
dreaded, often drowsy, inclined to lethargic sleep in the 
day-time, while restless •wakefullness harasses his mid- 
night hours. The appetite meanwhile is often unnatu- 
rally voracious. 
Abstinence from animal food and a spare diet generally, 
will assist therapeutic application here. The specific 
remedy is mercurius dulcis in the second or third decimal 
trituration, in small doses, three or four times daily. 
Nothing more magical was ever known in medicine than 
the effect of this remedy, properly adapted. The value 
of the hepatic influence of hydrochloric acid has long 
been recognized; in small doses, well diluted, it serves a 
valuable purpose here. 
The uric acid habit-lithsemia, as well, probably, as oxa- 
luria-is referable to imperfect hepatic action upon certain 
elements of the portal blood; though without doubt the 
primary fault is lack of thorough oxidation of the nitrog- 
enous elements of the tissues undergoing retrograde met- 
amorphosis, in addition to faulty material which has 
passed the portal circulation without receiving due elab- 
oration. 
If one of the functions of the portal circulation is the 
conversion of waste proteid material into urea, it is im- 
portant in all cases of chronic disease to inquire into the 
amount of work being thrown on this part. The habitual 
presence of excess of lithic acid in the urine indicates 
faulty action here, and demands that a better preparation 
of the general current distributed to the portal circulation 
shall be made. 
Liquor potassse, benzoic acid and benzoate of ammonia, 
may then become, indirectly, important remedies for dis- 
turbed states of this circulation,by aiding the kidneys to 58 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
carry off an excess of an element which taxes the powers 
of the structures among the hepatic capillaries. Oxygen 
administered in different ways may also be of highest serv- 
ice in assisting in a more complete conversion of proteid 
products into normal excrementitious material. 
BLOOD PRESSURE ARTERIAL TENSION. 
"The arteries in the normal condition are continually on 
the stretch during life, and in consequence of the injection 
of more blood at each systole of the ventricle into the 
elastic aorta, this stretched condition is exaggerated each 
time the ventricle empties itself. The condition of the 
arteries is due to the pressure of blood within them, be- 
cause of the resistance presented by the smaller arteries 
and capillaries (peripheral resistance) to the emptying of 
the arterial system in the intervals between the contrac- 
tions of the ventricle, and is called the condition of arterial 
tension. "-Kirke. 
It has been estimated that the arterial tension in the 
aorta of the human adult is equal to about four and one- 
fourth pounds avoirdupois. As the distance from the 
heart increases there is a corresponding decrease in the 
pressure, the tension in the radial artery, for instance, at 
the wrist being only about four drachms. Thus the blood 
pressure is greatest in the left ventricle and decreases to- 
wards the capillaries. In the capillaries, arterial tension 
ceases to be the principle motor, though it probably 
serves as a vis a tergo in forwarding the blood on its 
rounds, though the attraction of the various elements for 
the tissues is here undoubtedly more of a motor force. 
A relative compensation between arterial tension and 
vascular integrity, is essential to the continuation of 
health and life. A common cause of disease and sudden 
death is rupture of an artery through undue intravascu- 
lar pressure. Certain conditions conspire to a large 
amount of blood in the vascular system; here the strain is THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
59 
principally upon the arteries, as the capacity of both cap- 
illaries and venous system greatly exceeds that of these 
vessels. 
Certain individuals incline to plethora-fullness of 
blood, and the arterial tension may be so great that the 
strain finally ruptures an artery in some unfortified sit- 
uation, as in the delicate structures of the brain, for in- 
stance, and sudden death or a confirmed hemiplegia is 
the result. 
Age is one of the predisposing causes of this condition, 
degeneration of the arterial coats often being one of the 
results of senility; but certain climates may predispose 
to such accidents, in persons of middle and even early 
life. 
On the Pacific Coast, we find deaths from arterial rup- 
ture-as well as hemiplegia-of quite frequent occurrence, 
among persons who have not reached the period of bodily 
decay, and the causation must be attributed more to un- 
due arterial tension, usually, than to lack of integrity upon 
the part of the tissues of the arterial walls. 
Plethora is due here, probably, to our climatic pecul- 
iarities. The dampness of the atmosphere reduces the 
surface evaporation to a minimum quantity, and the cool 
bracing air stimulates indulgence in a liberal diet; conse- 
quently the blood is freely supplied with pabulum and the 
nutritious elements are rapidly manufactured into body 
fluids until the vascular system is filled to repletion. 
Fulless of tissue,-plumpness of form-of the average 
inhabitant of the Pacific Coast is a subject of common 
remark, and a no less noticeable peculiarity, to the medi- 
cal observer, is the frequent occurrence of apoplexy. 
Probably, also, we may justly ascribe many of our com- 
mon nervous diseases, as .insanity and insomnia, to this 
cause,-vascular pressure in the cerebral arteries, con- 
tinued for a long time, finally giving rise to pronounced 60 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
functional disturbance, as manifested by the irritabil- 
ity of abnormal wakefulness, or that of mental aberration. 
And we may observe other disturbances, due, without 
doubt, to this influence. Chronic congestive conditions- 
as well as acute-are more aggravated, painful, and stub- 
born, where there is excessive arterial tension; and thera- 
peutic measures may be materially assisted by temporary 
removal from the influences which encourage it, into sur- 
roundings which tend to neutralize such a state. 
In such climate as that of Arizona, where the air is 
dry and warm, and surface evaporation quickly robs the 
blood-vessels of their superfluous fluids, spareness of 
form is the tendency. Dr. Munk asserts that the climate 
of that country is a positive anti-fat remedy; probably 
this is so because the physical conditions tend to rapid 
removal of the fluids of the body. Here we would expect 
arterial tension to be at a minimum and apoplectic affec- 
tions of rare occurrence. 
But there are sections nearer at hand than Arizona 
which offer nearly as favorable advantages for the purpose 
desired. The interior of California affords many places 
which may supply everything necessary, in a warm, dry 
atmosphere. 
On the other hand, lack of arterial tension may give 
rise to anaemic conditions which ought to be benefited by 
removal into such a climate as that of our coast. Here 
the natural advantages encourage blood-making, increase 
arterial tension and the supply of nutritious fluids to 
every part of the body, and thus afford the very means to 
successfully abet the efforts of medicine in accomplishing 
restoration. 
The therapeutics of arterial tension may consist of 
evacuants, by which the superfluous fluids are removed 
from the body, through the skin and kidneys. Latter- 
day therapeutists might suggest nitrite of amyl, nitro- THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
61 
glycerine, and oilier depresso-motors here, bui it is not 
probable that any remedy can long counteract the con- 
stant influence of climatic tendencies. 
A change of climate, for a time, may serve a better 
purpose. Persons of plethoric habit or other apoplectic 
tendency would do well to abide in a region where the nat- 
ural surroundings contribute to free cutaneous and pul- 
monary evaporation, as this must act as a safety-valve in 
relieving undue arterial tension, by lessening the propor- 
tion of circulating fluids. 
Venesection here, severely as it has been denounced by 
Eclectics, would not seem so irrational after all, wdien an 
apoplectic seizure indicated arterial rupture, with possi- 
bility of extension of the lesion; true, the best portion of 
the blood may be abstracted, but in such patients, usually, 
the manufacture of new material would seem to be one of 
the most readily accomplished functions. 
THE PULSE. 
The pulse affords an index to the selection of remedies 
in quite a wide range of acute diseases. In chronic ail- 
ments, also, it should be taken into consideration in mak- 
ing up the general estimate of therapeutic indications. 
The condition of the heart may be pretty well de- 
termined by the practiced touch, from the pulse, but as 
auscultation is a more accurate method of detecting cardiac 
alterations, examination of the radial impulse is not so im- 
portant here, as in estimating the state of the vaso-motor 
centers, the general tone of the circulatory system, the 
freedom from, or presence of, obstruction to the vascular 
stream, and character of impression made by the disturb- 
ing element, upon the general nervous system. 
Arbitrary propositions have been found more satis- 
factory than the most labored deductions in adapting 
remedies to the various conditions of the circulation as 
indicated by the pulse; for example :- 62 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
The rapid, bounding pulse denotes arterial relaxation 
from temporary suspension of force in the vaso-motor 
centers, and is usually present in sthenic conditions, the 
disturbing cause having been but recently developed. It 
either subsides to the normal condition within a limited 
period, or merges, in continued febrile states, into a more 
feeble impulse, indicating debility. Gelseminum is the 
specific remedy here. . 
The rapid, bard pulse denotes sthenia with obstruction 
to some important avenue in the circulation, as of the 
pulmonary vessels, the obstruction being probably inflam- 
matory in character. Here jaborandi or veratrum are 
especially indicated. 
The full, hard pulse with dry skin, and severe localized 
pain, is an indication for jaborandi, in full doses. 
The rapid, small pulse indicates excitation of the vaso- 
motor centers without corresponding reactive power on 
the part of the heart and blood-vessels. It is the pulse 
of asthenic fevers and inflammatory conditions in subjects 
lacking robustness. Aconite is the leading specific rem- 
edy here, if the dose be not too large. 
The rapid, small pulse, with erratic, shifting pain, calls 
for antipyrin, in moderate doses. 
The feeble, compressible pulse, with coldness of the ex- 
tremities, dizziness, and pallor of the skin, denotes feeble 
capillary circulation, and the need of belladonna or capsi- 
cum. There may, or may not, be dilatation of the pupils. 
The rapid, wiry pulse denotes unusual disturbance of the 
cerebro-spinal capillaries, and is often marked by rest- 
lessness and delirium, with bright eyes and contracted 
pupils. Here rhus tox. is the appropriate remedy. 
The excessively rapid, fluttering pulse indicates a tremu- 
lous heart action, with impending paralysis of the cardiac 
ganglia. It occurs in febrile conditions of the aged, and 
from the markedly prostrating effects of such poisons as THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
63 
those of diphtheria and scarlatina. Lachesis is the rem- 
edy for such indications. 
The feeble, labored pulse, with sighing respiration, indi- 
cates heart failure and demands nitro-glycerine. 
When the pulse denotes a chronically feeble heart 
action, such agents as cereus Bonplandii, digitalis, and 
strophanthus, should be thought of; but this leads us to 
the consideration of cardiac therapeutics, which had best 
be examined separately. 
Some writers enter into still further detail, in respect 
to therapeutic indications furnished by the pulse, but too 
much detail would be liable to impair the usefulness of 
this valuable diagnostic resource. 
An old school writer, Dr. W. R. Lowman (Medical Bul- 
letin), offers the following on pulse indications of patho- 
logical conditions:- 
"Study pulse carefully. May range normally from 50 
to 100. Male, usually 72 per minute; female, 76. In- 
crease per 1° rise temp., 10 beats per minute. The pulse 
may be quick in stroke yet in beats slow or infrequent; 
full, round, and large; empty, small, or thread-like; strong 
or weak in impulse; hard, whip-cord, or soft, compress- 
ible ; wiry, like wire striking the finger; irregular, fast and 
slow alternately; intermittent, one or more beats lost; di- 
crotic, double-stroked; asynchronous. 
"Normal pulse in sphygmographic curves. 
"Full and strong, inflammatory fevers and hypertrophy 
of heart. 
" Slow, hard, and strong, pulse of laborer, boxer, etc. 
"Slow, strained and strong,pulse of meningeal derange- 
ment, but not a sign in the powerful. 
"Frequent in pregnancy. 
"Slow few hours after labor. 
"Weak and slow in dilatation of heart. 
"Very frequent in some specific fevers; sometimes from 64 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
weakness, as in diphtheria, therefore stimulants will often 
bring down. 
"Quick and sometimes hard and sharp in abdominal or 
rheumatic inflammation. 
"Frequent, hard, sharp and wiry,in gastric, or inflam- 
mation of any organ below the diaphragm. 
" Small, soft- and quick, in aortic stenosis or dilatation 
of veins. 
" Small and slow, extreme debility. 
"Irregular, and often quick, later stages pericarditis. 
"Irregular, often only sign of endocarditis. 
"Intermittent, angina pectoris, cardiac and brain dis- 
eases, but sometimes normal. 
"Dicrotic, grave, approaching dissolution. 
"Small and irregular, mitral affections. 
"High and fast, aortic insufficiency. 
" Tardy, senile. ' 
"Asynchronous pulses from asynchronous contraction 
of sides of heart, double sound, but no double wave for 
each, symmetrical. Unilateral is diagnostic of aneurism. " 
THE TEMPERATURE. 
The temperature of the body is an important considera- 
tion in questions of health and disease. So nicely are the 
compensating forces of the organism balanced that it is 
impossible for a marked departure from the normal stand- 
ard of 98.6° Fahr, to occur without serious disturbance of 
the vital processes resulting. 
In earlier time the temperature was estimated roughly 
from the impression conveyed to the touch of the observer 
by the heat of the surface, but this estimate was of little 
value in determining the significance of an elevated or de- 
pressed temperature, and it failed entirely in enabling 
the observer to arrive at any data of reliability. Now the 
exact temperature is ascertained by an instrument which 
leaves all guess-work out of the question and enables one THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
65 
to form a very intelligent idea of the character and prob- 
able results of the condition, in many diseased states. 
In most cases of disease, if the thermometer indicates 
any departure from the normal temperature it will be in 
an upward direction. Even though the surface or extrem- 
ities may seem cold to the patient and observer, and in 
fact may be below normal heat, owing to absence of the 
usual amount of blood in the superficial capillaries, the 
thermometer may register two or three degrees' elevation 
in the cavities where the blood is circulating more freely. 
Sometimes, however, during a chill, thermometry has dem- 
onstrated beyond cavil a lowering of the normal temper- 
ature in the cavities usually tested. Whether the actual 
temperature of the blood is lowered may nevertheless be 
considered a question, as the internal organs may even 
then be subject to an increased caloric. During convales- 
cence from continued fevers or other protracted illness 
the temperature may be slightly depressed for some time, 
until the debilitated vital forces recover wonted vigor. 
In febrile states there may usually be a rough estimate 
made between the elevation in degrees of temperature 
above normal and the increased frequency of the pulse, 
each degree of elevation corresponding to ten pulse-beats 
per minute. For example, with the normal pulse at sixty- 
five per minute, we would expect the temperature to be 
99.6° if the pulse rate were seventy-five, 100.6° at eighty- 
five, 101.6° at ninety-five, and so on. This, however, is not 
a rule to be depended upon, as the nervous susceptibilh 
ties of patients vary so much that an excited heart-beat 
might result from slight provoking causes in one, while in 
another the same amount of disturbance would hardly be 
appreciated. Still it is a proposition not to be disputed 
that increase of temperature is attended by increased ac- 
tion of the heart; in fact, the accelerated circulation with 
increased oxidation of tissue may be fairly regarded as 66 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
the cause of the elevated temperature, the excited 
circulation being the result of irritation of the sympa- 
thetic nerve centers, from which spring the regulating 
fibers of the circulatory apparatus. 
An elevation of the temperature above the normal 
standard, indicates an abnormal rapidity in the oxidizing 
processes in the tissues-a condition that must be attended 
by wasting of flesh and loss of strength, the danger of 
final exhaustion being in proportion to the amount of ele- 
vation and persistence of the condition; a remitting, ele- 
vated temperature is not so dangerous as a constant one, 
as during the remissions the vital powers are somewhat 
recuperated. 
Means which lower the temperature rapidly are not us- 
ually desirable, as they must prove depressing to the 
entire vital economy. Those which act mildly and bring 
about a slowing of the oxidizing processes gradually are 
to be preferred, usually, for they leave behind a salutary 
condition of the general system. The special sedatives, 
therefore, are the most desirable means of accomplishing 
this purpose, for as there seems an intimate relationship 
beween bodily temperature and pulse rate, when abnormal 
elevation occurs, a moderation of the excitement of the 
circulation promises a lowering of the heat. 
But there are other means which sometimes seem to act 
better than the sedatives. In typhoid conditions where 
septic states of the blood prevail, the sedatives seem 
sometimes to have lost their power of impressing the vaso- 
motor centers, and we find it necessary to resort to more 
heroic means and, perhaps, more empirical ones. Some- 
times the hot pack, properly applied succeeds here admira- 
bly in reducing a temperature of 107° or more Fahr, to 
nearly the normal rate, and thus in a short time almost 
aborts a disease which might otherwise prove fatal. 
Dr. Lyman Watkins (CaZi/brma Medical Journal) reports THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
67 
success in a severe and fatal endemic of typhoid fever 
from the use of heroic doses of quinine-30 to 40 grains 
at a time, or within a few hours, lowering a temperature 
as high, in some cases, as 107° to near the normal rate, in 
a short time. This treatment was found superior to the 
use of the special sedatives, no mortality following after 
the use of the large doses of quinine was begun. 
A knowledge of the state of the temperature is some- 
times important, that the proper time may be selected for 
the exhibition of remedies. In a remittent fever if the 
remission be short and we desire to make avail of it for 
the administration of an anti-periodic, we may learn when 
it has begun by the thermometer before the ordinary 
symptoms may be detected. In typhoid fever, scarlatina, 
and other fevers, where powerful agents are employed to 
depress the temperature,-and the exhibition of such 
means may sometimes be all-important, the thermometer 
enables us to tell just when the temperature has arrived 
at that point where the remedy must be discontinued for 
fear of too great depression; large doses of quinine, anti- 
pyrin, jaborandi, and kindred agents should not be ad- 
ministered without the guidance of clinical thermometry 
to point out the time for discontinuance, lest the depres- 
sion of temperature be carried beyond the period of recu- 
peration. 
Knowledge of a depressed state of temperature would 
prompt the application of artificial heat, and the internal 
use of such agents as capsicum, myrrh, and possibly 
brandy and ether; where the depression was more chronic 
in character, Faradism, massage, pure air, and other hy- 
gienic measures should take the place of artificial stimu- 
lants. Protracted depression due to capillary congestion 
requires the specific agent, belladonna. 
THE ALIMENTARY CANAL. 
The functions of the alimentary canal, though somewhat 68 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
complicated, look to but one end, that of supplying nutri- 
ment in absorbable condition, to the blood-vessels and 
lacteals. 
The complication of function, however, is due to the 
character of food required-the variety of substances de- 
manding numerous solvents and digestive cavities for their 
complete preparation for appropriation. In the mouth, 
the masticatory process is supplemented by the action of 
the saliva which, in addition to the specific property of 
converting starch into sugar, acts as a mechanical element 
in lubricating the bolus for ready passage along the 
oesophagus during the act of deglutition. 
The oesophagus serves as a conduit to the stomach, 
where digestive proceedings assume a new phase, the 
mucous membrane of this cavity providing a fluid of acid 
reaction for the solution, exclusively, of albuminous food 
(proteids). 
Passing the pyloric orifice and entering the duodenum 
the aliment becomes subjected to a variety of digestive 
solvents, which, however, combined, afford an alkaline re- 
action. Here the digestion of starch and albumin already 
begun in mouth and stomach is furthered to completion, 
and in addition the fats thus far unaffected are broken 
up so minutely as to be prepared for reception by the ab- 
sorbents of the lacteals. 
Here all the digestive solvents are combined,-saliva, 
gastric juice, pancreatic secretion, bile and intestinal 
fluid,-to carry out the complete preparation of the 
aliment for reception by the portal capillaries and 
lacteal absorbents. 
But the requirements of good digestion do not end 
here. A free circulation in the abdominal blood-vessels 
is essential to a proper elaboration of the digestive juices. 
Secretion cannot go on well if the vessels which furnish 
the elements are in a disturbed state. The proportion of THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
69 
aliment requisite to the needs of the economy must be 
appropriate, for if in excess, the hepatic functions become 
affected, and a backward influence is exerted upon the ab- 
dominal capillaries to disturb, not only the separation of 
the digestive solvents, but, likely, even the normal peristal- 
tic action. The debris of ingested food must be moved 
along and evacuated in order to preserve the proper rela- 
tions and equilibrium between all the functions of diges- 
tion. 
Impaction of the lower bowel is a common and power- 
ful factor in disturbance of the alimentary functions,-a 
condition commonly recognized but most irrationally 
treated. The sympathy of all parts of the alimentary 
canal for one another, accounts for many cases of indiges- 
tion, mal-nutrition, and reflected nervous ailments arising 
from impaction of this passage below the point where 
the active processes of digestion cease. A habitually 
impacted colon may thus become the cause of a thou- 
sand sympathetic and reflected ills, of which indigestion 
and neurosis constitute the principal symptoms. 
Rectal diseases, then, and torpid states of the lower 
bowel, present claims of fully as great import in the man- 
agement of alimentary disturbances as the therapeutics of 
the upper portion of the canal. Possibly medicine may 
be the only requirement here, but judiciously adapted 
surgical knowledge is important, that a proper preserva- 
tion of the alimentary functions may be accomplished. 
The physician must not forget the bearing which age 
exerts upon the functions of digestion. Nature provides 
the infant with only the capacity of digesting animal food; 
the salivary glands and pancreas lack the power of con- 
verting starch into sugar, and this substance when taken 
by such subject undergoes only those changes which tend 
to produce disturbance of digestive action. The lesson 
should prompt the rejection of such foods as a primary 70 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
measure, if remedies are to be expected to bring about a 
desired result, when infantile intestinal affections are pre- 
scribed for. 
In advanced life the general atrophy which affects 
the individual extends to the walls of the alimentary 
canal as well, and a dietary entailing as little muscu- 
lar and glandular effort upon the part of the structures 
here as possible should be provided, if the full effect of 
therapeutic agents is to be expected. 
The common plan of medicating the alimentary canal 
presents many pernicious features. Cathartics to relieve 
constipation, astringents to arrest diarrhoea, preparations 
of pepsin and pancreatin for indigestion, bismuth, per- 
haps, for irritated states of the gastro-intestinal mucous 
membrane, and opiates for pain, when this is a feature, 
comprise the bulk of treatment prescribed by the ordi- 
nary practitioner. 
Cathartics unload the lower bowel, but in doing so they 
disturb, more or less, the important functions carried on 
in the stomach and small intestine, and they furthermore, 
when habitually employed, predispose the mucous mem- 
brane to indurations and epithelial changes which not un- 
frequently terminate in cancerous growth. 
Astringents are rarely of value in gastro-intestinal af- 
fections; they may occasionally afford satisfaction in the 
treatment of watery evacuations from the bowels, but usu- 
ally the intestinal capillaries can be more promptly in- 
fluenced by agents which specifically impress them in 
dynamical doses. 
The practice of supplementing the action of the 
glandular structures which secrete the digestive ferments 
with artificial supply, lacks reason. To lapse into use- 
lessness is not the part that any portion of the body 
can be expected to take. The pepsin delusion has many 
followers; possibly exceptional cases are benefited by THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
71 
its administration, but as many are aggravated as are 
bettered. Indigestion cannot be favored materially by 
the artificial supplying of digestive ferments when the 
apparatus which ought to secrete them is in an abnormal 
condition. 
Pepsin and kindred preparations, when genuine as to 
quality, may aggravate gastro-intestinal difficulties- 
though doubtless they sometimes prove beneficial-while 
often the negative results obtained depend upon the com- 
plete worthlessness of the preparation; an infusion of ren- 
net is more reliable than the majority of pepsin products 
offered in the market. 
Dynamical therapeutics, as applied to the alimentary 
canal, may be separated into three divisions: (1) The thera- 
peutics of diet; (2) the therapeutics of the sanguineous cir- 
culation of the part; and (3) those agents which specific- 
ally influence special portions of the track through tissue 
affinity. 
The therapeutics of diet is a subject of such importance 
as to demand a separate and careful study, and will only 
be referred to here. 
The therapeutics of the circulation demand considera- 
tion of two classes of remedies; those which influence 
the general circulation-for the parts above the stomach 
are supplied from this source-and those which are espe- 
cially adapted to the portal system. This subject, which 
has already been studied, demands further investigation; 
for when its possibilities are completely understood we 
will have brought the problem of derangements of the ali- 
mentary canal much nearer solution. 
The third class of therapeutics here is that which in- 
cludes those agents which by their tissue affinity specific- 
ally influence different portions of the apparatus; for 
instance, beginning with the mouth, wTe have iris, jabo- 
randi, phytolacca and mercurius, for the mucous membrane 72 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
and salivary glands; penthorum and phytolacca, for the- 
pharynx; lachesis, naja, veratrum, etc., for the oesoph- 
agus ; arsenic, boldo, lobelia, nux vomica, potassium 
bichromate, and many others, for the stomach; colocynth, 
epilobium, ipecac, baptisia, etc., for the small intestine; 
iris versicolor, iodine, and mercurius, for the pancreas; po- 
tassium bichromate, mercurius corrosivus, and others, for 
the colon; and aesculus, collinsonia, etc., for the rectum. 
These specifically influence their respective portions, 
improving nutrition, encouraging normal secretion, mus- 
cular power, and recuperative energy, when disease is 
present, relieving irritation, and thus conducing to 
healthy conditions. 
In addition to such agents, properly selected, local in- 
fluences may often be of service, and the subnitrate of 
bismuth especially may prove of signal value for its 
soothing effect on the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane. 
In the absence of proper digestive power the prepared 
foods are preferable to pepsin or other digestive ferments, 
as such debility is hardly ever confined to the peptic or 
pancreatic glands alone, but is shared by other parts 
whose integrity of structure and action is equally im- 
portant. 
Proper operative procedures are also of prime impor- 
tance in the management of many cases of alimentary 
derangement. An irritable sphincter may counter-balance 
all the advantage to be derived from medicines, and may 
require surgical interference, in order to relieve the 
troublesome reflexes arising, before the expected thera- 
peutic effect can follow. 
Faecal impaction, so sure to result from this condition, 
may require this as well, and the procedure may need be 
supplemented by the use of galvanism, in order to arouse 
a part long subject to torpor, to normal activity, and in- 
sure the regular movement so essential to health. THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
73 
Rectal diseases thus constitute an important branch of 
practical medicine, and demand the careful consideration, 
not of the specialist alone, but of the general practitioner, 
if he is to be successful in his calling. 
THE TONGUE. 
The tongue serves as a valuable guide in the selection 
of a number of remedies, which could hardly be dispensed 
with in the treatment of disease. 
Being a portion of the digestive tract, it seems to pos- 
sess, in its shape, color, and other appearances, in many 
instances, an index of the condition of the stomach and its 
associate viscera. The circulation here, its character, the 
condition of the blood, as well as the state of the nerv- 
ous supply, may often be tolerably well determined by in- 
spection of the tongue, and the appropriate remedy also 
selected. 
Thus, torpid conditions of the stomach, liver, and asso- 
ciate organs concerned in digestion, are reflected by the 
tongue, which is full, broad, and flabby, and is protruded 
slowly and awkwardly. Morbid accumulation in the 
stomach associated with this condition is manifested by a 
deposit upon the base of the organ. Irritation of the 
gastro-intestinal surfaces is manifested by a narrow, 
pointed tongue, the tip of which is usually reddened; 
with this condition is often associated tremulousness 
upon protrusion, indicating a high state of nervous ten- 
sion. 
The condition of the blood as regards tendency to 
zymotic changes, is also most readily indicated by the 
tongue, the pallid mucous membrane and white coating in- 
dicating excessive acidity of the alimentary canal and lack 
of soda salts in the plasma; this can be demonstrated by 
testing with litmus paper. On the other hand, the oppo- 
site condition-lack of acids in the alimentary canal, and 
probably excess of the salts of sodium in the blood-is 74 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
indicated by abnormally dark red color of the mucous 
membrane. This indication, however, must not be con- 
founded with the bluish or purplish discoloration con- 
sequent upon a cyanotic state; here the means best 
adapted to the furthering of oxygenation of the blood 
should be selected, as most appropriate. 
The coating which appears on the tongue-sometimes 
in health as well as in disease-has been shown by Dr. 
W. H. Dickinson, through microscopical examination, in 
a large number of cases of both healthy and diseased 
subjects, to consist of horny epithelium, and the various 
grades of accumulation to consist in its increase. Inci- 
dentally connected with this may be found certain para- 
sites, though their presence might exist in a state of 
health. 
Want of attrition, as in abstinence from food, may 
favor such accumulation when disease is present, but it 
seems indisputable that it often depends upon deprava- 
tion of the fluids, usually febrile or inflammatory in char- 
acter. 
The dry tongue may be the result of the passage of air 
over the surface of the organ, as when one sleeps with 
the mouth open, or it may result from the use of opiates 
which temporarily arrest the secretion of the salivary 
glands, but when persistent the symptom is due to want 
of salivary secretion from constitutional disturbance; 
though then the patient is liable to aggravate the condi- 
tion by mouth breathing. 
In diabetes and diarrhoea, however, dehydration of the 
blood to an abnormal extent may account for a dryness 
of the tongue. In a peculiarly dry atmosphere that will 
favor rapid evaporation, the symptom may be common to 
diseases of mild type. In a moist climate, as of the 
Pacific Coast, the dry tongue is not a common symptom; 
even in serious forms of disease where great prostration THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
75 
is present, it is remarkably rare, as compared with less 
humid sections. 
As a rule, the dry tongue, under other circumstances 
than those already referred to, may be considered as an 
indication of marked prostration. "When the tongue is 
dry and bare," says Dickinson, "it is ill with the patient. 
He is not sure to die but likely to. If, as has been said, 
the tongues of dying men enforce attention, it must be 
often directed to this. " 
The coating of a dry tongue must sooner or later be- 
come brown and exfoliate, leaving the organ bare and 
slick. It is a process of denudation certain to follow 
from death of the epithelial covering consequent upon in- 
ability of the lingual capillaries to transmit nutrition to 
the desiccated epithelium, and destruction and separation 
must follow. 
The application of remedies to conditions of disease as 
indicated by the tongue, has been learned by empirical 
practice-by the plan of "cut and try," usually adopted 
when no well-defined method or principle of procedure 
is obvious. Such knowledge, however, is as valuable as 
any other, when proven, and considerable assistance in 
prescribing can be drawn from indications thus deter- 
mined. For example :- 
The broad, flabby tongue, with heavily coated base, 
accompanied by gaseous eructations and sense of heavi- 
ness in the epigastric region, indicates the need of an 
emetic. 
The broad, flabby tongue, with pallid mucous membrane 
and white coating, indicates the need of a salt of sodium, 
the sulphite usually being preferable. This is pre-emi- 
nently the remedy if the coating be plastered-pasty-in 
appearance. The pallidity of anaemia should not be con- 
founded with that of this condition. 
The dark-red, slide tongue-resembling beef steak- 76 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
indicates the need of hydrochloric acid; though other 
forms may answer, lemonade, lime-juice, and similar acids, 
being more acceptable and nearly as efficacious, in many 
instances. 
The abnormally dark red tongue with dirty, brown coat- 
ing indicates the need of sulphurous acid. When the 
brown covering is well-defined, and not due to staining 
by food or medicines-as may result from fruits, iron, 
etc.-this remedy will be found reliable in the absence 
of increased redness of the mucous membrane. The sul- 
phurous acid tongue, when marked, is often associated 
with sordes on the teeth and lips. 
The narrow, elongated, pointed tongue, with reddened 
tip and edges, indicates gastric irritation, and is usually 
attended by nausea and vomiting. When protruded 
tremulously, it calls for rhus tox; otherwise, ipecac, sub- 
nitrate of bismuth; or an infusion of the bark of the 
amygdalus persica (peach tree) may be preferable. 
Prominence of the fungiform papillae at the tip and 
edges gives us the "strawberry tongue" usually also nar- 
row and elongated. This is generally observed in febrile 
conditions, being common in scarlatina, and not rare in 
some forms of continued fever. Rhus tox. affords satis- 
faction as a remedy in the majority of such cases. 
The contracted tongue-short and narrow-with dry, 
shriveled center, denotes blood depravation, with pro- 
found vital prostration. It indicates the need of rhus 
tox., echinacea, or, if the case be typhoid fever, baptisia; 
if attended by convulsive tremors of the extremities- 
svbsvltus tendinum-potassium phos. 
A noteworthy condition of the tongue is that which has 
been described as the "map" tongue, by some writers. 
The appearance of the organ is striking, but presents lit- 
tle therapeutic significance, as the condition is probably 
local, or at least of the character of a cutaneous eruption, THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
77 
depending perhaps upon some disturbance of the trophic 
nervous supply. 
Many of these indications have been taught by Scud- 
der, and have been employed by physicians of our school, 
with the happiest results, for years. Other indications 
have been proposed, but I believe this is a subject 
which can be carried into so trifling detail as to be ren- 
dered embarrassing, and thus interfere with the real worth 
of such means of therapeutic adaptation. "When we at- 
tempt too much where there is so little opportunity of 
marked changes as the tongue affords, we must deal with 
whimsical symptoms which mean little or nothing, and 
are not seen alike by two observers. 
But these are so plain that none will mistake them, and 
they cover about all the ground the subject will allow. 
When they are manifest, there is no uncertainty about 
the plan to pursue; with the tongue indication marked, 
the appropriate remedy should constitute the foundation 
of the treatment until a normal condition, so far as this 
symptom is concerned, has been reached. 
We observe these indications most commonly in febrile 
states, but there are not a few chronic conditions where the 
tongue will afford the needed hint for the correct remedy. 
I once cured a case of chronic ague of more than two 
years' standing, which had resisted all the antiperiodics 
of the three schools, with emetics administered twice a 
week for a month; the indication for such treatment was 
prominent, and the indicated remedy, an emetic, proved 
successful. 
An obstinate case of dyspepsia, after being treated for 
years by different physicians and resisting my own efforts 
for a whole summer, yielded promptly upon the adminis- 
tration of the sulphite of sodium in appropriate doses. 
The indication was prominent from the start, but, like 
many another prescriber, I had too little faith in the 78 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
remedy in such a disease to give it a fair trial in the 
commencement of the treatment. 
Dr. W B. Lowman, already quoted (page 63), offers the 
following practical observations on tongue indications, 
which are worthy of notice, though they contain no ref- 
erence to specific therapeutic adaptation. 
" If of a smooth, pale, pinkish, moist and elastic, resist- 
ive appearance, all is well. As has been pointed out, if it 
is furred and of a dull, whitish hue, there is either in the 
organ itself 'a congested or hyperacid condition' or 
asthenic condition of system with a local or other cause 
in proximity; but if redness, with fur, there is a hyper- 
alkaline or inflammatory state. 
"Fur indicates epithelialization, a hyperproduction, or 
non-removal by friction, as in fever. We have increased 
circulation and lack of attrition by ■want of appetite and 
consequent absence of mastication. Infants' tongues are 
white at the back part from lack of attrition. 
"White furred denotes non-attrition, oral inflammation, 
croup, pneumonia, measles, etc. 
"Yellow furred indicates hepatic derangement with re- 
tention of bile, fevers, etc. 
" Bed, long and pointed shows inflammation of stomach, 
bowels, etc., diarrhea, etc. 
"Very red in scarlet fever, chronic diarrhoea, etc. 
" Clean and slightly coated in yellow fever. 
"Dry, cracked, scaly and brown is seen in the latter 
stages of a long continued specific fever, like typhoid, or 
in rapid specific fever of high grade, as typhus. 
"Bidges, fissures, or sulci characterize the hepatic dis- 
orders so common to the South and malarial regions. 
" Cracked edges, derangement of kidney. 
"Bed, pointed and dry,denotes nerve irritation. 
"Broad and porous denotes imperfect elimination and 
muscular weakness. THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
79 
"Flabby and full denotes blood poverty and debility. 
"Dry in high temperature, profuse diaphoresis, diar- 
rhoea or other exhausting discharges. 
" Coated or yellow in cancer of stomach. 
"Clean and reddish in ulcer of stomach." 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
The functions of the nervous system may be stated to 
be the generation and conduction of vital impulses to dif- 
ferent portions of the body, and reception, by certain 
centers, of influences from external impressions made 
upon the peripheral extremities of sensory branches. 
To these we must add a higher function, that of the gen- 
eration of mental impressions, independently of the proc- 
esses of animal life. 
The anatomy of the nervous system consists of two 
classes of structure: (1) vesicular or generating structure, 
and (2) fibrous or conducting structure. 
The vesicular structure makes up the principal bulk of 
the generating centers, as the brain, spinal centers, and 
ganglia of the sympathetic, though the nerve fibers pene- 
trate them, to communicate with special cells or corpus- 
cles, the centers thus being connected and brought into 
relationship, through the fibers of the fibrous portion, 
with every part of the body; these fibers being intricately 
disposed and arranged, but each one serving, by its origin 
and termination, a special function, and conducting the 
same kind of impression in the one direction, always. 
The fibers which conduct impressions outward from 
nervous centers are termed centrifugal or efferent, while 
those which convey external impressions from without to 
nervous centers are termed centripetal or afferent. The 
centrifugal fibers convey motor, secretory, reflected, and 
trophic impulses; the centripetal fibers convey the various 
impressions imparted to the senses, as of pain, local irri- 
tation, and the special senses, to the central ganglia. 80 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
The originating ganglia of nervous impulses are situ- 
ated, usually, within the cranium, though the fibers 
which proceed from them, in many instances, traverse 
secondary or subsidiary centers further down the track, 
which augment or modify, perhaps, the primary impres- 
sions. 
The originating centers of reflex action, however, are 
located in the spinal cord; but even over these functions 
the brain exercises a certain controlling influence-not 
absolute, but sufficient, when concentrated, to hold in 
abeyance many impulses, which would naturally lead to 
irrational action. 
The integrity of the nervous system-perfect perform- 
ance of its functions-must depend upon (1) structural 
excellence of the generating centers, with proper relation- 
ship between them, (2) upon a normal condition of the 
conducting fibers, and (3) upon absence of abnormal irri- 
tation in any part of the body, to give rise to perverted 
reflex action. 
Degenerative changes or destruction of tissue in the 
nervous centers in any other way, will be the occasion of 
loss of power in the part or parts normally supplied with 
stimulus from the area of lesion, though the conducting 
medium be perfect; and with normal generating power, if 
the nervous fiber which should conduct the impression be 
interfered with, in any part of its course, arrest or per- 
version of the function of the part supplied must follow. 
The therapeutics of the nervous system may be divided 
into (1) general and (2) special. 
The general therapeutics are such as apply, in principle, 
to other portions of the body-such as apply to the cir- 
culatory and interstitial functions. The circulation should 
be kept in proper balance, for no part of the body is more 
susceptible to effects of disturbance of the blood stream 
than the nervous centers. Besides the influence of the THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
81 
circulation on nervous structure, another important ele- 
ment is the plastic power residing there, and capable of 
being influenced by remedies which specifically affect the 
offices of structure and function. 
To influence the circulation, the special sedatives are 
very appropriate, especially in acute diseases where the 
morbid condition is confined principally to the blood-ves- 
sels. Gelsemium in phrenitis, echinacea in meningitis, 
and belladonna in capillary congestion, for instance, are 
remedies of unquestionable value. Then rhus tox. exerts 
an influence peculiar to itself upon the cerebral circula- 
tion-one of great value where the disturbance of the 
blood stream is more local than general, and marked by 
excessive excitation in the cerebral centers-out of pro- 
portion to the general vascular disturbance, with, perhaps, 
delirium. 
Professor Scudder, in his "Practice of Medicine," pro- 
poses to determine the condition of the cerebro-spinal 
system, so far as the application of the special sedatives 
is concerned, by the appearance of the eye, two condi- 
tions being defined: active (1) and passive (2) hyper- 
semia. Active hypersemia is evidenced by the bright eye 
and contracted pupil, restlessness, and other indications 
of determination of blood, and the condition is asserted 
to suggest gelsemium, which it undoubtedly does. 
On the other hand, the dull expressionless eye, with di- 
lated pupil and feeble circulation, is asserted to indicate 
the need of belladonna; another indisputable proposition. 
I am of the opinion, however, that these remedies are 
not always confined to the conditions named. Bel- 
ladonna has controlled cerebral disturbance for me where 
the bright eye, flushed countenance, contracted pupil, and 
restlessness, seemed to call for gelseminum, after the lat- 
ter drug had failed to make an impression upon two days 
or more of trial; but there was a debility of the general 82 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
circulation here which contra-indicated gelsemium, with 
marked local cerebral symptoms. As before remarked, 
gelsemium should usually be thought of as a remedy for 
the determination of sthenia. Belladonna serves a good 
purpose in the condition of hebetude just described, but 
it also acts well in many cases of cerebral excitement, if 
the dose is minute; the third decimal attenuation should 
be employed, however, in small quantities, when ad- 
ministered where the symptoms indicate cerebral excite- 
ment. 
Such agents as nitro-glycerine and nitrite of amyl, 
through their influence upon the inhibitory fibers of the 
pneumogastric, lessen arterial tension and thus diminish 
cerebral pressure. Many cases of cephalalgia are thus 
readily controlled by the effect of remedies which reach 
the nervous system only so far as exercising a certain 
control over the amount of blood in the part or over its 
rate of motion. 
Degenerative changes, however, soon follow upon long- 
continued vascular disturbance, and may arise independ- 
ently of them. Here we must rely upon agents which 
are more far-reaching in effect-remedies which have 
more to do with cell formation and the building of 
other histological elements. 
Then such agents as the phosphate of magnesium, or of 
potassium, or other inorganic elements of nervous struct- 
ure, may be found of better service-remedies which 
supply the elements of structure, as well as augment, 
perhaps, the tissue-building processes. Electro-therapeu- 
tics possess special virtues in either vascular or intersti- 
tial lesions. 
Special therapeutics of the nervous system have not 
yet been well developed. Physiology has but recently 
begun to locate special centers of function, and it is not 
strange that the therapeutist should have made but little THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
S3 
headway in adapting his means to these discoveries. 
However, enough has been learned to suggest adaptation 
and perhaps stimulate further investigation, in a number 
of instances. 
THE CEREBRUM. 
The cerebrum is probably the center of all functions 
which connect the inner consciousness of the individual 
with the outer world, as of motion and sensation; and it 
is also (1) the medium of perception of those clear and 
more impressive sensations, which can be retained, and 
regarding which judgment can be formed; (2) also of the 
will, in so far as deliberate preconceived action is con- 
cerned; (3) of retaining impressions of sensible things, 
and reproducing them in subjective sensations and ideas; 
(4) of all the higher emotions and feelings, and of faculties 
of judgment, understanding, memory, reflection, induc- 
tion, imagination, and the like. 
Cerebral Centers.-Various centers of function have been 
localized in the cerebrum, of which knowledge is impor- 
tant, as it possesses a therapeutic bearing of no little con- 
sideration. These, as so far located, are (1) material or 
centers of motion situated upon each side of the cortex, 
upon areas corresponding to the ascending parietal and 
ascending frontal convolutions, the movements of the leg 
of the opposite side being represented at the upper part, 
and in succession downwards, the arms, the face, the lips, 
and the tongue. Then we have (2) the visual or optic 
center, located upon the outer convex part of each 
occipital lobe. The olfactory center (3) is believed to be 
in the anterior extremity of the unciate gyrus. The audi- 
tory center (4) is situated in the monkey's brain, in the 
first temporo-sphenoidal convolution, representing the 
auditory apparatus of the opposite side. Destruction of 
this center causes complete deafness of the opposite ear. 
Therapeutics of the Mental Sphere.-If the brain is the 84 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTIONS 
organ of the mind, and special regions are devoted to 
special functions, and special remedies manifest a selec- 
tive affinity for special parts, there is no reason that we 
shall not in time be able to control many morbid psy- 
chological manifestations with medicinal agents. Materi- 
alism thus offers a way for the accomplishment of what 
the " mind cure " crank will seek in vain. 
A few drugs affect cerebral functions notably. Hyos- 
cyamus, for instance, when given in material doses, just 
short of a poisonous effect,, produces delirium, hallucina- 
tions, and garrulousness. The subject is inclined to be 
quarrelsome. 
Stramonium also disturbs the brain, but loquacity and 
quarrelsomeness are not among its prominent symptoms. 
The aberration produced is more of action and less of 
speech. Beverly describes the influence of stramonium 
upon soldiers who took an overdose at Jamestown, as 
follows: "They turned natural fools for several days. 
One would blow up a feather in the air, another would 
dart straws at it with much fury, and another, stark 
naked, was sitting up in a corner like a monkey, grinning 
and making mouths at them; a fourth would fondly kiss 
and paw his companions, and sneer in their faces, with a 
countenance more antic than in any Dutch droll. In this 
frantic condition they were confined, lest they should, in 
their folly, destroy themselves, though it was observed 
that all their actions were full of innocence and good nat- 
ure. After eleven days they returned to themselves 
again, not remembering anything that had passed." 
Both hyoscyamus and stramonium influence the sexual 
propensities, the delirium of hyoscyamus being marked 
by obscenity, and those intoxicated by stramonium often 
exhibiting marked voluptuous and indecent sexual excite- 
ment, as, for example, by exposure of the sexual organs. 
The homeopathists regard the form of mania arising from THE PRINCIPLES OP SELECTION. 
85 
disturbance of the reproductive apparatus coming on af- 
ter childbirth,-puerperal mania,-as especially calling 
for stramonium. 
An estimable lady, nearly past the climacteric, once 
complained to the writer of a disposition to quarrel with 
her husband. She averred that he was an indulgent hus- 
band and kind father to her children, but for all that 
every time he came into her sight the impulse to give 
him a scolding became irresistible. She had no reason 
for complaint, her domestic relations having always been 
pleasant, and she was sorry every time she gave way to 
the impulse, yet she could not help it. 
Ten drops of mother tincture of hyoscyamus were 
added to a four-ounce vial of water, and the patient di- 
rected to take a teaspoonful every three hours. In a 
few days she returned for certain local treatment, which 
had been going on for several weeks, and reported her 
quarrelsome disposition entirely gone. 
The tela aranese produces certain peculiar mental 
symptoms. If a drug impresses a part unpleasantly, les- 
sen the dose and you may fairly expect a pleasant and re- 
storative effect if the same locality be diseased. Upon a 
number of occasions I have had my patient complain of 
frightful dreams after the use of tela as a hypnotic. An 
old physician just convalescing from an attack of bronchi- 
tis, who had been sleepless for a number of nights, after 
taking small doses of this agent rested well apparently, 
and reported himself much refreshed in the morning, but 
asserted that he had been fighting wild animals all night; 
and this is the experience of many others who take it. 
The mental sphere of pulsatilla is familiar to the ma- 
jority of Eclectic physicians. Scudder gives the indica- 
tion as " a fear of impending danger. " In many cases of 
supposed heart disease we find pulsatilla to have a 
prompt and pleasing effect, but it is in those cases where 86 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
the mind and not the heart is at fault. The patient 
comes complaining of unpleasant cardiac symptoms, and 
manifesting a dread of serious results. You make a care- 
ful and thorough physical exploration, and decide that no 
cardiac trouble is present, but that the difficulty lies in 
the sensorium. You prescribe pulsatilla and your patient 
soon reports the unpleasant heart symptoms gone. We 
often find this the case in instances where the mind of 
the patient centers itself on some other part of the body, 
and worries him into horrors over an impending doom. 
Pulsatilla relieves the brain symptoms if they are only 
functional, and the imaginary disease disappears. 
Numerous other agents exercise an influence in this di- 
rection, but the intent here is not to individualize drug 
action so much as to indicate the general application of 
different classes. In Specific Therapeutics this subject 
will receive all the attention accessible material affords. 
The motor areas are not known to possess many thera- 
peutic affinities, though these doubtless exist. We must 
rely largely, for encouragement of muscular power upon 
those general measures which impart tone to the cerebral 
mass, with mechanico-therapeutics, faradism, etc., to aid. 
Nux vomica and its analogues excite the reflex centers in 
the spinal cord, but do not act through the brain, as is 
proven by the fact that after section of the upper por- 
tion of the cord the toxic action of the drug is still 
manifested by tetanic spasms in parts supplied by nerves 
which originate below the point of division, when intro- 
duced into the circulation. 
As the sensory fibers are distributed among the motor 
centers, peripheral influences are, doubtless, transmitted 
here in such a manner as to prove invigorating, when 
properly applied. In the absence of specific agents, then, 
we may directly reach these centers from the surface 
with massage, faradism, and like means. THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
87 
The prompt relief afforded by minute doses of mercury 
in languor, where there is good muscular development 
but sense of dread for voluntary movement, suggests an 
affinity here. This conviction must force itself upon any- 
one who has repeatedly observed the prompt restorative 
effect of mercurius dulcis in such cases. Perhaps, then, 
it would be best to make this single exception to the 
assertion that this center has no specifics. 
The optic centers possess therapeutic affinities of great 
worth, not only to the specialist, but to the general prac- 
titioner as well. Quite a number are at present known. 
Some of them act upon the circulation, as rhus, euphrasia, 
and conium; others upon the centers of reflex action as 
calabar bean, belladonna, and pilocarpin. But the mech- 
anism and functions of the visual apparatus are so compli- 
cated that we cannot attempt to go very far into this 
subject without fear of confusion. Salicylate of sodium 
directly influences the visual centers, judging from the 
hallucinations which sometimes accompany its use. Nux 
vomica possesses the reputation of sharpening the vision. 
Other examples exist. 
The olfactory center possesses no drug affinities so far 
as at present known. 
The auditory center is impressible by some drugs. The 
tinnitus aurium due to the action of quinia is familiar to 
almost everyone. Salicylic acid also evidently influences 
this center, as it cures deafness attended by tinnitus, in 
some cases, where the auditory apparatus is intact. Oil 
of mullein has also been found a remedy for deafness, and 
its influence probably depends upon its affinity for this 
center. Pulsatilla, and piper methysticum, act, probably, 
through the afferent nerves of the auditory apparatus, as 
they relieve pain, but exert little influence in faulty hear- 
ing. 
The center for taste has not yet been localized. 88 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
THE CEREBELLUM. 
The cerebellum is the center of muscular co-ordination. 
Destruction of this portion of the brain in the lower ani- 
mals, results in feebleness and want of harmony in the 
action of the various groups of voluntary muscles; and 
the power of preconcerted action, as springing, flying, 
walking, or standing, etc., is lost. 
"On the other hand, Foville supposed that the cerebel- 
lum is the organ of muscular sense; i. e., the organ by which 
the mind acquires that knowledge of the actual state and 
position of the muscles which is essential to the exercise 
of the will upon them; and it must be admitted that all 
the facts just referred to are as well explained on this 
hypothesis as on that of the cerebellum being the organ 
for combining movements. A harmonious combination 
of muscular actions must depend as much on the capabil- 
ity of appreciating the condition of the muscles with re- 
gard to the tension and to the force with which they are 
contracting, as on the power which any special nerve-cen- 
ter may possess of exciting them to contraction. And it 
is because the power of such harmonious movement 
would be equally lost, whether the injury to the cerebel- 
lum involved injury to the seat of muscular sense, or to 
the center for combining muscular actions, that experi- 
ments on the subject afford no proof in one direction 
more than the other."-Kirke's Physiology 
Therapeutic affinities for the cerebellum are as yet not 
well defined. Some drugs, notably alcohol, disturb the 
powers of co-ordination markedly, but that this is the 
effect of specific action so much as of a general influence 
in the blood which pervades all the tissues is a matter of 
doubt. 
THE MEDULLA OBLONGATA. 
This portion of the brain is intimately associated with 
the sympathetic nervous system, as well as receiving and THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
89 
transmitting fibers from the upper portions of the enceph- 
alon to the spinal cord. It also is the point of location 
of several important nervous centers which preside over 
special functions. 
The special centers in the medulla are as follows:- 
A center for the co-ordinated movements of mastication. 
No therapeutic affinities known. 
A center for the movements of deglutition. Through 
this, muscles of the palate, pharynx, and oesophagus, pro- 
duce the successive co-ordinate movements necessary to 
the act of deglutition. Therapeutic affinities: Lachesis, 
pulsatilla, strychnia. 
A center for the co-ordinated movement of sucking, in- 
volving impulses along the facial for the lips and mouth, 
the hypoglossal for the tongue, and the inferior maxillary 
division of the 5th for the muscles of the jaw. No thera- 
peutic affinities known. 
A center for the secretion of saliva transmitting impulses 
by the chorda tympani and branches of the sympathetic 
to the salivary glands. Therapeutic affinities: Iris, jab- 
orandi, mercury. 
A center for vomiting. Therapeutic affinities: Ipecac, 
lobelia, tartar emetic, etc. 
A center for coughing, supposed to be separate from the 
inspiratory center. Therapeutic affinities: Coralliuie 
rubrum, drosera, lachesis, sticta pulmonaria, tartar 
emetic. 
A center for sneezing. Therapeutic affinities: Alnus ser- 
rulata, aralia racemosa, sticta pulmonaria. 
A center for the dilatation of the pupil, from which pro- 
ceed fibers through the third nerve and the last two 
cervical and two upper dorsal into the cervical sympa- 
thetic. Therapeutic affinities: Belladonna, salicylic acid, 
santonin, etc. 
A respiratory center. Therapeutic affinities: Aspidos- 90 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
perma quebracho, cactus grandiflorus, hydrocyanic acid, 
lachesis, tartar emetic, etc. 
Vaso-motor Center.-"Experiments by Ludwig and others 
show that the vaso-motor fibers come primarily from 
gray matter (vaso-motor center') in the interior of the 
medulla oblongata between the calamus scriptorius and 
the corpora quadrigemina. Thence the vaso-motor fibers 
pass down in the interior of the spinal cord, and issuing 
with the anterior roots of the spinal nerves, traverse the 
various ganglia on the pre-vertebral cord of the sympa- 
thetic, and accompanied by branches from those ganglia, 
pass to their destination. 
"Secondary or subordinate centers exist in the spinal 
cord, and local centers in various regions of the body, 
and through these directly, under ordinary circumstances, 
vaso-motor changes are also effected. 
"The influence exerted by the chief vaso-motor centers 
is not only in constant moderate action, but may be al- 
tered in several, but chiefly by afferent (sensory) stimuli. 
These stimuli may act in two ways, either increasing or 
diminishing the usual action of the center which main- 
tains a medium tone of the arteries. This afferent influ- 
ence upon the center may be extremely well shown by 
the action of a nerve the existence of which was demon- 
strated by Cyon and Ludwig, and which is called the 
depressor, because of its characteristic influence on the 
blood-pressure. 
" Depressor Nerve.-This small nerve arises, in the rabbit, 
from the superior laryngeal branch, or from this and the 
trunk of the pneumogastric nerve, and after communicat- 
ing with filaments of the inferior cervical ganglion, pro- 
ceeds to the heart. 
"If during an observation of the blood-pressure of a 
rabbit this nerve be divided, and the central end (i. e., 
nearest the brain) be stimulated, a remarkable fall of THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
91 
blood-pressure ensues. The cause of the blood-pressure 
is found to proceed from the dilatation of the vascular 
district within, the abdomen supplied by the splanchnic 
nerves, in consequence of which it holds a much larger 
quantity of blood than usual. The engorgement of the 
splanchnic area very greatly diminishes the blood in the 
vessels elsewhere, and so materially diminishes the 
blood-pressure. The function of the depressor nerve is 
presumed to be that of conveying to the vaso-motor cen- 
ter indications of such conditions of the heart as require 
a diminution of the tension in the blood-vessels; as, for 
example, that the heart cannot, with sufficient ease, pro- 
pel blood into the already too full or too tense arteries. 
"The action of the depressor nerve illustrates a some- 
what unusual effect of afferent impulses, as it causes an 
inhibition of the vaso-motor center. As a rule, the stim- 
ulation of the central end of an afferent nerve produces a 
reverse effect, or, in other words, increases the tonic influ- 
ence of the center, and by causing considerable constric- 
tion of certain arterioles, either locally or generally, in- 
creases the blood-pressure. 
" Thus the effect of stimulating an afferent nerve may be 
either to dilate or to constrict the arteries. Stimulation 
of an afferent nerve, too, may produce a kind of paradoxi- 
cal effect, causing general vascular constriction and also 
general increase of blood-pressure, but at the same time 
local dilatation, which must evidently have an immense in- 
fluence in increasing the flow of blood through the part. 
"Not only may the vaso-motor center be reflexly af- 
fected, but it may also be affected by impulses proceeding 
to it from the cerebrum, as in the case of blushing from 
mind disturbance, or of pallor from sudden fear. It will 
be shown, too, in the chapter on Respiration that the cir- 
culation of deoxygenated blood may directly stimulate 
the center itself. "- Kirke's Physiology. 92 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
The therapeutic affinities of the vaso-motor center com- 
prise an extensive list. The "special sedatives" exert 
their influence through impressions made here, in all 
probability, and may produce effects of opposite nature, 
according to the size of dose administered. Minute doses 
act as vaso-motor stimulants, improving the tone of the 
circulation, while larger ones may impress the vaso- 
dilators and produce an inhibitory effect. Another class 
may act directly as vaso-motor depressors, producing an 
inhibitory effect from the start, though it is not improba- 
ble that the influence of all inhibitory agents is stimula- 
ting to the vaso-motor centers when administered in suffi- 
ciently small doses. 
Jaborandi in minute quantities improves the power of 
the heart and blood-vessels to carry on an equal and act- 
ive circulation, but in full doses its inhibitory effect is 
speedy and marked, the pallid, cold, clammy surface evi- 
dencing rapid departure of the blood from the superficial 
parts. Minute doses of nitro-glycerine also energize the 
circulatory functions, though in somewhat larger doses 
its vaso-depressor influence is unmistakable; and so with 
aconite, veratrum, and other vascular sedatives, though 
some of this class act more directly upon the heart. 
Local centers have been shown to exist in the general 
vaso-motor tract,-centers which preside over such or- 
gans as the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Probably, further 
research will develop knowledge of a special center for 
every organ and distinct vascular area in the body. It 
is probable that here is the point of impression of spe- 
cific agents which influence the vascular state of various 
parts to control morbid action in them. Syzygium and 
nitrate of uraniunl have been suggested as agents influ- 
encing the diabetic center; doubtless renal, splenic, gastric, 
intestinal, and other groups exert an influence of this 
kind. THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
93 
The abdominal circulation is influenced by a class of 
agents which possess an effect opposite to that of the 
vaso-dilators. Probably there exists in the medulla, tonic 
centers, through which the vascular walls are strength- 
ened. It is evident, at least, that a class of agents like 
carduus marianus, grindelia squarrosa, polymnia, etc., 
tend to lessen the amount of blood in the abdominal 
vessels. 
A center for the secretion of sweat, which controls sub- 
sidiary spinal sweat centers, exists in the medulla. Ther- 
apeutic affinities: Jaborandi and other specific diaphoret- 
ics. Picrotoxine, atropia, and other agents which arrest 
profuse sweating, probably possess specific affinities for 
this center also. 
THE SPINAL COED. 
The spinal cord represents a column of conducting 
fibers which convey impressions from the brain toward 
the periphery, and vice versa, and from which are distributed 
to the vegetative system the filaments which serve largely 
to constitute its bulk. Within the fibers of this cord, 
however, are located at intervals masses of vesicular mat- 
ter-ganglia or special centers-many of which subserve 
functions subsidiary to those of the brain, though some 
of these-the reflex centers-are evidently independent. 
The functions of the cord are classed as conducting, 
transferring, and reflecting. 
The special centers of the cord, so far as located, are 
principally situated in the lumbar region. They are as 
follows:- 
A center for defecation. "The mode of action of the 
ano-spinal center appears to be this. The mucous mem- 
brane of the rectum is stimulated by the presence of 
feces or gases in the bowel. The stimulus passes up by 
the afferent nerves of the hemorrhoidal and inferior mes- 
enteric plexus to the center in the cord, situated in the 91 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
lumbar enlargement, and is reflected through the puden- 
dal plexus to the anal sphincter on the one hand, and on 
the other to the muscular tissue in the wall of the lower 
bowel. In this way is produced a relaxation of the first 
and a contraction of the second, and expulsion of the 
contents of the bowel follows. The center in the spinal 
cord is partially under the control of the will, so that its 
action may be either inhibited or augmented or helped. 
" The action may be helped by the abdominal muscles 
which are under the control of the will, although under a 
strong stimulus they may also be compelled to contract 
by reflex action. " Therapeutic affinities: Collinsonia, 
sesculus glabra, sesculus hippocastanum, podophyllum. 
The influence of these drugs is probably peripheral, i. e., 
the primary action is upon the tissues of the rectum, and 
the impression transmitted to the spinal center by periph- 
eral branches. 
A center for micturition--vesico-spinal center. This 
center acts in a similar manner to the center for defeca- 
tion, the presence of urine in the bladder being the stim- 
ulus which excites the peripheral nerves and calls into 
action impulses in the center which are transmitted to 
certain muscles which contract, and to the sphincter, 
which relaxes. Therapeutic affinities: Cantharis, eryn- 
giura, gelsemium, nux, sabal serrulata, santonin, etc. 
A center for emission of semen. Therapeutic affinities: 
Phosphorus, avena sativa, gelsemium. 
A center for the erection of the penis. Therapeutic 
affinities: Cantharis, damiana, phosphorus, salix nigra; the 
latter, with other anaphrodisiacs, exerts a sedative or in- 
hibitory influence. 
A center for parturition. Therapeutic affinities: Caulo- 
phyllum, cimicifuga, ustilago, secale, etc. 
Centers of nutrition are believed to be located in the 
spinal cord, and probably possess their therapeutic affini- THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
95 
ties. Injury or disease of the cord is followed by atrophy 
and even by sloughing of the muscles, if serious in nature. 
The bones and joints are also subject to disease, when the 
cord is seriously affected. 
THE SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
This system consists of several series of ganglia lo- 
cated outside the cranium and spinal canal, and princi- 
pally within the thorax and abdomen, which though inti- 
mately ' connected with the spinal cord (receiving and 
transmitting fibers from the spinal canal, which become 
minutely subdivided after association with them), possess 
an independent function of their own, viz., the power of 
perpetuating vital characteristics for a short time after 
separation from the central nervous system. 
The heart of a mammalian continues to beat one or 
two minutes, and that of an amphibian will pulsate for 
hours after complete removal from the body, evincing thus 
the fact that a kind of independent existence belongs to 
the parts supplied by this system, which maintains the 
functions of organic life without necessity of the con- 
sciousness or effort of the individual. 
The ganglia of the sympathetic are divided by Gaskill 
into four classes: (1) A connected double chain of lateral 
or vertebral ganglia; (2) a more or less distinct prever- 
tebral chain consisting of the semilunar inferior mesenteric 
and similar plexuses; (3) a class of ganglia-terminal 
ganglia-situated in the organs and tissues themselves; 
and (4) the ganglia of the posterior spinal nerves. 
1 he functions of the sympathetic system seem to be 
(1) the perpetuation and distribution, in a modified form, 
of impulses from the cerebro-spinal system, the numerous 
ganglia sending out multiplied branches to preside over 
the functions of the cardio-vascular, absorbent, nutritive, 
secretory, and other involuntary functions, by which exist- 
ence is maintained, and (2) the perpetuation, in certain 96 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
organs, of rhythmical action independent of the impulses 
from the central nervous system. For instance, the heart 
receives augmenting and inhibitory fibers from the cere- 
bro-spinal system, but rhythmical action in the organ 
depends upon the existence of terminal ganglia embedded 
in its walls, to which specific agents must be directed 
when irregular cardiac action, as intermittent beat, indi- 
cates disturbance of these centers. 
The sensation of pain, in parts supplied by the sympa- 
thetic, is usually slow in being aroused, but is persistent 
and difficult to control by agents which act directly upon 
the cerebro-spinal centers. Anodynes and narcotics 
reach parts supplied by this system with less certainty, 
and are often found but poor dependence in such cases. 
Many a case of fatal narcotism has been the result of the 
crowding of opiates for the relief of abdominal pain; the 
cerebro-spinal system has become paralyzed before the 
narcotic impression has reached the vegetative system 
with sufficient force to disguise the effect of the morbid 
state. 
Abdominal pain is more successfully and satisfactorily 
relieved by specific agents exerting an affinity for this re- 
gion, usually, than by opiates or other narcotics. 
The readiness of parts supplied by the sympathetic 
nervous system, to respond to remedies, is peculiar. In 
fact, a large share of the positive knowledge of therapeu- 
tics is what is known of the therapeutics of the thoracic 
abdominal and pelvic viscera. 
MORBID NERVOUS REFLEXES. 
The reflection of an impression made upon the periph- 
ery of a centripetal nerve through a nerve-center and 
along a centrifugal nerve to another part or organ, is 
termed reflex action. Action of this character is mani- 
fested in many of the normal functions of the body, as 
in blushing, the withdrawal of an extremity from source THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
97 
of irritation during sleep, response of the biliary func- 
tions to the entrance of food into tlie duodenum, and 
many other normal processes which are regular, and 
adapted to fixed purposes. 
Reflexes are responses to stimuli, which exert impres- 
sions upon the extremities of sensory nerves, and in 
health the responses are regular and intelligible to the 
physiologist; but when these nerve extremities become 
diseased, irregular, erratic, purposeless and injurious re- 
flexes are almost constantly arising. Through the sym- 
pathetic system, circulation, digestion, assimilation and 
nutrition are disturbed; through the motor branches, 
spasmodic conditions arise, and through roundabout 
channels, painful impressions are transmitted. 
So marked are some of these reflexes as to amount to 
epileptic convulsions, at times, at others to the most ex- 
cruciating pain. Many forms of local disease are simu- 
lated, and the diagnostician misled, when the real cause 
of the trouble is at a remote point from its seeming loca- 
tion. The proof of this is, that treatment directed to the 
relief of such trivial local affections as rectal pockets, 
hemorrhoids, perineal and uterine laceration, etc., has 
relieved, permanently, chronic headaches of years' stand- 
ing, debility and inanition, cardiac palpitation, obstinate 
vomiting and abdominal pain, asthma, epilepsy, blindness 
and dementia. 
Suppose we have a case of palpitation of the heart, 
arising from uterine irritation. The physician who did 
not give the subject of morbid reflex action attention 
might devote his time and attention to treating the heart 
with various remedies, when the actual difficulty would 
be completely overlooked, and the uterine irritation per- 
mitted to go on unabated. Certainly no marked benefit 
could be expected from cardiac agents in such a case. 
Or, a patient might be afflicted with a gastric disturb- 98 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTIONS 
ance marked by persistent vomiting of food, which de- 
pended upon an irritation of the rectum, and valuable 
time be lost in treating a supposed gastric disease, when 
the actual trouble was entirely overlooked. In one in- 
instance of this kind, known to the writer, a lady traveled 
in several parts of the Union, at the advice of physicians, 
was treated for a long time for gastric troubles, had her 
case finally pronounced cancer of the stomach and hope- 
less, to be promptly and permanently cured by a simple 
stretching of the anusi Medical literature contains many 
similar reports. 
The study of morbid nervous reflexes presents an im- 
portant difficulty at the very outset; viz., that their phe- 
nomena are not subject to classification or methodical 
arrangement. The same character of irritation in one 
patient which has given rise to a certain reflex, might 
result in an entirely different symptom or chain of symp- 
toms in another patient, the explanation being the intri- 
cacy of arrangement of the nervous mechanism. In one 
case the irritation may affect sensory nerves, and the 
reflex be painful in character; in another, motor nerves 
may be principally influenced, and spasmodic action be 
the leading morbid symptom; in still another, the mor- 
bid impression may be transmitted through the sympa- 
thetic, and disturbance of the vegetative processes, or 
of the functions of some of the organs of special sense 
be the result. Such differences might mark three cases, 
all having apparently the same local exciting cause-cer- 
vical laceration of the uterus, for example. 
Many of the morbid reflexes are best treated by sur- 
gical measures-by the radical removal of the exciting 
cause. However, therapeutics cannot be altogether ig- 
nored in the management of these troubles. The uterine; 
reflexes giving rise to hysteria sometimes yield promptly: 
to gossypium; asthma, caused by reflexes from rectal; THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
99 
irritation may often be controlled with collinsonia. Car- 
diac disturbances from uterine trouble, may yield to 
pulsatilla. 
The underlying principle is, that a remedy which se- 
lectively influences an affected part to relieve irritation 
there, ■will control reflexes arising from such irritation 
proportionately as the condition is amenable to the influ- 
ence of drug action. 
But many of the morbid nervous reflexes are due to 
the pinching of terminal nerve filaments through the con- 
traction of cicatricial tissue, or through spasmodic ac- 
tion of irritated muscles. An epilepsy arising from an 
old laceration of the perinseum, which has been allowed 
to cicatrize without closure, could not be expected 
to recover, unless the cicatricial tissue were removed, 
and the parts held together, to heal by first intention. 
Lacerations of the uterine cervix present us with a 
similar proposition. Irritation of the lower portion of 
the rectum, with consequent long standing spasmodic 
action of the anal sphincter, gives rise to troublesome 
and stubborn secondary reflexes, of widely varying and 
multiple character in different persons, which are only 
relieved permanently by forcible dilatation of the sphinc- 
ter and removal of the irritating cause. Radical meas- 
ures then, figure prominently in the permanent cure. 
Some of the prominent morbid nervous reflexes are:-■ 
Abdominal pain. This is a common reflex of rectal ir- 
ritation, severe outbreaks disturbing the monotony of 
almost continual subacute suffering. Gastro-intestinal 
disturbance, as diarrhoea, vomiting, or constipation, attend. 
Asthma. This may arise from irritation of the Schnei- 
derian membrane from inflammation (rhinitis), nasal pol- 
ypi, or rectal, uterine, or gastric disturbance. 
Chronic headaches, and migraine are traceable to like 
causes. 100 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
Epilepsy and hystero-epilepsy arise, in some cases, from 
such causes. I once cured a case of hystero-epilepsy 
of serious character by repairing a lacerated uterine 
cervix, after the case had been given up as hopeless, by 
several prominent physicians. 
Mental aberration is frequently a result of uterine and 
rectal disease. Usually it only amounts to melancholia, 
but complete dementia has been cured by proper local 
treatment for these affections. 
Muscular pain. This is a common reflex in rectal and 
uterine disease, the pectoral muscles being frequently a 
point of location. 
Nervous prostration is a common result of rectal and 
uterine disease. Often the assimilative powers are inter- 
fered with, and the patient becomes anaemic and emacia- 
ted. Relief of the local difficulty will then sometimes 
result in almost magical restoration to health. 
Ocular disturbances are often reflex in character, and 
yield to treatment of the provoking cause, without ref- 
erence to treatment directed to the eyes. 
Palpitation of the heart is a common reflex, of both rec- 
tal and uterine irritation. Gastric disturbances may also 
originate such reflex. 
Indeed, it is probable that a large majority of the 
funtional diseases, as well as some structural ones, may 
be morbid nervous reflexes many times, and demand an 
entirely different line of treatment than when the disease 
really exists in parts manifesting the morbid symptoms. 
SECRETION AND EXCRETION. 
The act of secretion is the separation of specific prod- 
ucts from the blood, by glandular processes. Material 
separated for use in the body, or for the nourishment of 
the young, as the lacteal fluid, is termed a secretion; that 
for rejection, as waste, an excretion. 
The secretions are always separated by glandular ac- THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
101 
tion; some of the excretions are simply strained through 
membranous walls, as the exhalation from the lungs; 
others, as, for instance, the epithelium, are removed by 
attrition, while the kidneys and sudiparous glands remove 
excretory products by a process similar to that by which 
the true secretions, as the milk, saliva, mucus, etc., are 
separated,-through the growth and deliquescence of 
cells. 
Every secreting apparatus consists of a basement mem- 
brane, supporting cells and blood-vessels, the vessels being 
placed in such intimate association with the cells that 
the latter multiply and grow rapidly during active stages 
of secretion, imbibing their pabulum from the blood and 
deliquescing at maturity, the resulting fluid constituting 
the secretion. 
Certain circumstances determine activity of secretion 
from a gland. These are: (1) The amount of blood, in the 
absence of febrile action; (2) activity of the presiding 
nervous center; (3) amount of elaborative material in the 
blood capable of contributing to the formation of the se- 
cretion under consideration. 
Cerebral impulses favor secretion by imparting stimu- 
lus to the centers presiding over the gland, as when 
thoughts of food increase the flow of saliva in hunger. 
In febrile states, arrest of both secretion and excretion 
is a prominent and persistent symptom, suggesting an 
intimate relationship between these functions and the 
circulation of the blood. When evidences of returning 
secretion and excretion appear, a subsidence of the fever 
is regarded as a certain result-near at hand. 
The secretions subserve special purposes, each secre- 
tory organ or apparatus being devoted, exclusively, to its 
own function, but the organs of excretion are more com- 
mon in their offices, the one sometimes performing vicari- 
ously the functions of another, as when in obstruction of 102 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
the tubules of the kidneys, the skin, by transference to a 
favorable climate or by the use of jaborandi, relieves the 
blood (for a limited time at least, and to a certain extent) 
of urea. 
The three principal agents of excretion are the kidneys, 
lungs, and skin, and between these there is a certain 
reciprocity of action, though the kidneys excrete more 
largely of urea, the lungs of carbon dioxide, while the 
skin, to a more limited extent, in each case, performs 
both offices. 
The principles of dynamical therapeutics demand that 
in the influencing of secretion or excretion, avoidance of 
the large dose shall be observed. An organ unduly stim- 
ulated becomes debilitated in the end, and the purpose of 
medication is thus finally defeated. True, cases of emer- 
gency may demand the large dose, but this is contrary to 
the principles of sanative medicine, and should be aban- 
doned as soon as temporary results have been attained. 
Thus in anasarcous states, active hydrogogue cathartics 
may sometimes serve to rid the cellular tissues of an ob- 
jectionable accumulation of fluids, but this must always 
be at the expense of the integrity of the vascular tissues 
of the intestinal mucous membrane. So with powerful 
diuretics; the kidneys may be stimulated to active work, 
for a time, and apparent good result follow, but there 
afterwards arises the question, How much have the renal 
tissues suffered from this excitement? 
The special sedatives are promoters of both secretion 
and excretion, by controlling vascular excitement, and 
thus relieving the special centers governing these func- 
tions of embarrassing over-stimulation. How much con- 
tiguity of location and other relationship between the 
vaso-motor centers and the centers of control of these func- 
tions influence the result, is a question; but, clinically, it 
has been proven that in febrile states, the best remedies TEE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
103 
%o improve secretion and excretion are those which equal- 
ize the sanguineous circulation, and reduce its movement 
to the normal rate. 
Diet and climate bear an important relation to the or- 
gans of excretion, especially in chronic disease. An over- 
plus of material consumed calls for undue effort for its 
removal, the proteids, particularly, 'when partaken in 
large amount, calling for extra work for their elimination. 
In the matter of climate, we must recollect that a cool, 
moist atmosphere lessens the ability of the lungs and 
skin to excrete, thus throwing more of a burden upon the 
kidneys; consequently, if these organs become diseased, 
a change is demanded. A warm, dry air will now throw 
more of the burden upon the lungs and skin, thus allow- 
ing the kidneys to rest. A cool, dry air permits the lungs 
to divide duty with the kidneys, to a certain extent, and 
is preferable to the damp atmosphere of the sea-coast in 
renal affections. On the other hand, many cases of ane- 
mia and general debility, with pulmonary and cutaneous 
relaxation brought on in the hot, dry climate of the in- 
terior, improve rapidly in the bracing atmosphere of the 
sea-shore, or in a more northerly latitude. 
The centers of control over secretion or excretion may- 
be permanently injured by drugs which powerfully affect 
the medulla or spinal cord, and a state of cutaneous re- 
laxation result, which will be liable to persist for a life- 
time. This is especially so as regards ergot, a common 
class of such cases being women who have been overdosed 
with this drug by ignoramuses, during labor or for the 
purpose of producing abortion, a clammy, relaxed condi- 
tion of the skin, with attendant debility, permanently re- 
maining. 
There is also a probability that the kidneys may thus 
become permanently diseased. It is indisputably estab- 
lished that injuries to the brain may give rise to perma- 104 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
nent relaxation of the capillaries of the kidneys or liver, 
and final structural change of the part congested. 
The important organs of secretion are the liver, pan- 
creas, salivary glands, mucous and serous membranes, 
and mammee. 
The liver has been sufficiently noticed in the considera- 
tion of the portal circulation. 
Of the pancreas little is known as regards its therapeu- 
tics. Its physiological affinities are iodine, iris, and mer- 
cury, but the application of these agents to diseases of 
the organ has never been made. 
The therapeutics of the salivary glands are of impor- 
tance with reference to excessive secretion-ptyalism. 
This may be controlled by minute doses of agents which 
manifest an affinity for the organs, as jaborandi, mercury, 
or iris versicolor. A better effect, however, may some- 
times be derived from galvanization of the tongue in the 
obstinate ptyalism of pregnancy. Lack of activity in the 
salivary glands usually depends upon constitutional 
states, which are reached by remedies that modify dis- 
turbance of the general circulation. 
The mucous membranes manifest various affinities in dif- 
ferent parts; and these are so numerous that reference 
to Specific Therapeutics should be made. 
Serous membranes possess few known affinities. Pos- 
sibly bryonia, apocynum, and sourwood, may specifically 
impart tone to them in relaxed conditions, but whether 
even this feeble influence is on account of any direct 
action upon the pavement epithelia, which constitute the 
secretory structure, is a matter of doubt. 
The mammary gland possesses a number of positive 
specifics. The vascular area described in the mamma is 
most markedly influenced by phytolacca, the gratifying, 
and almost certain action of this agent in mastitis, espe- 
cially that following childbirth, being one of the eminent THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
105 
certainties of medicine. The power of jaborandi to in- 
crease the flow of milk, of saw palmetto to influence nu- 
trition, and of bryonia to relieve painful conditions here, 
are also among the established facts of therapeutics. 
The specific affinity of castor-oil for the mammary gland 
should be recognized, as a warning against the stupid 
but time-honored custom of purging lying-in women with 
it upon the third day of confinement; doubtless many a 
case of mastitis and resultant mammary abscess is set up 
by engorgement of the lacteal ducts in consequence of 
such practice. 
Crises in disease have been recognized since the days 
of antiquity. A favorable crisis is attended by sudden 
establishment of the secretions and excretions. The skin 
especially becomes bathed in profuse perspiration and 
convalescence immediately follows. The lesson suggests 
the propriety of endeavoring to establish an artificial 
crisis early in the course of severe fevers, as continued, 
typhoid, etc. Even if the disease cannot be abated by 
such efforts, its severity may often be so lessened as to 
leave but little after treatment necessary, except careful 
nursing. 
Such measures comprehend the use of the hot pack, 
the spirit vapor bath, or other powerful sudorifics, early, 
before the system has lost its reactive energies. 
TISSUE REGENERATION. 
The repair of injured tissue is a subject which suggests 
itself every day, to the inquiring physician. 
Three factors may be considered as exerting a con- 
trolling influence in the renewal of the life of the tissues: 
(1) The blood supply; (2) the trophic nervous supply; and 
(3) the formative force-plastic power-residing in the 
histological elements, or cells. 
These demand, as an indispensible requisite, proper 
pabulum, which will depend, for its production, upon 106 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
appropriate food supply, normal digestion, and the due 
excretion of effete elements. 
The vascular supply serves at least, then, the purpose 
of the transportation of the elements of growth to, and 
those of decay from, the tissues; partial arrest of the nor- 
mal blood-supply from a part is followed by atrophy, and 
complete arrest by death-gangrene. Proportionate to 
the amount of disturbance in the circulation of a part is 
its tissue integrity. Feeble capillary circulation with en- 
gorgement of the vessels is attended by all the unpleas- 
antness of a chronic inflammatory condition, finally. 
Circulatory disturbances play an important part in 
almost every local lesion; whatever other factor is at 
fault, the circulation participates. In inflammation, one 
of the first evidences of pathological changes is that 
found in the blood-vessels; this giving rise to increased 
rate of motion, attended by exudation and the transmi- 
gration of leucocytes, to be followed by rapid cell prolif- 
eration. Later, sluggish movement, imperfect supply of 
nutritive material, and tardy removal of broken-down tis- 
sue follows. 
Function is thus impaired; and the circulation requires 
to be put in the best condition possible, that the life of 
the part may be sustained, its normal interstitial integrity 
restored, and its vital purposes subserved. 
It is a fact that all the demands of this subject cannot 
be satisfied by the administration of medicine. Mechan- 
ical causes may give rise to most mischievous results, and 
restoration may depend more upon an understanding of 
the principles involved, and rational application of appro- 
priate mechanical correction, than upon the selection of 
drugs. 
Thus, galloping consumption may prove speedily fatal 
in subjects whose lungs have been the seat of hypostatic 
congestion, due to long continued decubitus without THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
107 
change of position, while the parts are extremely debili- 
tated, as in typhoid fever. A threatened mastitis may be 
aborted, and even when developed, the action of the cor- 
rect remedies may be much aided by giving the gland 
proper support. An irritable ulcer upon the lower extrem- 
ity will soon heal, if the part be elevated, so that the hy- 
drostatic pressure consequent upon the upright position 
is removed, and the vascular congestion thus modified. 
Graily Hewitt ascribes chronic inflammatory conditions 
of the uterus to flexions and versions, and proposes to 
remedy these perverse conditions by correcting the dis- 
placement, thus removing obstruction to the vascular cir- 
culation at the cervix. 
Rest, also, may relieve the vascular engorgement-which 
perpetuates depravity of a tissue-and thus aid in its re- 
pair, as when the pulmonary mucous membrane is being 
congested and the condition continually aggravated by 
repeated coughing, such means as quiet the cough and af- 
ford the parts complete rest, conduce to restoration of the 
irritated membrane. Here the will-power of the patient, 
if he can be shown the importance of exercising it, may 
be of utmost service. How many fatal cases of pulmo- 
nary disease might be averted, if the importance of smoth- 
ering the desire to yield to slight inclination to cough 
were recognized by the subject in the beginning! 
The futile and illy-directed efforts of subjects afflicted 
with pharyngitis, laryngitis, coryza, dysentery (recto-coli- 
tis), cystitis, etc., in giving way to impulses due vascular 
congestion of the respectively diseased mucous surfaces, 
are frequent causes to which confirmed chronic diseases 
of the organs involved are referable at a later period, 
and should not be forgotten by the physician who prizes 
his reputation above mere lucrative results. 
The influence of remedies for the circulation, in sub- 
serving the integrity of the tissues, is of the highest im- 108 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
portance. The field of therapeutics of the circulation, in 
this respect, should be separated into two departments: 
(1) That which considers remedies applicable to the gen- 
eral circulation, as the special sedatives, and (2) that 
which has to do with special vascular areas. 
To Scudder must be given much, if not all, the credit 
of adapting the special sedatives to the treatment of 
inflammatory conditions. Localized hypersemia, if acute 
in character, may be controlled nicely, in the majority of 
cases, by those remedies which modify excitement in the 
general circulation, and tend to equal distribution of 
blood. Determination to an irritated part is thus inhib- 
ited, the vessels strengthened, and the stream equally 
propelled to all parts of the body. 
Aconite, belladonna, gelsemium, jaborandi, veratrum, 
and other vaso-motor specifics, thus become important 
agents in guarding against excessive vascular disturbance 
in a part affected by inflammation, and by preventing ex- 
cessive tension and oxidation, maintain its vitality and 
conduce to ready restoration of affected parts after conva- 
lescence. 
But these may often be assisted or successfully set 
aside by agents which possess specific affinities for a 
given vascular area including the point of local irritation. 
Pharyngitis, for example, may be benefited by the sed- 
atives, and probably brought to a successful termination 
through their action upon the general circulation; but 
phytolacca so much more promptly controls the symp- 
toms that we must ascribe to it a specific influence upon 
the circulation in this part. True, the prompt action of 
this agent in healing aphthous ulceration, might suggest a 
tissue affinity of a different character, and it is not impos- 
sible that both virtues belong to the drug; i. e., a specific 
influence upon the vessels of the pharynx, through a spe- 
cial motor center, and an affinity for the structure of the THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
109 
oral mucous membrane, which adds to its plastic, or 
recuperative power. 
In laryngitis, the sedatives generally prove valuable, 
but certain drugs seem to exert a more marked influence 
than that which can be obtained by a general action upon 
the circulation at large. Aconite, while of less power as 
an inhibitory agent than some of the other cardio- 
vascular sedatives, perhaps, exerts here a speedy effect 
beside that of some others; and potassium bichromate, 
though not an arterial sedative in any sense, removes 
subacute inflammation and regenerates tissue here with 
surprising readiness, when hoarseness is the symptom. 
The vascular area described by the bronchial vessels 
offers another example. Veratrum here seems more ap- 
propriate than other arterial sedatives, but asclepias 
tuberosa, while a feeble cardiac sedative, if it exerts any 
influence at all, excels even that powerful vaso-depressor, 
hellebore, in controlling excitation in this area; and so we 
find it with ipecac, as regards the enteric mucous mem- 
brane, collinsonia in rectal disturbances, etc. 
Little is known of the influence of the nervous system 
over the regeneration of tissue, that can exert a thera- 
peutic bearing. Trophic centers evidently exist in the 
spinal cord, and probably possess their affinities, which 
may yet be discovered and found to possess therapeutic 
uses, but at present we can only recognize the principle 
and lay it by for future reference, when we have passed a 
little further along the road of therapeutic discovery. 
We will, therefore, suspend further judgment upon this 
part of the subject, and quote a few paragraphs, upon the 
relation of the nervous system to nutrition, from "Kirke's 
Hand-book of Physiology":- 
"It has been held that the nervous system cannot be 
essential to a healthy course of nutrition, because in 
plants and the early embryo, and in the lowest animals, 110 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
in which no nervous system is developed, nutrition goes 
on without it. But this is no proof that in animals which 
have a nervous system, nutrition may he independent of 
it; rather, it may be assumed, that in ascending devel- 
opment, as one system after another is added or increased, 
so the highest (and, highest of all, the nervous system) 
will always be inserted and blended in a more and more 
intimate relation with all the rest; according to the gen- 
eral law, that the interdependence of parts augments with 
their development. 
"The reasonableness of this assumption is proved by 
many facts showing the influence of the nervous system 
on nutrition, and by the most striking of these facts be- 
ing observed in the higher animals, and especially in man. 
The influence of the mind in the production, aggravation, 
and cure of organic diseases is matter of daily observa- 
tion, and a sufficient proof of influence exercised on 
nutrition through the nervous system. 
"Independently of mental influence, injuries either to 
portions of the nervous centers, or to individual nerves, 
are frequently followed by defective nutrition of the parts 
supplied by the injured nerves, or deriving their nervous 
influence from the damaged portions of the nervous cen- 
ters. Thus, lesions of the spinal cord are sometimes 
followed by mortification of portions of the paralyzed 
parts; and this may take place very quickly, as in a case 
in which the ankle sloughed within twenty-four hours 
after an injury of the spine. After such lesions also, the 
repair of injuries in the paralyzed parts may take place 
less completely than in others; so, in a case in which 
paraplegia was produced by fracture of the lumbar verte- 
brae, and, in the same accident, the humerus and tibia 
were fractured. The former in due time united; the lat- 
ter did not. The same fact was illustrated by some ex- 
periments, in which having, in salamanders, cut off the THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
Ill 
end of the tail, and then thrust a thin wire some distance 
up the spinal canal, so as to destroy the cord, it was 
found that the end of the tail was reproduced more 
slowly than in other salamanders in whom the spinal 
cord was left uninjured above the point at which the tail 
was amputated. Illustrations of the same kind are fur- 
nished by the several cases in which division or destruc- 
tion of the trunk of the trigeminal nerve has been fol- 
lowed by incomplete and morbid nutrition of the corre- 
sponding side of the face, ulceration of the cornea being 
often directly or indirectly one of the consequences of 
such imperfect nutrition. Part of the wasting and slow 
degeneration of tissue in paralyzed limbs is probably 
referable also to the withdrawal of nervous influence 
from them; though, perhaps, more is due to the want of 
use of the tissues. 
"Undue irritation of the trunks of the nerves, as well 
as their division or destruction, is sometimes followed by 
defective or morbid nutrition. To this may be referred 
the cases in which ulceration of the parts supplied by 
the irritated nerves occurs frequently, and continues so 
long as the irritation lasts. Further evidence of the in- 
fluence of the nervous system upon nutrition is furnished 
by those cases in which, from mental anguish or in severe 
neuralgic headaches, the hair becomes gray very quickly, 
or even in a few hours. 
" So many and varied facts leave little doubt that the 
nervous system exercises an influence over nutrition as 
over other organic processes; and they cannot be easily 
explained by supposing that the changes in the nutritive 
processes are only due to the variations in the size of the 
blood-vessels supplying the affected parts, although this 
is, doubtless, one important element in producing the 
result. 
"The question remains, Through what class of nerves 112 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
is the influence exerted? When defective nutrition occurs 
in parts rendered inactive by injury of the motor nerve 
alone, as in the muscles and other tissues of a paralyzed 
face or limb, it may appear as if the atrophy were the di- 
rect consequence of the loss of power in the motor 
nerves; but it is more probable that the atrophy is the 
consequence of the want of exercise of the parts; for if 
the muscles be exercised by artificial irritation of their 
nerves their nutrition will be less defective. The defect 
of the nutritive process which ensues in the face and 
other parts, however, in consequence of destruction of the 
trigeminal nerve, cannot be referred to loss of influence 
of any motor nerves; for the motor nerves of the face and 
eye, as well as the olfactory and optic, have no share in 
the defective nutrition which follows injury of the tri- 
geminal nerve; and one or all of them may be destroyed 
without any direct disturbance of the nutrition of the 
parts they severally supply. 
"It must be concluded, therefore, that the influence 
which is exercised by nerves over the nutrition of parts 
to which they are distributed is to be referred, in part or 
altogether, either to the nerves of common sensation, or 
to the vaso-motor nerves, or, as it is by some supposed, 
to nerve fibers (trophic nerves), which preside especially 
over the nutrition of the tissues and organs to which they 
are supplied. 
"It is not at present possible to say whether the influ- 
ence on nutrition is exercised through the cerebro-spinal 
or through the sympathetic nerves, which, in the parts on 
which the observation has been made, are generally com- 
bined in the same sheath. The truth perhaps is, that it 
may be exerted through either or both of these nerves. 
The defect of nutrition which ensues after lesion of the 
spinal cord alone, the sympathetic nerves being uninjured 
and the general atrophy which sometimes occurs in con- THE PRINCIPLES OE SELECTION. 
113 
sequence of diseases of the brain, seem to prove the influ- 
ence of the cerebro-spinal system; while the observation 
that inflammation of the eye is a constant result of liga- 
ture of the sympathetic nerve in the neck, and many 
other observations of a similar kind, exhibit very well the 
influence of the latter nerve in nutrition." 
A plastic power or formative force, which shapes the 
building of plastic material into determinate forms, is uni- 
versally recognized. This principle exists in the sim- 
plest forms of organic life, endowing the individual with 
the faculty of reproducing like forms from nutritive pabu- 
lum. 
The simplest creatures thus respond to this principle, 
and, as higher forms are reached, it is not in the least 
probable that this endowment becomes lost. True, 
trophic impulses may produce certain effects through ner- 
vous supply, but these cannot furnish that element which 
gives individuality to the recuperative power of every 
portion of the body, existing within itself. 
When the vitality of a part becomes impaired by injury 
or disease, this recuperative energy suffers, along with the 
general impairment of structure, and promptness of repair 
will be in proportion to the amount of plastic force re- 
maining. The relation of formative force to a part may 
be illustrated by the following simile:- 
"Suppose a carpenter builds himself a house, and a cy- 
clone comes along after it is finished and whirls it into 
fragments, injuring in the meantime its owner. Now, 
suppose there is no other builder to be had and that the 
same carpenter in a crippled condition-arms, shoulders 
and other parts of the body somewhat impaired in their 
functions-is obliged to build another. The process will 
evidently be a slow and unsatisfactory one, and when the 
second structure is finished it will be inferior to the first, 
even though all the material furnished should be first- 114 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
class. Suppose, however, this structure is destroyed, but 
the owner this time escapes injury. He has now some- 
what recovered from the effects of the cyclone and is able 
by extra effort to construct a better building than the last 
one. He has been improving, gathering strength as it 
were, and with the same quality of material approaches a 
little nearer perfection than before, when impairment of 
his locomotor and prehensile functions unfitted him, and 
after he has several times repeated the process he comes 
quite near the standard of his former excellence, before 
his injury disqualified him for the purpose/' 
So it is with a part injured by disease. The blood for 
its regeneration may be of the best quality, but the 
builder-the plastic principle, the formative force-has 
been impaired, and though the blood-vessels carry good 
building material to the part the cellular elements fail to 
construct good protoplasm from it, and an imperfect struct- 
ure gradually takes the place of that weakened by dis- 
ease. But the tissues are constantly being broken down 
and repaired, and the physician can aid this formative 
force by selecting such agents as specifically influence the 
affected part to improve its recuperative energies ; he can 
further augment its vitality by the local application of 
properly selected electrical currents; he can guard the 
part from undue tension or over-exertion by proper at- 
tention to details, and after a time, even though the con- 
dition has become chronic, he can effect a renewal of the 
life of the part-an approach towards, if not a complete, 
recovery resulting. 
The nutritional affinity of certain drugs for special por- 
tions of the body seems unquestionable; and in some 
cases this affinity is so powerful as to prove destructive. 
Potassium bichromate destroys the mucous membrane of 
the respiratory and digestive tracts, in persons subjected, 
for a time, to material doses, and it also exerts a healing THE PRINCIPLES OE SELECTION. 
115 
effect here, when administered in doses sufficiently small 
to stimulate the formative force of the affected part with- 
out injury. 
It might be claimed that such an effect was due to the 
influence of the drug upon the circulatory area of these 
parts, but we may refer to the influence of silica upon 
cartilage, or that of cineraria upon the humors of the eye, 
where no blood-vessels are found, in refutation. 
The selective influence of sabal serrulata upon the 
prostate gland, testes, and mammae, is evidently not of a 
vaso-motor kind, but one in which the plastic power is 
concerned-an influence which betters the capability of 
the parts to appropriate nutriment, and form it into struct- 
ure of the best quality. 
Remedies which improve the formative force of a part 
must not be expected to accomplish all that is possible of 
them in a limited time; we must not expect any remedy 
to bring about its effects magically or immediately; such 
an idea would have done better for the days of supersti- 
tion; there must be successive pulling down and building 
up, repeatedly, upon an improved basis each time, as the 
architect improves in power, before a chronically diseased 
part can reach a perfectly normal condition. 
I once administered penthorum sedoides to a patient 
afflicted with chronic inflammation of the upper portion 
of the pharynx, for a year steadily; in the beginning the 
parts affected presented a bluish, dry, shiny appearance, 
which had been present for fifteen years. The influence 
of the remedy was slow, but certain, and when treatment 
was discontinued, the color, secretion, general appearance, 
and sensation of the parts, were normal. Yet we would 
not expect such an effect from penthorum upon any other 
portion of the body, nor need we expect it in acute cases, 
where the lesion is largely circulatory. 116 
PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION* 
INFLAMMATORY DEPOSITS. 
Inflammatory exudation and transudation bear an 
important relation to the sequence of many acute dis- 
eases. Plastic material may become organized to remain 
as an obstruction to normal processes, or it may undergo 
suppuration and leave cavities to be filled with cicatricial 
tissue which may permanently drag important parts out 
of position with painful result, obstruct the circulation, 
or compress vital parts. The prompt removal of such 
deposits is a great desideratum in successful treatment,, 
and the prevention of its accumulation in the tissues 
of fully as much importance. 
Heretofore, the efforts of therapeutists, in treating 
inflammatory affections, have been directed to control- 
ling local excitement in order to lessen activity of struct- 
ural changes-though some of our ultra-scientific surgical 
therapeutists of to-day propose to arrest erysipelas by 
the interstitial injection of carbolic acid to kill the germs; 
a procedure most fool-hardy. A better proposition is the 
administration of remedies-or a remedy-which will 
arrest the exudation of inflammatory products and assist 
in their immediate absorption after deposit, thus doing, 
away with the possibility of cicatricial changes, suppura- 
tion, and prolongation of the inflammatory action beyond 
necessary limits. 
Happily, we possess a very capable remedy for this 
purpose in potassium chloride, the 3x decimal trituration 
being applicable in all cases. When begun at an early- 
period of the inflammatory action and persevered in for 
a few days, a decided modification of the general and lo- 
cal condition will be observed. The temperature falls, the 
skin moistens, and pain and tension in the affected part 
subside. Given, a case of localized pain and swelling 
with tendency to purulent accumulation, and many times THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
117 
suppuration can be aborted by prompt use of this rem- 
edy, the exudation being absorbed and perfect resolution 
established. That stubborn condition, pelvic cellulitis, 
suppuration in which is followed by such deplorable 
results in many cases, can be arrested short of suppura- 
tive action, and speedy convalescence follows in a class of 
cases which ordinarily terminate, after a tedious term of 
suffering, in suppuration and slow and unsatisfactory re- 
covery. Pneumonia is robbed of nearly all its terrors 
and unpleasant sequelae, if this remedy is exhibited 
promptly from start to finish. The croupous exudation 
is removed, hepatization is averted, and speedy reso- 
lution attends. Persistent subacute and chronic coughs 
which depend upon exudation into the mucous and sub- 
mucous structures are readily relieved by this remedy 
because the offending material-the plastic deposit-is 
removed, and normal processes are established. Corneal 
ulcers are healed through the same influence. 
Such a measure renders the management of inflamma- 
tory conditions a pleasure, because prompt and perma- 
nent results wait upon the medication, and the diseased 
part speedily becomes completely restored. 
When inflammatory deposits have become organized- 
have remained in the tissues until they have become hard- 
ened-other means must be resorted to for their removal. 
Sometimes this is a very difficult matter. Electricity 
may now aid the absorbents to take up the morbid accu- 
mulation; massage may be of excellent service; local 
applications of iodine, iodide of potassium, iodide of 
ammonium, and other drugs, locally applied, may be of 
some benefit, though the results are often more imaginary 
than real, and the iodides may prove really harmful in 
many ways. As a rule, when inflammatory deposits have 
become organized, they may be considered a fixture, 
unless it be in rare cases. 118 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
THE NEW FORMATIONS. 
It might be considered a question whether this subject 
is of sufficient importance to justify its notice in a work 
on therapeutics. However, the fact that new growths, in 
some instances, can be influenced by remedies through 
the circulation is generally recognized, and, possibly, when 
studied more carefully, the subject may be made much 
worthier a place in the therapeutics of the future. 
There is probably a class of new formations which are 
so near normal tissues in their structure and place of de- 
velopment, that drugs may be made to exert an affinity for 
them, while in another instance the growth may be devel- 
oped under such abnormal conditions that drug affinity 
cannot produce any effect upon it. 
Take, for instance, enchondroma: We have here a 
growth histologically resembling cartilage and following 
the same developmental course, originating either from 
connective tissue or bone, its connection and evolution 
then, in a certain respect, coinciding with those of normal 
cartilaginous tissue. And there is so close a relation be- 
tween this growth and normal cartilage, that drugs which 
manifest an affinity for the latter tissue might reasonably 
be expected to manifest a like affinity for the morbid de- 
velopment. 
We are credibly informed that silica possesses the 
power of arresting the development of enchrondomata, 
and, while I have never proven the matter in practice, the 
prompt action of this agent upon true cartilage seems to 
me to justify the belief that such statement may be cor- 
rect. 
Excessive development of the epithelium of the seba- 
ceous follicles, in the form of verrucse (warts), is another 
example where drugs, through the circulation, have been 
known to perform a cure. Here, also, there is such a 
close connection between normal tissue and morbid devel- THE PRINCIPLES OE SELECTION. 
119 
vproent that the histological elements retain a certain 
normal selective power, perhaps, and are therefore amen- 
able to the influence of such agents as thuja and magne- 
sium sulphate,-drugs which have been known to effect 
the removal of such growths, when administered inter- 
nally. 
But take such a growth as a dermoid cyst,-a morbid 
development of the ovary, apparently, yet one containing 
the histological elements of the true skin, in its compo- 
sition of cells of corium and epidermis, containing seba- 
ceous and hair follicles and sweat glands, as well perhaps 
as teeth. Here we have a transplanted tissue developing 
in a field isolated from its normal position, the result, 
perhaps, of aberrant cells from the epiblast, lost during 
early embryonic development, so far removed from their 
normal position that drug affinity through vasomotor or 
trophic centers evidently could not exist, nor could the 
attraction ordinarily believed to be exerted between nor- 
mal histological elements and drugs be expected to re- 
main with them after removal to so remote a field from 
the mother soil. 
Cancer, also, probably the result of accidental trans- 
plantation of epithelial cells to that hot-bed of prolifer- 
ation, connective tissue, affords another example where 
little, if any, drug affinity could be expected to exist, if we 
accept the proposition that the underlying principle of 
drug affinity is that the attraction must always be be- 
tween healthy parts and specified drugs, and that in dis- 
ease the same drugs act upon the normal elements, in- 
stead of selecting parts because of morbid changes. 
Dr. Cutter has proposed, probably, the best method of 
cure for cancer-that of starvation; otherwise, a diet con- 
sisting of the one article of food, chopped beef, which 
means only the consumption of barely enough to sustain 
life. Here the powrer of the normal elements to appro- 120 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
priate what is needed robs the exuberant growth that is 
rapidly developing and closing up the avenues of life, of 
needed nourishment, and arrest of its progress results. 
Such a growth is isolated, biologically, from any base of 
operation by which a tissue remedy can exert an influ- 
ence upon it; for though it is a tissue of normal resem- 
blances, in some respects, it is growing out of place. 
It seems to me that the physiological action of drugs 
limits their capacity to exert effects in disease. . In other 
words, any agent capable of acting as a remedy must pos- 
sess the power of specifically influencing, either through 
vasomotor centers or direct action upon the tissues them- 
selves, the circulation of a given part, or through trophic 
nerve centers its nutrition, or by specific affinity for the 
cells themselves, the plastic power presiding over them. 
When new growths are not isolated from the normal 
tissues from which they originate, but are histologically 
modified parts of them, or are intimately related, we may 
reasonably expect the tissue affinities of drugs to be exs- 
erted upon them; but when tissue grows out of place, has 
been transplanted, or develops an entirely new character, 
it is reasonable to suppose that that intimate relation- 
ship which exists between all the normal tissues has been 
severed, and the knife or other destructive means outside 
the field of therapeutics becomes the only reliable means 
of removal. 
PAIN. 
Pain is an almost inseparable symptom of disease, un- 
less there is loss of sensation in the affected part. True, 
the pain may not always be referable to the point of le- 
sion, but may be reflected to a distant portion of the body. 
Still, a sense of local discomfort is almost invariably pres- 
ent, constantly or at intervals, either in the part affected, 
or in some locality, or localities, to which the irritation 
or disturbance is reflected. THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
121 
Pain may be defined as an aggravated sense of discom- 
fort, so pronounced in character as to enable the subject 
to locate it. Its character may vary, being in some cases 
dull, in others aching, sharp, burning, gnawing, stabbing, 
etc. It may be constant, intermittent, remittent, or er- 
ratic or changeable, as to its location. It may be so slight 
as to simply attract the attention of the patient to the 
point of attack, or so severe as to drive him frantic with 
suffering. 
The immediate seat of pain is some portion of the sen- 
sory nerves, but the primary cause may lie outside these 
tissues, as, for example, in inflammation the interstitial 
changes may give rise to pressure or other irritation of 
nerve fibers, a condition demanding the removal of inflam- 
matory hyperaemia, in order that the pain may subside. 
Spasmodic contraction of irritated muscles may be the 
cause of intense pain, from the effects of severe pressure 
upon branches of the afferent nerves. In other cases dis- 
turbances in the nerves themselves may be the origin of 
the pain, as in many cases of neuralgia from irritation of 
a dental pulp, or pressure upon some nerve trunk, or cir- 
culatory changes in the nerve trunks or ganglia. Impov- 
erished conditions of the general system may give rise to 
pain in a nerve on account of deficient supply of nourish- 
ment to the part. Encroachment of new growths upon 
normal tissues may result in pressure or dragging, which 
may amount to severe pain. Ulceration of tissues gives 
rise to exposure of nerve fibers, and resultant irritation 
and distress. 
The rational treatment of pain embraces a lengthy list 
of remedies, though the indolent or careless physician 
will expect to succeed with a very limited number, and of 
these opium, or its preparations, will constitute the prin- 
cipal resource. 
These remedies may be divided into general and spe- 122 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
cial. General remedies are those which exert a control* 
ling influence over the general circulation, especially in the 
nervous tissues, as aconite, or such as add to the nutri- 
tional power there, as phosphorus, magnesium, or potas- 
sium phosphate, or such remedies as stimulate the circu- 
lation in the part, as arsenic. Special remedies are those 
which, acting through their tissue affinities, impress local 
regions specifically, to influence circulatory lesions, relax 
morbid spasm, control irritation, or improve nutrition, 
in special nerve fibers. 
The most satisfactory method of studying this subject 
is to formulate pain expressions with their remedies:- 
Aural pain (earache) calls for chamomilla, piper me- 
thysticum, pulsatilla, verbascum thapsus (oil of). 
Cardiac pain calls for nitrite of amyl, if from angina 
pectoris; in cardiac rheumatism, antipyrin, cimicifuga, 
caulophyllin, jaborandi, the salicylates, etc. Cardiac neu- 
ralgia may call for magnesium phos. 
Ccecdl pain calls for lachesis. 
Cerebral pain of full, throbbing character calls for nitrite 
of amyl, nitro-glycerine, antifebrin, or antipyrin. When 
more than evanescent in its continuation, aconite and gel- 
semium. 
Cerebral pain of dull character, with facial pallor and 
coldness of the extremities, belladonna or ustilago maidis. 
Cutaneous pain, burning, with stinging and pungent heat, 
apis, citric acid (locally), rhus tox. 
Enteric pain (colic), griping, twisting, about and above 
the navel, colocynth, dioscorea; in dysentery or cholera 
infantum, ipecac should be alternated with the one chosen. 
The pain of winter diarrhea calls for potassium bichrom- 
ate 2x. In muco-enteritis, epilobium should not be 
forgotten. Pain in the hypogastric region, when intes- 
tinal in origin, calls for collinsonia. 
Facial pain (tic douloureux) calls for piper methysticum. THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
123 
Gastric pain calls for cimicifuga or caulophyllin, if 
muscular in character; gastric neuralgia, antipyrin, colo- 
cynth, magnesium phos., pulsatilla. 
Hepatic pain calls for bryonia, chelidonium, colocynth. 
Biliary colic (gall-stone spasm), benzoate of lithium, olive 
oil, salol. 
Muscular pain, dull, aching, without swelling of parts, 
calls for full doses of cimicifuga (a decoction is the most 
reliable, in tablespoonful doses). 
Muscular pain, full, tense, severe (parts swollen), great 
aggravation upon the least motion, jaborandi (full doses 
of the green preparation-specific medicine). This is 
the most reliable remedy in inflammatory rheumatism, 
administered until its inhibitory effect is marked by cool, 
clammy skin. 
Muscular pain, sharp and lancinating at times, erratic, 
shifting suddenly, antipyrin; give five-grain doses every 
four hours until better. 
Myalgia (pain in the muscles on motion with relief 
upon rest), chronic, hydrastis canadensis (minute doses). 
Neuralgic pains (at large) in anemic, ill-nourished sub- 
jects, without threatened change of structure, phosphorus. 
If there is loss of memory, occasional aberration, and 
other symptoms of pending organic change, potassium 
phos. Darting, stitching pains, in such cases, may be 
more speedily benefited by the addition of magnesium 
phos. 
Occipital pain extending from the shoulders and neck, 
sticta. 
Odontalgia (toothache) calls for aconite, plantago major, 
piper methysticum. An exposed pulp or diseased fang 
will demand operative interference. 
Orchialgia (pain in the testicle) calls for cimicifuga, if 
the patient is of rheumatic diathesis and the case is 
chronic, or sabal serrulata, when there is prostatic irri- 124 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
tation or sexual neurasthenia; pulsatilla, if acute inflam- 
mation exists. 
Ovarialgia (pain in the ovary), cimicifuga, hamamelis, 
lilium tigrinum, ustilago, valerinate of zinc. 
Pericranial pain, antipyrin, cimicifuga, faradism, sali- 
cylic acid. 
Periosteal pain calls for chloride of gold, iodide of po- 
tassium, manganese, silica, berberis aquifolium, corydalis. 
Bectal pain calls for sesculus, when sharp and cutting, 
with distress in the sacral region; collinsonia, when the 
rectal pain is complicated with pain in the hypogastric 
region; hamamelis, when there is marked local sense of 
fullness and weight. 
Sciatica, when radiating about the hip joint, colocynth; 
when the entire nerve is involved, the sulphur pack, salol, 
the faradic current, downward. 
Spinal pain, severe and drawing, with contraction of the 
dorsal muscles (spinal meningitis), jaborandi. 
Splenic pain calls for carduus marianus, ceanothus 
Americanus, grindelia squarrosa, or polymnia uvedalia. 
Thoracic pain (pleurodynia) calls for bryonia, cimicif- 
uga, caulophyllin. The agonizing pain of pleuritis calls 
for nauseating doses of lobelia (a decoction of the fresh 
plant or saturated tincture of the seed). 
Uterine pain (dysmenorrhea) calls for antipyrin, cim- 
icifuga, leontin, pulsatilla, viburnum prunifolium. 
Vaginal, stitching, sense of weight, dyspareunia, sepia. 
Vesical pain calls for eryngium aquaticum, rhus aro- 
matica; if prostatic irritation exists, sabal serrulata, staph- 
ysagria. 
But therapeutics are not yet so perfected that narcotics 
can always be wholly dispensed with. Morphia and the 
other preparations of opium are sometimes valuable means 
to resort to, as well as chloral, ether, chloroform, cocaine 
and other narcotics and anaesthetics. THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
125 
PERIODICITY. 
Periodicity is a very common element of disease, and 
its recognition and treatment are important, as it is often 
an impediment to successful medication when cases might 
otherwise readily yield to remedies. 
Periodicity is, to a certain extent, a normal element, due 
to diurnal variations of solar heat, probably, but the pe- 
riodicity of disease is usually due to paludal influence, 
-malaria^-and occurs in its most marked character in 
intermittent and remittent fevers. 
However, almost any acute disease may be complicated 
with this element, and its management, otherwise simple, 
perhaps, rendered difficult, unless attention be first paid 
to the periodical manifestation. 
Periodicity manifests itself in the character of an ag- 
gravation or exacerbation of some element or symptom of 
disease, occurring at some regular period of the night or 
day, or, in some cases, upon alternate days, or regular ro- 
tation of days, in each instance the peculiarity of regularity 
being the characteristic element of the case. For exam- 
ple, in intermittent fever or ague, the chill usually occurs 
so regularly that the patient can tell the hour of the day 
upon which to expect it. In certain cases of neuralgia, 
the pain may be so subdued by treatment as to seem al- 
most cured until a certain hour arrives, when a sudden 
increase of suffering dispels the illusion, and, for a few 
hours, the pain may be excruciating, to again abate, until 
another exacerbation, upon a succeeding day. Rheuma- 
tism, pneumonia, croup, dysentery,-in fact, almost every 
form of acute disease may be complicated with periodic- 
ity, and rendered obstinate until this element has re- 
ceived special therapeutic attention. Sometimes the 
element, periodicity, is so purely a fundamental one, that 
the antiperiodic will prove curative of all the symptoms; 
if not, the remaining derangements are readily relieved 126 
THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION. 
by the appropriate remedies, while this might be diffi- 
cult without previous attention to the periodicity. 
Periodicity may manifest itself in various phases. The 
common condition or symptom of periodicity is, chilliness 
followed by febrile action; but pain is almost as frequent. 
Then we sometimes find such symptoms as, stiffening of the 
muscles; tingling, in some part of the body, or profuse 
urinary discharge; diarrhoea; colliquative sweat; severe, 
explosive cough, or other morbid symptom, occurring peri- 
odically. In every case we will find that an imperative 
requirement of treatment is, to remove this element, be- 
fore recovery will progress properly. 
There are several remedies for periodicity with which 
the practitioner should be familiar; for one may not al- 
ways succeed, and the most effective one in ordinary 
practice may disagree with certain patients, rendering 
the use of some other one necessary. 
Quinine is usually the most speedy and prompt anti- 
periodic we possess, and is to be commended for its 
promptness of action; but it produces ringing in the ears 
and other unpleasant cerebral as well as gastric irritation 
in some patients, and cannot be tolerated; however, the 
use of the special sedatives, as a preparatory measure, will 
often counteract this effect. Arsenic acts well, in minute 
doses, in some cases, but I prefer the third decimal (3x) 
trituration of arseniate of quinia. Both this agent and 
arsenic cause irritation of the nervous system, in some 
cases, and cannot be tolerated. Alstonia is an admirable 
remedy in long standing cases, especially in chronic mala- 
rial affections, being unirritating to the nervous system, 
while it promotes healthy processes generally. Fara- 
dism, vapor baths and emetics are other reliable antiperi- 
odics, when properly adapted. Piperin, euonymin, ostrya 
virginica, millefolium, eupatorium perfoliatum, corn-husks 
and other remedies are sometimes used. THE SCIENCE AND ART OF PRESCRIBING. 
127 
THE SCIENCE AND ART OF PRESCRIBING. 
Consideration of certain subjects included under this 
heading is as important as the principles of selection, in 
order that success may attend the efforts of the thera- 
peutist. 
The adaptation of the remedy may be correctly made 
and yet treatment prove a failure, because the drug lacks 
its proper medicinal virtue; quality of drug then is an 
important consideration. Or, the dose may be so large 
that dynamical effect is embarrassed and the function 
sought to be improved unpleasantly disturbed; or the 
dose may be so small as to fail in producing the neces- 
sary amount of disturbance requisite for a salutary effect; 
or, possibly, the drug may have been administered at the 
wrong time to produce the desired result, or it may 
have been given in combination with such agents as inter- 
fered with its proper action (incompatibles). 
The convenience of the prescriber is also to be taken 
into account, as regards the portableness of his medicines, 
if he be so situated that it becomes necessary for him to 
carry them. This will lead to the consideration of bulk, 
form for administration, etc. 
THE QUALITY OF DRUGS. 
The reader will agree with me that in the matter of 
drugs, as well as in many other respects, there is very 
little in a name. A number of years ago, while practic- 
ing in Missouri, I needed some gelsemium, and desired 
it very much. My vial of special preparation was ex- 
hausted, and the only recourse was to apply at the village 
drug store. Sure enough, the apothecary had "Tinct. 
Gelsemium," duly labeled, on his shelves, and an ounce 
was procured, and the remedy administered, but with no 
response, a larger dose was given, but still no effect was 128 
THE SCIENCE AND ABT OF PRESCRIBING. 
manifest, and I found, upon actual trial, that a full tea- 
spoonful failed to produce any of the influence of active 
tincture of gelsemium. 
The tincture had been made, as I learned subsequently, 
of a dried root of which the druggist could afford no idea 
of the age. It had been in his own shop several years 
at least before the tincture was prepared. This is a sin- 
gle instance of a great number of unsatisfactory results 
which have followed the administration of drugs of ques- 
tionable source within the past twenty years, and I am 
confident my experience has been but a parallel to that 
of the majority of physicians. 
We become after a time, distrustful of a remedy unless 
we know the source is reliable. The assurance of the 
druggist as to the qualities of a drug, amounts to little, for 
he is usually unqualified, except to declare that the proc- 
esses of manufacture have been legitimately carried out. 
No one not positively knowing the age of the crude 
material, is competent to say that a pharmaceutical prep- 
aration contains the active principles of the drug it rep- 
resents, unless the material is of an imperishable char- 
acter, and this cannot be said of crude organic products. 
There is no wonder that the average "regular" has so 
little faith in indigenous remedies-that he confines him- 
self to a very small group of agents, and these principally 
chemicals of the kind that cannot deteriorate with age. 
Who has not whiffed the musty odors of an old-fashioned 
blue-pill doctor-shop? The most unreliable place in the 
world to purchase a preparation of a vegetable remedy, 
is a drug store patronized exclusively by "regular" phy- 
sicians. Go to such a place and order tincture of aconite 
or cimicifuga, or any other tincture of a perishable arti- 
cle, and you may get a good drug, and you may .not; 
the chances are you will be disappointed. 
The stuff may have the color, the odor, and, possibly, I'HE SCIENCE AND ART OF PRESCRIBING. 
129 
the taste, but the probabilities are that your patient will 
fail to improve under its influence, as you have a right to 
expect. The material was old and musty, perhaps, be- 
fore the tincture was made, and was as innocent of medic- 
inal principle as the most inert substance in the world, 
or, possibly, the tincture may have been made of a poor 
fluid extract, by adding one part to fifteen of alcohol. 
I may be late in the day in making these accusations. 
Old-school physicians near the centers of medical learn- 
ing are waking up to the importance of reliable drugs, 
but the country cousin is still a hundred years behind 
the times in this respect. 
The successful practitioner of medicine is on the alert 
to know what quality of remedy his patient is taking. 
He realizes the unreliability of the general drug market, 
in many respects, and demands that his prescriptions 
shall be filled with the preparations of some well-known, 
well-tried, and reliable firm. There are a number of 
these houses in the United States, and preparations bear- 
ing their labels, if genuine, may be depended upon. 
Among these it affords us pleasure to mention Lloyd 
Brothers, of Cincinnati, Parke, Davis & Co., of Detroit, 
and Eli Lilly & Co., of Indianapolis. The Specific Med- 
icines are always reliable and have contributed a large 
share toward the success achieved by our school in recent 
times. The Normal Liquids are also worthy of special 
mention. 
Druggists are usually honest; however, sometimes we 
may reasonably suspect they have substituted their own 
or some other cheap article. When there is the least 
ground for suspicion that the best of drugs are not sup- 
plied, the physician will save credit to himself and confer 
a favor upon his patrons, by keeping his own medicines 
in stock and dispensing them when needed. 
There is a class of supplies which are imperishable, as 130 
THE SCIENCE AND ART OF PRESCRIBING. 
the vegetable alkaloids, mineral salts, etc., but these, if 
expensive, may have been adulterated until a given quan- 
tity represents less than half the ordinary strength. 
I have never found any of the vegetable remedies in a 
more reliable form than a tincture prepared from the 
fresh material in the proportion of a pound of the crude 
article to the pint of menstruum, bruised and covered 
with alcohol the same day it is gathered. This repre- 
sents the most refined pharmacy, for it succeeds in pre- 
serving the property of the agent complete, without 
permitting the escape of any of the volatile principles- 
something sure to occur if the agent be dried and stored 
for even a brief space of time. Some agents deteriorate 
materially, even during the short process of drying. In a 
country practice of fourteen years, where indigenous 
remedies were numerous and abundant, I prepared many 
of my medicines in this manner, and was never disap- 
pointed in the effects of a drug thus obtained. 
In gathering plants for medicinal purposes, it should 
be borne in mind that the most vigorous, healthy ones 
should be selected from situations in which they tend to 
grow spontaneously. Wild plants are better than culti- 
vated ones, for they select a spot best adapted to a full 
development of all their qualities. A plant which flour- 
ishes best in a bright, sunny place on dry ground, should 
not be employed if found in a damp, shady spot. Neither 
should they be gathered when wet with rain or dew, but 
under the sunshine, when rays of light are contributing to 
active changes in their tissues. During blossoming-time 
the plant contains the most active qualities. Howers 
should be gathered as soon as they open; berries, fruits, 
and seeds, when fully ripe; bulbs, as soon as mature, and 
the leaves begin to decay; barks, late in the autumn; 
roots of perennial plants, in the autumn after the leaves 
have fallen, or in the spring before they start; those from THE SCIENCE AND ART OF PRESCRIBING. 
131 
biennials, in the spring or fall of the second year; from 
annuals, just before the seeds ripen. 
The great point to be impressed is the necessity of 
caution against the obtaining of a poor agent. When the 
medical profession becomes completely and fully awake 
on this subject-and it is no new one-there will be no 
demand for poor drugs, no opportunity for their substitu- 
tion, and they will not be in the market. But as long as 
a certain class of practitioners administer huge doses of 
crude drugs to their patients, without stopping to inquire 
as to their quality, so long those who follow more of a 
system of refinement in therapeutics must be on their 
guard against unreliable preparations. 
FORM FOR ADMINISTRATION. 
This is an important consideration if we expect success 
to follow our efforts; for remedies should be taken 
promptly and regularly, in order to fulfill our expecta- 
tions, when we prescribe them. 
Some patients cannot take a pill or capsule, some can 
take a capsule but not a pill, and vice versa; others cannot 
take medicine in solid form at all, and demand that every 
medicine shall be fluid, while others prefer powders. 
Then comes the question of pleasant medicines. The 
agent must be pleasing to the eye, unobjectionable to the 
taste, effective in quality, and somewhat concentrated as 
to quantity of dose. 
Besides these considerations, the physician's conven- 
ience must sometimes be consulted. If he is doing an 
office practice in a city, where himself and patients are 
convenient to numerous pharmacies, he can prescribe or 
administer to suit, perhaps, the caprice of all concerned, 
but if his practice call him far from his office over such 
roads as demand equitation for ready travel, his medi- 
cines, in order that he may carry a variety, must be con- 
centrated, and in such form as to avoid loss or injury to 132 
THE SCIENCE AND ART OF PRESCRIBING-. 
other contents of his case, if a vial should become un-» 
corked or be broken by the jolting. In such an instance, 
solids will be the most desirable form. 
Professor Scudder in his "Specific Medication" recom-' 
mends the carrying of fluids (specific medicines), to be 
dispensed in water, a few drops of the appropriate rem- 
edy to be added to half a glass, or four ounces, of the 
vehicle, so that a teaspoonful shall be the regulation dose; 
and this is an admirable form, in acute practice, for a 
large number of remedies may thus be conveniently car- 
ried,-sufficient for an extensive practice, without need of 
frequent refilling. 
But in chronic practice, this method has its objections. 
In a warm atmosphere, an organic medicine soon under- 
goes fermentive change when so highly diluted, and in 
order to keep the remedy constantly up to the standard, 
it should be prepared each day. This involves much 
trouble and expense, and soon puts the practitioner to his 
wits to devise a means by which his patient can be sup- 
plied with remedies which will remain in perfect state 
until the entire prescription has been taken. 
Water will still constitute the bulk of the vehicle, if 
the medicine is to be in fluid form, but after the active 
agent or agents, something unobjectionable must be added 
as a preservative. This may be a small quantity of alco- 
hol (1-16), in some cases; in others, glycerine in small 
quantity (1-4 or 8); and sometimes simple syrup. 
I formerly recommended glycerine as the only proper 
preservative, but I have found so many persons with whom 
this agent did not agree that I have concluded it better 
to discriminate as regards the vehicle, and adapt it to the 
condition of the patient. This is not always possible 
without some trial, but as glycerine often causes burning 
in the epigastric region, it should not be prescribed the 
second time when this is complained of. Different prepa- THE SCIENCE AND ART OF PRESCRIBING. 
133 
rations of glycerine vary in this property, and if a good 
article be used this difficulty may be avoided. 
The following will illustrate, though the quantity of 
glycerine would be excessive in many cases:- 
B Phytolacca (s. m.), fjss. 
Glycerine, ffi. 
Water, add to 
In the sea coast atmosphere of California this formula 
will remain unchanged for a week, though if the tempera- 
ture be considerably higher in other parts than here dur- 
ing the summer, the amount of glycerine may be lessened 
and a small quantity of alcohol added. 
Inorganic substances administered in solution, if not 
combined with organic principles will not ferment, and 
need only the solvent; and if this be simple water, it is 
sufficient. 
Another elegant form for the administration of medi- 
cines is one which commends itself for the reason that 
children, and some adults whose palates are easily of- 
fended by remedies in other forms, receive them kindly, 
while they may, at the same time, represent all the medic- 
inal principles requisite, in a small quantity. I refer to 
TRITURATIONS. 
Thorough subdivision of the particles of any agent 
without doubt promotes its ready absorption, and the full 
display of its properties. If it be an agent of powerful 
nature, its thorough incorporation with some bland vehi- 
cle is an excellent manner of putting it in shape for con- 
venience and safe dosage, rendering accidental poisoning 
from the pocket-case out of the question. Triturations, 
moreover, are elegant preparations. They may be carried 
without danger of soiling the pocket-case or pocket. 
They are clean, attractive, and pleasant to the taste, and 
in this day, when offense to the palate must be avoided 134 
THE SCIENCE AND ART OF PRESCRIBING. 
as well as disease removed, this is no small matter. Trit- 
urations are convenient for office dispensing, also, and at 
the same time they save much trouble in keeping on hand 
a stock of vials, to say nothing of the expense. 
I do not believe that trituration adds anything to the 
drug in the way of dynamization, except the advantage of 
divisibility. The old homeopathists believed that every 
turn of the pestle imparted a new property to the agent, 
and that it acquired new potency as it was carried higher 
in the scale. But this doctrine has fallen through; is 
scouted by the most earnest and sensible men in the 
homeopathic school. Hahnemann doubtless contained in 
his composition more or less of a tendency to supersti- 
tious credulity-nothing to be wondered at considering 
his time. 
Schuessler,in his work on the "Biochemic Treatment of 
Disease," suggests that tissue remedies may be so finely 
subdivided by trituration, as to be taken up by the 
nerve-sheaths of the sympathetic, which ramify through 
the mucous membrane of the mouth and upper part of 
the throat, and, proceeding to the nearest ganglia, distrib- 
uted to the diseased tissues through radiating branches, 
without entering the general circulation, at least a certain 
portion, more rapidly and directly than would be the case 
if first taken into the blood. 
Rejecting all theories as regards any additional prop- 
erty to be derived from the process, except that of conven- 
ience, we may consider this sufficient to warrant the use 
of triturations in a large number of cases, and believe 
those of our readers who are not informed as to the man- 
ner of preparing them should know something about it; 
for while it may be more satisfactory to purchase them 
from a pharmacist, this is not always convenient, and it 
saves considerable expense to prepare the trituration 
needed, from the potency next below in the scale. Rural THE SCIENCE AND ABT OF PRESCRIBING. 
135 
practitioners, especially, will find it convenient to be 
fitted to prepare their own triturations, for valuable time 
is sometimes consumed while waiting for the shipment of 
a package from the city, and this class of agents cannot 
be found in many places outside the commercial cen- 
ters. 
I do not believe that mathematical precision is essen- 
tial to the successful use of a trituration. No doubt the 
one-ninety-ninth of a grain of a drug would produce very 
nearly or quite the same effect as the one-hundredth of a 
grain of the same agent; or perhaps the nine hundred 
and ninety-ninth nearly or quite the same effect as the 
one-thousandth. Perhaps too much stress has been laid 
upon these matters, and that this tends to bring ridicule 
upon the whole process. The object being to render the 
dose sufficiently minute to produce the desired effect, 
without disturbing the economy or part unpleasantly, we 
might employ some other scale of division besides the 
centesimal or decimal, but these are convenient, and not 
objectionable to any genuine Eclectic because they have 
been employed by the homeopathists. 
Hahnemann's method of triturating remedies consists, 
in his own words, as follows:- 
" Of the pulverized substance you take one grain; mer- 
cury may be used in the liquid state; of petroleum you 
take one drop, instead of one grain; put this grain into an 
unglazed porcelain mortar; then you take thirty-three 
grains of sugar of milk and mix them with the drug by 
triturating the mass with some force for about six min- 
utes by means of a porcelain pestle. Before you tritu- 
rate stir the mass for a little while with a spatula. Hav- 
ing triturated the mass, you stir it again for about four 
minutes, scraping up that part which covers the bottom 
of the porcelain mortar, and also that which adheres to 
the pestle; then you triturate again with greater force for 136 
THE SCIENCE AND ART OE PRESCRIBING. 
six minutes, without, however, adding anything new. 
This mass you scrape up again for four minutes, add an- 
other thirty-three grains of sugar of milk, stir the new 
compound for a while with the spatula, then triturate it 
for six minutes; scrape it up for four minutes; triturate it 
again with great force for six minutes; scrape the mass 
up again for four minutes; then add the last thirty-three 
grains of sugar of milk, and with this last added portion 
proceed as with the two former. This powder you in- 
close in a well-corked glass, and mark it with the name of 
the substance and the figure 100, to show that this is the 
one-hundredth potency of the drug. " 
Some of the directions here seem needless, technical, 
and even whimsical, and without doubt are unnecessary 
for the preparing of a good trituration. The founder of 
homeopathy wished, probably, to guard against careless 
and slovenly manipulation, and the consequent presence 
of particles of the crude material in the preparation, but 
this can be effected without devoting exactly four minutes 
to stirring and scraping and six minutes to trituration for 
two consecutive periods, after the addition of each third 
of the bulk of sugar of milk. Still, thirty-six minutes is 
not too much time to devote to the preparation of a tritu- 
ration. Less would not insure thorough subdivision and 
incorporation. "Where time is plenty an hour might well 
be occupied with each one. 
The decimal scale is the one commonly employed at 
the present day in preparing triturations. One part by 
weight of the crude drug to nine of sugar of milk 
thoroughly triturated, constitutes the first decimal; 
marked thus: lx; one part of the first to nine of sugar of 
milk, the second decimal, marked thus: 2x; one part of 
the second to nine of sugar of milk, the third decimal, 
marked thus: 3x; and so on as high as it is desired to go. 
If the quantity to be triturated were large, it would be THE SCIENCE AND ART OF PRESCRIBING. 
137 
well to add a third of the sugar of milk at a time, tritu- 
rating after each addition for ten or fifteen minutes, ac- 
cording to the motion of the manipulator. Some persons 
will accomplish more in six minutes than others in fifteen, 
depending upon the amount of energy or the tension of 
the nervous system of the triturator. 
After the first trituration, it is not necessary to weigh 
the ingredients for the higher preparations. These may 
be measured in a small graduated medicine tumbler or in 
a teaspoon near enough for all practical purposes. As 
we have already stated, mathematical precision is not im- 
portant, so that there be something of a uniformity in the 
size of the dose, and it be minute enough to disturb mo- 
lecular action in the diseased organism kindly. 
I would take, then, say a teaspoonful of the trituration 
to be carried up a step in the scale, put it in a clean mor- 
tar and add nine teaspoonfuls of the sugar of milk or 
other vehicle and triturate for thirty or forty minutes, 
scraping the sides of the mortar and the pestle frequently 
during the time; or, to insure more complete divisibility 
and incorporation, we may add three teaspoonfuls of the 
vehicle to the first spoonful and triturate for a few min- 
utes-ten or fifteen-then again add three teaspoonfuls 
of the vehicle, again triturate, and thus continue until the 
nine have been added. At the end of this time the ques- 
tion will arise, Which insures the best trituration? Solve 
it if you can and take your choice. 
Sugar of milk is the vehicle usually employed for carry- 
ing drugs up through these processes. It possesses 
enough of the cohesive property to render it convenient 
for dispensing, is inert except as regards its nutritive 
properties, which are not objectionable, and pleasant to 
the taste. But sometimes it is not convenient for rural 
practitioners to obtain this article, and some more com- 
mon vehicle must be employed. Cane-sugar would 138 
THE SCIENCE AND ABT OF PEESCBIBING 
answer this purpose were it not that it absorbs a modi- 
cum of moisture from the atmosphere, and when the phy- 
sician needs his trituration for use, it may be found ad- 
hered into a firm mass. This objection may be easily 
remedied, however, by the addition of half as much pow- 
dered starch by bulk or weight. Powdered saccharum 
album and culinary or laundry starch are combined in 
these proportions and thoroughly incorporated. To ac- 
complish thorough mixing, the articles may be put into 
the mortar and triturated-thereafter to be placed in a 
jar for future use as a vehicle. 
I would not advise the reader to begin with the crude 
drug and carry it up if he can obtain a low'er trituration 
of the desired agent with little trouble. These prepara- 
tions are expensive when purchased at a pharmacy, but 
the accumulation of packages of the different attenuations, 
to say nothing of the labor, would be enormous if many 
were used and each one were brought up through a num- 
ber of steps. The preferable plan is the purchase of an 
ounce of the trituration next lower than that usually em- 
ployed, and when the supply jar becomes exhausted, it 
can be replenished by carrying a teaspoonful of the lower 
attenuation up one step. 
There is no call for straining a point by devoting a 
mortar and pestle to each drug. Pharmacists would fain 
have us believe that the preparation of these articles 
calls for an expensive paraphernalia. Water, if properly 
and rationally applied, and a clean drying cloth be used, 
will cleanse the single mortar effectively after the prepa- 
ration of each trituration. The mortar and pestle should 
be proportionate in size, the mortar being large enough 
to contain the mixture safe from spilling -when the pestle 
is vigorously manipulated. 
Fluid medicines may be triturated by adding a fluid- 
drachm of the liquid to nine of sugar of milk for the first THE SCIENCE AND ART OF PRESCRIBING. 
139 
and proceeding with the result, as in other instances. 
The first trituration may be pasty at first, but it will 
soon become dry and pulverized, after it has been scraped 
down a few times. Fluid medicines, however, are usually 
attenuated by dilution more satisfactorily than by tritura- 
tion. 
Dilutions are the same class of preparations as tritura- 
tions (attenuations), only they consist of the reduction of 
the active principle in fluid form, alcohol usually consti- 
tuting the vehicle,-the first decimal dilution consisting of 
one part of the remedy to nine parts of alcohol, mixed 
and well shaken; the second of one part of the first to 
nine of alcohol, well shaken, etc. 
I find some of the specific medicines too concentrated 
to be satisfactorily dispensed to children in the full 
strength, even when largely diluted with water. I have 
known several cases of poisoning in infants with aconite 
administered in this form. Five drops of the specific 
medicine in four ounces of water are amply sufficient for 
an adult if a teaspoonful be given every hour, and if one 
is preparing the mixture for an infant, one drop is fully 
enough; if by accident several drops go over the lip of 
the vial instead, there is danger in the dose. For infants, 
then, and even for general prescribing, the first dilution 
of Lloyd's aconite is preferable to the original form, for 
the sapae manner of use. The toxic effects of belladonna 
are also often developed from the specific medicine. This 
may be said to its credit, for it demonstrates the sterling 
quality of the drug; but a much more satisfactory action 
(dynamical), may be obtained from the third dilution. 
Colocynth exhibits all its admirable qualities as a reliever 
of abdominal neurosis, when half a teaspoonful, or less, of 
the third dilution is added to half a glass of water (four 
ounces), and teaspoonful doses are administered; and the 
bitter taste is gone. These, with tincture of phos- 140 
THE SCIENCE AND ART OF PRESCRIBING. 
phorus, nitro-glycerine, tincture of copper, and a few 
others, about comprise the list of specific medicines 
which require dilution, before dispensing after Professor 
Scudder's plan. 
Crude drugs to be administered in solid form may 
now, thanks to one of the triumphs of modern pharmacy, 
be concealed in capsules, so that the most nauseous agent 
may be taken without discomfort, if the patient is able to 
swallow a bolus. Alstonia, quinia, sulphite of sodium, 
solid extracts, etc., may be introduced into capsules, of 
which a number of sizes are manufactured, and thus dis- 
pensed without fear of rejection by the patient, because 
of objectionable taste. These articles are cheap, and 
should be part of the dispensing stock of every physician. 
THE QUESTION OF DOSE. 
This subject has been a much discussed topic during 
many of the past years of medical history. Since the ad- 
vent of Hahnemann, with his attenuations, the medical 
world has been largely divided into two factions, repre- 
senting respectively the large, and the small dose. 
Dynamical therapeutics have little room for the large 
dose. If we desire to antidote a poison, expel a parasite, 
or relieve an excessively painful sensation, we may em- 
ploy medicine in such quantities as to arrest or disturb 
function, for a time, with beneficial effect; but we cannot 
expect natural processes to be subserved while the agent 
is passing through its active influence in the system. In- 
stead, there is likely to follow more or less debility of 
certain parts principally affected, even though the desired 
result be attained. 
The nature of a drug must determine, to a certain ex- 
tent, its dynamical dose. Some drugs are so powerfully 
toxic in material doses, that therapeutic effect can only be 
expected when minute quantities are administered. Aco- 
nite, bromine, bichromate of potassium, and iodine, may THE SCIENCE AND ART OE PRESCRIBING. 
141 
be named as examples. Others seem to act equally well 
in attenuations or in crude doses, as, for instance, calcium 
sulphide. 
There is a certain range within which it might be a 
question as to what constituted the proper quantity, and 
we find here the individuality of the physician asserting 
itself. Possibly one physician affords his female patient 
as much benefit in a case of pelvic weight and discomfort 
with the 3x of sepia, as his neighbor does with the lOx, 
and, probably, has no better success. In either case 
there is not enough of the agent exhibited to prove an 
unpleasant disturber, when its specific affinities are mani- 
fested, and in both cases dynamical therapeutic results 
follow. 
Though the question of minute dose continually grows 
more acceptable to a larger number of physicians, there 
is always so much difficulty in accepting the proposition 
of attenuation,-except in the case of born and bred hom- 
eopaths-that a few illustrations may profitably be of- 
fered as to the materialism of highly attenuated medi- 
cines. The microscope under a power of three hundred 
diameters has detected particles of medicine in the lOx 
and llx in triturations, and the spectroscope has done as 
much in case of dilutions 
But let the sceptical one take crude sepia (India ink), 
and carry it up through the ascending grade, and he needs 
no optical apparatus to convince him of the presence of 
the active agent, after a number of steps have been taken. 
The first trituration representing nine parts of a perfectly 
white substance (sugar of milk), to one of the active 
agent is almost black, the second is brown, and the third 
still affords an unmistakable evidence of the presence of 
coloring material, and, by comparing the fourth with pure 
sugar of milk it needs no logic to convince one that a 
slightly darker tint exists in the trituration, of which one 142 
THE SCIENCE AND ART OF PRESCRIBING. 
ten-thousandth portion only, is represented by the crude 
drug. 
But the human organism is delicately sensitive to the 
action of minute quantities of drugs; this seems the most 
difficult of comprehension. A minute dose produces no 
change with the healthy person, for the impression made 
is so slight as to be incapable of causing deviations in 
normal processes; however, in disease, the debilitated or 
disordered functions are nevertheless prompted by such 
quantity, and restoration follows. 
Clinical experience, then, is of more value in the deter- 
mination of dose than all the theory or scientific investi- 
gation that can be made. 
Some persons are extremely susceptible to the action 
of a medicine that can be tolerated by others in much 
larger doses. Many Eclectics use the one-per-cent solu- 
tion of nitro-glycerine habitually, and it does very well 
as a rule, but I have produced severe aggravation of a 
throbbing headache with the 3x, which would represent 
the one tenth per cent; this patient complained of severe 
cerebral throbbing when a teaspoonful of the 5x was 
added to a wineglassful of water, and a teaspoonful given 
every two hours. 
I believe that the majority of fluids requiring attenua- 
tion act as well in the third decimal dilution as higher, 
and I prefer the majority of our indigenous remedies in 
the form of specific medicines, simply diluted in water. 
But certain mineral agents, as arsenic, antimony, mer- 
cury, etc., should not be administered in lower attenua- 
tions than the 2x or 3x, and some animal substances, as 
oyster-shell, act well in high, as well as low, attenuations. 
Lachesis should be well attenuated. 
Unfortunately, the tendency has been to assume exclu- 
sive positions upon this subject instead of taking the mid- 
dle ground and recognizing the benefit of both the large THE SCIENCE AND ART OF PRESCRIBING. 
143 
and the small dose, as demanded by the appropriate oc- 
casion. 
THE SINGLE REMEDY VERSUS COMBINATIONS. 
The practice of administering but one remedy at a time 
possesses its advantages in certain respects, while th a t 
of combinations may also put in claims for recognition. 
The worst that may be said of either practice, is, that it 
has been abused. No one but the strictest Hahnemannian 
adheres to the single remedy usage; many avowed home- 
opathists not only alternate single remedies but combine 
them in the same dose as well. 
The use of single drugs does more to develop their 
clinical properties than combinations, for when benefit 
follows promptly upon the administration of the single 
remedy there can be no question as to what has done the 
work; there is no disputing the fact, that we can thank 
homeopathy for much valuable therapeutic knowledge 
thus obtained. But two drugs may be needed at the 
same time, and may operate in distinctly separate fields, 
each one accomplishing its special mission, and each one 
being urgently required by the exigencies of the case. 
To illustrate this, let us take a case of acute pharyngi- 
tis : We have here a local inflammatory condition, 
marked by general, as well as local disturbance. The 
general disturbance consists of an acceleration of the 
general blood stream, with increased rate of pulse, 
arrested secretion, headache, nervous irritability, muscu- 
lar pain, etc., calling for a remedy which will specifically 
influence the vaso-motor centers controlling the general 
circulation. Sedation of this general vascular disturb- 
ance is an important indication to fulfill, and one of the 
special sedatives (usually aconite), the appropriate rem- 
edy. But there is a localized area concerned in this case 
which, though influenced along with the general circula- 
tion by the sedatives, is more specifically controlled by 144 
THE SCIENCE AND ART OF PRESCRIBING. 
a remedy (phytolacca), which does not exert any influence 
over the general circulation. 
In order to derive all the benefit possible from a pre- 
scription, in such a case, then, the two agents must either 
be administered in alternation or combined in the one 
mixture; and as clinical experience has proven that they 
act as well in combination, it is convenient in many ways 
to unite them. The following combination proves more 
satisfactory than any single agent in such a case:- 
ty Aconite (s. m.), gtt. v. 
Phytolacca (s. m.), fjss. 
Water, add to 
Suppose we take a case of acute mucoenteritis as an- 
other example: Here we have again the general vascular 
disturbance to be met by the appropriate sedative, and 
the local vascular area, amenable to the influence of the 
more specific agent (ipecac), but the element, pain, may be 
so prominent a feature in this case that even a third rem- 
edy more adapted to the neurotic phase may be added 
with advantage, and colocynth can become a helpful 
agent in the combination. Thus:- 
$ Aconite (s. m.) gtt. v. 
Ipecac (s. m.), gtt. xv. 
Colocynth (s. m.), gtt. iii. 
Water, add to 
The only objection that can be urged against combina- 
tions, unless they are carried into the extreme of empiri- 
cal shot-gun prescribing, is that of incompatibility. Of 
such errors there is little danger, with the small dose and 
specific adaptation of dynamical therapeutics. However, 
a brief notice of this subject is worthy our attention. 
Incompatibility of drugs may be considered under 
three separate heads: (1) Chemical, (2) therapeutical, and 
(3) pharmaceutical. 
Chemical incompatibility may result unfavorably when THE SCIENCE AND ART OE PRESCRIBING. 
145 
the combined agents react upon each other to form new 
compounds, which may render the active principles either 
insoluble or of such form as to divert the combination 
from its objective point as a therapeutic agent. Phos- 
phoric acid and quinine united in a vehicle form phos- 
phate of quinia, an insoluble compound which becoming 
precipitated, forms an unsightly mixture, and unless the 
vial be well shaken at each time of taking, the therapeu- 
tic properties are left behind until the contents are 
nearly exhausted, to then appear in exorbitant doses. 
The combination of two salts may result in exchange of 
their radicals and the formation of new salts, when com- 
bined in a solution; such agents, if more than one be ad- 
ministered at a time, should be given in alternation. 
Acids and chemical bases when united result in the form- 
ation of salts, and should not be joined in a prescription 
unless the preparation of a salt is intended. Borates, 
carbonates, hydrates, phosphates, and tannates of alka- 
loids and minerals, are liable to result if caution and dis- 
crimination be not exercised in the combining of them. 
Lime unites readily with the atoms of carbonic acid of 
many carbonates to form an insoluble precipitate. Other 
examples might be offered but are hardly necessary in a 
work of this character. 
Therapeutic incompatibility implies antagonistic action on 
the part of two agents in the system when administered 
at the same time, though there may be no chemical in- 
compatibility prior to ackninistration. Certain drugs 
interfere with the action of certain others without doubt. 
Atropia and sulphate of morphia are antagonistic, the one 
antidoting the action of the other, a fact worthy of recog- 
nition in case of poisoning by either agent. Calabar 
bean and belladonna, and jaborandi and, belladonna are 
other instances. It has been asserted by some that the 
prescribing of belladonna and gelsemium at the same 146 
THE SCIENCE AND ART OF PRESCRIBING. 
time is unscientific, for the reason that they are indicated 
in opposite states of circulatory disturbance. But while 
there are few cases where both remedies would be indi- 
cated at the same time, the fact that each remedy, so far 
as the circulation is concerned, spends its therapeutic 
force upon a different part-each acting in a different line, 
the one upon the heart and arteries, the other upon the 
capillaries, would go to gainsay such a proposition. Gel- 
semium is usually indicated in sthenia, with full, bounding 
pulse; belladonna in asthenia, with feeble, compressible 
pulse; but this need not indicate that the one would anti- 
dote the influence of the other if both were administered 
at once. 
A general knowledge of the physiological action of 
drugs-an important need in the education of every ther- 
apeutist, will usually enable the practitioner to avoid 
therapeutic incompatibles. 
Pharmaceutical incompatibility will not trouble us much, 
as we do not propose to deal largely with polypharmacy. 
Mixtures of iron and vegetable extracts result in inky 
compounds, formed by the precipitation of tannates. Io- 
dide of potassium decomposes many-in fact nearly all 
metallic salts,-and corrosive sublimate is decomposed by 
association with almost any other agent (a fact not highly 
important here, but mentioned incidentally). Certain 
agents are powerful oxidizers, as chlorate of potassium, 
nitric, and nitro-hydrochloric acids. Sugar, the oils, 
ethers, phosphorus, and glycerine, being readily oxidiza- 
ble, should not be indiscriminately mixed with such 
substances for fear of an explosion, to say the least. Al- 
most every physician's visiting list contains a catalogue 
of incompatibles, which will be found valuable for study 
during spare moments, if his predilections are in the di- 
rection of indiscriminate mixing. 
There are often instances where the single agent acts 147 
THE SCIENCE AND ART OF PRESCRIBING. 
with more positiveness than if combined with another. 
Given, a case of laryngeal irritation with hoarseness as a 
leading characteristic, and potassium bichromate 2x or 3x, 
acts more promptly than any combination can, in effecting 
a cure. Given, a case of spasmodic cough, especially per- 
tussis, and drosera excels the most approved combination. 
Given, a case of capillary bronchitis, with subcrepitant 
ronchi, and suffocative cough, with evident oppression of 
the respiratory center, and tartar emetic 2x will produce 
more prompt and pleasing effect than all combinations 
ever tried. 
In conclusion, then, it may be written, that two or 
three remedies may be advantageously combined when 
there is offered for each, in a given case, a separate field 
for action. When such fields are not offered, the single 
remedy will be more scientific and more satisfactory. 
It may be added, that, as a general rule, no combina- 
tion should contain more than one mineral agent, if in- 
tended for internal administration. It would be better 
to make it a rule to always administer mineral agents 
singly, and in alternation with other remedies, if the case 
calls for any further medication. 
TIME OF ADMINISTRATION. 
The time of administering medicines is worthy a few 
moments' thought, for in some cases it is of considerable 
importance. For instance: Vermifuge agents may en- 
tirely fail of the desired effect if taken while the stomach 
contains food, or immediately before eating; an antiperi- 
odic administered so that its effect has passed off before 
the time of exacerbation affords unsatisfactory results, 
failing, usually, to interrupt the periodicity. Some rem- 
edies prove irritating to the stomach when taken before 
meals or when the organ is empty, and require to be 
taken after meals; such is the case with cod-liver oil, al- 
stonia, and some other remedies. 148 
THE SCIENCE AND ART OF PRESCRIBING. 
The administration of minute doses of medicine, in 
acute disease (and this is usually the preferable plan), 
comprehends a frequent repetition of the dose. The sed- 
ative mixtures of aconite, gelsemium, veratrum, jabo- 
randi, etc., (a few drops of the remedy in four fluid-ounces 
of water, the dose being a teaspoonful), should be admin- 
istered every hour to maintain a constant influence over 
the circulation and eventually bring it under control. 
Minute doses of ipecac, lobelia, nitrate of sanguinarina, 
tartar emetic, etc., administered to control pulmonary ir- 
ritation giving rise to cough, should be taken every two 
hours, at the most, for the philosophy of the small dose 
is its direct action continually impressed, against that of 
the large dose, spasmodically disturbing a part in an un- 
pleasant manner. 
In chronic disease, even when we rely upon the minute 
dose, frequency of repetition is not so important; intersti- 
tial changes do not require such frequent prompting as 
circulatory changes, or, perhaps, it might be better stated 
that drugs which specifically impress interstitial or cel- 
lular changes are not so speedy in action nor so evanes- 
cent in their influence, as those which are adapted to dis- 
turbances of the circulatory system. 
In chronic disease, then, three or four doses in twenty- 
four hours answer as good, if not a better purpose, than 
more frequent repetition. The therapeutic effect in 
chronic disease must be the gently persuasive, not the 
radically coerceive one. 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
The wise physician will dispense his own medicines, as 
a general rule. However, there will occur numerous 
instances in which it will be more convenient to send the 
patient to the druggist, and the observance of a certain 
decency in the matter of inditing the billet which calls for 
the remedy or formula required, is commendable. THE SCIENCE AND ART OF PRESCRIBING. 
149 
There are numerous reasons why a prescription should 
he unintelligible to certain patients. Could we always 
deal with educated and intelligent persons, it might be 
different, but with many, a common remedy called for by 
its common name would not be considered worth the tak- 
ing, or a remedy which is poisonous in large doses, if 
prescribed even in highly attenuated ones, would be suf- 
ficient to frighten some into discarding their physician 
for prescribing such an agent; therefore it would be better 
to disguise a knowledge of the character of such med- 
icine from the patient. 
A few physicians pride themselves upon their dog- 
Latin-for few employ anything better than a mere smat- 
tering of knowledge of the Latin language,-and make 
it a point to criticize and ridicule the prescriptions of 
less pretentious competitors, who perhaps may excel 
them in the real science of therapeutics. This is an ad- 
ditional reason why prescription writing should receive 
some attention from every practitioner, even though he 
may not practice polypharmacy, nor follow the habit of 
sending every patient to the druggist for a bottle of 
nauseous compound. 
Physicians who write faultlessly correct Latin prescrip- 
tions are few, and far between. Latin is a study demand- 
ing a great deal of close application for its complete 
mastery. Its numerous complicated declensions and con- 
jugations, with their rules and exceptions, are calculated 
to muddle the brains of those who do not devote much 
labor to them. The majority of pretended Latin pre- 
scribers might find it difficult to write even a correct 
English prescription, and if they possess a little knowl- 
edge of some of the rudiments of Latin they are among 
the favored few; but the majority are liable to many 
stumbles and blunders which, if their work were criticised 
by competent judges, would readily appear. 150 
THE SCIENCE AND ART OF PRESCRIBING. 
Modern prescription writing has established the cus- 
tom of semi-Anglicising and abbreviating, so that many 
tough problems are slidden over with a tolerable show 
of scholarly skill; and this is all very well, for why should 
a dead language be prepetuated at needless expenditure 
of labor, when medicine presents so many more-important 
subjects, to demand unceasing application for their suc- 
cessful study? 
Every prescription may be divided into four parts: (1) 
The superscription; (2), the inscription', (3) the subscription', 
and (4) the signature. In some cases the subscription is 
joined to the inscription so that these parts are not dis- 
tinctly set forth. An illustration of this deviation will be 
given shortly. 
The superscription universally employed is the symbol JI 
(which is not an abbreviation and requires no period). It 
is formed from the union of the first letter of the Latin 
verb Recipio and the sign (used as an invocation to a 
supernatural power by the ancients). This occupies the 
left hand corner of the prescription and literally signifies 
Recipe, the imperative mood, second person, singular 
number, of Recipio (I take), and literally signifies, "Do 
thou take. " It is directed to the one who compounds the 
mixture. 
The inscription consists of the body of the prescription, 
containing the names of the ingredients, and the amount 
to be employed of each, in drops or grains, drachms, etc. 
The subscription indicates the form the mixture is to 
assume; as, if the ingredients are fluid, the abbreviation, 
M. If the ingredients are solid and in the form of 
powder, the abbreviations M., ft., chart., no., etc., indica- 
ting the number of powders or papers the mixture is divi- 
ded into, are employed. 
The signature contains the directions with regard to the 
administration of the medicine, and the prescriber's name. 1HE SCIENCE AND ABT OS' PRESCRIBING. 
151 
It is preceded by the abbreviation S. or Sig., which sig- 
nifies literally, "Write thou."-the writing to be done 
upon the label of the vial or wrapper containing the med- 
icine after it has been compounded. 
For example:- 
Superscription. $ 
Quinise sulph., gr. xv. 
Glycyrrhizse pulv., gr. xxx. 
Inscription. 
Subscription. 
M. (or Misce, Mix), et ft. (or fiat), 
pulveres numero xv (and make fif- 
teen powders). 
Signature. 
S. (Sig., or Signa).-Take a pow- 
der before each meal. 
John Doe, M. D. 
The combination of the inscription and subscription 
may be illustrated as follows:-- 
Inscription and 
subscription. 
Superscription. 
Piscidise erythrinse fs. m.), fji. 
Glycerini, ad f?ii. 
Signature. 
S.-Take a teaspoonful every two 
hours until sleep follows. 
A. Watson, M. D. 
The abbreviation, M., is not needed here, for the rea- 
son that ad signifies that the last ingredient, glycer- 
ine, is to be added to what has already been prepared, in 
sufficient quantity to increase the bulk of the mixture to 
the amount required; and will constitute the order to mix, 
without further directions. 
A little knowledge of the relationship between the 
nominative and genitive cases, through the various de- 
clensions, will enable one to do tolerably correct work in 
Latinizing his prescriptions, if it be remembered that JI is 
the sign of a transitive verb, and that the amounts of in- 
gredients are its objects; as, Take qI sulphate of quinia, 152 
THE SCIENCE AND ART OF PRESCRIBING. 
fifteen grains', and that the name of the ingredient is in the 
genitive (of sulphate of quinia). 
The genitive case, then, is the only point in which a 
knowledge of Latin is really essential, in order that the 
writer may pass muster as a skillful prescription writer, 
and the five different declensions should be studied for a 
knowledge of the proper use of this case, which is indi- 
cated by the letters in the termination of the name in 
question. 
Lor example: In the first declension the nominative 
singular ends in a, and the genitive is formed by sup- 
planting the final letter with se; as, nominative cimcifuga, 
genitive cimcifugce. The word cimcifuga, then, mentioned 
in a prescription after the sign should be so written. 
Quinia should be written quiniae, morphia, morphise, etc. 
But when we apply this case ending to the large num- 
ber of agents in the materia medica through the five de- 
clensions with their different classes, it becomes a subject 
of no little magnitude, and evident that it must be made a 
technical matter; i, e, each agent liable to be included in 
a prescription must be studied with reference to its end- 
ing in the genitive singular, and memorized. This can 
soon be accomplished by one who desires to appear class- 
ical; and, as there is no call for a Latin signature, when 
this is attained the physician is pretty well equipped to 
write Latin prescriptions. 
To this however should be added a familiarity with the 
abbreviations commonly in use, a list of which can be 
found in every medical dictionary. 
A clever maneuver adopted by many prescribers, who 
are not certain as to terminations, is that of abbreviating 
in such a way that there need be no mistaking the agents 
referred to by the writer, and yet so that no case endings 
appear-the final syllable, or perhaps more of the word, 
being supplied by a period. THE SCIENCE AND ART OF PRESCRIBING. 
153 
Such a prescription as the following one would pass 
as a fair production, and the writer would not commit 
himself upon doubtful points, if he were not a Latin 
scholar:- 
$ Cimicif. rac. (s. m.) f 3i. 
Pulsatil. (s. m.) fjss. 
Aq. ad f$iv. 
But the abbreviating of medical terms requires some 
care, in order that non-professional persons may not ri- 
diculously and disastrously mistake the meaning. The 
account of the physician who was summarily dismissed 
for prescribing "Fl. ex. rham. cat." (cascara) for a suscep- 
tible lady is probably fanciful, but it serves to illustrate 
the danger of recklessness in this particular-for the phy- 
sician's prescriptions are often scanned by curious pa- 
tients. 
After all, it is as well to adopt the plan of writing the 
names of the ingredients in plain English, after the regu- 
lar superscription, entirely foregoing the effort to Latin- 
ize ; at least this might avert many embarrassing situa- 
tions. For example:- 
$ Sulphate of quinia, gr. 15. 
Powd. Glycyrrhiza, gr. 30. 
M., etc. 
With many, the use of Arabic numerals has succeeded 
the more common custom of employing Roman characters 
to designate amounts of ingredients to be employed, and 
the numbers are not so apt to be mistaken when not 
plainly written. 
The metric system of designating amounts of ingredi- 
ents in prescriptions is worthy of passing notice as a nov- 
elty, only. Could any good result from this attempted 
innovation there might be some excuse for the proposed 
departure. Even were this considerable, it could hardly 
compensate for the confusion and accident, liable to at- 154 
THE SCIENCE AND ABT OF PRESCRIBING. 
tend the transition. The popular and generally employed 
system serves every purpose, and will probably remain 
in use. 
Plainness of execution is an important element of good 
prescription writing. The efficacy of the remedy or com- 
bination will depend upon the proper or relative amounts 
of ingredients employed; the safety of the patient de- 
mands that great care shall be exercised when material 
doses of aconite, arsenic, belladonna, colocynth, digitalis, 
phosphorus, strychnia, and other powerful drugs are pre- 
scribed. 
INFUSIONS AND DECOCTIONS. 
This subject should have been included under "Forms 
for Administration, " but was overlooked. 
Water extracts the virtues of some organic remedies 
better than any other menstruum, and when this is the 
case, preference should be given, either to an infusion or 
decoction, even though the form may not be quite so ele- 
gant as some others. 
Infusions are made by immersing the crude product in 
hot or cold water, for a time; decoctions, by allowing the 
water to boil. In some cases the process of boiling in- 
jures the medicinal principles, while in others it is essen- 
tial, to extract the virtue required. 
Some of our indigenous remedies are nearly worthless 
for certain purposes, except when water is used to extract 
their virtues, though when such plan is resorted to they 
may occupy the highest place as restoratives. The phe- 
nomenal success achieved by the early Botanies was due, 
largely, to the fact that their remedies were adminis- 
tered in the form of "teas" prepared from recent indige- 
nous plants. 
Erigeron canadensis is an exceptionally valuable rem- 
edy for arresting the alarmingly exhaustive watery evac- 
uations peculiar to some of the active stages of cholera THE SCIENCE AND ART OF PRESCRIBING. 
155 
infantum, if a decoction of the fresh plant be drunk freely, 
but is comparatively worthless in any other form, for 
this purpose. Professor Howe's prescription of logwood 
for diarrhea stipulates that an infusion of the aqueous ex- 
tract must be employed. A decoction of recent root of 
cimicifuga excels all other forms of this agent in mus- 
cular rheumatism. I often turn from more elegant forms, 
back to this primitive one, resorted to for convenience 
and economy during an early country practice, to find 
a waning faith in an old-time remedy renewed. And so 
with a number of other common indigenous remedies. 
Professor J. U. Lloyd, senior member of the firm sup- 
plying "specific medicines," entertains views very similar 
to these, and views which entitle him to the highest re- 
spect for his unselfish candor, when his own interests 
would be better served by indorsing, unreservedly, the 
products of the laboratory. 
But valuable as these forms are, they should only be 
resorted to upon exceptional occasions (when more ele- 
gant forms will not suffice), as the dose must be bulky and 
often nauseating, while the practice (unless the manner of 
preparation be kept from the patient) is liable to inspire 
a lack of confidence on account of its apparent crudity. 156 
THE MEDICINE CASE, 
THE KEDICINE CASE. 
The arrangement of a medicine case, adapted to emer- 
gencies and every-day needs, is a subject of grave impor- 
tance to the recent graduate. What shall he carry with 
him in order to be prepared to minister to the wants of 
a variety of cases liable to be met with during his daily 
rounds? 
This is a question not to be dealt with lightly. It 
would be an easy matter to provide pretty well for 
every case likely to be encountered in a large practice 
in both acute and chronic cases, were there no incon- 
veniences to be avoided in the way of bulky, heavy 
medicine chest, filled with a large assortment of vials 
and packages, many of them seldom used, liable to be 
broken, and subj'ect to more or less leakage to result in 
gummy coatings for the adhesion of powders, dust and 
other accumulations, to say nothing of the odors em- 
anating to render the whole outfit a nuisance. It is one 
thing to be provided with necessary drugs, and another 
to have them so disposed as to present an agreeable and 
inviting appearance to the patient, and not be a cause of 
offense to the practitioner himself. The filling of a medi- 
cine case in the start is a small part of the affair. The 
outfit must be overhauled, cleaned, the vials refilled, 
wiped, newly corked, and re-labeled every few days, if 
complete j'ustice is done the subject. Really the medi- 
cine case in some respects is a great nuisance, and it is 
no wonder that many city physicians are so ready to 
relegate the entire management of the drug question to 
the druggist, and content themselves with prescription 
pads and pencils. 
But the rural practitioner must carry his medi- 
cines ; drug stores are not always at convenient band in 157 
TEE MEDICINE CASE 
thinly populated districts, and provision must be made 
for his urgent demands. It is advantageous in many re- 
spects for the city physician to have with him a few of 
the essential remedies while on his daily rounds; let him, 
however, dispense with those likely to be needed but 
seldom, as he can usually provide himself with these at 
leisure, or in advance, as when forewarned by the pres- 
ence in his neighborhood of an epidemic or endemic out- 
break calling for some special agent. The fewer the 
remedies that can be selected for daily transportation 
and the combination prove efficacious, the better. 
It may be safely asserted that there is no call for the 
carrying, habitually, of remedies for the treatment of 
chronic cases; these can be supplied to order and thus 
lessen the bulk and aviordupois of the every-day outfit. 
In acute diseases the remedies in the case can be varied 
to suit the season of the year, or any particular epidemic 
which may prevail. And now let us see what shall be 
supplied in the beginning. 
Febrile and inflammatory conditions are so common in 
acute diseases that the list of sedatives is suggested in 
the start-remedies influencing the circulatory system. 
These are Aconite, Belladonna, Gelsemium, Jaborandi. 
Rhus Tox., and Veratrum. But here are six remedies- 
a sufficient number of the first class considered to go 
quite a long way toward filling a respectable medicine 
case, and we must try to drop some of them; at least 
leave them on the shelves for occasional resort when 
absolutely indispensable or preferable to the more com- 
monly useful ones; let us consider them in detail:- 
Aconite.-Aconite is first on the list and a remedy ap- 
plicable to a wide range of cases. It is a sedative in 
fever and inflammation, a calmative in restlessness, a 
pain reliever in rheumatic and neuralgic complaints, and 
it specifically influences irritation of the larynx, pharynx, 158 
THE MEDICINE CASE. 
and intestinal tract, if the vascular areas concerned are 
acutely disturbed. It is what the homeopathists would 
term, "a poly direst." It is an indispensable agent, es- 
pecially valuable as the children's remedy, while it could 
hardly be spared in the adult class, and it is a remedy to 
be employed in all seasons and in almost all acute affec- 
tions. We will fill the first vial then with aconite, the 
first decimal dilution of the specific medicine being pref- 
erable to the full strength, as in dispensing it to very 
small children one drop too many of the stronger prep- 
aration in a glass of water might prove a grave mistake. 
Belladonna.-Belladonna is the next remedy on the list, 
and one fulfilling important purposes when indicated, but 
one, after all, only needed in isolated cases, and at long 
intervals. In a large practice not more than one or two 
cases requiring belladonna are liable to be encountered 
in a year, and that amount of use hardly warrants the 
constant lugging of the remedy, especially as the cases 
are not those demanding great haste as to its administra- 
tion. Belladonna cases border on the line of chronicitv. 
•/ 
Gelsemium.-The next remedy to be considered pos- 
sesses more claims to a place in the medicine case than 
the one just mentioned. Though not indispensable as a 
sedative, its action in determination of blood is very ac- 
ceptable in many cases; yet this action is probably as 
well represented by jaborandi. Still, gelsemium pos- 
sesses some antimalarial properties and abets the action 
of quinia in many cases, and is probably as positive an 
agent as any we have to assist the relaxation of a rigid 
os uteri. After all has been said however gelsemium 
hardly offers any advantage in any respect over jaborandi, 
and we may leave it out feeling that its place will be well 
supplied by agents more important in other directions. 
Jaborandi.-We next come to consider jaborandi, as im- 
portant a remedy as aconite, and as indispensable to a THE MEDICINE CASE. 
159 
satisfactory practice. It is a more positive sedative than 
gelsemium or veratrum, and as sure an antispasmodic as 
gelsemium or lobelia. It is applicable in appropriate 
doses to almost any febrile or inflammatory condition, 
and full doses will relieve the agonizing pain of angina 
pectoris, inflammatory rheumatism, or muscular spasm, 
more promptly, effectively and safely, than any other 
remedy. It enjoys the reputation in old-school quarters 
of being a specific in erysipelas, one doubtfully earned as 
yet, perhaps, but one worthy of remembrance for future 
trial, while in that dire disease known as cerebro-spinal 
meningitis it is often useful In any febrile or painful con- 
dition where a dry skin is persistently present we need 
this remedy especially, but it is not contra-indicated if 
this symptom be not prominent. The only preparation 
of this drug that I can recommend from personal knowl- 
edge is the specific medicine. Twenty or thirty drops 
of this constitute a full dose, and two full doses within 
half an hour should be the limit of full doses, where 
there is severe pain. A drachm to four ounces of water 
will constitute a fair sedative mixture for ordinary cases 
in teaspoonful doses. This may follow the administra- 
tion of full doses for the relief of pain of inflammatory 
nature, or may be used for the ordinary purposes of a 
sedative. We will fill the second vial with specific medi- 
cine of jaborandi, feeling that with it and aconite we are 
pretty well equipped wrth sedatives, while we have a 
brace of remedies of quite a wide range of use outside 
the strict limits of vascular therapeutics. 
Rhus Tox.-Does this agent fulfill any indications not 
covered in common by other members of the group? I 
think it does. Many febrile states are attended by 
persistent gastric irritability, which interferes with the 
action of other sedatives. Here the tongue is pointed 
with papillae elevated, reddened at the tip, and tremu- 160 
THE MEDICINE CASE. 
Ions on protrusion, while there is an unpleasant nausea 
present. These cases usually offer the characteristic 
rhus tox. pulse. Whether they do or not rhus is the 
sedative to combine with aconite until all evidence of 
gastric irritation has passed away. Rhus is the cor- 
rective to use on that border-line where febrile cases 
merge into typhoid conditions. It is the remedy to 
arrest that tendency to blood depravation which later 
must be met by baptisia-indications, extreme restless- 
ness with partial delirium. It nips many a case of con- 
tinued fever in the bud when properly adapted, and is 
valuable when indicated, in cholera infantum and other 
acute diseases of children. Combined with aconite, it 
arrests cholera morbus at once; here small doses should 
be given every few minutes, until the vomiting and 
cramps cease. We will fill the third vial with specific 
medicine of rhus tox.; ten drops of this in four ounces of 
water, dose a teaspoonful every hour, or oftener. 
Veratrum.-Then comes veratrum. Is this remedy 
worth the trouble of carrying to the bedside of every 
patient lest it be required at a moment's notice? I 
think not. The principal point of commendation for 
veratrum over other sedatives is its value in pneumonia, 
inflammation of the lung tissues; and here we have a 
more positive agent in asclepias. During a pneumonia 
season veratrum might be substituted for some other 
remedy in the case, for a time, but it will not be re- 
quired often enough to warrant every-day carriage. Even 
in pneumonia, where it has been so highly lauded in some 
quarters, jaborandi and asclepias combined are far su- 
perior, in a majority of cases. 
After the sedatives we ought to consider another class 
of remedies very nearly allied, namely, those which will 
correct blood depravation consequent upon febrile action, 
the antizymotics or antiseptics. These are baptisia, ech- THE MEDICINE CASE. 
161 
inacea, hydrochloric acid, rhus tox., sulphite of sodium, 
and sulphurous acid. What are the experiences of old 
practitioners with regard to the frequency of need of 
these agents? I believe I voice the sentiments of a 
majority of those who have had much experience when 
I assert, that with the exception of rhus, which has al- 
ready been adopted, in this climate the only one fre- 
quently called for is the sulphite of sodium. The 
others are indispensable when indicated, but are so sel- 
dom needed that it would be better to have them ready 
in the office for resort when required than to burden 
oneself with them unnecessarily. 
Sulphite of Sodium.-This remedy then will occupy the 
fourth place. It is indicated in any case where the 
tongue presents the pasty-white coating, and on the Pa- 
cific Coast this symptom is not an uncommon one. I 
usually administer it in small capsules, one or two grains, 
every four or six hours. Nothing can well be imagined 
more unpleasant to the taste than a solution of this agent 
in water. I was once dismissed from a case on the' 
strength of a sodium sulphite solution. The patient be- 
came disgusted with both medicine and doctor. Let the 
remedy be concealed in capsules and carried in the vial 
for immediate use. 
The heart and lungs may next be thought of and the 
remedies likely to be used frequently in that direction 
provided. Such an intimate relationship exists between 
the functions of the heart and the pulmonary circulation 
that the remedies needed here will be somewhat in com- 
mon. Among these is aspidosperma quebracho, one 
not infrequently needed where want of cardiac power is 
attended by difficult, labored respiration. I find the 
symptom sufficiently often in my rounds to warrant the 
carrying of a vial of this remedy. 
Quebracho.-This will constitute the fifth remedy, the 162 
THE MEDICINE CASE. 
fluid extract of Parke Davis & Co., usually serving a good 
purpose. 
Cereus Bonplandii.-This remedy will supply the sixth 
place. It is a more prompt and efficacious remedy to 
improve the power of the heart than digitalis, and in 
irregularities consequent upon reflex disturbances it sup- 
plies a better purpose. 
The list of cardiac remedies is large and we cannot 
expect to cover a great deal of ground with two agents, 
but, with jaborandi for severe pains here, and those 
named, we have a respectable outfit for a large per cent, 
of the cases met with in general practice. And as pul- 
satilla will be carried as a uterine and ovarian remedy, 
resort may be had here in nervous excitability of the 
heart and in imaginary cases, or those where cerebral 
centers are more disturbed than cardiac function, as 
marked by "fear of impending danger." 
The vascular area in the lungs supplied by the bron- 
chial arteries, demands a special class of remedies. It is 
here that veratrum finds its best place and here that wTe 
derive great benefit from asclepias. Then the respiratory 
membrane supplied from this source demands a number 
of remedies. The special sedatives, aconite, rhus, and 
jaborandi come in here splendidly in acute inflammatory 
conditions, even to the result of acting well as cough 
remedies. But after the first stage is passed something 
more special is demanded. Then ipecac and tartar 
emetic, or lobelia, should be' employed. 
Asdepias.-This then will fill the seventh vial to serve 
as a reliance in hypersemic conditions of the lung-paren- 
chyma and to combine or alternate with the sedatives in 
pneumonia. We will use the specific medicine in five to 
ten-drop doses every two or three hours, as required. 
Ipecac.-Ipecac supplies the place of a bronchial 
remedy, relieving subacute inflammation of the respir- THE MEDICINE CASE. 
163 
atory membrane and curing cough with expectoration, 
where the bronchial tubes remain irritated, after the 
active stage of irritation has passed off. As a remedy to 
relieve intestinal irritation, both in children and adults, 
it is one of the most effective, being almost indispensable 
in cholera infantum and dysentery. The specific medi- 
cine serves the best purpose; from five to twenty drops 
in four ounces of water, teaspoonful doses being admin- 
istered every one or two hours according to age and cir- 
cumstances. We will fill the eighth place with specific 
medicine ipecac. 
Tartar Emetic.-This remedy is valuable in coughs at- 
tended by subcrepitant sounds-subacute inflammation 
of the smaller bronchi. It is the specific remedy for 
the influencing of the respiratory membrane in this por- 
tion of the tract. The condition is familiarly known as 
"capillary bronchitis", and tartar emetic cures here as 
promptly as any specific could. As a remedy in asthma, 
it serves a good purpose for temporary relief at least. 
I employ the second decimal trituration, as less liability 
of overdoing the dose is thus present than when the 
crude article is carried, administering two or three grains 
every two hours to adults, but for infants and small 
children using three grains in half a glass of water, or- 
dering a teaspoonful at a dose. The ninth vial will be 
filled with this agent. 
A number of other remedies might be selected for 
their influence upon the respiratory mucous membrane, 
but we are now trying to avoid cumbering the overworked 
practitioner, and will let these suffice for the present. 
The alimentary canal next demands attention. Begin- 
ning with the pharynx we have the one remedy for acute 
inflammation of this part and the fauces,-a very common 
complaint-in phytolacca. For the stomach we have 
aconite, ipecac and rhus-remedies already adopted, for 164 
THU MEDICINE- CASH. 
irritation and nausea,cimicifuga and colocynth for painful 
conditions of the organ involving the nervous and mus- 
cular structures, aconite and ipecac for irritation of the 
small intestine, colocynth for abdominal neurosis, polym- 
nia for fullnes of the gastric capillaries, chionanthus for 
torpor of the biliary cells, and chelidonium for sub- 
acute inflammatory states of the hepatic structures'. 
Then we have eollinsonia for congestive conditions of 
the vascular supply to the pelvis, especially the hemor- 
rhoidal plexus. 
Phytolacca.-Phytolacca will be the tenth remedy 
chosen, an indispensable agent for the cure of a large 
number of cases of sore throat. Combined with aconite 
we will prescribe it almost every day in the year, and 
derive prompt and satisfactory results. The specific 
medicine is better than any other preparation, except 
one made by covering the green root with alcohol. The 
best preparation I have ever used was thus evolved. A 
drachm of this in four ounces of water with five or six 
drops of aconite (for the adult) is the prescription for a 
non-malignant, acutely inflamed throat. Additional rec- 
ommendations are its almost positive success in puer- 
peral mastitis and its action in bronehocele and lymph- 
angitis. Though slow, it is one of our most reliable 
remedies in goitre. It also cures ulceration of the mouth. 
Polymnia.-The vascular area described by the dis- 
tribution of the coeliac axis is particularly the specific 
field of action for this agent. Subacute inflammatory 
conditions and hyperaemic states generally, of parts sup- 
plied from this source, especially by the gastric branches, 
demand it. Many unpleasant eases of dyspepsia of pain- 
ful character are relieved by the use of small doses of 
polymnia through this influence. The well known action 
of polymnia on the spleen would also confirm its selec- 
tion, though here we would not need it sufficiently often THE MEDICINE CASE. 
165 
to justify its admission to a limited list of remedies for 
-every-day use. We will choose this agent for number 
eleven. marianus, ceanothus Americanus, and 
grindelia squarrosa belong to the same group, and one 
of them might be chosen instead of polymnia. As a 
.gastric remedy, however, I consider the one last named 
the first to choose. The specific medicine is the form 
I commonly use. 
Chionanthus.*-Professor Goss' well known hepatic agent 
cannot be dispensed with. People, especially patients, 
still possess livers, and something mild but certain to 
improve the biliary functions is a desideratum. This de- 
mand is supplied by chionanthus better than by any other 
single remedy we possess, and it is not the one to be- 
tray our confidence when this confidence is rationally 
placed. The twelfth remedy will be a vial of the specific 
medicine chionanthus. 
CAefzcfomwn.--This agent is specially indicated in 
hepatic colic where the pain is inflammatory in char- 
acter and involves the capillaries of the hepatic artery. 
It will abort hepatic abscess if begun in time and the 
patient has not been too heroically dosed with mercury. 
Catarrhal inflammation of the biliary ducts also yields 
to this agent. Let this be number thirteen. 
Colocynth.-A medicine case would not be fitted without 
a vial of colocynth. It is as important a remedy as 
aconite or jaborandi. It so completely covers the ground 
of neuralgic pain in the abdomen,--abdominal neurosis 
-that it applies to the smallest infant or the oldest 
adult, and every age between. We will prescribe it almost 
daily, and will find it one of the most specific of specifics. 
Neuralgic, intermittent abdominal pain of any 
whatever organ is involved,-stomach, spleen, liver, or 
intestines, is amenable to its influence. It not only 
relieves the pains of dysentery but alone often cures, 1 166 
THE MEDICINE CASE. 
Infantile colic is readily relieved by minute doses of it. 
Evidently we cannot get along without this remedy and 
will fill the fourteenth place with it, the 2x or. 3x dilution 
being strong enough, considering its extreme bitterness. 
The dose of this may vary from two or three drops for 
infants in four ounces of water, dose a teaspoonful, to a 
teaspoonful in the same amount of water for adults. 
Collinsonia.-This remedy completes the list of drugs 
devoted to the alimentary canal. We might make it 
larger but have encompassed considerable with a small 
number, and that is the object when filling a medicine 
case. Collinsonia will be held in reserve for its influ- 
ence upon the lower bowel, hemorrhoidal conditions be- 
ing its principal field of usefulness. Hypogastric pain? 
if emanating from disturbances of the alimentary canal, 
also disappears before its influence, and it has proven 
effective in dysentery, especially for the pains, when lo- 
cated lower down. Hemorrhoidal states are favorably 
influenced by other remedies but where only one is car- 
ried this will be the first choice. 
One point to be emphasized here is that the prepara- 
tion must be from the plant, and not the root. The root 
is employed in the preparation of the specific medicine. 
Careful trial and observation have convinced me that a 
tincture of the green plant (leaves, blossoms, and stems,) 
is much superior as an agent to influence the pelvic 
viscera. The homeopathic mother tincture is thus pre- 
pared. While practicing in Ohio I made my own tinc- 
ture from the plant freshly gathered, and always obtained 
the best of results. We will fill the fifteenth vial with 
green plant tincture of collinsonia. Of this from one 
to ten drops may be prescribed at a dose for an adult. 
And now we must add a few remedies for the repro- 
ductive apparatus-applicable to both sexes. We will 
only choose three as we will be able to get along with TEE MEDICINE CASE. 
167 
these very well in acute practice-macrotys, pulsatilla, 
and sabal serrulata. 
Pulsatilla.-This remedy will come in play for the re- 
lief of unpleasant sensations in the female pelvis during 
pregnancy, for uterine colic, for dysmenorrhea and neu- 
ralgia. "Nervousness" due to sexual disturbances also 
calls for pulsatilla. It is the woman's remedy in a thou- 
sand different unpleasant states, while it has been highly 
lauded as a remedy for coughs and gastric disturbances. 
Orchitis and orchialgia also call for it, and we find there- 
fore a place for it in the treatment of disturbances of the 
reproductive apparatus in both sexes. The German 
tincture, made from the green plant, is sold as specific 
medicine, and also kept at homeopathic pharmacies un- 
der the name, " Mother Tincture." We will fill the 
sixteenth vial with pulsatilla. 
Cimicifuga.-This remedy is a valuable one and can 
hardly be dispensed with. It is one of the group of 
remedies in rheumatic conditions applying especially to 
the sexual apparatus of both sexes. Orchialgia, of rheu- 
matic tendency, ovarialgia, and uterine pain, are benefited 
by it. It combines well with pulsatilla in dysmenorrhea. 
In pelvic pain and weight attending gestation it may be 
employed alone or with pulsatilla, to advantage. The 
specific medicine is to be preferred here, though care 
must be exercised about using it in too large doses, as 
the drug is powerful in this form. Half a drachm in four 
ounces of water, dose a teaspoonful, is about right. 
The seventeenth remedy will be cimicifuga (macrotys). 
Sabal Serrulata.-Saw palmetto fills a very important 
place; it will often be serviceable where prostatic pain is 
present. It is the only remedy known which specifically 
relieves painful conditions of the prostatic urethra. The 
analogue of this part, in females, the uterus, also responds 
to its action, and the remedy thus becomes one of frequent 168 
THE MEDICINE CASE. 
demand. Add one or two drachms of the fluid extract to 
four ounces of water and order a teaspoonful every two 
or three hours. I usually employ a fluid extract manu- 
factured by Parke, Davis & Co. 
Rhus Aromatica.-We want at least one remedy to 
influence the urinary apparatus, and this fills the place 
of half-a-dozen ordinary agents. Irritation of the kid- 
neys, and vesical disturbances of acute or subacute char- 
acter are especially relieved by it when properly adapted. 
Vesical tenesmus is an unpleasant symptom often encoun- 
tered, and usually relieved when this remedy is used. 
The specific medicine is most reliable-a drachm added 
to four ounces of water; dose a teaspoonful every two 
or three hours. 
Phenacetin.-This remedy is one which I would not 
like to be without, if I were to practice far from a con- 
venient drug supply. It is the remedy above all others 
for muscular rheumatism and rheumatoid pains gener- 
ally. It is more positive, and fully as safe as cimicifuga 
or rhus tox., and it acts more promptly in these cases. 
As a remedy for rheumatic seasons,-Winter and Spring, 
-it has become almost indispensable to me. Three or 
four grains may be given every three or four hours, either 
in acute or chronic cases with full confidence of satis- 
factory results. 
Antifebrin.-This remedy cures headache-migraine- 
in short order. It is applicable to many cases of severe 
spasmodic pain. It is preferable to antipyrin, because 
this is apt to produce debility when frequently repeated. 
Two or three five-grain doses half an hour apart will suf- 
fice. It is a remedy for acute troubles and should be 
carried, at least by the country practitioner. 
Quinia Sulphas.-Periodicity will be found in almost 
every location, and cropping out in many a case, to per- 
petuate and aggravate it if not interrupted. Quinia is THE MEDICINE CASE. 
169 
the typical antiperiodic. It does not compare with al- 
stonia as a curer of malarial cachexia, but to interrupt 
periodicity it has no equal, and the medicine case would 
not be complete without it. It might be carried in three- 
grain capsules, thus being covered from the palate so 
that the objectionable taste would be avoided. 
Echinacea.-Echinacea is worthy a place in every med- 
icine case. It will, when administered liberally in the 
beginning, often succeed in arresting continued fever; it 
is one of the best of remedies locally (diluted) and inter- 
nally for erysipelas and other irritable hypersemic condi- 
tions of the skin and cellular tissue; it rivals phytolacca 
and penthorum in its influence upon the throat; it re- 
lieves diarrhoea and dysentery; it is a sedative in all feb- 
rile conditions and opposed to malaria;, it is reliable in 
certain forms of blood poisoning; it relieves the pains of 
cancer and acts as a vital stimulant at the same time. It 
probably has a wider range of action than any other rem- 
edy we possess, being equally adapted to both acute and 
chronic disease. 
Morphia Sulphas.-The customary vial of morphia can- 
not safely be dispensed with yet. If we cannot cure the 
pain in our patient we must paralyze him, for a time> 
and morphia is the agent to do it with, since it is more 
prompt and reliable while less bulky than other narcotics. 
Pellets of one-fourth grain of the sulphate will serve the 
purpose of combining dose with pleasant form for ad- 
ministration. 
We now have twenty-four remedies selected, and if we 
were perfectly certain that all the agents urgently re- 
quired had been chosen, a twenty-four-vial case might 
answer the purpose. But this number does not make up 
well into a case of vials, each containing enough to sup- 
ply the average country practitioner with a satisfactory 
amount to avoid frequent refilling. A vial once emptied 170 
THE MEDICINE CASE. 
is liable to be neglected until the agent is needed again, 
and the vial oftenest emptied is most likely to contain 
the most important remedy. However, twenty-four two, 
or three-drachm, slim vials, ranged in two rowrs, may con- 
stitute a shapely and convenient pocket-case for one who 
needs to resort to it but seldom, but half-ounce vials are 
really small enough for a country outfit. Twelve of these 
would lengthen the case beyond proper proportions, and 
eight would leave the rows rather short, so we will select 
a thirty-vial case, each of the vials to contain half an 
ounce or more, the whole arranged in three rows. Thus 
we have six vials not yet filled, but subject to demand, 
for agents which may prove as important as any of those 
already mentioned, and likely to soon come into service. 
This case should not take the place of an obstetric 
outfit, which should be at hand, ready, whenever needed, 
in separate bag, with vial of pusatilla, ergot, chloroform, 
etc. An emergency case might also be kept in readiness, 
containing antidotes for poisons, bandages, etc., for acci- 
dents, but the physician would not be benefited by lug- 
ging such an outfit with him day after day. 171 
NOTES ON PRACTICAL PHARMACY. 
NOTES ON PRACTICAL PHARMACY. 
By J. U. Lloyd, Ph. D. 
FORMS OF MEDICINE. 
Naturally, physicians must dispense remedies that are 
either already divided into parts, or that may be easily 
separated into doses. It is impracticable for busy physi- 
cians to weigh and divide powders extemporaneously, and 
it is neither practicable nor feasible, to triturate or pow- 
der solids or make complex mixtures at the bedside. This 
fact accounts for the immense demand that has arisen, 
in modern times, for such conveniences as sugar coated 
pills, and also explains why, with so many physicians, the 
recently introduced tablets and empty capsules are so fa- 
vorably received. Innumerable combinations of crude 
drugs or other medicinal substances, are now obtainable 
in these and related conditions, and for many substances, 
especially stable powders that easily dissolve, such forms 
are all that can be desired. 
However, Eclectics, as a rule, have adhered to concentra- 
ted liquid remedies, and our success in practice indicates 
that our choice has been a wise one. Liquids are easily 
dispensed, when they are so concentrated that a teaspoon- 
ful is a dose after a few drops have been added to four 
ounces of water. The physician who has a large practice 
must carry concentrated medicines, if he dispense his own 
remedies, and it is shown that an ordinary pocket case of 
modern Eclectic medicines will serve the part of the great 
double saddle-bags of former days. We have, in another 
place, called attention to a disadvantage of liquids; now, 
upon the other hand, we will note some of their advan- 
tages. Alcoholic solutions of plant constituents are among 
the most desirable and stable forms of such remedies. 
Such drugs as pulsatilla, rhus, cactus, and others similar, 
cannot even be dried in substance without destruction of 172 
NOTES ON PRACTICAL PHARMACY. 
their medicinal energies, and may, with the utmost care, 
become therapeutically valueless in the process. It is 
out of the question to think of bringing these substances 
or their derivatives unaltered into a dry form, whether 
the method be by exposure to air or evaporation by heat; 
and endeavors to use such products must result in disap- 
pointment. That a large amount of our advantage (as a 
branch of the medical profession) results from our choice 
of remedies-and our admittedly superior Eclectic reme- 
dies-is conceded generally, and this vantage ground has 
been largely gained by a willingness to pay the price for 
high grade, alcoholic, liquid medicines; and neither our 
physicians nor pharmacists have demonstrated that such 
delicate plant preparations as we employ are capable of 
being brought unimpaired into a drug condition. Upon 
the contrary, the experience of our talented competitors 
of the pill and capsule school, indicates that we have 
acted wisely in adhering to that which our experience has 
shown to be unimpeachable. 
Another point in favor of our liquids is the fact that 
many of them, when mixed with water, form intricate, op- 
alescent (milky) admixtures, but, if they be dried, the re- 
sultant residues refuse to affiliate with water. Take, for 
example, specific cimicifuga: Ten drops mixed with water, 
form an opalescent, milky, semi-solution. Dry the same 
amount by trituration with sugar of milk and air exposure, 
and the mixture will but partially dissolve, and, instead of 
the milky liquid or emulsion, we will have a sediment of 
grayish, resinous material which quickly subsides, and the 
liquid will be practically devoid of the nature of the other. 
The same rule holds good with podophyllum, iris and 
others. Hence, while admiring the incentive that induces 
our regular brethren to attempt by other methods to pro- 
duce remedies as pleasant and convenient as our own, we 
feel warranted in predicting that with such high grade 173 
NOTES ON PRACTICAL PHARMACY. 
plant products as we have at our command, experimenta- 
tion is unnecessary, if not dangerous. If small pellets are 
desirable at any time, it will be much safer to adopt the 
methods of our homeopathic brethren, and medicate plain 
sugar pills with such preparations as we know to be reli- 
able, and not run the risk of alteration and deterioration 
by drying them. 
COLORING MATTER. 
The brown or bl ick coloring matters of plants, as a rule, 
are of no medicinal importance, and occasionally may be 
of decided disadvantage. They are usually the result of 
alterations that occur in drying, and fresh roots and inner 
barks, as a rule, are not marked by any decided color. 
Most active plant constituents are white or colorless, but 
of course such exceptions as hydrastis and sanguinaria 
may be noted. The fact that our Eclectic, light colored 
specific medicines are preferred to black fluid extracts, is 
illustration of the foregoing truths. 
The green color of all herbs is due alike to the one 
constituent, chlorophyll, which luckily is not marked by 
any intrinsic character, medicinally. Thus the intensely 
narcotic belladonna and the harmless grass of the field, 
are both dependent upon one substance, as far as color is 
concerned. Hence it is that a deep green color is no evi- 
dence of medicinal value, and, indeed, a pharmaceutical 
preparation of a deep green color may be worthless. The 
green specific belladonna of former times is inferior to 
that which is now of a light wine color; for chlorophyll is 
a very changeable substance, often precipitating a resinous 
or waxy body, as it alters by age. If a green color were 
desirable, it would be an easy matter for pharmacists to 
supply most alcoholic preparations of an emerald hue. 
Green colored plant preparations are prone to change in 
color by age, becoming brown or of a shade of green and 
brown. 174 
NOTES ON PRACTICAL PHARMACY1. 
ODOE. 
Odor is a test many value for determining the quality, 
but I do not consider it a good one on which to rely. 
Differences in quality cannot be easily distinguished by 
the sense of smell, even when the value is dependent on a 
perfectly volatile principle. If an ounce of tincture of 
peppermint be mixed with four ounces of water, the mix- 
ture will smell stronger of peppermint than the original 
tincture; and the rule holds good elsewhere. These facts 
are well known to flavor and perfume makers, who learn 
that cheap, poor and inferior essences and perfumes can 
be made to be possessed of strong odors by the artful 
use of distilled water. If as rank a substance as valerian- 
ate of ammonium be dissolved in alcohol, the odor of the 
solution is not unpleasant; but a few drops of the solution 
added to water produce the vile smell of ammonium va- 
lerianate. In view of these facts, and certain related ex- 
periences in a business way, the writer ventures to caution 
physicians against too great confidence in the discrimina- 
ting power of the sense of smell. 
In some instances odor may be of no value, and yet 
characteristic of the crude drug. The odor of gelsem- 
ium is offensive to some persons, and is of no therapeu- 
tical use. The odor of ergot is partly due to a substance 
-propylamine-which escapes from ergot preparations 
possessed of strong ergot smell, and the United States 
Dispensatory aims to prevent the injury by adding a lit- 
tle acid to prevent it from escaping; hence, the prepara- 
tion may better be of little odor than rank. The value 
of wormseed is not dependent upon the nasty flavored oil 
that made our old-fashioned vermifuges so filthy; modern 
physicians get the full value of wormseed from the odor- 
less principle of santonine. This subject could be con- 
tinued if space permitted, but enough has been written 175 
NOTES ON PRACTICAL PHARMACY. 
to indicate that sensible characteristics may be often 
misleading. 
MEDICATING PELLETS. 
Many physicians are favorably inclined to medicated 
sugar pellets, and in this direction Eclectic specific medi- 
cines are all that can be desired. They can be used either 
in substance or diluted with alcohol, admirably answer- 
ing this purpose. Our homeopathic friends, many of 
them, mix one part by measure of a specific medicine with 
a like bulk of alcohol, and use the dilution as a standard, 
instead of the mother tincture; and, for most substances, 
this is strong enough. In some cases, the dilution should 
be greater, and such specific medicines as aconite, nux and 
rhus, will bear greater dilution. Professor Locke dilutes 
specific rhus with nine parts of alcohol, and finds that 
strength as great as is necessary. 
CHARACTERISTICS OF A FEW PROMINENT SPECIFICS. 
Aconite should be made of the best quality of aconitum 
napellus root Formerly, preparations of aconite leaves 
were employed as well as of the root, but the marked su- 
periority of the root has displaced the leaves. Tincture 
of aconite leaves has a deep green color and is apparently 
a virulent preparation, but appearances are not corrobo- 
rated by intrinsic values, and, notwithstanding the green 
color, little reliance can be placed upon either the leaves 
or preparations thereof. Specific aconite has a deep, 
sherry wine color, a pleasant odor, a taste that at first is 
destitute of sensible characteristics, but which is quickly 
followed by a dry sensation on the lips and in the mouth 
and throat, accompained by tingling, and eventually by 
numbness of the parts. It will not dissolve sugar, and can 
be used either full strength or diluted, to medicate pellets 
Gelsemium preparations should be made of the green 
root, notwithstanding the fact that the akaloid, gelsemine, 
is not destroyed by drying the drug. Experience has 176 
NOTES ON PRACTICAL PHARMACY. 
shown that the Eclectic preparation (specific gelsemium) 
gives universal satisfaction, and that preparations of the 
dry drug are therapeutically uncertain and inferior. That 
a part of the energy of gelsemium resides in the alkaloid 
is evident, but that neither the alkaloid nor the dry root 
is capable of taking the place of the fresh drug, is assured 
by the test of experience. 
Rhus toxicodendron preparations should be made from 
the perfectly fresh leaves, gathered just before frost 
appears. The dry plant is worthless. Specific rhus has 
a deep green color, and will mix with alcohol in all propor- 
tions. It must be handled with care, as its touch is poi- 
sonous to many persons. 
Veratrum preparations should be made from the best 
quality of nearly dry root. If the green drug is employed 
(if attempts are made to get a strong preparation), it forms 
a mucilaginous, slimy liquid, which becomes offensive in 
odor, and which will neither give satisfaction in appear- 
ance nor in remedial action. Commercial veratrum is 
of uncertain quality as a drug, and great care must be 
employed in its selection. 
Sulphite of sodium should not contain the water of 
crystallization that is inherent in the officinal salt. Such 
crystals, if in tight bottles, change to a liquid in summer 
or when exposed to heat, and effloresce by exposure to air J 
the result is an uncertainty of action that must be 
avoided. We employ a granular salt that under the name, 
specific medicine, has an established reputation. It is 
convenient for dispensing, will neither effloresce nor liq- 
uefy, and remains unchanged and permanent, infinitely. 
Asclepias should be made of recent root, and be true to 
name. The specific medicine has a deep wine color, and is 
not marked by very strong characteristics. It is, however, 
one of our standard remedies. 
Ipecac must be prepared from the dry drug. It has 177 
NOTES ON PRACTICAL PHARMACY. 
never been demonstrated that green ipecac is superior. 
Much variation is experienced in the quality of commer- 
cial ipecacs, and considerable amounts of an inferior qual- 
ity reach America, and even spurious substitutes are on 
the market. 
Specific medicine ipecac-the Eclectic standard-has a 
dark color, a characteristic taste, and is very active. 
Phytolacca preparations must be made from the recent 
root gathered in autumn. The drug will not stand com- 
plete drying, and preparations of phytolacca are injured by 
heat. Owing to the nature of the (hug, and to the fact 
that the perfectly green root cannot be used in making a 
concentrated preparation by reason of the large amount 
of water contained therein, even with the utmost attention 
different batches will vary in color. Such differences in 
color do not necessarily effect the therapeutical force of 
the remedy. Age also darkens the medicine, and a very 
marked difference in color may be observed in conse- 
quence, between the last part of one sample and the fresh 
lot that follows. Specific medicine phytolacca has a wine 
color, a pleasant odor, and the characteristic flavor of the 
drug. 
Polymnia preparations must be made of the recent root, 
gathered when in best condition. The drug contains a 
large amount of a dark colored resin, which produces a 
rather dark colored specific medicine. This resin seems 
to be the characteristic constituent of the plant, and hence 
the specific medicine will not mix clear with water. It 
produces a turbid mixture, and the mixture should be well 
stirred before taking each dose. 
Chionanthus is one of the most unsatisfactory of drugs, 
from a phamaceutical point. Weak preparations, made 
by pouring alcohol over the bark and filtering after mac- 
eration, have a dark color, and those more concentrated 
have a very deep color. From these preparations, a white, 178 
NOTES ON PRACTICAL PHARMACY. 
curdy substance separates by age, which makes them un- 
sightly, and the delicate nature of the associated constit- 
uents forbids chemical manipulation to overcome the 
trouble. This curdy precipitate does not lessen the value 
of the liquid however, and by decanting or filtering the 
mixture the preparation may be used in confidence, even 
when the sediment is heavy. Specific chionanthus has 
been a fertile source of experiment by the manufacturer, 
and yet has resisted all attempts to bring it to the condi- 
tion of a perfect pharmaceutical without injury. 
Specific medicine chelidonium has a deep green color, 
and the natural odor and taste of the herb. Age and 
light alter the color materially (it becoming more of a 
brownish-green), the change being accompanied by a col- 
oration of the bottle and the deposition of a little wax 
and coloring matter. 
Colocynth apple has a light color, and the specific med- 
icine thereof has a wine shade. In addition to the bitter 
principle, colocynth contains a large amount of fixed oil, 
which exists mostly in the seed. This oil seems to be 
bland only and of no medicinal value, but it adds to the 
permanence of liquid representatives of colocynth, and is 
found in the specific medicine, which, therefore, becomes 
milky when mixed with water. 
Collinsonia is not marked by any decided characteris- 
tic. The root is very hard, heavy and woody, and even 
if green is too hard to chop easily; hence the common 
name, stone root. Its preparations are among the most 
difficult to determine, owing to absence of sensible char- 
acteristics. Specific medicine collinsonia has a dark- 
brown, wine color, but little odor, and the natural flavor 
of the drug. 
Cimicifuga or macrotys is a highly resinous drug, of a 
peculiar, smoky odor, when green. It has at first a sweet 
taste, which changes to acrid, and then becomes disagree- NOTES ON PRACTICAL PHARMACY. 
179 
able. The root is firm, brittle, somewhat harder than a 
crisp turnip, and darkens by drying. Specific medicine 
thereof has a dark, wine color, a sweet, smoky taste, and 
when poured into water gives a milkiness which will ulti- 
mately produce a light colored precipitate. For this rea- 
son the mixture with water mtlst be well stirred before 
each dose is administered. 
Specific medicine echinacea is of a deep-brown wine 
color, with the odor of alcohol nearly exact. When a few 
drops of it are placed on the tongue, at first the sensa- 
tion is simply that of the alcohol. It gradually changes 
to a stinging impression and then changes to acridity, 
leaving an acrid sensation for a considerable time on the 
tongue in the location where the preparation is applied. 
This sensation is local, and does not spread to other parts 
of the mouth. Echinacea, to produce a reliable specific, 
must be in prime condition when worked; and it has been 
found that the drug gathered in some sections of the 
country is practically valueless. 
Sabal serrulata (saw palmetto) is made from the oily 
seed of the plant. It has a strong odor, especially after 
ageing, and the specific medicine possesses in an intense 
degree this flavor. It has a greenish color, and occasion- 
ally drops of a green oil separate therefrom. When 
this is the case the bottle should be violently shaken be- 
fore being dispensed from. 
Rhus aromatica produces a dark colored, astringent 
specific medicine,that has the flavor of the drug. It is 
not perfectly permanent, as it throws down,in time, a little 
coloring matter, and also stains the sides of the bottle. 
It must be made of the green drug. 180 
THERAPEUTICS OF COMPLEMENTAL ORGANS, 
THERAPEUTICS OF COMPLEMENTAL ORGANS. 
The term cornpiemental signifies "to complete; to fill 
out." Certain organs, sexual and reproductive in char- 
acter, seem only for this purpose: the purpose of pre- 
serving the double type throughout the development of 
the individual. 
The rudimentary mammary glands of the male, with 
their primitive nipples, were hardly designed by nature 
for the purpose of giving suck, and yet man would be an 
incomplete representative of the human race without 
them. And, though seeming supernumerary, they have 
actually performed the function which they represent, 
after the individual has been unsexed and they have been 
stimulated to vicarious action. As a rule, however, the 
rudimentary mammary glands of the male may be con- 
sidered complemental to those of the female so important 
to the designs of reproduction. As much may be said of 
the clitoris in its relation to the penis; the prostatic 
urethra-though this performs a function-to the uterus; 
the labia to the scrotum; the ovaries to the testes, ana- 
tomically speaking, etc. Each sex seems to combine, in 
its anatomy, rudimentary and complemental organs, 
which suggest a double-sexed origin-an origin in which 
both sexes were combined in one. This may seem a pre- 
posterous claim, and really is a bold one; but, as bisex- 
ual plants exist at the present day, there is room for the 
suggestion-there is no knowing what the catacombs of 
primeval existence might disclose, were we but enabled 
to explore them. 
The prostatic portion of the male urethra, according to 
developmental history, is complemental to the uterus; 
and though it performs a function, this is of minor impor- 
tance compared with that performed by its representative 181 
THERAPEUTICS OF COMPLEMENTAL ORGANS. 
in the female economy. Its anatomy, however, is suggest- 
ive, the vasa defe'-entia (ejaculatory ducts) opening here 
to correspond to the entrance of the Fallopian tubes into 
the uterus, while its relation to nervous reflexes is strik- 
ingly similar to that of this organ. The anatomical anal- 
ogy between the Fallopian tubes and vasa deferentia, and 
between the ovaries and testes, is understood by every 
student of anatomy; the similarity of the general plan of 
arrangement and design, acknowledged by every philo- 
sophical investigator. 
There is a reason for this general adherence to a fixed 
plan in the anatomy and other characteristics of the male 
and female organs, doubtless, even though we are only 
able to offer therefor the explanation that some of the use- 
less ones in one sex are but complemental to some which 
are of great importance in the other. It has remained 
for Darwin and those of his class to suggest the possible 
significance of their presence; but they possess a signifi- 
cance to the therapeutist which, though tacitly recognized 
in some instances, has hardly been openly discussed, to 
my knowledge. 
The relationship of organs to drugs, or of drugs to 
parts and organs, has already been thoroughly canvassed; 
but the consideration of the therapeutics of complemental 
organs has not been referred to. What is the relationship 
between their therapeutics? or is there a complete gulf 
as regards the proper plan of internal medication be- 
tween the two sexes, as concerns the sexual organs? The 
latter proposition has seemed to represent the bent of 
therapeutic sentiment in many quarters-a sentiment 
engendered by the special-creation hypothesis, doubtless, 
and perpetuated, like many another error, through habit. 
Beard, in his Sexual Neurasthenia, recommends highly 
for prostatic debility (at least for certain forms of sperm- 
atorrhoea), a remedy long known and employed by Eclec- 182 
THERAPEUTICS OF COMPLEMENTAL ORGANS. 
tics for conditions requiring a restorative influence upon 
the uterus, viz., cimicifuga. Pulsatilla is recognized by 
all progressive Eclectics as one of the most important of 
remedies for subacute inflammatory conditions of the tes- 
tes, and the same practitioners-and many before them- 
have recognized this drug as a leading remedy in similar 
affections of the ovaries. Sabal serrulata suggests a like 
comparison; for it is the representative remedy for pros- 
tatic irritation, while in similar patho ogical conditions 
of the uterus its action is most admirable. 
And so we might go on comparing remedies as regards 
their influence upon the compiemental organs of the two 
sexes, until the conviction became firm that compiemental 
organs are subject to the same influences of the same 
drugs as their congeners; disease or wrong of an organ 
(leaving out the name of the disease) being as amenable 
in one sex as in the other. Of course this subject has 
not received the attention that has been given to some 
others, and it is not a field of great proportions at pres- 
ent; but it presents a few isolated facts which are sug- 
gestive, and which may repay further investigation. 
The plan of Creation demonstrates to the thoughtful 
a far-reaching unity of principle, from lowest to highest 
life, in its development-a plan which embraces laws 
which govern therapeutics, as well as the organs involved. 
Therapeutics-the principle of therapeutics-can be made 
a science, despite the lame and impotent efforts of gen- 
erations gone. But we must look higher than our pred- 
ecessors have looked, and study the principles taught us 
by the revelations of physiology and biology, as well as 
the facts of drug-affinity, in order to develop a system 
that shall remain stable, instead of one that will soon be 
displaced by a new dispensation. The study of physiol- 
ogy confers many benefits other than those derived for 
purposes of diagnosis and pathology. The lasting truth THERAPEUTICS OF COMPLEMENTAL ORGANS 
183 
of therapeutics-the scientific truths of therapeutics- 
have come to us through a knowledge of the physiolog- 
ical action of drugs. This is the only reliable action we 
can know, for the curative effects of drugs are derived 
only by promoting physiological functions-by the dy- 
namic influence which operates in unison with the efforts 
of the vis medicatrix natures. 
It is true that some of the complemental organs will 
hardly ever demand the internal use of remedies for spe- 
cial or selective effect. The breasts of the male can 
scarcely be supposed to ever be found in a condition sim- 
ilar to that state of mastitis where the female requires 
phytolacca or bryonia, nor can the clitoris be supposed 
to take on that high grade of inflammation that the cor- 
responding organ of the male is affected with during the 
active stage of gonorrhoea; but there are diseases, such 
as malignant affections, for instance, which might be lia- 
ble to effect either organ, and which might call for the 
same same selective curative, when the proper remedy 
was found; for it is best to build so that the plan may 
make room for future discovery. It is pretty certain that 
the urethra in both sexes is influenced by the same drugs, 
and that similar diseases are amenable to them. Those 
complemental organs which correspondingly possess 
important functional responsibilities-even if these be of 
different character-certainly respond to the same drugs. 
Though this has been tacitly accepted as a truism, in sev- 
eral instances the tissue affinity of drugs has not been 
given the credit due to the fact. 
A single instance of the use of saw palmetto in a case 
of sterility has suggested some experimentation distantly 
connected with this train of thought-though it proves 
nothing positively for the argument. Administered to 
the wife for a couple of months the result was nil, so 
far as any evidence of procreation was concerned. 184 
THERAPEUTICS OF COMPLEMENTAL ORGANS. 
Administered to both husband and wife for three months, 
the wife conceived. Former careful study of all the pos- 
sibilities of local or constitutional causes of sterility in 
both subjects failed to discover any reason for the condi- 
tion of unfruitfulness. The parties had consorted to- 
gether for years, without issue. Possibly the husband 
might have taken the drug and the wife abstained with 
the same result. The thought has occurred : Was not the 
complemental relationship between the two promoted by 
the remedy? Alas for the argument, the experiment was 
not properly tried; the remedy should have been tried 
upon the husband only for a suitable period, to prove 
that the fault was not in him alone. However, the clin- 
ical fact remains. 
If we can make a careful enough study of the processes 
of differentiation which occur during the development of 
the organs of the two sexes, we shall be able to trace a 
constancy of affinity for drugs between the tissues which 
diverge from the one type, in both cases. A study of the 
complemental organs will enable us proceed in this with 
considerable certainty, and we shall not need to separate 
the therapeut cs of the sexual organs into remedies which 
influence the female organs, and remedies which influence 
the male organs. SPE0IFI0 THEPAPEUTIGS. 
SECTION I-PLASMA REMEDIES. 
INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
The blood and lymph contain certain elements of in- 
organic nature, which may often be supplied by the 
therapeutist with advantage. Under the term "Inorganic 
Proximate Principles" it is intended to comprehend here 
the therapeutic relationship of all the inorganic eloments 
of the body that have to do with its structure-the carbo- 
nates, arising during the occurrence of vital changes, are 
not essential to cell growth, though constituent portions 
of the body, and will not be included. 
Some of these have reference to the composition and 
functions of the blood mainly, while others doubtless are 
destined for the tissues, and exist in the fluids only for 
reason that they are the medium through which solid 
parts are reached. As this matter is not yet fully settled, 
it will be safe to include all the inorganic salts contribu- 
ting to the formation of cell growth, under the term 
"Plasma Remedies" and under the sub-head "Inorganic 
Proximate Principles." 
These have been termed the "Tissue Remedies" by 
Schuessler,who proposes to supply all demands for reme- 
dies through them, thus reducing the materia medica to 
twelve agents. They are valuable in many cases of dis- 2 
INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
ease without question, but few physicians of experience 
are willing to accept the proposition that they may be 
made to supply all the possibilities of an effective materia 
medica. 
Calcium Fluoride. 
This agent is not found in the blood or fluids to any 
great extents and may be more definitely considered in 
connection with plastic remedies; but as it probably ex- 
ists in the plasma before appropriation by the tissues, 
it may properly be introduced here. 
It is probable that this remedy not only serves the pur- 
pose of a proximate principle, but also dynamically in- 
fluences the formation of the cells in which it exists. 
According to Schuessler, chronically relaxed structures 
containing elastic fibers are favorably influenced by it; 
affections of the skin, connective tissue and vascular 
walls, thus often yield to its influence. 
In induration of the lymphatic glands due to accumula- 
tion resultant upon a relaxed state of the walls, calcium 
flouride proves curative by improving the tonicity of the 
vessels permanently, increasing the pressure, and thus 
favoring absorption. Relaxation of the arteries, heart, 
or veins, responds upon the same principle. 
Physiological chemistry demonstrates the presence of 
this substance in the enamel of the teeth and compact tis- 
sue of bone, and in disease of these parts it proves a val- 
uable remedy. 
As still more suggestive of the field of action mapped 
out for this remedy by Schuessler, the following list of 
diseases to which it is applicable is appended:- 
After pains. Aneurism, recent. Asthma, when small 
lumps of yellow mucus are expectorated. Angioma. Al- 
veolar abscess. Apoplexy. 
Backache, resembling spinal irritation, or attended by 
bearing down sensations; sacral pain with constipation. 3 
INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
Bleeding. Bloody stools. Bone, ulceration of surface 
of; nodes; eburnated tumors. Bunions. 
Catamenia> profuse. Cephalhsematoma. Chaps of the 
skin. Constipation, with sacral pain. Coryza, with dry- 
ness of the Schneiderian membrane. Cough, from relaxed 
uvula. 
Dilatation of blood vessels. Dilatation of heart. 
Dragging pains in groins, loins, or sacrum. Dropsy from 
feeble heart. 
Enamel of bone or teeth deficient. Enlargement of 
heart. Enlargement of blood vessels. Exostosis. Ex- 
pectoration. Excrescences, bony. 
Fissure of anus. Fissures on hands. Flatulence. 
Ganglion. Glandular enlargements, chronic. Gum 
boils. 
Hemorrhages. Hemorrhoids. Heart, dilatation of. 
Indurations. 
Looseness of teeth. Lymphadenoma. 
Os uteri relaxed. 
Phlebitis, relaxation of veins from. Piles. Prolapsus 
ani. Prolapsus uteri. 
Relaxed uvula. 
Skin affections; eczema, herpes, etc. Strains. Sup- 
purations. 
Teeth, premature decay of; teeth loose and tender. 
Throat relaxed. Tongue cracked or indurated. Tonsils, 
chronic enlargement. Toothache. Tumors, with dilated 
blood vessels, or indurated glandular structure. 
Uvula relaxed; tickling cough. 
Varicose veins, and ulcers arising therefrom. 
Whitlow. Wind-pipe, cough in irritation of. 
Form for Administration.-The remedy is prepared from 
crystallized flour spar, by trituration. Five grains of the 
3x should be added to four ounces of water. 
Dose.-A teaspoonful every two hours, in acute disease, 4 
INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
while the dose should not be repeated oftener than every 
four hours in chronic cases. 
Calcium Phosphate. 
Calcium phosphate exists in nearly all the fluids of the 
body, and is especially essential to the formation of the 
bones, the teeth, the connective tissues, and the blood 
corpuscles. It unites with albumen to form the basis of 
growing tissues, constituting thus the very foundation of 
animal organization. 
Schuessler commends it in defective nutrition of bones 
in growing childhood, where the tendency is in the direc- 
tion of rachitis, or where tardy union of fracture occurs 
for the same reason. In rapid melting away of the soft 
tissues, as in scrofulous abscesses, or ulcers, in exhaus- 
tive discharges occurring in bronchorrhcea, leucorrhoea, 
in the colliquative sweats of hectic or wasting disease, in 
mal-nutrition of teething infants of feeble vitality natur- 
ally or where the exhausting discharges of cholera in- 
fantum have entailed a condition of marasmus, and in all 
forms of ansemia where promotion of the growth of the 
red corpuscles is important, it is useful. 
A perusal of the following therapeutic hints will sug- 
gest the proper places for it in practice:- 
Albuminous exudations. Albuminuria, chronic. 
Amenorrhoea. Anaemia. Appetite, loss of. 
Backache. Bloodlessness. Bones broken, or lacking 
firmness; rickets, bowed legs, etc. Brain fever. Bright's 
disease. Bronchitis, chronic. Bronchocele. 
Cancer, in scrofulous constitutions. Catarrh, with al- 
buminous exudation. Chlorosis. Consumption, with 
expectoration. Convalescence from exhausting diseases, 
during. Convulsions. Cramps. Craniotabes. Creep- 
ing sensations. Croup. Crusta lactea. Cysts. 
Debility, general. Delicacy in growing children. Di- 
arrhoea in teething. Diphtheria. Dropsy. INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
5 
Eczema with anaemia. Emaciation. Eruptions, vesicu- 
lar. Expectoration. Exudations on the skin or lining 
membranes, albuminous. Eyes, neuralgic pains in. 
Face, sallowness of. Fits. Freckles. 
Gallstones. Gastric fever. Glandular enlargements. 
Gleet. Gravel. Gums, neuralgic or rheumatic pains in. 
Hands, involuntary shaking of. Headaches, neuralgic-. 
Herpes. Housemaid's knee. Hydrocele. Hydroceph- 
alus. Hydrops genu. 
Infantile paralysis. Inflammation of the lungs, expec- 
toration from. Inflammations with serous-albuminous 
effusions. Influenza. Intertrigo. 
Kidneys, chronic inflammation of-Bright's disease. 
Knee, housemaid's. 
Laryngismus stridulus. Lead colic. Leucorrhea. 
Lumbago; alternated with ferric phosphate. Lupus. 
Lymphatic glands, swelling of. 
Memory, loss of. Mental aberrations. Mucous mem- 
branes, diseases of. 
Neck, glands of swollen. Nerve pain. Numbness. 
Orchitis. Osteitis. 
Pains, chronic, muscular, rheumatic; cancer pains. 
Paleness of face. Pallid gums. Palsy. Perspiration, 
excessive. Prurigo. Puerperal convulsions. 
Ranula. Rheumatic pains of joints. Rickets. 
Scrofula and struma. Scald head. Skin affections; 
itching of skin, eczema and other eruptions. Softening of 
the brain. Spasmodic cough, spasm of the throat. Spi- 
nal cord, softening of. Spinal curvature. Spinal debility 
-anemia. Stone in the bladder. Sweating to excess. 
Sycosis. 
Teeth, rapid decay of. Teething, convulsions during 
and gastro-intestinal affections during. Tonsils, chronic 
enlargment of. Toothache, deep seated, worse at night. 
Trembling, involuntary; palsy. Tumors, cystic. Ty- 6 
INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
phoid fever, convalescence from, alternated with potas- 
sium phosphate. 
Ulcerations of bone. Urine, gravel in. 
Vitality depressed. 
Whites-leucorrhoea. 
Form of Administration.-Five to ten grains of the 3x, 
trituration should be added to four ounces of water. 
Dose.-K teaspoonful every two hours in acute disease; 
every four hours in chronic affections. 
Calcium Sulphate. 
Calcium sulphate is found in the blood in small 
amount, and proves an important remedial agent in sup- 
puration, especially of the connective tissues. It is 
closely allied therapeutically as well as chemically to cal- 
cium sulphide, but exerts a more searching and positive 
effect. 
It has been employed internally in abscesses and ulcers 
of the cornea, in scrofulous ophthalmia, in suppurative 
otitis, in scald head, in eczema, in herpes, in acne, in en- 
largement of the cervical lymphatics, in purulent dis- 
charges following protracted dysentery or cholera infan- 
tum, in protracted suppuration of buboes or other 
abscesses, in purulent expectoration, in chronic respira- 
tory diseases, in presistent suppuration following the 
opening of a mammary abscess, in boils, to reduce and 
control suppuration. It has also been found valuable in 
rheumatism and neuralgia. 
Clinical suggestions:- 
Abscesses. 
Blows or falls, after. Boils. Bowels, muco-purulent 
evacuations from. Breasts, threatened suppuration in. 
Bronchitis, chronic, profuse expectoration in-bronchial 
catarrh. Bruises, to avert abscess. Burns, suppuration 
in. 
Cancer, rapid ulceration in. Carbuncles. Catarrh. 7 
INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
Chilblains, suppurating. Cold in the chest with expec- 
toration. Consumption with expectoration. Corneal ul- 
ceration. Crusta lactea. Cystitis, chronic. 
Deafness with suppuration of the soft parts of the aud- 
itory apparatus. Diarrhoea. Discharges of purulent ma- 
terial from any part or organ. 
Ears, discharge of sainous matter from. Eczema, when 
crusts form. Effusion, when pus forms. Empyema. 
Enteric fever; in ulceration of bowels. Eruptions, pustu- 
lar. Expectoration, purulent. Exudations, purulent. 
Eyes, purulent affections of. 
Felon. Festers. Furuncle. 
Gathered breasts. Glands, suppuration of. Gonor- 
rhoea, purulent discharges in. Gumboils, when alveoli are 
not involved-acute. 
Inflammation in any part tending to suppuration. In- 
juries, secondary complications. 
Lungs, purulent expectoration from. 
Mastitis, threatened suppuration in. 
Ophthalmia, purulent discharge in. Osteitis, suppura- 
tive. Ozsena. 
Pimples-acne. Pneumonia, with pulmonary abscess 
impending. Pustules. 
Quinsy, to hasten and limit suppurative action. 
Scalds, in suppuration following. Scald-head in chil- 
dren. Sebaceous glands, suppurating. Skin affections, 
eczema, eruption of vesicles, etc. Skin and connective 
tissues, suppuration in. Small pox, suppuration in. 
Sores, suppurating. Suppuration in any soft part. Syph- 
ilitic ulceration and suppuration. 
Throat, ulceration of. Tonsilitis, parenchymatous. 
Tubercular ulceration of intestines. 
Ulcerations of bone. Ulceration of bowels. Ulcera- 
tion of any part. 
Varicose ulcers. "Weed." Whitlow. 8 
INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
Form for Administration.-Five grains of the 3x tritura- 
tion should be added to four ounces of water. 
Dose.-A teaspoonful every two hours in acute disease, 
every four in chronic cases. 
Ferric Phosphate. 
Iron is acknowledged by physiologists generally to ex- 
ist naturally in the coloring matter of the red blood cor- 
puscles. This has given rise to the almost universal 
and indiscriminate practice of prescribing chalvbeat.es in 
exhorbitant doses for anaemic cases. Schussler asserts 
that iron is a constituent of the muscle cells and that it 
is an important remedy in relaxation of muscular fiber. 
This departure deserves credit as an effort to at least 
get out of an old rut which leads to little real benefit and 
much harm. 
The theory that this remedy strengthens muscular fi- 
ber, justifies its use in the relaxation of the arterial walls 
resulting in hyperaemia. Ferric phosphate figures in 
Schuessler's therapy as a "special sedative" and is em- 
ployed in all febrile disturbances and inflammations at 
their onset, especially before exudation begins. 
From the power of iron and its salts of attracting oxy- 
gen, anaemic states may be benefited by it, but the minute 
dose is more efficacious than the large one which un- 
doubtedly often proves a source of embarrassment. 
The following named conditions may indicate its need 
as a remedy, according to Schuesslerian philosophy:- 
Abscess, when threatened; in forming stage, as a seda- 
tive. Adhesions, when recent, alternated with potassium 
chloride. Ague. Albuminuria, acute, alternated with 
potassium chloride. Anaemia. Arthritis. Articular 
rheumatism. 
Backache, pain across the loins. Bladder, acute inflam- 
mation of, alternated with potassium chloride. Bladder, 
spasmodic action of, alternated with magnesium phos- 9 
INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
phate. Blows or falls. Boils, in early stage. Bowels, 
inflammation of. Brain fever. Breasts, inflammation 
of. Breathing, short, hurried. Bronchitis, acute or 
chronic,alternated with other remedies as specially indi- 
cated, where there is expectoration. Bronchial asthma, 
alternated with potassium phosphate. Bruises. Bubo, 
early stages. Bunion. 
Carbuncle, in alternation with potassium chloride, silica, 
etc., as indicated. Carditis. Catarrh, colds. Catarrh of 
the stomach. Catarrhal fever. Chills. Chlorosis. 
Coryza. Concussion of the brain. Congestion of any 
part. Constipation. Convulsions with febrile symptoms. 
Cough, acute. Creaking of the tendons. Croup. Cysti- 
tis. 
Deafness from inflammatory conditions of auditory 
apparatus. Delirium in fevers. Diarrhoea from chill. 
Dilatation of heart from relaxation of muscle. Diphthe- 
ria ; for inflammatory symptoms. Dizziness on stooping. 
Dropsy from inflammatory conditions or muscular 
relaxation. Dysentery. Dysmenorrhoea, inflammatory. 
Dyspepsia. Dyspnoea, with hurried breathing. 
Earache, with inflammatory condition of auditory 
apparatus. Ears, noises in from blood-pressure. Enteric, 
typhoid, or gastric fever. Enuresis. Epistaxis. Erysip- 
elas, for inflammatory symptoms, Eye, acute inflamma- 
tion of, neuralgic or rheumatic pains in. 
Eaceache, neuralgic, rheumatic. Face, redness of. 
Febrile conditions. Felon, in early stages. Fevers of 
all characters. Flatulence. 
Gastric derangements. Gastritis. Giddiness. Gland- 
ular enlargements, inflammatory, acute. Gout, acute. 
Gums, painful, neuralgic. 
Haematemesis. Hemorrhoids. Haemoptysis. Hem- 
orrhage. Hay fever. Headache, congestive or neuralgic. 
Heartburn. Heat and feverishness. Herpes. Hip joint 10 
INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
disease, early. Hoarseness, with hypersemia of the lar- 
yngeal mucous membrane. 
Incontinence of urine from muscular or nervous 
weakness. Inflammation (catarrhal) of bladder. Inflam- 
mation of all kinds, in early stages. Influenza. Injuries, 
during first stage, to subdue inflammation. Insomnia, 
from arterial tension. Irritation of throat. Irritation in 
any part, with heat and pain. Ischuria. 
Kidney disease, acute. 
Lumbago. Lungs, congestion or inflammation of. 
Mastitis. Measles. Meningitis. Menstrual colic. 
Morning sickness in pregnancy. Mumps. 
Nape of neck, pain in. Neuralgia. 
Ophthalmia. Orchitis. Osteitis. Os uteri, relaxed. 
Otitis. Ovarian neuralgia. 
Pain after food. Pains, inflammatory, congestive, in 
any part. Pains in cancer. Pains and stiffness in joints. 
Palpitation of heart. Pericarditis. Periostitis. Perito- 
nitis. Pharyngitis. Phlebitis. Piles. Pleuritis. 
Pleuro-pneumonia. Pneumonia. Prolapsus uteri. 
Quinsy, in early stages. 
Retention of urine. Retinitis. Rheumatic fever. 
Rheumatic pains in any part. 
Scarlatina. Shortness of breath in fever. Sick head- 
ache. Skin, hot, dry, burning. Sores, inflammatory. 
Sore throat. Spasmodic cough. Spitting of bright blood 
in streaks. Splenitis. Sprains. Stiffness of joints. 
Stiff neck from cold. Stomachache. Stomach, ulceration 
of. Stricture, spasmodic. Synovial membrane, inflam- 
mation of. 
Teething, febrile conditions during. Temperature, ele- 
vation of above normal. Tenalgia crepitans, squeaking of 
tendons. Throat, soreness of, inflammation of. Throb- 
bing, pulsations. Tie douloureux. Tinnitus aurium. 
Tongue, inflammation of. Tongue, raw, deep red in the INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
11 
tenter. Tonsils, follicular inflammation of. Tonsils, 
deep seated inflammation of-quinsy. Toothache; in- 
flamed, swollen gums. Typhoid fever. 
Ulceration. Urination, frequent; during sleep-incon- 
tinence. Urine, retention of, from inflammation of kid- 
neys. 
Vaginismus. Vertigo. Voice, hoarseness of, from 
speaking. Vomiting of blood. 
Wheezing. Winter cough. Wounds. 
Form for Administration.-Add five grains of the 3x 
trituration to four ounces of water. 
Dose.-A teaspoonful every two hours in acute, and 
every four, in chronic disease. 
Magnesium Phosphate. 
Besides existing in the bones, this salt constitutes the 
earthy element of muscles and nerves, proving an impor- 
tant remedy in painful and spasmodic affections of these 
parts. 
The influence of magnesium phosphate upon muscle is 
said by Schuessler to be exactly opposite that of ferric 
phosphate: In the case of the latter, the fiber is contracted 
as a result of its therapeutic effect, while in case of the 
former remedy, contracted fibers are relaxed. 
Magnesium phosphate therefore is indicated in all 
spasmodic conditions. It is also the prominent remedy 
among the Inorganic Proximate Principles for pain, espe- 
cially if the symptom is characterized by darting, stitch- 
ing peculiarities, and occurs in the muscles or nerves. As 
an organ remedy it seems more particularly selective of 
the eye and ear. 
The following hints will suggest more closely the 
adaptation of the remedy:- 
After pains. Angina pectoris. Articular rheumatism. 
Asthma. 12 
INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
Backache, neuralgic. Bladder, spasmodic action of. 
Bowels and stomach, pain in. 
Cancer, pain in. Choleraic cramps. Chorea. Chrom- 
atopsia-sparks before the eyes. Colic. Constriction of 
chest and throat. Convulsions. Coughs, spasmodic. 
Cramps, spasms of all descriptions. 
Deafness from nervous weakness. Diarrhoea with col- 
icky pain. Dread of light, photophobia. Dulness of 
hearing. Dulness of sight-weakness of optic nerve. 
Dysentery with cramp. Dyspepsia with crampy pain in 
stomach. 
Epigastric pains, darting or cramping. Eyelids, droop- 
ing of, or spasms or twitching of. Eyes, feeling of pres- 
sure in, intolerance to light. 
Faceache, neuralgic. Fever, rheumatic. Fits. Flat- 
ulence. 
Gall-stones, spasms from. Glottis, spasm of. Gums, 
neuralgic pains in. 
Hands, involuntary shaking of. Headache, neuralgic. 
Hearing, dulness of. Hiccough. 
Illusions, optical. Indigestion, spasmodic cramp. Is- 
churia. Labour pains, spasmodic, crampy. Laryngismus 
stridulus. 
Menstrual colic. Motor nerves, spasmodic disturb- 
ances of. 
Nape of neck, pains in. Nerve pain, neuralgic. 
Os uteri, spasmodic contraction of. Ovarian neuralgia. 
Pains of cancer. Pains, paroxysmal or periodical. 
Palsy, alternated with calcium phosphate. Paralysis agi- 
tans. Paralysis, facial. Photophobia. Piles, neuralgic 
pains in. Puerperal convulsions. 
Retention of urine. Rheumatic pains. 
Sciatica. Shaking of the hands-trembling palsy. 
Smell, loss of, not connected with cold. Sparks before 
the eyes. Spasmodic cough. Spasmodic pains and affec- INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
13 
tions. Spasmodic twitching of the eyelids. Spasms, 
cramps. Spasm of the glottis. Spina ventosa. Squint- 
ing. Stammering. Stomach-ache, neuralgic. Stricture, 
spasmodic. St. Vitus'dance. 
Teething, convulsions in. Tetanus. Tetanic spasms. 
Toothache, neuralgic. Trembling, involuntary; shaking 
palsy. 
Urine, retention of. 
Vaginismus. 
Whooping cough. Windpipe, spasm of. 
Form for Administration.-Add five grains of the 3x 
trituration to four ounces of water. 
Dose.-A teaspoonful every two hours in acute, and 
every four, in chronic disease. 
Potassium Chloride. 
This salt enters into the combination of fibrin, seeming 
to dynamically influence its absorption when exudation of 
fibrinous material takes place into any part. 
Theoretically, it is proposed that fibrinous exudation is 
the result of a disturbance of the molecular action of this 
salt. However this may be, clinical experience has dem- 
onstrated that it is the most positive remedy we have to 
stay the deposition of plastic exudates in pneumonia and 
some other acute diseases. Schuessler extols it highly in 
diphtheria upon the ground that this disease is charac- 
terized by a fibrinous exudation upon mucous membranes. 
Any one however who has had experience with it in true 
diphtheria will be convinced that the remedy has been 
overestimated in this instance. All inflammatory condi- 
tions suggest the use of the remedy, as plastic exudation 
is almost certain to be more or less of a concomitant. It 
will be found especially valuable, according to Schuessler, 
in the following named conditions :- 
Abscess. Accidents, injuries from. Acne. Adhe- 14 
INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
sions, recent. Albuminuria, acute. Amenorrhoea. Aph- 
thae. Articular rheumatism. Asthma. 
Backache. Bilious derangement, with white coated 
tongue. Bladder, inflammation of. Bleeding-hemor- 
rhage. Blisters, vesicles, eruptions. Blows or falls, to 
prevent exudation from injuries from. Boils. Bones 
broken. Bowels and stomach, pains in. Bowels, con- 
stipation of. Bowels, evacuations from, abnormal; inflam- 
matory conditions of, as dysentery, muco-enteritis etc., 
Brain fever. Breasts, inflammation of. Bronchitis, 
chronic. Bronchial asthma. Bruises, to prevent ab- 
scess from. Burns. 
Cancer. Canker. Carbuncles. Carditis. Catamenia 
prolonged. Catamenia suppressed. Catarrh. Cerebri- 
tis. Chancre. Chicken pox. Coating of the tongue. 
Cold in the chest or head with exudation of plastic ma- 
terial. Constipation. Consumption of the bowels. Cor- 
nea, blister on. Coryza, dry. Cough, acute. Creaking 
of the sinews. Croup. Cystitis. 
Deafness, with swelling or suppuration in the tym- 
panic cavity. Diarrhoea. Diphtheria. Discharges from 
mucous linings. Dropsy. Dyspepsia. 
Earache, with discharge or swelling of parts. Eczema. 
Embolus. Enteric fever. Epilepsy. Eruptions. Ery- 
sipelas. Expectoration or exudations of plastic material. 
Eyes, blisters on cornea, and ulcers of the cornea. Eyes, 
rheumatic pains in. 
Faceache, neuralgic, rheumatic. Felon. Fever, rheu- 
matic ; typhoid; puerperal. Flatulence. 
Gastric derangements. Glands, enlarged. Gonorrhoea. 
Gums, neuralgic pains in. Gumboils. 
Hsematemesis. Hemorrhage, from any part. Head- 
aches, bilious. Hearing, dulness of. Herpes zona. 
Herpes-tetter. 
Indigestion. Inflammation of bladder, uterus, ovaries, INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
15 
lungs-all inflammations attended by plastic exudation 
and tending to suppuration. Injuries, secondary compli- 
cations. 
Jaundice. 
Kidney disease, inflammatory. 
Leucorrhoea. Liver, cirrhosis of; jaundice from torpor 
of. Looseness of the bowels. Lung disease with expec- 
toration. Lupus. Lymphatic glands, swelling of. 
Mastitis. Measles, with exudation of plastic lymph 
into lungs or other structures. Meningitis, with threat- 
ened effusion. Menstruation, irregular. Mouth, exco- 
riation or ulceration of. Mucous membrane, disease of. 
Mumps. 
Neck, glands of, swollen. Neuralgia of the teeth. 
Orchitis. Otitis. 
Pain after food; chronic rheumatic pains; pains in the 
head; pains and stiffness of the joints. Peritonitis. 
Pharyngitis. Phlebitis. Phlegm, mucus, discharge of. 
Piles. Pimples. Pleuro-Pneumonia. Pneumonia with 
exudation of plastic lymph. Proud flesh. Puerperal 
fever. 
Quinsy. ■ ' i * ' 
Rash, eruptions, as in measles. Retention of urine. 
Rheumatic fever. Rheumatic headache. Rheumatism, 
acute or chronic. 
Scales after eruptions. Scalds. Scarlet fever. Scrof- 
ulosis and struma. Scald head of children. Scurvy. 
Secretions from any of the mucous linings or membranes. 
Shingles. Sick headache. Skin affections, with exuda- 
tion. Small pox. Sores, inflammatory. Sore throat. 
Spasmodic cough. Spinal cord, softening of. Spinal 
weakness. Splenitis. Sprains. Stiffness of joints, rheu- 
matic. Stomach, derangement of from indigestion; rum- 
bling noise in. Stomatitis, ulcerative. Strumous condi- 
tions. Suppuration, threatening. Swelling with plastic 16 
INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
exudation. Synovial membrane, inflammation of. Syph- 
ilis, acute, chronic. 
Tabes dorsalis. Teething, gastric derangements dur- 
ing. Teeth, tenderness of. Tenalgia crepitans. Toe 
nail, ingrowing. Throat, inflammation of; ulceration of. 
Thrush. Tongue, coating of; inflammation of. Tonsils, 
swelling of; inflammation of. Toothache; teeth tender, 
jaw or root painful. Typhoid fever. 
Ulcers. Urine, retention of from inflammation of kid- 
neys. Urine dark colored. Uterus, congestion of. 
Vaccination, bad effects from. Vertigo writh gastric 
derangement. Voice, hoarseness of. Vomiting and 
retching. Vomiting of blood. 
Warts on hands. "Weed." Wheezing. Whites. 
Whooping cough, expectoration in, plastic exudation. 
Yellow fever. 
Form for Administration.-Add ten grains of the 3x trit- 
uration to four ounces of water. 
Dose.-A teaspoonful every two to four hours. 
Potassium Phosphate. 
This agent enters into the formation of nerve and mus- 
cle cells, and blood corpuscles. 
It is an important constituent of the nervous system, 
playing an important part in the treatment of both or- 
ganic and functional diseases of this portion. Mental 
depression with irritability, despondency, timidity, and 
unwarrantable sense of impending danger, finds a reliable 
remedy in potassium phosphate. 
Pain of a laming, dull character, with tired, exhausted 
feeling upon the part of the patient, finds a reliable 
remedy in this agent. Excessive exhaustion, as in the 
advanced stages of typhoid or typhus fever, with subsul- 
tus tendinum or stupor, calls for it. 
Rapid decay or destruction of blood corpuscles also INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
17 
indicates its need, as in septic, scorbutic and phage- 
denic states. 
We append a clinical guide, to aid in suggesting 
places for its use, with the purpose in view of differentia- 
ting more specifically further on :- 
Adynamic conditions. After pains, deficient. Albu- 
minuria, chronic. Amenorrhoea. Anaemia. Angina pec- 
toris. Aphthae. Atrophy. 
Backache. Bladder, paralysis of. Bleeding, hemor- 
rhage from nose, gums, or other part-nontraumatic. 
Blisters, vesicles, eruptions. Blood heat, increase of. 
Bloodlessness. Blood putrid, septic. Boils. Bone 
diseases; rickets. Brain fag. Breath offensive, fetid. 
Breathing short on exertion. Bright's disease, in alter- 
nation with calcium phosphate. Bronchial asthma, with 
muco-purulent expectoration. 
Cancer. Cancrum oris. Canker, gangrenous thrush. 
Carbuncles. Carditis. Catamenia, excessive. Chancre. 
Chattering of teeth from nervousness. Chilblains, recent, 
itching. Chlorosis. Choleraic cramps. Cold sensations 
in the back, not from chill. Cold in the head. Collapse, 
syncope, prostration. Concussion of the brain. Consti- 
tutional weakness. Consumption with expectoration. 
Consumption of the bowels. Creeping, crawling sensa- 
tions, numbness; alternated with calcium phosphate. 
Crossness in children-irritability. Crying or screaming 
in children-nervousness. 
Deafness from nervous weakness. Debility. Delirium 
in fevers with great prostration. Delirium tremens. 
Diabetes mellitus. Diarrhoea. Dilatation of heart. 
Diphtheria, great prostration; after effects. Discharges, 
ichorous, fetid. Dispiritedness. Dizziness. Dread of 
noise. Dysentery. Dyspnoea, with fatty heart. 
Ears, noises in from nervous weakness. Eczema, from 
ansemia. Energy, want of, debility. • Enlargement of 18 
INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
heart, dilatation. Enuresis. Epilepsy. Epistaxis. 
Eruptions, pustular. Evacuations from the bowels ab- 
normal, fetid. Excessive, hungry feeling. Excoriations. 
Exhaustion. Exudations, purulent. Eyelids, abnormal 
drooping of; alternated with magnesium phosphate. 
Eyes, excited stare, when connected with disease. 
Face-ache, neuralgic, rheumatic. Face livid, sunken. 
Fainting and faintness. Febrile conditions. Fever, 
typhoid, typhus, or gastric, with prostration or blood 
poisoning. Fits, from degenerative changes in the nerv- 
ous system. Flatulence. Flooding. Fright, effects of, 
Gangrenous conditions. Gastritis. Giddiness. Gon- 
orrhoea. Gums, bleeding of. 
Hallucinations. Hands, involuntary shaking of-palsy. 
Hay asthma. Hay fever. Headaches; nervous. Heart, 
feeble action of, intermittent action of. Hoarseness 
from exertion of speaking; alternated with ferric phos- 
phate. Homesickness. Hunger; excessive, nervous. 
Hypochondriasis. Hysteria. 
Ill-humor, peevishness. Illusions. Incontinence of 
urine from nervous or muscular weakness. Infantile par- 
alysis. Insanity. Insomnia. Incontinence of urine, 
nocturnal. Irritability. 
Kidney, chronic inflammation of. 
Labour pains, spurious. Lameness. Lassitude. 
Leucorrhoea. Lethargy. Lips, dryness of; peeling of. 
Liver, irritable, hypersecretion of bile. Lungs, acute 
oedema of. 
Madness, mania, melancholia. Memory bad, loss of. 
Menstrual colic-dysmenorrhoea. Mental aberration. 
Motor nerves, spasmodic disturbance of. Mouth, excoria- 
tion of. 
Nape of neck, pains in. Nausea. Nervous affections. 
Nervousness, sensitiveness. Nettle-rash. Neuralgic 
pains. Noises in the head, from nervous prostration. INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
19 
Noma. Nose; putrid discharge from, ozoena. Numbness; 
in alternation with calcium phosphate. 
Ovarian neuralgia. Ozaena; alternated with calcium 
sulphate. 
Pain below the heart or in the left side, rheumatic or 
neuralgic; pains in any part. Paleness of the face or 
gums. Palpitation of the heart. Paralysis. Perspira- 
tion, excessive. Prolapsus of rectum or uterus. Prurigo. 
Puerperal convulsions. Puerperal mania. Purpura. 
Restlessness. Rheumatism of any part. 
Sciatica. Scurvy. Sensitiveness. Septic hemorrhage. 
Shortness of breath, asthmatic, or with prsecordial pres- 
sure. Shyness, excessive blushing. Sighing, moaning. 
Skin, itching of. Sleeplessness, wakefulness. Sluggish 
circulation. Smell, loss of, not connected with cold* 
Softening of the brain. Somnambulism. Slow, inarticu- 
late speech in sickness. Spinal cord, softening of. Spi- 
nal weakness. Starting, nervousness. Stools, unduly 
offensive. Strabismus, after diphtheria. Stumbling, un- 
certain gait. Stupor, low, muttering delirium. Sunstroke. 
Temperature high, in disease. Throat, sore, gangren- 
ous. Thrush, with fetid breath. Tinnitus aurium. 
Tongue, dryness of; tongue furred. Toothache, neuralgic, 
darting. Typhoid, malignant conditions, during and after. 
Typhus fever. 
Urethra, bleeding from. Urination frequent; inconti- 
nence. 
Varicose ulceration. Vertigo. Vitality depressed. 
Voice, hoarseness of from speaking. 
Wakefulness. Weakness, feeling of, in the left side. 
Wetting of the bed. Whining, fretting, nervousness. 
Yawning, hysterical, from nervous exhaustion. Yellow 
fever, exhaustion in. 
Form for Administration.-Add ten grains of the 3x trit- 
uration to four ounces of water. 20 
INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
Dose.-A teaspoonful every two to four hours, accord- 
ing to circumstances. 
Potassium Sulphate. 
This remedy bears a physiological and therapeutic re- 
lationship to epithelium-the epithelial coverings of both 
cutaneous and mucous membranes. Epithelial structures 
respond to its action, when diseased; it is asserted that 
it influences the growth of epithelial cells when they 
are developing out of place, as in cancer. In desquama- 
tion of the epidermis, in epithelioma, and in yellow slimy 
secretions from the skin and mucous membranes, the 
remedy has afforded the most positive results. The 
developmental relationship between the eye and skin sug- 
gest it as an eye remedy, but clinical experience has 
afforded better results from other remedies. 
Diseases characterized by yellow discharges, not puru- 
lent, and by evening aggravations, are said to require this 
remedy. 
The following list of diseases and conditions may assist 
in selecting it:- 
Ague. Amenorrhoea. Articular rheumatism. 
Backache. Blisters, eruptions, vesicles. Blood heat, 
rise of. Blood tumors. Bowels and stomach, pain in. 
Bronchitis, chronic. Bronchial catarrh. 
Cancer, epithelial. Catamenia, suppressed. Catarrh, 
colds. Catarrh in diabetes. Coating of the tongue. 
Cold in ths head. Colds with blisters on the mouth; 
cold-sores. Coryza. Croupy hoarseness, not croup. 
Dandruff. Deafness, from inflammatory conditions, or* 
throat affections. Dryness of skin, suppression of rash 
or perspiration. 
Earache, with discharge; pain below the ear. Eczema. 
Epithelioma. Eruptions, moist; rash of exanthem. 
Erysipelas. Evening aggravations. Eyes, discharges 
from. Eyes, vision affected. INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
21 
Fevers from blood poisoning. Flatulence. Fungoid 
inflammation of joints. 
Gastric, enteric or typhoid fever. Gonorrhoea. 
Hemorrhoids. Hair, falling of. Headaches, neuralgic. 
Hearing, dullness of. Heated atmosphere aggravating 
ailments. Hoarseness from cold, attended by free ex- 
pectoration. 
Indigestion. Inflammation with effusion. Influenza. 
Intermittent febrile conditions. 
Lips, dryness and peeling of. 
Menstruation, irregularities of. Mucous membranes, 
diseases of. 
Nails, interrupted growth of. 
Pain behind or under the ear; rheumatic. Pains, col- 
icky, not true spasms, without diarrhoea. Pains, chronic 
rheumatic. Perspiration checked. Phlegm-mucus- 
discharge of. Piles, without hemorrhage. Pneumonia 
and complications. 
Fashes, eruptions. Remittent fever. Rheumatic head- 
ache. Rheumatism generally. 
Scales in eruptions, after oozing of vesicles. Scales on 
the head; dandruff. Skin affections. Skin hot, dry, 
burning. Skin, scaling of. Small pox, to promote the 
falling off of crusts. Speech slow and husky in sickness. 
Tongue, coating of. Torpidity of system during sup- 
pression of rash. 
Uterus, discharges from. 
Vitality depressed. Voice, hoarseness, from cold. 
Winter cough. 
Form for Administration.-Add ten grains of the 3x 
trituration to four ounces of water. 
Dose.-A teaspoonful every two hours in acute disease, 
every four hours in chronic cases. 22 
INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
Sodium Chloride. 
This salt exists in every fluid and tissue of the body, 
and is supposed to possess, therapeutically, the property 
of regulating the amount of moisture in the various parts. 
When a disturbance of the molecules exists, inappropri- 
ate conditions attend as regards the state of fluidity of 
the part; sometimes this amounts to excessive dryness, 
at others to undue secretion. A watery discharge is re- 
garded as the keynote to the remedy by the followers of 
Schuessler. 
The following are some of the conditions and diseases 
in which it has been named as a remedy:- 
Adynamic conditions with drowsiness and watery 
vomiting. Anaemia. Anasarca. Aphthae, with ptyalism. 
Asthma with profuse frothy mucus. Asthmatic bronchi- 
tis. 
Blisters, eruptions with clear watery contents. Bowels 
costive, with drowsiness, waterbrash or ptyalism; drool- 
ing during sleep. 
Bronchitis, with watery expectoration or frothy, trans- 
parent mucus. 
Catarrh of anaemic patients; salty taste of expectora- 
tion. Chlorosis with anaemia; watery state of the blood. 
Cold-sores on the lips. Coldness or chillness along the 
spine with ptyalism. Cornea, blister on. Coryza. 
Cough, with excess of watery secretion. 
Diarrhoea with watery, frothy stools. Diphtheria with 
watery diarrhoea, ptyalism, or vomiting. Dropsy. Drow- 
siness with dribbling of saliva during sleep. 
Eczema. Effusions, serous, poor in albumin. Erup- 
tions containing watery fluid which tend to recur. Exu- 
dations on the skin or mucous linings of watery, serous 
character, occuring after inflammation. Eyes, discharges 
of clear mucus from, or stillicidium lachrymarum with 
obstruction of the lachrymal duct; neuralgic pains in, ac- INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
23 
companied by lachrymation, granulated eyelids, photo- 
phobia, etc. 
Glands, salivary, chronic inflammation of, with excessive 
secretion from. Gleet. Gonorrhoea, with profuse, trans- 
parent secretion. It is best adapted to the treatment 
of long-standing gleet. 
Hay fever, when there is watery discharge from the 
eyes and nose; the remedy should be used internally and 
locally. Headache, with profusion of tears, or vomiting 
of transparent mucus or serum. Hemorrhage of pale, 
thin, non-coagulable blood. Herpetic eruptions with 
watery discharges. 
Indigestion, with vomiting of clear, frothy water, or 
gathering of water in the mouth. Influenza, with running 
at the nose, frothy expectoration, and drowsiness. 
Leucorrhoea, watery. 
Menstruation, discharge thin, watery, or pale. Morn- 
ing sickness, with vomiting of thin, watery mucus. 
Mumps, with excessive ptyalism. 
Neuralgia, periodic, with flow of tears; alternated with 
magnesium phosphate. 
(Edema of the lungs, acute. 
Pain after food. Phlegm, greenish discharge of. 
Pimples, watery, moist. Prurigo. Pains, neuralgic, in 
the trigeminus, accompanied by a flow of tears. Pem- 
phigus. Pleurisy, after serous effusion. Polyuria. 
Preputial oedema. 
Belaxed throat, elongated uvula. Banula. Bupia. 
Salivation. Scarlatina, with drowsiness, twitchings, or 
vomiting of watery fluids. Scrotal oedema, with serous 
infiltration. Shingles, with watery blisters. Sick head- 
ache, with vomiting of clear, frothy mucus. Skin affec- 
tions, with white scales. Skin, excoriation of, in infants, 
with watery secretion. Sleep, excessive, traced to excess 
of moisture in the brain substance. Sleepiness on wak- 24 
INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
ing in the morning; tired feeling. Small pox with ptya- 
lism, or confluent eruption. Stings of insects, applied 
locally. Stomach-ache, with ptyalism. Sunstroke. Sy- 
cosis, with watery vesication. Sick headache. Sterility 
with acid secretions from the vagina. Stomach, ulcera- 
tion of. 
Teeth, gritting of, in children during sleep. Throat, 
yellow spots in. Tongue, coated with golden yellow coat- 
ing. 
Teething, with much drooling. Thrush, with ptyalism. 
Tongue coated with slimy, clear, watery bubbles. Tooth- 
ache, with flow of tears or saliva. Typhoid or malignant 
symptoms during the course of any fever. Typhus fever 
with coma. 
Ulceration of stomach or bowels. Urine, incontinence 
of, in children with acidity. 
Vomiting of acids or curdled masses. 
Vomiting of watery material. 
Water brash, with acidity. Whites, acid in character. 
Winter cough, transparent secretions. Worms, with in- 
dications of acidity of intestinal canal. 
Form for Administration.-Add ten grains of the 3x 
trituration to four ounces of water. 
Dose.-A teaspoonful every two to four hours. 
Sodium Phosphate. 
Sodium phosphate, according to Schuessler, influences 
the decomposition of lactic acid into carbonic acid and 
water, the tissue salt fixing the carbonic acid and carry- 
ing it to the lungs. It is therefore suggested as the 
remedy for disturbances of the digestive apparatus dur- 
ing infancy, while milk is the article of diet. It is espe- 
cially applicable to affections of children who have been 
fed upon cow's milk sweetened with cane sugar. 
The principal symptoms which indicate its need are: 
Acid eructations, vomiting of acid fluids or curdled mate- 25 
INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
rial, diarrhoea of greenish stools, abdominal pains, etc. 
A yellow, gold colored discharge, or a similarly colored 
coating on the tongue is also a symptom calling for it. 
It is regarded as the remedy for gastric ulceration. 
The following guide should be consulted in selecting 
the agent:- 
Acidity. Anus, itching at. Appetite, loss of. 
Blisters. Bowels and stomach, pains in. Bowel evac- 
uations, greenish. 
Chafing of skin. Coating of tongue, yellow. Cold in 
head with yellow discharge. Cold, with eruptions on the 
mouth. Colic of children. Cough, from gastric disturb- 
ance. 
Diarrhoea in teething. Diphtheritic throat (follicular 
tonsillitis), with yellow spots. Dyspepsia, with vomiting 
of greenish fluids. 
Ears hot or itchy. Eczema. Excoriation of the skin. 
Exudations on the skin. 
Fissure of anus. Flatulence. 
Gastric ulceration. Giddiness from gastric disturbance. 
Headache. Heartburn. Hunger, irregular, in children. 
Indigestion. Intertrigo. Incontinence of urine. 
Itching about the anus. 
Lead colic. Leucorrhoea with anaemia. 
Morning sickness in pregnancy. 
Nausea, with sour risings. Nose, picking at, associated 
with acidity and worms. 
Pain after food with sour risings, with creamy coating 
on the base of the tongue. This symptom, creamy coat- 
ing on tongue, indicates the remedy when pain exists in 
any part. Perspiration, of sour odor. 
Scabs, golden yellow, like honey. Secretions of creamy 
yellow appearance, or secretions causing excoriation. 
Sick headache, with sour, frothy vomiting. Skin, sore- 
ness or chafing of, excoriations with humid surface, espe- 26 
INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
cially with yellow creamy discharge. Sterility, with acid, 
secretions from the vagina. Stomach-ache, with sour ris- 
ings,. Stomach; ulceration of. 
Teeth, grinding of during sleep. Throat and tonsils 
covered with a creamy yellow discharge. Tongue, coat- 
ing of, creamy yellow discharge at the base. 
Urine, involuntary discharge of with acidity, in child- 
ren. 
Vomiting of acid fluids, not food. 
Worms, with acidity of intestinal secretions. 
Form for Administration.-Add ten grains of the 3x 
trituration to four ounces of water. 
Dose.-A teaspoonful every two to four hours. 
Sodium Sulphate. 
The oxidation of the food and tissues gives rise to a 
certain amount of water which this salt is supposed to 
assist in eliminating. Disturbance of its molecules gives 
rise to bilious vomiting, watery, bilious diarrhoea, oedema 
of inflammatory character-erysipelatous, moist eruptions 
of the skin, diabetes, gout, bilious headache, etc. 
The following suggestions may aid in selecting it:- 
Ague. Anasarca. Arthritis. 
Bilious derangement. Bile, excess of, vomiting of. 
Bilious colic. Bilious fever. Blisters. 
Cataract in diabetes. Colic, bilious. 
Diabetes mellitus. Diarrhoea bilious. Diphtheria, 
vomiting of green water. Dizziness and bile. Dropsy. 
Erysipelas, smooth. 
Eace, sallow. 
Gall-stones. Giddiness, from gastric disturbance. 
Gout, acute and chronic. Gravel; urinary sediments. 
Hypochondriasis. 
Intermittent fever. 
Lead colic. Liver, irritable. 
Pemphigus. Preputial oedema. Remittent fever. INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
27 
Sick headache, with vomiting of greenish,watery mate- 
rial. Skin affections, watery-eczema, humid tetter. 
Sleepiness, with excess of bile. Swellings, dropsical. 
Urination, frequent. Urine, dark colored. Urine, sedi- 
ment in; gravelly deposit. 
Vertigo, with gastric derangement Vomiting of bile 
or green water. 
Yellow fever, for the vomiting in. 
Form, for Administration.-Add ten grains of the 3x 
trituration to four ounces of water. 
Dose.-A teaspoonful every two to four hours. 
Silica. 
Silica enters into the composition of the connective 
tissue, epidermis, hair, and nails. Connective tissue is so 
interwoven with other parts that a remedy influencing it 
seems far-reaching in its effects. Thus bone and nervous 
structure is influenced because of the connective tissue it 
contains. Cartilage and bone, however, seem to possess 
an affinity for this remedy and are influenced by it. 
Cartilaginous growths, inflammation of cartilage in trau- 
matic arthritis and osseous degeneration, as well as caries, 
find, probably, the most positive remedy in this agent, 
though too much should not be expected from any. 
The following hints may serve to assist in selecting the 
remedy;- 
Abscess. 
Boils. Breasts, inflammation of. Bruises. 
Carbuncles. Cornea, abscess or ulceration of. 
Ear, discharge from. Eczema. Empyema. Eye, 
superficial ulcer of. Enchondromata. 
Feet, perspiration of. Furuncle. Fistula. 
Gathered breasts. Gum boils. 
Hip-joint disease. Hypopyon, 
Indurations. Inflammations tending to suppuration. 
Injuries, threatened suppuration after. 28 
INORGANIC PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES. 
Neck, glands of swollen, with suppurative tendency. 
Nose, discharge from, chronic ozisena. Ostitis, 
Pain behind the ear, rheumatic. Pains in the head 
upon the skull; pericranial neuralgia. Perspiration ex- 
cessive; of feet with fetid odor. Purulent formations. 
Pustules. 
Scales, vesicles, blisters. Sebaceous glands, suppurat- 
ing. Skin and connective tissue, suppuration of. Sup- 
puration threatening. Sweat, excessive. 
Throat, sore, ulcerated. Tongue, induration of after 
inflammation of. Tonsillitis. Toothache, deep seated, 
worse at night. 
Ulceration of bone or soft parts. 
"Weed." Whitlow. Wounds, suppurating. 
Form for Administration.-The 6x to the lOx trituration. 
Dose.-From one to three grains, three or four times 
daily. 'BLOOD MAKERS. 
29 
BLOOD MAKERS. 
Arsenic. 
This remedy serves a valuable purpose as a blood 
maker in certain forms of anaemia, if the dose be restricted 
to a minute quantity. In large doses the effect is too 
powerful, debilitating rather than improving the func- 
tions of the blood making organs. 
Some relegate the remedy to those cases in which 
iron does not agree, but this would be too sweeping an 
adaptation, for iron fails to agree with a large majority of 
cases--at least fails to produce marked beneficial effect. 
Chlorosis, especially if metrorrhagia be present, is often 
promptly benefited by it. Especially is this the case if 
the nervous element of the disease be markedly prominent, 
amounting to choreic symptoms. 
The anaemia of malarial cachexia also yields to this 
remedy, more promptly often than to any other drug, 
and the periodical attacks vanish as sanguification pro- 
ceeds. A preferable form however in this case will be 
found the arseniate of quinia, one of the most positive 
agents in chronic malarial poisoning when administered 
three or four times daily, in three-grain doses of the 2x 
or 3x trituration. 
This remedy also possesses a reputation in the treat- 
ment of pernicious anaemia, which it may be found well to 
investigate; for though such cases are rare, when encoun- 
tered they tax our best resources to the utmost. 
Form for Adminisiration.-The 3x to the 6x trituration 
of arsenious acid is a favorite form with the homeopa- 
thists and many Eclectics. Fowler's solution contains 
1-120th of a grain of the arsenious acid to the drop, 
and is often a convenient form for bedside prescribing. 30 
BLOOD MAKERS. 
Dose.-Two or three grains of the trituration,' of the 
solution, five or ten drops may be added to four ounces 
of water, and of this a teaspoonful may be given three or 
four times daily. 
Calcium Posphate. 
This remedy possesses positive virtues as an encour- 
ager of the blood making processes, in surprisingly small 
doses, as evidenced by the results that have been at-: 
tained by its use in anaemia, after the plan of Schuessler. 
Some of the older Eclectics prized calcined deer's horn 
(which is essentially the same thing) in anaemic states, as 
well as for haemostatic purposes, but it has fallen into* 
general disuse. Positive remedies for anaemia however 
are few enough to prompt examination of the merits of 
every one possessing any reputable character. Calcium 
phosphate is second to none of our remedies for the cor- 
rection of stubborn cases of anaemia, if the prescriber can 
possess faith enough in it to give it a fair trial, and the 
patient enough in him to afford him the opportunity. 
I have treated several cases of pernicious anaemia 
within the past few years with this agent, with a suc- 
cess I never knew while using the older remedies-those 
more in vogue for the purpose in our school (at least so 
far as the minute dose is concerned). One case was par- 
ticularly striking: A married lady from Nevada, 28 years 
of age, consulted me for a condition of general prostra- 
tion attended by anaemia, while on a visit to this city, who 
had been in ill health since the birth of her elder child, 
five years before, though under treatment almost con- 
stantly following that time. She complained of a per- 
sistent tired feeling, of poor appetite, and painful, difficult 
digestion; the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat, 
was nearly always in an irritable condition (aphthous and 
hyperaemic), and there was chronic follicular inflammation BLOOD MAKERS. 
31 
of the tonsils. Careful examination of all the organs 
was made, but only a slight rectal disease was found, in 
addition to what was already known. Her tissues were 
pallid and transparent. 
The rental disease (two inflamed pockets) was. oper- 
ated, and several standard restoratives and tonics were 
tried in connection with general faradization, while phyto- 
lacca, penthorum, aesculus and other special remedies were 
directed to the oral and pharyngeal trouble; but no ben- 
efit following and the throat being especially troublesome, 
I removed the tonsils after a month. Soon after this the 
patient went home, but still corresponded with me and 
received medicine by express, but was no better after 
three months more. The following fall she went to Eu- 
rope and remained all winter, but returned the next June 
not at all improved, visiting my office for more treatment 
Completely discouraged, I gave het half an ounce of 
the 3x trituration of calc. phos. with a two-grain sample 
powder, and sent her home with instructions to take a 
dose four times a day. I received a letter from her in a 
few weeks, stating that she was very much improved, 
and requesting me to send more of the medicine. Within 
three months she was well without any other treatment, 
and she has remained well since. 
ClIAULMOOGRA OlL. 
The gynocardia odo.rata serves a valuable purpose in 
the anaemia of syphilis, where almost every other rem- 
edy fails. It also serves at the same time as a deobstru- 
ent to the lymphatics, averting induration and banishing 
the cutaneous and mucous patches. When its use is be- 
gun early it promises more than any other remedy, to 
abort the serious constitutional effects of the disease. It 
is probable that to its power of preventing glandular ob- 
struction is due its value in syphilitic anaemia. 32 
BLOOD MAKERS. 
Form for Administration.-The chaulmoogra oil of com- 
merce is solid in consistency, and but sparingly soluble 
in alcohol. Equal parts of alcohol and sulphuric ether 
constitute a menstruum which answers all requirements. 
To this the oil should be added until a portion remains 
undissolved. This constitutes the tincture. 
Dose.-Fifteen or twenty drops of the tincture in a 
swallow of water three or four times a day. The follow- 
ing prescription answers a good purpose in some cases:- 
£ Tr. oil of gynocardia, 
Syr. stillingia comp., q. s., ad. ?iv. 
S.-Take a teaspoonful before each meal, and one at 
bed-time. 
Copper. 
Cuprum has had considerable of a reputation as a 
blood maker in our school, owing to the prominence given 
it by Scudder, in "Specific Medication." He considers 
the use of coppered pickles an excellent mode of adminis- 
tering it, though the tincture may be employed, probably 
with equal advantage. He prefers it where with the an- 
aemia there is not great loss of flesh, the skin being waxy, 
with pallidity or greenish tinge of parts usually of red 
color. 
Grauvogl offers the following rationale of the action of 
copper as a remedy in anaemia, referring to water charged 
with a compound of cyanogen (termed iodosmone). 
"Moreover, if one smells too often of this water, or 
drinks even a small quantity thereof, he will experience 
in himself all the phenomena which precede cholera, fol- 
lowed by violent cholerine. The surest remedy to arrest, 
almost in a moment, this artificially produced state, is 
water impregnated with ozone. I convinced myself per- 
sonally of the truth of this discovery. If we add to this 
the property of copper in a finely divided state of ab- 
sorbing great quantities of oxygen, then the operation of BLOOD MAKERS. 
33 
copper is explained according to a natural law; it oper- 
ates inwardly, administered in a finely divided state, as a 
function-remedy, as an ozone-bearer, since, circulating 
with the blood, it takes up more ozone from the inspired 
air than does the blood, and imparts it to the blood. 
Accordingly, all disease-forms in which copper is the 
remedy, are to be referred to a lack of ozone, or an over- 
plus of iodosmone in the blood, and these disease-forms 
naturally constitute as comprehensive a group as the at- 
mosphere forms a comprehensive condition of life." 
Forms for Administration.-The tincture, and tritura- 
tions of the acetate. 
Dose.-Add ten drops of the tincture to four ounces of 
water, and order a teaspoonful four times daily. The 3x 
or the 6x trituration of the acetate of copper may be ad- 
ministered in two or three-grain doses, twice or thrice 
daily. 
Faradism. x 
The satisfactory effects of this agent in many forms of 
anaemia place it at the head of the list, as regards prompt- 
ness of action. Medicine may be reliable, but much 
time is required in the majority of cases to bring about 
the desired effect. With this agent, however, the anaemic 
patient may be made to improve speedily, almost from 
the first moment, and a few days often suffice to accom- 
plish results that may require weeks of the most success- 
ful medication. 
The secret of this is probably the pronounced effect 
exerted upon digestion and assimilation, pabulum being 
thus furnished, while innervation is so improved that it 
is promptly appropriated. 
The effects of faradism in chlorotic and puerperal anae- 
mia are often almost marvelous in their promptness, no 
matter how long the condition has been existing. Other 
forms of anaemia also often yield to its effects, though 
3 34 
BLOOD MAKERS. 
pernicious anaemia cannot be improved with it in many 
instances. 
In the marasmus of infants following cholera infantum 
it has no equal, and, if properly employed, is capable of 
saving many a bud of promise otherwise doomed. 
The plan of application that I usually employ is simple, 
and at the same time efficacious: Place both feet on the 
positive electrode and apply the negative with a mois- 
tened sponge to the nape of the neck, allowing the cur- 
rent to pass in this directioii for from five to ten minutes. 
Now place one foot on the positive and the sponge at- 
tached to the negative in the opposite hand, for from 
three to five minutes; then change the positive to the op- 
posite foot and the negative to the opposite hand. The 
current should be strong enough to be plainly felt by the 
patient, but not so strong as to cause cramping of the 
muscles. I prefer a good Kidder battery to all others, 
though there are probably others as good. 
By this method I have cured every case of chlorotic 
ansemia encountered for the past fifteen years, with a few 
weeks' treatment each. As these cases are generally com- 
plicated with chorea, the spasmodic symptoms also yield. 
I have had remarkable results from the use of faradism 
in puerperal anaemia, though some cases refuse to yield 
to it. However, the remedy is always worthy a trial in 
such cases, as in the event of failure the result would 
hardly be worse than that of a salutary influence upon the 
general system. Usually the debility, palpitation of the 
heart, nervousness, insomnia, anorexia and other unpleas- 
ant symptoms readily yield to the influence, and health 
is speedily established. Even where the debility has re- 
sulted in anasarca, the effect of the agent is soon observ- 
able in the change from the pallid, puffy, transparent ap- 
pearance of the tissues, to one of natural elasticity and 
tone. Six weeks of such treatment will usually restore BLOOD MAKERS. 
35 
these cases, treatment being repeated every other day for 
the first fortnight, and afterward twice a week. 
The above are examples at random of many similar 
instances where I have seen apparently incurable cases 
yield like magic, before the influence of the induced 
electrical current. 
Ferrum. 
Iron being a component part of red blood corpuscles 
it is believed to be an important blood maker, and stands 
prominently out as a remedy for anaemia in all the older 
authorities upon therapeutics. But it has been proven 
in the matter of body supplies, that an agent, even though 
its representative exist in the body, does not necessarily 
go to the production of that representative after entrance 
into the circulation. And if iron could be supplied in 
that manner, as it probably may, but a small quantity is 
necessary to furnish all that the haematin requires. 
If anaemia then depended upon lack of iron, a very 
small quantity would supply the deficiency and cure, when 
the fact is that large quantities, over a period of months, 
often fail to produce any effect worthy of credit. 
But the majority of the profession is yet so much in 
favor of iron as a restorative that we wall quote a few 
lines from Ringer, upon some of the questions of practical 
issue:- 
"In the treatment of anaemia many physicians advocate 
the use of large doses of iron salts; others, instancing the 
beneficial effects of ferruginous waters, strenuously main- 
tain that all the good effects are obtainable from very 
small doses. In many instances, no doubt, anaemia is 
curable by the employment of small quantities of iron, 
but it is likewise certain that large quantities, when they 
can be borne, act far more promptly. 
"It is an interesting and important question, How 
much iron is absorbed into the blood? Probably but 36 
BLOOD MAKERS. 
little of the insoluble forms, as the quantity of acid in 
the stomach is not adequate to dissolve them; and as re- 
gards the soluble preparations, it is hard to say how 
much gets into the blood. The increase of iron in th© 
urine being very slight, after administering a soluble iron 
salt, it has been concluded that very little passes into 
the blood, and the fact that almost all the iron taken by 
the mouth may be re-obtained from the fjeces, seems to 
strengthen this view; but an extended knowledge concern- 
ing the elimination of metals from the body shows this 
to be fallacious. Probably most metals, but certainly 
iron, are eliminated from the system through the intes- 
tines, and make their exit through the fseces; for when 
iron salts are injected into the blood, almost all the 
metal is ultimately recoverable from the fseces. That 
much more is absorbed than is appropriated by the blood 
corpuscles, is shown by the coloration iron produces in all 
the albuminous secretions of the body, the fluids bath- 
ing the various cavities becoming colored reddish-brown. 
"In anaemia we have both deficiency in the amount of 
red corpuscles and deficiency in the quantity of coloring 
matter in the corpuscles; or defective coloration may exist 
alone. Iron increases both the coloring matter in the 
corpuscles and the quantity of corpuscles. 
"In anaemia iron salts possess other important proper- 
ties than their influence over the growth of the corpuscles. 
They act bracingly on the relaxed mucous membrane of 
the digestive canal and probably in this way tend to re- 
store its functions. Morever it is highly probable that 
after its entrance into the blood the iron exerts an influ- 
ence beyond that of increasing the quantity of red corpus- 
cles ; hence iron is useful not only as a force to promote 
the formation of blood discs, and so improving general 
nutrition, but likewise on account of its beneficial influ- 
ence on the tissues. " 37 
BLOOD MAKERS. 
Among the numerous preparations of iron, there are 
two which may be considered worthy of special mention, 
viz., ferric phosphate and Howe's acid solution. 
Ferric Phosphate.-This is one of the Inorganic Proxi- 
mate Principles, and has been fully noticed in that group. 
Howes Acid Solution oj Iron.-This preparation has 
afforded satisfaction to numerous practitioners of our 
school in anaemic conditions, especially when complicated 
with dyspepsia. The method of preparation is given be- 
low, by the originator, Professor A. J. Howe, M. D.:- 
Water, Oj. 
Nitric acid, 
" M. Sig.-Add zj of sulphate of iron, letting stand in an 
open mortar for 48 hours, and stirring occasionally with 
a glass rod. At last filter, then the medicine is ready 
for use. Dose: Two drops in water every three or four 
hours. " 
The same writer comments further upon this prepara- 
tion as follows, in a letter to Lloyd Brothers:- 
"The formula for this preparation you have long used, 
is a ferruginous preparation which is becoming so well 
known among Eclectic physicians that I do not wonder 
you ask in what pathological states I employ the remedy. 
Given in two-drop doses every three hours, the agent im- 
proves the appetite, promotes digestion and aids assimila- 
tion in anaemia. A peculiarity of the medicine is that it 
never provokes fever or febrile phenomena, as do most 
preparations of iron. I have extensively used the reme- 
dial agent for twenty-five years, and I have yet to meet 
the first case where harm resulted from its administration. 
I exhibit the medicine when an alterative is indicated, and 
a tonic effect is desired. Curable patients invariably gain 
flesh under its therapeutic influence. Incipient phthisis 
commonly is arrested by the alternate use of acid solu- 38 
BLOOD MAKEBS. 
tion of iron, two drops, and Fowler's solution of arsenic, 
one drop of the latter constituting a dose, every three 
hours. Both agents should be amply diluted with water. 
Acid solution of iron is one of the most potent cura- 
tives of systemic syphilis I have ever tried. I prescribe 
it every third day, Fowler's solution on the second day, 
and biniodide of mercury in tablets on the next day, the 
fiftieth of a grain of the latter being a dose. Four doses 
of either are enough for the day they are taken. The 
medication may be kept up for months. 
• "In the management of epitheliomatous and carcinoma- 
tous diseases the same course of medication should be 
employed as in the treatment of constitutional syphilis. 
In fact a similar course is needed in the medication of 
scrofulous patients who suffer from hip disease, curvature 
of the spine, fistula, eczema, psoriasis, and most other ob- 
stinate forms of skin diseases. And experience has con- 
vinced me that the "Iron Solution" is as efficient an alter- 
ative as either of the other medicines mentioned. You 
ask for the modus medendi of the remedy, but I can only 
state what experience warrants me in affirming: I have 
learned the efficacy of the agent tentatively-the best way 
to prove any remedy." 
Oxygen, Ozone. 
Oxygen gas has been used with success in the treatment 
of anaemia resulting from loss of blood or suppurative dis- 
charges. It increases the appetite, stimulates digestion, 
and aids the formative power in the blood-making pro- 
cesses. 
Ozone is enthusiastically recommended by some prac- 
titioners, as a remedy for anaemia. The apparatus for the 
generation and storage of these gases is somewhat expen- 
sive and may deter the general practitioner from making 
avail of them, but the office pre scriber should be prepared 39 
BLOOD MAKERS. 
to employ both the oxygen and its allotropic form when 
they are needed, as they doubtless supply an important 
desideratum in many instances, possibly filling a place not 
otherwise provided for. 
Oxygen and ozone have both been used in liquid form, 
the gases being held in aqueous solution. A familiar 
name for oxygenated water is "peroxide of hydrogen." 
Sulphur. 
Sulphur is sometimes serviceable in anaemia to augment 
the action of other restoratives. In the case of iron, 
especially, this remedy is asserted to be a valuable ad- 
junct when the system fails to respond to the un-assisted 
influence of the ferruginous agent. Dr. E. M. Water- 
house observes (California Medical Journal): "We will 
find numerous cases of disease of the female reproductive 
organs that can be traced to a scrofulous condition, which 
may be relieved by this remedy alone. In some of these 
cases we find anaemia that the usual prescriptions of iron 
do not reach; here we alternate the iron with small doses 
of sulphur, and all goes well." 
Dose.-For such purposes as this the minute dose an- 
swers the best service; for instance, two or three grains 
of the 2x or 3x trituration, three or four times daily. 40 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
Acidum Benzoicum. 
This remedy is accredited with the property of mani- 
festly increasing the acidity of the urine. In those cases 
of vesical or urethral irritation where the discomfort is 
referable to alkaline urine, it offers more promise perhaps 
than any other agent, unless it be boracic acid 
A deep red, almost brown, color of the urine is consid- 
ered by Dr. Jeanes as a specific indication for its use. 
With this symptom an intensification of the natural odor 
of the secretion usually exists. When excessive alkalinity 
is present, whether uncomplicated with other disorders 
or attending gonorrhoea, syphilis, or prostatic irritation 
from non-specific causes, benzoic acid is worthy a trial, 
though boracic acid often relieves the irritability of the 
urinary passages more promptly. The eneuresis, dys- 
uria, and tenesmus subside, and morbid deposits disappear. 
Form for Administration.-I have found the 3x tritura- 
tion, in two- or three-grain doses, three times daily, to 
answer an admirable purpose. 
Acidum Hydriodicum. 
I cannot do better, in referring to this agent, than 
quote the following, by J. V. Shoemaker, M. D., in the 
Dietetic Gazette:- 
"If any alterative is more in demand than the iodides, 
it would puzzle therapeutists to agree upon its name. 
Many obscure deviations from health exist, amounting not 
always to pronounced disease, which will not give way to 
simple tonics or to depurants of the purgative order. 
These maladies are the bane and torture of a busy doctor, 
and many times he gets them out of his list by the use of 
iodides. Then again, when well defined cases of scrofula ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
41 
and syphilis are under our care, the value of a good alter- 
ative is pre-eminently a question of moment. Unfort- 
unately the iodides in large or long continued doses have 
a tendency in many instances to inaugurate stomach dis- 
orders, and yet the absolute need of the remedy is ap- 
parent. What then shall we do?-We can have recourse 
to hydriodic acid. For years this agent was officinal in 
the dispensatory, but it was dropped because of its un- 
stable character, which made it not only unpleasant, but 
unsafe to administer. For almost ten years the acid was 
unobtainable, until in 1878, when Mr. R. W. Gardner, of 
New York, introduced the agent in the form of a syrup, 
which the best tests have shown to be unalterable by any 
ordinary exposure in the sick-room, unless in hot weather, 
when, of course, it should be excluded from either extreme 
of light or heat. Sufficient time has now elapsed to demon- 
strate that the claims made for the syrup are well founded, 
and that it replaces the salts of soda and potassa in an 
entirely satisfactory manner. An important addition in 
the form of hydriodic acid has therefore been made to 
current therapeutics. By the use of this syrup we obtain, 
in a palatable form, iodine in its most effective state. Mr. 
Gardner has shown that:- 
'When not decomposed, hydriodic acid is of a light- 
yellowish color, is perfectly non-irritant, gratefully acid 
to the taste, and rendered still more acceptable if com- 
bined, as in this preparation, with sugar. 
"In chemical composition it consists of one equivalent 
each of iodine and hydrogen (H I). As the equivalent of 
iodine is 127, and that of hydrogen 1, it follows that the 
proportion of hydrogen present as compared to iodine is 
less than 1 per cent (78-100 of 1 per cent). Absolute 
hydriodic acid is, therefore, nearly pure iodine. It affords 
the most natural and effective means of assimilating 
iodine, as the hydrogen with which it is combined is one 42 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
of the largest elementary constituents of the body. The 
combination renders iodine more assimilable, therefore, 
because in physiological harmony, while it is medicinally 
more active, and deprived of its objectionable irritant 
properties, and changed from a most disagreeable to one 
of the pleasantest of remedies. 
" One fiuidounce of this syrup contains 6.66 grains of 
iodine converted into hydriodic acid. Its action will be 
found more efficient in equivalent doses than iodide of 
potassium, while it produces none of the unpleasant effects 
of the latter, such as loss of appetite, soreness in the 
fauces, nausea, etc. Physicians who use iodide of potas- 
sium largely will appreciate this, because it is more active 
than iodide of potassium, and should be given in smaller 
relative doses, thus not interfering with digestion. 
"Its effect upon mucous surfaces is more marked than 
with other forms of iodine, while it is effective in smaller 
relative proportions, and when required it is so free from 
irritant action that it may be given to the youngest 
infant. Our chemist just quoted further adds that hydri- 
odic acid has a characteristic subacid taste, and if the 
syrup contains about 6.66-1C0 grains in ore fluidounce, it 
will taste like lemon syrup or lemonade. Consumers of 
the syrup can be guided as to any deletrious change in 
it by noting the color. "When decomposition has occurred 
in syrup of hydriodic acid, it first becomes red and finally 
black. This is owing to the very feeble chemical affinity 
existing between its elements, and is caused by the 
gradual oxidation of the combined hydrogen into water 
(HO) and the consequent freeing of iodine which passes 
at once into solution in the remaining hydriodic acid. 
"In this condition it is unfit for medical use, because 
the irritant action of free iodine is again restored. 
"It will be seen that this change is inherent, though it 
may be delayed. After this change has commenced, how- ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
43 
ever, it is progressive, and the preparation cannot be re- 
stored to its former condition. 
"The best method of preventing this change is to keep 
the syrup in as cold a situation as possible, in a refriger- 
ator if convenient, during warm weather, and carefully ex- 
cluded from air by keeping it well corked. 
"The syrup of hydriodic acid is especially serviceable in 
hay fever, acute and chronic rheumatism, chronic bron- 
chitis, and in many chronic congestions of the mucous 
tract. Probably the greatest value to the practitioner of 
syrup of hydriodic acid will come from its employment in 
syphilis, particularly in the latter stages. The stomach 
is often rebellious at this time, for it has most likely been 
surfeited with mercury. Many cases drag along under 
iodine because not enough of it can be borne, and mer- 
curials frequently are not only useless, but at times in- 
jurious. Instances such as those related bear admirably 
large doses of syrup of hydriodic acid. Some cases have 
come under my observation in which the patients were at 
a standstill, who at once brightened up and rapidly im- 
proved under the use of the syrup of hydriodic acid. If 
thought desirable, the biniodide of mercury (the red salt) 
can be used at the same time, because it (the green salt) 
would be converted into the former salt, and unless care 
was taken the unexpected activity of the syrup thus pre- 
pared would exceed the prescriber's expectations, and 
possibly injure the patient. In syphilis the syrup can be 
pushed, if needed, until the characteristic saturation is 
evident, or until the metallic taste becomes pronounced, 
and we know that iodism is near at hand. It is advis- 
able, however, not to carry the the administration so far. 
"In rheumatism the syrup may substitute the alkalies 
and may cut acute attacks short sooner than the ordinary 
drugs that are usually prescribed. It is certainly a use- 
ful article in chronic muscular rheumatism. It has done 44 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
good service in my hands in sciatica. It may be admin- 
istered during acute rheumatic attacks without reference 
to the fever, and in moderate doses, say a teaspoonful or 
two every two hours. Of course it will not act promptly 
and effectually in all cases, for rheumatism is notoriously 
fickle as related to curative agents. In bronchial disorders 
small and frequently-repeated doses are better than large 
ones. It may be administered in this latter affection in 
from twenty to thirty drops every two hours. The syrup 
has been recommended in chronic arsenical poisoning, 
several cures being noted. In lead poisoning it has also 
been serviceable. In obesity the steady administration 
of the syrup of hydriodic acid with suitable regimen has 
a very happy effect. We are not too well supplied with 
agents of repute in this disagreeable complaint, hence a 
note on this point in reference to its use in this respect 
is of utility. 
"Many skin diseases are benefited by the syrup of hy- 
driodic acid. In connection with cod-liver oil it is valu- 
able in some varieties of eczema, particularly in children. 
It is especially efficacious in the form known as scald 
head, which is often so obstinate and unyielding to many 
remedies. Scrofulous persons (those predisposed to 
glandular troubles) receive decided benefit from its use. 
The red-eyed children, those having recurrent granular 
lids, with repeated attacks of mild conjunctivitis, derive 
great relief from syrup of hydriodic acid. A case of 
amyloid liver with fatty heart, in the practice of Dr. F. A. 
Burrall, of New York, was notably aided by the syrup of 
hydriodic acid, and he indorses it in glandular troubles 
generally. Dr. Blackwood, of Philadelphia, has employed 
it largely in his practice, and reports cases of exophthal- 
mic goitre, lumbago, and uterine catarrhs, which were 
cured by the syrup. It is desirable that hydriodic acid 
should be given by itself; inasmuch as it is very suscep- 45 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
tible to chemical action, combinations with other reme- 
dies might act injuriously upon it. Metals and alkalies 
are incompatibles, so also are oxidizing agents, as, for in- 
stance, acids, and permanganate and chlorate of potas- 
sium. These would form iodic acid, which would be 
highly injurious to the patient. If intolerance becomes 
apparent, the syrup should be dropped for a week or ten 
days, when most likely the stomach will have recovered 
its tone, and it may again be administered. Unlike many 
remedies which, when once objected to in this way, are 
never likely to be good again, the syrup is just as palata- 
ble and equally efficient when taken up after vacation (so 
to speak) as when first given, which is an important char- 
acteristic of this remedy. Although syrup of hydriodic 
acid is used by many practitioners, we call attention to 
it, believing that a wider knowledge of it is desirable, and 
feeling certain that a careful trial by physicians at large 
will add to their armamentarium an important remedial 
agent, and that they will learn to appreciate its value as 
we have, by its employment in a wide circle of disease 
for many years. " 
I have recently been successful with this agent in the 
treatment of a case of persistently recurring dermatitis 
with erysipelatous manifestations. Here the fault was 
evidently more general than local, and it proved stubborn 
against a number of reputable medicines, but yielded 
to this, in a few days. I gave teaspoonful doses, every 
two hours during the day and evening. This is all my 
experience with it thus far. 
Acidum Hydrobromicum. 
This agent belongs to the list of remedies influencing 
the nervous system, but it has been credited by some ob- 
servers with corrective influence as a plasma remedy. 
Dr. E. M. Hale, in his New Remedies, commends it in fe- 46 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
brile states where restlessness and irritability are marked 
symptoms and where there is an abnormally red tongue, 
with dryness. Dr. Kilgour, in his Therapeutic Indica- 
tions speaks highly of it, though the picture he offers as 
indicating it is more complicated. 
Dose.-The diluted hydrobromic acid may be employed 
in doses ranging from half a fluidrachm to half a fluid- 
ounce, diluted in sweetened water. 
Acidum Muriaticum. 
Hydrochloric acid is one of our most reliable correc- 
tives. Many years ago, Professor King taught that the 
dark-red mucous membranes were indicative of the need 
of acids in the system,and prescribed the vegetable acids 
in the form of acceptable drinks in such cases. 
Years later, Professor Scudder taught, accepting the 
principle laid down by King, that muriatic acid came 
nearer being a specific for this condition, and this has be- 
come a bit of practice sanctioned and endorsed by the 
Eclectic school almost without demur. 
The proposition of the dark-red mucous membranes 
however requires some modification. The dark-red color 
liable to be present in some eases of cardiac complication 
or other states tending to imperfect decarbonization of 
the blood should be left out; but when the tongue is dark- 
red and slick, resembling beefsteak in appearance, the 
condition being evidently that of a depraved state of the 
fluids and not to obstruction of the circulation, whether 
the disease be acute or chronic, febrile or nonfebrile, mu- 
riatic acid becomes the leading remedy until the peculiar 
appearance of the tongue described has been replaced by 
a more natural color. 
The principal use of muriatic acid is found in the man- 
agement of protracted fevers, where a typhoid condition 
is liable to follow. Dysentery, pneumonia, erysipelas* 47 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
and even rheumatism may develop the dark-red mucous 
membranes and demand this remedy. It would not be 
necessary to name the disease in order to render the 
agent applicable, if the properly discriminated beefsteak 
tongue were present. 
Form for Administration.-Diluted hydrochloric acid is 
the preferable form for administration. This is pre- 
pared by adding about one part by bulk of the strong 
acid to three parts water. This may be preserved in a 
glass-stoppered bottle for ready use. Then, add two or 
three fluid-drams of the diluted acid to four ounces of 
water, or simple syrup; of this a teaspoonful may be ad- 
ministered every three or four hours. 
Acidum Nitricum. 
Nitric acid is seldom called for as a plasma-corrective. 
Old-school authorities commend it as a remedy in the dys- 
crasia of syphilis but usually prefer the nitro-muriatic in- 
stead. Scudder considers this remedy specifically indi- 
cated when the tongue presents a violet haze or film, 
whether the organ is pale, rose-red, or deep-red. 
Dr. Kilgour, in his "Specific Indications," pronounces 
the carmine-colored tongue, a colour resembling the comb 
of a strutting turkey-gobbler, as specifically indicating 
the remedy as a corrective. It is a pity that physicians- 
and possibly we might include medical teachers-are not 
judges of color, then a better application of specific in- 
dications might be made. 
A plasma-corrective is indicated whenever the charac- 
teristic symptom is present, without regard to the name 
of the disease. Epidemic influences may somtimes be at 
work, and though we may not know what these are, or 
the exact pathological condition present, some particular 
remedy may be found upon trial to promptly benefit every 
case presenting the indicative symptoms of the epidemic 48 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
influence; this may be a characteristic cough, or it may 
present itself in the form of a peculiar complication of 
pneumonia, dysentery, or fever, rendering every case 
uncommonly persistent or severe. Then the proper 
corrective becomes the epidemic remedy and is indicated 
without regard to other treatment. Nitric acid has thus 
been a remedy in some epidemics of whooping-cough, of 
typhoid dysentery, of pneumonia, and some of the con- 
tinued fevers. 
Form for Administration.-Diluted nitric acid, prepared 
by adding one part of the strong acid to six of water. 
Dose.-One drachm of the diluted nitric acid may be 
added to four ounces of water, and a teaspoonful admin- 
istered every three or four hours. 
Acidum Salicylicum. 
Salicylic acid is a corrective of the condition which 
tends to rheumatism. I believe that rheumatism rem- 
edies may be divided into two classes; one of these specif- 
ically affect the muscles, acting rather as stimulants to the 
recuperative powers here or as deobstruents to remove 
the pain-producing cause, while the other class to which 
salicylic acid and some others belong, corrects a blood- 
dyscrasia tending to the condition. 
In septicsemic states, especially in puerperal fever, it has 
proven an agent of great value as a corrective, operating 
possibly somewhat as baptisia or echinacea, by dynami- 
cally influencing the corrective power of the blood-making 
organs; though the agent is chemically an antiseptic. 
On account of the irritating influence of salicyclic acid 
upon the gastric mucous membrane many prefer the sali- 
cylate of sodium instead. As a corrective in rheumatism, 
especially where an alkaline treatment is admissible, this 
is fully as effective and less objectionable, but as an anti- 
septic in blood-poisoning the salicyclic acid is better. 49 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
Form for Administration.-The acridity of this agent 
may be best avoided by administering it in capsules. 
If the dose is to be very small, the lx trituration may be 
employed. 
Dose.-The dose of salicylic acid varies from to 
ten grains of the pure acid. Inflammatory rheumatism 
may demand the maximum dose, which may be repeated 
every six hours, but it should be remembered that such 
quantities have produced fatal collapse and should be 
employed with caution and misgiving. Three grains 
represent a fair-sized dose, in fact all that can be judi- 
ciously administered for any protracted time. As an anti- 
septic still smaller doses answer as w'ell if not better. 
Alstonia Constricta. 
This agent proves a corrective in malarial cachexia. It 
has been termed an antiperiodic by some writers, but the 
term is hardly appropriate, I believe, as it cures chronic 
ague, not by interrupting a habit so much as by correct- 
ing the depraved state of the fluids which predisposes 
to it. 
In chronic malarial cachexia this remedy has no su- 
perior, if any equal. Dr. Fearn, with whom it has been 
a favorite for a long time, considers the special indica- 
tions for its use, to be the dirty tongue, sallow skin, and 
turbid urine, in connection with periodicity. 
Though not all strictly applicable to this place, the 
opinions of Dr. F. are so valuable as to this remedy that 
I will quote at some length from an article contributed 
by him to vol. 7. of the California Medical Journal:- 
"As an antiperiodic, first prepare the way by the use 
of the bath and special sedative, just as you would for 
quinine. The powdered bark is the most generally used; 
this may be given in capsules containing from two to five 
grains each, repeated every hour for three or four doses, 50 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES, 
giving the last capsule one hour before the expected 
trouble; this may be repeated the second or third day to 
make sure. Dr. B. E. Kunze, of New York, attributes to 
it slightly narcotic, cerebro-stiumlant, antiperiodic, febri- 
fuge, and tonic properties. He thinks it contraindicated 
in patients of delicate and highly nervous organization. 
In such patients it might produce head symptoms. I 
have heard of no complaint of this as yet. It is true it 
is an intense and lasting bitter, but this is overcome by 
administering it in capsules. C. P. Higgins, M. D., who 
has frequently used this medicine as an antiperiodic as 
above, says it will often act as a powerful diaphoretic. 
More often its action in this direction is mild. But it is 
not only the antiperiodic properties of this drug that will 
win for it laurels, it will also be found to be a most excel- 
lent tonicr having properties very much like nux vomica. 
In general nervous depression, when that depression 
arises from lack of digestion and assimilation, it is a 
good remedy, and may be given in doses of from one to 
two grains every three or four hours. Dr. Scudder says-: 
'It is a cerebro-spinal stimulant and tonic, acting posi- 
tively upon the great sympathetic nerve centers and con- 
sequently increasing positively and permanently the vital 
forces of the entire system.' I quite agree with Dr. 
Scudder in this opinion. In all diseases of the digestive 
tract, accompanied by loss of appetite and depraved se- 
cretions, when we want a stimulant tonic to arouse the 
slumbering energies and vital forces, this remedy is a 
very good one." 
Form for Administration.-The best form for use is a 
powder of the bark, administered as Dr. Eearn has sug- 
gested, in capsules. The fluid preparation is too bitter to 
permit an effective dose to be administered without its 
being objectionable. 
Dose.-Two or three grains of the powdered bark in a ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
51 
capsule, given after meals, suffice for an adult. It may be 
advantageously combined with caulophyllin or macrotys 
in rheumatic complications, with chionanthus or chelido- 
nium in appropriate hepatic disturbances, or polymnia 
when splenic complication exists. 
Ailanthus Glandulosa. 
This remedy has been much vaunted by the homeo- 
paths as a reliable corrective in malignant forms of scarlet 
fever. They assert that the provings develop symptoms 
similar to those in which it proves curative. However 
this may be, clinical experience has proven the drug a 
valuable one in some scarlatinal cases, and we will not 
hestitate to employ it whether it be considered an en- 
dorsement of homeopathy or not. This is good Eclec- 
ticism at least. 
In the putrid, malignant typhoid forms of scarlatina, 
we may find ourselves put to task for a remedy to meet 
the intensely prostrating effects of the systemic poison 
present, and may find that this will be just the thing 
needed. I have tried it on several occasions where I 
was well pleased with the results. 
In such cases the eruption is dusky, carmine in 
not bright-red as usually-the temperature is high, 1053 
or more, with pungent heat of skin, the pulse is small and 
so rapid as to hardly be counted, the breathing is hurried 
and agitated, there is great thirst, and usually delirium 
and coma are present. The tongue also presents a dusky 
hue, is dry, parched and cracked, and there are sordes 
on the teeth. Involuntary discharges of urine usually 
attend this state. 
Typhus fever also affords a place for this remedy, and 
on this coast, especially, it may often be used with ad- 
vantage where low forms of fever, marked by "sinking" 
are not uncommon. Evidence of blood depravation in 
these cases may place this remedy in the group that will 52 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
arise in the mind of the practitioner as adaptive here. 
For example, baptisia, echinacea, etc. 
Dose.-The dose may vary from one to ten drops of the 
2x dilution. Scudder recommends from the fraction of 
a drop to ten drops of the specific medicine, but I have 
had better results with the 2x dilution-adding a tea- 
spoonful to ten of water and giving a teaspoonful every 
hour. 
Ammonium Salic ylicum. 
Salicylate of ammonium has not yet earned a well- 
established reputation as a blood corrective, but it has 
been tried sufficiently to warrant a fair notice of its merits 
and suggest further trial. It has been recommended in 
certain quarters to abort typhoid fever, and as this dis- 
ease is idiopathic, it is fair to infer that such an effect 
must be due to an impression made upon the circu- 
lating fluids. 
In Vol. X of the California Medical Journal is a reprint 
of a paper first published in Progress, in which the virtues 
of this remedy as an antiseptic and corrective are dis- 
cussed at considerable length, and from which I will 
quote. The author is S. P. Deahofe, M. D.:- 
"In 1886, J. R .Barnett M. D., of Neenah Wis., Chair- 
man of Committee on Practice of Medicine, read a paper 
before the State Society on the treatment of fevers in 
which he recommended salicylate of ammonium, having 
used it for two years. The title of his paper was ' Sali- 
cylate of Ammonia as a Specific Germicide, Antiseptic, 
and Antipyretic, Especially Adapted to the Treatment of 
Typhoid and Allied Fevers and Septic Inflammations,' 
and his conclusions were :- 
"1. The salicylate of ammonium is ranked among the 
most efficient of the antipyretics. 
"2. In all fevers characterized by extreme adynamy it ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
53 
ranks among the safest, owing to its ammonium base and 
resultant stimulating properties. 
"3. It is stimulant as well as antipyretic, and this of 
itself fulfills indications only met by a combination. 
"4. It is an agent of wide germicidal powers, being 
promptly efficient in affections of great etiological and 
pathological differences, each confessedly arising from its 
own proper specific infecting micro-organism. 
"5. As a remedial agent in typhoid and remittent 
fevers it is unsurpassed, aborting them at the outset 
under favorable conditions, and greatly mitigating their 
severity and danger under circumstances less favorable. 
"In June, 1888, he read another paper before the same 
society, in which he says: 'More than fifty cases have 
fallen under my personal observation which have afforded 
substantially the same results; some were aborted in the 
first two or three days of high temperature after a pre- 
ceding malaise of several days; some ran a week, and 
some nearly two weeks, with mild symptoms throughout, 
but three cases lasting beyond the tenth day. Out of a 
total of seventy cases of typhoid only two died, one from 
enormous epistaxsis on the seventh day, the treatment in 
this case being mostly quinine on account of the hem- 
orrhage, the other from intestinal hemorrhage on the 
third day of sickness in bed with a fall of temperature 
to 99°, dying early next morning, he being a hard drinker' 
Dr. Barnett says its effects are undoubtedly sedative and 
depressing. He gives the following formula:- 
Acid Salicyl., jii. 
Am. Carb.,jiii. 
Aq. Menth. pip., ffiv. 
"M. Sig.-A teaspoonful every two hours; this may be 
doubled in many cases. Symptoms of asthenia require 
an increase of the am. carb.; on the other hand if the 
stomach be irritable any alkaline excess is objectionable 54 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
and a neutral solution is preferable. By taking out 
twenty grains of the ammonium from the above formula, a 
neutral solution is obtained. It lessens the frequency of 
the intestinal discharges, modifying their character for 
the better. Where constipation is present it seems to 
act as a laxative. The explanation of this is the natural 
evolution of the disease. Cutaneous and renal excretion 
are greatly stimulated by the salicylate, the quantity of 
urine is augmented, grows lighter in color, and less offen- 
sive in smell. Headache is relieved to a degree out of 
proportion to temperature ebb, probably from an analgesic 
property; sleep is invited, the comfort of the patient is 
in every way promoted, except the ringing in the ears, 
auxiliary treatment is rarely required. It chemically 
changes the ptomaines or undetermined noxious sub- 
stances, so as to render them innoxious, without neces- 
sarily destroying the vitality of the bacteria causing 
them. 
"Prof. Larrabee, of Louisville, in a paper before the 
section on diseases of children at the meeting of the 
American Medical Association before referred to, said: ' I 
am satisfied that Dr. Barnett, of Wisconsin, and others, 
are correct in the statement that according to the ac- 
cepted theory of heat production in fever, ammonium is 
the proper base for salicylic acid; ' and in a private com- 
munication gives five reasons why it is so. He says, 1st. 
That he has found it practical. 2d. The stimulating in- 
fluence of all ammonium preparations upon the vaso- 
motor centers of the spinal cord. 3d. It prevents coagu- 
lation of the blood, to which in the adynamic disease, 
with loss of watery constiuents of the blood corpuscles, 
there is a marked tendency. 4th. It retains the fibrino- 
genous matters in the blood. 5th. It is itself oxidized in 
the system, becoming nitric acid, and there lessens or in- 
hibits the ozonizing functions of the blood, preventing or 55 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
checking, to a great extent, metamorphosis or transfor- 
mation of tissue. 
"Dr. Sullivan, of New York, says: 'It will not reduce 
the temperature as rapidly as antipyrine or antifebrin, 
but the antipyretic effect is more lasting than that pro- 
duced by either of these agents.' 
"Dr. Oscar A. Fliesburg, of Hudson, records his ex- 
perience in typhoid as follows: ' I have been able to re- 
duce temperature in a short time from 105° to 99° and 
keep it there. My cases have progressed without much 
other medication to a favorable end in a shorter time 
than by the older methods. The fact stands undisputed 
that in salicylate of ammonium we possess a sure remedy 
to reduce temperature, and by its germicidal and antisep- 
tic properties are able to abort zymotic diseases.' 
"Dr. D. L. Sauerherring, of Wausau, in describing an 
epidemic of fever, says; 'The remedy par excellence 
proved to be the salicylate of ammonium. It invariably 
reduced the temperature to 99°-100°, keeping it there 
during the entire course of the disease, diminishing the 
rate and force of the pulse and causing in the majority of 
cases profuse diaphoresis. When given early it would 
generally break up an attack, the patient being able to be 
up and about the house in two or three days. ' He says 
he is unable to explain the action of the drug. 
" My own experience with salicylate of ammonium in 
typhoid fever is limited to four cases, in three of which 
there can be no possibility of mistake in diagnosis, there 
being seven cases in the same family within less than 
three months, several of them being quite typical. The 
first case, that of the mother, not being typical, I failed 
to make a diagnosis properly, thinking it was only remit- 
tent, and took no precautions in the way of disinfectants. 
The family being anything but cleanly, I thus account for 
the disease going through it, all taking the fever except one. 56 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
"My first case which I treated with salicylate of am- 
monium wras a young lady, aged about twenty-two, taken 
to bed, sick, November 10th, 1888, after nearly a week of 
malaise. I wras called in November 14th. A diagnosis 
was readily made, it being the third of the family taken 
sick. Having just read Dr. Barnett's paper, I determined 
to give the remedy a trial, but not having any salicylic 
acid on hand I put her upon a placebo, until I could se- 
cure some; accordingly, on the 16th I put her on the 
remedy, and on the morning of the eighth day after tak- 
ing the salicylate she was clear of fever and remained so, 
her temperature falling from 104° to 101° by the fourth 
day. A severe diarrhoea rapidly disappeared without any 
auxiliary treatment, the patient not experiencing any un- 
pleasantness from the remedy. 
"The second case was a brother, aged eighteen, who 
took to bed, after over a week of malaise, while the first 
case was yet in bed. I at once put him upon the same 
treatment, except slightly increasing the dose. The pa- 
tient was entirely free from fever in six days. 
" The third case was also a brother, aged three years. 
This case wras also placed upon the same treatment, with 
the same gratifying result, but took a relapse, and was 
again put on the same treatment with the same result. 
" There seemed to be a feeling of well-being early mani- 
festing itself in each of these three cases. Another case in 
this family begun with croupous pneumonia and I did not 
put her on the salicylate, but treated the complication as 
if primary. The last case in this family, a boy about 
eight, was very mild and I did no more than restrict his 
diet. 
" My fourth case was that of a young man, aged twenty- 
three, section hand on the railroad, who lived in a village 
where a number of cases of typhoid had broken out and 
were being treated by the physicians. ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
57 
"On the fifth clay of his sickness in bed, his father 
placed him in a bed prepared on a wagon, and brought 
him home, a distance of about seven miles, where I was 
called to see him. The case seemed to me to be a typical 
case of typhoid. I at once placed him upon the salicylate 
of ammonium, as in the three previous cases, except that I 
just doubled the dose, with the result that on the fourth 
day he was clear of fever and remained so. In this case 
there was pretty free sweating, but not so in either of the 
preceding cases. 
"There may be a doubt as to this last being typhoid, 
but the symptoms-malaise for nearly a week, epistaxis, 
headache, general aching of the back and extremities, 
gradual onset of the fever, abdominal tenderness and 
tympanitis, together with the history of a number of 
cases in close promixity in the village, point very strongly 
to typhoid fever. " 
Arseniate of Quinia. 
The arseniate of quinia is a valuable corrective in 
malarial cachexia. It is not the marked antiperiodic that 
quinia is, though this property is more pronounced in it 
than in arsenic. Still, it cannot be administered to in- 
terrupt a periodic manifestation with the feeling of cer- 
tainty that attends the administration of full doses of 
quinine. 
However, in cases where quinia cannot be tolerated, or 
where children cannot be induced to swallow it either 
in powders or capsules, this drug is pretty certain to in- 
terrupt periodicity in a few days at least, and in the 2x 
or 3x trituration is not very objectionable. 
As a remedy to complete the cure of uncomplicated in- 
termittents, this remedy, in small doses of the 2x or 3x 
trituration, is very reliable. Even in chronic ague, after 
complications, as splenic hypertrophy, hepatic topor, etc, 58 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
it has but one successful rival, this being the alstonia 
constricta. 
Form for Administration.-The 2x or 3x trituration 
constitutes the best form for administration. This may 
be taken dry on the tongue or administered in capsules, 
in doses of one or two grains three or four times daily. 
Arsenicum. 
Arsenic is a greatly overestimated remedy and yet one 
worthy of more than passing notice. It is a remedy 
also which has been greatly abused in its time, the heroic- 
dose custom with the dominant school leading to the use 
of such quantities as to sometimes give rise to poisoning 
of insidious and persistent character. If any good can 
be obtained from this agent it must be in the minute 
dose. 
Scudder and Howe both commend arsenic as a correc- 
tive where there is tendency to the deposit of tubercle, 
where there is depravement of tissue-want of nutrition, 
or vital integrity. 
Professor Howe employs it in phthisis and carcinoma. 
As a remedy to relieve the pains of cancer it is a valu- 
able resource, in many instances, though here the dose 
must be more material in size-three to five drops of 
Powler's solution. 
Scudder regards those cases of malarial disease in 
which the pulse is compressible and feeble, tissues re- 
laxed, extremities cold, and tongue pallid and expression- 
less, as being typical ones for its selection. 
In cholera infantum where such a condition exists and 
there are frequent small, thin discharges-not mucous, it 
often proves a valuable corrective. 
Typhoid fevers attended by marked adynamia afford a 
field for the exhibition of arsenic and it has been a well- 
known remedy for ague in our school for many years. 
Form for Administration.-Fowler's solution represents ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
59 
the first decimal dilution, and is a very good form of the 
drug for dispensing. The 3x trituration of arsenious acid 
is also a favorite form for administration with me. 
Dose.-Ten drops of Fowler's solution may be added to 
four ounces of water, and of this a teaspoonful given, 
three or four times daily. The 3x trituration may be ad- 
ministered in from one to three-grain doses as often. 
Aueum. 
Gold enjoys considerable of a reputation as a remedy 
for syphilis. It has been used in the form of the pure 
gold leaf triturated, the muriate, and the chloride of gold 
and sodium. 
The best effects follow from its administration in the 
advanced stages of the disease, where the tendencies are 
to ulceration of the bones, especially those of the nose. 
It is especially indicated where the mental sphere is im- 
plicated. Melancholia, with a broken-down constitution 
from syphilitic dyscrasia, is a special indication for its 
administration. 
Form for Administration.-The chloride of gold and so- 
dium is readily soluble, and easily triturated. It may be 
carried up to the 3x, either by dilution or trituration. 
Dose.-From one to three grains of the trituration, or 
as many drops of the dilution three times daily. 
Acidum Picricum. 
Picric acid exerts a peculiar influence upon the fluids, 
which is described in Hughes' Manual of Pharmaco- 
dynamics as follows:- 
"In a case of profound anaemia with prostration and 
vomiting, uro-haeamatin was discovered in the urine, 
which showed also the evidences of suboxidization. 
Under the third trituration of picric acid improvement 
speedily set in, and in a few weeks color and strength 
had returned, and the same changes had occurred in the 60 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
urine as those experienced by Dr. Jones himself, though 
in a greater degree." 
Dr. Hughes asserts that experiments upon healthy 
persons gives us sub-oxidization of tissue as the essen- 
tial and fundamental action upon nutrition. In large 
doses, destruction of the red-blood corpuscles occurs, an 
artificial leucocythsemia resulting. 
The remedy evidently exerts an important influence 
upon the fluids of the body, and might be thought of in 
pernicious ansemia and leukaemia as a possible curative. 
Dose.-Two or three grains of the 3x or 6x trituration 
every four hours. 
Baptista Tinctoria. 
"Wild indigo is one of the most valuable dynamical an- 
tiseptics or antizymotics known. It is not chemically an 
antiseptic, but its influence, when introduced into the cir- 
culation in certain depraved states of the fluids, is most 
happily corrective. 
In Eastern Ohio thirty years or more ago, a severe 
and fatal epidemic of typhoid fever raged for several 
years, and the most successful practitioner in. the whole 
country was an Eclectic, Dr. B-located in Lordstown, 
a little village where I, years afterward, began the prac- 
tice of medicine. Dr. B- 's fame for his success in this 
epidemic still lingered about the place, though he had 
long before departed to pastures new. But during the 
visitation of the fever he had ridden many miles every 
way over the territory of neighboring physicians, and 
been almost universally successful where others were 
losing nearly all their cases. One of his old patrons be- 
coming in time a patient of the writer, volunteered upon 
one occasion to show him where the plant grew with 
which Dr. B- cured so many cases of typhoid fever; 
"for,"said the informant, "I have dug the root for him 
many a time. " Accordingly the spot was visited and ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
61 
the successful herb found to be, as the writer expected in 
advance, baptisia tinctoria. A simple infusion of the 
root of this plant constituted the sum total of the suc- 
cessful treatment, combined with good nursing. 
I have believed for years, and have taught, that 
baptisia specifically influences the intestinal glandular 
structures in such a manner as to fortify them against 
the devitalizing influence of the changes liable to be 
wrought there by typhoid fever; but outside this in- 
fluence there is the best of evidence that it is a stimula- 
ting corrector of septic changes in the blood in many 
cases. Epidemic influences are corrected by it so that 
even coughs may find it the promptest curative when pre- 
scribed during the season that it is the remedy, though 
it can hardly be considered a pulmonary agent as a rule. 
Outside of epidemic influences, which may or may not 
depend upon depravation of the fluids, the remedy has a 
valuable application in the treatment of gangrenous ten- 
dencies. Prune-juice discharges from the mucous mem- 
branes have been designated by Scudder as indicating it 
then. These may be in the form of expectoration in 
typhoid pneumonia, or in the alvine evacuations in 
typhoid dysentery. They are the effect of putrescent 
tendencies-breaking down of tissue from gangrenous 
states, and find the best corrective in baptisia. 
Malignant sore throat manifesting such tendency, or 
sore mouth, in fact, phagedenic tendencies accompanying 
any form of acute disease would suggest the remedy. 
In the May number of the ninth volume of the Califor- 
nia Medical Journal is a report made by myself, of a se- 
vere case of ischio-rectal cellulitis complicated with 
gangrene and severe systemic poisoning, successfully 
treated. In this treatment baptisia figured prominently 
throughout-in fact, with rhus tox, constituted the prin- 
cipal medication. 62 
antiseptics, antizymotics, correctives. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine, as pre- 
pared by Lloyd Brothers, of Cincinnati. 
Dose.-Add from ten to twenty drops to four ounces of 
water, and give a teaspoonful every hour. 
Benzoate of Lithium. 
This agent lessens the amount of uric acid in the blood, 
and prevents the deposition of urates in the renal excre- 
tion. It is therefore valuable in gouty conditions, as well 
as in rheumatism depending upon lithiasis. 
Dr. Waterhouse (see California Medical Journal, Vol. X, 
page 163) commends this agent as a prophylactic against 
the gall-stone habit. He asserts that both in his own 
practice and that of several others he has known prompt 
relief from formerly frequent recurring hepatic colic to fol- 
low its administration. This may be due to an influence 
upon the circulating fluids, and it may be due to a specific 
influence upon the liver. Probably however in this case, 
it may properly be claimed among the plasma remedies. 
Dose.-Dissolve ten to twenty grains in four ounces of 
water, and give a teaspoonful four or five times daily. 
Berbeets Aquifolium. 
This is one of Dr. J. H. Bundy's California remedies, 
introduced to the profession through Parke, Davis & Co., of 
Detroit, Mich., about ten years ago. Dr. Bundy extolled 
the remedy rather too highly in some respects, but it is 
a corrective of superior virtues, nevertheless. 
It is valuable in syphilis and in scrofulous states 
phagedenic ulceration depending on such dyscrasiae be- 
ing favorably influenced by it, as I have often proven in 
practice. Erysipelas of chronic nature, even though the 
local manifestation of it be of many years' standing, may 
be remedied with it. Eczematous states, where more gen- 
eral than local, and herpes of long standing, sometimes 
yield to the constitutional effects of this remedy. ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
63 
Professor Bundy was very sanguine in the belief that 
it would cure cancer, but I have never know of a case 
benefited by it. It is not improbable that Dr. Bundy's 
cases were phagedenic ulcerations due to syphilitic or 
scrofulous condition, instead of the destructive ulceration 
of carcinomatous elements. 
I have myself seen surprising results follow the admin- 
istration of berberis in chronic syphilitic ulceration. I 
recollect the somewhat striking case of an elderly Ger- 
man woman, who presented herself at the college clinic 
in Oakland, seven or eight years ago. She was troub- 
led with an ulcer in the hard palate, of grayish, sloughy 
appearance, which was so deep as to admit a probe to the 
bone, and it had been in existence for more than a year, 
though various kinds of treatment had been employed. 
She told a story of a worthless and dissolute husband, 
who at one time had been affected with venereal disease, 
and admitted that she had once been troubled with sore 
throat and eruptions. Three weeks' use of berberis aqui- 
folium cured the ulcer permanently (without local appli- 
cation), and there has never been any other trouble of 
the kind. This I know, for I see the woman frequently. 
One of the most important places for berberis aquifol- 
ium is in chronic pulmonary affections attended bv pro- 
fuse purulent expectoration. "When ulceration of the pul- 
monary tissue depends, to considerable extent, upon a 
depraved condition of the fluids of the body, it has no 
equal as a remedy in ulcerative pulmonary affections. 
I have seen well advanced phthisis, which had been 
given up as hopeless by physicians of experience, and in 
which extensive cavities existed, recover under the pro- 
tracted use of this remedy. The appetite soon improves, 
the hectic fever subsides in a couple of months, the quan- 
tity of matter expectorated gradually becomes lessened 
and the cough becomes less frequent and more mild, while 64 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
the patient improves in flesh and strength. In such cases 
an important element of success is persistency in the use 
of the remedy, hardly any benefit being noticeable the 
first month, it being necessary to continue the remedy for 
from four to six months uninterruptedly. 
Another excellent use for this remedy is to correct de- 
praved conditions of the skin depending upon abnormal 
state of the blood. Some cutaneous affections yield read- 
ily to specific skin remedies,--those which selectively in- 
fluence the part,-while others refuse to yield to such 
treatment and require something to improve the condi- 
tion of the circulating fluids. In such cases berberis 
aquifolium is the first remedy to be thought of. It seems 
also to possess the additional quality of exerting a plas- 
tic influence upon the skin, as some cutaneous affections, 
such as acne, for instance, are benefited by it when it 
hardly seems possible that the blood can be at fault. It 
is a bad case of acne that will not manifest pronounced 
improvement after the patient has used the remedy a few 
months. An important place for this remedy-because 
one supplied by so few others-is chronic eczema with 
irritable (erysipelatoid) inflammation; here I think this 
remedy promises more than any other known. 
As a remedy for syphilis, berberis aquifolium stands 
unrivalled. It seems to neutralize the poison and fortify 
the system, improving the activities of the glandular and 
assimilative functions; syphilitic anaemia, accordingly, dis- 
appears, with other morbid manifestations, after its faith- 
ful use. Tertiary symptoms will not appear after a pro- 
tracted use of this remedy, unless the subject has been 
previously saturated with mercury. 
A medical acquaintance of the writer's, who practices 
principally in venereal diseases, has asserted that he 
relies upon this agent almost entirely in the treatment 
of syphilis, especially the late stage. He has insisted ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
65 
that he prefers to treat chronic syphilis rather than the 
earlier stages, as he has no remedy for the earlier mani- 
festations that can be relied upon like berberis in the 
later phases. One of the most remarkable cures of lung 
affections known was made by him in a case of purulent 
bronchitis, which had been given up to die by a number 
of physicians, but which permanently recovered upon this 
drug, in a few months' time. 
A point worthy of remark is the fact that the corrective 
influence of this drug is not obtainable with the minute 
dose; but, as it seems only to possess a dynamical influ- 
ence (exhorbitaut doses not producing serious disturbance 
of any part of the system), considerable latitude is allow- 
able, provided the quantity be sufficient to impress the 
system profoundly. The dose of a saturated tincture or 
reliable fluid extract should range from ten to twenty-five 
drops, repeated three or four times daily. 
Calcium Sulphide. 
This remedy is especially valuable on account of its 
power over suppuration. That it specifically influences 
the glandular system-lymphatics-there is no doubt, 
but its influence extends even further, reaching the fluids 
in such a manner as to check suppurative action when 
any of the soft tissues are involved. 
It influences suppurative action in such a manner as 
to hasten purulency, if the boundary line where resolution 
becomes impossible has been passed, while it will often 
succeed in arresting the development of an abscess, if 
administered early. If suppuration is hastened, the for- 
mation of pus is limited, the amount of tissue broken 
down thus being lessened to the minimum quantity. 
When suppurating surfaces are throwing off an excess- 
ive quantity of pus, as in some cases of chronic bronchi- 
tis and pneumonia, this remedy may be found to lessen 66 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
the waste resulting, and permit recuperation to take place 
when this would otherwise be an impossibility. Cold or 
strumous abscesses may be made to heal under its con- 
stitutional effects, when otherwise obstinate. Purulent 
endometritis-in fact, any persistent suppurative ten- 
dency, when not syphilitic-finds its most hopeful rem- 
edy here. 
During my earlier practice I was so forcibly impressed 
with the action of this remedy in suppuration by the fol- 
lowing illustrative case, that I have since continued to 
give it the first place in my practice as an antisuppurative 
agent:- 
An elderly physician, of the physiomedical or botanic 
school, who occupied a portion of the same field with 
me, having had charge of a number of cases of scarla- 
tina in a neighborhood, found one of them, a little girl, 
two or three years of age, who had been severely af- 
flicted by the scarlatinal poison, to be afterward per- 
sistently plagued with suppuration of the superficial 
lymphatic glands. Successive crops of these abscesses 
would appear, and after painfully developing for ten 
days or more would discharge, the process being at- 
tended by severe suffering and hectic fever, with exhaus- 
tive sweats. These abscesses would appear upon almost 
all parts of the cutaneous surface, eight or ten at a time, 
though mostly in those localities where the superficial 
lymphatic glands are grouped. 
I was a casual observer of the case, at divers times, for 
several months, while the doctor alternated and substitu- 
ted his alterative syrups and other vegetable compounds, 
but the disease stubbornly refused to yield, and I was 
finally invited to take charge of the child-which I was 
not anxious to do, as I had practiced medicine long enough 
to realize its uncertainties and fear defeat, in such an 
apparently intractable condition. 67 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
However, I prescribed some small powders of a trit- 
uration of sulphide of calcium in sugar, one part to ten, 
and awaited results with considerable doubting. But 
within a week it was evident that the medicine wTas ef- 
fecting a cure, and in less than a fortnight the incipi- 
ent abscesses had all discharged kindly, and no new 
ones had formed; the patient was free from hectic fever 
and night sweating, ate and slept well-in short, was 
convalescent 
The remedy is not adapted to the treatment of the 
suppuration of syphilis for obvious reasons, bearing no 
comparison here to the action of berberis aquifolium; 
but in strumous suppuration, or that which involves 
the lymphatic glands exclusively (even if nonscrofu- 
lous), it is the best of the antisuppurative group. 
In the control of the suppurative process in acne 
pustulata this remedy has won quite a reputation; one 
undeserved however, so far as its being a cure for the 
disease is concerned, the pustules usually returning on 
discontinuation of the drug. Here the indurated walls 
of the diseased follicles must be destroyed before a cure 
can be effected. 
Form for Administration.-The crude calcium sulphide 
as sold in the pharmacies may be used, but I prefer the 
lx or 2x trituration, as being less objectionable to the 
taste. The crude drug concealed in a coating is perhaps 
better still, half-grain pellets being readily swallowed, 
while the objectionable odor is completely masked. 
These are obtainable at any first-class pharmacy. 
Corydalis Formosa. 
Turkey corn is one of our old indigenous remedies 
which deserves notice for some pronounced properties* 
These are in the correction of syphilitic and scrofulous 
states. The prominent lesions of both the secondary 
and tertiary stages of syphilis have yielded promptly 68 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
to this agent. I have known it to. remove syphilitic 
nodes from the shin in a few months' time. In case of 
failure to effect a removal, the pain caused by the depos- 
its is appreciably lessened, and the general condition of 
the shins much improved. It is valuable in secondary 
syphilis to allay hectic fever, banish eruptions, prevent 
falling of the hair, and fortify the tissues of the throat 
against ulceration. It combines well with berberis here. 
In phagedenic ulceration of scrofulous origin, it has 
proven a satisfactory agent for me several times, by cor- 
recting the constitutional depravity. It should not be 
forgotten where an antisyphilitic or antiscorbutic agent 
is demanded. 
Hale, in his New Remedies, declares that cordyalis will 
cure syphilitic nodes. He cites two cases coming under 
his own observation, where massive doses of iodide of 
potassium had been used for nearly a year without ben- 
efit, in which the swelling slowly but permanently disap- 
peared under the influence of ten-drop doses of tincture 
of corydalis, four times a day. The same writer refers to 
what he considers trustworthy testimony, that the drug 
has cured syphilitic nodes of the skull with falling of the 
hair, and also syphilitic and scrofulous eruptions on the 
scalp. He considers it as better adapted to secondary, 
than to primary syphilis. There is considerable resem- 
blance between this drug and berberis aquifolium, in 
many respects, the latter drug relieving periosteal pain. 
Goss, of all modern Eclectic authors, is the only one 
to write enthusiastically of this agent as a remedy for 
syphilis-as though he had actually observed its good 
effects. Scudder casually mentions it in his Reproduc- 
tive and Venereal Diseases, but omits mention of it in 
Specific Medication, where, it is to be supposed, all his 
favorite remedies are to be found. Howe seems not to 
possess knowledge of antisyphilitic virtue among any of ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
69 
the vegetable remedies. With the old Eclectics it was 
evidently a favorite, and it is to be hoped that modern 
writers will not permit our old remedies to be discov- 
ered anew by our homeopathic neighbors. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture of the recent 
root may be given in ten-drop doses three or four 
times a day. 
This agent will receive further notice under Reme- 
dies for the Skin. 
Echinacea Angustifolia. 
This remedy promises to fill one of the most impor- 
tant purposes of any of this class. It is comparatively 
a new one, but has already afforded eminent satisfaction 
to quite a large number of Eclectics as a corrector of 
depraved states of the blood, where ordinary remedies 
have failed to satisfy the demand. 
It resembles both baptisia and rhus tox., in some re- 
spects, though as a remedy for the septic phase of ty- 
phoid fever, where there is a tendency to gangrenous 
states it excels the former remedy, while in erysipelas 
where sloughing is imminent, it is preferable to the lat- 
ter. Its action seems to be more that of a restorative 
to the tissues generally than these, while it possesses 
none the less power as an antiseptic. 
Dr. Meyer, of Nebraska, who introduced the remedy, 
has successfully administered it in diseases of the stom- 
ach, cholera infantum, cholera morbus; intermittent, re- 
mittent, congestive, continued and typhoid, fevers; and 
in small pox, measles, boils, carbuncles, ulcerated sore 
throat and ulcers of the lower extremities. According 
to his observation it has no superior in malarial fevers. 
In six out of ten cases of typhoid fever, two of the pa- 
tients were out of bed on the eighth day, three on the 
tenth, and one on the twelfth. He asserts that twenty- 
five drops of the pure tincture injected into the rectum, 70 
ANTISEPTICS, AKTIZYMOTTCS, CORRECTIVES. 
in case of hemorrhoids, repeating the injections three 
times per day, will promptly effect a cure. He recom- 
mends it locally, as a cure for the effects of the stings 
of bees and wasps, snake bites and poisoning from rhus 
and other noxious plants. He makes the following state- 
ment regarding its value in rattlesnake bites:- 
"I injected some of the poison into my system, on the 
forefinger of the left hand; the swelling was rapid, and 
in six hours was up to the elbow. At this time I took 
a dose of the medicine, washed the swelling with it and 
lay down to sleep. I slept four hours, and on rising 
did not find a single sign of swelling on my finger or 
arm." The recoveries from rattlesnake poisoning are 
effected in from one to two hours. 
From his knowledge of the influence of this remedy 
upon other poisons, Dr. Meyer prophesied its success as 
a remedy for hydrophobia-which Professor Goss has, 
in a measure, verified, he having used it in the cases 
of two persons who had been bitten by a rabid dog; sev- 
eral months later no manifestation of the disease was 
apparent. He has had more success with it since. 
Dr. Hayes, of Denver, Colorado, reported six cases of 
malignant diphtheria cured by this agent, in the Eclec- 
tic Medical Journal-where the principal portion of the 
information regarding it emanated. The first one he 
considered hopeless, and so informed the parents; but 
to his surprise, the patient, a girl twelve years of age, 
recovered upon echinacea, being convalescent in four 
days. The auxiliary treatment consisted of the inhala- 
tion of oil of eucalyptus, evaporated in hot water. 
I have used it in one seemingly hopeless case of diph- 
theria with complete success. In another, where the 
evidence of malignant blood poisoning was pronounced 
by marked exhaustion, extensive exudation and slough- 
ing of the fauces, the patient was tided through to con- 71 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
valescence upon echinacea, but was afterward killed by 
injudicious feeding. Another genuine case-and this 
means a severe one-recovered promptly upon echinacea, 
and still another which had been saturated with the 
drug for several days previous to the onset, perished 
from blocking of the respiratory passages with exudate. 
It seems to be the remedy for the form where the blood 
depravation manifests itself in tendency to sloughing of 
the soft tissues, while it possesses no power to correct 
that condition which tends to the throwing out of plas- 
tic exudates. These four are the only genuine cases 
met with between the reading of the report referred to 
and this writing, but I have formed a very favorable 
opinion of the remedy from this limited experience. 
Diphtheria reports may usually be received with some 
allowance, considering the proneness of thoughtless or 
ignorant practitioners to include all cases of follicular 
tonsillitis-a harmless and self-limiting, though unpleas- 
ant condition, readily amenable to aconite and phyto- 
lacca, in combination-in the diagnosis. 
Dr. Hayes reports success with echinacea in "moun- 
tain fever." Fifteen cases were successfully treated, all 
but one-which had been maltreated by another physi- 
cian-recovering within fourteen days from commence- 
ment. Several cases of the same kind were aborted by 
the remedy, at an early stage. He also cured two cases 
of typhoid fever with it in twenty-one and fourteen days 
respectively. Both had been exposed to sewer gas. 
I have employed echinacea in both typhoid and ty- 
phus fever, with the best of satisfaction. I believe that 
unless there is the serious abdominal complication de- 
manding baptisia in alternation, or a pronounced indi- 
cation of the tongue calling for some more-specific cor- 
rective, this agent may be safely relied upon in all 
cases of adynamic fever, however classed nosologicallv. 72 
It is a sedative, and such influence is very acceptable in 
many such cases. It seems to correct the downward 
tendency of the fluids, restoring proper blood-making, 
secretion, excretion and innervation, probably by acting 
as an antiferment. 
"October 23, 1S87," writes Dr. Hayes, in the report 
referred to, "I was called to a case with a history of 
blood poisoning and treatment with caustic, mercuric bi- 
chloride and hot water-a man sixty-flve years of age. 
Two physicians had given him up. I was much inclined 
to follow their example, but thought it a good case to 
test echinacea. On entering the room Professor Scud- 
der's 'rose' and Professor Howe's 'tandog* were sug- 
gested by the intolerable stench. Examination revealed 
a mass of dead flesh between the metacarpal bones 
of the index finger and thumb of the right hand. Lift- 
ing it, the metacarpal bone lay bare the whole length, 
both extensor and flexor muscles having sloughed off. 
The old man was very weak and exhibited the charac- 
teristic symptoms of severe poisoning, so I dismissed 
the thought of amputation and applied the echinacea lo- 
cally, diluting it one-half; also gave it internally full 
strength. At the end of a week the patient was out 
of bed. 
"The other day he walked into my office and exhib- 
ited his hand. The chasm was pretty well filled with 
healthy flesh, the bone being visible at only one small 
point, the edges of the wound(?) contracted, and so cov- 
ered with skin that it is reduced to less than one-third 
its former dimensions. Several times during the treat- 
ment I withdrew the internal medicine. Every attempt 
was followed in a short time by sloughing at some point.*' 
Shortly after my return from Europe (October, 1890 ) 
a rancher from San Bernardino county applied to me for 
relief from the effects of a tarantula bite on the hand. 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
73 
received while working among his grape vines. The 
bite had been inflicted more than a month before I 
saw the hand, and plenty of time had elapsed for the 
effects of the poison to become manifested locally. The 
middle finger of the right hand over the dorsal aspect 
of the first phalanx, presented a purplish, sloughing ul- 
cer, as large as a silver quarter, and the whole finger 
was enormously swollen its entire length, and presented 
a bluish, shiny appearance. The entire hand was pur- 
ple and oedematous, while the patient was worn and ema- 
ciated from the constitutional effects of the poison and 
loss of rest resulting from the local discomfort. The 
home doctor had treated the case from the beginning, 
but nothing used had seemed to afford any benefit. 
I prescribed echinacea as follows:- 
ty Echinacea ( s. m.), f?ssk 
. Glycerine, ffss. 
Aqua, ad f?vi. 
S. Take a teaspoonful every hour while awake. 
Also:- 
Echinacea (s. m.), f?ii. 
Aqua, ad 
S. Use to saturate a compress applied to the ulcer, 
wetting every two hours. 
Thus I gave the agent singly, determined to allow it 
a fair field and no favors. 
On the second day afterward I saw the hand, and was 
surprised at the evidence of improvement already visi- 
ble ; and within a week the angry appearance was all 
gone and the ulcer nearly healed. All the malignant 
aspects of the case had given way, and a few days more 
sufficed to send the patient on his way rejoicing. 
During the December following, one of my old patrons, 
a carpenter, accidentally inflicted an ugly wound across 
the back of his hand, with a saw, on a rainy day, and 74 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
this, with the effects of a wetting received, resulted in se- 
rious prospects for the wounded member. When I first 
saw it, the ragged wound was everted, erysipelatous in ap- 
pearance, the whole hand presenting an angry and oedem- 
atous aspect. The pain was severe, extending along the 
tendons of the extensors to the forearm, threateningly. 
Here I used the echinacea, both internally and locally, 
though the internal use was associated with that of aco- 
nite and rhus tox. A speedy recovery followed. 
Dr. Goss commends this agent very highly in syphi- 
lis-in both secondary and tertiary stages. Antisyphi- 
litics are so few, and so unreliable generally, that we 
may well afford to investigate the merits of this new 
acquisition, in this direction. 
The following extract is from an article on this agent, 
by Dr. W. E. Kinnett, published in the first volume of 
the Annals of Eclectic Medicine and Surgery. It sug- 
gests still further uses for it, as a plasma remedy:- 
"I did not have to wait long to test my new medicine. 
I was treating a case of perityphlitis in a girl fifteen 
years old and it seemed that an abscess would be the 
result, most of the symptoms being present. I thought 
of my echinacea as an "antiseptic" and blood "purifier"; 
I at once commenced administering internally, thirty 
drops every three hours, and saturated a cloth and 
applied to the part and kept it wet with the medicine 
continually. The symptoms of abscess soon began to 
disappear and my patient improved rapidly. 
"I have made extensive use of echinacea in follicular 
tonsillitis, combining it or giving it alone. I have used 
it as a dressing for wounds and open sores and find it 
a very fine remedy, and in many cases superior to any- 
thing else I have found. 
" I have also been using it in cases of cholera morbus 
and cholera infantum, combining it with neutralizing 75 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTTZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
cordial in some cases, and in others I have combined 
it with other remedies that were indicated, such as 
aconite and nux vomica, and at other times giving it 
alone. 
"I have just dismissed a very severe case of dysentery 
in a child two years old, which I treated mainly with 
echinacea, adding other indicated remedies. It sweetens 
the breath, corrects the very bad smell of the discharges 
from the bowels, and acts as a tonic. 
" I have injected it into pus cavities after evacuating 
them (using full strength) and they healed more rapidly 
than any I had previously treated. I have used it in two 
cases of rhus poisoning with success. It does not cause 
pain when applied to recent wounds. I have not had any 
cases of diphtheria since I have been testing the remedy. 
As soon as a case presents itself I will give echinacea a 
thorough trial. I administer it in doses of from five to 
thirty drops every two or three hours in water or syrup." 
I have recently been using echinacea in an aggravated 
case of rhus poisoning, which in California sometimes re- 
sults in serious consequences. A year before, the patient, 
a youth who had been in the habit of going into the 
mountains with dogs and chasing rabbits until dripping 
with perspiration while breaking through the chaparral 
thickly lined with the shrub, was confined to his bed for 
three weeks suffering excruciatingly with the burning and 
itching all over the body, while his face was swollen be- 
yond recognition. The following season he repeated the 
rabbit hunt and was again severely poisoned but was 
only confined to bed for a week. Echinacea was used in- 
ternally, and as a bath, several times a day upon this oc- 
casion, the alcohol vapor bath being employed in connec- 
tion with it. Since that time he has been exposed to the 
same influence with complete immunity from the poison- 
ous effects of the shrub, several times. 76 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTIOS, CORRECTIVES. 
Euchlorins. 
From an old number of the American Medical Journal 
I extract the following: "This is the term applied to 
a preparation of chlorine prepared from chlorate of 
potash, muriatic acid and water, in the following man- 
ner : Put half a drachm of chlorate of potash in a 
clean, dry, four-ounce bottle. Into this bottle, upon 
the chlorate of potash, drop ten drops of muriatic acid, 
close the bottle with a good cork immediately, shake a 
little, let it stand about five minutes, then remove 
the cork quickly, pour a little water into the bottle, 
return the cork, and shake the bottle; then uncork 
and add a little more water, and go on with this proc- 
ess till the bottle is full. Upon adding muriatic acid 
to chlorate of potash a beautiful greenish colored gas 
is generated, which soon fills the bottle, and if the cork 
is not very tight, it will soon be forced out. Now, we 
give this mixture in teaspoonful doses every hour, to 
children five, seven, and nine years old. For smaller 
children we dilute it a little-sometimes one-half. For 
adult patients the mixture may be made double strength, 
one drachm of chlorate of potash and twenty drops of 
muriatic acid for a four-ounce mixture." 
Dr. Pitzer recommended this preparation very highly 
several years ago in diphtheria, and it has proven a 
a very effective corrective in the hands of the writer 
several times since. I am not convinced that we have 
a positive cure for diphtheria. In fact, malignant forms 
offer small hopes of recovery with the best of treat- 
ment, but this remedy ought to be awarded a prom- 
inent position among the most reliable agents for this 
dreaded disease. Dr. Pitzer recommends the combina- 
tion of alcoholic stimulants and quinine with this remedy, 
regarding it the treatment par excellence. ANTISEPTICS, ANT1ZYM0TICS, CORRECTIVES. 
77 
Fucus Vesiculosus. 
Seaweed has been highly extolled as an anti-fat 
remedy. Hale devotes considerable space to it in his 
New Remedies, and it has received extended notice 
from other directions. Dr. Chas. S. Clark, an Eclec- 
tic physician of Arroyo Grande, California, contributed 
an article to the California Medical Journal in 1885 
detailing some interesting experience with the remedy, 
but his experiment failed to prove that his patient 
decreased in weight, though she appeared to improve in 
health and strength. 
From my own observation I am satisfied that this 
medicine is not calculated to lessen rotundity of form, 
but I think it possesses the power of improving toni- 
city of fibre, and, in this manner, of affording benefit 
to those who find obesity burdensome, or who are tend- 
ing to fatty degeneration of the heart or other parts. 
Those who expect to produce leanness with it will find 
themselves disappointed. 
I have tried it in a dozen cases more or less, of 
obesity, and have never been able to observe any lessen- 
ing of the amount of fat upon a single one of the 
patients. Dieting has usually been associated with the 
remedy where a moderation of obesity has attended its 
use, and the lessening of the supply of fat-producing food, 
as starch and sugar, probably accounts for the seeming 
therapeutic effect of the fucus. 
Gynocardia Odorata.-Chaulmoogra Oil. 
This agent is a superior one in syphilis, especially in 
the secondary stage. Given early, when the presence 
of a Hunterian chancre is known, it has aborted the 
disease, masking its character completely, and removing 
remote traces. Doubtless, some writers have been 
more enthusiastic over this agent than the true facts 78 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZniOTICS, COBRECTIVE& 
warrant, but, taking all this into consideration, clinical 
experience still confirms the assertion that it is one of 
the best, if not the best, antisyphilitic known. 
The following by Dr. W. S. Mott, in the Eclectic Medical 
Journal, illustrates what the agent may be made to 
accomplish: " Miss R. who had been treated by Dr> 
Me-, a regular, for eczema, tonsilitis, consumption, 
etc., came to me with the remark that * Dr. Me- evi- 
dently does not understand my case.' On examination, 
I found mouth and throat full of ulcers, with a 
breath that suggested syphilis. She was very much 
emaciated, and really did look like a consumptive. Had 
a very bad cough; nasal bones were very sensitive; in 
fact, she said she was sore all over. The eruption had 
nearly passed away, but had left its distinctive mark; 
her hair had almost all taken its departure." 
The treatment was as follows:- 
No 1. Bi Tinct. oil gynocardia, pi. 
Syr. stillingia comp., 
M. Sig. A teaspoonful in milk, with (or after) meals. 
No. 2. Hydroleine (Kidder's). 
M. Sig. A teaspoonful in milk, with (or after) meals. 
No. 3. R Uvedalia, bay-rum, aa, p. 
Glycerine, pi. 
Tincture bergamot, tr. capsicum, aa, p. 
M. Sig. Cut hair, wash head well with borax water 
every morning, and apply to head twice daily. 
The result was as follows : " Appetite improved, 
cough abated, soreness of mouth and throat, nasal 
bones and lungs passed away, and in four weeks she 
had gained twelve pounds in weight, after which all 
medicine, except No. 1, was discontinued. This was 
continued for four months, and now, although two years 
have elapsed, no tertiary symptoms have appeared. 79 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZ YMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
Jaborandi-Pilocarpus Pinnatus. 
This agent has not a very wide range of action as 
a bloo I remedy. Da Costa has given it considerable 
of a reputation as a specific in erysipelas, where, doubt- 
less, it possesses some worth, but is hardly equal to 
rhus tox., echinacea or baptisia, where there is a phag- 
edenic tendency. Its best place is where there is obsti- 
nate dryness of the skin and high febrile action, in 
rheumatism or other local manifestation, where its valu- 
able general sedative properties assist in bringing about 
local sedation. 
Form for Administration. -The green tincture, i. e., a 
preparation which imparts a greenish tint to the vehicle 
containing it. The specific medicine prepared by 
Lloyd Brothers fulfills this indication finely. Add 
from thirty to sixty drops of this to four ounces of 
water and administer a teaspoonful every two hours. 
Lachesis. 
This remedy stands high in homeopathic practice as 
an agent for the treatment of purpuric conditions- 
Ecchymosis, with hemorrhages occurring de novo, or as 
sequelse of typhus conditions, or variola, especially 
where the hemorrhage is a persistent symptom, should 
lead one to think of this remedy. Not that it is an 
anti-hemorrhagic, but it appears to correct the peculiar 
state of the blood which predisposes to the condition. 
Epidemic cerebro-spinal meningitis (spotted fever) is 
also attended by purpuric spots, with occasional hem- 
orrhages. These, though not usually of alarming charac- 
ter, are pointers to the remedy under consideration, which 
promises to correct the maligant depravity of blood and 
thus relieve the case of many of its serious aspects. 
It has also been used with success in hospital gan- 
grene, in puerperal peritonitis and in malignant diph- 80 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
theria, where rapid devitalization of the blood was indi- 
cated by extreme local, as well as general symptoms. 
Cardiac paralysis, occurring in diphtheria also finds its 
best remedy in this agent, partly probably on account of 
its corrective influence upon the circulating fluids and 
partly because of its selective influence upon the cardiac 
ganglia. 
Malignant scarlatina also yields to this agent when 
others completely fail. There is something peculiarly 
searching in the influence of serpent poison upon the 
system, that when made avail of in disease proves a boon 
of great value where we fail to find success with other 
means. 
Typhoid conditions, with great vital prostration, as 
evidenced by delirium, coma-vigil, or a comatose state with 
evident breaking down of the blood corpuscles with 
ecchymosis and purpuric tendencies, may be regarded as 
the general indications for its selection as a blood remedy. 
Form jor Administration.-From the sixth to the tenth 
decimal trituration in two or three-grain doses every 
three hours in acute disease, and three or four times 
daily in chronic affections. 
Mentha Piperita. 
"W. L. Braddon has instituted extensive experiments 
to discover if possible an efficient microbicide which 
would be sufficiently harmless to human beings to an- 
swer for internal use. In a communication to the 
Lancet the author reports that these experiments were 
carried out, first under conditions as nearly as pos- 
sible identical with those which obtain with wounds, 
etc., the relative powers of carbolic acid, iodine, iodo- 
form, corrosive sublimate, and peppermint being com- 
pared. The observer considers the complete superi- 
ority of the latter completely proved, and has tried its ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTIC8, CORRECTIVES. 
81 
powers in actual practice 'with most excellent results.* 
He adds: 'Absolutely harmless to the system in the 
largest doses, easily obtainable, and readily prepared, 
oil of peppermint thus forms the best, safest and most 
agreeable of all known antiseptics. * Trials of the 
value of the oil in phthisis undoubtedly showed that it 
produces no ill effects when inhaled, but only benefi- 
cial. Even in the latest stages of galloping consump- 
tion it checks its progress and sometimes completely 
cures. In two cases of diphtheria it produced entire 
and rapid recovery."-Selection in California Medical Journal. 
I have employed equal parts of essence of peppermint 
and alcohol in a common atomizer a number of times 
to quiet harrassing coughs in pneumonia and bron- 
chitis, with more than temporary benefit, though the 
thought had not occurred to me that it possessed anti- 
septic properties. As a soothing local agent it proves 
very acceptable and if it can be proven to combine 
curative properties as well it will be doubly acceptable. 
Phytolacca. 
This remedy deserves notice as a corrector of the sup- 
purative tendency. While it manifests a partiality for 
the lymphatic system and is often excellent to arrest in- 
flammation of the lymphatic glands, it has been extolled 
in suppuration of other soft tissues. However, it is far 
inferior to calcium sulphide, and will seldom be found to 
replace it to any advantage. It is mentioned here more 
as a matter of record than for therapeutic profit. 
The extract of poke berries has been recommended as 
an agent to correct obesity. Dr. Standlee (Chicago Medi- 
cal Times, 1890) observes, respecting this property:- 
"We find a remedy in the fruit of the phytolacca de- 
candra, which clinical observation has taught us possesses 
all the valuable characteristics that we desire. It was 82 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICSj CORRECTIVES. 
discovered by noticing birds that feast on these berries 
in the fall of the year. Their bodies become very desti- 
tute of adipose tissue, though they seem to be otherwise 
in a normal condition. The fruit does not possess the 
acro-narcotic properties of the root. Small children, be- 
ing attracted by their beautiful color, have been known 
to eat large quantities of these berries with no alarming 
symptoms following. Take the berries (best after frost) 
and compress the juice from them. Strain this juice 
through a cheese-cloth to remove any seeds that may 
have escaped into it, after which place it in large, flat 
dishes and evaporate to a waxy mass by a gentle heat, 
or in the sun's rays. Take the mass and make into pills 
of two or three grains each, or if beauty and exactness 
are desired the mass can be sent to a manufacturer, that 
they may be more evenly divided, and sugar or gelatine 
coated. 
"Three of these pills taken daily will often diminish the 
weight of the body at the rate of from five to ten pounds 
per week. The evacuations from the bowels are more 
copious than usual, but in all other respects are perfectly 
natural. The muscles become firm, their action more free 
than before, and the power is increased. The patient 
soon experiences a feeling of lightness, renewed energy, 
and ability to endure greater muscular exertion than be- 
fore. No bad effects will result." 
Potassium Chlorate. 
This remedy possesses valuable antiseptic properties,but, 
as ordinarily prescribed is liable to provoke irritation of 
the kidneys, the dose usually being too large. After a 
long abuse of the remedy many physicians have learned 
that it cannot be used in exhorbitant quantities with im- 
punity. 
The corrective influence of the remedy may be made 
avail of in diphtheria, puerperal, typhoid fever, or any ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
83 
other disease tending to blood sepsis--septicaemia. Scud- 
der offers, as the indication for it, " the peculiar fetor re- 
sembling decomposing matter." This may arise from the 
breath of febrile patients, the lochia of lying-in women, 
or even some cases of disease from the emanations from 
the body; but when marked it will call for this remedy, 
and prompt relief will be quite certain to follow its ad- 
ministration. 
Professor Joseph Adolphus makes the following practi- 
cal observations upon this drug (California Medical Jour- 
nal): " It is eliminated almost altogether by the kidneys, 
and continues several days to appear in the urine after the 
remedy is discontinued. In diphtheria, albumin frequently 
appears in the urine. Chlorate of potassium aggravates 
the kidney congestion, and often the urine is smoky and 
quite albuminous, as well as much diminished in quantity. 
Chlorate of potassium is answerable for many a death by 
diphtheria, a fact I know to be quite true. Chlorate is 
also a powerful defibrinator of the fluids. All imflam ma- 
tions are fibrinous, and in diphtheria this is eminently 
so. While it does this it causes increase of fibrinous 
exudation in the kidneys, and most of the casts and plugs 
are owing to it." 
It is a favorite obstetrical remedy with many of our 
practitioners, who prescribe it when the lochia becomes 
offensive, to correct any constitutional influence that this 
may involve. This to say the least of it, when the remedy 
is given in minute doses, is safe practice, though often it 
has seemed to me a needless expenditure of effort, as 
such cases may usually be corrected by a vaginal douch 
of tepid water to which a little mild soap has been added, 
the object being to rid the part of shreds and clots. 
Potassium Chloride. 
Potassium chloride is an important plasma remedy, 
in that its influence fortifies the system against the 84 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
throwing out of plastic exudates. Certain of the tis- 
sues of the body are especially liable to permanent injury 
when inflammatory action i-s followed by exudation and 
subsequent organization. In other cases the throwing 
out of plastic exudates may fatally interfere with impor- 
tant functions. I can best illustrate the value of this 
remedy by quotations from various sources, of what it has 
accomplished:- 
Case 1.-" Recently I treated a case of infantile pneu- 
monia, where it seemed that the organization of exuda- 
tive material must completely obstruct the oxygenating 
functions of the lungs. The rapid labored breathing 
(surface), with the marked cyanotic manifestations, which 
were persistent and steadily increasing in severity, 
the clammy skin, the leaden countenance were all por- 
tentous of an early funeral. As a last resort the po- 
tassium chloride, 3x trituration, was administered. Five 
grains were added to four ounces of water, and a tea- 
spoonful administered every hour. In twenty-four hours, 
to the joy of the parents and surprise of the doctor, the 
child seemed entirely relieved; the frequency of the 
respirations was reduced one-half and the cyanotic symp- 
toms were all gone. The patient made a speedy recovery 
after this."-Author, in California Medical Journal. 
Case II.-"A burly husband, having imbibed rather 
too freely one evening, gave his wife a severe beating. 
Prize ring rules were entirely ignored, and the weaker 
vessel received several severe kicks below the belt, but 
still managed to come to the scratch, and aroused the 
neighbors, who assisted inputting the would-be athlete to 
bed. A black eye and a few scratches upon the face, with 
soreness resultant upon body contusions, seemed the sum 
total of damages sustained, when the wife called at the 
office the following day, and these faded away, leaving her 
apparently as well as usual a few days afterward. But ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
85 
not long after this she went to bed with a chill, which 
was followed by high fever, severe abdominal and pelvic 
pains, painful and frequent micturition with excruciating 
suffering, with faintness and exhaustion upon defecation. 
Sedatives modified the fever and lessened the acuteness 
of the pain, which, however, persisted in a measure, oc- 
casionally darting into the left hip and down the left 
thigh, the febrile symptoms meantime taking on a hectic 
character. Tenderness was discovered early upon digital 
examination per vagina, assisted by abdominal palpation, 
and in a few days marked enlargment and induration of 
the left broad ligament was appreciable. The enlarge- 
ment progressed until the pelvis was crammed, the uterus 
becoming immovably fixed against any force which did 
not produce severe pain, this being elicited by moderate 
pressure upon the bulging, indurated broad ligament. 
In the meantime, the patient had lost her appetite, the 
tongue had become furred, there was profuse sweating at 
night, marked nervous irritability, and encroaching pros- 
tration. There was no question that a pelvic abscess 
was to be the result of these premonitions, and as the 
scope of ordinary remedies seemed to have been pretty 
well reached, a resort to potassium chloride was had with 
the belief that it at least could not fail more completely 
than former medication had in preventing a purulent col- 
lection in the pelvis. As much of the 3x trituration as 
would lie on a nickel was therefore added to half a tum- 
bler of water and a teaspoonful ordered every hour. 
Within two days the pain had become decidedly changed 
for the better, though it was a week before the patient 
would admit that she was improving. By this time the 
symptoms of hectic had become ameliorated, the patient 
could sleep at night, and at the end of a fortnight the 
thermometer marked the normal temperature, though the 
pelvic enlargement could hardly be pronounced as less- 86 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES'. 
ened in size. Two weeks later the patient was able to 
go to San Francisco in a carriage, whither her husband 
removed her permanently, without accident, and a week 
later I found upon digital examination that there was a 
marked abatement of the pelvic enlargement, and all dis- 
comfort, except that of some slight debility, gone. She 
was still taking the remedy, and importuned me to leave a 
good supply, that she might continue it until well with- 
out peradventure, as she believed it had been the means 
of her recovery."-Author, in California Medical Journal. 
Case III.-Mrs. B.'s husband brought home to her a 
very severe infection of gonorrhea, and the cause of the 
vaginal irritation not being suspected for a week or more, 
treatment was neglected. In the meantime, the disease 
spread to the uterus, and the patient being a favorable 
subject, pelvic cellulitis followed. A pelvic abscess was 
threatened for a week or more, but with potassium chloride 
I finally succeeded in arresting the pain, fever and swell- 
ing, without suppuration. 
"This remedy," says Dr. Phil Porter, "is most prom- 
inently indicated where plastic exudation with progress- 
ive tissue metamorphosis has taken place. Long con- 
tinued, the drug has been of service in pelvic cellulitis 
and in hemorrhoids of firm consistency, the firmness pro- 
duced by inflammatory exudative products. The kali 
muriaticum should be used in chronic eye and ear 
troubles, such as otitis media, macula corneae, and atro- 
phic pharyngitis." 
Schuessler recommends this remedy highly in diph- 
theria, and where the exudative feature is the prominent 
one in the case. Where there is threatened blocking up of 
the respiratory passages without prominent evidence of 
putrid tendencies of the fluids, I think it is our best rem- 
edy, though not infallible. I alternate it with echinacea, 
where the exudation is a marked and threatening feature ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
87 
of the case. The dose given in the illustrative cases is 
about what I continue to use. 
Rhus Toxicodendron. 
This remedy has a place in this list on account of its 
favorable influence in typhoid states, where blood dep- 
ravation is a leading feature of the disease. It is es- 
pecially valuable where the typhoid manifestation is ac- 
companied by extreme restlessness. I find it a valuable 
remedy in the treatment of almost every form of continued 
fever, as it not only acts as a corrective to blood deprava- 
tion, but is also an excellent sedative, where the cerebro- 
spinal centers are especially the seat of vascular disturb- 
ance ; this should not be one of pronounced general 
excitement of which the circulatory system partakes 
as a whole, as in the case of gelseminum-marked by the 
full bounding pulse, but one of local irritation, with, per- 
haps, not much disturbance of the sympathetic system. 
In the rhus case the pulse may be slightly disturbed, wiry, 
perhaps, to some extent, but the patient is restless out 
of proportion to the general circulatory disturbance, un- 
easy, irritable, the eyes are bright, and there is often pain 
in the frontal region. The tongue is often an additional 
guide here, for with these symptoms, this organ will 
usually be pointed, with reddened tip, and may be trem- 
ulous when protruded. The strawberry tongue is a good 
indication for the use of rhus, for the other conditions 
named are pretty certain to attend. Vomiting, in such 
conditions, finds no more reliable specific than rhus. 
Rhus is especially a remedy for children, combined 
with aconite. Low forms of cholera infantum and cere- 
bro-spinal meningitis are very apt to require it. 
The naming of diseases, however, is a bad method of 
indicating the places for remedies, for conditions are what 
we should aim at in prescribing, and not names. How- 
ever, in some conditions names may convey as good an 88 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
impression as any other description. Erysipelas, for in- 
stance, might be referred to as an example, and here is 
where rhus tox. has won many laurels, especially when 
the disease involves the head or face, for which parts it 
exerts a special affinity, though the plastic effect is not 
an exclusive one, for the depravity of the fluids is mani- 
festly corrected by it when other parts are invaded. 
Rhus is often needed in grave cases of bronchitis and 
pneumonia, in dysentery, rheumatism and other diseases, 
as well as in the continued fevers, including the exanthe- 
mata. With the indications marked, the disease need not 
be named to create a place for it, even if the case be a 
chronic one. 
Form, for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add ten to fifteen drops to half a glass of water, 
and give a teaspoonful every one or two hours. 
Sodium Sulphite. 
The sulphite of sodium is one of our most frequently 
demanded correctives. Professor Scudder has pointed 
out the place for this agent so well, that there remains 
nothing to be added. Where there is lack of the salts of 
soda in the blood, the tongue evidences the state by pallor 
and a white coating. The coating is usually pasty, and 
this is the special condition described by Scudder as indi- 
cating it-"a broad, flabby tongue, with pasty white coat- 
ing." No one but a neophyte would mistake the pallor 
of anaemia for that referred to here. 
The field of action for sulphite of sodium covers a wide 
range of practice. While the acids are seldom indicated 
in periodical fevers (though often in continued forms), the 
salts of sodium, of which this may be considered the 
representative, are frequently demanded in both places. 
When indicated in continued fevers, it is usually in the 
early stages. 
Chronic diseases are often perpetuated by lack of soda antiseptics, antizymotics, correctives. 
89 
salts in the fluids, and this condition may constitute what 
has been denominated as the basic lesion. That is, the 
disease may resist what might otherwise seem to be 
the proper plan of treatment until the indication for this 
corrective has been met. 
Form for Administration.-The powdered sulphite of 
sodium may be administered in capsules, or in a swallow 
of water. The very unpleasant taste resulting, when the 
salt is allowed to stand for a time in solution, suggests 
the avoidance of this plan of dispensing. Each dose, if 
not taken in capsule, should be added to water at time of 
taking, and swallowed at once. 
Dose.-One or twro grains every two or three hours in 
acute disease, three times a day in chronic affections. 
Stillingia Sylvatica. 
Quite a diversity of opinion exists in the profession re- 
specting the merits of this remedy as a corrector of scrof- 
ulous and syphilitic dyscrasise. Whatever recommenda- 
tion it may be favored with, one fact remains, it is but 
seldom used for these qualities at present, and we must 
naturally conclude that this is because it has disap- 
pointed expectation so often as to destroy its credit. 
Professor Goss offers a very reasonable explanation for 
this in the assertion that the virtues of the drug depend 
upon the freshness of the crude material from which it is 
obtained. This author asserts that the fresh root sup- 
plies a principle which is very positive as an antisyphilitic, 
but that the dry root is worthless, as well as any prepar- 
ation made from it. He asserts that before finding the 
plant growing, he repeatedly tried both stillingia and the 
syrup made from the dried root without satisfactory re- 
sult, but after gathering the fresh material himself and 
preparing his own drug from it he succeeded in curing 
many stubborn cases. 
Stillingia probably produces its curative effects partly, 90 
ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
if not wholly, through its influence upon the lymphatic 
glands, though we have no positive evidence of it. As 
one of the first symptoms of syphilis, however, is glandu- 
lar induration, and the lymphatics are supposed to pre- 
side in a certain way over the blood making processes, it 
is but natural to ascribe an action of the kind to a rem- 
edy which proves curative in syphilis. 
The remedy furthermore is fully as valuable in scrof- 
ula, when a recent product is employed, and this would 
tend to corrobrate the assertion that it acts upon the 
lymphatic glands. 
The selective influence of this drug upon the larynx 
will be referred to in another place. 
Verbascum Thapsus. 
The common mullein has been extolled as a remedy in 
malaria, and the testimony offered seems to justify a brief 
notice of it in this place. 
During the war of the Rebellion, when the South was 
blockaded and foreign drugs, among other commodities, 
were interdicted, a forced resort was had to various in- 
digenous articles, and in malarious districts mullein 
proved a very efficacious remedy for ague and other 
malarial affections. The following recipe was then em- 
ployed successfully:- 
" Beat mullein leaves in an iron mortar, strain, and to the 
juice add an equal quantity of French brandy; in a wine- 
glass of this mixture put fifteen drops of spirits of cam- 
phor, and give just as the chill is coming on. The patient 
must be warmly covered in bed before it is taken, and 
continue so for several hours after." 
The donor of this recipe, a Southern lady, remarks: 
" When I was told of it my husband had been having chills 
for seven years. I mean that he had never been free 
from them more than a week or two at a time during 
that period. He would not consent to try this until one ANTISEPTICS, ANTIZYMOTICS, CORRECTIVES. 
91 
day, after taking forty grains of quinine, he had a chill 
which was so severe that we both feared congestion, and 
he said he would try anything. So after the chill had 
reached its height, I had the leaves gathered and beaten, 
and gave him a dose. As soon as he swallowed it the 
moisture began to break out on his brow, and in five or 
ten minutes he was in a most profuse perspiration. He 
had not the least fever, and did not have another chill 
for fifteen years. I tried it after that in, I suppose, fifty 
cases, with perfect success. Our physician in the neigh- 
borhood (Dr. R. K. T.) used to laugh at me about it 
very much, but the last time I saw him he told me that 
during the war, when he could not get quinine, he had to 
resort to it, and found it most efficacious, not only in 
cases of chill, but in bilious and typhoid fevers." An- 
other writer, describing a visit to Virginia in early times, 
refers to a charming hostess as follows: "This lady 
takes great care of her negroes, makes them as happy as 
their situation will admit, and serves them herself as a 
doctor in time of sickness. She has even herself made 
some interesting discoveries in the disorders incident to 
them, and discovered a very salutary method of treating 
a sort of putrid fever which carries them off commonly 
in a few days, and against which the physicians of the 
country have exerted themselves without success. The 
successful remedy used here is no less than that homely, 
but apparently very useful weed, common mullein." 
There is testimony enough in favor of this drug to at 
least justify an investigation as to its merits as an anti- 
malarial agent, and I suggest that a trial be made of it by 
some enterprising Eclectic and the result reported to our 
medical journals-not in a single case but in a round 
dozen, that a fair opportunity may be afforded for th& 
agent to display its curative powers, even if the first trial 
should prove a failure. SECTION II-PLASTIC REMEDIES. 
THE OSSEOUS SYSTEM. 
Acidum Fluoricum. 
This agent possesses the reputation of curing osseous 
caries. It also serves to abort this condition through 
its influence in preventing periosteal destruction, when 
that membrane becomes inflamed. Thus in whitlow and 
rheumatic periostitis, I hava known good results to fol- 
low its use, the local symptoms subsiding without the re- 
sulting destruction of bone usually liable to follow in 
such cases. This remedy influences the nutrition of the 
blood vessels, and thus becomes very useful in varicoses, 
angiomata and threatened apoplexy. It is a useful rem- 
edy in organic disease of either the arteries, veins, heart 
or lymphatics. 
Form for Administration.-This remedy had best be ob- 
tained at a homeopathic pharmacy. It comes in the form 
of a dilution, unless the high attenuations are used. 
Dose.-Ten drops of the fifth or sixth decimal, four or 
five times daily. 
Asafcetida. 
This agent bears the reputation, among homeopathic 
practitioners, of favorably influencing caries of bone. Dr. 93 
THE OSSEOUS SYSTEM. 
Wm. Holbrook, a prominent writer in that school, re- 
marks of it in a commendatory notice: " I have twice 
verified the value of this remedy in scrofulous caries of the 
bones. I used the twelfth dilution. It is singular that a 
remedy whose principal applications are to the most fugi- 
tive and sympathetic disturbances of the nervous system 
should extend its curative powers to the Eiost deep-seated 
and chronic lesions.'' 
I have quoted all I know about this application of 
asafoetida to caries, and must refer the reader to the 
quotation as to form for administration and dose. The 
attenuation may be easily prepared in the office, or ob- 
tained at a homeopathic pharmacy. 
Aueum. 
Gold specifically influences the nutrition of bone. 
Hughes, in his Manual of Pharmacodynamics, remarks : 
" It is an admirable medicine for those constitutions 
broken down by the combined influence of syphilis and 
mercury, which sometimes come before us for treatment." 
In such cases, where carious conditions present or nodes 
become prominent factors, minute doses of gold may be 
the most acceptable remedy. 
I have used the chloride of gold and sodium in necrosis 
of the nasal bones with very good satisfaction. This rem- 
edy seems to possess an election for the nasal bones, 
above any other portion of the osseous system, and should 
be especially valuable in the treatment of destructive 
action in these parts. 
Form for Administration.-The fix trituration of either 
the metallic gold or the chloride of gold and sodium may 
be employed in one- or two-grain doses three times daily. 
The chloride of gold and sodium may be employed in 
aqueous solution, each teaspoonful representing less than 
the one-thousandth part of a grain. 94 
THE OSSEOUS SYSTEM. 
Calcium Fluoride. 
This is one of Schuessler's twelve tissue remedies-an 
inorganic proximate principle, which has already been 
fully noticed, but it is here the purpose to refer particu- 
larly to the estimate placed upon it as a remedy to in- 
fluence the osseous system, outside of Schuessler's theo- 
ries as to its action. 
Authentic reports are on record of cases of exostosis in 
the human, cured with attenuations of the drug, and it 
has also been employed as successfully in veterinary prac- 
tice for the cure of spavin-an analogous disease. 
Form for Administration.-The form for administration 
and dose have already been fully discussed (See page 3). 
Calcium Phosphate. 
The phosphate of lime is an important constituent of 
bone, and is highly valued in all diseases of the osseous 
system. Rachitis, caries and necrosis demand this agent 
as a restorative. In case of fracture, where non-union is 
feared on account of advanced age or other causes, this 
remedy may be relied upon to aid the restorative proc- 
esses. Ringer remarks : " It gives solidity to the skele- 
ton ; hence, if the quantity supplied to the body is small, 
or if the demand for it is greater than the supply, these 
solid structures suffer and lose their rigidity. Chossat 
produced softening of the bones of animals by feeding 
them on food free from lime-salts; while, during preg- 
nacy, much phosphate of lime being required for the 
ossification of the skeleton of the foetus, it is found that 
the fractured bones of pregnant women unite slowly and 
imperfectly. Some experiments by Milne-Edwrards bear 
practically on this point; for he found that animals' 
bones intentionally fractured united more quickly when 
the animals were supplied with phosphate of lime." 
Phosphate of lime does not, probably, merely act as a 
source of food supply, but dynamically influences integ- 95 
THE OSSEOUS SYSTEM. 
rity of structure, and thus aids as a restorative, by acting 
as a plastic remedy. 
The form for administration may vary from the 6x at- 
tenuation to the crude salt. A minute quantity may 
answer every purpose. 
Hecla Lava. 
This material issues from the well-known volcano of 
Iceland. The homeopaths-always good observers of 
drug effect-noticed an affinity for the bones of the head 
and face evidenced by the fact that some of the animals 
which fed in the mountain pastures, where the finer ashes 
fell, were affected with immense exostoses on the jaw- 
bones and skulls. Dr. G. Wilkinson, not reasoning, but 
following the dictum of Hahnemann (similia simililus cur- 
antur), employed triturations of it with reputed success 
in toothache, swellings about the jaws, and gum-boils. 
Dr. Holcombe afterward used it in neuralgic pains after 
tooth-extraction and in osteitis of the lower jaw. Dr. 
Gilchrist, a homeopathic author on Surgical Therapeutics, 
recommends it in exostosis and osteo-sarcoma. Other 
writers commend it in felon, alveolar caries and exostosis. 
The accounts given warrant an investigation of its 
dynamical effects in appropriate cases. 
Form for Administration.-High attenuations (dilutions) 
have been employed by those who have reported success 
from its use. These should be obtained at a reliable 
homeopathic pharmacy. The tenth decimal dilution 
might be tried in ten or fifteen drop doses three or four 
times a day. Possibly the third attenuation might do as 
well; in chronic diseases a very minute quantity of med- 
icine repeated at quite long intervals often succeeds best. 
Oleum Jecoris Aselli. 
Cod liver oil is a standard remedy in all schools for 
osseous degeneration, when strumous in origin. In hip 
joint disease occurring in children.it is one of the best of 96 
THE OSSEOUS SYSTEM. 
remedies, in connection with phosphate of lime, the two 
being alternated or combined to suit the caprice of the 
practitioner, or other circumstances. The benefit de- 
rived probably depends, not upon the oil alone, which 
undoubtedly supplies a very necessary element for the 
scrofulous constitution, but also upon a minute quantity 
of iodine pervading it. 
Stillingia Sylvatica. 
This remedy possesses a reputation in the treatment of 
new formations of bony character which should be borne 
in mind - bony growths about the head and face (ex- 
ostoses) as well as exostosis of the tibia. 
The remedy seems to resemble corydalis very closely 
in this respect, influencing the plasticity of the superficial 
or compact tissue of bone, and correcting an abnormal 
tendency to the putting forth of nodular growth. 
It also serves a good purpose in periosteal pains in old 
syphilitics, where, probably, there is a putting forth of 
new bony growth, or structural change occurring in the 
periosteum. 
Form for Administration.-A tincture of the fresh root. 
The best substitute for this would be the specific medi- 
cine. 
Dose.-From five to ten drops three or four times a day. THE PERIOSTEULI. 
97 
THE PERIOSTEUM. 
Aurum Arseniosum-Arseniate of Gold. 
Hale recommends this remedy in chronic headaches 
due to syphilis, necrosis, periostitis and ozaena. 
Berberis Aquifolium. 
This is one of our most positive remedies in the treat- 
ment of the periosteal pains attending the early stages 
of syphilis, and even in the more advanced periods of the 
disease it will be found useful if new growths are not de- 
veloping on the bone. When the patient is tormented with 
severe bone pains, and other symptoms of syphilis are 
present, the aid of a protracted course of berberis may be 
begun with the greatest confidence in the ultimate success 
of the treatment in permanently relieving this phase of the 
complaint. 
Dose.-The specific medicine or Parke Davis & Co.'s 
fluid extract should be given in ten drop doses four or 
five times a day. Some believe that this remedy acts 
better in this place if combined with iodide of potassium, 
but I have had excellent success with it administered 
alone, and deprecate the use of the iodide whenever it 
can be avoided, as more or less debility is almost certain to 
follow its use. 
Eupatorium Perfoliatum. 
This remedy possesses the traditional reputation-en- 
grafted upon it by one of its popular names-boneset-of 
relieving painful states of the bones. As bone pain must 
have its seat in the periosteum it is but rational to con- 
clude that the specific action of this remedy, in relieving 
such state, must be upon the structures of this mem- 
brane. 
In breakbone fever, or ague, attended by intense suffer- 
ing in the bones, or any other acute disturbance where 98 
THE PERIOSTEUM. 
this symptom is marked, this remedy may be relied upon 
to banish the pain and assist other curative measures. 
But the proposition must be accepted with some reserve; 
many times pain in the periosteum indicates inflammatory 
action with impending structural change, over which this 
remedy would have no influence. Not every case of 
periosteal pain will demand it. The periosteal pain of 
febrile conditions, neuralgic, perhaps, in character, or 
of the fibrous structures of the periosteum, is the place 
requiring it. 
Form for Administration.-A. tincture made by covering 
the fresh bruised plant (leaves, blossoms and stems) with 
pure alcohol is the ideal form. The best form of com- 
merce is the specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add from ten drops to a drachm to half a glass 
(four fluid-ounces) of water, and give a teaspoonful every 
hour. It is only adapted to acute cases. 
Mezereum. 
Referring to the influence of this remedy upon perios- 
teal irritation and structural changes following syphilis, 
Hughes, in his Manual of Pharmacodynamics, remarks: 
"One of its antisyphilitic applications has stood the test 
of later practice, and is vouched for by such practitioners 
as Hufeland and Alexander Russell. I refer to its in- 
fluence over nodes and nocturnal bone pains-dolores osteo- 
copi as they used to be called. Hahnemann's pathogenesis 
in the Fragmenta mentions such pains as caused by it in 
the cranium, clavicle, and thighs, and several of the later 
provers report the same experience (See Webster's Prin- 
ciples of Medicine, Introduction); in homeopathic prac- 
tice we use it with much confidence in these cases, and in 
simple or rheumatic periostitis. Whether it acts upon 
the bones themselves, I hesitate to say. There is, how- 
ever, a case on record, in which it seemed to check the 
necrosis of the jaw produced by phosphorus; and Noack, THE periosteum. 
99 
and Trinks mention several osseous diseases benefited by 
it." 
Manganese. 
Manganese manifests an affinity for the periosteum and 
sometimes proves a valuable remedy in painful conditions 
of the part attended by subacute inflammatory action. 
Burt recommends it where the periosteal pain is much 
aggravated at night, but as almost all affections of painful 
character are worse at night, due probably to planetary 
influences, this special indication may be received with 
some allowance. The sixth decimal trituration is the 
form I have used. It may be given in doses of two or 
three grains, every four hours. 
Iodide of Potassium. 
Potassium iodide is well known as a remedy to influence 
the periosteum. Its action in this direction is marked 
in some portions of the system, as that about the fore- 
head. Its debilitating influence, however, renders it 
somewhat objectionable as a remedy of frequent re- 
sort, as the very case demanding a periosteal remedy 
most, as syphilitic states for instance, are already de- 
bilitated, and cannot, judiciously, be further depleted. 
Some Eclectic practitioners assert that this objection 
can be overcome by combining this drug with berberis 
aquifolium, but as the latter remedy is efficacious alone, 
perhaps more so than the iodide, it seems hardly policy to 
resort to the combination unless the case be a very stub- 
born one, then we may see fit to resort to iodide of potas- 
sium and combine it with berberis, in order to derive the 
tonic properties of the latter drug. 
Phytolacca. 
This remedy is very highly commended by Hale as a 
cure for rheumatism involving the periosteum. Deep 
seated pain, situated apparently upon the surface of the 100 
THE PERIOSTEUM. 
bone, with tendency to shifting of its location and other 
evidences of rheumatic dyscrasia, would call for its ex- 
hibition. In this case there is not likely to be much 
swelling but simply a deep seated pain, not much affected 
by pressure, of dull, aching character. 
Dr. Hale, in his New Remedies, cites a number of such 
cases promptly cured by phytolacca, after all the most re- 
puted remedies for rheumatism had failed. Apparently 
in these cases the tissue involved had not been taken into 
consideration enough in making the therapeutic adap- 
tation-the tissue affinity of drugs had not been suf- 
ficiently kept in sight, in the therapeutic application. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture made from the 
fresh root, by macerating the crushed article in pure al- 
cohol, fulfills the best purpose. The only reliable substi- 
tute for this known to me is the specific medicine. This 
usually fulfills the requirements of the case. 
Dose.-One or two drops three or four times daily. 
Stillingia. 
This remedy resembles phytolacca in its influence upon 
the periosteum, being adapted to periosteal rheumatism 
and cases where bone pains are chronic and persistent. 
The drug aborts nodes, when given early in their devel- 
opment, and relieves, at the same time, the periosteal ir- 
ritation. 
Corydalis. 
Corydalis formosa is an old Eclectic remedy of estab- 
lished value as an " alterative," and with the early 
Eclectics the term covered a vast extent of therapeutical 
ground. Having already noticed it as a corrector of the 
syphilitic dyscrasia, it only remains to here call attention 
to its value in the treatment of syphilitic nodes. 
The drug seems to exert a plastic influence upon the 
bones of the leg, especially upon the shin, influencing the THE PERIOSTEUM. 
101 
nutrition and formative power here to correct the perver- 
sion manifested in the nodular enlargements which often 
occur in tertiary syphilis. Where these have been long 
established we cannot expect as much as in recent cases, 
but where they are recent, or in process of formation, the 
remedy may be administered with good prospects of suc- 
cess. I have seen syphilitic nodes aborted by it in two 
instances after both shins had become swollen, shiny and 
painful, within a few weeks. 
Hale, who has been very free in appropriating our 
remedies, while he has abused our authors at the same 
time, makes some very positive statements as to the 
value of corydalis in syphilitic nodes. He asserts (New 
Remedies) that he remembers two cases of syphilitic 
nodes on the tibia which had been treated for nearly a 
year, with large doses of iodide of potassium without 
benefit, which recovered, slowly, but permanently, after- 
ward, upon ten-drop doses of tincture of corydalis, admin- 
stered four times a day. 
I have found this remedy to act nicely in relieving 
the shin pains of syphilitics, when galvanism and other 
local remedies failed. Here it should be the first remedy. 
Hale states further that the remedy will cure syphilitic 
nodes of the skull, associated with falling of the hair. In 
short, the remedy seems to possess a marked affinity for 
the superficial tissues of bone, correcting tendency to 
new formations of this part in whatever region occuring, 
with its most positive affinity directed to the shin. This 
field is one that has been almost entirely neglected by 
modern Eclectics, but now that the spirit of investigation 
is abroad it is hoped that more light will be thrown upon 
some of the possibilities of our own peculiar materia 
medica. 
Scudder mentions corydalis as a remedy for nodes, in 
his Materia Medica. - - 102 
THE PERIOSTEUM. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine or the 
mother tincture of homeopathy. Where the fresh root 
can be obtained, a tincture made by bruising and cover- 
ing it with alcohol, before drying, will give the best satis- 
faction. 
Dose.-From five to ten drops three or four times daily. THE ARTICULATIONS. 
103 
THE ARTICULATIONS. 
Byronia. 
The influence of this remedy is not a strongly pro- 
nounced one, hardly equalling that of jaborandi in the 
class of cases to which it is at all adapted, viz., acute in- 
flammatory affections of the synovial membranes. Among 
the homeopaths it has enjoyed considerable reputation in 
articular rheumatism-more, probably, than it deserves. 
Its action is not very prompt, and I seldom employ it, for 
the reason that there are better remedies for the pur- 
pose. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add ten or fifteen drops to four ounces of water, 
and give a teaspoonful every two hours. 
Caulophyllum. 
Caulophyllum is one of our old reliable remedies for 
rheumatism. It is too well and favorably known to re- 
quire commendation. It influences the muscular struc- 
tures in all parts of the body, but is more adapted, than 
some other rheumatism remedies, to rheumatic conditions 
of the small joints-those of the fingers and toes. 
It seems to possess an affinity for these parts, adapting 
it to any painful condition here, not traumatic or at- 
tended by structural change, as gout. 
It will be found a valuable resort in rheumatism 
affecting principally the fingers, in combination with 
jaborandi in the active stages, or alone when the con- 
dition is more subacute. It is not ordinarily adapted to 
vascular disturbance, being more of a tissue remedy- 
influencing the plastic force of the tissues acted upon, 
rather than circulatory organs. 
Form for Administration.-I prefer a trituration of caul- 104 
THE ARTICULATIONS. 
ophyllin to the tincture of caulopyllum, usually using the 
3x. Leontin is a favorite form with many, and is doubt- 
less a valuable form of the remedy, though I have not 
used it enough to speak with authority. It is a more 
acceptable form to the taste, however, than caulophyllum, 
which possesses the property of imparting a peculiar 
acrid sensation to the throat, which is quite persistent, 
and unpleasant to many. 
Cistus Canadensis. 
Rock-rose is a remedy recommended by various homeo- 
pathic authorities for scrofulous hip-disease and white 
swelling. It has not been very extensively used, and 
therefore lacks a thorough test, but it stands high as an 
anti-scrofulous remedy, and doubtless posseses virtues to 
commend it in such cases, even though no marked tissue- 
affinity exist. 
Form, for Administration.-The mother tincture, sold at 
homeopathic pharmacies. 
Dose.-Add ten drops to four ounces of water and give 
a teaspoonful four times daily. 
Jaborandi. 
The value of jaborandi in acute articular inflammation 
is probably not equalled by that of any known remedy. 
The intense pain of acute articular rheumatism may often 
be permanently relieved by it in an hour's time, and the 
inflammatory condition speedily dispelled. In traumatic 
inflammation of the joints so speedy benefit does not fol- 
low, but even here the agent cannot be supplanted by a 
better one. 
I am not prepared to state whether the affinity exists 
for the fibrous tissues about the joints, or for the synovial 
membranes ; but I have plenty o f clinical evidence to 
commend it highly, when a joint is painfully and acutely 
swollen, with accompanying inflammatory symptoms. THE ARTICULATIONS. 
105 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-In acute cases where the pain is severe, twenty 
drops may be given in a swallow of water at a dose, 
and repeated in half an hour, if free perspiration or re- 
lief from pain does not follow the first dose. After this, 
from one to two fluid-drachms may be added to four 
ounces of water, and a teaspoonful given every hour. 
When the pain is not very severe the large dose in the 
beginning may be dispensed with. 
Ledum Palustre. 
The wild rosemary has been used with success in 
gouty pains about the small joints, as those of the fin- 
gers and toes. A few drops of the homeopathic tincture 
in four ounces of water, dose a teaspoonful, may be tried 
in persistent cases of this kind. It is hardly probable 
that it can equal caulophyllin in such cases. 
Pulsatilla. 
Of the action of pulsatilla on the joints, Hughes re- 
marks (Manual of Pharmacodynamics): " Pulsatilla seems 
to fall short of the true serous membranes, but compen- 
sates itself by acting powerfully upon their near relations, 
the synovial membranes. The joints chiefly affected are 
the knees, the ankles, and the small joints of the hands 
and (most especially) the feet." 
Silica. 
The following article from the July, 1888, number of 
the California Medical Journal, by the author, illustrates 
the value of this remedy in synovitis so well that I can- 
not do better in this place than to reproduce it:- 
A year ago a middle-aged lady, of Oakland, rather 
stout in build, visited the Sierras to inspect a mine in 
which she was interested. On the return trip down the 
mountain, she decided to enjoy the novelty of a ride on 106 
THE ARTICULATIONS. 
the top of the stage. Jehu, thus incited, probably, out- 
did himself; at least, in making a sharp curve, tire coach 
toppled over the edge of the shelf, and oUr patient, luck- 
ily being of an anticipating turn of mind, barely escaped 
participation in the catastrophe by jumping from her 
perch to the inner side of the highway, thus landing on 
her feet among a heap of rocks. Fortunately, no im- 
mediate serious result attended the mishap, and in the 
excitement of the moment she pronounced herself unhurt, 
but soon found that both knees had suffered injury, the 
pain in them becoming severe, and being aggravated 
when standing or walking. No improvement becoming 
manifest during the first few days at home, the writer 
was called to administer relief. Inspection failed to de- 
tect any indication for the ordinary remedies in evidence 
of strain of ligamentous or muscular structure; there 
was no swelling, no redness, no superficial tenderness, in 
fact, manipulation caused no pain whatever, but this be- 
came severe as soon as the patient stood on her feet, so 
as to subject the fibro-cartilages to pressure. Electricity, 
bryonia, cimicifuga, vapor baths and massage were tried, 
upon the idea that the slight injury had resulted in the 
development of rheumatic arthritis, but to no good pur- 
pose-not the slighest favorable result followed. An en- 
tire change of base seemed in order, for the physician to 
get out of the scrape creditably, and as a last resort 
silica 3x trituration was ordered, two grains to be taken 
every four hours during the day. In less than four days' 
time the pain and tenderness were entirely gone, and the 
patient could get about on her feet as well as ever. 
" About the middle of June the writer was thrown from 
a vehicle in San Francisco, upon the cobble-stones, dur- 
ing the progress of a runaway, and his whole weight 
precipitated upon the extended right hand. The entire 
right side of the body was bruised considerably, but in THE ARTICULATIONS. 
107 
a few days the soreness passed away, except that in the 
right shoulder, and this became worse than ever. The 
part was not swollen, nor were the muscles tender to the 
touch, but the pain was much aggravated upon motion of 
the arm. Supposing the matter to be largely a return of 
an old rheumatic trouble, as the result of strain, faradism, 
anti-rheumatics, vapor baths and massage were tried for 
more than two weeks, with no relief. Finally it became 
the conviction that the cartilage in the glenoid cavity had 
been injured, and the use of silica 3x trituration was be- 
gun, a dose of two or three grains being taken four times 
daily. The first night after beginning this remedy the 
first good rest following the accident was experienced, 
and within three days the stiffness, soreness and pain 
were almost entirely gone." 
However, the injury proved a severe one, and left its 
impression for months, a return of the pain, somewhat 
modified, marking every change of weather for months; 
but silica proved the best remedy to alleviate the at- 
tacks tried, and its repeated use, with the aid of thorough 
matutinal massage, finally banished the susceptibility of 
the part to atmospheric changes and completely restored 
it. I believe that in chronic inflammation about the large 
or small joints it is the most positive specific agent 
we possess, for though benefit may seem slow from its 
use many times, what other remedy shall we turn to with 
better promise, if we look up the records of the past ? 
In gouty conditions we may also expect some pretty 
certain response from a persistent use of this remedy. I 
have cured several cases of gout (or at least arrested the 
destructive changes) by prescribing this medicine. A case 
in point will serve to illustrate : Mr. K. and wife called at 
my office to consult me about an enlargement and stiffen- 
ing of the second joint of the middle finger on her right 
hand, which had been treated for several months by a 108 
THE ARTICULATIONS. 
neighboring physician, without benefit. I examined the 
affected part carefully, and detected evidence of struc- 
tural change; the patient declared that there was no 
pain in the part unless it was moved or struck against 
something; the swelling was slowly progressive- 
without abatement at any time- and it did not 
become reddened at any time, and was not particularly 
susceptible to changes of weather. Besides, she was not 
subject to rheumatism in any other part-there was no 
history of metastasis. I pronounced the case one of 
gouty degeneration of the synovial cartilage and pre- 
scribed silica, informing the patient, meantime, that she 
must expect to wait a long time for improvement, but as- 
suring her that the progressing change in the joint could 
be arrested and the member still spared for limited use, 
and that immunity of the other fingers from the same 
condition probably depended upon a proper treatment be- 
gun early. Silica was prescribed, the 3x trituration, four 
times daily in small doses. A year afterward I saw the 
finger and found its functions much improved and the 
swelling much reduced, though it had never become per- 
fect. The patient informed me that she took the medi- 
cine nearly three months before any favorable change was 
noticeable ; after this the swelling and tenderness slowly- 
abated. She was much pleased at the results, as she had 
lost hope of ever having any use of the finger again. I 
have had a number of other cases in which the plastic 
power of silica over cartilage was just as pronounced. 
Among the homeopaths, silica bears an excellent repu- 
tation as a remedy for enchrondromata. Reputable Ec- 
lectic writers, also, have reported such cases cured with 
it. The best effects will probably result in children. 
The dose will vary from two grains of the 3x to the 
same amount of the 6x, three or four times daily. THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
109 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
Aconite. 
I shall study the influence of aconite on the nervous 
system under the following heads :- 
1. -Its effects therapeutically on the mental sphere. 
2. -Its influence in irritable conditions of the sen- 
sorium and nervous system generally. 
3. -Its influence upon painful states of the sensory 
nerves. 
4. -Its influence in spasmodic affections-disturbances 
of the motor nerves. 
1. Though not the most important remedy we have* 
probably, in its influence upon the mental sphere, aconite 
will often come into use for certain mental states which 
may prove very aggravating elements of the cases in 
hand. As it is the remedy, usually, for acute cases, it is 
in the mental perturbations occuring here that it will 
oftenest come into use. Febrile states, accompanied by 
despondency and dread of impending dissolution, specially 
demand aconite as a sedative, as it will not only cover 
the ground as an inhibitor of excessive arterial excite- 
ment, but will alleviate the mental perturbation and con- 
duce to a tranquil state of mind more adapted to speedy 
convalescence. It is here the pulsatilla of the febrile 
state. In the absence of this fear it may prove valuable 
in states of intense anxiety without commensurate cause 
sometimes observed in patients, especially during active 
febrile excitement. It is as reasonable to expect such an 
action as this from the drug as to expect it to act upon 
the vasomotor center and control vascular excitement, if 
we believe in the localization of cerebral functions. Of 
course the dose must be minute here if we are to look 
for prompt response-not large enough to disturb cere- 
bral function unpleasantly. 110 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
2. There may be a disturbed condition not connected 
with the mental sphere however, interfering with rest and 
sleep, and this may call for aconite, whether there be 
febrile action or not. Insomnia may often be success- 
fully treated with aconite alone though it is by no 
means the most reliable remedy we have in nervous ere- 
thism. In that state of nervous erethism often found in 
teething, children, where the little patient is fretful, 
worrisome, sleepless and peevish-a condition just short 
of that where convulsions are pending-aconite is the best 
remedy we have. In case of attendant diarrhoea, a very 
common concomitant, it may be combined with ipecac 
with good satisfaction, or where the hyperaesthesia 
amounts to a convulsive state, rhus tox. may be made its 
associate, with profit. Aconite resembles both these 
remedies m these respects, though it does not reach out 
so far in either case ; aconite soothes irritation of the in- 
testinal mucous membrane, though not so positively as 
ipecac, while it controls the hyperaesthesia tending .to in- 
fantile convulsions, though not so positively as Thus. 
However, this intermediate action renders it very valu- 
able in the treatment of children, many times. 
3. The influence of aconite upon the sensory nerves is 
very positive and unmistakable. We have all experienced 
the benumbing effect of accidental contact with the drug, 
when the lips are touched with it on the fingers, after 
dispensing it. The smallest quantity of it soon sets up a 
sensation of tingling and numbness, quite prolonged and 
persistent. But its most effective therapeutic applica- 
tion is its internal use in neuralgia. Tic douloureux is 
readily relieved by it if not too chronic and there is a 
febrile element connected with it Almost all forms of 
neuralgia are benefited by its influence, though it should 
be thought of usually as an adjunct to some more spe- 
cifically plastic remedy. For example : Neuralgia of the THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
111 
fifth nerve would be best treated by alternating aconite 
with the more-specific remedy, piper methysticum, espe- 
cially if there were marked febrile action attending, or 
even local inflammatory symptoms present. Neuralgia 
of the rectum would be best treated by alternating the 
general remedy with the more specifically local-plastic 
-remedy: aesculus, or collinsonia. We can make this 
differentiation then in remedies of this character: one 
may act upon the general nervous system, seeming to 
exert its analgesic influence upon all the tissues of the 
system by an action somewhat in common, while others 
are more selective, and are only adapted to some special 
part. In long standing neuralgias, whatever remedies are 
relied upon, one could hardly go amiss in prescribing 
aconite as an adjunct. Its regulating tendencies in cir- 
culatory disturbances would almost universally commend 
it here, for a case of neuralgia without circulatory dis- 
turbance in the nervous structure could hardly be sup- 
posed to exist. 
4. Aconite has been termed by more than one writer, 
"the children's remedy." If it has one more-deserving 
place than another, so far as this application is con- 
cerned, it is in its adaptation to convulsive conditions- 
not that it is the best we have by any means, but in its 
wide range of application. As has just been remarked 
with regard to its use in neuralgia, one could hardly go 
amiss in prescribing this agent in a case of convulsions, 
though some other particular remedy might be more 
applicable in a given case. Many other spasmodic condi- 
tions yield to or are benfited by it, especially muscular 
spasm, as that of acute rheumatism, where the intense 
suffering is periodically aggravated by spasmodic action 
of the muscles. Painful muscular spasm, then, furnishes 
a very satisfactory field for its action. Professor Scud- 
der, combining it with macrotys, pronounces it a specific 112 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
for muscular rheumatism. Spasmodic croup, also belong- 
ing to this category, is more promptly relieved by aconite 
than by any other remedy. 
AjTHUSA CyNAPIUM. 
This remedy possesses considerable virtue in gastro- 
intestinal affections of children, and might be considered 
a great boon were there not so many valuable agents in 
the same field that its services are not greatly in demand. 
However, where the nervous element is a predominant 
feature, as in many cases, it may prove worth the trying, 
especially where the tendency is strongly towards con- 
vulsions. A prominent homeopath (Dr. Guernsey) gives 
the following indications for its use : " Great anguish and 
crying ; disposition to jump out of bed or escape from the 
room; great anxiety expressed by the face, often accom- 
panied by the linea nasalis ; regurgitation of food after it 
has been taken; swelling of external glands with lancina- 
ting pains; startings preventing sleep; heat without 
thirst." Convulsions attending cholera infantum are re- 
lieved by it while the intestinal trouble is also benefited, 
the remedy thus fulfilling a double purpose. 
2Echusa also bears the reputation of influencing the brain 
in fag when that organ has been over-worked, thus fitting 
one for a renewal of effort when exhausted from protracted 
mental exertion. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x dilution of the mother 
tincture of homeopathy. 
Dose.-Add a drachm to four ounces of water and give 
a teaspoonful every half-hour or hour. 
Agarious Muscaris. 
This fungus possesses some important propertiesnot to 
be lost sight of in this department. It manifests un- 
doubted affinity for the nervous system, and may occasion- 
ally be resorted to with success when other remedies of THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
113 
the class fail to afford satisfaction. The homeopaths com- 
mend it in chorea, Hughes asserting that it often proves 
curative in these cases. I have had no experience with 
it in this respect, and am so universally successful with 
faradism in the treatment of this affection that I have 
no need to look further for therapeutic means. However, 
as a pointer to other uses, it may be worth our while to 
be aware of this property. 
I have seen it act well in continued fevers, where there 
was a typhoid condition marked by tremor, restlessness, 
and desire to get out of bed. Typhoid conditions pre- 
senting these symptoms offer indications for its use. I 
do not think the response is as prompt as that following 
the influence of rhus, baptisia, echinacea, and some other 
of our well tried remedies, but it is of a character to at 
least prompt a trial of its merits, when an urgent case re- 
fuses to respond to more common means. 
Spinal irritation is another condition where it promises 
something; and our resources here are so meagre that we 
should neglect none of them which promise assistance. 
The neuralgic pains often resulting from this condition 
are sometimes permanently benefited by the use of this 
remedy, because, probably, the local hypersesthesia is 
quieted and the reflex effects arrested. Though we can- 
not expect to accomplish very much in the treatment of 
these cases, it is worth while to be able to do better than 
our neighbors, and it is by the investigation of such rem- 
edies as this that we may be able to win laurels. 
Professor Scudder remarks, in his Specific Medication, 
that the best indication for its use is involuntary twitch- 
ing of the muscles of the forehead, face and eyeballs. 
Agaricus has been found a valuable remedy in a few 
cases of epilepsy. Following the suggestions already laid 
down, a trial of it might be made with profit, in this 
affection. 114 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
Anaoardium Oeientale. 
This remedy bore the reputation, among the ancients, 
of improving mental power. Weakness of the mind, loss 
of memory, and impairment of the senses, were consid- 
ered indications for its use. It was part of the compound, 
"confectio sapientium," which was much in use for the 
treatment of such cases then. But the practice and 
faith have long been discarded except among a few ; yet 
as history repeats itself there is a possibility that the 
agent may assume its old place as a remedy for abnormal 
states of the mental sphere. At least there is no reason 
that we should not test it fairly in such conditions, as no 
harm, to say the least of it, can come from efforts in this 
direction. Mental weakness following sexual vices, as 
well as that sometimes remaining after acute diseases, 
has been benefited by its use. The dementia, loss of 
memory and other evidences of failing nervous power of 
old age are said to have been benefited by it. Dr. Bayes 
(quoted by Hughes) found it very useful in steadying the 
nervous system before examination while in college, after 
protracted preparatory effort. 
Form for Administration.-The homeopathic mother 
tincture. Add ten to twenty drops to four ounces of 
water and give a teaspoonful four or five times during the 
day. 
Antifebrin. 
Antifebrin, one of the analine derivatives, is a drug of 
considerable value in acute nervous affections, on account 
of its prompt action in alleviating urgent symptoms. 
Migraine yields to its influence almost as readily as to 
antipyrin, and it is less apt to produce prostration. It 
is a valuable anti-spasmodic, useful in asthma, epilepsy, 
whooping-cough, bilious colic and other spasmodic affec- 
tions. It is also a pronounced pain reliever and hyp- THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
115 
notic-especially valuable as a hypnotic where loss of 
rest is due to subacute painful states. It is useful to re- 
lieve the pains of facial neuralgia, locomotor ataxia, sci- 
atica, and acute inflammatory rheumatism. In the last 
named affection it is especially valuable, as it combines 
superior sedative properties with the other pain-relieving 
effects. 
The principal use I make of this remedy, however, is to 
relieve attacks of sick headache, for promptness of which 
it is only rivalled by antipyrin-a remedy to be avoided 
as a rule, on account of its prostrating effects. 
I often find it valuable in relieving severe attacks of re- 
flex headache attending uterine irritation or following 
trachelorrhaphy. 
Dose.-This may vary from five to ten grains, repeated 
every hour until three doses have been taken, if neces- 
sary. 
It is a German, imported article, and may be obtained 
at almost any drug store. 
Antipyrin. 
This drug has fallen into disfavor recently, on account 
of the depressing effects liable to follow its continued 
use, or its administration in large doses. Another ob- 
jection urged against it is the fact that it is a proprietary 
remedy; but, as the character of the agent is known, and 
the synonym-di-meth-yl-oxy-quinizine-is too long for 
comfort, I see no valid objection to it on this score. As 
to its depressing effects, these are objectionable, but 
there are often times when something prompt to relieve 
pain and spasm must be had, and this will answer the 
purpose better than any other agent with as little ob- 
jectionable quality. It will often act more promptly than 
morphia, and leave less unpleasant after effect, if not 
abused. The trouble with many of the profession is 
that they are prone to overdo tho use of agents which 116 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
are powerful in action but temporary in effect, neglecting, 
meantime, the aid of means more likely to bring about 
permanent benefit while the temporary relief is on. As 
a temporary resort then, we will often find antipyrin very 
acceptable. 
For intense pain and spasm in any part of the body, 
then, we can rely upon it to afford prompt relief until 
more specific remedies can be employed to radically cure. 
I have thus employed it in severe attacks of rheumatism, 
asthma, angina pectoris, neuralgia, etc., with satisfactory 
results. However, I am careful to limit the number of 
doses in a single case to two or three in twenty-four 
hours, and seldom give it afterward in the same case-at 
least during the same attack, for it is likely to produce a 
very obstinate form of debility if repeated often. I be- 
lieve it less objectionable than the preparations of opium, 
as a rule, though more likely to produce debility. If 
any remedy can produce a cumulative effect I think anti- 
pyrin is certainly one of this class, as I have known of 
a number of serious cases of prostration and general de- 
bility which have evidently resulted from the prolonged 
use of it, at intervals, for sick headache. It is very ef- 
fective here, but liable to prove a seductive agent, if its 
use be continued at frequent intervals over too long a 
period. 
Dose.-Five to ten grains may be administered at a 
time in a swallow of water. If the single dose does not 
prove effective it may be repeated, in urgent cases, two 
or three times, at intervals of an hour. Afterwards it 
it should not be administered oftener than every four or 
six hours, the prescriber remembering to avoid it except 
in very urgent cases. To some persons the taste-which 
resembles that of sulphuric ether-is very objectionable, 
and it might be best to administer it in capsules in such 
instances. THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
117 
Arsenic. 
Arsenic exerts a potent influence upon the nervous sys- 
tem, and is often useful in obstinate neuralgias, as well 
as being applicable to such spasmodic affections as chorea, 
while those who have given the subject of mental thera- 
peutics special attention ascribe to it the power of ameli- 
orating certain mental aberrations. 
In neuralgia, the element, periodicity, where the pains 
are burning in character, should be taken as an indication 
for its use, especially if the pain is relieved by motion to 
return when the patient is at rest. Such neuralgia is 
usually malarial in character or origin and the effect of 
sudden changes of temperature or exposure to cold in 
malarial regions. As a rule, I prefer the arseniate of 
quinia to the straight article of arsenic; as the malarial 
influence often at the foundation of the trouble is usually 
controlled better by the combination. 
The form of chorea benefited by arsenic is that accom- 
panying chlorotic anaemia. Possibly the beneficial effect 
may be due to the blood-making properties of that drug, 
but there is so much evidence in other quarters that 
arsenicum directly influences nervous function, that I think 
it fair to ascribe a direct effect from the drug when 
chorea is benefited immediately after its administration. 
However, it is not so positive a drug here, probably, as 
gelsemium, and bears no comparison with faradism as a 
remedy for chorea. The physician who has had a 
thorough experience with the latter agent in the treat- 
ment of chorea will hardly resort to arsenic. 
The bromide of arsenic deserves mention as a remedy 
for epilepsy. It is said to be far superior to the other 
bromides in the treatment of this disease. Dr. Morton 
informs the writer that the only success he has ever had 
in the treatment of epilepsy has been from the use of this 
remedy. It should be prepared after the following plan: 118 
Dissolve one drachm of carbonate of potassium in half 
a pint of water, then add one drachm of arsenious acid, 
then boil until the solution is completed. After cool- 
ing, add sufficient water to make a twenty-ounce mix- 
ture, and to this add two drachms of bromine. 
Dose.-One to three drops in water, three or four 
times a day. 
The following from a report of the Middletown In- 
sane Asylum of the state of New York, by Seldon Talcott, 
M. D., Medical Director, suggests the direction of arseni- 
cum in its application to perverted conditions of the 
mental sphere. " Melancholia, sad, tearful and depressed 
moods; intense anxiety with great restlessness; fears to 
be left alone lest he should do himself bodily harm; 
great fear, with cold sweats; intensely suicidal; the pa- 
tient has hallucinations of smell; smells pitch and sul- 
phur, and anticipates consignment to sheol. 
" Sleeplessness, with restlessness and anxiety; frequent 
startings in sleep; awakened by pain, especially after 
midnight; after sleep feels as if he had not slept enough; 
dreams full of care, sorrow, and fear, about thunder- 
storms, fire, black water and death. 
" Insanity in those who suffer from long wasting dis- 
ease; melancholia with intense restlessness and suicidal 
propensities. Dr. Hughes states that arsenic is one of 
the few remedies which cause genuine neuralgia, and it 
far excels all other remedies in the treatment of the idio- 
pathic disorder." 
Aniline, Sulphate of. 
Sulphate of aniline has some reputation in the treat- 
ment of epilepsy and infantile convulsions. We do not 
need it greatly in the latter class of cases, but in epileptic 
cases we must still strive for more effective means, and 
this remedy may repay thorough investigation. It comes 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 119 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
well recommended, but has not been thoroughly proven as 
yet. 
The dose for an adult, is two grains of the salt, which 
should be dissolved in water acidulated with dilute sul- 
phuric acid. This remedy was highly recommended by 
the editor of the Medical World several years ago, but I 
have seen no corroborative reports since, and have not 
tried it myself. 
Apocynum Cannabinum. 
This remedy has been recommended by Dr. Kilgour as 
a cure for sciatica, and lumbar and crural neuralgia. The 
following quotations from his pen are drawn from the Nov- 
ember number of the Eclectic Medical Journal for 1886:- 
"There has appeared from time to time in our medical 
literature so-called specifics for sciatica, and I know of no 
affliction more painful and heretofore harder to get rid of 
than this form of neuralgia. I recently had to treat three 
cases wfflich were somewhat different from each other, but 
all having the same characteristic symptom of very severe 
pain. They were all adults, and two of them were women 
and the third a man. In the first case the pain was in 
the right groin and in the region of the trochanter, and it 
was so severe as to extort cries of anguish from the suf- 
ferer. After trying other remedies for her relief for three 
days, during which time the pain grew worse, and tem- 
porary rest was only obtained by hypodermic injections 
of morphia, I gave her apocynum, and in a few hours there 
was cessation of pain and it never returned. The medi- 
cine was continued two days. The next case was a woman 
with pain in the right hip and side, which was also so 
severe as to extort screams. Apocynum very promptly 
relieved her. The third case was that of a man, upon 
whom the pain came in the night, with such severity as 
to force him screaming out of bed, it being located in the 
region of the right kidney. Morphia was given at first 120 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
to relieve the sudden and severe onset, and various other 
remedies were tried without avail, for the four following 
days. I then gave apocynum every half-hour, and in one 
hour there was improvement, and before two days there 
was entire relief. This patient had not been able to 
straigten up or walk, on account of the slightest jar hurt- 
ing him." 
These cases seem to have given the remedy a crucial 
test, for colocynth, colchicum, rhus tox., arsenicum, etc., 
were faithfully tried in advance, and proved insufficient. 
I have used apocynum a few times since the publication 
of this report with excellent satisfaction, in stubborn cases 
of sciatica, and believe the remedy should take first rank 
among our standard anti-neuralgics. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add half a drachm to four ounces of water, and 
give a teaspoonful every half-hour in acute cases until 
improvement sets in, and afterwards less frequently. In 
subacute cases a dose every hour will be often enough. 
Aplopappus Laricifolius. 
Several years ago a patient of mine, who spent a por- 
tion of her time in Monterey, related to me the details of 
a surprising cure of tetanus made by a Spanish woman 
there, after the physicians of the place had failed, and 
after a prominent surgeon of the neighboring town of 
Salinas had pronounced the case beyond hope. At the 
time, I attempted to learn more about the remedy used, 
but was only able to learn that it was an herb which the 
woman had gathered in the vicinity, steeped, and admin- 
istered. Since the beginning of this work I have obtained, 
from Mr. G. S Crosby, formerly a student in the Califor- 
nia Medical College and a resident of Pacific Grove (near 
Monterey) at the time of the occurrence, more complete 
knowledge of the remedy, though the exact species may yet 
be in doubt The plant evidently possesses rare anti-spas- 121 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
moclic virtues, and should be thoroughly investigated by 
the Eclectics in this vicinity. It seems to have proven a 
sovereign remedy not only for tetanus but for chorea and 
eclamps?'a as well. The following are, substantially, Mr. 
Crosby's own words:- 
" Yerba del Pasmo, Nat. Or. Composite, Genus Aplo- 
pappus, similar if not identical with the Aplopappus 
Laricifolius found in New Mexico, Arizona and Texas. 
" Pasmo " means " spasm " or " convulsion. " Hence, 
the name applied to this plant, which has been a common 
and specific remedy among the Spanish residents of Mon- 
terey, Santa Cruz and other places in that section for 
years for such conditions as tetanus, eclampsia, chorea 
and other spasmodic affections. 
"In 1889 a case of tetanus, caused by a wound from a 
rusty nail in the foot, and reported as past recovery by 
the local physicians as well as by a prominent surgeon 
who was called in consultation, was cured with it (a tea of 
the herb having been used in small and frequently re- 
peated doses, and applied locally to the wound). Sul- 
phur was given as a laxative and rapid recovery was the 
result. The patient was well known, a painter by trade, 
and foreman on Hotel del Monte, then in construction. 
" Reports of the accident appeared in the papers of 
Monterey and Pacific Grove, stating the hopeless con- 
dition of the patient as portrayed by the physicians, but 
when his recovery was reported mention of the humble 
means of cure was omitted, probably because the patronage 
and good-will of the medical fraternity was considered 
preferable to the chronicling of a valuable medical discov- 
ery. 
" A person who was eye witness to the cures has re- 
ported to me two cases cured by this remedy: One of 
these was that of a girl of 12 or 14 years of age afflicted 
with chorea, and the other that of a case of eclampsia. 122 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
One of these cases occurred in Watsonville, and the other 
in San Juan, both within the past eight years. 
"Thanks are due to Miss M. E. B. Norton, for years Botan- 
ist at the State Normal School, of San Jose, for the speci- 
mens and assistance in properly placing the plant, as 
well as to Professor Green of the State University, at 
Berkeley, for additional aid. The botanists have been 
somewhat embarrassed in their researches on account of 
the imperfect character of the specimens obtained. The 
plant, thus far, promises to be a scarce article." 
Amyl Nitris. 
Nitrite of amyl is properly classed in this division ; for 
though influencing the blood-vessels markedly, the influ- 
ence is almost wholly directed to the circulation in the nerv- 
ous centers, disturbances here being its principal field 
of action. Epileptic tendencies where there is vascular 
cause, the cold stage of intermittents, migraine, angina 
pectoris and other neuralgic conditions accompanied by 
coldness and pallor of the surface, are proper places for 
its use. Asthma, dysmenorrhoea and other spasmodic 
states are sometimes benefited by the administration of 
amyl. 
The vaso-motor center seems to be a special point of 
action for this remedy, material doses seeming to influence 
the vaso-dilators, the result being flushing of the brain 
and system generally, attended by throbbing, while atten- 
uated doses seem to bring the inhibitory fibers under con- 
trol and produce an opposite effect. (See Principles of 
Medicine, Page 90-92.) This is one of the instances where 
the law of homeopathy is well sustained. The remedy, 
in appreciable doses, will cause " flushing " of the cap- 
illaries, while in high dilution it is applicable, not to the 
flushing thus produced, but to the flushing of disease, as 
often noticed in women at the climacteric, in vertigo, and 
in the aura of epilepsy. THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
123 
The remedy may be used by inhalation where the 
more powerful or dilating or relaxing effect is desired, 
though it must not be overdone, as severe headache may 
follow. In angina pectoris, asthma, severe neuralgia, etc., 
it may be thus administered; but for the flushings of the 
climacteric, epilepsy, and such conditions as demand the 
inhibitory effect, the 5x dilution, or a higher attenuation 
should be employed. 
From my own experience I am not inclined to attribute 
much credit to this remedy as a resort in epilepsy. It is 
reputedly valuable, but practically of little account ac- 
cording to my observation. 
Arum Triphyllum. 
This remedy influences the cerebral centers, and has 
been used successfully in prostrated cases of fever where 
delirium was a prominent feature. It strictly belongs 
under plasma remedies. Malignant scarlatina, where the 
mouth and fauces are severely involved, with swelling of 
the submaxillary glands, accompanied by high fever and 
delirium, is a favorite place for it with some. The third 
decimal dilution is a sufficiently concentrated form for 
the remedy in such a case. Add a dram of this to four 
ounces of water, giving a teaspoonful at a dose,every hour, 
Atropia. 
This remedy is useful in neuralgic conditions where the 
affection is purely nervous in character. Therefore it be- 
longs emphatically in this division. I have used it for 
neuralgia, in the 5x and 6x trituration. It will be found 
valuable in tic douloureux, gastralgia (neuralgic), abdom- 
inal neuroses, ovarian and uterine neuralgia, etc. The 
pain must originate in nervous structure, to be adapted 
to the action of this agent. 
Aurum. 
Gold is a useful remedy for neuralgia, and for mental 
disturbances attended by suicidal mania. The neuralgia 124 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
to which it is applicable is best influenced by the arseni- 
ate of gold, and is that chronic form due to irritation of 
the pericranium resulting from syphilis, necrosis, perios- 
titis or ozasna. Chronic bone pains in any part should 
remind one of this remedy. 
The chloride of gold and sodium possesses similiar prop- 
erties. It is applicable to periosteal pains, though the 
absence of the arsenic lessens it value in neuralgia. 
Syphilitic patients often present the element of despon- 
dency in a marked degree. Hypochrondria is well met 
by minute doses of gold, and the form is not a material 
matter. The arseniate, the chloride and the metallic gold 
seem to act equally well in the application of the agent 
to mental conditions. 
Dr. Hughes remarks, in his " Manual of Pharmacody- 
namics It is an admirable medicine for those constitu- 
tions broken down by the combined influence of syphilis 
and mercury which sometimes come before us for treat- 
ment. I once gave a poor fellow thus afflicted the first 
trituration of gold. He came back to me in a week's time, 
looking quite another man, and exclaimed-"Surely you 
have given me the elixir of life I" Dr. Hughes believes 
this medicine to be adapted to melancholia and hypochon- 
driasis attendant upon chronic affections of the liver or 
testes. In insanity following sexual excesses, marked by 
melancholia and suicidal propensity, this remedy ought 
to be thought of. 
Avena Sativa. 
The oat furnishes a valuable medicinal principle which 
exerts its main influence upon the nervous system. In 
nervous prostration it is probably the best restorative we 
have. During convalescence from fevers, where the ner- 
vous energies have been very much exhausted, nothing 
succeeds so well in building up the patient as avena. In 
spermatorrhoea resulting from such a condition,-and this THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
125 
state of affairs has occurred in my experience, avena cures 
speedily after the usually approved remedies fail. In in- 
somnia the result of nervous exhaustion, avena is one of 
the best remedies to be employed; its favorable influence 
is speedily realized. It has been extolled in paralysis, 
but I cannot commend it here from any positive results 
following its administration in my own hands. Paraly- 
sis depends upon such a diversity of pathological condi- 
tions that the empirical prescribing of any remedy for its 
relief would be the height of folly. Where a restorative 
to the nervous system was demanded and where the lesion 
depended upon such a need, it might prove an effective 
agent in this connection. 
As a remedy to prevent recurrences of cardiac rheu- 
matism I have found it very effective, two cases of this 
disease which returned time and again, having, during my 
experience, been finally interrupted with avena; not that 
it is a rheumatism remedy, but that it puts the system in 
a better condition to resist the atmospherical and elec- 
trical changes that predispose a debilitated patient of 
rheumatic diathesis to relapses. I have given the rem- 
edy also some credit as a cardiac tonic. 
D. P. Borden, M.D. (Medical Tribune) writes: "In 
cases of nervous prostration, in the low condition of the 
nervous system when the patient is recovering from 
typhoid fever, and in analagous cases, the extract of avena 
sativa acts like magic. I would administer it in doses of 
thirty drops, in hot water, before meals, and give the 
patient six to ten drops of iodine in milk after meals. A 
man whom I treated told me that he had never before 
been helped so speedily by any medicine. He had been a 
sufferer for a long time from nervous prostration caused by 
overwork and had used a multiplicity of remedies to little 
beneficial purpose." 
I have been in the habit of prescribing this remedy 126 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
singly in nervous prostration, though in spermatorrhoea 
I find good results from combining it with gelsemium, 
staphysagria, pulsatilia, sab al serrulata, etc., as circum- 
stances seem to demand. 
Form for Administration.-X. saturated tincture, made 
by covering the entire oat plant, gathered while the 
cereal is in the milk, with full-strength alcohol. The 
plant should be crushed and covered while fresh, immedi- 
ately after being gathered. Instead of being crushed it 
might be cut into short sections with a keen knife. It 
should macerate two weeks, the container being occasion- 
ally shaken, when it will be ready for use. In the ab- 
sence of this, I have used Keith's " Concentrated Tinct- 
ure." 
Dose.-From fifteen to twenty drops. 
Baptista Tinctoria. 
Baptmia is an old Eclectic remedy for typhoid con- 
ditions, and its value in such cases depends partly upon 
the fact that it favorably influences the cerebral mass, 
controlling disturbance tending to disorganization. It 
controls cerebral excitement, whether of febrile or non- 
febrile character, and this influence does not appear to be 
exerted through the vaso-motor centre alone. When the 
disturbance is functional in certain parts of the cerebrum 
-a disturbance of mental equilibrium, or of parts upon 
which this depends-baptisia may be thought of as a 
remedy. 
Insanity is thus benefited. It has been recommended 
by Dr. Seldon Talcott where there is mania with symp- 
toms simulating typhoid fever. " Mind is confused, as if 
drunk ; feels as if he was sliding away ; bed feels too hard; 
thinks his body is scattered about, and struggles con- 
stantly to get himself together; mentally restless, but too 
lifeless to indulge in active exertion; can be roused, but 
before answering a question falls asleep again." THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
127 
Baptisia should be thought of in mania, melancholia 
with stupor, and dementia where there is drowsiness, as 
in typhoid states. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.From the fraction of a drop to a single drop. 
• Belladonna. 
Belladonna is useful in chorea, writers' cramp, paraly- 
sis from spinal congestion, cerebral congestion, eclampsia, 
infantile convulsions, hyperaesthesia, etc. Failure to de- 
rive benefit from belladonna in these cases, is often due 
to the administration of too large doses. Crude doses of 
belladonna can only produce the disturbing drug effects, 
which are unpleasant, and not conducive to remedial 
result. It specifically affects the nervous centers, and if 
administered in doses sufficiently minute, the effect must 
be favorable in irritation of those parts. 
Nervous exaltation-great irritability and impression- 
ableness of all the senses-will find, in small doses of the 
3x dilution of belladonna, the best means of relief known. 
Spasmodic states arising from such a condition also in- 
dicate its use. Chorea is often benefited by it, and even 
epilepsy may be much ameliorated by its influence, though 
I cannot agree with the assertion of some homeopathic 
writers, that it will prove curative. When hyperaesthesia 
of the senses amounts to delirium, as in many febrile 
states, it serves one of the best purposes. Professor 
Scudder's indication, "dullness and hebetude," answers 
where crude doses are to be used, but wildness and delir- 
ium of furious nature will often yield to small doses of 
the third decimal dilution. Half a teaspoonful of this 
may be added to half a glass of water in such cases, and 
a teaspoonful given every hour. Even a higher dilution 
may answer better, in some cases. Such means often 
answer a good purpose in infantile convulsions, though 
we possess more reliable remedies, usually. 128 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
In the mental sphere .belladonna is one of the most posi- 
tive of remedies, when properly adapted. The mania to 
which it is applicable is of the acute variety. The follow- 
ing quotation is from an article by Seldon Talcott, M. D., 
Superintendent of the New York Asylum for Insane 
( Homeopathic):- 
" General Action.-Belladonna acts upon the cerebro- 
spinal system, causing intense cerebral hyperaemia; there 
is a bright red face, dilated pupils, intolerance of light, 
and violent spasms of the neck, face, and arms. 
<f Brain and Spinal Cord.-Severe headache, especially in 
the frontal region; the headache is of a throbbing nature 
(also glonoine and cactus); the pains suddenly come and 
as suddenly depart; fullness of the head, with throbbing 
arteries; boring, shooting pains in the head, all aggravated 
by noise. 
" Mind,.-Hallucinations and illusions of sight; the pa- 
tient sees gigantic forms; these sometimes excite laughter, 
and sometimes fear; maniacal state in which the patient 
is sometimes merry (also hyos.), and again irritable ; at 
times there is furious delirium and rage; the patient tears 
clothing, bites, strikes, kicks, howls, and shrieks constant- 
ly; wants to escape his present environments ; on closing 
his eyes the patient sees frightful visions. 
"S eep.-Sleepy yet cannot sleep; jerking of the limbs 
in sleep; awakens with a start as if frightened; also 
lachesis; singing and talking in sleep; dreams of murder, 
of robbery, and of danger from fire. Sleeplessness from 
excessive cerebral hyperaemia. 
" Accompaniments. Spasmodic conditions of all the 
sphincter muscles; paralysis of the left side, with twitch- 
ing of the muscles of the right side; bright red condition 
of the skin; active inflammatory condition of the throat, 
chest, kidneys, bladder and genital organs. 
"Special Sphere of Action-Insanity following acute dis- 
ease; full-blooded people, with tendency to cerebral hy- THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
129 
persemia; all mental conditions where active inflammation 
of the brain coverings exists; threatened apoplexy/' 
These observations, making some allowance for the tra- 
ditions of homeopathy, will assist us in forming an idea 
of the place for belladonna in disturbances of the mental 
sphere. Of course experience will enable us to adapt it 
best, but pointers should not be despised until something 
better is possessed. I believe that drug provings are need- 
ed more in this department than any other, as they are 
all we can rely upon in determining the character of im- 
pression of drugs. The effect of remedies must be noted 
by the observer, not by the prover, who is hardly in con- 
dition to report his sensations intelligently. If we know 
the function disturbed, and the character of disturbance, 
we can hope to prescribe minute doses of the same drug 
pretty acurately when a similar train of symptoms are de- 
veloped in disease. At least it is the best guide we have 
at present in mental therapeutics. 
Belladonna has been favorably mentioned in the treat- 
ment of neuralgia of the head and face, but I am of the 
opinion that it is suggested more upon theory than upon 
actual merit. My experience with it has not been favor- 
able to a high estimate in this place. However, the ex- 
perience of medical men differs so widely that many of my 
readers may disagree with me and find it a favorite source 
of resort in painful states of the trigeminus. 
As stated before, I think that one failure, with many, 
to derive satisfactory results from the use of belladonna, 
is the propensity to use it in too large doses. It is a 
powerful, far reaching drug, and capable of disturbing the 
system unpleasantly in very small quantities. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add from half a drachm to a drachm of the 3x 
dilution to half a glass of water, and give a teaspoonful 
every two or three hours. 130 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
Bromides. 
The bromides all bear a resemblance to one another 
though there is enough individuality about each one to 
entitle it to a brief, separate notice. 
The bromides generally, control convulsive motion due 
to the irritability of reflex action, thus manifesting a seda- 
tive influence upon the spinal centers. They thus are 
palliative in epilepsy, but hardly ever cure. In fact, as 
more and more of the drug must be used to produce 
the effect, as the system becomes habituated to it, the 
good accomplished by its protracted administration is 
more than apt to be followed by the condition known 
as "bromism," a very persistent condition when once set 
up. The old school has abused this remedy with its 
usual therapeutic stupidity for the last twenty years or 
more, and is hardly yet awake to the fact that it is pos- 
sible for it to do harm. The bromide of potassium has 
been the favorite remedy, but other bromides have come 
in for a share of attention. Convulsive conditions of all 
varieties have been medicated with it. Delicate infants, 
hysterical women, in fact every form of nervous disorder 
that flesh is heir to has been medicated with this routine 
drug. I believe that in the hands of the average allopath 
it is as dangerous as opium or mercury, for he hardly real- 
izes that there is a time to stop its administration in order 
to avoid bad effects. Looking backward through twenty- 
two years of pratice I can recall but a very few cases where 
this remedy ever afforded even temporary benefit, while it 
has been the cause of debility and persistent invalidism 
in many a one. 
However, the bromides have a place in our materia med- 
ica, and may sometimes be resorted to with good effect. 
I vdll consider them in detail. 
Bromide of Ammonium*-This is Scudder's favorite rem- 
edy for epilepsy. He asserts that it has given him excel- THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
131 
lent satisfaction in a large number of cases, curing them, 
while it has benefited some temporarily, and failed in but 
a few. He also extols it in convulsions of children, follow- 
ing the effect of lobelia and gelsemium with it. He be- 
lieves it will remove the predisposition to convulsions when 
this becomes confirmed. 
I have not had an extensive experience with this drug, 
but so far as it has extended I am not particularly prepos- 
sessed with its action over that of bromide of potassium. 
Possibly the salts of ammonium may be less debilitating 
than those of potassium, and the bromide of ammonium 
be preferable on this account; but one is certain to make 
many failures treating epilepsy with this drug. However, 
it may be as reliable a drug as any we have for this pur- 
pose, after all. Eight or ten grains constitute a dose. 
Bromide of Arsenic.-This is a newer preparation. It is 
a combination of bromine with a pronounced neurotic, and 
has been highly extolled, in some quarters, as a remedy 
for epilepsy. Goss, in his "New Remedies," publishes 
the following formula, which Dr. Morton has reported to 
have proven very effective in his hands ; he has informed 
the writer that the only success he has had in the treatment 
of epilepsy has been with this remedy. All cases treated 
by him with it were cured:- 
" Dissolve a drachm of carbonate of potassium in half a 
pint of water, then add a dram of arsenious acid, and boil 
until the solution is completed. After cooling, add suffi- 
cient water to make a twenty-ounce mixture, and to this 
add two drachms of bromine." 
This is less irritating to the stomach than Fowler's solu- 
tion and possesses all the virtues of that preparation, be- 
sides being especially valuable in epilepsy. 
Spasmodic asthma, chorea, satyriasis, and other spas- 
modic affections in anaemic cases would suggest this rem- 
edy in common with other of the bromides. 132 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
Bromide of Calcium.-Applicable to epileptiform affec- 
tions marked by anaemia or lack of nutrition of the osseous 
system. 
Bromide of Gold.-This agent is highly recommended in 
epilepsy. It is also considered of superior merit in the night 
terrors of children, and has been recommended by Hale in 
somnambulism. This author remarks of it: "My gratify- 
ing experience with aurum bromide in several cases of 
night terrors in children iuduced me to use it in a case of 
sleep-walking in a child, female, five years of age. She 
had several times come near being dangerously injured by 
falling down stairs. It was not a case where the sense of 
' apprehension,' so-called, was active as in some sleep- 
walkers who seem to be able to walk in dangerous places 
safely unless wakened suddenly. This little girl would 
get out of bed and run as if trying to escape something 
she had dreamed of. Two grains of the 3x trituration 
were prescribed; three doses daily, the last on going to 
bed. The attacks had occurred every night or two for 
several weeks. After taking this remedy two days no at- 
tack has occurred, now in several weeks."-Homeopathic 
News. 
Bromide of Lithium.-This bromide is a valuable combi- 
nation, as it not only tends to the correction of the epilep- 
tic seizure, but corrects the cerebral depression and men- 
tal failure liable to follow a continued course of the disease. 
Hale, in his "New Remedies, " reports a case of brain fag, 
the result of prolonged mental exertion, with flushed face, 
insomnia, severe pain between the shoulders, etc., cured 
by it; and Goss commends it in the same lines in the first 
edition of his materia medica. It is said to be more 
prompt in action than some of the other bromides, and is 
less harmful when long continued in large doses. The 
dose is from ten to thirty grains. 
Bromide of Potash.-In aggravated cases of epilepsy this THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
133 
salt has frequently afforded temporary benefit in my prac- 
tice. Had this proven permanent I might now be able to 
record several cures of this intractable disease. But in a 
few weeks the power the remedy seems to possess over 
the convulsive tendency wanes, and larger doses must be 
given in order to produce the expected result, and in time 
the remedy loses its effect altogether. This salt is some- 
times valuable in spermatorrhoea, to calm the reflex excit- 
ability of the ejaculatory ducts and thus ward off the 
emission liable to ordinarily take place. For this purpose 
it should be given in full doses at bedtime. The dose 
may vary from thirty to sixty grains, and should not be 
administered to delicate and debilitated persons with too 
much confidence. It acts best in patients who are in toler- 
able general health but who are the victims of lascivious 
dreams and consequent emissions from undue irritability 
of the sexual apparatus. Scudder thinks it a specific in 
epilepsy, when associated with irritation of the sexual 
organs or of the cerebellum. 
Bromide of Iron.-This combination has been commend- 
ed highly in chorea. It possesses the best principal for 
the cure of choreic states-in fact, no other bromide has 
been found very beneficial. It is also valuable in sperm- 
atorrhoea marked by extreme nervousness. 
Goss recommends this remedy in trituration with sugar 
of milk. 
Dose.-From five to twenty grains. 
Bromide of Nickel.-This is a comparatively new novelty 
in the bromide line. It hardly possesses any advantage 
over other bromides in epilepsy, though it is less liable 
to produce acne than the bromide of potassium, when con- 
tinued for a long time. It is liable to produce gastric 
disturbance if not well diluted when administered. 
Dose.-From one to ten grains. 
Bromide of Sodium.-The bromide of sodium resembles 134 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
the other bromides in its effect upon the nervous system, 
but is more acceptable to the stomach than the bromide 
of potassium, for which it is often substituted by some 
physicians. The taste, also, is less objectionable to 
many than that of the bromide of potassium. 
Dose.-Five to twenty grains. 
Hydrobromic Acid.-This acid combines the properties 
of the bromides with that of some of the mineral acids, 
viz., a corrective to the fluids in febrile states, where 
blood depravation becomes manifest. Marked nervous 
states attended by febrile action of adynamic type, or hec- 
tic, when not dependent upon serious structural change 
where the tongue is red and dry, suggest this remedy. 
Teething children sometimes present such symptoms, and 
receive prompt and pleasing effects from this drug. Dr. 
J. C. Kilgour, in his Symptomatic Indications, offers a 
somewhat complicated list of indications, in which a small, 
pale-red, and pointed tongue, with dorsum coated with a 
thin yellowish-white coating, and the sides bare and bright- 
red, seems to be the prominent feature. Pale-red papillee 
showing through the coating add to the features of the 
case. In addition to this there is abdominal pain, of dull 
aching character, and the patient is peevish and fretful. 
Sometimes there is delirium, with elevated temperature 
and other febrile phenomena. It evidently exerts an in- 
fluence as a plasma remedy. 
It exerts a good influence in nervous disturbances de- 
pending upon sexual reflexes, being valuable in hysteria, 
nymphomania, insomnia from celibacy and cerebral disturb- 
ance from scanty menstrual flow. The dose may vary from 
one to ten drops. 
Mono-Bromide of Camphor.-The mono-bromide of cam- 
phor is a favorite remedy with many old school physicians 
as a cerebral sedative, being employed in convulsions of 
teething infants, hysterical attacks of females, headache THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
135 
due to mental excitement, delirium tremens, insomnia, 
etc. Our own materia medica furnishes us with so many 
other valuable correctives in this line that we are not in 
condition to value it so highly. The dose may vary from 
one to ten grains. 
Bryonia. 
Bryonia is adapted to congestion of the brain, espe- 
cially the frontal portion. Scudder gives the specific 
indication as, "pain in the frontal region, extending to 
the occiput." It is more effective when the frontal pain 
is associated with cough, as though the respiratory cen- 
ter, or cough center, were sympathetically affected. It is 
not applicable to a large class of cases and must not be 
relied upon too confidently to control frontal headache. 
The remedy has been given too much credit, I believe. 
In some cases of continued fever associated with fron- 
tal headache, dry tongue and delirious tendency, it may 
occasionally be found to cure with surprising speed. 
Pneumonia and bronchitis, where these symptoms are 
marked, are especially the conditions demanding it, as it 
manifests a predilection for the thoracic region. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From ten to twenty drops in half a glass of water, 
from which a teaspoonful may be given every two hours. 
Cannabis Indica. 
Cannabis indica has been used in epilepsy, catalepsy, 
chorea, delirium tremens, etc., with questionable success. 
Painful nervous affections, as facial neuralgia, migraine, 
dysmenorrhoea, and headaches attending the menopause, 
offer better places for its use as a remedy. In wakeful- 
ness of insane persons it sometimes acts well as a hyp- 
notic. 
Hughes commends it in hysterical catalepsy, the condi- 
tion resembling that produced by large doses of the drug 136 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
when administered for purposes of proving. He asserts 
that he cured a case of catalepsy (probably hysterical at 
the foundation,) promptly, with this remedy. Remember- 
ing the homeopathic enthusiasm for the law of similars, 
however, we may accept such statements cautiously, until 
verified in practice. 
The following head symptoms are said to be very reli- 
able indications for cannabis: "Anguish and oppression; 
constant fear of becoming insane; exaggeration of time and 
space; vertigo; violent throbbing, aching pain in the fore- 
head ; drowsy, stupid look." 
Much confusion exists among physicians with regard to 
the identity of the Indian hemp preparations. The canna- 
bis Indica should not be confounded with apocynum can- 
nabium, also called Indian hemp, but possessing entirely 
different properties. The cannabis sativa is an American- 
ized product of the cannabis Indica. 
Dose.-This will vary, according to the effect desired. 
One drop of the fluid extract is usually sufficient to de- 
velop its therapeutic properties, if the article be of good 
quality. The dose may be repeated several times a day. 
Different preparations of the drug seem to possess widely 
varying strength, so much so that some of them seem al- 
most inert. I have been disappointed so often with the 
remedy that I seldom employ it, and I ascribe much of 
the cause of failure to inertness of the preparations used. 
I have never tried the specific medicine, but should do so 
if prescribing it again. 
Capsicum Annuum. 
The only nervous affection in which capsicum has proven 
particularly serviceable is delirium tremens. Here it may 
excel the most approved nervines in calming the patient 
and promoting slumber. A good way of administering it 
is in beef tea. Beef tea, mndo red hot with capsicum, 
should be urged upon the patient until he has drunk freely. THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
137 
Sometimes twenty grains of chloral may be administered 
■with advantage, but usually the capsicum administered in 
this manner will be sufficient to steady the distracted 
nerves and induce a profound slumber, from which the 
patient will wake with his reasoning faculties restored and 
his nerves steadied. 
It is surpri.-ing to note how much capsicum a drunkaid 
in this condition can swallow without complaining. There 
is little danger of giving too much, and considerable danger 
that too little may fail to accomplish the result. This is 
an instance where there is no danger of overdoing the dose. 
Chamomtlla. 
Chamomile is a remedy of high repute among the hom- 
eopaths as a reliever of some forms of nervous irritability. 
It is one of the few agents which possess marked dynam- 
ical properties without the power of impressing the sys- 
tem powerfully in large doses. (SeePrinciples of Medicine, 
page 19.) 
The soothing influence of this agent seems to be exerted 
upon both the sensory and excito-motor nerves, allaying 
excessive sensibility to pain, and many reflex symptoms 
arising from irritation of the vegetative system. 
Neuralgia, especially in children, as earache, tic, abdomi- 
nal neurosis, etc., may often be successfully treated with 
this remedy, though those cases where there seems to be 
an eminent susceptibilitv to pain-a morbid nervous recep- 
tivity,-are the cases which should more emphatically in- 
dicate it. 
It also influences the mental sphere, allaying that appre- 
hension and dread of pain for which susceptible persons, 
especially certain women, are noted. In these cases the 
actual suffering is not at all comparable to the dread of 
its consequences. 
It is also valuable in spasmodic conditions attending 
teething in infants, and also as well in the reflex disturb- 138 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
ances giving rise to the hysterical condition. As a rem- 
edy for infantile convulsions it is probably not equal to 
gelsemium or rhus tox., but for the erethism of hysteria 
it compares well with pulsatilla, not acting as promptly 
as that drug, probably, but more reliably in persistent 
cases. 
The irritability, fretfulness, peevishness of teething 
children may often be readily controlled with it in small 
doses. I usually combine it with aconite in these cases, 
as the two act well together here. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-I have had good results from the use of half a 
teaspoonful of the 3x dilution in half a glass of water, a 
teaspoonful of the mixture being given every hour. In 
case of young children or very impressible women, the 
dilutions act better than larger doses. Scudder recom- 
mends (Specific Medication) from five to ten drops added 
to four ounces of water; dose, a teaspoonful every one or 
two hours. 
Chloral Hydrate. 
This remedy proves valuable in neuralgia, insomnia, in- 
sanity, delirium tremens, puerperal mania, night terrors 
of children and many other conditions where profound and 
restful slumber is an important element of successful treat- 
ment-especially when it is imperative that slumber fol- 
low soon. Many objections have been made to chloral, 
on account of its dangerous effects, but these objections 
should only apply to the abuse of the remedy, and not to 
its occasional use to fulfill some rational indication where 
no other agent seems to possess the potency to bring 
about the desired result promptly and effectively. 
One dangerous element about the use of chloral is the 
uncertainty of the size of an effective dose for different 
individuals. With some persons, twenty grains of the 
drug will produce an apparently sound, healthful slumber THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
139 
in twenty minutes after administration, while with some 
double that amount may be required, and in others even 
this quantity will produce no apparent somnolent effect. 
A safe method of dosage is to begin with twenty grains 
and increase the amount ten grains at a time, every half 
hour, until the desired sleep follows. The rule of giving 
two grains for every year of age until the patient is twen- 
ty has been recommended by some. The maximum dose 
is estimated by Dr. H. C. Wood as twenty grains, repeat- 
ed every hour, if necessary, until sixty grains have been 
administered. After this, several hours should elapse be- 
fore more is given. 
I have sometimes been obliged to resort to this remedy 
lor the relief of severe headaches in women about the 
menopause, other remedies failing me; and I have hardly 
ever been disappointed in deriving temporary benefit from 
its use. I sometimes combine it with hyoscyamus, using 
ten drops of specific hyoscyamus with a solution of ten 
grains of chloral and giving three or four doses an hour 
apart, or until sleep follows. In delirium tiemens it acts 
well to assist the effect of capsicum in producing slumber. 
Capsicum may do well enough alone, but if its effects are 
tardy a few grains of chloral will complete the treatment 
by inducing slumber, when several large doses of chloral 
without the capsicum would probably fail. 
The drug is recommended by old school authorities as 
a calmative and hypnotic in diseases of children,and many 
other places where it should be discarded. It is too ob- 
jectionable as to taste, if no other objection were urged, 
to render it fit for a children's remedy; but it is also too 
potent, and there are many other better remedies. This 
may be said in a general way: there is hardly a place 
where a malady of childhood can be treated with chloral 
better than with some less objectionable agent. 
Form for Administration.-A solation of the hydrate in 140 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
water in the proportion of half an ounce of the vehicle to 
twenty grains of chloral. 
Dose.-This has already been sufficiently discussed. 
Chloeoeoem. 
Passing the use of this agent as an anaesthetic, notice 
of which would be out of place here, I will briefly refer to 
its use in spasmodic affections and neuralgia. 
This is one of the most reliable remedies we have in 
puerperal convulsions, being prompt and effective in re- 
lieving the spasmodic action, and temporarily, at least, 
controlling the difficulty. It often serves the only requi- 
site purpose of medicine here if the obstetrician is capa- 
ble and attends to the requirements of the case in other 
respects. Its full anaesthetic effects by inhalation should 
be obtained here, the anaesthesia being prolonged until the 
patient has been delivered. Should the disease persist 
afterward a different line of treatment might be suggested. 
For mitigating the severe pain of labor I value chloro- 
form very highly, and am able to carry a patient through 
parturition usually without producing full anaesthesia and 
yet render the labor almost painless. I shake a little 
chloroform on a handkerchief, which I grasp snugly in the 
hand (crumpled) and have the patient inhale from it 
deeply, only while the contractions are present; as soon 
as they cease I remove the chloroform. The patient is 
thus largely oblivious of the pain, while conscious of what 
is going on. I repeat the maneuver with each successive 
contraction. 
I have found chloroform a valuable agent in persistent 
hiccough. It may be administered in the form of chloro- 
form water. Sometimes this may be advantageously com- 
bined with morphia, in such case. 
As a topical agent in severe pain it often proves of great 
service in general practice. It should be applied by sat- 
urating a small cloth or handkerchief, folded to the size 141 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
of the hand, with the remedy, and this should be well cov- 
ered with a large folded clotn which has been 'wrung out of 
warm water to prevent evaporation, after the cloth con- 
taining the drug has been laid upon the affected part. 
The cloth may at first need to be lifted every few seconds 
on account of the severe burning sensation occasioned, 
until the part begins to become insensible to it, when it 
may be allowed to remain for several hours if convenient. 
I have relieved severe attacks of lumbago and of frontal 
neuralgia in this manner. Abdominal pain may also be 
relieved by this application more speedily than by inter- 
nal remedies, sometimes. However, I am in favor of the 
use of more specific internal remedies, as a rule. Knowl- 
edge of a variety of resources equips one for emergencies 
though, and this knowledge may enable him to succeed 
with a limited list of drugs, when he otherwise might fail. 
ClMICIFUGA RaCEMOSA. 
This remedy has proven beneficial in chorea associated 
with amenorrhoea. The cases where it is most likely to 
prove beneficial are those designated as "absentio men- 
sium." When this form of amenorrhoea is attended by the 
characteristic symptoms of chorea, cimicifuga is worthy 
a protracted trial. 
I have found it a good associate for the bromides in 
epilepsy, where the disease is present in young girls and 
associated with absence of the molimina. 
"It cures" says Hughes, "uterine epilepsy and hysteria; 
puerperal melancholia; the nervousness of pregnancy; and 
the restless and unhappy state of mind so often seen in 
uterine patients. The co-existence of sleeplessness is said 
by Hale to be a special indication for it in these mental 
states. It dissipates the inframammary pain in unmarried 
females, which is to the uterus what pain in the shoulder 
is to the liver; and also pains in the mammae themselves 
so arising. It is,above all,useful in the sufferings of the 142 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
climacteric age, relieving the sinking at the stomach, the 
pain at the vertex and the irritability of disposition bet- 
ter than any other medicine." 
Dr.Seldon Talcott furnishes the following upon the appli- 
cation of this remedy to the treatment of the insane: "Head- 
ache throughout the whole brain, with sense of soreness 
in the occipital region; vertigo ; brain feels too heavy and 
too large for the cranium; top of the head feels as if it 
will fly off. 
"Great melancholy, with sleeplessness, followed some- 
times by transient exhilaration; hallucinations of sight, 
sees rats, sheep, etc., sensation as if a heavy black cloud 
had settled over her and enveloped her head, so that all 
was darkness and confusion ; at the same time there seems 
to be a weight like lead upon the heart; suspicious, in- 
different, taciturn; takes no interest in household matters. 
"Sleeplessness from nervous irritation; sleeplessness, 
with great depression and despair. 
"There is a general rheumatic diathesis; severe cutting 
pains in the joints and in the back; in women there is, 
with the mental depression, a sense of weight and bearing 
down in the uterine region (also belladonna), with a feeling 
of heaviness and torpor in the lower extremities ; retarded 
menstruation; suppression of menses from cold, with rheu- 
matic pains in the limbs; general muscular rheumatism; 
rheumatic pains in the head, extending down to the neck 
and back; tremulousness of the muscles throughout the 
body. 
"Mental depression, associated with uterine disease; 
mental depression, accompanied by rheumatic pain ; men- 
tal depression and tremulousness following overwork and 
active dissipation; delirium tremens ; bad effects of opium." 
Cinchona. 
Peruvian bark and its preparations evidently profoundly 
affect the nervous system. The condition produced by THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
143 
full doses is termed "cinchonism." This state is charac- 
terized by peculiar symptoms in the head, especially in 
the eyes and ears. There is deafness with tinnitus, the 
tinnitus preceding the former and being one of the char- 
acteristic symptoms of the general condition. There is 
also disturbed visual function, amounting, in some cases, 
to blindness. The brain is involved, as evidenced by head- 
ache, with fullness, weight, and tension with vertigo. 
Evidences of cerebral congestion are present in flushing 
of the face, eyes and ears. Delirium may follow, and even 
meningitis, as the result of exorbitant doses with a favor- 
ing condition of the system present. 
"Periodicity" is the condition demanding quinine, 
which drug may be considered the representative of cin- 
chona. And the influence which is most potent to inter- 
rupt periodicity is the condition known as " cinchonism." 
Whatever the character of the malady, if it manifest it- 
self at a stated period during the day, or regularly every 
second or third day, quinine is the remedy to interrupt 
the periodical character of the disease and pave the way, 
at least to a cure, if not to complete restoration of the pa- 
tient. In many cases additional treatment must be insti- 
tuted in order to effect a complete cure, but the remedies 
will hardly accomplish much until the periodical phase is 
banished. 
Ague, periodical neuralgia, febrile and inflammatory dis- 
eases characterized by periodicity are the conditions de- 
manding this remedy. Physicians who depend upon qui- 
nine to cure ague when a condition known as malarial 
cachexy is present are usually disappointed. It is not a 
blood corrector in any sense, and cannot be relied upon 
except to interrupt the periodical paroxysms, thus allow- 
ing more appropriate correctors of the depraved state, as 
alstonia, arseniate of quinia, chionanthus, or other indi- 
cated remedy to complete the cure. 144 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
Plan of Administration.-The effectiveness of quinia as 
an antiperiodic may be entirely lost through error in the 
plan of administration. The proper method of interrupt- 
ing a periodical exacerbation is to induce the condition 
known as "cinchonism" to a moderate degree just prior 
to the time of the expected attack. To do this a single 
large dose of the drug, ten grains, may be administered 
two or three hours beforehand, when its full influence 
will be manifested at the time of attack and the nervous 
system will be so impressed that it will not yield to the 
subtle influence (periodicity). A good plan, and one 
which I prefer, is to begin about eight hours before the 
expected exacerbation and give three or four grains every 
two hours until three doses have been administered. 
By this time a complete state of cinchonism will be present. 
The plan of giving small doses of quinine three or four 
hours apart during the twenty-four hours for antiperiodic 
effect is a very poor one, and will almost always fail. 
Other antiperiodics, as piperin, strychnia, euonymin, 
etc., have been in repute with some, and they doubtless 
are valuable in the treatment of many cases of periodicity; 
but quinia is the typical antiperiodic after all. 
Chelidonium. 
This drug has been used successfully in supra-obital 
neuralgia and in migraine of hepatic origin. It has also 
proven valuable in nervous dyspepsia. It has had but a 
limited use in these directions, and I have had no experi- 
ence with it myself in this respect. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add ten drops to four ounces of water and give 
a teaspoonful every two or three hours. 
Cuprum. 
Copper influences the nervous system markedly in many 
cases of disease. Its leading property is that of an anti- 
spasmodic, and it acts promptly in many spasmodic states. THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
145 
In obstetric practice the homeopaths employ it success- 
fully in cramps of the calves and in violent after-pains. 
It is also of value in chorea to steady the muscles and 
thus complete the cure after other remedies have 
quieted the excessive agitation. The homeopaths place 
great stress upon this remedy in the second stage of 
cholera, in which cramps of the extremities constitute 
one of the principal features. However, they ascribe to 
it also an intestinal affinity. In the spasmodic cough of 
pertussis it rivals drosera, and I have several times 
found it effective when that remedy failed to produce the 
desired effect. 
The meninges of the spinal cord and brain are influenced 
by copper. In attenuated doses it may be employed in 
cerebro-spinal meningitis where echinacea fails, especially 
in the late stages where structural change is imminent. 
It has been suggested as a remedy for paralysis attendant 
upon structural change in the spinal cord, as sclerosis, 
and it probably offers as much as any known remedy at 
present. 
Form for Administration.-I have employed the 6x 
trituration of the acetate of copper. 
Dose.-From one to three grains three or four times a 
day. 
Cypripedium. 
Cypripedium pubescens is an old Eclectic remedy, 
which has been too much neglected by our practitioners, 
for it possesses valuable properties as a nervine, sedative 
and calmative, in all cases where such an agent is de- 
manded. The principal objection to it is the taste of the 
infusion-the most effective form for its administration. 
In hysterical and despondent females, about the time of 
the climacteric, this is one of the best remedies that can 
be employed. I believe it influences the mental faculties 
here, operating to correct dementia of despondent or ap- 146 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
prehensive nature. I recollect one case particularly, 
treated by me years ago, in which the patient was near a 
condition of dementia, completely restored in a few days 
with tablespoonfnl doses of this remedy, associated with 
bicarbonate of sodium to correct an evident hyperacid 
condition of the stomach. I do not use it very often now 
as I find it almost impossible to obtain a fresh article of 
the packed root in the market. 
Scudder commends it in sleeplessness, nervous debility 
from atony, in neuralgia, delirium, etc. He also com- 
mends it as valuable to soothe irritation of the nervous 
system in restless, irritable children. He combines two 
drachms each of tincture of cypripedium and compound 
tincture of lavender with an ounce of tincture of lobelia, 
adding three ounces of simple syrup.' (Specific Medica- 
tion.) 
Hale (New Remedies) suggests its use for the mental 
depression consequent upon venereal excesses or spermat- 
orrhea. He states that it is equally useful when the 
despondency is the result of brooding over an imaginary 
spermatorrhea, or the imagined ill effects of nocturnal 
emissions, usually the result of reading the pernicious 
pamphlets sent out by quacks to ensnare the unsuspect- 
ing into their traps. 
Form for Administration.-I prefer an infusion of the 
recent root. 
Dose.-A tablespoonful repeated every three or four 
hours. 
Echinacea. 
This agent seems to exert a marked influence upon the 
cerebro-spinal meninges in controlling inflammation of 
these parts. It is the most reliable agent I have ever found 
in that dreaded disease, cerebro-spinal meningitis, when it 
assumes the slow form. It is not prompt enough, I think, 
to be applicable to the active form of this disease, though THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
147 
I have never tried it here. But in the slow form I have 
not lost a single case out of many treated since I began to 
use this agent, now more than two years. I should 
not like to stake my all upon the proposition, but I be- 
lieve echinacea is destined to work a revolution in the 
treatment of this affection. 
In using it I employ the agent continuously during the 
course of the disease, but not to the exclusion of such 
adjuvants as each particular case may demand. With 
severe muscular pain present I might employ phenacetin, 
cimicifuga or caulophyllum, as assistants; gastric irrita- 
bility might call for rhus tox.; high febrile action might 
demand the assistance of one of the sedatives; but echin- 
acea is given throughout the case as the basic remedy. 
Echinacea is also a pain-reliever of no mean merit. I 
have found it to relieve the intense pain of erysipelatous 
phlegmons, where there is considerable swelling and in- 
duration with little disposition toward purulency, very 
promptly when applied locally and administered inter- 
nally. Dr. A. S. Tuchler found it to relieve the excruci- 
ating pain of cancer promptly when administered inter- 
nally, in the advanced stage of a cancer involving the 
fauces-and the drug was found to control the pain until 
death ensued, though it would return when the remedy 
was discontinued. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Half an ounce to six ounces of water; a tea- 
spoonful every hour. 
Eucalyptus. 
In anaemic states of the nerve centers attended by 
chorea, neurasthenia, hysteria and asthma, eucalyptol 
(oil of eucalyptus), in from two to five drop doses, is often 
beneficial. 
Dr. Woodward found the tincture of eucalyptus effect- 
ive in relieving neuralgia of the facial nerve in fifteen-drop 148 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
doses. The neuralgia was periodical, and the remedy was 
prescribed on account of its reputation as an antiperiodic. 
The local application of eucalyptol has proven effica- 
cious in toothache, destroying the sensitiveness and re- 
lieving the pain. Dr. Horton commends the extract of 
eucalyptus in dental practice as an obtundor of pain 
where the dentine is sensitive. 
Eucalyptus has borne a high reputation as an anti- 
periodic, but this effect must result from the continued 
use of the remedy, and come about slowly. I take it 
therefore that the antiperiodic effect is due more to its 
corrective quality than to any marked action upon the 
nervous system-it probably acting as a blood remedy to 
banish the malarial influence, whatever this may be. 
Gelsemium. 
This is one of our old Eclectic remedies for muscular 
spasm, and it is one of the most reliable ones known for 
all forms of convulsions amenable to the action of reme- 
dies. It is a favorite remedy with the majority of our 
practitioners in infantile convulsions, in which case a bet- 
ter one could hardly be thought of. Eclampsia, teta- 
nus, chorea and other forms of convulsive action yield to 
this remedy promptly in many cases. 
Dr. E. B. Waterhouse, of St. Louis, and Dr. E. P. 
Mitchell, of Redding, California, have called particular 
attention to the efficacy of this remedy in chorea. Both 
wrote articles for the ChZi/brm'a Medical Journal. Dr. 
Waterhouse's was published in the March number, 1890; 
Dr. Mitchell's arrived after the Journal had temporarily 
suspended publication and was never published. I con- 
sider both of them worthy of place here. 
Dr. Waterhouse wrote as follows : "I have often stated 
to my students that I regarded gelsemium as being the 
most important remedy in the materia medica. I base 
my statement upon the fact that there is no other drug THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
149 
that will fulfill so many important indications. We may 
get several distinct actions from the drug, according to 
the size of the dose and the condition of the patient. 
Many practitioners believe that they know all that is to 
be known regarding such a common remedy as this, but 
will be surprised at the many unrecorded uses they will 
find for it, by giving it their close attention for a period 
of a year's time. 
"Within the last two years I have entirely cured sev- 
eral of the most aggravated cases of chorea that I have 
ever seen with gelsemium, and the cure was accom- 
plished in about thirty days in each instance. In Sep- 
tember, 1888, Benny L., aged twelve years, was brought 
to the college (American Medical, of St. Louis), for treat- 
ment. The history of the case was that the boy had been 
healthy up to his sixth year, when he was severely sick 
with diphtheria, chorea following the subsidence of the 
diphtheria, and for the following six years he re- 
mained about the same, in spite of continual treatment 
from ' regular ' physicians, a dozen or more of whom were 
employed. I prescribed specific gelsemium, , ss, to be 
taken in doses of gtt. ii, four times a day. Within thirty 
days the boy was well. 
" Case II.-This patient was a bright little fellow of 
eleven years; had been a victim of chorea for over a year ; 
was under treatment in this city for some time, when he 
was taken to Philadelphia and put under the treatment of 
a physician of world-wide reputation for six months, and 
at a fee of $1500. Under his treatment the boy improved 
to some extent and was brought back to this city, but 
within a week after returning was as bad as ever. He 
came into my hands on June 3, 1889, about a month after 
his return from the East. He was not able to stand 
alone, or to articulate understandingly, or to feed him- 
self. I gave him a vial of homeopathic globules No. 60, 150 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
each globule having absorbed a single drop of tinctuie of 
gelsemium, by placing them in a shallow dish, and ap- 
plying the medicine with an ordinary medicine dropper. 
Of this I directed that he take two of the pellets before 
each meal and one at bed time. He was brought to my 
office four times, the last call being on July 5th, when I 
dismissed him as cured, he having taken about one drachm 
of gelsemium. I have seen him often since that time, 
and there has not been the slightest symptom of the 
trouble manifest." 
Dr. F. P. Mitchell writes as follows: "I read Dr. 
Waterhouse's article on Gelsemium in Chorea, in the 
March Journal, and wish to confirm the statements there 
made. 
" About eighteen months ago I was called to see Benny 
V., aged 7; parents healthy, and family history free 
from any similar disease on both sides, although both are 
of pronounced nervous temperament. I found, upon in- 
quiry, that the patient had been affected for nearly a year, 
and had been under the care of half a dozen different 
physicians before coming to this place, and for three 
months previous to this time he had been under the care 
of two 'regular' physicians here, but instead of getting 
better he was gradually growing worse. 
" I found him very anaemic; skin dry; tongue large and 
pallid; digestion very poor. He was unable to articulate 
a single word. There were great irritability and peevish- 
ness; nearly all the voluntary muscles appeared to be in- 
volved, the agitation being more noticeable on the right 
than on the left side. 
"I first placed him on the following prescription :- 
ly Fowler's solution, 3ss. 
Fl'd. ext, nux vom., gtt. x. 
Aqua, 3 iv. 
M. S.-Take a teaspoonful every two hours, with small 
dose of sulphite of sodium. THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
151 
"After one week's treatment I could see no change in 
the symptoms. I then placed him on the following :- 
Gelsemium (normal liquid), 5j. 
Water iv. 
M. S.-Teaspoonful every two hours, with one grain of 
monobromide of camphor, morning and evening. 
" In three days a decided improvement was noticeable, 
which continued, and in three weeks he was discharged as 
cured. No change was made in the treatment, except 
that after the second week he was put on the compound 
syrup of hypophosphites. 
" Shortly after the discharge of the patient his parents 
moved with him to Oregon. After reading Dr. Water- 
house's article I wrote to them to ascertain whether the 
cure was permanent, and received an answ'er a few days 
ago stating that he has been free from any return of the 
disease." 
Gelsemium has proven a superior remedy for pain in 
certain instances, and the character of pain in which it 
proves curative is decidedly neuralgic. Tic douloureux, 
intercostal neuralgia, toothache, and other painful affec- 
tions of darting character have been successfully medi- 
cated with it. It is not as prompt a remedy here, how- 
ever, as some others, and I would hardly select it unless 
there were conditions accompanying which an ordinary 
antineuralgic was not capable of meeting-as malaria, or 
a certain amount of febrile action, especially calling for 
an arterial sedative. In both of these cases the proper- 
ties of gelsemium would commend it, while its anti- 
neuralgia properties would be likely to prove more 
prompt and positive on account of the relieving of such 
complications. 
The antispasmodic virtues of gelsemium commend 
it in obstetric practice, not only in the convulsions 
which sometimes attend, but also in that more common 152 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
and often troublesome and stubborn state known as 
rigidity of the os uteri. Here I have found it one of 
the most prompt and effective remedies I have ever 
employed. It should here be given in tolerably full 
doses-just short of a physiological effect. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Bose.-From one-tenth drop to ten drops, according 
to age and susceptibility. 
Gossypium. 
Dr. F. P. Mitchell,of Redding, California, has furnished 
me the following, as illustrative of the effect of gos- 
sypium in hysteria:- 
"About two years ago I had a case which somewhat 
puzzled me, viz. : Mrs. McE., a young married woman, of 
lymphatic temperament, weight 150 pounds. I was called 
to see her one morning about four o'clock. I found her 
sitting up and crying. Her husband informed me that 
she had been laughing and crying alternately nearly 
all night, and that she hal been more or less hys- 
terical since the time of their marriage, some two years 
previously. 
"I left gelsemium and pulsatilla, and requested the 
patient to call at my office in the afternoon, which she 
did. She then described her symptoms as follows: 
'At first I get very irritable; then a tired, all-gone 
feeling, with sinking sensations, comes over me.' I in- 
quired in regard to her menstrual function. This, she 
said, was somewhat irregular, coming on every three weeks, 
the discharge being of rather a light color. On examina- 
tion I found the uterus undersized and of pale and 
anemic appearance. Sexual desire and pleasure were 
unknown. After summing up the symptoms of the case 
I came to the conclusion that the trouble came from 
an anemic condition of the reproductive organs. THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
153 
"After using various tonics-which I regarded as 
adapted to the case-with little or no effect for the 
better, I placed the patient on ten-drop doses of Lloyd's 
specific gossypiura, writh immediate benefit-all her un- 
pleasant symptons disappearing almost magically. How- 
ever, she says she has not been without the medicine 
in the house since. 
"I have used gossypium since in a number of cases 
of similar character, and universally with beneficial 
results. In fact, I prescribe it in all cases where a 
tonic and nerve stimulant are required. It is, however, 
more especially valuable in cases of married women re- 
quiring such remedy--where the sexual appetite is in- 
different or entirely absent." 
Since reading Dr. Mitchell's report I have tried gos- 
sypium in two cases of well-defined hysteria, and found 
his statements to be corroborated to the fullest extent. 
The first case was that of a robust woman of thirty years 
of age, who, supposing herself pregnant five months after 
marriage, submitted to a curetting of the uterus at the 
hands of an inexperienced and reckless young practi- 
tioner, and was suffering from the reflexes due to the 
uterine irritation thus set up. Upon my first visit I found 
her in bed, convinced that she was going to die very 
soon. She complained of dyspnoea with tightness about 
the chest, strange feelings in the cardiac region, globus 
hystericus, and drawing and burning in the vertex. Her 
general aspect and demeanor presented unmistakable 
evidence of that peculiar combination of mental and 
physical symptoms recognized by the profession as 
"hysterical," though she had previously been perfectly 
well. She averred that she was wakeful throughout 
every night, expecting to die at any moment. After try- 
ing pulsatilla, passiflora, aconite and cactus grandiflorus, 
and thus consuming several days without affording the 
patient any benefit-the patient meantime being confined 154 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
to bed, I at length bethought me of gossypium and Dr. 
Mitchell's case, and administered it at once, though, I 
must admit, without much faith, as my case had proven 
so intractable in all its details thus far. However, my 
patient met me at the door the second day afterward, on 
the occasion of my following visit. She had been up and 
dressed all the morning, and declared that though some- 
what weak, she felt as "gay as a lark, and was too well 
to stay in bed." 
The second case was that of a married woman of 
thirty-three who, her husband informed me, had been 
afflicted for years with " nervous spells," brought on by 
the least excitement. When I first saw her her eyes 
were fixed and staring, and her hands clinched and re- 
sisting. Her husband informed me that she had too 
much company the evening before and became very 
nervous, finally breaking out into violent and uncontrolla- 
ble laughter, which continued for hours. A neighboring 
physician was summoned, who administered chloroform 
to quiet her. In short, it was a pronounced and invet- 
erate case of hysteria. I added two drachms of gos- 
sypium (specific medicine) to four ounces of water, and or- 
dered a teaspoonful every hour. On the following day I 
found the patient quiet, rational, cheerful and tractable. 
The husband informed me that she began to improve soon 
after taking the first dose of the medicine, and rested 
well all night. 
Though we may get only temporary results from this 
drug, it will nevertheless prove a boon to the physician 
who has been tormented with patients of this kind; for 
it at least relieves promptly, and leaves nothing but 
pleasant after-effects. 
Hyoscyamus. 
The therapeutic effect of this remedy is apparently 
devoted exclusively to the remedying of nervous affec- THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
155 
tions. Its effect upon the brain is a peculiar one, and 
is demanded where there seems to be irritation with- 
out congestion or other marked disturbance of the 
cerebral circulation. The irritation seems to be an ex- 
citement of the functional activities of the cerebrum, 
without appreciable disturbance of histological ele- 
ments. In delirium, where such conditions prevail, 
hyoscyamus is the remedy for first choice. The de- 
lirium and garrulousness of convalescence from con- 
tinued fevers, after the febrile action has subsided, call 
for it decidedly. 
In full doses it temporarily relieves insomnia, but is 
hardly a cure for that condition, though in minute 
doses it is applicable to the permanent relief of rest- 
lessness during sleep or to the tendency to an excess- 
ive dreamfulness. Talking during sleep, where this is 
not a common habit but seems to depend upon undue 
disturbance of the cerebral centers, demands hyoscya- 
mus in minute doses. 
Nervous coughs may sometimes be promptly relieved 
by hyoscyamus after other accredited remedies have 
failed. The homeopaths recommend it in dry cough at 
night, constant while the patient is lying down but re- 
lieved by sitting up. Phillips, an English old-school 
author, recommends it in the same conditions, thus 
affirming his approbation of homeopathic materia med- 
ica in one instance at least. 
As a pain-reliever hyoscyamus is not as prompt as some 
other remedies, and the dose required is so large that 
it is liable to disturb the mental faculties unpleasantly 
before the narcotic effect is obtained; it is therefore 
not a remedy that will give satisfaction as a common 
resort for the relief of pain. However I have combined 
it with chloral many times as a remedy for menstrual 
headaches with good satisfaction. 156 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
Hyoscyamus is one of our most positive remedies for 
mental disturbances, its special province being in that di- 
rection. In all forms of insanity, as well as in many 
cases where some strong peculiarity of disposition pre- 
disposes one to querulousness or quarrelsomeness, this 
remedy assists in governing the weakness, to some ex- 
tent at least, while in dementia the same tendency is 
often much relieved by its effects. Garrulousness is 
also one of the conditions that have been much bene- 
fited by hyoscyamus. I recollect a case of continued 
fever, treated years ago, in which the patient talked 
and sang incessantly day and night for several days, 
until small doses of hyoscyamus were administered; 
then, within a single day an appreciable difference was 
observable. I have since observed this action several 
times, though I have not had another so marked a 
case to apply it in. 
Though not agreeing with me in all points I will 
quote what Dr. Seldon Talcott has written of it in its 
application to the treatment of the insane :- 
"Hallucinations of sight, and great mental activity; 
trembling of the limbs; spasmodic twitching of the 
muscles of the back and in the organs of locomotion; 
delirium, accompanied by periods of stupor; thinks he 
is in the wrong place; foolish laughter; almost always 
jolly; talks in a hurried and cheerful manner; intensely 
jealous; at times lascivious; inclined to uncover the 
body and expose the sexual organs; sings amorous and 
obscene songs. Sleeplessness from excessive mental 
excitement; sleepless without any apparent cause; 
dreams of obscene things; has dreams of a terrifying 
nature and wakes with a loud scream. It is specially 
adapted to women who become insane during preg- 
nancy or after parturition; to those who suffer with 
jealousy or unhappy love; to victims of delirium tre- THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
157 
mens, and to young people and children who are inclined 
to convulsive attacks, to epilepsy and to chorea." 
Hyoscamus, alone or combined with hydrate of chloral, 
is a valuable agent in the treatment of delirium tremens, 
though it has not proven as effective in my hands as 
capsicum. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the one-tenth of a drop to ten drops. 
Hypericum Perforatum. 
St. John's wort is an old remedy to which the early 
Eclectics ascribed a wide range of action, using it in affec- 
tions of the kidneys, bowels, bloodvessels, etc. An effect 
upon the nervous system was recognized, however, as it is 
recommended in the various editions of King's Dis- 
pensatory for hysteria and allied affections. I wish to 
here call attention to its virtues in certain affections of 
the spinal cord. 
The condition known as spinal irritation, diagnosed by 
eliciting burning pain by pressing gently upon the spinous 
processes of the vertebrae, and a condition attended by a 
protean group of ever changing reflex symptoms, finds 
one of the best remedies known in hypericum. The 
affinity of the drug for the spinal centers is marked, upon 
clinical test, and it is the only remedy upon which I have 
ever learned to look with favor in such cases. 
Homeopathic authors dwell upon its value as a restor- 
ative where the spinal cord has suffered from shock or 
concussion. They characterize it as the arnica of the 
spinal cord. I have never had an opportunity to test the 
merit of these claims, but regard it as the only reliable 
remedy we have in spinal irritation. 
A special symptom indicating it is a throbbing sensa- 
tion, persistently invading the whole body,-in persons 
of nervous susceptibility-with absence of febrile action. 158 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
Ignatia. 
Ignatia is of use in the treatment of dragging pains in 
the pelvis, especially in the right hypochondrium, uter- 
ine colic, dysmenorrhoea with colic, gastrodynia, and wan- 
dering pains in the abdomen and pelvis. It seems more 
especially the women's remedy and is best adapted to 
those of extreme impressionability. In such place the 
mental element is a prominent feature of the case, and is 
the principal symptom calling for ignatia. Such patients 
are hysterical and very demonstrative, alternating from joy 
to grief. If the patient is melancholic she seems overcome 
with grief; she sighs frequently; is inclined to solitude; 
imagines herself greatly wronged by some supposed 
slight. Seldon Talcott, M. D. offers the following indica- 
tions for ignatia under Medical Treatment for the In- 
sane: "Congestive headache following anger or grief; 
headache with bruised feeling, or a sensation as if a nail 
were driven into the temples; occipital headache, better 
from pressure. Its effects upon the spine are shown by 
the sudden jerking of the limbs, by twitchings of groups 
of muscles, by a feeling of heaviness in the feet, with a 
sensation of burning in the soles of the feet. 
"Intense, though partially suppressed grief; anxiety 
as if crime had been committed; grief following the loss 
of friends; grief of children after being reproved or pun- 
ished by parents; fearfulness; irresoluteness; timidity; 
sad, quiet melancholy. 
"Very light sleep; jerking of the limbs on going to 
sleep; dreams of one thing, particularly of the object of 
affection. 
"Frequent sighing; desire to take a deep breath; 
sensitive spine; sharp, constricting pains in the anus; 
constipation; stools large and soft, but passed with diffi- 
culty; spasmodic cough from mental anxiety. 
"Mental disorders from shock of bad news, from dis- THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
159 
appointed love, from the effects of mortification; long 
continued but suppressed grief, occasioned by family 
afflictions or by financial misfortunes; chorea or epilepsy 
in children, whose troubles are occasioned by feeling 
that they have been unkindly or harshly treated." 
A very good indication for ignatia is a persistent 
coldness of the feet and legs in the case of women about 
the climacteric. When this is attended by symptoms pre- 
viously mentioned ignatia may be tried with fair pros- 
pects of benefit. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. I us- 
ually employ the third decimal dilution of this preparation. 
Dose.-Where the specific medicine is employed in 
full strength, add from five to fifteen drops to four 
ounces of water and order a teaspoonful every two or three 
hours. Or add a teaspoonful of the third dilution to as 
much water and administer in the same manner. Where 
the remedy is administered for its influence upon the 
mental sphere the dilution is preferable. 
Lachesis. 
Lachesis, in common with other snake poisons, 
influences the nervous system very powerfully, spending 
its greatest force on the pneumogastric nerve. It is 
therefore a valuable remedy in certain nervous affections 
of the pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, heart, stomach and 
lungs-qualities, however, which will be noticed fully 
under the special therapeutics of those parts. 
But the entire nervous system is more or less influenced, 
the spinal cord, the brain, and lastly the vegetative sys- 
tem, all coming more or less under its power. In the 
nervous prostration attending diphtheria, lachesis is one 
of the most reliable remedies that can be chosen. It is 
also valuable in the low stages of typhoid and other con- 
tinued fevers where there is coma, subsultus tendinum, 
and other evidences of profound nervous prostration. 160 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
The condition of the sympathetic system known as 
vaso-motor ataxy, manifested by flushings, flashes of heat, 
and sinking sensations, observed during the climacteric, 
as well as at other times, is often promptly and perma- 
nently relieved by lachesis. Nervous dyspepsia has been 
cured with lachesis after other remedies have failed. 
A characteristic indication for lachesis, according to 
homeopathic writers, is a sense of mental depression and 
uneasiness after waking from sleep. 
Form for Administration.-From the 6x to the lOx 
trituration. 
Dose.-From one to three grains, repeated every four 
or six hours. 
Lobelia. 
Scudder characterizes lobelia as "one of the most pow- 
erful vital stimulants in the materia medica." It acts 
upon the vaso-motor nerves, improving the circulation, 
while through the cerebro-spinal system it augments in- 
nervation generally. In full doses it relaxes the muscu- 
lar system powerfully, thus proving, temporarily at least, 
one of the most prompt and reliable antispasmodics 
known. In spasmodic affections of children as well as of 
adults it is the favorite resort of many of our physicians. 
In minute doses it is indicated in depression of the 
functions of the pneumogastric nerve, as indicated by 
precordial oppression, sighing respiration, vomiting with 
prostration, gastralgia with feeble pulse, etc. 
In full doses it is employed in infantile convulsions, 
tetanus, asthma, angina pectoris, etc. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-This will vary according to the effect desired. 
If the remedy is to be used as a vital stimulant or to con- 
trol praecordial depression, ten drops may be added to 
half a glass of water (four ounces) and a teaspoonful 
given every hour. Such a dose will also be applicable THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
161 
to the gastric condition giving rise to nausea and vomit- 
ing. In angina pectoris or neuralgic pain attended by 
spasm about parts supplied by the pneumogastric nerve, 
from half a teaspoonful to a teaspoonful may be required 
to produce a prompt result. 
Melilotus Alba. 
Sweet clover has proven a very potent remedy in head- 
ache and neuralgia. I once cured a periodical headache 
which had been recurring every week for twenty years 
with this remedy; and the patient has remained free from 
attacks since, now more than ten years. 
This case occurred in a malarious district, and was 
probably of malarial origin. I have used the remedy 
many times since, and have been pleased with its effects 
in the treatment of idiopathic headaches and neuralgia 
not of reflex origin. 
An old number of the Medical Investigator contains 
the following from the pen of Dr. H. R. Stout, of Jack- 
sonville, Florida, on the use of this remedy in neu- 
ralgia :- 
" Case I.-A gentleman had been subject to attacks of 
periodical neuralgia for fifteen or twenty years, affect- 
ing the right side of the head and causing almost com- 
plete destruction of the sight of that eye. The attacks 
were caused by fatigue, cold, or derangement of the 
stomach. The pain centered about the eye, and extended 
over the right side of head and neck, and left the' 
scalp sore and tender to the touch. The pain during 
some of the attacks was agonizing in the extreme, and 
the patient would become wild and furious with its 
severity. I had used all the usual remedies, including 
morphine, at different times, but aconite and belladonna 
had generally rendered the best service. I first used 
the melilotus last fall, with the effect of completely 162 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
controlling the attack; and since that time, when taken 
soon enough, it has always checked or controlled it. 
" Case II was a lady who for two months had suffered 
almost constantly from gastralgia, accompanied by 
vomiting and entire loss of appetite, or rather inability 
to eat from the suffering it occasioned. She had been 
subject to attacks of neuralgia of the stomach for about 
six years. The dorsal region of the spine was exceed- 
ingly sensitive, and the pain always proceeded from 
that point. She had always been under allopathic treat- 
ment, and for two months preceding my treatment had 
steadily grown worse. 
"The proper remedies controlled the vomiting, and 
to a considerable extent the neuralgia, which came on 
at night more frequently, and was exceedingly severe. 
Sometimes she was hardly able to speak or breathe. 
The pneumogastric and solar plexes of nerves, with their 
branches, were the ones affected. I had been in to see 
her late one evening and found her suffering severely. 
Veratrum alb. seemed to control the attack, and I left 
her apparently improving. 
"About two o'clock her husband came in great haste and 
said she was dying. While dressing I racked my brain to 
know what remedy I should give, and it occurred, to me 
that melilotus perhaps would help me through. On ar- 
riving at the house I found her convulsed with agony, 
almost breathless, with cold extremities, and in a con- 
dition that demanded prompt relief. I prepared meli- 
lotus 3x, and the first dose took effect, and in one hour 
she was entirely relieved, and went to sleep. She was 
threatened several times after with a return of gastral- 
gia, but melilotus invariably checked it. A month has 
now elapsed since an attack, the longest period she has 
passed without suffering, for a year. 
" Case III was a gentleman who lately came from the 163 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
North for his health. His nervous system was broken 
down from close application to business, and for two 
months he had suffered extremely with gastralgia. 
Reasoning that his physicians had given the usual rem- 
edies I prescribed melilotus, with the effect to com- 
pletely control the attack, and as he expressed it, the 
remedy relieved him more and left him feeling better 
than anything he had taken before. He left here, 
after a stay of a week or so, for another portion of 
the State, since which time I have heard nothing of 
him. I furnished him with a quantity of the remedy, 
as he was unwilling to travel without it." 
I am sure Eclectic physicians would be well repaid 
for the investigation of this remedy, as it fulfills pur- 
poses as an antineuralgic that others will often fail to 
serve. Scudder commends it (Specific Medication) "in 
colic, painful diarrhoea, dysuria with painful desire to 
urinate, in dysmenorrhoea associated with lameness in 
the hip and along the course of the sciatic nerve, and 
in some cases of rheumatism were such lameness is a 
marked feature." 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. In 
the absence of this the mother tincture of a reliable 
homeopathic pharmacy may be employed. I usually 
use it in the 3x dilution. 
Dose.-Add a teaspoonful of the 3x dilution 'to half 
a glass of water and administer a teaspoonful every 
three or four hours during the day. In urgent cases 
the dose may be repeated every hour. 
Mercurius Dulcis. 
This remedy, which consists of a trituration of calo- 
mel in sugar of milk,-usually the 3x trituration,-has 
a place in my practice which is not supplied by any 
other remedy in the materia medica. 164 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
The leading symptom that the patient is liable to 
complain of where it is indicated, is a tired feeling, out 
of all proportion to any amount of physical exertion 
to which he may have been subjected. The tired symp- 
tom is present whether the patient is making any 
effort or not, and he dreads the slightest exertion, 
though otherwise in apparent good bodily health. The 
patient wakes tired, gets up tired, is tired all day and goes 
to bed tired; and the most careful examination fails to 
detect any other evidence of disease. If any symptoms 
of bodily derangement are found it will probably be 
that combination vaguely designated as "biliousness." 
With the tired feeling is often associated a sensation 
of drowsiness, so overpowering as to require the great- 
est effort to remain awake, even when the most re- 
sponsible position demands a constant vigilance. In 
such cases the drowsiness is diurnal usually, and wake- 
fulness is the habit at night. This condition is often- 
est present in malarious regions, and is liable to follow 
convalescence from chronic ague, though it may not 
depend upon any such cause. Here the mercurius dul- 
cis often acts like magic, banishing the tired feeling 
and the drowsiness, and imparting a sensation of buoy- 
ancy and ambition to the patient which he may not 
have experienced for months before, in three or four 
days. • 
I am not a disciple of Paracelsus, and I realize that 
mercury is a very dangerous remedy to tamper with, 
but I know whereof I write in this particular, and I 
also know that the third decimal trituration is safe 
enough for an adult and also plenty potent enough to 
accomplish what I claim for it. I also know that we 
have nothing else that will fulfill this requirement. 
For nearly six months I lived in the lethargic con- 
dition described here, trying everything that the ordi- 165 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
nary materia medica affords, and did not receive the 
least benefit until I used mercurius dulcis as I recom- 
mend it here; a few doses of this remedy permanently 
banished the difficulty. I have proven the remedy 
many times since, and have failed in but few cases. 
In women with disordered reproductive organs, where 
proper local measures are demanded, the remedy may 
fail, but these are not proper cases for it. The case 
must be idiopathic-depending on no sympathetic 
local trouble. 
Dose.-I am in the habit of using two or three 
grains of the third decimal trituration three times 
daily. Higher attenuations may answer fully as good 
a purpose, but I have never employed them. (For di- 
rections for preparing triturations see Principles of 
Medicine.) 
Mutisia Viclefolia. 
This plant is used by the South American Indians as 
a remedy for epilepsy. It is also valuable in functional 
heart disorders induced by the effect of high altitudes, as 
well as being adapted to hysteria and allied nervous 
affections. 
It seems to exert a selective effect upon the pneumo- 
gastric nerve, not only controlling cardiac difficulties, 
but modifying convulsive coughs and spasmodic croup. 
Form for Administration.-Parke, Davis & Co. prepare 
a fluid extract, of which the dose is from half a drachm 
to a drachm. It is not miscible in water. 
Nitro-Glycerin. 
This remedy, known as glonoine to the homeopaths, has a 
high reputation among practitioners of that school as a re- 
liever of the effects of sunstroke. From personal experience 
with it in a limited number of cases I am inclined to 
think very favorably of it, good results having followed 166 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
its use for the dizziness and cephalalgia, continuing as 
long as three years after the attack. In recent cases, 
if the dose be not overdone, it is the best remedy we 
have-if any other is worth mentioning at all. 
Glonoine is also a valuable remedy in headache, though 
discrimination must be exercised in prescribing it. 
Headaches aggravated by hot sunshine, menstrual head- 
aches, headaches attending the pregnant state in plethoric 
women, and full throbbing headaches of almost any state, 
if there seems to be a predisposition to the habit, may be 
corrected by this remedy, in appropriate doses. Of course 
the headache of a febrile condition would not be the 
proper place for the exhibition of this agent. It has 
also been found valuable in neuralgia, in some cases, 
though we probably have numerous agents to be relied 
upon in this complaint with more certainty. 
Form for Administration.-The second or third decimal 
dilution. Some patients are so susceptible that the 
third produces unpleasant effects, and the fifth should 
be used instead. 
Dose.-Add ten to fifteen drops of the second dilution 
(one-per-cent solution) to half a glass ( four ounces ) 
of water, and give a teaspoonful every two or three hours. 
When the third or fifth decimal is employed, a half 
a teaspoonful of the medicine may be added to four 
ounces of water and the doses administered in the same 
manner. Acute cases, where the higher dilutions are 
used, may demand a more frequent repetition of the 
dose. In severe menstrual headaches or sun pain, the 
dose may be repeated every half hour or hour. 
Nux Vomica. 
Nux vomica primarily influences the motor centers of 
the spinal cord, producing, in large doses, clonic spasms 
of the muscles; but in therapeutic doses it favorably THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
167 
influences the motor, vaso-motor and vegetative func- 
tions generally. 
In paralysis depending upon functional debility of 
the cord it proves valuable, though the doses must be 
somewhat material. In impotency depending upon a 
similar condition it is one of the most positive remedies 
we have; sexual indifference in women is also modified 
by its influence in many instances. Through the vaso- 
motor center it strengthens the circulation, contracting 
meantime the arterioles. In paralytic incontinence of 
women, a condition to which those advanced in age are 
quite subject, it is one of the most positive remedies we 
have, relieving the dribbling and loss of control promptly; 
here the dose must be not less than a fourth to half 
a grain of the solid extract. In abdominal neurosis it 
is a favorite remedy with many of our physicians, 
Scudder giving us the specific indication of "atony" as 
indicating it, while he asserts that it is not the remedy 
in irritation; here we must think of colocynth or 
dioscorea. Pain pointing at the umbilicus is considered 
another special indication. In nervous dyspepsia with 
evidences of atony it has been found of much service, 
where the condition was not due to reflex causes. 
In attenuations it tends to relieve hyperaesthesia of the 
nervous system, and controls unpleasant conditions of 
the temper, as moroseness, peevishness and quarrelsome- 
ness. These conditions, of course, must be abnormal, and 
not the natural propensities of the subject, if we are ra- 
tionally to expect benefit from the remedy; they must 
be developed in the course of morbid disturbance of the 
nervous system. The remedy probably acts by relieving 
a hyperaesthesia of the cerebrum. Headache is also bene- 
fited by nux, if there be an attending atony of the circu- 
lation and nervous energy in the abdominal viscera. 
Some recommend it highly in sick headaches, but I have 168 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
never known it to act very well in this condition. As a 
remedy for dyspepsia, it is often of the greatest im- 
portance. 
Nux is an eye remedy of considerable value in am- 
blyopia, atrophy of the optic nerve, choroiditis dissemi- 
nata, blurring of the sight from overheating, etc. Eye 
affections of those who have been addicted to alcoholism 
seem to be the most appropriate for its action. 
Opium. 
I can add nothing to what is generally known of this 
drug, and will refer the reader to the Dispensatory for 
whatever information he may require upon the subject. 
An energetic and reputable Eclectic will seldom use it 
and when he does a knowledge of its toxic effects and 
the proper dose, is about all he needs. 
As to its therapeutic effects, they amount to little ex- 
cept the property of paralyzing the sensory nerves and 
thus temporarily relieving intense pain until curative 
measures have time to succeed. The general tendency 
has been to prescribe the agent too often, as thousands 
of cases of opium addiction attest constantly. Morphia 
is more active, less bulky, and more uniform in strength 
than crude opium, and thus preferable for general use. 
The effects of the habitual use of opium and its salts are 
terrible and deplorable, and the true humanitarian will 
make as little use of the drug as possible. The maximum 
dose of the sulphate of morphia, for an adult, is one-fourth 
grain; however, a person accustomed to the use of the 
drug may require considerable more. It is a good plan 
to administer small doses and repeat at safe intervals un- 
til the effect is attained rather than to risk large doses 
in the start, for fear of fatal narcotism. Patients with 
heart disease are not safe subjects for morphine or other 
preparations of opium. The practice of administering 
morphine hypodermically is often advantageous, as it THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
169 
enables the prescriber to obtain the local as well as the 
general effect, but the use of the hypodermic syringe in 
this respect is nevertheless overdone. Patients should 
be taught that it is safer to endure and suffer some pain 
for a time than to be lethalized too frequently with an 
opiate. The daily use of an opiate, continued for ten 
days or two weeks, accustoms the patient to it and forms 
the opium habit. A person can take an opiate frequently, 
at intervals, for a long time and not acquire a habit. 
One should see that the drug is not administered regu- 
larly every day for more than two or three days. We 
may thus, if diligent, be able to dispense with it al- 
together in the case. If not, an interruption of a day or 
two will render it safe to renew the drug for a day or two 
more. The scientific physician will dispense with the use 
of the drug at the first possible moment. Only quacks 
use opiates habitually. 
Osmic Acid. 
This agent has been used advantageously in the treat- 
ment of sciatica, in doses of a sixty-fourth of a grain, and 
also in ovarialgia. Dr. E. F. Hubbard, in the second 
volume of the Annual of Eclectic Medicine and Surgery, 
recommends it in the last named condition. He asserts 
that it is best to dissolve the acid in glycerine, in the 
proportion of osmic acid one and a half grains, distilled 
water and glycerine of each ninety minims, of which the 
hypodermic dose is five drops. The remedy should be 
injected over the seat of pain as nearly as possible. 
As a remedy for epilepsy this drug seems to promise 
more than the majority of vaunted antiepileptic agents. 
Dr. Van Emon, in an article in an Eastern medical journal 
(name not now known to writer), published in 1890, offers 
some valuable suggestions with regard to its efficacy, 
which I will make use of here:- 170 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
" Osmic acid is, chemically speaking, osmic tetroxide, 
the true acid not being known in the free state. It is a 
volatile, crystaline substance, softening at a moderate 
heat like wax. It is exceedingly volatile, and the fumes 
are intensely irritant and poisonous, so much so that it 
cannot be dispensed in a close room; and even in an open 
room a respirator should be used while handling it. It 
it is one of the most powerful oxidizers, and should be 
kept in hermetically sealed tubes. 
"It is slowly dissolved in water, making a clear solution 
if kept in the dark; but in the light the solution rapidly 
undergoes decomposition, becoming dark or even black. 
Owing to its energetic chemical power, it should not be 
usedin solution or even in combination with other drugs." 
The writer uses kaolin as the vehicle for administra- 
tion, combining from the one one-hundred-and-twentieth 
to the one-sixtieth of a grain of the active agent with a 
few grains of kaolin and putting up in sealed capsules. 
The following appended cases may prove interesting and 
instructive:- 
" Case I.-In November, 1886, Mr. D. W. applied to me 
for treatment with the following history: Age 36 years, 
single; laborer, works at bridge building and railroads; 
no history of syphilis or traumatism. For about seven 
years has had frequent attacks of vertigo, with temporary 
loss of consciousness, sometimes as many as six or seven 
of these attacks occurring within twenty-four hours. 
Once or twice in six or eight weeks the attacks are so 
severe that he falls to the ground, and has more or less 
stupor for an hour or two. He has been compelled to 
abandon his usual line of work, for fear he might, in one 
of these attacks, fall into the water or from some height, 
and be injured or killed. He has been taking medi- 
cine, which, from his description, I conclude was the 
bromides. He was getting worse instead of better. THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
171 
"I put him on the following treatment:- 
K Osmic acid, gr. ii. 
Kaolin, q. s. 
"Mix, dispense in 120 capsules, and sc d. Directions: 
One capsule three times a day, two hours ifter meals. 
"He continued taking his capsules regularly until 
June, 1887, almost twenty months. He never had an 
attack after the second week, and has resumed his 
usual occupation. About the date last mentioned he 
paid a visit to Illinois, and by my advice omitted the 
drug. At the end of six months he had three or four 
light attacks of dizziness, and at once resumed his 
medicine, and is now taking one-ninetieth of a grain 
three times a day. His general health is much better, 
and no deleterious effects have ever shown themselves 
from the use of the drug. 
"Case II.-June 1887. Boy, aged 16, said by his 
brother to be a masturbator. This the boy neither 
affirmed nor denied. Has well marked epileptic fits, 
but of moderate severity. I gave him some good advice, 
and the same prescription as above. A little over a 
year later his brother brought in a 13-year-old sister 
with chorea, and reported that the first patient had 
no return of the fits. 
" Case III.-J. V., set. 46, married, has a family; 
farmer; no history of specific disease. Applied for 
treatment in 1888. He gave a history of sudden and 
complete loss of consciousness while working in a hay- 
field on a very hot day, followed by more and more 
frequent attacks of petit-mat, and occasionally of grand- 
ma!, loss of memory, at first scarcely noticeable, but 
becoming, after twelve months, very marked, with par- 
esis, most marked in the lower extremities, with finally 
almost complete loss of mental power, ending in right 
hemiplegia, coma and death. In this case, osmic acid, 172 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
although faithfully tried, gave no relief. Neither did 
nitrate of silver nor the bromides, excepting that the 
latter drug, in very large doses (40 to 60 grains), re- 
lieved for a time the intense attacks of pain in the 
head. 
" Case IV.-J. A., set, 19, had grand-mal since infancy? 
In the early part of autumn in 1888, he had fits oi 
great violence for more than seventy-two hours-that 
is, he never regained consciousness between fits. These 
fits were finally controlled by half-grain doses of mor- 
phine hypodermically; and he returned to his normal 
semi-idiotic condition. He took osmic acid for a short 
time without any results, as on December 12th he dis- 
appeared and his body was found in the Missouri River, 
after the ice went out in the spring. 
" Case V.-G., aet. 43, farmer in good circumstances, 
married. Has had petit-inal for many years, manifest- 
ing itself by vertigo and loss of consciousness. He 
occasionally falls, but is usually able to keep up by 
holding to or leaning against something. 
" These attacks come on about every sixteen or twenty 
days, and last from one to three days. During this 
time the attacks are quite frequent. As soon, however 
as nervous irritability is exhausted, they cease. Except- 
ing that he feels dull for a day or two, he feels as 
well as ever. He has taken a great deal of medicine, 
without much, if any, effect. Early in 1887 he came 
under my care, and for about fifteen months I ran all 
the changes of the bromides, the only effect being to 
disorder his digestion and produce a full crop of acne. 
January 1st, 1888, he commenced taking osmic acid in 
doses of one-sixtieth of a grain three times a day. 
He could not, however, take it more than twice a day, 
on account of sick stomach. He is still taking it once 
or twice a day. Under date of August 29th, he wrote THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
173 
as follows: 'Had some symptoms, last January, of their 
returning. I wrote to you to send me another box of 
pills. My health is good.' He had run out of pills at 
this time and had neglected to get more. 
"I have given the acid in three other cases. In one 
there was advanced Bright's disease, as well as epilepsy. 
He could not take the medicine, and died in a few months 
from the kidney trouble. The others never returned the 
second time, and I lost track of them. 
"To recapitulate: Whole number of cases treated, six; 
very greatly benefited, three; no benefit, three. 
"All three of those not benefited are dead: One from 
cerebral softening, one from chronic Bright's disease, and 
one from accidental drowning. The last took the drug 
but a short time; the second one somewhat irregularly, 
but for quite a long time. 
"While it is true that six cases are a very small num- 
ber upon which to base conclusions, yet I think I may 
safely make the following deductions:- 
"1. In all epilepsies dependent upon organic lesions 
of nerve tissues, osmic acid will do no goqd. Neither 
will any other drug, as far as a permanent cure is con- 
cerned. The case not benefited in which there was albu- 
minuria, does not invalidate this statement. 
"2. In epilepsies purely reflex in origin, osmic acid 
will prove beneficial, if not curative. I have not called 
any of the cases cured, although case second, I think, 
might be so classified. 
"The osmic-acid treatment does not in any way inter- 
fere with the general health, so far as my observation 
goes. In this it has an advantage over the bromide plan 
of treatment." 
Oxalic Acid. 
Under the caption, "Oxalic Acid in Spinal Congestion," 
I wrote the following article for the editorial depart- 174 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
ment of the California Medical Journal of March, 
1890:- 
"We have several times noticed in rambles after 
therapeutic novelties the affinity claimed by certain 
writers to exist between the spinal cord and oxalic 
acid, but having observed so many references to thera- 
peutic possibilities not pressing upon attendant needs, 
we were not sufficiently impressed with the importance 
of this point to give it more than passing notice un- 
til recently. 
" We have long cherished an idea, not original per- 
haps, nor possibly rare, that when an agent disturbs 
a part unpleasantly in massive doses, it is likely to 
seek the same part with good intentions if administered 
in doses sufficiently small to exclude the disturbing 
effect (dynamical doses). This is the sum total of sup- 
port to the Hahnemannian theory, though we are not 
aware that many homeopathists lay claim to the propo- 
sition as we have put it. 
"But, referring to oxalic acid, the poisonous effect of 
the drug evidently indicates that its disturbing influ- 
ence is directed largely to the spinal cord. We need 
not wait for the picture presented to resemble closely 
such effect before prescribing it in disease, but have 
only to fix the fact that a condition of disturbance 
exists there, to send the remedy to the part in min- 
ute doses and expect an amelioration of morbid symp- 
toms. Homeopathy never did better and does not offer 
any such rationale. 
" Recently we prescribed for a case several times with- 
out benefit until oxalic acid was selected. There was a 
feeling of exhaustion, though the patient was around at- 
tending to business. Emaciation was a marked symp- 
tom, though the appetite was not specially poor. The 
prominent symptom was a weakness in the lumbar re- THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
175 
gion, with tensive pains at night so severe as to destroy 
sleep, and these radiated into the abdominal viscera as 
well. The kidneys and entire urinary apparatus seemed 
relaxed and heavy. There was a sense of insecurity 
about the power of control here, though no loss of it. 
The feet and legs seemed to have lost the natural sensa- 
tion, though under control and still sensitive when 
touched. There was soreness and aching in the bottoms 
of the feet. Insomnia was marked. 
" Complete failure of a number of measures for rheu- 
matism failed to benefit the pain, and the case from the 
start was evidently not rheumatism, though some of the 
symptoms might be mistaken for it. There was doubtless 
disturbance of the functions of the spinal cord. Luckily 
the idea of oxalic acid now occurred, and it was pre- 
scribed with almost magical effect. The patient slept 
soundly all night after taking four doses of the 6x tritu- 
ration the first day and began to improve in strength, 
spirits, and general elasticity at once-is evidently re- 
covering rapidly from a long-continued fag due to over- 
work and a wind-up of influenza, which threatened to 
make him speedily a bedridden invalid." 
Dr. Marsh (Therapeutic Gazette) recommends this agent 
in "painful micturition with desire to urinate every few 
minutes, and only a few drops at a time." He asserts 
that it is a sovereign remedy where pichi and all the 
other agents usually used have failed, and he has been 
corroborated by other writers. The following formula 
is recommended for this purpose:- 
fy Oxalic acid, grs. xvi; Syr. aurantii cortex, ?i; Aqua 
destillata, q. s. to make fiv. Sig. Teaspoonful every 
four hours. 
(Enanthe Crocata. 
This remedy has a doubtful reputation in the treat- 
ment of epilepsy. However, it is possible that the fail- 176 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
ures which have attended its use on this Coast have been 
due to the lack of a reliable article of the drug. Such 
favorable reports have been made upon the remedy by 
reliable men in our school, in other parts, that I am of 
the opinion there is still hope for the relief of one of our 
most stubborn nervous affections, in many cases, in its 
use. Dr. Waterhouse and Dr. Henderson, both Eclectic 
physicians, have reported favorably of their experience 
with it. Both reports were made in the Eclectic Medical 
Journal. I have not Dr. Waterhouse's article at hand, 
but will reproduce Dr. H. L. Henderson's, which was re- 
printed in the California Medical Journal of March, 1886: 
" In the December number of the Journal I read an arti- 
cle on the above drug from the pen of Dr. E. R. Water- 
house, in which he mentions the use of oenanthe crocata, 
or water hemlock, in the treatment of epilepsy. I, like a 
drowning man, was ready to catch at a straw, for I, at 
that time, had on my hands three cases of that treacher- 
ous disease, which were giving me no end of vexation of 
spirit, and withal threatening my reputation, profession- 
ally, in as many first-class families. 
" I at once began, through my druggist, trying to pro- 
cure the medicine, which, after several failures, we suc- 
ceeded in getting from the homeopathic pharmacy of 
Humphrey & Co., of New York, in the form of a 'mother 
tincture.' I medicated pellets number 35, and directed 
my worst case to take two pellets every four hours. The 
spasms, which seemed to involve every flexor of the body 
and which were in rapid succession, ceased immediately 
with the administration of the remedy, and from that 
time (June 1st) to this, there has not been the least sign 
of an epileptic seizure. The patienkstill takes the ' little 
pills' twice daily. I will mention one circumstance in 
connection with the remedy in this case that may point 
to its mode of action. The patient was a young lady of THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
177 
rather slender build. About one week after she had 
begun taking two of the pellets every four hours, she 
complained of a headache, and full feeling in the head, 
resembling the headache from glonoine. I at once or- 
dered one pellet every four hours instead of two, and the 
headache disappeared in a few days, when I increased the 
dose, resulting in a reappearance of the same symptoms, 
and I was compelled to again reduce the dose. I am of 
the opinion that the drug causes a determination of 
blood to the nerve centers, thereby overcoming the anae- 
mia on which I believe epilepsy depends. 
"I have used the drug in two cases besides the one 
just described, with like results. One of the cases has 
been a confirmed epileptic for nine years, and has become 
almost an idiot; the spasms have ceased, and he seems 
to be in a fair way to recovery. I am now using it on a 
pauper at our county farm, who has been epileptic for 
thirty years, and has been in the insane asylum on two 
different occasions, and each time has been sent back 
to the county as incurable. I have been treating him 
but a short time, and the prospects for a cure look very 
favorable. If any of my readers have a case of epilepsy 
to treat, I would say, Get the medicine and try it. It 
mustloe given in very small doses." 
Dr Stiles (New York Medical Times') reports the fol- 
lowing case of epilepsy cured with oenanthe crocata:- 
"October 30th, 1883, a gentleman, residing in one of 
the New Jersey coast towns, brought to us his boy, aged 
nine years, large-headed, light complexion, irritable, and 
nervous-looking. This child has had fits since his 
second year, thus described by his father: 'They occur 
at night (rarely by day), while asleep, and sometimes 
two or three in succession in a night; he seldom 
screams, generally catches his breath, and does not 
bite his tongue, although he occasionally froths at the 178 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
mouth. Sometimes he urinates unconsciously; picks his 
nose, is cross and. irritable after his fits. He is smart 
and active when at play, and quick at his studies. He 
generally complains of a cold stomach a short time be- 
fore he has a fit, with a good deal of pain. On retiring 
at night, he is very restless, turns and twists much, with, 
from appearance, a choking sensation. His legs appear 
very stiff and sore, more especially at or near night, so 
that he cannot walk without limping. Picks his nose a 
great deal, sometimes so much that it draws blood.' 
"His father informed us that a year before he had been 
treated for worms, and had passed one seven inches in 
length. He had a good appetite, his bowels were reg- 
ular, and he was growing fast. 
"Belladona, hyos., ignatia, silica, and other approved 
remedies were used, with only the effect of increasing 
perceptibly the length of the intervals between the 
convulsions, and rendering them slightly lighter. 
"December 20th.-We put him on silica, 30, each 
morning, and oenanthe crocata, 10, at noon and night. 
" January 24th, 1884.-He was reported as ' a good deal 
better-has not had a fit in eleven nights.' 
" February 25th.-' Has not had a fit in forty-three 
nights, and seems to be enjoying good health.' 
"April 18th.-' I think you have cured him. He has 
not had a fit in nearly four months.' 
"The patient has remained entirely free from his 
trouble, and in excellent health up to date of present 
writing.'* 
The following case, described by Dr. F. H. Fisk in 
the Chicago Medical Times, is also corroborative evidence 
of the value of this remedy:- 
"Miss H. E. G., aet. 16, sanguine temperament, well- 
grown, robust appearence, but dyspeptic. 
"When 8 years old would have spells of absent- 179 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
mindedness. Would be listless and inattentive for a 
few minutes, then would be all right. Health at that 
age good. These absent-minded spells would occur at 
irregular intervals, and recurred up to date of apply- 
ing to me for treatment for epilepsy. Menstruation 
began at about the age of 12; epileptic convulsions 
wefe manifest about the age of 14, and grew more fre- 
quent and more intense with time. Had been under 
treatment by allopaths, homeopaths and Eclectics. For 
the past six months the patient would have six to ten 
convulsions in twenty-four hours, if not kept stupefied 
■with bromide of potash. It would require from sixty 
to one hundred grains per day to control the condition. 
The mind was beginning to show feebleness, and the 
functions of the body were subnormal. The convulsions 
did not occur at or near the menstrual period any 
more than at other times. 
" I prescribed specific tincture oenantha crocata, minims 
5, water 6 ounces, mix. Directions: Give a teaspoonful 
every three hours until there was some complaint of 
headache, then only every four or six hours, during 
the day, as would be necessary to control the convul- 
sions. Result, not another spasm. The medicine was 
continued for three months and then omitted. At that 
time a little mental excitement brought on a convulsion. 
The medicine was resumed and continued for three 
months longer. No more convulsions, and the absent- 
minded condition had disappeared. The young lady 
became gay, cheerful, with active mind, and entered 
society and took part in social entertainments as did 
other of her associates. 
" When the remedy would be withheld for a short 
time a little mental excitement or mental fatigue would 
cause an epileptic seizure. The remedy was continued, 
gradually reducing the dose, for a period of about two 180 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
years. Since that time more than a year has elapsed, 
there have been no indications of epilepsy, and no se- 
quelae. I have treated five other cases with like results." 
Paullinia Sorbilis-Guarana. 
This remedy promised great results at one time as a 
remedy for migraine, but proved so disappointing in the 
majority of cases that it soon passed into obscurity. It 
also was highly extolled as a remedy for asthma, but 
here, also, it failed to fulfill expectations. However, I 
think it is worthy of attention as a remedy for some 
forms of neuralgia. The greatest trouble in relying upon 
it is the obtaining of a reliable preparation. It has also 
proven curative in infantile intestinal troubles (cholera 
infantum) and chronic rheumatism. 
I have used the specific medicine with the best results, 
and have found the remedy valuable in menstrual head- 
aches where there seemed to be a lack of activity in the 
cerebral circulation-cerebral ansemia. I have also used 
it in neuralgias about the occipital region that were very 
stubborn, with gratifying success. It has been recom- 
mended in obstinate forms of lumbago, but I have never 
tried it and cannot vouch for its effects. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From one to ten drops. 
Passiflora Incarnata. 
This remedy was recommended by Dr. Phares, of 
Mississippi, years ago, as a specific for tetanus. During 
the past few years it has' become quite a favorite with 
many Ecletics as a remedy to relieve "nervousness" and 
induce slumber when the nervous energies have been dis- 
tracted by over-excitement, by prolonged illness, or from 
nervous irritability due to reflex disturbance of the 
sexual organs. 
In nervous females, about the menopause, or debili- 
tated from prolonged hemorrhage, wakefulness is some- 181 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
times a very unpleasant and persistent symptom. Here 
I have found passifiora to be the best of remedies to pro- 
mote slumber without disturbing after-effects. It pro- 
motes slumber, and at the same time proves a perma- 
nent tonic to the nervous system. It is well to combine 
it with pulsatilla in some of these cases, where the pulsa- 
tilla symptoms are pronounced. 
In convalescence from continued fevers, cerebro-spinal 
meningitis and other prolonged diseases of acute charac- 
ter, I find it valuable during convalescence, to quiet the 
nerves and invite slumber. It is almost as positive as 
an opiate, and at the same time is entirely free from the 
objectionable after-effects of the various preparations of 
opium. 
In the treatment of infantile convulsions it rivals rhus 
tox. and gelsemium. I often combine rhus tox. with 
this remedy, adding ten drops of each to half a common 
tumbler of water, and administering a teaspoonful every 
half-hour or hour, in cases where convulsions seem to be 
impending. If there is a febrile condition present I also 
add two or three drops of specific aconite. With this 
preparation in use I can leave a case with the confident 
assurance that no more convulsions will occur, when 
spasms have already been manifested. 
Dr. Joseph Adolphus, of Atlanta, Georgia, in an article 
published in the American Medical Journal, recommends it 
in tetanus, cerebral pain, dysmenorrhoea, tic douloureux, 
accelerated respiratory movement, pain in the rectum, 
and neuralgia of the heart. His cases are described in 
his own words, as follows:- 
" The first case worthy of. report was one of pain in the 
brain; a lady who had suffered for several months un- 
told agonies, as she described her sufferings. Her pain 
was described as if a weight of many pounds was lying on 
her brain; the sense of pressure and tearing inside the 182 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
skull was fearful; her head and neck felt as if enveloped 
in ice; the pains ran down the back of her neck, and 
finally reached the lower end of the sacrum, so that a 
slight touch of the coccyx caused exquisite agony. 
This, was a case in which coccygodynia was associated 
with the cerebral and spinal disease. I failed to re- 
lieve the pain for more than a few hours at a time 
with all other remedies I had tried; at this juncture, 
when despair was taking the place of hope, I thought 
of passiflora, which I then administered in teaspoonful 
doses of the tincture every two hours. The result 
was something to be remembered, for she enjoyed an 
excellent and refreshing night's rest the following night, 
waking up in the morning nearly free from pain, and 
with a good relish for breakfast. I continued the medi- 
cine every four hours for several days, for no further 
uses for medicine seemed indicated, as there was a rapid 
and complete recovery. 
"No longer ago than last October, I cured a case of 
painful menstruation with the medicine, after failing 
with viburnum prunifolium, gelsemium, etc. This was 
an inveterate case that had been going the rounds for 
two years. 
"A few months ago I treated a case of neuralgia of 
the fifth pair, the ophthalmic branch being involved. 
As you know; the lenticular ganglion is anatomically and 
physiologically, together with a branch of the third 
nerve, all associated with the sensory and vasomotor 
functions in the eye. I found passiflora incarnata 
prompt in stopping the pain and clearing up vaso- 
inotor paresis and extreme dilatation of the pupil 
of the affected eye. The dose used was a tablespoon- 
ful of the saturated tincture of the root, every two hours. 
"I find the medicament a valuable agent in all ner- 
vous affections attended by those peculiar excitements 183 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
that lead one to suspect congestion of the cord and 
ganglionic centers. It undoubtedly acts as a sedative 
to the ganglionic cells in the gray matter of the cord; 
also on the ganglia in the thorax, pelvis, abdomen, as 
well as those in the brain. Its influence in quieting 
and sedating the vegetative system of nerves is very 
striking, and also the centers in the medulla oblongata. 
"I attended a lady during her pregnancy on account 
of pain in her uterus, abdomen and pelvis; and one 
peculiar symptom was constant quick respiration, night 
and day, never less than thirty-five per minute. I de- 
termined to try passiflora, which I administered in half- 
teaspoonful doses every three hours. In twenty-four 
hours the respirations were reduced to twenty-six, and 
with the lowering came relief from pain. In forty-eight 
hours more the respiratory movements were reduced to 
twenty-one during wake, and never fell below eighteen 
during sleep. This case taught me to look on the ac- 
tion of the medicament as a sedative to the motor cen- 
ters in the medulla, and most probably of the ganglion 
cells in anterior cornua of the cord. I also treated a 
boy three years old last fall who had a diarrhoea as a 
sequel to an acute attack of entero-colitis. I found 
the respirations fifty a minute; the bowel discharges 
were thin, watery, offensive, six to ten per diem. 
Other remedies failed on him; passiflora, in one-fourth 
teaspoonfuls every two hours, worked a complete cure 
in three or four days. The first symptom to yield 
was the quick respiratory movement. 
"In the convulsions of children we have in the passi- 
flora a safe and almost specific medicament. It may 
be given in half-teaspoonful doses with confidence, re- 
peated every hour until the convulsions cease. 
" I used the medicament in a case of constant up- 
roar and movement of the small intestine and more or 184 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
less tympanitis, in a lady in the middle of her change 
of life troubles, in doses of a teaspoonful of the tincture 
repeated every two hours, with marked success. 
"A lady complained of pain in her rectum continuously; 
the coccyx was also quite tender to the touch. There 
were several erosions on the lips of the os uteri; leu- 
corrhoea and severe pain in the small of the back when 
a certain spot (over last dorsal and first and second 
lumbar vertebrae) was pressed on. I found she had 
been treated secundum artem for the uterine trouble, 
locally and constitutionally, to no certain satisfactory 
result. Her respirations were often twenty-eight to 
thirty per minute, much wakefulness, and at times feel- 
ings of constriction across her breast and a sense as if 
her heart would stop beating. Teaspoonful doses of the 
passiflora incarnata were the specific in her case. She 
continued it every four hours for two weeks, but from the 
outset of treatment she felt the right remedy was being 
administered. 
" These rectum troubles in women are frequently met 
with in practice. I find the passiflora incar. the best 
single remedy I have for them. 
"Recently a man consulted me for a constant pain in 
his heart; he described it as sharp, and like a pang- 
often causing a sense of immediate dissolution, and fear 
of death was on him all the time; pulse irregular in 
rhythm, now rapid, next slower, occasionally a beat miss- 
ing; sounds were normal, but accentuated and sharp. 
Passiflora incarnata was a specific in this case; no doubt 
the center and probably the local ganglia were irritated 
from some cause, and, whatever it was, the medicament 
removed both. 
" I may have something more to say of this medica- 
ment in the future. It is only necessary to mention its 
value to suggest trial of it. I use the whole plant; THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
185 
but think the tops, blooms and leaves strongest in medici- 
nal properties when gathered just about the time the 
fruit is beginning to form. The roots are best gathered 
in the fall. 
"Alcohol and water respectively extract the medicinal 
properties. I make a saturated tincture of the dried 
root in 60 per cent, of alcohol. I have found a decoc- 
tion of all parts of the plant active. 
" I treated a lady last summer for sleeplessness; she 
was pregnant also; the whole plant in decoction was used, 
in tablespoonful doses, with happy results. 
"By the way, I must not forgot to say, You will find 
it a valuable medicant in sleeplessness and tossing rest- 
lessness in your fever patients, I use the tincture in tea- 
spoonful doses every four hours. It appears the remedy 
has a soothing effect on the whole nervous system, with- 
out any appreciable narcotic properties." 
Form for Administration.-I usually employ the tinc- 
ture obtained at a homeopathic pharmacy-the " mother 
tincture". 
Dose.-From one drop to one drachm. 
Paraldehyde. 
This remedy is valued by some on account of its hyp- 
notic properties, which resemble those of chloral some- 
what, but which are free from the depressant heart effects 
of that drug. Where chloral would be contra-indicated, 
then, on account of cardiac debility, this agent might be 
employed, if there were urgent demand for a prompt hvp- 
notic, as in delirium tremens, hysteria, insanity, etc. It 
has been recommended in epilepsy, but clinical reports 
afford little testimony of its efficacy in that affection. It 
ranks with sulfonal as a sleep-producing agent, and can 
usually be dispensed with very well by Eclectic physi- 
cians, who possess so many other calmative agents of 
better general effect that they will seldom need to em- 186 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
ploy it. The dose will vary from twenty to forty drops. 
When a prompt hypnotic effect is desired the larger dose 
should be employed. 
Piper Methysticum. 
Kava kava is one of our most reliable remedies for the 
cure of neuralgia, especially tic douloureux. It is very 
prompt in its action on the branches of the fifth pair of 
nerves, and should be thought of in all neuralgic states 
of the teeth, ear, eye, or points of distribution of the 
portio dura. 
Neuralgia of other portions of the nervous system may 
be benefited by this remedy, though the greater portion 
of my experience has been confined to cases of facial neu- 
ralgia. On my return from the East in 1890, I was con- 
sulted by an old patron who had been suffering from a 
pain in the lower jaw, near the point of exit of the men- 
tal nerve, for several months, and who had consulted a 
number of physicians without relief. Piper methysticum 
cured promptly and in a few hours. I select this remedy 
first in cases of facial neuralgia, for while it is not in- 
fallible it acts more promptly and efficiently than any 
other agent I have ever employed, as a rule. 
Gastric and intestinal neuralgia also yield to it, though 
the pain is usually reflex that submits most readily to its 
action; for instance: Pain in the pectoral region, arising 
from nervous dyspepsia, abdominal neurosis arising from 
urethral stricture or irritation of the testes or prostate; 
such character of neuralgia is better adapted to piper 
methysticum than a neurosis located at the actual seat 
of disease. The remedy also promises to prove potent 
in relieving the excruciating pain of renal colic. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose-Add from ten to twenty drops to half a tumbler THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
187 
of water and order a teaspoonful every fifteen minutes, in 
urgent cases; ordinarily the dose may be repeated every 
hour. 
Piscidia Erythrina. 
Jamaica dogwood has proven a very useful remedy in 
various conditions involving the nervous system. In in- 
somnia, neuralgia and sick-headache, it has proven a most 
acceptable remedy, being almost as prompt as opiates 
while it is devoid of the unpleasant after-effects that 
mark the influence of almost all forms of opium. 
As a remedy to bring about pleasant and restful slum- 
ber in protracted insomnia I esteem it highly, especially 
if the patient be somewhat aged. Insomnia in such per- 
sons, if of nervous temperament, in cases of slight indis- 
position, is sometimes very stubborn, but will usually 
yield to this agent. Even if its effects finally become less 
and less marked, if the protracted insomnia can be once 
broken up, other soothing remedies, of less obiectional 
nature, can then be employed successfully; for in some 
cases, without doubt, Jamaica dogwood leaves behind its 
soporific effect more or less nausea, languor, and other 
unpleasant drug influence. While, then, there are rem- 
edies, as passiflora, rhus tox., aconite, etc., which I pre- 
fer to rely upon in the beginning, I usually choose 
Jamaica dogwood in preference to chloral hydrate or any 
form of opium, when some positive soporific is demanded. 
In late years I have sometimes employed instead anti- 
kamnia, sulfonal, antifebrine or antipyrine, but the su- 
periority of any of these agents over piscidia is to be 
doubted, while I believe the vegetable remedy the safest 
one to rely upon in the majority of cases. 
Jamaica dogwood has been highly extolled as a remedy 
for neuralgia in some quarters, and I am disposed to give 
it credit for valuable properties in this respect, though I 188 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
have had little experience with it in this direction. In 
the "Newer Materia Medica," published by Parke,Davis 
& Co., are the reports of some thirty-three cases by dif- 
ferent physicians, in which its value as a remedy for neu- 
ralgia is almost universally attested. It is also lauded as 
a remedy for migraine. The form of neuralgia in which 
it seems to have been tried most is tic douloureux; 
toothache and other accompaniments being mentioned. 
Some of the writers commend the local application of the 
fluid extract, introduced into the cavity of the tooth on a 
particle of absorbent cotton. Dr. John Fearn, in an ar- 
ticle contributed to the California Medical Journal, of 
April, 1888, extols it in tic douloureux, neuralgia of the 
kidney simulating the passage of a renal calculus, and in 
insomnia.. The Doctor's testimony, wherever he is well 
known, is a valuable guarantee of the merit of the remedy. 
It has also been used by Dr. J. P. Webb (now deceased), 
in neuralgic dysmenorrhcea, with good results. 
This remedy resembles, in certain respects, pulsatilla, 
passiflora, piper methysticum and plantago major. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. In 
the absence of this preparation Parke,Davis & Co.'s fluid 
extract may be employed. 
Dose.-This should vary from a half-teaspoonful to a 
teaspoonful. I usually combine it with equal parts of 
simple syrup, and order a teaspoonful at a dose. 
Plantago Major. 
This remedy ranks with piper methysticum in its in- 
fluence on the fifth pair of nerves. It is a very relia- 
ble remedy for toothache, when this condition is amena- 
ble to the influence of therapeutics, both the local influ- 
ence and the internal administration of the drug being of 
service. The carious cavity, when one is present, should 
be thoroughly exposed and a particle of cotton moist- 
ened with the specific medicine afterward applied. In THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
189 
connection with this, ten or fifteen drops of the specific 
medicine should be added to half a common tumbler of 
water and a teaspoonful administered every half hour, 
until relief follows. 
In aural pain it is also effective, a small portion of 
cotton saturated with it being inserted in the ear while 
the drug is also administered internally. 
It is also valuable in tic douloureux, though not as 
reliable as piper methysticum. 
The form for administration and dose have already 
been suggested. 
i 
Pulsatilla Nigricans. 
The German pulsatilla-pulsatilla nigricans-is the 
remedy that should be understood as being referred to 
in this article; the anemone nemorosa or American pul- 
satilla possesses similar properties, but is not identical 
with it as a remedy, and should not be confounded with 
it as some druggists are disposed to do. I have, several 
times during my practice, had druggists attempt to sell 
me preparations of American pulsatilla, assuring me that 
it was identical with the German preparation, both in 
species and properties. It is needless to remark that 
such druggists know little of Eclectic methods-the hap- 
hazard methods of "regular" medicine have been their 
custom. 
Pulsatilla is the favorite Eclectic remedy for "nervous- 
ness." Scudder's leading indication in this respect is "a 
fear of impending danger." Where the patient seems un- 
duly timid and fearful without commensurate cause, it 
will usually serve a good purpose, either alone or in com- 
bination, in the treatment of the case. It is best adapted 
to tearful, timid women, who are under the influence of 
uterine irritation; but it is by no means contra-indicated 
if the patient is a male, if there is prominent manifesta- 190 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
tion of undue dread of the consequences of the condition, 
when no really serious disease is present. 
Functional heart difficulties, and those cases where 
the cardiac trouble is purely imaginary, are the con- 
ditions where it will oftenest prove most satisfactory. 
Imaginary difficulties of the heart are not uncommon, 
and cannot be talked or laughed away. If there is no 
disease in the heart there is one in the brain, and 
pulsatilla is largely a mental remedy, soothing the dis- 
turbed mental equilibrium and tending to relieve fanci- 
ful alarm. 
Pulsatilla is also a valuable remedy in neuralgic dys- 
menorrhoea. It will not accomplish a cure where the 
cervix needs dilating, and must be used with discrim- 
ination-though there is no danger in prescribing it 
unsuccessfully. The case of dysmenorrhoea, however, 
must be neuralgic, in order that benefit may follow its 
use. A favorite plan, with the majority of Eclectics, is 
to combine this remedy with cimicifuga in such cases, 
using from half a drachm to a drachm of each in four 
ounces of water, and administering a teaspoonful every 
two or four hours. In an urgent case, where the pa- 
tient was suffering severe pain, the dose might be repeated 
every fifteen minutes. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From ten drops to a drachm may be added 
to four ounces of water and a teaspoonful ordered as 
often as the urgency of the case demands. 
Phosphorus. 
This remedy has received a great amount of credit as 
a vital stimulant from certain quarters, and this might 
be considered a rational proposition, seeing that it is 
one of the important constituents of nervous structure. 
The homeopathists value it highly in continued fevers, 
where the vital powers are apparently failing. It is a THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
191 
favorite remedy with them in the late stage of typhoid 
fever, and all febrile conditions of adynamic type, where 
there is impending paralysis. In such cases the dose 
must be very small-not more than a fraction of a drop 
of the third decimal dilution, but should be repeated 
often, say every hour or two. From my experience I 
am inclined to believe that the remedy has been over- 
estimated in this class of cases. 
As a remedy for neuralgia, I have seen phosphorus ac- 
complish wonders in some obstinate and long- standing 
neuralgias in old persons where other remedies of good 
repute entirely failed, even in affording temporary relief. 
It is not a remedy that will be used very often in neu- 
ralgia, in fact, I am of the opinion that we have a number 
of others more generally applicable; but in long stand- 
ing, obstinate £ases, it will sometimes help one out sur- 
prisingly well. In insomnia depending on cerebral anae- 
mia, and in degenerative changes in the nervous system 
due to senility, phosphorus may sometimes be made 
avail of to good advantage. In brain fag or nervous ex- 
haustion due to too prolonged application to mental or 
physical exertion, phosphorus may be prescribed advan- 
tageously in the majority of cases. 
Mental aberrations may suggest the need of phosphorus, 
as hysteria, melancholia, and insanity, when these seem 
to be due to imperfect nutrition, or degenerative changes 
in the nervous structures. 
Form for Administration.-I usually use the third dec- 
imal dilution. The tincture may be employed instead, 
but one is liable to overdo the dose unless extremely 
careful with the drug in this form. 
Dose.-From half a drachm to a drachm may be added 
to four ounces of water and a teaspoonful administered 
every two or three hours. The remedy must act slowly- 
is not adapted to acute cases. 192 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
Phosphates. 
Phosphate of Lime.-This remedy has some reputation 
in the treatment ot brain fag, the result of dissipation or 
overwork. It is not as reliable as some of the phosphates 
in this respect, its principal use in medicine being in the 
line of remedies for the osseous system. As a remedy 
for brain fag the dose should be small, a few grains of 
the 3x trituration answering the purpose well. 
Phosphate of Magnesia.-The line of study pursued by 
Schuessler has afforded the best results in the application 
of this remedy to disease. It is an antispasmodic and 
antineuralgic of remarkable power in certain cases. 
Dr. Fearn writes of this remedy in singultus as follows: 
"In an obstinate case of singultus, magnesium phosphate 
worked like a charm. The patient was suffering with ty- 
phoid fever. The fever had subsided nidely and the pa- 
tient seemed to be doing well when this unpleasant feat- 
ure commenced; the hiccough was almost continual, and 
so violent in character that the patient was shaken till he 
was sore for three days. I tried all the remedies I could 
think of with no satisfaction. Finally I put him on mag- 
nesium phosphate. The result was remarkable; when I 
called the patient was so much better that as I went into 
his room he said, 'Doctor, why did you not give me that 
medicine before?' After the medicine was laid aside for 
a while the trouble partially returned, but it was not 
nearly so violent; it was a kind of sobbing, and this yielded 
speedily to the remedy." 
The same writer describes the effects of this remedy in 
neuralgia: "A patient sought my services a little while 
ago for the relief of acute sciatica. In a few days he was 
much relieved and thought the worst past. I cautioned 
him to avoid taking cold and bade him continue the treat- 
ment. In about three days more he again called, and 
said, Doctor, I thought I was cured, but the last two 193 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
nights and to-day I have suffered terribly.' The pain was 
not continuous and yet it was not a periodic pain. It was 
a sharp, shooting pain, with a sense of constriction oc- 
cupying the hip joint, .the region of the sciatic nerve and 
the right hypochondrium. It was not regular in its ac- 
tion nor constant, but would come without warning and 
would leave without saying goodbye; in short it was 
spasmodic in character. Remembering from experience 
that magnesium phosphate is antidotal to this spasmodic 
character of pain, I gave the 3x in small doses every two 
hours. What was the result? The condition was removed 
--the pain completely relieved. 
"In another case a lady about six months advanced in 
pregnancy suffered with spasmodic pain radiating from 
umbilicus to pubes, not constant, but coming and going, 
quite severe. Shall we give some carminative or anodyne? 
We might do so. But remembering that such a condition 
can be removed with magnesium phosphate I gave it here; 
results very satisfactory, as in other case." 
The following clinical report by the author, published 
in an old number of the California Medical Journal, illus- 
trates, also, the value of the phosphates of magnesium 
and potassium in obstinate neurosis: Anxiety, business 
cares, and overwork had been telling on the patient for 
months. Finally, while on the local train between the 
ferries and home (Berkeley), he suddenly experienced a 
peculiar cerebral sensation and became unconscious, but 
in a few minutes recovered, and asked the conductor to 
assist him from the train when he arrived at his station, 
and had the presence of mind to remember a bundle 
which lay on the seat at his side, but was still dizzy and 
confused. 
After arriving at home he experienced a severe spas- 
modic pain in the cardiac region, which was accompanied 
by faintness, shortness of breath, and coldness of the ex- 194 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
tremities. This lasted several hours, and continued to 
return thereafter for two weeks or more, without im- 
provement, sometimes several times a day, at irregular 
intervals. This finally became attended by more or less 
mental weakness at times, and, as his physician informed 
him that he was suffering from an organic affection of 
the brain, the result of apoplexy (referring to the attack 
on the train), he became very despondent. 
After three or four weeks, with rest and treatment, 
he improved somewhat, but, in performing some trivial 
manual labor about his home, he experienced a relapse; 
and, as his physician (old-school) insisted that his days 
were few, he concluded to try an Eclectic physician, as 
he employed one in the East formerly as his family 
adviser. 
When the patient came, in company with his wife, I 
found the case an unpromising one. He was past sixty 
years of age, of careworn appearance, despondent, and 
presenting marked evidences of nervous exhaustion. 
There was no paralysis, however, and no evidence of any 
loss of motor or sensory function, and upon making the 
effort he could call into use all his reasoning faculties 
-pretty good evidence that he had not suffered from 
apoplexy. He complained of sleepless nights from lan- 
cinating pains in the left pectoral region and left side 
of the face. 
The prescription was potassium phosphate, 3x, to re- 
store lost nervous energy, and magnesium phosphate for 
the spasmodic pains. Add ten grains to a tumbler half 
full of water, each agent to be prepared in a separate 
glass, and alternating give a teaspoonful every hour dur- 
ing the day, and until bedtime. In about a week the 
patient returned for more medicine, and marked im- 
provement was observable. The careworn, despondent 
expression of countenance had given way to one of com- THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
195 
fort and hope. He said he was better; had felt but 
one spasmodic attack since beginning the medicine, and 
could now go about and do light chores without be- 
coming exhausted, and slept well at night. In another 
week his wife reported him "well as ever." 
Magnesium phos. has been highly extolled as a remedy 
in whooping cough, but I am of the opinion that we 
have better remedies in drosera and cuprum. But as 
influences differ in their nature in different epidemics, 
and as this remedy has been indorsed by several of the 
enterprising Eclectics of the country, I cannot but be- 
lieve that it possesses just claims to distinction in 
this affection. 
The form for administration and dose have already 
been suggested. 
Phosphate of Potash.-This remedy has already been 
referred to. It is useful in brain fag, in exhaustion of 
the nervous system generally, and even in structural 
change in the brain or spinal cord, if administered in 
the inception of the disease. 
All conditions arising from loss of nerve power, as 
prostration, loss of mental vigor, depression. Grauvogl 
says: "Kali phos. is a constituent of all animal fluids 
and tissues, notably of the brain, nerves, muscles and 
blood cells. All tissue forming substances retain it with 
the greatest obstinacy, all nutritious fluids contain it, 
hence we may conclude that it is indispensable to the 
formation of tissues. All the nerves retain their vitality 
for a long time and very completely, in a solution of 
kali phosphate." 
This is considered by Schuessler as the prominent 
nervous tissue salt of the body. It is indicated by neu- 
ralgic pain occurring in any organ, if it is accompanied 
by loss of nervous power. It resembles pulsatilla some- 
what in its mental characteristics, the patient being 196 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
apprehensive without reasonable cause and inclined to 
tears. It is a remedy for paralysis, locomotor ataxia, 
epilepsy, hysteria, and other conditions of the nervous 
system coming on as the result of faulty action in the 
arrangement of the molecules of the nervous substance. 
In typhoid fever, where there is great prostration with 
jactitation, tremors, subsuit us tendinum, and other evi- 
dences of nervous exhaustion, I have found it useful. 
The form for administration and dose have been sug- 
ted in the article on magnesium phosphate. 
Rhus Toxicodendron. 
The influence of rhus tox. on the nervous system is 
of great service in many febrile conditions, as it com- 
bines with it valuable sedative properties. In all febrile 
states attended by extreme restlessness, this is one of 
the first remedies to be thought of. Some one has given 
the cry encephcdique as the special indication for its use 
in the treatment of infantile affections, but if I were to 
associate the condition of restlessness with any other 
particular symptom it would be that of irritation of the 
digestive organs, as indicated by the pointed tongue, 
with reddened tip and edges. Whenever one finds this 
symptom pronounced, with his patient excessively rest- 
less, he cannot select another remedy which will com- 
pare with rhus tox. in promptness of action. 
This combination of symptoms is very common in in- 
fantile affections, and in febrile diseases of delicate adults 
of nervous temperament; sometimes we encounter it in 
such chronic affections as phthisis, where I have em- 
ployed rhus very satisfactorily a number of times, to 
control restlessness associated with nausea and other 
symptoms of gastric irritability. However, the effect in 
this particular case is more palliative than curative, 
the symptoms returning, usually, upon the withdrawal 
of the medicine. THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
197 
In the delirium of adynamic fevers rhus is one of the 
best of remedies, also. I am of the opinion that it con- 
trols disturbances in the cerebral centers marked by ir- 
ritation and determination of blood. The difference 
between this remedy and gelsemium is, that the latter 
agent controls determination of blood to the brain gen- 
erally, while rhus exerts more of a local influence upon 
certain of the cerebral centers. In other words, it in- 
fluences certain local vascular areas within the substance 
of the brain without controlling the volume of blood 
that supplies the cranial cavity. In cerebral conditions 
amenable to rhus there is delirium, with bright eyes, con- 
tracted pupils, restlessness, and small wiry pulse, instead 
of the full bounding pulse of gelsemium. 
In infantile convulsions I value rhus tox. above all 
other remedies with which I am acquainted. It has 
proven more effective in my hands than gelsemium, lobelia, 
or passiflora, though I often alternate it with the last 
named remedy. In any case where convulsions have oc- 
curred or seem impending, I can confidently assure the 
anxious parents or guardians that no more will occur 
after the patient has been placed upon rhus. And I 
can leave the case with the medicine feeling confident 
that my presence is not required to fortify me against 
the calling of another practitioner in my absence on 
account of threatening premonitions. 
Rhus tox. has been recommended in various forms 
of headache, and often proves beneficial, though the 
transient cephalalgias to which many persons are 
subject are not its sphere. Where febrile conditions 
prevail and there is tendency to adynamia, we will get 
the best effect from it in this respect. The Homeopathic 
estimate of it is: "Congestive headache, with burning in 
the ears and vertex; vesicular eruptions upon the scalp; 
fullness and heaviness, and sensation of weight in the 198 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
forehead; rheumatic pains in the back and joints of the 
shoulder, arm, and wrist; fullness and pain in the limbs 
on first moving in the morning, relieved by constant 
motion." 
Rhus tox. acts upon the spinal cord, and has been used 
in paralysis, especially of the lower extremities, though I 
have never been very favorably impressed with this use 
of the remedy. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add from ten to twenty drops to four ounces of 
water, and give a teaspoonful every one or two hours. 
Where there is much gastric irritability it may .be given 
every fifteen minutes until the vomiting has been arrested. 
The dose here mentioned is for adults; children should 
have proportionately smaller quantities. 
Scutellaria Lateriflora. 
This remedy resembles cypripedium and pulsatilla in 
some respects in its action on the nervous system, all 
three being adapted to that peculiar combination of men- 
tal and physical symptoms denominated as "nervousness" 
However, its influence in other directions is quite dissim- 
ilar, it having proven curative in chorea, delirium tre- 
mens, convulsions, neuralgia, and functional heart affec- 
tions. Professor King wrote of it as follows:- 
" This is one of those valuable agents which a certain 
class of physicians consider inert; yet it has proved 
especially useful in chorea, convulsions, tremors, intermit- 
tent fever, neuralgia, and all nervous affections. In de- 
lirium tremens, an infusion drank freely will soon produce 
a calm sleep. Where teething has impaired the health 
of children, an infusion may be given with advantage. 
The Scutellaria is one of our most valuable nervines and 
tonics, and is especially useful in cases of depression of 
the nervous and vital powers after long sickness, over- 199 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
exercise, excessive study, or from long-continued or ex- 
hausting labors. One grain (scuteliarin) will frequently 
produce its quieting and soothing effect, controlling nerv- 
ous agitation, and inducing a sensation of calmness and 
strength." 
Professor Scudder has written of it as follows: "It has 
been found remarkably efficacious in chorea, or St. Vitus' 
dance. Dr. Beach states that he has cured a great num- 
ber of cases with it. We have used it in several instan- 
ces with apparent benefit. In cases of great nervous ex- 
citement, with severe tremors, also in attacks of delirium 
tremens, it has in several cases afforded prompt relief. 
" It has been extolled in many of the nervous and spas- 
modic affections so very common among women. It has 
attracted much attention in hydrophobia, and at one time, 
enjoyed a high reputation in the treatment of that formi- 
dable disease, although the same reliance is not placed 
on it that was some years ago; still, it is resorted to, both 
as a prophylactic and curative agent, in cases of canine 
madness. Testimony is not wanting to establish the 
fact that many persons have been bitten by rabid animals, 
and avoided the development of the disease by the free 
use of Scutellaria; while others, bitten at the same time, 
by the same animal, became hydrophobic. So many cir- 
cumstances may occur to prevent the inception of the ca- 
nine virus at the time of the bite-as the interference of 
clothes, or the speedy removal of it from the parts bitten, 
and thus preventing it from being absorbed-that we 
must view many of the cases said to have been cured by 
the exhibition of this article as hardly equivocal. 'A 
physician bitten by a mad dog, has assured me,' says 
Bafinesque, 'that himself, alone, had avoided the disease 
by using it, while others bitten by the same dog died.' 
"Dr. Vandesveer, who is said to have introduced it to 
the notice of the profession of 1772, or, rather, to have 200 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
discovered its prophylactic powers against hydrophobia, 
is said to have prevented four hundred persons and one 
thousand cattle from becoming hydrophobic; and his son 
is said to have relieved or cured forty persons who had 
been bitten, by the use of the same agent. These favor- 
able reports of its efficacy are strongly questioned, and 
even denied by eminent physicians, while many of the 
botanic school report very favorably of its efficacy in that 
disease. It would seem that there ought to be some 
grain of truth among so much testimony. My observa- 
tions have not fallen upon any such cases; but in one 
patient to whom I gave the scutellarin, the lx, for a nerv- 
ous affection, its administration was always followed by 
the symptom, 'spasmodic or constrictive closing of the 
jaws, and a tightness of the muscles of the face.' A prov- 
ing might elicit symptoms which would account for its 
efficacy in hydrophobic conditions. I have used it suc- 
cessfully in several cases of tremors, and twitching of the 
limbs in typhoid fever; also in mild forms of hysteric 
spasms, and nervous irritation in pregnant females, etc." 
Professor Paine remarks of Scutellaria:- 
"It appears to manifest itself more particularly upon 
the gray nerve-tissue, and hence it is adapted to, and 
exerts a wonderful power in, most of the difficulties which 
originate in pathological conditions of this structure. 
All forms of chorea are promptly relieved by the proper 
use of this drug; in fact, it may be correctly pronounced 
a specific for these affections. I have tested it in every 
form of this affection, and if used persistently and 
judiciously in combination with such adjunct remedies as 
the constitution may indicate, it manifests a wonderful 
power. It is of great virtue in fevers, and other affec- 
tions where the gray nerve-tissue has undergone partial 
degeneration and disintegration, or where the nerve force 
is impaired by this peculiar pathological change. Thus THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
201 
in subsultus tendinum following fevers, in delirium 
tremens, and other spasmodic affections, as epilepsy, 
catalepsy, hysteria, etc., this remedy, combined with iron, 
is of vast importance. It is of great value as a tonic to 
the nervous system, where there is a general nervous de- 
bility, either from u erine disease or other constant irri- 
tations to the nervous system. I have used this remedy 
extensively in all female diseases, hepatic difficulties, and 
other chronic affections that influence the nervous sys- 
tem, and by uniting it with iron have found it to afford 
most prompt relief. My method of administering it in 
the low forms of fevers is to compound one or two grains 
with one grain of hyposulphite of soda, and give a 
powder fom or five times a day. In hysteria, epilepsy, 
catalepsy, and other spasmodic affections of that class, I 
give it in stronger doses. I have cured some most obsti- 
nate cases of epilepsy by giving four or five grains, with 
equal parts of carbonate of iron, every two or three hours 
during the day, followed by occasional purges. Some 
most remarkable cases of hysteria have promptly yielded 
to two grains of scutellarin, administered three or four 
times a day in combination with chalybeates. In chorea, 
one grain combined with one or two of the carbonate of 
iron, every two or three hours, baths, friction, and well 
regulated diet, most promptly relieves, and where it is 
judiciously administered results in a permanent cure. 
This remedy has also been used to allay general nervous 
irritability; and I have frequently prescribed where there 
is a want of sleep or restlessness manifested on the part 
of the patient, one or two grains of Scutellaria at bed time, 
with one or two grains of the prussiate of iron, and have 
found it to manifest quite as soothing an influence as 
opium or morphia." 
Dr. Coe, another old Eclectic writer, offers the fob 
lowing on the merits of this drug:- 202 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
"We have found the scutellarin a remedy of great 
value in the treatment of coup de soliel, or sunstroke, 
particularly when the case has become chronic. We 
have met with entire success in many of these cases 
by the use of scutellarin and podophyllin. In the 
treatment of epileptic convulsions, as soon as we have 
secured a remission of the attacks by means of gel- 
semin, we employ the scutellarin with the gelsemin as a 
radical remedy. We have used scutellarin with benefit 
in threatened trismus, tetanic cramps, and other spas- 
modic disorders." 
Hale recommends it in sleeplessness, night terrors, 
hysteria, delirium tremens, nervous agitation from pain 
or exciting emotions, etc. 
It will thus be observed that this remedy filled an im- 
portant place in the practice of our older physicians, and 
possibly is being too much neglected by modern men. 
Now, that a reliable preparation can be obtained, it is 
hoped that a trial of its merits may convince us that the 
claims made by Paine and others as to the efficiency of 
this remedy may be confirmed by modern experience. 
Mv own use of the remedy has been confined to its appli- 
cation to functional cardiac irregularities and to " nerv- 
ousness," with or without hysterical complication. In 
hysteria I consider it inferior to gossypium, the latter 
drug more specifically influencing the uterus, and thus 
controlling the agitation upon which the "nervousness" 
depends. However, it is an excellent calmative, either 
in infusion of the recent plant, or in the form of scutel- 
lariu, and should be resorted to oftener than it is as a 
remedy. In cardiac irregularity an intermittent pulse 
is a very good indication for its use. It is certainly one 
of our most reliable remedies here. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-This may vary from one to twenty drops. 203 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
Silica. 
This remedy is sometimes useful in vertigo arising 
from sunstroke, neurasthenia, or epilepsy. I have de- 
rived some satisfaction from it in the treatment of epi- 
lepsy, though it does not prove curative. It prolongs 
the intermissions between the attacks, however, and in 
incurable cases it may lessen the frequency of the attacks 
by half, or more, when steadily administered for several 
months. I use the 3x trituration, in two or three-grain 
doses, three or four times daily. 
Solanum Nig BUM. 
Solanum nigrum influences the cerebro-spinal system 
markedly, and has proven effective in cerebro-spinal 
meningitis, congestive headaches, amaurosis, ophthalmia, 
and convulsions in teething children; also puerperal 
convulsions, chorea, insanity, and the cerebral complica- 
tions of typhoid fever. It resembles belladonna in its 
action upon the capillary circulation. Add five to ten 
drops of the specific medicine to half a glass of water and 
give a teaspoonful every hour, in acute affections. 
Solanum Carolinense. 
This is a new remedy introduced for the cure of epi- 
lepsy. I have had no experience with it myself, and 
shall publish two quotations from periodical medical 
literature to illustrate its claims for recognition. 
The following is from Notes on New Remedies by Abram 
Smead:- 
" I saw in the Virginia Medical Monthly, September, 
1889, that Dr. G. L. Napier, of Blenheim, S, C., had used 
a tincture of the horse-nettle, with great success in epi- 
lepsy. I wrote to Dr. Napier to know what part of the 
plant he used, and how much to the pint of the men- 
struum. He replied that he filled a bottle half full of the 
ripe berries, bruised, and filled it up with sixty-per-cent. 204 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
alcohol, and gave a teaspoonful four times a day. He 
also stated in the same letter that he prescribed it for a 
gentleman who had been epileptic eight years; the gen- 
tleman, misunderstanding the dose, took a tablespoon- 
ful four times a day. After taking it for a week he 
returned to the doctor and told him that he could not 
take the remedy any longer, as it kept him drunk all 
the time. He has not had a fit since he took the 
remedy. Dr. Napier also wrote that each dose should 
produce a feeling of drowsiness, and in obstinate cases 
he gave it every three hours until there were symp- 
toms of vertigo. He also stated that it controlled 
puerperal convulsions." 
The following is by N. Emmons Paine, M. D., of the 
Westborough Insane Hospital, from the New England 
Medical Gazette:- 
"Before describing our use of solanum in epilepsy, 
I wish to tell what we have previously done for epi- 
leptics. We have always had about five per cent, of 
epileptics in our population. Just at present the exact 
number is twenty-nine. Probably no one would expect 
a cure ot any of the cases who come to the hospital. 
They have, however, received medicines prescribed 
homeopathically, according to the symptoms. All the 
well-known remedies have been tried, and also many 
of the new remedies, and others not in general use. 
Probably no one medicine has shown more efficacy 
than belladonna. As individualization of remedies has 
shown scarcely any cures, I decided to experiment with 
all the cases at once, by giving them all one remedy 
for a definite period, and keeping a record of the at- 
tacks. Last November, the epileptics were given arte- 
misia absinthium lx, and that was continued until 
April. After that time, glonoine 3x was given until 
July, and then we began solanum car. tincture. Out THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
205 
of all the patients treated, I have selected fifteen cases 
for tabulation. These have been taken for this pur- 
pose, because they have remained for the whole period, 
and because their fits were more or less regular in 
their appearance. 
"The average number of fits for each one of the 
fifteen patients during the five months from November 
to April, when receiving absinthium, was 13.7; while 
under solanum, the average from July to September 
was 10.1, or about three and one-half fits less per 
month, for each patient. 
"A further verification of these figures was made 
during the month of October. For nineteen days the 
ten women had no medicine, and the five men had 
none for seven days. The average number of fits in 
all these cases during the time they were without the 
medicine was 12.5, while under solanum from July to 
November 1st, deducting the days when not receiving 
the medicine, the average was 10.3. 
"It is evident from these figures that solanum has 
reduced the number of fits about twenty-five per cent. It 
has not prevented that dangerous condition called epi- 
leptic status occurring in some of these patients. None 
of them have had any bad effects, or have shown any 
drug effects. Most of them have appeared better, and 
in some cases the improvement has been noticed by 
the nurses. Two of our male patients have left the 
hospital after taking solanum, but I am unwilling to 
ascribe a cure to that medicine, although both showed 
decided improvement immediately after beginning the 
medicine. 
" Our manner of prescription was to give ten drops 
of the tincture in a glass of water, two teaspoonfuls 
to be taken four times a day. On the first of Octo- 
ber those names falling within the first half of the 206 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
alphabet had the quantity of medicine doubled, receiv- 
ing twenty drops of medicine in a glass of water, and 
those in the last half of the alphabet have been given 
the first decimal instead of the tincture. It is too 
soon yet to give any results, or to show the average 
of the different quantities of medicine prescribed. 
"In calling your attention to this drug, it is not 
with the claim that it will cure all cases of epilepsy, 
or that it will cure any case of epilepsy, but only to 
state that in our hands it has ameliorated the condi- 
tion of chronic patients. We have not used it in acute 
cases, because we had no opportunity, but judging 
from its beneficial effects in our hands, I feel it is 
safe to recommend its use in general practice, where 
the disease has recently begun." 
Stannum-Tin. 
During the epidemic of influenza in 1891 I found 
the symptom, "Sense of exhaustion while speaking, 
with tired feeling in the larynx, the sensation extend- 
ing to the stomach," a common and persistent sequel 
of that disease. I found no remedy that produced any 
beneficial effect except stannum, and this acted 
promptly, to relieve the local trouble and correct 
many concomitant symptoms. It evidently exerts a 
specific influence upon the nervous supply of the vocal 
chords. 
Stannum also acts beneficially in neuralgia, especi- 
ally supra-orbital pain, and has been found to benefit 
abdominal neurosis. Its best application is to chronic 
cases. It resembles sepia in its influence upon women 
suffering from the symptom termed " bearing down." 
Hughes asserts that it seems to strengthen the uterine 
ligaments. 
Form for Administration.-The 6x trituration, in two 
or three-grain doses, three or four times daily. THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
207 
Stramonium. 
The principal province of this remedy is in the 
treatment of mania, delirium tremens and asthma. It 
resembles both belladonna and hyoscyamus in its cer- 
ebral action, being, however, less adapted to circula- 
tory disturbances in the brain than belladonna, but 
having more influence upon mental excitability, while 
it partakes of the characteristic qualities of hyoscya- 
mus in the control of mental illusions and hallucina- 
tions. 
It is a favorite remedy among homeopathists in the 
treatment of delirium tremens and mania, especially 
puerperal mania, as there seems to be a relationship 
between its mental symptoms and the reproductive 
system. In low fevers, with loquaciousness attended 
by delirium, this is the most appropriate remedy. 
This condition is most likely to be present during con- 
valescence. In fact, the condition known as loquacity, 
when occurring as an abnormal condition (not natural 
to the individual), is best remedied by this agent. 
In addition to the conditions already named, in 
which it is of service, it has been used in chorea, epi- 
lepsy, hydrophobia and hysteria, with reputed success. 
Dr. Talcott thus epitomizes the indications for stra- 
monium in the treatment of insanity:- 
"Extraordinary mental excitement; sudden and ka- 
leidoscopic changes in the mental state; at times merry 
and enjoying himself by singing and dancing; at times 
proud, haughty, and intolerant of those around; at 
times full of rage, trying to strike with great vigor 
those within his reach; and, again, dullness of the 
senses, with stupid indifference to everything around 
him. Hope and fear, jollity and page, frenzy and 
apathy, follow each other in rapid succession under 
stramonium; or the passions and the mental manifes- 208 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
tations become strangely jumbled and mixed in their 
exhibition, under the influence of this stimulating 
drug. The stramonium patient desires light and com- 
pany, and, at the same time, he is often terrified by 
bright objects, and seeks to fight those whom he con- 
stantly wishes to have in his presence. The stramo- 
nium patient has hallucinations of sight, in which hor- 
rible images are conjured up, and horrible animals are 
seen jumping out of the ground and running at the 
victim." 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. I 
usually carry it to the 3x dilution. Of this I add 
twenty drops to half a common tumbler of water, and 
give a teaspoonful every hour. 
Sulphur. 
Sulphur may be referred to in this department as a 
remedy for neuralgia, asthma, and cramps of the muscles, 
especially of the lower extremities. 
Dr. Waterhouse remarks: "Many middle-aged ladies 
complain of cramping about the calf of the leg and 
about the feet; it is the most troublesome after going 
to bed, and they are obliged to resort to almost all 
manner of applications before the trouble is relieved. 
Here I would administer the first decimal trituration, 
in doses of what would lie upon a ten-cent piece, four 
times a day." 
Sulphur acts upon the sympathetic nervous system, 
improving the activity of all the vegetative functions, 
and when not administered in too large doses is a 
searching restorative, improving digestion, assimilation, 
blood-making and elimination. It is thus adapted to 
a large class of chronic affections. 
It is a dogma of homeopathy that the treatment of 
all chronic cases may well be begun with the admin- 
istration of sulphur. The logic in this recommenda- 209 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
tion is absent in homeopathic teaching, but there is 
some reason evidently in the premises of the case for 
such a proposition. 
Sulphur resembles mercury in its influence upon the 
nervous system when the patient complains of tired, 
drowsy symptoms, though it is not so prompt nor 
effective in action, usually. However, when these symp- 
toms are prominent and mercurius dulcis fails, we may 
try sulphur with considerable faith. 
Sulphur influences the cerebral circulation to some 
extent, and is sometimes useful where the head seems 
chronically too full of blood, as evidenced by dizzi- 
ness, tinnitus, or vertigo. Chronic headaches, depend- 
ing upon the same cause, may also be benefited by 
the drug. Cerebral fullness of this kind may attend, 
or be the occasion of mental derangement. Sulphur 
has been recommended by alienists of the homeopathic 
school for certain forms of insanity. I do not think 
the drug will cause dementia, but it will cause cere- 
bral fullness- if its use be prolonged, and such interfer- 
ence might result in functional disturbance of the cen- 
ters of ideation. 
Form for Administration.-The lx or 2x trituration. 
Dose.-One to three grains three or four times a 
day. 
Sulphate of Nickel. 
This remedy has been used with good effect in the 
treatment of periodical neuralgia, and headaches ex- 
hibiting an element of periodicity. The dose may vary 
from one-half of a grain to a grain of the 2x tritura- 
tion. The large dose should not be repeated oftener 
than three or four times a day; the trituration may 
be given every hour or two during the paroxysms, and 
three or four times a day during the intermissions. 
I would recommend a trial of this drug in stubborn 
headaches which resist other appropriate treatment. 210 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
SUMBUL. 
This is a vegetable product found in Asia, which 
resembles musk so much in odor that it is used to 
adulterate that drug. It also resembles musk in some 
of its therapeutic properties, though it promises to be- 
come a much more valuable member of the materia 
medica. 
It is a remedy for hysteria, chorea, epilepsy, con- 
vulsions of teething children, spasmodic asthma, nerv- 
ous palpitation of the heart, and neuralgia. 
As a neuralgia remedy it sometimes acts like magic 
in relieving severe sciatica, tic douloureux, or angina 
pectoris after other approved remedies have failed. It 
is worthy a trial in every stubborn case of neuralgia. 
As a remedy for restlessness and nervousness this 
remedy resembles pulsatilla somewhat, though in some 
forms of nervousness-those amounting to insom- 
nia, or pending on delirium tremens-this remedy is 
more applicable. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From one to ten drops. 
Tela Aranem 
The November number of the Eclectic Medical Journal 
for 1886 contains the following report on the clinical 
action of this remedy, by Dr. Pierce:- 
"The first case, a male, aged two years, with dry, 
whistling cough, spasmodic in character, resembling 
whooping cough, with intermittent fever, no perceptible 
chill. Relieved in one day and cured in three days. 
"The second, a male, aged four years, had terrible, 
irritable, spasmodic cough; parents supposed it to be 
whooping cough, cured with tela in twenty-four hours; 
also the intermittent fever in connection with it. 
"Mrs. B. had sudden weakness come on her, followed 
by cold, chilly crampings, numbness of the extremities THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
211 
when sitting still or lying down, sexual orgasm at 
night, sudden weakness, and aching pains in the pelvis, 
extending slightly over the whole body, commencing at 
dark and lasting till midnight; very nervous. Tela re- 
lieved all symptoms in forty-eight hours. 
"Mrs. T., aged 43, in her climacteric period, had sud- 
den hot flushes come over her several times a day, fol- 
lowed by cold sweat, cold extremities, and chilly sensa- 
tions. Tela relieved her in two days. 
"Mrs. W., aged 41, attacked with uterine and left 
ovarian pains; very severe cramping, and remittent pains, 
with cool, clammy perspiration, cold extremities, previ- 
ously affected with nocturnal orgasm, sudden nervous 
affections, and frequent metrorrhagia. A few doses of 
tela stopped the pains, and the flow ceased in a week's 
use of the medicine. 
" Mrs. D., aged 45, in her climacteric period, had sud- 
den twitching of the facial muscles, sexual irritability, 
nocturnal orgasm, formications and sleeplessness. Pre- 
scribed tela, which relieved her in a few days. 
"Miss O. had complained of headache for ten days, 
from occiput to temple on the right side, running to the 
forehead, worse at night. Prescribed tela. Headache 
removed within twenty-four hours and no return. 
"James W. has for several years had hot flushes come 
up suddenly, several times a day, followed by cold sweat; 
cool extremities, with chilliness. Tela relieved him in 
six hours. 
"George N. had weak spells that came on irregularly 
several times during the day, and regularly at 6 P. m., 
also sudden aching pains in the pelvis extending more or 
less over the body, lasting until midnight, with great 
nervousness. Cured in thirty hours with tela aranese. 
" George H. had weak spells that came up suddenly 
with air puffing in his ears; would last half an hour, then 212 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
were succeeded by cold perspiration, and cold extremi- 
ties. "Was relieved in twenty-four hours of all symptoms 
by the use of tela; continued medicine for three days and 
no return. 
"Mrs. F. had typhoid fever, third week, with cold ex- 
tremities, sore, aching pains in spots, worse in left foot 
and ankle, commencing after dark; in a half an hour, fol- 
lowed by a severe increasing headache in the right side, 
worse in the last half of the night. At 4 P. M. muscles of 
the neck stiff, and severe, aching pain in pterygo-mastoid 
and temporal regions to occiput, cool, moist perspiration, 
cold extremities. Three drops of tincture relieved her 
immediately. 
" Mrs. H. complained of palpitation of the heart; pulse 
unaltered, cardiac affection, with cool, moist skin, and 
cold extremities. Prescribed tela with immediate relief. 
"Miss B., ovaritis and slight metritis, following abor- 
tion, with periodical pains coming on at 3 p. M.; pre- 
scribed quinine for the periodicity which only anticipated 
the time of the paroxysm that came up at 1 p. m. with 
aggravations; then I learned for the first time that previ- 
ous to her confinement she had numb spells, and extreme 
weakness came on her suddenly, which is among the 
best symptoms that indicate the use of tela, which I 
prescribed. Relieved entirely in two days. 
" Charles S., afflicted with sudden painful palpitations 
of heart directly followed by smothering, profuse per- 
spiration, and cool extremities, had been often troubled 
with numbness, removed by massage. Prescribed tela 
with quick relief. 
" Mrs. J. W. was taken suddenly with uterine colic-like 
extreme abortion pains, sharp and constant, with nausea 
and rigors like the commencement of the second stage of 
labor, cold extremities, the os uteri tender to the touch, 
hard and congested. Five drops of tincture of tela re- THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
213 
moved it in five minutes, while other reliable medicines 
failed. 
"John D., with pain in heart; came on suddenly with 
smothering respiration, numbness and cold extremities, 
pulse small and weak, followed by cool perspiration, and 
the paroxysms were periodical. Tela relieved him 
promptly. 
" Miss Ida P. was troubled with cough when she was 
lying down, with a tickling behind the sternum, a cold, 
oppressed feeling in the chest, and numb sensations. It 
seemed as if much phleghm should be raised, but it could 
not. Tela relieved in a few hours all symptoms. 
"Mr. N. E., an old toper, reforming under treatment 
from his last delirium. Commences suddenly at 3 A. M. 
to have a cool sensation running from the small of the 
back to the end of the penis, with an irresistible desire 
to pass urine, and from that time till 6 a. m. he passes 
from one to one and a half gallons of clear, light, straw- 
colored urine, composition very slightly acid, no sugar, 
no albumin and rapid decomposition. Tela in three-drop 
doses every three hours relieved the paroxysmal flow 
when other medicines of good repute failed. 
" The physiological action of tela aranese I will not 
attempt to discuss, but to those who are competent, and 
are so situated that they can investigate its action, they 
will find that it has a dynamic power that will surprise 
the novice in its study, but of its therapeutical power I 
have a better understanding. Its specific indications are 
these, viz: Masked periodical diseases in hectic, broken- 
down patients. In all diseases that came up suddenly 
with cool, clammy skin and perspiration, and cool ex- 
tremities; in nocturnal orgasm in either sex. Numbness 
of the extremities when sitting still or lying down. It 
relieves spasms of the arterioles, and stimulates capillary 
circulation. It relieves hyperesthesia of the cerebro- 214 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
spinal nerves and the great sympathetic, that depends 
upon debility. It is the greatest heart stimulant in the 
materia medica, and lobelia is second only to it." 
Valerian. 
Valerian resembles asafoetida, musk, sumbul and other 
nervines in its action on the nervous system, and is most 
applicable to chorea, hysteria, and the nervous affections 
attending the menopause. It is not always successfully 
employed because used indiscriminately as a nervine by 
many, the routine use of it not being liable to result suc- 
cessfully in every case. 
Valerian influences the brain and produces a sense of 
exaltation often very desirable where there is marked 
mental depression and despondency, as in hypochondria 
and hysteria; and it is useful in headaches attending 
such conditions. It also influences the motor centers, 
and is thus applicable to spasmodic conditions of mild 
character, though it is not a powerful antispasmodic and 
is not adapted to the relief of tonic convulsions. It is 
better calculated to steady that hypersesthetic state which 
carries a patient to the verge of convulsive action than to 
relax it when it has once taken place. One great objection 
to it is its unpleasant odor, though in hysterical condi- 
tions this very property is sometimes valuable to im- 
press the mind of the patient with the belief that she is 
taking something potent. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From two to twenty drops. 
Valerianate of Ammonium. 
This remedy, a great favorite with allopathists before the 
advent of sulfonal, antipyrine, antifebrine, antikamnia, etc., 
is sometimes useful in hysteria, and in cranial neuralgia. 
In prosopalgia where the circulation of the superficial 
capillaries is impaired-where the face is cold, and the THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
215 
extremities are cool, with considerable nervous excita- 
bility-it is a valuable remedy. It is also a calmative of 
considerable virtue in excitable, debilitated subjects, 
where "nervousness" is the ruling symptom. The salt 
may be administered in capsules, in doses of from five to 
ten grains, or the elixir may be administered in half 
to teaspoonful doses. Each drachm of the elixir con- 
tains ten grains of the salt. The greatest objection to it is 
its sickening odor. 
Veratrum Viride. 
This remedy is useful to control irritation in the nerve 
centers resulting in neuralgia, headache and convulsions. 
Its use in neuralgia has not been very extended, and it 
has never reached prominence as a remedy for headache 
among Electics, unless the cephalalgia was a concomitant 
of febrile action, and here it is quite a favorite as an 
arterial sedative. But in puerperal convulsions it is one 
of our best remedies, though proper measures must be 
taken to complete delivery if the eclampsia occur prior 
to this, in order to give the remedy a proper trial. I 
have been much pleased with the action of the remedy in 
such cases and would make it my first choice if another 
such case should present itself. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to twenty drops. 
I am aware that the maximum dose named here is 
large, and would only employ it in extreme cases of puer- 
peral eclampsia. As a sedative, five or ten drops may be 
added to half a tumbler of water, and a teaspoonful given 
every hour. Fifteen drops may be used, but care must 
be observed in cases where gastric sensibility is an indi- 
vidual peculiarity, as the drug, in over-doses, or long- 
continued, is contra-indicated in irritation of the stom- 
ach, which it is liable to produce. 216 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
XANTHOXYLUM FRAXINEUM. 
The effect of xanthoxylum on the nervous system Is 
marked by tingling sensations throughout the body akin 
to that caused by a faradic current. The drug is of im- 
portance in the treatment of neuralgia in anaemic, deli- 
cate individuals, and in dysmenorrhcea when the cause 
of pain is referable to hypersensitiveness. The remedy 
exercises an influence over the menstrual functions, bring- 
ing on the catamenial discharge in advance of its proper 
time when administered in large doses for several days 
in anticipation of the period. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From one-tenth drop to fifteen drops. 
ZlNCUM. 
Zinc is a valuable remedy in exhaustion of the brain 
from fag or anaemic state of the organ, and is useful for 
the physical and mental depression that frequently at- 
tends such a state. It is also of service many times in 
chronic headaches in anaemic patients, and in melancholic 
states of insanity. 
Hysteria, hypochondria, paralysis, neuralgia, chronic 
sick headache, toothache, convulsions of children, and 
other nervous affections may be benefited with zinc. 
The valerianate is a favorite form with many in the 
treatment of neuralgic headaches, tic douloureux, spinal 
neuralgia, sciatica, angina pectoris and ovarialgia. 
The oxide of zinc is employed in nervous dyspepsia, 
with broad tongue and full abdomen. 
The phosphide of zinc is used in locomotor ataxia, 
aphasia, and in degeneration of the structure of the 
brain-" softening of the brain." Professor Goss com- 
mends this form of zinc in vertigo, with pain in the cerv- 
ical portion of the spine, cerebellum, and medulla oblon- 
gata. He gives it in one-tenth-grain doses three times a 
day. He asserts that it will be found useful in brain fag THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
217 
of business men who become pale, depressed and sleep- 
less, acting promptly to afford relief. He also commends 
it, in combination with strychnine or mix vomica, for the 
relief of passive cerebral congestion, and for spinal 
anaemia. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration is my 
favorite form for both the valerianate and the phos- 
phide. However, the crude drug may be effectively 
administered, the dose being the fractional part of a 
grain. 
Dose.-Three grains of the 3x to one-tenth-grain of 
the crude drug (valerianate or phosphide), three or four 
times daily. 
Faradism. 
This important remedy in certain nervous affections 
was overlooked in the alphabetical arrangement of this 
department, but it must not be left out altogether, 
for I consider it one of the most prompt and effective 
in some cases, of any we possess. 
In the treatment of chorea I have found it prompt 
and effectual in accomplishing a cure in every case en- 
countered for the past thirteen years, and I have 
treated a considerable number of female patients, many 
of them young girls at puberty, during this time. It 
has been my lot to encounter but one case of it in 
the male sex-a boy six years of age-but he was 
promptly cured by faradic treatment. I have also used 
it for women who become choreic during pregnancy, 
with the best of results. 
The method of application may be made very sim- 
ple: Moistened sponges are attached to the conduct- 
ing cord.s of a faradic machine and the positive is 
placed between the feet so that both are brought in 
contact with it, while the negative is placed at the 
nape of the neck. A moderate current is now applied, 
to be gradually strengthened as the patient becomes 218 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
accustomed to it, until the current has passed in this 
direction for five or eight minutes; then the current is 
sent across, by placing the positive at one foot and 
holding the negative in the hand of the opposite side 
for three or four minutes, the current being modified 
so that it is not unpleasantly strong for the hand 
during this time; then the sponges are changed so that 
the positive is placed to the opposite foot and the 
negative held in the opposite hand for three or four 
minutes, as in the second position. The treatment may 
be applied every day in severe cases in the beginning, 
to be omitted every second day as improvement fol- 
lows, then once or twice a week until all choreic 
symptoms have subsided. 
This treatment is applicable to anaemic and neuras- 
thenic cases. I term it the "tonic treatment." Some- 
times, where the patient is strong and robust, a treat- 
ment of sedative character will be more applicable 
than this. In such cases the poles should be applied 
in the same manner except that the negative, instead 
of the positive, should be placed at the feet. I have 
known the tonic treatment to markedly aggravate chorea 
in strong patients when the reversal of the poles 
would reSult in rapid recovery. 
Faradism would well be worth all the trouble and 
expense entailed in having it always at hand if it were 
applicable to no other case of disease than chorea; 
but it is one of the most reliable known in certain 
forms of anaemia with nervous complication, while it 
is the only positive remedy in infantile marasmus. 
Faradism is also valuable in various forms of neu- 
ralgia. I have cured pectoral pains of stubborn char- 
acter, simulating angina pectoris, with it many times, 
as well as painful states of other parts. Dr. F. T. 
Paine, of Comanche, Texas (Transactions State Medical THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
219 
Association), reports the successful treatment of a case 
of ovarian dysmenorrhoea with this agent, also three 
cases of ovarian epilepsy very much benefited, and one 
case of chorea cured. Unfortunately, this writer neg- 
lects to give us any light as to the method of appli- 
cation of the poles. 
I have found faradism valuable in persistent insom- 
nia. It is as positive a remedy as any we have in 
obstinate cases of sleeplessness brought on by worry 
and business strain, also in hypersesthesia from any 
other cause; it not only conduces to the steadying of 
distracted nervous energies but promotes normal slum- 
ber. 
There are other ways of deriving its general effect 
than that described here, but this is simple and effec- 
tive and entails little exposure of person in its appli- 
cation. However, where the current is to be applied 
for the relief of pain the positive pole should be 
placed as nearly over the affected part as possible, 
while the negative is applied to such a spot as shall 
invite the current directly through it. Sometimes it 
may be necessary to introduce a pole into one of the 
various cavities of the body for this purpose, and a 
variety of electrodes should be at hand. 
Jacaranda Procera. 
This new candidate for professional favor has been 
used successfully in the treatment of epilepsy. Dr. 
Lyman Watkins writes of it as follows: "This new 
remedy, jacaranda procera, was given to a patient with 
epilepsy of fourteen years' duration, averaging from 
seven to ten fits a day. After the first day's use of 
the medicine not another epileptic attack occurred. 
The patient presents himself regularly at the college 
clinic, and is greatly improved in general health. He 
has been taking the remedy three months." 220 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
Aconite. 
Aconite acts upon the general circulation, probably 
through the vasomotor center. It relaxes spasm of 
the arteries and improves the energy of the entire cir- 
culatory apparatus-heart, arteries, capillaries and 
veins-when administered in minute doses, thus con- 
ducing to increased activity of normal circulatory func- 
tion, while the lessened oxidation of the blood results 
in a lowering of the temperature. Its quieting influ- 
ence on the nervous centers relieves irritability of the 
heart, and abnormal acceleration of the pulse is there- 
by modified, while the general tone of the cardiac 
rhythm is improved. 
Through favorable action on the sympathetic system 
secretion is encouraged in febrile conditions, and the 
skin and mucous membranes become moist, while the 
action of the kidneys is also improved-all this being 
the effect of minute doses frequently repeated. 
Aconite is applicable to almost any acute febrile 
condition, but is more admissible as a sedative in the 
treatment of adynamic states than veratrum, jaborandi, 
or gelsemium. Being rather soothing in its influence 
upon irritated states of mucous membranes in small 
doses-especially that of the stomach-it is more ap- 
plicable to febrile conditions attended by such irrita- 
tion than some of the other vascular sedatives. 
It seems selective of certain specialized vascular 
areas: one of these is the vascular supply of the lar- 
ynx, and in all forms of acute inflammatory action in 
this tract (not membraneous or diphtheritic,) it will 
be found useful; in simple croup it is a specific. The 
vascular supply to the gastro-intestinal mucous mem- THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
221 
brane also seems particularly amenable to its effects, 
though after an inflammatory condition here has be- 
come chronic, or if it depend upon structural change, 
we canno,t expect much effect from this agent. In 
cholera infantum it is a favorite remedy with all mod- 
ern Eclectics, especially in the early stages. It com- 
bines well with ipecac to control the mucous dis- 
charges, colocynth to relieve severe pains and tenes- 
mus, and erigeron or veratrum album to arrest pro- 
fuse and exhaustive choleraic evacuations. 
This remedy may be combined with more specific 
sedatives in almost any form of local acute inflamma- 
tion with good effect, as its influence upon the general 
circulation is always favorable in such cases, while the 
promotion of secretion resulting is an efficient aid 
toward recovery. Thus, we may combine it with phy- 
tolacca in pharyngitis or mastitis, rhus in conjuncti- 
vitis or facial erysipelas, collinsonia in proctitis, echin- 
acea in epidemic meningitis, etc. 
Aconite is especially a remedy for children, delicate 
females, and other patients of highly developed nerv- 
ous organization. In ephemeral febrile condition of 
children tending to convulsions, it is the vascular seda- 
tive par excellence, though after convulsive action has 
developed we might prefer gelsemium, jaborandi, or 
rhus tox. 
In painful inflammatory conditions it is of great 
value, relieving pain more or less, while it tends to 
ameliorate nervous tension, lower temperature, and pro- 
mote secretion; therefore its applicability to rheumatic 
fever and neuralgia complicated with pyrexia. 
Subacute inflammatory conditions of all the mucous 
membranes are benefited by aconite. We make a prac- 
tical use of this fact many times in managing such 
trivial matters as simple colds. Coryza and bronchial 222 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
irritations of this character are pleasantly managed 
with this remedy. The stuffing up of the nasal passages 
is removed and tickling in the larynx and bronchial tubes 
controlled in a few days. By using the will power to 
overcome the impulse to give way to coughing and aid- 
ing the effort with aconite, severe colds may be speedily 
broken up in the majority of cases. 
Form for Administration.-Lloyd's aconite is the most 
reliable preparation I have ever used. If there is any 
fault to be found with it it is too strong. I often dilute 
it with alcohol to the first decimal before dispensing. 
Dose.-Five drops of Lloyd's aconite in four ounces of 
water, dose of the dilution a teaspoonful, is the proper 
proportion for an adult. The dose should be repeated 
every hour in all acute febrile and inflammatory condi- 
tions. 
Adonis Vernalis. 
This remedy acts principally on the heart, improving 
its power and increasing arterial tension. As a result of 
this there is an increased flow of urine, and this effect 
may prove curative in dropsy the result of enfeebled car- 
diac action. 
In valvular insufficiency, with regurgitation at the aor- 
tic or mitral valves, adonis has proven very effective. In 
dropsical conditions complicated with such a state it is 
one of our most reliable remedies. 
It is also valuable in functional cardiac disturbances, 
as intermittent beat, irregularity, or enfeebled action. 
Through its tonic effect the entire circulation may be im- 
proved when feeble; its influence on the pulmonary cir- 
culation is valuable in cardiac asthma. 
Wood believes that this drug is a vasomotor stimulant 
as well as a cardiac stimulant and tonic. In view of this 
we may find it of value in numerous conditions depend- 
ing upon enfeeblement of the vascular supply in the part, 223 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
as congestive headache of passive character, and in chron- 
ic congestive conditions of other parts. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to two drops. A 
cumulative effect may result if large doses be incautiously 
administered. Over doses may cause gastro-intestiual 
disturbance with vomiting and purging. 
2Esculus Hippocastanum. 
This remedy exerts a general influence over the portal 
circulation, over the vascular supply of the respiratory 
mucous membrane, and over the circulation in the uter- 
ine cervix. 
In hemorrhoids from portal congestion, or in reflexes 
from this state, as headache, pectoral, lumbar or sacral 
pain, dyspepsia or spasmodic asthma, sesculus hippocas- 
tanum will be found a valuable resort. The special con- 
dition indicating the remedy in hemorrhoids is fullness 
and dryness of the rectum, without constipation. Asso- 
ciated with these symptoms is usually a sensation of full- 
ness in the right hypochondriac and epigastric regions. 
It is useful for the aching in the back liable to attend 
pregnancy, though usually these cases are hemorrhoidal, 
the result of pressure. However, this remedy relieves 
congestion of the cervix uteri, seeming to influence the 
vascular supply in this part proceeding from the uterine 
arteries, and is especially indicated when there is a sensa- 
tion of throbbing in the pelvis. 
Aching in the region of the liver, when attended by 
hemorrhoids, will suggest the use of this agent, the con- 
dition probably being congestion of the portal capillaries. 
If the diagnosis be correct sesculus is the remedy. 
Painful conditions of the rectum not hemorrhoidal may 
demand this agent; any congestive state of the hem- 
orrhoidal circulation is amenable to its influence, and 
also diseases arising therefrom. Spasmodic stricture, 224 
THE CIECULATOEY SYSTEM. 
rectal neuralgia, fissure, proctitis, during its later stages, 
-all these conditions demand the judicious exhibition of 
sesculus hippocastanum. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From one to five drops. 
Acetanilide-Antifebrin. 
This is one of the derivatives of aniline which have 
been employed extensively within the past few years in 
some quarters to reduce the temperature in fever. It is 
effective, without doubt, but it is much more liable to be 
followed by debility than the vegetable-organic-reme- 
dies. It reduces the contractile power of the heart, in 
large doses, causing diastolic arrest of cardiac action, with 
complete paralysis of both motor and sensory nerves. In 
smaller doses it increases the action of the skin and 
kidneys; the blood-pressure is at first increased but it 
soon falls as the action of the heart becomes slowed. 
I am not in favor of the use of this drug as a cardiac 
or arterial sedative, as we have others more satisfactory 
and less dangerous. Even in moderate doses, when its 
use has been long continued, symptoms of poisoning, 
cyanosis and fatal collapse have resulted from it. It is 
especially contra-indicated in patients suspected of being 
subject to fatty or dilated heart. Its continued use tends 
to the breaking up of the blood-corpuscles and to lessen- 
ing of the alkalinity of the entire fluid, and for this rea- 
son especially, its use should be interdicted in low fevers, 
where such changes are already liable to occur. 
The influence and use of this agent in nervous affections 
has already been referred to. In inflammatory rheuma- 
tism antifebrin may sometimes be used with advantage, 
though its administration in large doses for a considera- 
ble length of time should be avoided. 
Dose.-The dose may vary from two to five grains 
every four hours. THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
225 
Antipyrin. 
This remedy is closely related to antifebrin, and is 
even more objectionable as a remedy than that agent. 
Its depressant effect upon the circulation is marked and 
long-continued, Doubtless many cases of heart failure 
and death therefrom are attributable to the use of this 
remedy. It is more dangerous than opium and its prep- 
arations, or chloral, and should be used but seldom, if at 
all. 
Dose.-The ordinary' dose varies from five to ten 
grains. 
Apocynum Cannabinum. 
This remedy produces tonicity of the heart and blood- 
vessels, improving their funtional power. It increases 
arterial tension, thereby augmenting the flow of urine, 
and in some renal dropsies proves rapidly curative. 
The active principle of this agent, apocynin, is an en- 
ergetic heart tonic, acting like digitalis. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine will 
be most convenient, though where the root can be 
obtained an infusion is to be preferred in the treatment 
of passive dropsies. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops of the 
specific medicine. The dose of the infusion of the fresh 
root will vary from half a tablespoonful to two table- 
spoonfuls. 
Arnica Montana. 
Arnica has a very limited use in affections of the cir- 
culatory system. It has a decided effect, however, in 
certain cases of weak and painful heart, the result of 
over-exertion. This has been termed "heart strain." 
We sometimes find a permanent sense of debility, at- 
tended by dull, aching pain left after some severe taxation 
of the muscular powers made during temporary excite- 226 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
ment, as during a fire or some other accident, and ordi- 
nary cardiac remedies fail to benefit. Here we find cimi- 
cifuga or arnica just the thing. My preference, in such 
cases, is cimicifuga, but sometimes arnica does better. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops. 
Arseniate of Copper. 
This drug, in attenuated doses, is applicable to the 
treatment of cardiac complications which arise during 
chorea. Disturbances of this kind are not rare, and they 
are liable to lead to valvular disease, if allowed to con- 
tinue too long. This will hardly be the case where fara- 
dism is intelligently applied early, but the complication 
of cardiac irregularity with murmurs, would suggest this 
agent even then. 
Hale refers to a condition known as "choreic heart," in 
which this remedy is applicable. In this condition the 
ordinary symptoms of chorea are absent, the spasmodic 
and irregular action being confined to the muscle of the 
heart. This cbndition is marked by singular aberrations 
in the cardiac rythm; at one time the beats are violent 
and irregular, and at others feeble and unsteady. The 
disease is liable to occur in girls about the period of pu- 
berty, who might be considered good subjects for chorea 
proper. 
Form for Administration.-From the 3x to the 6x tritu- 
ration. 
Dose.-From one to three grains, every four hours dur- 
ing the day. 
Asclepias Tuberosa. 
This remedy is applicable to disturbances of the cir- 
culation in parts supplied by the distribution from the 
thoracic aorta, especially the area supplied by the bron- 
chial arteries. It exerts its best effects in pneumonia, THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
227 
being applicable to the acute stages of all forms of this 
condition, whether the pulmonary parenchyma or the 
respiratory mucous membrane be involved. Painful in- 
flammatory conditions of the walls of the chest, as 
pleurodynia, costal rheumatism and neuralgia, peri- 
cardial pains, etc., are also ameliorated by it. 
Asclepias exerts more or less of an influence upon the 
general circulation, lessening arterial tension and pro- 
moting perspiration and the flow of urine. 
The old Eclectics used this remedy much as a febrifuge, 
and often with good results. In the exanthemata, it fa- 
vors the appearance of the rash, and in painful inflam- 
matory states it promotes secretion from the skin and 
relieves pain, resembling jaborandi in this respect some- 
what, though it is not as potent here. 
Its proper sphere is in circulatory disturbances in the 
vascular area described by the distribution of the bron- 
chial arteries, and if we reserve it for this place we shall 
not confuse it with more appropriate remedies, and will 
hardly fail to derive satisfaction from it in acute disease 
of this part. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine or an 
infusion of the recent root. The specific medicine being 
more standard as regards strength we will usually give 
it the preference. 
Dose.-From one to ten drops. 
Aspidosperma Quebracho. 
The tendency of quebracho is, to restore the normal 
relation between the pulmonary circulation and cardiac 
action, when this has become disturbed. In the con- 
dition known as "cardiac asthma" this is one of our 
best remedies. As illustrative of its action in certain 
conditions of this character, I will quote a report of 
cases in which it was employed successfully, written 228 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
for the California Medical Journal by Dr. John Fearn, 
in 1883:- 
"I have been using this remedy for about two years 
past, and so far the result of my observations are, that 
it is a stimulant and tonic to the pneumogastric nerve, 
and especially to the cardiac and pulmonary branches of 
that nerve. 
"My first case was an engineer, aged about 45 years. 
He came complaining of a cough. He coughed very little 
in the day-time, but still it was troublesome; there was 
some difficulty of breathing. His face wore an anxious 
look, his eyes were sunken and his lips and mucous mem- 
branes were cyanotic-all showing depression. His 
pulse was small, hard and intermitting; it would beat 
twice and then there would be an intermission. 
"I inquired whether his cough troubled him worse be- 
tween the hours of one and four in the morning. He re- 
plied, with much emphasis that it did. That was the 
time when he had his principal trouble. On inquiry I 
found that he was working where he was exposed to 
strong fumes of ammonia, and as he was in poor physical 
condition I reasoned that the ammoniacal fumes had 
produced irritation of the pneumogastric, and that the 
cough, difficult breathing, and intermittent pulse were 
the result; ordered him to keep away from the fumes as 
much as possible. Prescribed :■- 
Fl. ext. quebracho, 0 
Elix. simpl. 
M. Sig.-Dose a teaspoonful every three or four hours. 
"The next day the report was, Much relieved, rested 
better, coughed less, cyanosis very sensibly ameliorated. 
The medicine was kept up for a few days with the addi- 
tion of a good tonic, and the patient was discharged. 
As confirming the diagnosis with respect to the ammonia: THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
229 
Months after the attack just mentioned, while suffering 
with a cold in the lungs, he was again exposed to the 
ammonia fumes and the same symptoms returned, aggra- 
vated by the cold. The same remedy, aided by a few 
doses of quinine afforded relief. 
"Case No. 2.-A lady who was being treated by her 
physician for an ovarian difficulty took cold, which set- 
tled upon her lungs. Her physician being out of town, 
I was called upon to give present relief. Examination 
revealed: pale and anxious face; cyanotic lips and mucous 
membrane; difficult breathing; troublesome cough; inter- 
mittent pulse; and all these symptoms aggravated from 
soon after midnight to 4 A. M. Prescribed:- 
IX Fl. ext. quebracho, in two drop doses, in syrup of 
tolu every two or three hours. Result: breathing and 
cough relieved, and circulation much improved. 
"I have since used it in cases of asthma with like good 
results; others have used it at my suggestion and report 
favorably. I am a thorough believer in Professor 
Scudder's theory that we have medicines that are specific, 
not only to certain diseases, but to conditions of disease. 
Past experience justifies me in predicting for this remedy 
a wide field of usefulness in asthma, capillary bronchitis, 
and emphysema. But no matter what the disease, if 
there is imperfect oxygenation, if the totality of symp- 
toms point to depression of the functions of the pneumo- 
gastric, as seen by intermittent pulse, difficulty of 
breathing, cough and cyanosis, and especially if these 
symptoms are aggravated in early morning, I would say, 
Give quebracho a trial." 
Dr. E. B. Waterhouse remarks (American Medical Jour- 
nal/-"Quebracho is another new remedy added to our 
materia medica, already overflowing. It fills a place 
hitherto unoccupied. It will relieve dyspnoea and dis- 
tress due to capillary bronchitis, and also when due to 230 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
the later stages of consumption. Often, a single dose 
of ten or fifteen drops of the fluid extract will make 
the patient reasonably comfortable for twenty-four 
hours. In cyanosis due to disease of the heart, its 
action is not as prompt as in diseases of the respira- 
tory organs. Still, it will be of considerable benefit. 
The remedy appears to stimulate the respiratory cen- 
ters and assist in the oxygenation of the blood." 
The following is from an editorial written by myself 
for the April number of the California Medical Journal, 
1890: The recent epidemic of cough(la grippe) has 
afforded a number of cases in which quebracho has 
proven an excellent resource. It is not a remedy for 
asthma in its pure form, but in those cases in which 
there is want of compensation between the cardiac and 
pulmonary circulation it affords good satisfaction. 
This quality renders the agent valuable in both pul- 
monary and cardiac diseases, and places it in both lists 
of remedies as an available agent where a stimulant 
to the excito-motor nerve filaments distributed to these 
parts is demanded. 
Advanced stages of bronchitis in debilitated patients 
often present us with the quebracho picture: There is 
labored, sighing respiration, or a sense of suffocation 
is complained of, the lips are blue and cyanotic in ap- 
pearance, and we find upon examination that this is 
associated with feeble, systolic impulse, as evidenced 
by the soft, compressible pulse, or the feeble cardiac 
sound heard upon auscultation. As an asthma remedy 
where a stimulant to the pneumogastric is required, 
it often serves a good purpose. 
Form for Administration.-I have usually employed 
the fluid extract manufactured by Parke, Davis & Co. 
Dose.-From five to fifteen drops, repeated every 
three or four hours. 231 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
Belladonna. 
This remedy influences the circulation powerfully, 
contracting the arteries and increasing arterial tension, 
but spending its most important therapeutic effect upon 
the capillaries. It is a brain remedy, and in acute de- 
lirious states with furious ravings is useful, in atten- 
uated doses. 
I value it most highly for correcting congestive con- 
ditions of the capillaries in febrile states-a use of 
the remedy the credit of which belongs largely to 
Professor Scudder. The indications calling for it in 
this particular are: soft, feeble, compressible pulse, 
doughy, clammy condition of the tissues, especially of 
the face, with pallidity, and a sensation of swimming 
-dizziness-in the head on arising from the re- 
cumbent posture. The dizziness may exist if the pa- 
tient remains in the recumbent posture; I consider it 
an important symptom. With it is often associated 
dull headache, and the pupils may be dilated. It is a 
condition frequently found attending febrile states in 
delicate persons of nervous temperament. The drug 
must be given in very small doses here, in order to 
avoid producing unpleasant effects. 
Belladonna exerts a curative influence in puffy red- 
ness about the face and eyes of erysipelatous charac- 
ter, the connective tissue being involved. It is not as 
universal and prompt an agent as rhus here usually, 
but it will often succeed when rhus fails. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x dilution of the 
specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add from half a drachm to a drachm to 
four ounces of water and give a teaspoonful every one 
or two hours. Or, add five drops, full strength, to the 
same amount of water, and give in the same way. 232 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
Bromide of Potassium. 
Large doses of the bromide of potassium tend to 
paralyze the action of the heart and may result in 
diastolic arrest. In more moderate doses the drag 
causes contraction of the blood-vessels throughout the 
circulatory system, this being followed later by dilata- 
tion. Followed for a considerable length of time the 
bromide of potassium causes anaemia of the tissues by 
contracting the arterioles, the result being most marked 
by loss of nervous po-wer. 
The clinical use of this remedy is to control the 
vascular disturbance in certain abnormal conditions 
attended by active cerebral and spinal hyperaemia. 
Among these may be named epilepsy with cerebral 
determination, delirium tremens, puerperal mania of fu- 
rious character, somnambulism of children with night 
terrors, migraine, and the reflex irritation attending 
infantile diseases. 
Though bromide of potassium lowers the temper- 
ature, it is not a desirable remedy for pyrexia, as it 
promotes the rapid breaking down of tissue and is 
liable to produce debility of the circulatory system 
through its direct action on the heart. Remedies 
which sedate while they improve the power of the 
circulatory system in small doses, as aconite, veratrum, 
jaborandi, etc., are more desirable as vascular sedatives. 
However, there might be a case where the bromide 
of potassium would be a more proper sedative than 
any of these. It has long been a great favorite with 
allopathic physicians, for this purpose. 
Dose.-From two to ten grains. 
Bryonia Alba. 
This remedy influences the capillary circulation, act- 
ing as an equalizer where febrile conditions are 233 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
characterized by alternate chilliness and heat, especially 
if attended by pains about the chest. The homeopa- 
thists lay great stress upon its influence in inflamma- 
tory affections of serous membrane, but its value in 
this direction is very much overestimated. It has 
been a standard remedy with them for rheumatism, 
but is comparatively worthless, according to my ex- 
perience, in this complaint. 
Its effect upon several of the viscera is most favor- 
able, controlling capillary congestion and subduing 
inflammatory action. In pneumonia, and in inflam- 
matory conditions ot the trachea and larger bronchi, 
it has always proven of superior service, and has been 
the favorite remedy with a large share of the Eclectic 
physicians in influenza. Here it proves a superior 
cough remedy by subduing the capillary engorgement 
of the respiratory mucous membrane, while it undoubt- 
edly quiets a certain erethism of the nerve filaments 
distributed here, and to which much of the persistency 
of the symptoms is due. 
In subacute inflammatory conditions of the liver, 
due to hypersemia of the capillaries of the hepatic 
artery, it is a valuable remedy. The symptoms which 
should call for it are full, tensive pain complicated 
with occasional sharp darting in the right hypochon- 
drium, with slightly jaundiced complexion and obstin- 
ate constipation. It possesses an affinity for the cere- 
bral circulation, as well as the property of obtunding 
sensibility here in a measure, and is of service in cer- 
tain forms of headache. Scudder commends it in 
headaches where there is frontal pain extending to the 
occiput, constant and severe, but not sharp, with right 
cheek flushed. 
The vascular area of the mammary gland is also in- 
fluenced by bryonia, though we have a superior remedy 234 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
here usually in phytolacca. However, where pain is an 
important element of mastitis, of full, tensive character, 
bryonia may be combined with the latter remedy or 
employed alone with good result. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add five or six drops to half a common 
tumbler of water and give a teaspoonful of the mix- 
ture every one or two hours. 
Cactus Grandiflorus. 
This remedy specifically influences the heart, acting 
through the cervical ganglia of the sympathetic, as it 
also influences the circulation of the brain, which 
derives control from the superior ganglion of this group. 
Cactus grandiflorus is a remedy of' function largely if 
not entirely, and is applicable to palpitation and ir- 
regularities of almost all forms. It not only influences 
the sympathetic nerve but also the distribution of the 
pneumogastric, spending some of its effects on the 
stomach and lungs, but it evidently constantly im- 
presses the cardiac ganglia, as its tendency is toward 
regularity of rhythm. 
Through its tonic effect upon the heart many affections 
of other portions of the body may be favorably influ- 
enced, when these depend upon want of proper blood 
supply, dependent upon inadequate cardiac action. Thus 
we find that diseases of the kidneys, general anasarca, 
and other structural affections may be due to this cause, 
and amenable to a treatment which comprehends promo- 
tion of vigorous and healthy action of the heart. 
We will use cactus grandiflorus principally for its tonic 
and regulating effect upon the heart. Palpitation, inter- 
mission in rhythm, pain, and difficult respiration depend- 
ent upon cardiac derangement, will call for it. It has 
little effect in structural troubles, though in cardiac 
dropsy the result of debility it sometimes acts very THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
235 
promptly. In persons of excitable or nervous habit, 
when cardiac disturbance with palpitation is prominent, 
cactus will be found of much service as a remedy. 
Prof. Scudder thinks (Specific Medication) that the con- 
tinued use of this remedy permanently strengthens the 
heart. He believes that its action on the brain through 
the sympathetic renders it a valuable remedy in diseases 
of this organ. Prof. Goss asserts that it is a specific in 
angina pectoris. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From one to two drops, repeated every three or 
four hours during the day. 
Caffeine. 
Hale says of this remedy: "Caffeine is probably the 
most powerful heart energizer yet discovered. In mas- 
sive doses it will rapidly tetanize the healthy heart. In 
threatened cardiac paralysis, five grains every two hours 
has apparently snatched the patient from the jaws of 
death. In those cases of rapid heart failure which some- 
times occur in pneumonia, typhoid fever, and extreme 
dilatation, two grains every two or three hours have re- 
stored the force and rhythm of the heart in a short 
time." 
This remedy evidently acts, like several other cardiac 
agents, through the first cervical ganglion, as it also pre- 
sides over the cerebral circulation, being useful in head- 
aches characterized by cerebral hypersemia. 
One or two grains,given every two or four hours, serve 
a good purpose in relieving the congestion of the lungs 
in pneumonia of aged persons, by stimulating the heart 
and assisting the pulmonary as well as the bronchial 
circulation. In the weak heart of typhoid fever, and 
during convalescence, where there is great debility, it 
also serves a valuable purpose. 
It has been used successfully in the treatment of 
chronic albuminaria, during the late stages, when heart 236 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
failure lias resulted. It should not be used in acute 
albuminaria. It is superior to digitalis as a heart tonic, 
and has no cumulative effect. 
Form for Administration.-The alkaloid or the citrate, 
the latter being more soluble. 
Dose.-From two to five grains. The ordinary dose 
may be cautiously increased to ten or twelve grains, 
though not more than two such doses should be given 
during the day. It is better to increase the frequency 
of the dose than enlarge its quantity. 
Calcium Fluoride. 
This remedy influences the nutrition of the walls of 
the circulatory organs, and is applicable to degeneration 
of structure in chronic disease. In aneurism, atheroma- 
tous changes, varicosis in any part, or in impending 
apoplexy, where degeneration of the vascular walls is 
suspected, this is the most reliable remedy that can be 
prescribed. 
I have been in the habit of administering it to elderly 
persons who have experienced the premonitory symptoms 
of apoplexy, with the belief that the arterial w'alls were 
thus strengthened and the patient promised a greater 
length of life and freedom from paralysis on account of it. 
I think we have a much better remedy for hemorrhoids, 
usually, in collinsonia, but would think favorably of this 
in senile subjects where the ordinary remedy failed. 
I am not of the opinion that collinsonia does more than 
influence function, and if structure were to be improved 
I would at least alternate the function remedy with a 
tissue remedy. There is one consolation in administer- 
ing this agent; it can do no harm and may do much good. 
I regard this agent as the most reliable one we 
possess in endocarditis. It acts speedily and per- 
manently in affording relief from this very serious 
condition. THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
237 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration. 
Dose.-Add ten grains of the 3x to four ounces of 
water and give a teaspoonful every two or three hours 
during the day. 
Cannabis Indica. 
This remedy influences the heart and may be used 
with success in palpitation accompanied with sharp 
stitches in the part. 
It also influences the circulation in the mucous mem- 
brane of the genito-urinary sphere, and has been used 
successfully in blennorrhcea and vesical irritation. 
It has been reported favorably upon in the treatment 
of cerebro-spinal meningitis. Referring to this, Hale 
observes (New Remedies) that he has learned to restrict 
the remedy to the first stages of the malady or the 
stages of irritation and congestion. 
Form for Administration.-The lx dilution of the 
specific medicine. 
Dose.-From one to five drops. 
Capsicum Annuum. 
Capsicum is a topical stimulant of considerable power, 
but is digested before absorption into the circulation 
and thus loses much of its character as a stimulant. 
After being swallowed, however, it acts upon the mucous 
membrane of the alimentary canal, and imparts a 
marked glow of warmth to the whole system. Its reflex 
influence partly and its invigorating influence upon the 
arteries besides, doubtless conspire to a better capillary 
circulation, as the drug has been proven a valuable 
remedy in ague and other congestive conditions. 
It exerts an influence on the circulation of the bladder 
and rectum, and has been found of benefit in the treat- 
ment of hemorrhoids. 
Combined with quinine it is a valuable adjunct in the 238 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
breaking up of periodical attacks of congestive diseases, 
as congestive remittent and intermittent fevers. The 
dose here should be large. 
Capsicum invigorates the coats of the arteries, and has 
proven a successful remedy in uterine hemorrhage. A 
favorite prescription of a physio-medical practitioner with 
whom I was formerly frequently thrown in contact, was 
powdered capsicum, liberally added to a glass of hot milk 
to be drank freely. It was a very efficacious remedy, 
though such cases must be treated rationally-the proper 
means adapted to each one. 
Carduus Marianus. 
This remedy is particularly adapted to the splenic 
portion of the portal circulation, though it has been 
extolled by some therapeutists as a tonic to the venous 
system generally, acting to improve the power of the 
venous walls and guard against dilatation and varicosis. 
It has been used successfully in chronic congestive states 
of the kidneys, spleen and liver, with the best of results, 
in many cases. 
The following case, reported from a German medical 
journal, illustrates in a general way what has been accom- 
plished by it, by one who prescribes for general condi- 
tions : " A workman in the gold and silver mines at 
Bockstein, suffered for some years from the disease called 
in Germany, Die Bergsucht, or mountain phthisis; a com- 
plex of disorders of the stomach, spleen and kidneys, 
with insomnia, want of appetite, mental irritability, 
languor, and general weakness. After a fortnight's 
use of the drug, in the tincture, four drops, four 
times a day, his pale color had given place to a 
rosy tint, his eyes, which before were dim, had be- 
come bright, his despondency had disappeared, his 
voice was strong, and th$ activity of the limbs had THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
239 
returned. He said to me: 'You have made a new 
man of me; only now do I understand the value of 
health.' He had no return of the trouble." 
A few years ago I had a very similar case. 
A woman near the climacteric had passed through a 
protracted run of malarial fever, which had been 
complicated with more or less nervous prostration and 
mental irritability and despondency, and, instead of 
convalescing readily she continued debilitated, irritable 
and despondent. She continually complained of a pain 
under the left breast, in the region of the spleen; she 
imagined she was going to have cancer of the breast. 
Her complexion was sallow, her appetite capricious, 
and her bowels constipated. She remained in tolerably 
good flesh, as she belonged to the corpulent type. 
I was not the attending physician, but saw her several 
times in consultation, but the treatment devised by her 
regular attendant and the counsel failed to benefit. 
Finally the regular attendant became ill and the patient 
applied to me to attend her until his recovery. While 
casting about in my mind for a suitable remedy that had 
not been tried, the above case as reported came to mind, 
and I determined to give carduus a trial. Having about 
two drachms in my office I gave the vial to the patient 
instructing her to take two drops at a dose before each 
meal and at bedtime, or four times a day. In a short 
time the patient returned for more medicine and reported 
herself much better. The despondency was entirely 
gone, and a few weeks' more use of the drug cured her 
entirely. 
I think that carduus resembles polymnia uvedalia and 
grindelia squarrosa very much in its action on the por- 
tal circulation, influencing the areas supplied by the 
splenic and gastric arteries more than those supplied by 
the superior and inferior mesenteric. It certainly does 240 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
not reach to the hemorrhoidal circulation, as I have had 
no favorable experience with it in the treatment of hemor- 
rhoids. In hepatic disturbances it exerts a more marked 
influence than these remedies, and some, if not all of its 
value as a remedy in the mental despondency that accom- 
panies tire picture indicating its need is from this action. 
In dyspepsia depending upon fullness of the portal 
capillaries, if this be due to lack of energy in their walls, 
not due to obstruction in the liver, it may have a very 
satisfactory effect in relieving the difficulty. 
Form for Administration.-I am in the habit of using 
a tincture which I obtain at a homeopathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-Add from ten drops to a drachm to four ounces 
of water and administer a teaspoonful three or four 
times a day. 
Ceanothus Americanus. 
This remedy belongs to the same group with carduus 
marianus; it influences the capillaries of the upper por- 
tion of supply to the portal vein, though it possesses 
less of an affinity for the distribution to the liver than 
that remedy. Its important influence is upon the 
splenic vessels, and it has earned a reputation in the 
treatment of the condition known as "ague-cake," which 
has not been more than rivalled by our old favorite, 
polymnia. 
During the last American war this remedy stood in 
good place among some of the army surgeons for the 
relief of the splenitis that accompanied malarial attacks 
among the troops, and it was afterward reported upon 
very favorably by the medical men who employed it. In 
private practice it has also won many admirers as a 
spleen remedy. 
The indication for it is deep-seated pain in the region 
of the spleen, even though there be no apparent enlarge- 
ment of the organ present. It is, without doubt, a THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
241 
remedy for such pain when there is prominent evidence 
of splenic hypertrophy present, but it acts promptly in 
relieving sympathetic pain here when other parts are the 
actual seat of the disturbance. For example: In a 
case of metrorrhagia complicated with pain-deeply 
seated-in the left hypochondriac region, ceanothus 
cured promptly, not only the pain but the metror- 
rhagia; in a case of jaundice with severe pain in the 
left side, ceanothus cured, but failed to relieve the 
jaundice, which was afterward cured by chionanthus. 
The best place for ceanothus is evidently not in the 
most acute phases of splenitis. Here polymnia will 
act better. But ceanothus is more specifically indi- 
cated when the active stages have passed off-when 
the pain is not aggravated by pressure, and even in 
long standing cases where there is hypertrophy. 
As illustrative of the action of this agent in long 
standing splenic hypertrophy, I will quote the report 
of cases published in the Monthly Homeopathic Review 
by Dr. J. C. Burnett, an English homeopathist, in 
1879:- 
Case I.-"A young lady of about twenty-six con- 
sulted me for a chronic swelling in the left side un- 
der the ribs, with considerable cutting pain in it. She 
stated that it was worse in cold, damp weather, and 
she always felt chilly; the chilliness was so severe and 
long-lasting that she had spent the greater part of her 
time during the previous winter sitting at the fireside, 
and now she was looking forward to the winter with 
perfect dread. In the summer she had felt nearly 
well, but the lump and the chilliness and pain never- 
theless persisted, but it being warm she did not heed 
it much, it being quite bearable. 
"Ceanothus Americanus quite cured her of all her 
symptoms, and subsequent observation proved its per- 242 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
manency. Often during the following winter she called 
my attention to the fact that she was not chilly and 
felt well. 
Case II.-11 Chronic splenitis.-This young man was 
sent to the dispensary by the then manager of Messrs. 
Thompson and Capper's Birkenhead establishment, 
and was occupied in the Liverpool post-office in some 
light but ill-paid employment. His whole trouble 
consisted of a severe pain in the left side in the re- 
gion . of the spleen, and he had long vainly sought 
relief of many, probably at dispensaries. He therefore 
put in an early appearance at my new dispensary to 
try the new doctor, probably on the well-known prin- 
ciple of the new broom. He had become quite low- 
spirited and began to fear he would become totally 
unfit for work, and naturally that was a very serious 
matter for a young married man. He told me he had 
formerly helped his wife in her household matters, 
doing the heavy, rough work, but the pain in his side 
had now become so bad that he could not carry a 
bucket of water into the house or even sweep up 
their little yard, as handling the broom pained him 
so dreadfully. I was pressed for time, and prescribed 
ceanothus in pilules of a low dilution, and promised 
to go into his case that day week, meaning to percuss 
the part and ascertain whether the spleen was en- 
larged. He returned that day week almost well, and 
the following week was quite well. At my request 
he reported himself some time afterwards, and he 
still continues well. 
Case III.-"Some four years since, perhaps a little 
more, I treated a lady of about 55. She complained 
of rigors at frequent intervals, and pain in the left 
Bide, both of long standing. 
"Leucorrhoea had lasted some twenty years, and was THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
243 
profuse, thick, and yellow. She had been for years 
under the best allopathic physicians of Chester, and 
finally given up as beyond the reach of medical art, 
evidently on Moliere's principle that "nut naura de 
Vesprit que nous et nos amis." Nevertheless, the patient 
came under my care. Her last physician had finally 
suspected cerebro-spinal mischief, and hinted at 
incipient paralysis. 
"The pain in the side was the most prominent and 
distressing symptom, and for this I prescribed cean- 
othus. In a month the pain was entirely cured, and 
also the leucorrhcea, while the cold feeling was very 
much diminished, but not quite cured. I have also 
never succeeded in quite curing it with any subsequent 
treatment. I watched the case for nearly four years, 
and thus am able to state that the pain in the side 
and the leucorrhcea never returned, and the chilliness 
never became very bad but still she had a little when 
I saw her last." 
I have prescribed this remedy several times in 
chronic splenic affections with most pleasing results. 
It is a valuable addition to (or member of,) the 
group of remedies adapted to the treatment of splenic 
congestion. 
Form for Administration.-I have usually prescribed 
the homeopathic tincture, but have no doubt that 
the specific medicine is fully as effective, and I would 
prefer to patronize an Eclectic firm. 
Dose.-Add from ten to twenty drops to four ounces 
of vehicle and give a teaspoonful every three hours 
during the day. 
Cerasus Virginiana. 
This remedy is known by many as the prunus vir- 
giniana. It is a valuable heart tonic and sedative, 
and assists in controlling excitability of the pneumo- 244 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
gastric nerve, thus affording relief to coughs complicated 
with cardiac deficiency and disturbance. 
It is a valuable remedy where the pulse is rapid and 
weak, and in cases of dilatation of the heart. I have 
known it to also act favorably in the treatment of endo- 
carditis, as a palliative, until calcium fluoride has brought 
about its effect. 
Its action through the pneumogastric is signalized by 
a most happy effect upon the digestive and hepatic func- 
tions. In dyspepsia complicated with jaundice, an infu- 
sion of the fresh bark of wild cherry in preserved cider is 
one of the most positive agents for this condition I have 
ever known. The infusion should be cold, and should be 
taken in wine-glass doses three or four times a day, for 
several weeks. 
Form for Administration.-For ordinary purposes, the 
specific medicine. 
Dose.-From ten drops to a drachm, according to age 
and circumstances. 
Cereus Speciosissimus. 
This is a remedy highly recommended by Dr. R. A. 
Kunze, of New York, a few years ago, for certain cardiac 
affections, but of which I know nothing from personal 
experience. At the time of publication of Dr. Kunze's 
article detailing his knowledge of it, a portion of it was 
reprinted in the California Medical Journal, and from this 
I will reproduce what seems most important:- 
Case I.-" Tricuspid Regurgitation from Valvular Insuffi- 
ciency.-Mrs. T., aged 36, a widow living in this city, 
called in a brother Eclectic to treat her, early in Janu- 
ary, 1878. 
"Patient belonged to the bilious temperament. She 
lost her husband two years ago. For a number of 
years she had been treated by different physicians, for 245 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
dyspepsia and nervous debility, with quinine, iron, and 
gentian tonics. The Doctor found her suffering from 
an attack of cardiac syncope which lasted four hours. 
She had cold hands and feet, could not lie on her 
left side, and suffered much from dyspnoea. There 
were lancinating cardiac pains toward the left shoulder 
blade, accompanied by faint feelings. The radial im- 
pulse was imperceptible, and cardiac impulses were 
much the same. The first heart's sound, or systole, 
could not be made out, and the second, or diastole, 
was very feebly represented. A gurgling sound under 
the ensiform cartilage convinced me that there was 
a leaky tricuspid valve. From the arrested heart's 
action there followed deficient oxygenation of the 
blood and a good deal of systemic congestion. 
"She had a croupal cough, with some expectoration, 
headache in cerebellum and vertex, and the features 
had a bluish or purplish shade of color. 
"Before I saw the case the doctor had given the 
patieart one-drachm doses of a saturated tincture of 
prickly ash berries every hour, until she regained 
consciousness. On my arrival I gave fifteen drops of 
tincture of cereus speciosissimus in water, at a dose, 
and repeated it every three hours. 
"Previous to my being called, the doctor had failed 
to restore the warmth of the skin, with the external 
remedies usually applied in such cases. After the 
administration of cereus speciosissimus, a better 
current seemed to flow in the peripheral vessels, and 
an equilibrium was established. But when this medi- 
cine gave out a week later, and following the contrac- 
tion of a cold from wet feet, she had another bad 
attack of cardiac syncope, lasting two hours. This 
happened about the first day of her catamenial flow, 
which received a sudden check. 246 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
"I prescribed cereus speciosissimus in the following 
combination:- 
JI Tinct. cereus s., 
" gelsemium, fss 
M. Sig.-Gtt. xl in a little water every three hours. 
'"On seeing her the following day, I found that the 
menstrual flow had returned, and that the distressing 
cardiac pains were quite relieved. The persistent and 
irresistible cough of the previous day was entirely 
removed. The medicine was now given in doses of 
gtt. x-xv, three times a day, under which she 
continued to improve. Gradually her headache yielded, 
and the cardiac impulses became more perceptible. 
Radial pulse likewise much improved in force and rhythm. 
"March 10th, her feet for the first time in a long 
while were restored to their natural warmth. 
"March 14th, saw her in consultation with the 
family physician. In consequence of removal to new 
quarters, she suffered from some excitement and 
worriment. Her pulse was feeble, soft and small, 120 
per minute, regular in rhythm, but not strong, as from 
an enfeebled organ. Some throbbing of the temporal 
arteries. Respiration a little improved during the last 
few days. A peculiar feature of her case was that a 
week preceding menstruation, the left side of her head 
and body, including the breast, spleen, ovary, leg, and 
foot, begins to enlarge or swell, which gradually again 
subsides at the decline of her period. When thus en- 
larged the spleen is painful. The left breast is at 
least one-third larger than the right one. Her cata- 
menial flow was coming on again and I convinced 
myself of this state of affairs. As yet she was unable 
to go in the street. Gave her ten drops of tincture 
cereus speciosissimus every three hours. 
"March 15th. Much improved in every way. Very THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
247 
little of dyspnoea left. The usual vertex headache 
generally present at the menstrual period is now 
absent for the first time. Has taken a long walk, 
lasting three hours, for the first exercise. Ordered 
continuation of the same treatment. 
" March 18th. Pulse full and regular, 80 per minute. 
The heart sounds stronger and systole more percepti- 
ble. Chest vibrations from tremulous heart still 
noticeable, and about every ten minutes. Menstrual 
discharge better in quantity and darker in color. 
Spleen feels tender still, although left side swelling 
of body much diminished. Continue same treatment. 
"March 20th. Patient keeps on improving. Pulse 
75 beats per minute. Can now take considerable 
more exercise without much fatigue, respiration is free 
from oppression and she sleeps well the entire night, 
which formerly it was impossible for her to do. The 
case made a speedy recovery, and for two years after- 
ward I have heard no further complaint of the trouble." 
Case III.-" Case of Cardiac Dyspncea Superinduced 
by Left-side Hypertrophy with Mitral Stenosis.-Dr. Otto 
W., age 40, an analytical chemist from Switzerland, 
and residing in Williamsburg, N. Y., called on me Dec. 
15, 1884. Digitalis, which he had given a constant 
trial, failed to give relief, and the other remedies sug- 
gested were of no better account. 
"He was of a nervous temperament, and inclined to 
melancholy on account of financial misfortunes, having 
married a Jewess, against the wishes of her parents, and 
raising a small family of children. He discovered that 
he could not hold his situation as chemist in a man- 
ufacturing establishing. From acid fumes, to which he 
was exposed, the dyspncea grew worse, and he relin- 
quished a position only to find out that he was with- 
out friends or means to provide bread for the little 248 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
ones. The mental strain upon his nerves produced an 
increase of cardiac trouble. Trying to get another 
situation, he found that walking increased the dyspnoea 
and cardiac pains. Another physician, who had given 
him a few doses of cactus grandiflorus, which caused 
the first relief experienced in a long time, advised him 
to come and see me. I gave him fifteen-drop doses 
of cereus speciosissimus tincture four times a day. 
"Under this treatment he slowly and gradually kept 
on improving, and for a year, during which I occa- 
sionally saw him, he kept tolerably well, considering 
the nature of the disease." 
Cereus Bonplandii. 
This is one of the best of the cactus remedies, and 
has proven so reliable in my practice, as an agent to 
increase the contractile power of the heart muscle, 
improve its nutrition and regulate its rhythm, that I 
use it as many employ digitalis-as my every-day 
heart tonic. 
In cardiac dropsy it combines well with conval- 
laria majalis, assisting the action of that agent to 
bring about restoration. In debility of the heart, as 
that which followed so many cases of influenza in 
1890-1, it has a very decided and permanent effect. 
It is devoid the objectionable features of digitalis and 
more effective as a cardiac tonic. 
Dr. J. V. Shoemaker, an old-school author who has 
made a surreptitious study of the Eclectic materia 
medica, evidently was not experimentally acquainted 
with the cactus family as cardiac remedies when he 
wrote of them in his Materia Medica and Pharma- 
cology that they are special favorites "with a class 
of practitioners who prefer to drop about a certain 
number of drops of the remedy in about a certain quan- 
tity of water, of which about a teaspoonful may be taken 249 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
in about so many minutes in order to work the most 
miraculous medicinal effects. The influence of the mind 
upon the body and the therapeutic effect of expectant 
attention are well illustrated by some of these cases." 
This seems bad taste in Shoemaker, when we recollect 
that the best part of his work consists in what he has 
drawn from our therapeutics. But it is the gratitude 
we have been wont to receive from this quarter, and I 
suppose we must bow to the inevitable. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From three to ten drops every three or four 
hours. 
Chelidonium Majus. 
This remedy presides over the vascular area supplied 
by the hepatic artery. Inflammatory conditions of the 
interior of the liver, subacute or acute, are benefited by 
its administration, though suppurative tendencies may 
yield better to potassium chloride. 
Many sympathetic conditions yield to this use of 
chelidonium, as bilious headaches, liver coughs, and in- 
testinal irritations due to disturbance of so important a 
portion of the digestive system. Hepatic congestion 
must result in more or less disturbance of the portal 
supply, and such disturbance of the abdominal capil- 
laries may yield promptly to chelidonium. Therefore 
hemorrhoids, splenic congestion, dyspepsia and other 
gastric disturbances may find a very efficient remedy in 
chelidonium. 
Chelidonium is especially the remedy for jaundice 
when there is obstruction due to swelling of the mucous 
lining of the biliary ducts from subacute inflammatory 
action here. Catarrh of the biliary ducts is not an un- 
common disorder, and when present is subject to many 
relapses, due to atmospheric changes; in such case 
chelidonium is the best remedy we have. 250 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
The homeopathists recommend chelidonium for almost 
every disease known, but I think we can use it more ef- 
fectually by reserving it for this place-for its influence 
on the hepatic circulation. 
Pain in the region of the liver is a very common symp- 
tom where chelidonium is indicated. The pain may be 
full and aching, or sharp and lancinating. Commonly we 
may expect a dull, aching, or full, tensive pain to predom- 
inate, with occasional stitches complicating. The temper- 
ature may be slightly elevated, but not necessarily. 
Some writers lay special stress on the character of the 
stool in the indications for this remedy, but clay-colored 
evacuations must be the result of absence of bile in the 
alimentary canal, whether it be due to obstruction or fail- 
ure of the biliary cells to separate it. Fullness, with tend- 
erness, would be a better indication, but this symptom 
need not be present in order to make the indication clear. 
Hepatic congestion cannot always be determined by pal- 
pation, and tenderness need not always attend vascular 
fullness. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.--From five to fifteen drops. 
ClMICIFUGA RaCEMOSA. 
This remedy exerts little influence upon the circulatory 
system worthy of mention, except to control certain pain- 
ful states of the heart, which may result in speedy and 
permanent damage. 
I think that it is the most positive remedy we have in 
cardiac rheumatism, when begun early and given in full 
doses, its effects usually accomplishing the arrest of the 
disease before it becomes confirmed. 
For this purpose I require the recently obtained root, 
at least the product should not be more than a year old, 
and from this I prepare a strong decoction. Of this I 
require the patient to take a wineglassful every two 251 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
hours or oftener until the tensive pain subsides. The 
indication that too much is being taken will be a full, 
dull headache, but this will soon pass off, though when 
it appears the doses of the medicine should be made 
smaller, or should be suspended for a few hours. 
I have little faith in cimicifuga in chronic cardiac 
rheumatism, though it will always be found useful to 
alleviate acute aggravations. Cimicifuga and jaborandi 
combined are the two prime remedies in acute cardiac 
rheumatism, though cimicifuga is the preferable one 
where there is the least danger of heart failure. 
Collinsonia Canadensis. 
This remedy increases the tonicity of the heart, and 
thus improves a feeble circulation when the heart muscle 
is functionally at fault. But its best place is in conges- 
tive conditions of the parts supplied by the hemorrhoidal 
vessels. Congestion of these parts, even to dilatation of 
the hemorrhoidal veins, is promptly relieved by col- 
lin sonia. 
Painful conditions depending upon disturbance of the 
blood-supply here yield to collinsonia. Hemorrhoids is 
a condition which can be relieved with this remedy bet- 
ter than by any other known, as a general rule. Proc- 
titis calls for collinsonia, though acute inflammatory 
conditions about the rectum might be better treated with 
a combination of this remedy with aconite. Collinsonia 
is often a valuable remedy to relieve the tenesmus at- 
tending dysentery, and cholera infantum of dysenteric 
character. In any inflammatory or painful condition 
about the rectum collinsonia should be thought of as a 
probable remedy. 
I have found this agent of service in relieving the 
inflammation and pain in the rectum following surgical 
operations upon the part; and in the treatment of piles 
by the hypodermic method it is a good plan to follow 252 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
an application of this character with two or three-drop 
doses of green-plant tincture of collinsonia, three or four 
times a day, as less inflammation is liable to attend the 
sloughing process. I recently treated a case that had 
been maltreated by a quack, a surgical (?) operation hav- 
ing been performed for piles and the patient left with 
the rectum in a most horrible condition from the knife 
and carbolic acid. After ten days' suffering the patient 
sent for me, and I found the most urgent symptom was 
excruciating pain in the part whenever the bowels moved, 
or whenever the upright position was assumed. This all 
passed away in three days under the influence of small 
doses of collinsonia. This patient had been a fearful 
sufferer from hemorrhoids for years, but ultimately re- 
covered completely, the collinsonia soon controlling the 
local irritation so that proper surgical procedures con- 
firmed the cure. 
Form for Administration.-This remedy grows in many 
places in New York, Western Pennsylvania, Ohio and 
Kentucky, according to my own knowledge. It is a 
beautiful, aromatic plant, growing waist high, in open 
woods and shady, damp places, along the fences. It 
flowers in August and September, and should then be 
gathered and covered with alcohol. It needs no bruis- 
ing, but should be packed-leaves, blossoms and stems 
-in a fruit jar or other glass vessel, and enough alcohol 
added to cover it well. In two weeks we will have as 
good a preparation of collinsonia as can be manu- 
factured. The tincture is prepared by homeopathic 
pharmacists in much the same manner, from the green 
plant. The specific medicine is prepared from the root, 
and is not so effective. 
Dose.-This will vary from one to five drops. It may 
be repeated every hour in acute cases, or two or three 
times a day in chronic ones. 253 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
CONVALLARIA MAJALIS. 
There seems to be much confusion among old-school 
writers as to the physiological and therapeutic action of 
convallaria, and they are the only observers who have 
been giving the remedy more than clinical attention. It 
is certainly poisonous in large doses, its active principle 
convallamarin causing death in a few minutes from sus- 
pended heart action, when introduced into the circula- 
tion. 
In therapeutic doses this remedy strengthens the 
action of the heart. In somewhat larger doses it quiets 
cardiac excitement, and might be applicable to the early 
stages of carditis. It has been highly extolled in mitral 
insufficiency to relieve the dyspnoea and palpitation 
present. In cardiac dropsy it often acts promptly in 
relieving the sensation of fullness in the thorax, as well 
as the dyspnoea, and in removing accumulations of 
serum from the face and extremities. I think it the 
prime remedy for cardiac dropsy, and would think of 
this first in a pronounced case of the kind. 
In cardiac debility following epidemic influenza, 
typhoid fever, or other prostrating diseases, it will be 
found efficient in relieving the sense of faintness about 
the cardiac region, and in promoting a normal circulation. 
I have combined convallaria with cereus bonplandii in 
cardiac dropsy with good results, though it acts well 
alone. It is important to know that a reliable prepara- 
tion is being used. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From five to ten drops four or five times daily. 
Digitalis Purpurea. 
In my experience digitalis is a very much over- 
estimated remedy. It may seem to possess superior 
virtues by those who are not familiar with better cardiac 
remedies, but those who have employed the different 254 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
members of the cactus family, convallaria, adonis, and 
other agents in this class, are not liable to proclaim the 
virtues of digitalis very loudly. 
However, there is no disputing that digitalis possesses 
an affinity for cardiac function, if not for cardiac struct- 
ure, and we will never know too much about this class of 
agents. Probably an important reason why digitalis has 
disappointed so many is, that so many unreliable prep- 
arations have heretofore been offered in the market. I 
have never known digitalis to accomplish much positive 
effect except in the form of infusion. In this form I 
have known it to relieve anasarca, complicated with, or 
depending on cardiac difficulty, very promptly. However, 
that it possesses the power of convallaria in this respect 
I am very much in doubt. 
Scudder asserts (Specific Medication) that digitalis 
may be employed as a sedative to lessen the frequency 
of the pulse and lower the temperature in fever, but it 
has not been used for this purpose to any extent. He 
also suggests its use to arrest capillary hemorrhage in 
asthenic conditions, asserting that it may be employed 
with much certainty. Both Scudder and Goss assert 
that digitalis resembles aconite in its action as a sedative, 
Goss commending it in fevers and inflammation of atonic 
type. It however does not promote secretion from the 
skin as aconite, but rather spends its force in this respect 
upon the kidneys. 
Shoemaker recommends it in valvular disease-- 
stenosis of the mitral and tricuspid valves-after com- 
pensating hypertrophy has ceased to keep up the work 
of the heart, but interdicts its use before this. He also 
commends it in cardiac dyspnoea or cardiac asthma due 
to pulmonary engorgement, the drug resembling que- 
bracho in this respect. He commends it in hemorrhages 
also, referring to metrorrhagia, menorrhagia, purpura 255 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
hemorrhagica, haemoptysis, epistaxis and other sanguine- 
ous fluxes. 
Forms for Administration.-An infusion of the recently 
dried leaves; the specific medicine. 
Dose.-A fluidrachm of the infusion; of the specific 
medicine, from the fraction of a drop to five drops. 
Echinacea Angustifolia. 
Under remedies influencing the nervous system I 
have referred to the action of this agent in the treat- 
ment of cerebro-spinal meningitis, and while I am 
disposed to believe that it specifically influences the 
vascular area concerned in the nutrition of the cerebro- 
spinal meninges, its effects upon the general circula- 
tory system should not be overlooked. 
Its influence on the capillary circulation is not 
comparable with that of any other remedy known, for 
while it is a stimulant to the circulation in these 
vessels it also seems to endow them with a certain 
amount of recuperative power or formative force by 
which it is constituted not only a general stimulant 
and tonic to the circulation, but also peculiarly so 
as regards local inflammations of debilitated _or de- 
praved character. 
In adynamic fevers it equalizes the circulation 
while it acts as a sedative to abnormal vascular ex- 
citement, and lowers the temperature, if this be 
elevated, while if this be subnormal its singular effect 
upon the vital forces conspires toward a restoration 
of the normal condition. It is thus the sedative par 
excellence in typhoid fever, cerebro-spinal fever, mala- 
rial fever with asthenia, diphtheria, etc. 
Internally and locally it is the remedy for malignant 
carbuncle. In erysipelas with phagadenic tendencies 
it should be given internally and applied locally. In 256 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
pharyngitis, it assists the action of phytolacca materially 
in obstinate cases, in effecting a cure. 
As a sedative, it is comparable, in some respects, with 
baptisia, rhus tox., lobelia, aconite and belladonna; par- 
taking of the properties of all, but excelling them in 
every respect. In inflammatory states of the enteric 
mucous membrane it will be found of use, usually in 
cases of dysentery and cholera infantum which have be- 
come semi-chronic. It ought to be a valuable remedy in 
epidemic dysentery, on account of its superior virtues in 
depravation of the blood. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From ten to fifteen drops, repeated every hour 
or two, according to urgency of symptoms. 
Ergot. 
Ergot slows the heart, lessens the calibre of the ar- 
teries, and dilates the veins. The abdominal veins are 
notably dilated from the action of this agent. The 
power which this remedy possesses, of lessening the cal- 
ibre of the arteries, renders it an exceptionably valuable 
agent in arterial hemorrhage; and in destructive ulcera- 
tion of internal organs, where it is impossible to apply 
pressure, it often becomes a dernier ressort for the arrest 
of profuse losses of blood As it lowers blood pressure, 
it ought to be a valuable remedy in impending apoplexy 
and in anuerism, though in the latter condition its use 
would be demanded for too great a length of time to jus- 
tify much dependance upon it. It is principally employed 
in the treatment of uterine and pulmonary hemorrhages, 
though the Eclectic materia affords better remedies. 
Ziemssen remarks as follows of the action of ergot on 
the circulation:- 
"The main question connected with this circumstance 
is this: How is this contraction of the arteries brought 
about. It was formerly the assumption that ergot caused THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
257 
contraction of the arterial vessels by stimulating their 
muscular coat, so that they were in a state of active 
contraction. This contraction of the arteries was then 
further traced to an influence which ergot was supposed 
to exert upon the vasomotor center. A true cramp of 
the arteries was, therefore, regarded as the effect of 
ergotine, a cramp that, under some circumstances, 
might last long. A considerable shock has been given 
to this view of ergotine's action universally prevalent 
till lately, from the circumstance that the increase of 
blood-pressure to be postulated a priori from so strong 
a contraction of the arteries has not been found by 
any of the later investigators, except Eberty, in their 
experiments on blood-pressure with the kymographion. 
Thus, Holmes, Hermann, and Wernich found almost 
constantly a more or less considerable decrease of 
blood-pressure. The diminution of blood-pressure di- 
rectly contradicts an active contraction of the arterial 
vascular system; again, as Wernich shows, such a 
contraction is disproved by the beneficial influence on 
arterial aneurisms, which Langenbeck, Hermanides, 
and others produced by ergotine injections. Lastly it 
is opposed by Willebrand's observations, mentioned 
above, in regard to the diminution in the volume of 
the heart. 
"The question which must arise is: How, then, is 
arterial contraction induced? If it is not active it 
must be passive. The heart must, in a given space 
of time, pump less blood into the periphery than in its 
natural condition, because less blood is conveyed to it 
by the svstemic and pulmonary veins. Such an accu- 
mulation of blood in the veins is only possible by a 
diminution of the tone of the veins, as Wernich in- 
sists. This dilatation of the veins, this increased 
amount of blood in them, can be directly proved. Ac- 258 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
cording to Wernich's observations, it is the veins of 
the mesentery, of the uterus, of the bladder-the ab- 
dominal veins generally-which show most clearly this 
engorgement after the introduction of ergotine." 
As would be supposed, the temperature falls rapidly 
under the influence of large doses of ergot, a fall of 
four degrees below normal having been observed dur- 
ing its administration for the cure of uterine fibroids, 
and yet the drug has not been used with success in 
the treatment of fever. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine or 
normal liquid ergot prepared by Parke, Davis & Co. 
Dose.-From five to ten drops. 
Erigeron Canadense. 
This remedy seems to possess an affinity for the 
capillaries, as it is a very positive agent for the arrest 
of capillary hemorrhage and profuse watery evacua- 
tions from the mucous membrane of the bowelsr and 
from the kidneys. 
I believe it is one of the best remedies we have to arrest 
passive hemorrhages from the lungs, stomach, uterus, 
kidneys, or any other part, its action being prompt 
and effective if it is in the nature of this class of 
remedies to succeed in the case. Of course we would 
not expect it to close an open artery or vein, and 
must combine common sense with a knowledge of 
anatomy and physiology in the adaptation of thera- 
peutics to disease. In the early stages of pulmonary 
consumption it may be tried, though the pulmonary 
infarction may be such as to defeat its prompt action 
here. In passive uterine hemorrhage it is very valua- 
ble, though in abortion, with bleeding from open ves- 
selSj it would be suicidal to depend upon any drug 
alone. Here proper tamponing must be resorted to if 
Are would check the bleeding properly. Metrorrhagia THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
259 
and menorrhagia afford a good field for its action, as 
well as passive haematuria. 
I have had such surprising results from the action 
of an infusion of the fresh plant in the exhaustive 
discharges of the choleraic form of cholera infantum 
with this remedy, that I shall always hold it in the 
highest esteem. Upon several occasions I have evi- 
dently saved life with it when death seemed immi- 
nent. I have had a strong decoction made and al- 
lowed the child to drink freely of it in each case, 
which it would do on account of the extreme thirst 
due to rapid reduction of the fluids of the body from 
the evacuations. I think it ought to be a prime rem- 
edy in cholera, after the vomiting has been stayed. 
I have had good results from its use in the profuse 
watery discharges of hydruria. It constringes the 
capillaries of the kidneys, and thus proves effective. 
Form for Administration.-A decoction of the green 
plant. It grows plentifully in every State of the 
Union in which I have ever been, and grows in the 
season of the year when most needed. 
Dose.-From a tablespoonful to a teacupful, as the 
stomach will retain it. It is harmless, and the dose 
should be liberal in order to derive the best effect. 
In urgent cases it may be repeated every few minutes; 
ordinarily every two hours. 
Faradism. 
General faradization is a valuable promoter of the 
general circulation, as well as of local parts, and is 
more useful than drugs in some cases. Its effect is 
that of an equalizer, the blood flowing more equally to 
all parts of the body. A patient with habitually cold 
extremities may have the warmth restored to them 
and his general system invigorated by the effects of a 
course of general faradization. In amenorrhoea, farad- 260 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
ism will establish the menses in a few weeks, if judi- 
ciously selected and applied. An ague chill can be 
interrupted by faradism, and its return prevented by 
a proper use of the remedy, especially if it be aided 
by properly applied vapor baths. 
The influence of faradism on the heart is favorable 
when a general application of it is made and repeated 
every two or three days for several weeks, though it 
is not of marked service in cardiac affections, except- 
ing the early stages of cardiac rheumatism. Here it 
may be passed through the thorax, the electrodes being 
held opposite-positive over pectoral muscle, negative 
over inter-scapular space-with good effect. 
In dyspepsia, nervous exhaustion, hysteria, chorea, 
chlorosis, and other conditions in which enfeebled cir- 
culation often plays an important part, faradism is a 
valuable remedy on account of its beneficial effects on 
the circulatory system. 
The method of applying the general tonic treatment 
has already been described. (See page 34.) 
Ferric Phosphate. 
This is Schue.ssler's remedy for febrile aud inflamma- 
tory conditions. In persistent elevation of the temper- 
ature in threatened organic disease, or in fevers which 
assume chronicity, this agent will be found the most 
reliable sedative and antithermic known, that can be 
used with safety. 
This appears very unreasonable at first, but only 
needs to receive careful trial for confirmation. It only 
proves what a confirmed set of blockheads "scientific" 
physicians have been for years, in their estimation of 
the therapeutic qualities of iron. 
Ferric phosphate is not as much of a favorite with 
me as with many, as a sedative, but where febrile THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
261 
action lingers and other sedatives fail, I consider the 
existence of some organic disease almost unmistakably 
present if a few days of this remedy fail to lower 
the temperature. 
In the early stages of organic affections, as hepatic 
sclerosis, pelvic cellulitis, or salpingitis, ferric phos- 
phate alternates well with potassium chloride, to pre- 
vent the exudation of plastic material by lessening 
the amount of inflammatory action. 
Scheusslerian disciples employ it altogether as a 
sedative, and place implicit confidence in its virtues 
in all cases, but I think it best to reserve it for that 
class of cases where there is a tendency to chronicity 
in the fever, or where there is great adynamia, with 
febrile action. In the latter case, however, I should be 
inclined to prefer echinacea, if there were any demand 
for a corrector of septic tendency. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration. This 
may be obtained at a homeopathic pharmacy or prepared 
in the office after the directions laid down in the Prin- 
ciples of Medicine. 
Dose.-Add five grains of the 3x trituration to four 
ounces of water and give a teaspoonful every hour. 
Ferrooyanuret of Potassium. 
This should not be confounded with the cyanide of 
potassium, which is a deadly poison. This agent may be 
administered in fifteen-grain doses without bad effect, 
while the cyanide is dangerously poisonous in the 
sixtieth of a grain. 
Ferrooyanuret of potassium strengthens and equal- 
izes the circulation. It is valuable in weak and irri- 
table heart, as well as other functional cardiac troubles, 
while it has been employed successfully in cardiac 
hypertrophy. 
It also improves the tone of the arteries, and is 262 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
valuable in the treatment of asthenic cases where the 
extremities are habitually cold. It also possesses 
sedative properties akin to those of ferric phosphate, 
and is the remedy to prescribe when with a cardiac 
difficulty is associated febrile action with elevated 
temperature. 
Hale (New Remedies) recommends it in chlorosis, 
where the heart is particularly enfeebled, and the blood 
in a watery condition, with excess of white corpuscles 
and a dropsical condition impending; but faradism will 
discount any drug here so much that I would not give it 
a favorable thought. The tonic treatment of faradism 
repeated every second day here will be the proper 
treatment. 
Dose.-This may vary from a small quantity of the 3x 
trituration to two to five grains of the crude drug, 
administered every three or four hours. 
Gelsemium Sempervirens. 
Through the vasomotor centers gelsemium acts on the 
heart and arteries, more especially the heart, lessening 
blood-pressure and calming excitement. Observers of 
physiological effects of the drug assert that it produces 
little if any effect upon the circulation, J. Burden 
Sanderson among them affirming, from a kymographic 
experiment upon a rabbit, that it exerts no influence 
upon blood-pressure. Against these assertions, however, 
we have the clinical experience of thousands of Eclectic 
physicians, who aver that gelsemium is one of the best 
remedies we have to control febrile action, lessen deter- 
mination of blood to a part, and lower temperature. 
From these facts it may be suggested that experimenta- 
tion with drugs in large doses will not always enable 
one to judge of their dynamical action-therapeutic 
applications. 
Professor Scudder has given us the best therapeutic THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
263 
application for gelsemium. This may not correspond 
with the physiological action of the drug in every respect, 
but it is eminently practical and applicable to its best 
effects. His indications point to irritation and determ- 
ination of blood to the brain as denoted by flushed 
countenance, bright eyes with contracted pupils, and 
general restlessness and irritability. Such symptoms 
mark the premonition of convulsions in children, and 
when present call unmistakably for gelsemium. 
But it is best not to be restricted by these indications. 
I am satisfied that gelsemium is one of our best sedatives 
in malarial fevers, and I do not wait for the marked 
symptoms as described by Professor Scudder to appear 
before prescribing it. If there is the pulse of sthenia 
with arrest of secretion and febrile action, attended by 
headache and considerable nervous irritability, the con- 
dition of the pupils should not be taken too much into 
account in prescribing the remedy. Professor Scudder 
lays considerable stress upon the cerebral influence of 
the remedy, but I think we lose a valuable application of 
it to ordinary febrile conditions when we reserve it for 
these cases alone. 
I regard it as an exceptionally valuable sedative in the 
treatment of malarial fevers, as it seems to act, not only 
as a sedative and promoter of secretion, but as a neu- 
tralizer of the malarial element, whatever this may be. 
I employ it here in combination with aconite, veratrum, 
jaborandi and other sedatives, or singly,as circumstances 
seam to require. 
I do not think gelsemium is a sedative for continued 
fevers, though the condition described by Professor 
Scudder might be present in the early stages of typhoid 
fever, and the remedy do good service for a short time 
in correcting determination of blood to the brain; but it 
will be found best in ephemeral fevers and malaria] 264 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
attacks. In the cerebral disturbance of typhoid fever 
large doses of gelsemium are liable to result in depres- 
sion and coma,if continued for too long a time. 
It seems to exert an influence upon the pelvic viscera, 
controlling, to some extent, disturbance of the circula- 
tion in the uterus. In vesical irritation it has acted well 
in combination witli eryngium, and in inflammatory dys- 
menorrhoea it possesses some virtues. I have used 
it with success in spermatorrhoea following exhausting 
diseases, though it is more than likely that this influence 
is due to its effects on irritated nervous centers. 
Form for Administration.-Probably there is no other 
remedy that is so liable to prove disappointing, if the 
common preparations of the drug trade be relied upon, 
as this. A preparation of the recent plant product is 
the only reliable form. The specific medicine is always 
to be depended upon. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops. I 
ordinarily add twenty drops of the specific medicine to 
four ounces of water and give a teaspoonful every hour, 
in febrile cases, to an adult. 
Grindelia Squarrosa. 
This remedy exerts an influence over the splenic 
circulation. It is applicable to cases of chronic splenic 
congestion complicated with dyspepsia and hepatic 
torpor. I have cured splenic congestion of long standing, 
marked by dull pain in the left hypochondriac region, 
indigestion, sallow complexion and general debility, 
promptly, several times with this remedy. It should 
be given three or four times a day for several months, to 
derive its full benefits in long-standing cases. 
In the Newer Materia Medica published by Parke, 
Davis & Co. are a large number of reports of cases 
treated by physicians in various parts of the United 
States, in which its efficacy in enlargement of the spleen THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
265 
and in chronic malarial troubles is almost universally 
attested. 
The credit of introducing this remedy is due an 
Eclectic physician, Dr. J. H. Bundy, who experimented 
upon himself until he had mapped out its therapeutic 
plan largely, and which has proven, in practice, the 
proper place for it. 
Form for Administration.-Parke, Davis & Co's, fluid 
extract, or the specific medicine. 
Dose.-From five to ten drops, three or four times a 
day, in chronic cases. In acute cases it may be given 
every two hours. 
Hamamelis Virginica. 
Hamamelis is the most positive tonic to the walls of 
the veins of any remedy in the materia medica. It 
stimulates and strengthens the muscular coats of the 
veins so permanently that radical cure of various varicose 
conditions has been accomplished by its use. Shoemaker, 
an old-school authority, evidently unwilling to give an 
Eclectic remedy its full meed of credit, observes that 
some of the therapeutic power possessed by the extract 
may depend upon the alcohol it contains. Notwith- 
standing this he admits that varicose veins, varicocele 
and internal hemorrhoids may be permanently cured by 
its protracted use. 
While it is not as generally applicable as collinsonia 
to rectal disease, nor as positive a cure for the hem- 
orrhoidal condition as a rule, it will be found a very 
positive agent to relieve venous hemorrhoids. I have 
effected many permanent cures of recent venous hem- 
orrhoids with it. It is also applicable to the treatment 
of varicosis of the lower extremities, and in convales- 
cence from phlegmasia dolens it proves an efficient aid. 
It is also a valuable remedy in passive hemorrhages, 
whether from the kidneys, lungs, uterus, or other part 266 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
of the body. It seems to have a general affinity for the 
entire venous system, selecting no particular vascular 
area for its action, but markedly affecting relaxation of 
the veins wherever occurring. 
In hemorrhagic states of the mucous membranes 
hamamelis is a valuable topical application, serving to 
arrest oozing from abraded surfaces very promptly when 
properly applied. It is also a valuable topical agent in 
superficial inflammations, as in diffusive inflammation of 
the skin from chafing or irritating discharges, soothing 
pain and acting as a cooling dressing. 
Form for Administration.-Any good distilled extract. 
The dark fluid extract is worthless. 
Dose.-From ten to twenty drops. 
Helleborus Niger. 
This remedy has an action upon the heart similar to 
that of digitalis. It is little used as a medicine,but may 
possess valuable properties as a remedy for the circula- 
tory system. It was used much by the ancients as a 
remedy for dropsy. The active principle, helleborin, is 
a powerful cardiac stimulant. 
Hydrastis Canadensis. 
The influence of hydrastis on the circulation is some- 
what unique. Dr. E. M. Hale remarks: "It is due to 
Professor Schatz, of Europe, that he should be given 
the credit for the discovery of the real sphere of this 
drug. He is one of the deepest thinkers and shrewd- 
est experimenters in the Old World. Possessed of 
almost perfect knowledge of human and animal physi- 
ology, he is competent to interpret the meaning of the 
changes which drugs cause in the living body. I have 
not before me the records of his experiments with 
hydrastis, but it will suffice to say that hydrastis 
causes contraction of the muscular coats of the ar- THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
267 
teries. without initiating contractions of muscular fibers 
elsewhere. Upon this one fact hinges the action of 
this drug. Ergot causes such contraction, but it is 
associated with contractions of other muscles. The 
same may be said of adonis, convallaria, digitalis, and 
nearly all cardiac remedies." 
Dr. "Wilcox gives the following indications for the 
use of hydrastis upon the philosophy of Professor 
Schatz: " The author gives the fluid extract of hydras- 
tis, thirty drops three or four times a day, in cases 
of fibromyomata, subinvolution, and hemorrhagic endo- 
metritis. According to him, it checks the bleeding 
from uterine fibromyomata by the production of 
persistent anemia, unaccompanied by the distressing 
cramps of ergot or the flooding from the alternate 
contractions and relaxations. So in the cases of small 
fibroids, it is preferable where their expulsion would 
probably be attended by hemorrhage or septicaemia. 
"In hydrastis he sees a sovereign remedy in endo- 
metritis fungosa, even when curetting has failed to 
arrest the bleeding. He has seen a fatal result from 
the apparently simple operation of curetting. That 
there is great danger is attested by the number of 
so-called antiseptic curettes to be found in the market. 
With the use of hydrastis no confinement to the bed 
is necessary. 
"Hydrastis canadensis, by its faithful use will often 
render Emmet's operation unnecessary. The uterus 
becomes smaller, the leucorrhoea diminishes, the 
erosions heal, the displacements become rectified. 
Apparently it is to this class of cases that Shivesti- 
zeneff refers, although he does not recognize a lacerated 
cervix. 
"The author has treated successfully five cases of 
climateric hemorrhage with hydrastis. 268 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
"The results obtained in these cases he regards as 
admirable, and he believes he has a valuable remedy 
in this class of cases, which oftentimes are very 
difficult to relieve. It is only fair to say that he has 
also used the bromides sparingly, and arsenic some- 
what vigorously; but he feels positive that, in remov- 
ing one cause of general anemia, hydrastis has been 
of great benefit. 
"Nine cases of pelvic inflammation have come under 
his- care, which have been treated with hydrastis, and 
since using hydrastis he has abandoned the use of 
iodine, and to some extent hot water and local treat- 
ment. He recommends it in pyosalpinx, thinking it 
reduces the hyperaemia without contracting the tubes. 
"He in this way treated three cases of congenital 
anteflexion with marked relief of symptoms. 
"The author thinks that a timely use of hydrastis 
may, in many cases, prevent operations now considered 
necessary, and also obviate the necessity of wholesale 
gynaecological examinations, which in the case of girls 
he rightly deprecates." 
The same influence doubtless operates in the bene- 
ficial effect which follows the use of this remedy in 
catarrhal conditions of the mucous membranes. In 
many cases of leucorrhoea and blennorrhcea its effects 
are very satisfactory, both when it is employed 
locally and constitutionally. It has long been a favor- 
ite with Eclectic practitioners as an injection in gon- 
orrhoea, though I believe that echinacea is superior 
to it here. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From one to twenty drops. 
Iberis Amara. 
This remedy possesses an affinity for the heart, and 
has been employed successfully in cardiac asthma, 269 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
cardiac dropsy, in hypertrophy of the heart with 
excessive action, and other conditions where digitalis 
might be thought of. It does not act precisely like 
digitalis, but resembles it in therapeutic properties 
somewhat, and also quebracho, in its effects in cardiac 
dyspnoea. 
It is worthy a trial in obstinate heart affections 
where more approved remedies fail. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture of a homeo- 
pathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-From five to ten drops. 
Ipecac. 
The influence of ipecac upon the general circulatory 
system is somewhat uncertain, but its effects upon 
certain local vascular areas is pronounced and of 
valuable therapeutic significance. It is asserted that 
the drug causes contraction of the capillary arterioles, 
and thus acts as an inhibitor of capillary engorge- 
ment of the parts upon which it exerts its influence. 
The pulmonary mucous membrane and the intestinal 
mucous membrane, are the parts most markedly 
influenced by ipecac, so far as its effects upon the 
circulation are concerned. 
During the stage of hypersecretion in acute inflamma- 
tion of the pulmonary mucous membrane, ipecac is 
among our most reliable remedies. It, however, is not 
so applicable as some others in special cases, tartar 
emetic acting more promptly when indicated by 
dyspnoea, great effort at raising phlegm attended by 
prostration and profuse perspiration, indicating lack of 
power in the respiratory center, with marked sub- 
crepitant rhonchus; but as a sedative to the irritated 
and weakened vessels in the part it is often most 
valuable. Where some other remedy is prominently 
indicated I often alternate it with ipecac in these 270 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
cases, thus deriving the influence of ipecac on the 
circulation, while the alternate improves the respira- 
tory power (tartar emetic), or relieves the thoracic 
pain (bryonia), or equalizes the circulation between 
the heart and lungs (quebracho). 
Ipecac tends to relieve irritation of the pulmonary 
mucous membrane and arrest hypersecretion attending 
bronchitis or acute coughs, and may be prescribed 
here with considerable certainty. It also arrests pul- 
monary hemorrhage, in minute doses. 
In irritation of the enteric mucous membrane it is 
one of our most reliable remedies, the circulation in 
the part being very favorably influenced by it if the 
disorder is acute. In dysentery we have no more 
positive agent, and in cholera infantum it is capable 
of curing the majority of cases unaided, though where 
the discharges are water instead of mucus-where 
we have choleraic symptoms-it bears no comparison 
with erigeron or veratrum album. In mucous cholera 
infantum it relieves the pain and tenesmus, lessens 
the frequency of the evacuations, and restores the 
patient in a few days, if other conditions are favor- 
able. Of course an intelligent attention to the 
requirements of digestion, and to other proper details 
must be considered at the same time. However, I am 
not in favor of relying on the' single remedy in the 
treatment of this disease. Ipecac can usually be 
alternated with some other remedy that will augment 
its restorative powers, as aconite, colocynth, collinsonia, 
kali bichrom., etc. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to a drop. In 
cholera infantum, from ten to fifteen drops may be 
added to four ounces of water and a teaspoonful 
administered every hour. I usually add from two to THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
271 
five drops of specific aconite to this, or ten to fifteen 
drops of the lx dilution. 
Jaborandi. 
In minute doses jaborandi relieves irritability of the 
heart and blood-vessels, and tends toward bringing 
about a normal equilibrium of the general circulation 
when this has been disturbed by febrile action. In 
large doses it produces profuse perspiration, coldness 
of the surface, ptyalism, vomiting and sinking sensation; 
carried further it may cause complete diastolic arrest 
of the heart's action. 
Under judicious dosage it is our most valuable 
arterial sedative, promptly controlling febrile action, 
lowering the temperature, and promoting normal 
secretion from the skin, lungs, and kidneys, while the 
circulation is equalized and an agreeable sensation of 
coolness and comfort imparted to the general cutaneous 
surface. It is thus valuable in all forms of fever not 
marked by great adynamia, and in inflammatory condi- 
tions its general effect is attended by amelioration of 
the local hypereemia of highly satisfactory character. 
We probably do not possess another as valuable 
agent in inflammation attended by sthenic conditions 
as this in our entire materia medica. 
In inflammatory rheumatism, from the most active 
forms, where the tissues are swollen to fullness of 
the skin, and the pain is excruciating, to more pass- 
ive forms where joints are swollen and stiff but not 
exceedingly painful, there is nothing else in the materia 
medica like it for promptness of action in relieving 
the local symptoms. Under its influence, though here 
a few full doses may be needed, the most severe pain 
subsides, and swelling and redness are soon gone-not 
that there need be redness to indicate it, for many 272 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
of these cases may be so subacute as to be pale and 
painless; though the joint may be swollen and stiff. 
Some of these patients may be able to be about 
their daily avocations, though complaining of swelling, 
soreness and stiffness in the joints. I find jaborandi 
to be the best prescription here. 
Jaborandi has other valuable uses which will be 
noticed in their proper order. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Where prompt action is desired to relieve 
severe pain, from fifteen to thirty drops of the specific 
medicine may be given at a dose and repeated in half 
an hour if necessary, though I would not recommend 
the repetition usually within the hour. As a febrifuge 
and antithermic-sedative to the arterial system-I 
would add from one to four drachms to four ounces 
of water and administer a teaspoonful every hour. 
Kalmia Latifolia. 
This remedy is an arterial sedative, but has not been 
much used for such purpose. Goss mentions it approv- 
ingly as a remedy for syphilis, and refers to its action as 
a sedative to the arterial system, and Hughes (Manual 
of Pharmacodynamics) ascribes to it some value in 
cardiac affections, neuralgia, and rheumatism. 
In Dr. Carroll Dunham's "Lectures on Materia Medica'' 
is an interesting report of a case of cardiac disease fol- 
lowing acute rheumatism which had been pronounced 
hopeless, but which recovered on this remedy. The 
Doctor diagnosed the case as acute endocarditis and 
prescribed the remedy with little faith of any favorable 
effect, but the patient, a little girl of ten years, recovered 
fully, no valvular murmur remaining. 
Kalmia has been used successfully in Bright's disease 
of the kidneys, the effect probably being due to its THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
273 
power over blood-pressure in the renal arterioles, and 
inhibitiQn of the current in vascular excitement. 
Professor King recommended this remedy very highly 
in syphilis, in febrile and inflammatory diseases, and in 
cardiac excitement. He also extolled it in ophthalmia 
and neuralgia. The homeopathists enriched their ma- 
teria medica very much from Eclectic sources a few 
years ago through Hale, many additions being the re- 
sult of Professor King's experience and observation. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From five to fifteen drops, in chronic cases, 
In acute phases from ten to twenty drops should be 
added to half a tumbler of water and a teaspoonful of 
the mixture given every hour. 
Lachesis. 
This is a remedy that is seldom used for its influence 
on the circulatory system, but sometimes it serves a 
most valuable purpose. In impending cardiac paralysis 
it seems to stimulate the sympathetic, and prompt the 
cardiac ganglia in such a way as to restore cardiac action 
very satisfactorily. Such a condition is liable to occur 
tn diphtheria and in the continued fevers of old persons. 
The indication for it, according to Hughes, is a tremu- 
lous action of the heart. I have used it in old and 
enfeebled patients, where the pulse was too rapid to be 
counted and scarcely perceptible, and where there 
seemed to be no possibility of a survival for more than 
a few hours, very successfully. Upon the following day 
the patient would seem to have been almost com- 
pletely restored. It is a valuable heart remedy in the 
cardiac exhaustion which often attends severe cases of 
diphtheria. 
Form for Administration.-The 6x trituration. This 
may be obtained at any reliable homeopathic pharmacy. 274 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
Dose. From one to two grains, repeated every two 
hours. 
Lobelia Inflata. 
In large doses, short of emesis, this remedy depresses 
the circulation, lessens blood-pressure and lowers the 
temperature; in minute doses it acts as a stimulant to 
the circulation, improving the power of the heart and 
capillaries, and equalizing the distribution of the blood. 
I am not an admirer of lobelia myself, as I can almost 
always find something that will act more satisfactorily, 
but the remedy undoubtedly is worthy of consideration, 
as regards its effects on the circulation. 
Scudder regards it as specially indicated when there 
is prsecordial oppression, with enfeebled circulation, 
feeble, oppressed pulse, of empty, doughy character, 
with general bodily fullness lacking elasticity. Hale, 
with his usual presumption (New Remedies), claims all 
these symptoms as belonging to the similimum of this 
remedy. 
However, we will seldom find a case in acute practice 
where lobelia can be used with satisfaction as a substi- 
tute for one of the more accredited sedatives, whatever 
may be said of special indications. Its principal use 
will always be in pulmonary difficulties, where it exerts 
a controlling influence over the circulation in the pul- 
monary mucous membrane. Here its influence resembles 
that of ipecac very much, and it can be relied upon in a 
similar class of cases. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Lycopus Virginicus. 
This remedy is classed as a sedative by Scudder, and 
it doubtless possesses such properties, though it is not 
as generally applicable to the treatment of febrile dis- 275 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
eases as some of the more generally known arterial seda- 
tives. However, its action on the heart is pronounced, 
and it may be prescribed in tumultuous states of this 
organ, where febrile action is not very high, and where 
pulmonary symptoms are a complication. In incipient 
phthisis, for example, where such a state of affairs is 
present, it is a very applicable remedy. An additional 
virtue commending it in such cases is its value in haem- 
optysis. It is also of value in hemorrhages' from the 
kidneys. It has been recommended in the treatment of 
exophthalmic goitre, Dr. Hector (Chicago Medical Times) 
reporting very favorably upon its use it this affection. 
It has been used successfully in the treatment of 
diabetes mellitus, and has been very highly extolled by 
reputable writers in our school for this use. It has also 
been used with advantage in the treatment of functional 
heart affections, irritability "with depressed force being 
offered as an indication for it by Hale. 
The testimony of most observers as to the action of 
this remedy agrees that the blood-vessels are recipient 
of its principal therapeutic influence. 
Rafinesque, whose knowledge of the indigenous rem- 
edies of this country was very extensive, considering his 
time and the fact that he was a foreigner a large part of 
his life, offers a very complete and comprehensive 
description of this remedy, written in 1828:- 
" The lycopus virginicus is an excellent sedative, sub- 
tonic, subnarcotic, and subastringent. It has only lately 
been taken notice of, while the lycopus vulgaris was 
extolled in Europe for fevers. Schoeff only mentions its 
qualities, and it is omitted in all the works of materia 
medica, except Ives and Zollikoffer. The first inquirers 
on its properties were Drs. Pendleton and Rogers, of 
New York, who have published several cases of haem- 
optysis and incipient phthisis cured by it. This has 276 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
been confirmed by Drs. J. M. Smith, Ives, Lawrence, and 
myself. 
"It is now much used in New Jersey. The whole 
plant is employed; it has a balsamic, terebinthinaceous 
smell, peculiar to itself, when bruised, which is stronger 
in the seeds. The taste is pleasant, balsamic and slightly 
bitter, but to some it appears mawkish and nauseating. 
It is described as partaking of the properties of dig- 
italis, sanguinaria, cimicifuga and spigelia, but it is 
neither diuretic nor anthelmintic, and is rather one of 
the mildest and best narcotics (sedatives) in existence. 
It acts somewhat like digitalis, and lowers the pulse 
without producing any of its bad effects, or accumulating 
in the system. It is, therefore, altogether preferable to 
it, and not only as an equivalent, but even a valuable 
substitute, as I have ascertained upon myself and others. 
Volumes have been written upon digitalis, a rank poison, 
and this excellent substitute is hardly noticed yet. It 
has, however, been used in the New York hospital, and 
found very beneficial; it lessens the frequency of the 
pulse, and allays irritation and cough by equalizing the 
blood. It is said to be most useful when febrile excite- 
ment has been subdued, but I have seen it subdue it by 
itself, as with other tonics. 
"I have made many experiments with this plant, and 
the results are, that although it does not cure consump- 
tion, nor heal the lungs, it is a very useful remedy in 
haemoptysis, a plethoric habit, and internal inflammation. 
I consider it a very good substitute for all narcotics 
(arterial sedatives ?) prussic acid, and even bleeding, 
since it produces the same state of the pulse and arte- 
rial system, without inducing any debility, or acting 
on the heart or brain in any injurious manner. It 
may be used in many diseases, and whenever it is re- 
quired to quell inordinate action of the circulation. THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
277 
"I have been informed that it has been commonly- 
used in New Jersey for diarrhoea and dysentery, which 
it helps to cure. It is a good adjunct to tonics in 
fevers. It is also peculiarly useful in the inflamma- 
tory diseases of drunkards, in diseases of the heart, 
etc. 
"I deem it the best sedative in almost all cases; it 
does not seem to act on the nervous system, but 
chiefly over the blood-vessels. The usual way to take 
it has been in the form of a warm infusion, allowed 
to cool, taken as a drink, without much nicety about 
the quantity. In haemoptysis I prefer a lemonade 
made with a weak tea of it, or a syrup made with it. 
A very strong infusion may also be used by putting 
one or two teaspoonfuls of it in tonic or refrigerant 
drink." 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From five to twenty drops. 
Nitrite of Amyl. 
Nitrite of amyl promptly relaxes the arterial coats, 
and the arteries become over-charged with blood. 
The brain seems to suffer most from this arterial dis- 
tension. The temporal arteries throb powerfully, or 
distinctively, the face becomes flushed, and the sense 
of fullness in the brain is attended with giddiness 
and confusion of ideas. 
The relaxing effect of the drug on the arteries has 
been made avail of in the treatment of angina pec- 
toris, where it is one of the best remedies known. 
Whether the effect is due to the specific effect of the 
drug on the arterial coats or to its antineuralgic in- 
fluence may be a question, but the fact remains that 
it is a most reliable remedy here. Inhalation of a 
few drops of the remedy affords prompt relief. 278 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
As a remedy to arouse the circulation in chloro- 
form narcosis, nitrite of amyl has been highly valued, 
but I think that position-head down and heels up- 
and the effect of slapping the patient's back over the 
thorax is fully as effective, if not more so. Lowering 
the head is probably the best means to be resorted 
to in these cases. 
Dose.-From one-fourth drop to one drop internally, 
or from three to five drops by inhalation. 
Nitro-Glycerine. 
The action of this remedy on the circulation resem- 
bles that of nitrite of amyl in some respects, though 
it stimulates the heart when failure of that organ is 
imminent, and has a wider range of action in other 
ways. It exerts a controlling influence over the cer- 
ebral circulation in minute doses, and thus relieves 
congestive headaches; in angina pectoris it can be relied 
upon with almost as much certainty as nitrite of amyl. 
It exerts a good influence over the circulation in the 
kidneys, and has been highly extolled by DaCosta in 
certain forms of Bright's disease, marked by renal 
cirrhosis. In such cases it should be combined with 
some permanent heart tonic, as digitalis, strophanthus, 
or cereus bonplandii. 
Neither this remedy nor nitrite of amyl should be 
administered to old people lest it result in serious 
accident to the attenuated or brittle arteries. 
Dose.-From the one-thousandth to the fiftieth of a 
drop. 
Nux Vomica. 
Nux vomica causes vasomotor spasm and increases 
arterial tension, thus energizing the circulation. It 
seems more especially adapted to the area supplied by 
the distribution of the coeliac axis, especially those THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
279 
organs supplied by the gastric and hepatic branches 
of this artery. 
In atonic derangements of the stomach, where there 
is evidence of feeble circulation, it is a valuable rem- 
edy for dyspepsia and associate troubles. Professor 
Scudder gives, as an indication for it, a sensation of 
fulness in the right hypochondrium; and this sensa- 
tion is liable to attend a sluggish condition of the 
capillaries of this part. As the circulation of the 
supply from the gastric and hepatic is improved, a 
corresponding improvement may be observed in the 
portal circulation generally. The remedy thus be- 
comes indirectly a reliever of congestion of parts sup- 
plying blood to the portal vein. Its influence may 
extend to the hemorrhoidal plexus, and so improve 
the circulation here as to relieve hemorrhoids, though 
it cannot be considered a reliable remedy for this con- 
dition. 
In nux vomica cases the almost certain impairment 
of the hepatic circulation will be evidenced by a more 
or less jaundiced condition of the skin, dull pain, and 
fullness in the right hypochondrium. 
Nux is not a remedy for inflammatory conditions of 
the liver, but must give way here to chelidonium; but 
when the circulation is enfeebled,it is perhaps the 
best remedy we have. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Phytolacca. 
While phytolacca has little influence over the gen- 
eral circulation, it exerts an almost indispensible in- 
fluence over inflammatory states of certain local vas- 
cular areas. These are the mouth and pharynx, and 
certain portions of the reproductive apparatus, notably 
the mammary glands in the female, and the testicles 280 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
in the male. Its influence upon acute adenitis is also 
marked, though its action upon the lymphatics will be 
considered under a separate head. 
Its effects on the oral mucous membrane are best 
displayed in the treatment of aphthous states of the 
part, though any subacute inflammation of the lining 
of the mouth is usually promptly relieved by it. 
There are few cases of aphthse-usually a very stub- 
born disease under other treatment-that will not 
yield promptly to the influence of this agent. Some- 
times, where there is considerable ptyalism, jaborandi 
does better, but this is the exception rather than the 
rule. I usually combine the phytolacca with small 
doses of aconite in such cases, but would recommend 
the substitution of jaborandi where profuse ptyalism 
is a marked symptom. 
In inflammatory affections of the pharynx and fauces 
this is the leading remedy in all acute cases, where 
diphtheria is not the condition to be treated; but in 
such cases it is useless, for the reason that it pos- 
sesses no antidotal power over this specific affection. 
However, it might follow the disappearance of the 
exudation to strengthen the circulation here, but 
would not be as reliable as echinacea. In follicular 
tonsillitis, in acute pharyngitis, and in common sore 
throat the result of taking cold, there is nothing like 
it. Half a drachm of the specific medicine added to 
half a glass of water, dose a teaspoonful every hour, 
soon affords satisfaction; often the first dose will im- 
part a sense of relief to the patient. However, I 
would write the prescription as follows, ordinarily:- 
Phytolacca, jss. 
Aconite, gtt. v. 
Aqua, ad. q. s. fiv. 
Sig.-Take a teaspoonful every hour. THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
281 
In inflammation of the mammary gland, either puer- 
peral or traumatic, it is the most positive remedy we 
have. If the breast is properly managed in other re- 
spects there can hardly be a case where puerperal 
mastitis will occur. Should this result, the remedy 
will prove a valuable aid in encouraging recovery, the 
abscess emptying and healing speedily under the gen- 
eral influence of it when assisted by proper support 
and manipulation. 
The influence of phytolacca on the testicle in in- 
flammation of that part is also an important one in 
all cases of orchitis. It acts well alone or in con- 
junction with pulsatilla, with which I combine it- 
probably to satisfy a whim, though both these rem- 
edies are indicated in such affections. Ovaritis should 
also be amenable to the influence of phytolacca, 
though on account of difficulty of diagnosis, or lack 
of skill, or carelessness, little that is positive may be 
asserted with regard to any past clinical experience 
in this direction. 
The dose and form for administration have already 
been suggested. 
POLYMNIA. 
Polymnia uvedalia influences the circulation of the 
spleen markedly, as well as of the entire abdominal cir- 
culation, though its influence upon the general portal 
circulation may be due to the fact of its influence on 
the spleen. It also influences 'the circulation in the 
glandular system generally, with preference for the 
ductless glands. 
Its best place is in splenitis with engorgement, as, 
the condition which often attends chronic ague ("ague 
cake"). Here we have a very positive remedy in 
polymnia, the agent promoting the flow of blood 282 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
through the organ, and strengthening the capillaries. 
Whether it promotes the rythmical action of the spleen 
is a question, but this is doubtful, as the remedy 
exerts its influence in enlargement of other glands 
where this action is not supposed to exist. 
Its desirable influence over the circulation may be 
made avail of in the treatment of many cases of dys- 
pepsia where there is congestion of the gastric and 
hepatic capillaries, depending on a lack of proper im- 
pulse from the spleen, which doubtless assists in the 
movements of the blood in the portal circulation, 
acting as a vis a tergo in propelling the blood forward 
through the portal vein. Here the sensation of full- 
ness and burning experienced in the gastric region 
may often be promptly dispelled by the use of 
appropriate doses of polymnia. While not acting 
directly on the digestive functions then, the remedy 
may constitute a valuable remedy in dyspepsia, by re- 
moving obstruction to the circulation in the digestive 
apparatus and thus promoting function. 
As to its influence on glandular structure generally I 
will reproduce a report from Dr. J. W. Harvey, published 
in the eighth volume of the California Medical Journal'.- 
"Having read of the use of polymnia uvedalia in the 
treatment of enlarged spleen, I determined to give it a 
trial in glandular enlargements generally. And for the 
benefit ' of the readers of the Journal I will state my 
experience with two cases in recent practice. 
"The first case was that of a girl ten years old. The 
external appearance was that of a cyst or tumor as large 
as a hen's egg, and swollen internally, causing the 
tongue to point to the roof of the mouth. The tumor 
was hard and resisting to the touch, but not painful. 
General health of patient good. I prescribed specific 
uvedalia, gtt. ii every four hours, to be taken in a little 283 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
water. To the tumor I had the uvedalia ointment 
applied, rubbing it in well and using heat to produce 
absorption. What was the result ? This tumor, which 
had been perceptibly growing for six weeks, was removed 
in ten days. 
"The second patient was a child four years and 
six months old. The difficulty was a case of hyper- 
trophy of the spleen of over one year's standing. I 
had treated this case before in November, 1886, 
carrying out the usual stereotyped plans, exhausting 
the remedies generally used in such cases, but with 
no good results so far as reducing the spleen was 
concerned. On my return from the California Medical 
College in April this year (1887), the case was pre- 
sented again and I determined to use uvedalia, which 
had been so highly recommended. 
"At this time the patient was pale and anaemic, no 
appetite, slight fever every day, but no distinct chill. 
The spleen seemed to fill almost all one side of the 
abdominal cavity, extending as low down as the 
anterior superior spine of the ilium, and as far to the 
right as the median line. To the touch it was hard 
and resisting. 
"I prescribed arseniate of quinia, 3x trit., one 
grain every three hours; specific uvedalia gtt. ii three 
times a day. Externally the uvedalia ointment was 
applied over the region of the spleen night and morn- 
ing, toas'ting it in well with heat. What were the 
results? In six days the arseniate of quinia was 
stopped, there being no fever. The uvedalia was used 
both locally and internally as before. To summarize: 
the treatment was commenced May 6th, and at this 
date, June 8th, the spleen has decreased in size one- 
half; it feels soft; appetite is good; she has had no 
fever since the first week, and all symptoms point to 284 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
a speedy and complete recovery." In the same volume 
Dr. J .C. Andrews reports the following case:- 
"Mrs. M. came to consult me in regard to the 
condition of her daughter, aged nineteen years, single, 
whose appearance was not unlike that of a woman 
some seven or eight months advanced in pregnancy; 
but the character of the family, as well as that of the 
daughter, was above reproach. She had presented 
this condition for years, and had the sympathy of all 
right-minded people, but her appearance would provoke 
remarks from the vulgar. 
"The mother gave me the history of the case, and 
suggested, as an opinion, that that much abused organ 
•-to which, as a last resort, they can ascribe all dis- 
ease with all the authority and zeal that ancient 
custom assures-the liver, was at fault. I interposed 
an objection, as her complexion would not warrant the 
assertion, as it was as clear as the most fastidious 
could desire. I at once informed the mother that I 
could not venture an opinion until an examination of 
the case was had, which was consented to, and at the 
day appointed, the young lady, in company with her 
mother, was promptly on hand; with becoming modesty 
she reluctantly submitted to the examination, which 
was carefully conducted, and I soon discovered the 
outlines of a tumor which filled the left hypochon- 
drium, and reached below the umbilical region, when I 
unhesitatingly pronounced it an enlargement of the 
spleen, and informed the mother it could, without 
difficulty, be cured, but would consume months of 
treatment, which was agreed to and I prescribed the 
following:- 
$ Specific uvedalia, ?ss. 
Aqua pura, 
M. Sig.-One teaspoonful four times daily. Apply THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
285 
the uvedalia ointment to the abdomen morning and 
evening, with brisk friction under heat, or toast in 
with a hot iron. 
"These prescriptions were renewed from time to 
time, and directions persevered in with unflagging zeal, 
until now, near five months, the spleen is reduced to 
almost its normal size." 
Current Eclectic medical literature contains many 
similar reports which confirm the high estimate placed 
upon this agent in hypertrophy of the spleen. Of the 
many other useful places to which it is applicable, 
through its influence on the abdominal circulation, we 
have much yet to learn. 
The form for administration and dose have been 
suggested in the preceding quotations. 
Pulsatilla Nigricans. 
The German pulsatilla exerts a specific influence upon 
the veins, in certain regions, that is worthy of mention. 
In fact the capillaries in certain vascular areas are un- 
doubtedly influenced by it, as in orchitis, prostatitis 
and ovaritis. 
The action of pulsatilla in varicosities is not often put 
to practical test, as we have more reliable remedies, 
probably, in hamamelis, for general relaxation, and in 
collinsonia and aesculus, for hemorrhoidal conditions. Its 
best use perhaps in this respect, is in the treatment of 
crural phlebitis following parturition (milk leg), and 
dilatation of the spermatic veins (varicocele). 
The circulation about the eyes and ears also comes 
under the influence of pulsatilla. In painful catarrhal 
otitis I have found this remedy of much service, and in 
neuralgia about the meatus and in the ear (earache), 
I find it a very reliable resort, especially in children. 
I have never made much use of it in inflammatory 
affections of the eyes, but some therapeutists dwell 286 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
strongly upon the value of the remedy here, especially 
in irritation of the lachrymal apparatus, as lachrymation 
in the open air and in catarrhal inflammation of the 
lachrymal sac. 
In using it for pain in the ear a particle of cotton may 
be moistened with the specific medicine and carefully 
pushed into the meatus, though this will not interdict 
its use internally at the same time. However, the local 
use of the agent may be sufficient. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Ten to twenty drops may be added to half a 
glass (four ounces) of water and a teaspoonful given 
every two hours, in orchitis, ovaritis, prostatitis. In 
chronic cases, as varicocele or varicosis of the crural 
veins, the dose need not be given so often. 
Pulsatilla Nuttalliana. 
This is known by some botanists as the anemone 
nemorosa, and is the American pulsatilla which has been 
confounded by druggists with the German variety. It 
possesses similar properties with the German variety 
but is said by Hale to be more active. That writer 
asserts that it restores suppressed discharges from the 
mucous membranes when these have been arrested by 
cold. He instances rheumatism following the suppres- 
sion of catarrhal discharges, and also periostitis and 
synovitis. It ought to be useful in gonorrhoeal rheuma- 
tism. 
It has been serviceable in the treatment of varicose 
states of the venous system, and in the removal of 
ecchymoses, acting through the circulation. It is the 
constitutional remedy for black eye. Whether it will be 
found to exert any restraining influence upon the 
capillary debility found in purpura hemorrhagica 
remains to be seen. 
This remedy, like its congener, possesses an affinity THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
287 
for the reproductive apparatus of the female, though it 
differs somewhat, and the two should not be employed 
indiscriminately. 
Form for Administration.-The mother tincture of a 
homeopathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-Add from ten to twenty drops to four ounces 
of water and order a teaspoonful at a dose, repeating as 
often as the circumstances of the case warrant; acute 
cases call for frequent repetition of dose, while chronic 
affections are better treated by giving the doses further 
apart-three or four times daily. 
Rhus Toxicodendron. 
Rhus impresses the vaso-motor center to influence 
the circulation, and it is a valuable sedative in 
continued fevers, where the pulse is small and wiry, 
and where there is considerable nervous erethism 
present. As it is credited with antiseptic properties, 
which it seems to possess, it is especially valuable in 
those stages of fever where there is depravation of 
the blood, evidenced by red, pointed tongue, with dry- 
ness, and d.elirium with marked restlessness. In such 
cases the pulse is usually small and wiry. Professor 
Scudder suggests a vibratile pulse as indicative of its 
need. 
I find rhus a favorite remedy with many of our 
practitioners in the treatment of typhoid fever, as 
well as other continued fevers where these symptoms 
prevail. Combined with aconite it constitutes the 
ideal sedative. In all febrile states, whether idio- 
pathic or symptomatic, where a nervous element seems 
to be prominent while the fever inclines to assume a 
typhoid condition, it is the sedative to combine with 
aconite to meet the nervous element, while the seda- 
tive influence is unmistakable. In cholera infantum, 
typhoid pneumonia, gastric intermittent and remittent 288 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
fevers and many other conditions, these suggestive 
symptoms will be found, and rhus will be the most ac- 
ceptable remedy to choose. 
In such cases, one characteristic symptom will be a 
pointed tongue, with reddened tip and edges. This may 
be accompanied by nausea and vomiting; in fact, this is 
almost certain to be the case, though not invariably. 
Here is one of the most unmistakable indications for 
rhus. There is a certain relationship existing between 
the gastro-intestinal functions and the sympathetic, and 
through this with the cerebro-spinal system, which man- 
ifests itself in the specific symptom, "pointed tongue, 
with reddened tip and edges;" and when I prescribe it 
in such cases I do not expect to merely relieve a gastric 
irritation,-though I will do this casually,-but I expect 
to get behind this condition and sedate certain vascular 
areas in important nervous centers. 
It is upon such principles as this, that a certain ele- 
ment of specific medication depends. A drug need not 
necessarily be devoted to the relieving of the symptom 
manifested by the tongue exclusively, but, reaching back- 
ward through a connected chain of reflexes, it may finally 
reach the fons el origo of the morbid state, and there bal- 
ance a disturbed equilibrium. 
Rhus selects the vascular area about the conjunctiva 
and the ocular appendages, to demonstrate a local influ- 
ence through the circulation. Really, the whole of the 
upper portion of the face is infl*enced by this remedy, 
and inflammatory and erythematous conditions, espe- 
cially of erysipelatous tendency, are promptly controlled 
by its influence. I have relieved erysipelas of the face, 
that had been recurring at intervals of several years, and 
persisting with much severity for several months at a 
time promptly, with small doses of rhus, only a few days' 
use of the drug being needed to cure permanently. 289 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
In conjunctivitis, I have used it with excellent 
success, in both acute and subacute attacks. It seems 
to influence the capillary circulation markedly here, 
being capable of aborting the habit of styes-a very 
troublesome one when confirmed-and of fortifying the 
parts against the recurrence of these annoying pests. 
In scrofulous ophthalmia of children, where the 
conjunctiva, and edges of the lids are inflamed and 
catarrhal, with ulceration of the edges of the lids, 
lachrymation and photophobia, this remedy will often 
work wonders. It acts well here in combination with 
acetate of potassium. 
The circulation of the skin and connective tissues 
is amenable to the influence of rhus when inflamma- 
tory conditions exist here, though the inflammation 
that yields best is erysipelatous in character. Cuta- 
neous erysipelas is best treated with this remedy, 
excepting, possibly, echinacea. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add ten to twenty drops to four ounces of 
water, and give a teaspoonful every one or two hours. 
Scoparius. 
The broom plant yields a principle which specifically 
influences the heart; this is known as sparteine, and 
it is a very reliable agent to strengthen the action of 
the heart and augment arterial tension. Its best 
therapeutic application, perhaps, is to the treatment 
of chronic parenchymatous nephritis, where normal heart 
action and arterial tension are important. 
Germain See recommends sparteine in heart failure, 
the result of mitral disease, in from one-sixth to one- 
fourth grain every four hours. It is regarded with 
favor in the treatment of cardiac irregularity. It is 
also a valuable remedy in cardiac asthma, as well as 
in exophthalmic goitre. 290 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
Sparteine is also a valuable remedy for dropsy 
depending on insufficiency of cardiac action, the arterial 
tension aiding the natural diuretic effects of the drug, 
to produce copious and permanent evacuation of super- 
fluous fluids. It is said to be a true diuretic, in that 
it increases the solid constituents of the urine, as well 
as the quantity evacuated. 
The dose of sparteine sulphate should vary from 
one-sixth to one-fourth grain, repeated every four hours. 
Scutellaria. 
Scutellaria possesses valuable properties as a heart 
remedy. In minute doses it acts promptly in control- 
ling irregularity of the heart, when this is functional 
and of nervous character. The irregularity to which 
it is best adapted is characterized by an intermittent 
pulse. I have employed it for this purpose many 
times, and consider it very reliable. 
A writer in the American Homeopathist details his 
experience with it as follows:- 
"Mrs.-, a hard-working farmer's wife, of Irish 
extraction, robust, between forty-five and fifty, was 
attacked with inflammatory rheumatism in March, 1884. 
After she had been suffering for two or three days, I 
was called to see her. Both knees were swollen, also 
the ankle of the left side (the first attacked), together 
with her left shoulder and wrist, this attended by 
great pain night and day in all these places. Much 
worse from the least motion; sweat frequent, great 
thirst, temperature A few days of aconite 3x, 
bryonia 3x, alternating, and followed by pulsatilla 3x, 
relieved the attacks. There were no heart complica- 
tions. But in June of the same year a second attack, 
brought on by getting wet in a rainstorm, did produce 
from the first, heart trouble. It was soon allayed (my 
call-book shows but two calls) by aconite 3x. THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
291 
"This attack left an irritability of the heart, with 
indistinct first sound, or rather the first sound was 
slightly obscured, and more or less trouble from 
palpitation followed. The attacks came on under 
excitement or extra exertion. Scutellaria 3x, two or 
three drop doses, controlled the heart trouble readily, 
and she kept the remedy by her all summer. During 
the following winter to the present time she has had 
little trouble from the heart, and no renewed attacks 
of rheumatism. It is now more than six months since 
she has called for medicine. 
"A number of cases of nervous palpitation have 
been quickly relieved every month of my practice 
by the use of one to three drops of the 2x dilution 
once or twice a day for a few days, and these it is 
not necessary to describe. 
" A second case of organic heart trouble is of more 
interest: 
"Mr.-, thirty-five years old, a strong, large-framed, 
six-foot farmer, called at my office to show an angry- 
looking ulcer on the left ear; base whitish, depressed, 
oozing a watery fluid. On the left side of his chest, 
extending from the breast downward, was an eruption 
oozing in a similar way, of the size of two hands, so 
he said ; the whole beginning with a few pimples that 
spread rapidly as soon as scratched. The itching was 
so intense at night that he could not forbear scratch- 
ing, and this only made things worse, so much so, that 
he had not had a good night's rest for a fortnight. 
Before the eruption he had been troubled more or less 
constantly with a sharp pain in the region of the heart, 
great dyspnoea on exertion or excitement, and torment- 
ing restlessness at night. Now, there was no pain at 
all in the heart. Auscultation showed strong obscura- 
tion of first sound. 292 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
** Th® prescription, however, was graphites 4x tritura- 
tion, one and one-half grains, powder morning and night, 
and graphites ointment( Boericke & Tafel's) used in very 
small amounts, twice or thrice a day. In five days 
he returned perfectly cured of the eruption on the 
chest and ulcer on the ear, but complained of the old, 
sticking, stabbing pains in the heart, and the still 
restless nights. 
"As soon as he had worked for an hour or so in 
the morning, he had to go to the house and rest 
nearly as long, before he could do anything more. 
"Pulse was irritable on least exertion; nights very 
restless, much of the time spent in walking the floor 
from pain; appetite poor, and he himself generally 
discouraged. 
"Scutellaria lx dilution three drops, gradually in- 
creased to five-morning, mid-forenoon, noon, mid- 
afternoon, before supper, at bedtime. Six days after 
he walked into my office and said: ' Doctor, I never 
had a medicine take hold of me so before. I was 
better right off. In two days all the pain left me, 
and I have slept all night, right through, for the 
last two nights. I eat better and feel better than -for 
a year past.' 
"His history showed an acute attack of rheumatism 
in March, 1885. He went away a happy man, and I 
turned to my medicines with greater faith in Scutellaria 
lateriflora." 
The doses here recommended are about the size 
that we would employ-perhaps a trifle smaller, and 
the results if as represented indicate a wide range of 
action for this agent in cardiac affections. I am 
satisfied that Eclectics have not given it enough 
prominence among their heart remedies. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. the circulatory system. 
293 
Dose.-Add ten to twenty drops to half a glass of 
water and give a teaspoonful every two or three hours. 
Spigelia. 
Pink root exerts a specific influence on the heart, 
increasing its systolic power at first, but later on 
causing debility of the organ, in large doses. Its best 
therapeutic effect is exerted upon the endocardium, and 
it is a very positive remedy in endocarditis, though 
not so reliable probably as calcium fluoride. However, 
as this class of remedies is rather small, we may do 
well to include it in the list until it has been more 
fully supplied with reliable ones. 
Rheumatic endocarditis is the most appropriate 
place for the remedy, though its specific effect on the 
endocardium makes it applicable to other forms. It 
is valuable in guarding the heart against relapses of 
cardiac rheumatism, and also of service in cardiac 
palpitation, in certain instances. 
Neuralgic conditions of the heart attended by 
palpitation, are benefited by this agent, and usually 
cured. Angina pectoris, and painful states of the 
heart with pain extending down the arm have been 
cured by spigelia. 
The spigelia anthemis is the variety to be employed 
here, though the spigelia marylandica has been asso- 
ciated with it; however, the latter remedy does not 
possess as marked cardiac properties as this. 
Form for Administration.-The mother tincture from 
a homepathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-From ten to fifteen drops in four ounces of 
water; dose, a teaspoonful every two hours. 
Sterculia. 
Kola-nut improves the power of the heart, and im- 
proves the tone of the general circulation, when thia 294 
THE CIRCULATOR! SYSTEM. 
is debilitated. It exerts a special influence over the 
circulation in the digestive apparatus-the vascular 
apparatus supplied by the coeliac axis-and promotes 
digestion, while it exhilarates the entire system. 
Possibly this influence upon the hepatic circulation ac- 
counts for its value in melancholia and hypochondriasis. 
As a heart tonic it is adapted to the stage of convales- 
cence of exhaustive fevers, to phthisis and other debil- 
itated conditions of lingering nature. 
Form for Administration.-A tincture from the recent 
article, or the paste. 
Dose.-Add a drachm of the tincture to four ounces of 
water and give a teaspoonful of the mixture every two 
hours; or from two to ten grains of the paste. 
Strophanthus. 
This is a very much over-estimated remedy, but has 
been a great fad with some physicians for several years 
past. We possess so much better cardiac remedies in 
the Eclectic materia medica than this, that I cannot 
speak very highly of it from my experience. However, 
as we intend to individualize our cases, there may be 
occasional places for strophanthus, though convallaria, 
cereus bonplandii and cactus grandiflorus are better 
remedies for frequent resort. 
Strophanthus increases blood-pressure and invigorates 
the action of the heart in medicinal doses, and has been 
used with success in heart failure, dropsy, and in cardiac 
dyspnoea. It has also been extolled in pulmonary con- 
gestion dependent upon deficient cardiac action, as well 
as to relieve cardiac asthma and whooping cough. 
It acts in cardiac dropsy similar to convallaria, but 
is not so reliable, according to my observation. It is 
considered inferior to digitalis, by many physicians, as 
a cardiac stimulant and tonic, though it does not con- THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
295 
tract the arteries as digitalis does, its influence in in- 
creasing blood-pressure being due to its action on the 
heart. 
I extract the following reference to this remedy from 
an old number of the Therapeutic Gazette:- 
"In this country Dr. C. L. Dana has extended our 
knowledge of the action of this plant through the report 
of a series of cases read before the Practitioner's Society 
of New York, on December 3,1886, in which he has used 
the drug. In one or two cases of Bright's disease, in 
which Dr. Dana used this drug, little or no striking 
benefit was observed as regards the cardiac irregularity 
and weakness, while in three cardiac cases progressive 
improvement occurred while the drug was being admin- 
istered. In two cases marked improvement occurred 
after strophanthus was administered, while previously 
no special improvement was observed, three cardiac 
tonics having been already tried without avail in one 
case and two in the other. 
"Dr. A A. Smith also states that strophanthus had 
been used in the wards of Bellevue Hospital. In two 
cases of pulmonary oedema it was administered with 
good results. The first was a case of mitral systolic 
and double aortic lesion, in which pulmonary oedema 
developed after unusual exertion. Five minims of the 
tincture were given every four * hours, and the patient 
recovered. He also reported a case of emphysema, in 
which this drug appeared to produce excellent results. 
"Dr. Beverly Robinson, at the same meeting, read 
notes of twelve cases in which strophanthus was used 
with success, even in some instances after other cardiac 
tonics had failed to produce any result, though perhaps 
it is worthy of note that often the mere change from one 
cardiac tonic to another will increase the quantity of 
urine for a day or two, or more'" 296 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
Strychnia. 
Strychnia increases blood-pressure and augments the 
circulation, being valuable in debilitated conditions for 
this purpose-if not overdone, to cause nervous excite- 
ment-in malarial districts where the circulation has 
become enfeebled and there is a congestive tendency. 
In states of collapse in cholera or in yellow fever, it has 
been extolled as a stimulant to the nervous system and 
to the circulation. In such cases it may be injected 
hypodermatically, the dose being repeated if necessary, 
at intervals, until the effects of the drug have been 
derived. It is also useful to steady the system in chronic 
alchoholism, and its use hypodermatically constitutes 
a large share of the "Keely" system for the cure of 
drunkenness. 
Probably the excellent effects of this drug in impotency 
and enuresis in elderly persons is due to the influence 
exerted upon the circulation in the spinal cord, or upon 
the centers from which the requisite impulses originate, 
which call up the functions which seem lacking in these 
diseases. 
Strychnia seems to exert a special influence upon the 
circulation in the gastric mucous membrane. In poison- 
ing by this drug the part is found to be congested, and 
to evince the effects of enough disturbance to indicate 
an active excitement before death. In clinical use the 
drug is often useful where the mucous membrane of the 
stomach is irritable and hypersemic and where consider- 
able catarrhal discharge attends the difficulty. The 
dose should be attenuated here as high as the 3x, at 
least. In this quantity-two or three grains-it is a 
valuable remedy in many cases of dyspepsia. Some- 
times the 6x trituration will act more effectively than a 
lower attenuation; the dose must be minute, in such a 
case, that the condition be not aggravated. 297 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
Veratrum Viride. 
Veratrum, in large doses,-poisonous,-paralyzes the 
vasomotor center and the respiratory tract. It rapidly 
lowers the temperature in such cases, and when given 
in minute doses it strengthens the functions of the 
vascular system, at the same time acting as a thermal 
depressant. 
In minute doses then veratrum is a valuable remedy 
in febrile and inflammatory conditions, improving the 
power of the heart, blood-vessels and respiratory func- 
tions, promoting secretion from the skin, lungs and 
kidneys, and calming nervous excitement. It is especi- 
ally indicated in inflammation of the area of distribution 
of the bronchial arteries, and has been considered a 
specific in the early stages of pneumonia. 
Its general action as a sedative, however, commends it, 
and in any case where the temperature is elevated and 
the pulse full and hard, with arrest of secretion and 
other evidence of febrile action, veratrum is a valuable 
remedy if not contraindicated. 
The contraindication consists of a sensitive state of 
the stomach inclining to gastric irritation. Veratrum 
readily induces nausea, if not vomiting, in such cases, 
and should be avoided, however much indicated in other 
respects. 
Veratrum is valuable in malarial fevers, in inflamma- 
tory rheumatism, in congestive headaches, in erysipelas 
-active stages of-and in almost all forms of inflamma- 
tory action, when not contraindicated. However, I be- 
lieve we possess better remedies in almost every instance. 
This was a favorite topical remedy in local inflamma- 
tions with Professor Howe, and he often recommended it 
in his writings, but I have been disappointed with it 
here so many times that I do not consider it very favor- 
ably. I think that echinacea is far superior to it in any 298 
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 
place where it would be indicated as a topical remedy 
for inflammatory action. 
Professor Scudder asserts that veratrum is a stimulant 
to all the vital functions,-vegetative processes,-acting 
through the sympathetic nerves, to remove obstruction 
to the capillaries and give tone to the entire cardio- 
vascular system. As the circulation becomes free, the 
normal power of the heart and bloodvessels returns, and 
the rapidity of the pulse and excitement of the vasomo- 
tor centers subside to a healthy condition. 
Veratrum is contraindicated in asthenic conditions. 
Where the pulse is small, and the circulation feeble, we 
have more appropriate remedies in aconite, belladonna, 
rhus tox., echinacea, or ferric phosphate, 3x. There 
ought to be a condition of sthenia present, to suggest 
its use in febrile action. 
Form for Administration-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-About half a drop for an adult. Add fifteen 
drops to half a glass of water, and order a teaspoonful 
every hour. Thus the small dose is frequently repeated, 
and the influence is steadily kept up. 299 
THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 
THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 
Alnus Rubra. 
Alnus possesses, in some quarters, the reputation ol 
reducing enlarged lymphatic glands, and is, therefore, 
entitled to a place in this department. Although 
credited by some writers with a direct influence in 
glandular enlargements it has never been used to any 
great extent for this purpose, but has been relegated 
by old authors to that class of agents vaguely termed 
"alteratives." These remedies are credited with puri- 
fying the blood by some unknown process-of im- 
proving the processes of waste and nutrition and 
correcting syphilitic dyscrasiae and scrofulous states. 
This would be crediting the remedy with a number of 
different qualities, all of which it may possess 
If alnus specifically influences the lymphatic glands 
it no doubt plays an important part in the process of 
the elaboration of the blood, indirectly, by encouraging 
the functional-if not structural-power of these parts. 
That it does this there is no question in the minds 
of those who are familiar with its action. Where a 
scrofulous cachexia is prominent, as manifested by 
indolent swellings, obstinate cutaneous ulcerations, and 
tendency to glandular suppurations, this remedy is 
one of our best indigenous agents. 
It will not correct the suppurative tendency as 
readily as the sulphide of calcium, perhaps, but it 
will go further into the case than that remedy and 
correct underlying states which are indirectly etiolog- 
ical factors in the suppurative state, and remedy at 
the same time concomitant ills, thus covering a much 
more extensive territory than that drug, in a curative 
sense. However, there would be no good reason why 
the lime salt and the vegetable remedy might not be 300 
THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 
administered in alternation, and the advantage of the 
conjoint action of the two remedies thus be derived, 
when this seemed urgently demanded. 
I was once familiar with the practice of a "Thom- 
sonian," who relied almost entirely upon this remedy 
in all chronic affections. It was his tonic, blood 
purifier and all round remedy for every chronic affec- 
tion, and his success, in many cases, was phenomenal. 
The lymphatic system represents the tap-root of ani- 
mal life, and a remedy which can augment its func- 
tions when the economy is disturbed, offers many 
probabilities of success. 
The value of this class of remedies in syphilis is 
due, in all probability, to their power of improving 
the activity of the lymphatic glands, as induration 
and impaired function of these organs is one of the 
pernicious effects of this disease. Syphilis, scrofula, 
and other dyscrasiae depending upon faulty elaboration 
in this system are very favorably influenced many 
times by this remedy. And while many cases of skin 
disease are probably dependent upon a fault of the 
plastic power of the skin, others are the effect of 
faulty glandular action and may be much benefited by 
the administration of agents influencing the lymphatic 
system. 
In chronic ulceration, obstinate eczema and depraved 
states of the blood in any form, this remedy is 
commendable for a trial. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From one to ten drops three or four times 
a day. 
Ampelopsis Quinquefolia. 
The American ivy is a remedy credited with a 
marked influence over the lymphatic system, though 
its direct effect in the way of lessening glandular 301 
THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 
enlargement is not proven. However, its effects on the 
bloodmaking functions are such that there is little doubt 
that they are due to a dynamical influence on the lym- 
phatic glands. 
Ampelopsis is applicable to those vitiated conditions 
of the system termed "scrofulous," and it doubtless acts 
by improving the functional energy of the organs con- 
cerned. It is not a very powerful agent, and will be 
used but seldom, as there are many more-positive reme- 
dies of its class. 
Professor Goss asserts that ampelopsis is an excellent 
remedy in leucocythsemia, it regulating the proportion 
of the white blood corpuscles and improving the nutri- 
tive functions generally. 
Form for Administration.-A tincture prepared from 
the preen leaves. „ 
Dose.-From ten to thirty drops, repeated three or 
four times daliy. 
Arctium Lappa. 
This remedy is credited with anti-scrofulous proper- 
ties, and is supposed to influence the lymphatic glands in 
struma and syphilis, but the clinical testimony rather 
seems to prove a selective affinity for the skin, as it is in 
affections of this organ that it has accomplished the most 
satisfactory results. It may be possible that the "altera- 
tive" influence referred to may be accredited somewhat, 
but the proposition, that it positively influences the lym- 
phatic system, may be accepted with considerable reserve. 
I think the only scrofulous affections that will be 
found to improve under its influence are those manifest- 
ing themselves upon the skin, and these are probably due 
to a local depravity of tissue, rather than to faulty elab' 
oration of the blood. 302 
THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 
Badiaga. 
Fresh water sponge has been but little used, and is 
probably not destined to play an important part in the 
therapeutics of the future. It manifests an affinity for 
the meibomian glands, and has been recommended as a 
remedy for scrofulous swelling of the lymphatics. In 
some respects, it resembles the salt-water sponge. 
Barium, Iodide of. 
Iodide of barium exerts a specific influence on the 
lymphatic glandular system, though it doubtless spends 
its best influence on the tonsils, in chronic enlargement 
of these organs. In all scrofulous enlargements of the 
lymphatic glands, however, it is a useful remedy, as well 
as for ovarian tumors in scrofulous subjects, for scrolu- 
lous ophthalmia with swelling of the meibomian glands, 
and for enlargement and induration of the testes. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration. 
Dose.-From two to three grains, three or four times 
a day. 
Barium, Muriate of. 
The chloride of barium is a favorite remedy with some 
of the homeopathists, in the treatment of scrofulous in- 
flammation of the lymphatic glands, especially those of 
the mesentery. Dr. Goullon extols it highly for this 
condition, in his work on scrofula. 
The form for administration and dose should be the 
same as of the iodide of barium. 
Berberis Aquifolium. 
This remedy exercises a pronounced effect upon the 
lymphatic system, as evidenced by its remarkable influ- 
ence in the arresting of ulcerative action. But it also 
proves a reliable remedy for syphilis and scrofula, as 
well as for certain depravation of the blood in other cases THE lymphatic system. 
303 
dependent on imperfect functional service of the lym- 
phatic system. 
One of the best places for berberis in this respect is 
its application to the treatment of chronic bronchitis, in 
syphilitic scrofulous, or senile subjects, in whom there 
is probably enlargement and irritation of the bronchial 
glands, in connection with the irritation of the mucous 
membrane. 
I have cured some very obstinate and long standing 
cases of broncborrhoea of this character with this rem- 
edy. Sometimes it may be well, especially if the sub- 
ject be syphilitic, to begin with a combination of this 
remedy with iodide of potassium, though the iodide 
should be dropped after the first month. Ulceration 
of the cutaneous surface, and also of the mucous mem- 
branes, when dependent upon faulty glandular action, 
yields to this remedy very promptly. 
The form for administration and dose have already 
been referred to. 
Bromine. 
Bromine is a remedy of prompt action in the reduc- 
tion of strumous enlargement of the lymphatic glands. 
In order to derive a speedy effect the dose should 
be very small, say a grain or two of the 6x trituration, 
repeated three or four times a day. I have seen marked 
results follow the use of this remedy in such cases in nu- 
merous instances. 
Calcarea Carbonica. 
This remedy is not, as its name might imply to some 
the carbonate of lime, but it is prepared from oyster shell 
(calcarea ostrearum), and represents an organic principle, 
peculiar to itself, upon which its medicinal property prob- 
ably depends. 
Calcarea carbonica is an important remedy in scrofula, 
also in scrofulous conditions due largely to faulty action 304 
THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 
of the lymphatic glands. Lack of nutrition and proper 
bony formation as evidenced in rickets, is due, prob- 
ably to this cause, as well as the head sweating of a 
certain class of debilitated infants, in which we have 
no other remedy so positive as this. 
As regards the action of this remedy in scrofula I 
will quote from Hughes' Manual of Pharmacodynamics: 
"Calcarea carbonica perforins wonders in ophthalmia; 
like sulphur, it removes scrofulous pot-bellies, if I may 
be allowed the expression; like phosphorus, it cures 
scrofulous diarrhoea. Dr. Goullon cites cases of tabes 
mesenterica, of strumous ophthalmia and otorrhoea, 
and of diseases of the joints and vertebrae in such 
subjects, where calcarea has proved curative. Dr. 
Gourbeyre shows that scrofula was one of the chief 
maladies in whose treatment the animalized forms of 
carbonate of lime gained their ancient repute. My 
own experience with it is especially in the treatment 
of mesenteric disease, in which-if not too far ad- 
vanced-it is an invaluable remedy. You remember 
the enlarged abdomen of cretinism. This brings us 
also to bronchocele, of which Goullon writes: 'The 
swelling of the thyroid gland is so intimately con- 
nected with scrofula that its former name-struma- 
has been applied to the diathesis.* He gives three 
cases of the disease cured by calcarea. They were 
all simple hypertrophies; but the power of the drug 
over cystic growths-of which I shall speak presently 
-would encourage its use in the cystic form also of 
goitre. Dr. Gourbeyre relates the favorable experience 
of a French practitioner (Chlyssiol) in this disease 
with powdered egg-shells, and a case of his own, in 
which a large but soft goitre of many years standing 
disappeared in seven months under Hahnemann's cal- 
carea carbonica in the fourth trituration." THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM, 
305 
Calcarea carbonica is a favorite remedy with me in 
the treatment of muco-purulent discharges from mu- 
cous membranes, when they depend upon a scrofulous 
condition of the system-when they occur in persons 
most predisposed to scrofulous affections. I have 
arrested bronchorrhoea diagnosed by good observers of 
disease as phthisis with it in a few weeks, in more 
than one instance. I have cured chronic pharyngitis, 
and inflammation of the posterior nares attended by 
profuse discharge with it, many times. I have pre- 
scribed it in profuse leucorrhoea, both of uterine and 
vaginal origin successfully, though I do not prize it 
so highly here as in affections of the pharynx and 
respiratory tract. I have been disposed to ascribe an 
affinity for those parts to it. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration is the 
form I am in the habit of using. 
Dose.-From one to three grains, repeated three or 
four times a day. 
Calcarea Fluorata. 
This is recommended by Schuessler for enlargement of 
the lymphatic glands, and is asserted to accomplish said 
results by improving the tonicity and structural integ- 
rity of the walls of the lymphatics. 
On this point Schuessler remarks: "A disturbance of 
the equilibrium of the molecules of calcium fluoride 
causes a continued dilatation, or chronically relaxed 
condition of the implicated fibers. If the elastic fibers 
of any portion of the vessels of the connective tissue or 
of the lymphatic system have arrived at such a condition 
of relaxation, the absorption of a solid exudation in such 
a part cannot take place. In consequence, induration 
(hardening) of the part sets in. When the elastic fibers 
of the blood vessels suffer a disturbance of the molecules 306 
THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 
of calcium fluoride, such pathological enlargements of 
blood vessels take place, which make their appearance 
as: hemorrhoidal tumors, varicose (dilated) veins and 
vascular tumors." 
By referring to the remedy under "Inorganic Proxi- 
mate Principles," a more complete consideration of 
this subject may be found. There is no question that 
the deductions of this author, in this direction, are 
entitled to much consideration. I have proven in 
practice the application of calcium fluoride to enlarge- 
ments of the lymphatics, though it is liable to fail, as 
well as other remedies. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration. 
Dose.-Add five grains to half a glass of water and 
give a teaspoonful every two or three hours. 
Calcarea Iodata. 
The iodide of calcium also belongs to this group, 
though Schuessler does not include it among his 
remedies. It is especially serviceable in enlargement 
of the cervical lymphatics, accompanied by cough of 
persistent character and other evidences of attending 
enlargement of the bronchial glands. In such cases 
the iodide of lime is the remedy for the cough, while 
it dissipates the glandular enlargement, and completes 
the cure. 
Such a condition as this is liable to be attended by 
chronic bronchitis, in the case of scrofulous children, 
and iodide of lime is one of the most appropriate 
remedies that can be chosen. It may be administered 
in the form of triturations-the 3x-or in solution. 
Larger doses may answer the purpose, but there is no 
advantage in them over minute ones. 
Caloarea Sulphurata. 
The sulphide of calcium is a very reliable remedy 
for affections of the lymphatic glands of inflammatory THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 
307 
nature, possessing the power of controlling adenitis 
before suppuration has begun, as well as of hastening 
this process when it has become unavoidable, limiting, 
meantime, the destructive action. 
The best influence of this remedy is developed in 
chronic conditions, acute affections being better con- 
trolled by phytolacca and other remedies. But in 
chronic inflammation of the lymphatic glands, this is 
probably the most positive agent we have, if the 
tendency is toward suppuration. 
Ringer remarks: "An unhealthy child, from six to 
twelve years old, perhaps in the course of measles or 
scarlatina, is the subject of a slight sore throat, 
which produces behind the angle of the jaw consider- 
able enlargement of the glands, and the swelling, of 
stony hardness, may be large enough to interfere with 
swallowing, and even to push the head on one side. 
Very deep-seated suppuration takes place, and for a 
long time there is neither redness of the skin nor 
fluctuation, and the pus very slowly makes its way to 
the surface, so that a fortnight, three weeks, or even 
a month may elapse before the abscess bursts, or is 
fit to be opened, when a deep hole is left, with 
considerable induration around it. So great are the 
pain and constitutional disturbance that the child 
sometimes dies; and even if this fatality be averted, 
the deep discharging hole heals very slowly, owing to 
the indurated and unhealthy state of the adjacent 
tissues. Now, in such a testing case, if we give a 
tenth of a grain of sulphide of calcium mixed with a 
grain of sugar of milk, every hour or two, the results 
are most striking. The pain and constitutional dis- 
turbance begin to diminish, the swelling becomes 
smaller, the pus reaches the surface in four or five 
days, leaving when it is evacuated, a benign wound 
which quickly heals." 308 
THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 
In another portion of this work (page 66) I have 
described a case where the remarkable power of this 
remedy over suppuration of the lymphatic glands was 
manifested. 
Form for Administration.-Gelatine coated pellets con- 
taining half a grain of the drug are the least object- 
tionable, as the unpleasant taste and odor are con- 
cealed. One of these may be given three or four 
times a day. 
Carbo Animalis. 
This remedy has a reputation in certain quarters in 
the treatment of indolent glandular enlargements, as 
those from syphilitic infiltration, and from absorp- 
tion from adjacent chronically irritated parts in other 
cases. It is adapted to depraved conditions of the 
system depending on glandular obstruction and faulty 
elaboration of the blood, as in scrofula and syphilis. 
Form for Administration.-The third decimal trituration. 
Dose.-Two or three grains, three or four times daily. 
Cistus Canadensis. 
Rock rose enjoys considerable of a reputation among 
the homeopathists as a remedy to influence the lym- 
phatics, and is used by them in the treatment of scrof- 
ulous enlargements of the lymphatic glands, with success. 
Hale compares it with the " antipsorics," calcarea, cory- 
dalis, graphites, hepar sulphur, phytolacca and stillinga. 
He asserts that he has made some brilliant cures of 
swelling and suppuration of the cervical lymphatic glands, 
and also of scrofulous abscesses, scrofulous hip dis- 
ease, scrofulous eruptions, as tetter, chronic erysipelas, 
etc., with it. He further asserts that it has a decided 
affinity for the glands of the mucous membranes, thus 
proving highly valuable in scrofulous ophthalmia, scor- 309 
THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 
butic gums, and catarrhal inflammation of the nasal and 
pulmonary passages. It might be thought favorably of 
in scrofulous affections of the mesenteric glands. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture from a reliable 
homeopathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Corydalis Formosa. 
Turkey corn, though not a remedy which visibly influ- 
ences the lymphatic glands, evidently affects their func- 
tions, if we are to judge from the results obtained from 
its use in syphilis and scrofula. Its specific action in 
syphilitic nodes has already been referred to, but it evi- 
dently influences the elaboration of the blood, when this 
is faulty-in scrofula or syphilis. 
Hale suggests that the action of corydalis resembles 
that of iodide of potassium, mercury and other mineral 
remedies, which have been accredited with a positive in- 
fluence on the lymphatic glands. However this may be, I 
am quite positive, from my experience, that this is one of 
our most reliable functional remedies to correct faulty ac- 
tion of the lymphatic system, and that it has few equals 
in this group of remedies. 
The dose and form for administration have been given 
in another place. 
Iodide of Iron. 
This combination is of service in scrofulous inflamma- 
tion of the lymphatic glands, wherever located. It will 
be found especially beneficial in pallid, anaemic cases, 
where there is marked deficiency of tonicity, with hectic 
fever. In syphilis complicated with anaemia, it may some- 
times be found useful. The remedy may be prescribed 
in the form of a syrup, of which the dose may be from 
ten to thirty drops. 310 
THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 
Iodine. 
Though very much overestimated, iodine may be 
thought of as a probable remedy in all cases of inflamma- 
tory condition of the lymphatic glands, and in all con- 
ditions resulting from obstruction to the circulation 
through these organs, and in all conditions depending 
upon faulty performance of their functions. 
I think the best use of iodine is in chronic lesions of 
the glandular system, several of our vegetable remedies 
being more effective in acute conditions. The best form 
for introducing the remedy into the system is in the 
form of the syrup of hydriodic acid, to which remedy 
reference is made for further particulars in this respect. 
If the iodine is to be administered internally it should 
be given in the form of triturations, the first being pre- 
pared from the tincture as directed in Principles of Med- 
icine, under Forms for Administration. The 3x or 6x 
trituration will be found most satisfactory. 
Menispeemum Canadense. 
The vine maple is a favorite alterative with our old 
Eclectics, acting directly, apparently, on the lymphatic 
glandular system, and correcting perverted states due to 
faulty action of the elaborating power of these glands. 
Combining with this property that of a stomachic arid 
tonic, it proves a valuable aid when scrofulous or syph- 
ilitic conditions are complicated with digestive derange- 
ment of functional character. It has been accredited 
with specific hepatic properties also. It is of little value 
unless prepared from the fresh root, and as it is not in 
the list of specific medicines only the rural practitioner, 
who is acquainted with it or possesses a knowledge of 
botany, will be able to procure a good article. 
Form for Administration.-The fresh root tincture, 311 
THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 
prepared by covering the root with alcohol, and allow- 
ing it to macerate fourteen days. 
Dose.-From ten to thirty drops, repeated four or five 
times a day. 
Potassium, Iodide of. 
The iodide of potassium assists in the removal of worn 
out tissues, and acts through the grandular system in 
doing this, in some measure at least. It possesses a 
marked power over the action of the lymphatics, without 
doubt, though in adenitis and in chronic enlargement 
of the lymphatics, we probably possess better remedies. 
The great sphere of potassium iodide is in the removal 
of old syphilitic deposits, in which it is a powerful rem- 
edy, and when administered with some vegetable "altera- 
tive" remedy it does not produce much debility if not 
followed too long in large doses. In old and obstinate 
syphilitic skin affections this remedy may be combined 
with berberis aquifolium or menispermum, with marked 
advantage, the morbid deposits melting away and their 
sites being readily healed. In such cases the iodide 
should not be continued for more than a month at a 
time, to be followed by the vegetable remedies which 
seem best adapted to the improving of blood-making 
and proper activity of the lymphatic system, as berberis, 
corydalis, stillingia, etc. I believe the berberis aqui- 
folium to be the best, in many cases. 
The dose of iodide of potassium will vary much, 
though if we are to make a marked impression in a short 
time it must be as large as the patient can bear without 
producing unpleasant drug effects. It may range from 
ten to thirty grains, largely diluted with water, three or 
four times a day. Some authorities assert that as much 
as two, four, or six drachms may be given per day with 
excellent effects in syphilis. It is certain, however, that 312 
THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 
large doses ought not to be continued long, as iodism is 
likely to follow and a condition worse than that of 
syphilis be entailed upon the patient. The precaution 
of liberal dilution should not be forgotten. 
Phytolacca. 
This agent is one of the most reliable ones we have in 
the treatment of acute adenitis. It is specially valuable 
in the inflammatory action liable to occur in the cervical 
lymphatics due to absorption from the fauces in the late 
stage of scarlatina. However, in all forms of acute 
inflammation of the lymphatic glands, it will be found a 
very useful remedy. 
This remedy influences other grandular organs besides 
the lymphatics, as, for instance the marnmee, the testes, 
the thyroid, etc. 
Extract of phytolacca berries (the juice) seems to les- 
sen the amount of fluids in the body, or, perhaps I bet- 
ter say, the amount of fat. But I am inclined to the be- 
lief that the value of the agent in obesity does not con- 
sist so much in its power to remove fat as to stimulate 
the absorption of superfluous fluids in persons of lym- 
phatic temperament. In those who are stout on account 
of the deposition of fat, the remedy produces no marked 
effect so far as the reduction of the weight is concerned, 
though it may improve general elasticity. On this sub- 
ject a writer in the Homeopathic News remarks:- 
"I have used the phytolacca as an anti-fat remedy for 
several years, and know that it is good, having proved it 
on myself. My grand-father was a great ale and beer 
drinker, and of course had a very large corporation-big 
belly. He used to tell me that grand-father would never 
be dead as long as I lived, meaning that I would grow 
like him. This used to scare me as a child, but judge 
of my annoyance, as I grew to manhood, and found 313 
THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 
the prediction becoming true, and in late years I was 
very much troubled about it. In studying phytolacca, 
I saw the statement about birds, and began trying it, 
and always with much benefit. My own corporation is 
entirely gone. I can stand upright, look down my body, 
and see everything. I used one drop of tincture made 
from berries picked from a tree in my garden. Equal 
berries to their weight of alcohol. The berry juice, 
with only enough alcohol to prevent their fermentation 
is the best; then one drop doses night and morning are 
enough. 
" While I was taking these drops I felt as light and 
springing as a bouncing ball; could run and jump 
with any boy. I am now fifty-eight years old, and 
take my Saturday half holidays in the cricket field, 
playing that manly and scientific game. I have used 
it on others, and all with benefit. Some very fat 
women have been made comfoi cable. I have used it 
in the solid extract prepared after Professor Water- 
house's formula. By actual measurement their adipose 
has been reduced by inches. It was easier to keep 
track by measure than by weight. In a few cases 
they have said they gained in weight, while they grew 
less in bulk, but all confessed to the elasticity they 
felt." 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine, when 
an action on the lymphatics in adenitis is desirable- 
In obesity, the inspissated juice of the ripe berries 
only, should be employed. This is prepared by crush- 
ing the ripe fruit, and after straining through a fine 
seive or coarse cloth, to remove the seeds, allowing the 
product to evaporate to a waxy consistency in the sun. 
This is administered in doses of three or four grains, 
repeated three or four times daily. The dose of the 
specific medicine-in adenitis-should be a drachm to 314 
THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 
four ounces of water, from which a teaspoonful may be 
taken every two hours. 
Rumex Crispus. 
Yellow dock is one of the best "alteratives" pos- 
sessed by any school of medicine, and its most valuable 
properties doubtless depend upon its action on the 
lymphatic" 
I am bctdsfied that this agent has never received 
the attention that it deserves as a remedy for dys- 
crasias depending on deficient action of the lymphatic 
glandular system. It is almost worthless as usually 
found in the drug market, and we have but one reli- 
able form in commerce, viz., the specific medicine; 
but the plant grows almost everywhere, and it is an 
easy matter for the practitioner, from Maine to Cal- 
ifornia, to gather it and dispense a fresh preparation. 
The green root affords a preparation-tincture or in- 
fusion-which is unexcelled in chronic cutaneous affec- 
tions depending upon faulty glandular action, as well as 
in chronic enlargement of the lymphatic glands. In af- 
fections of these organs where faulty elaboration of the 
blood is attended by indolent ulcerative or other chronic 
inflammatory conditions, this agent will be found a 
potent one. It assists retrograde metamorphosis and 
the building of better tissue, invigorating the vegeta- 
tive system as well. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine oi 
an infusion or decoction of the fresh root. 
Dose.-Of the specific medicine fifteen or twenty 
drops three or four times a day. The infusion may 
be given in doses of a wineglassful as often, while the 
decoction may be about a tablespoonful at the same 
intervals. THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 
315 
Stillingia. 
A tincture of the green root of thia plant is a val- 
uable remedy in scrofula and syphilis, and probably 
much of this excellence depends on its action on the 
lymphatic glandular system. 
King, Scudder, Goss and other Eclectic writers have 
indorsed stillingia as a reliable remedy in affections of 
the lymphatics, but many have nevertheless been dis- 
appointed with its action. The explanation for this 
lies in the fact that the virtues of the root are lost in 
drying, and those who have been most successful have 
used preparations from the fresh article. 316 
THE DUCTLESS GLANDS. 
THE DUCTLESS GLANDS. 
Calcarea Carbonica. 
Triturated oyster shell exerts an influence on recent 
cases of goitre, which is sometimes very positive. In 
long standing cases however its use will usually he 
followed by disappointment. Professor Snyder, of the 
Cleveland Homeophatic Hospital College, used to place 
great stress upon the use of this agent in combination 
with spongia, in the treatment of goitre. It was his 
stereotyped treatment, and he prescribed for numerous 
cases in his clinic, usually with good results, but with 
an occasional failure. I have since employed it suc- 
cessfully in a number of cases, usually using it in 
combination with spongia, though I have prescribed it 
alone with good results. It is not always successful, 
but it influences the part, without doubt. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration of cal- 
carea carbonica, as supplied by homeopathic pharmacies. 
Dose.-From one to three grains three or four times 
a day. 
Carlsbad Salts. 
The sprudel salts are prompt in many cases in their 
action on the spleen, when it has become hypertrophied 
from chronic congestion. In the enlargement attending 
cases of malarial cachexy this remedy has proven very 
serviceable sometimes, as I know from observation. 
However, I prefer the quartette-polymnia, grindelia 
squarrosa, ceanothus, carduus marianus-of vegetable 
remedies, which are likely to succeed when the salts 
fail. 
Carduus Marianus. 
Carduus marianus influences the spleen, being espe- 
cially valuable in nonmalarial hypertrophies, where THE DUCTLESS GLANDS. 
317 
polymnia and other remedies of this class fail. The 
indication for it is dull, aching pain in the region of 
the spleen, extending under the left shoulder blade, and 
attended by despondency and physical debility of 
marked character. It relieves the pain when there is 
no enlargement appreciable. It has been recommended 
for leucocythaemia, but I have no knoweledge of its virtue 
in this direction. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture from a hom- 
eopathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-The fraction of a drop, repeated three or four 
times a day. 
Ceanothus Americanus. 
This is a very reliable remedy for splenic troubles. 
It relieves pain in the spleen as promptly as any rem- 
edy in this class, and removes chronic hypertrophy. 
It is an old Eclectic remedy, being mentioned in old 
editions of the American Dispensatory, but its affinity 
for the spleen was not mentioned by our early writers. 
It came into extensive use in the army during the war 
with the South as a remedy for "ague-cake," and has 
since been largely adopted by practitioners of our school 
for the same purpose. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
CORALLORHIZA OdONTORHIZA. 
Dr. E. W. Schooley (Eclectic Medical Journal) reported 
a case of goitre cured with this agent very speedily, a 
few years ago. No report of its use in this direction 
has been made since, however, and its value may still 
be regarded as hypothetical; at least not fully estab- 
lished. The remedy was administered in the form of 
an infusion and drank freely. The goitre was compli- 
cated with bronchial irritation, for which the remedy 318 
THE DUCTLESS GLANDS. 
was specially intended, and the goitre was incidentally 
relieved. This remedy is fully described in the Amer- 
ican Dispensatory. 
Grindelia Squarrosa. 
This remedy has proven curative in chronic affec- 
tions of the spleen of stubborn character, and should 
not be omitted from this list. In chronic dyspepsia 
depending on long-standing malarial disease, and in 
painful states of the stomach where the spleen seems 
to be involved, it should be recollected as an agent 
liable to effect speedy relief. It not only relieves the 
pain and fullness in the splenic region attending, but 
seems to act as an invigorator of the system, improving 
the power of the vegetative processes, thus augment- 
ing digestion and assimilation. 
It possesses antimalarial virtues, and is therefore 
especially valuable in splenic congestion occurring in 
malarial cachexy. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From five to twenty drops. 
Iris Versicolor. 
This is Professor Scudder's specific for goitre. I 
have been very well pleased with my experience with 
it, especially in recent cases, but it will frequently 
fail, as will every other remedy recommended for this 
condition. 
One important consideration is the obtaining of 
a preparation which represents the properties of the 
fresh or recent root. This can be accomplished by 
using the specific medicine, or by preparing a tincture 
in the office when the plant can be readily found. 
The variety of which the root presents a mottled appear- 
ance when cut, is the best, according to Scudder. 
Dose.-From a fraction of a drop to ten drops. 319 
THE DUCTLESS GLANDS. 
Menispermum Canabense. 
This remedy seems to exert an influence upon the 
functions of the spleen in leucocythaemia, when that organ 
is especially involved, correcting the tendency to the pres- 
ence of white corpuscles in the blood and to attendant 
splenic hypertrophy. But little positive is yet known re- 
garding this action, but enough has been demonstrated to 
encourage further investigation. 
Form for Administration.-A saturated tincture of 
the fresh root. 
Dose.-From ten to thirty drops, three or four times 
daily. 
Phytolacca. 
I wish to call attention here to the value of phytolacca 
in enlargement of the thyroid gland. From reports which 
I consider reliable I believe it to be one of the best reme- 
dies we have for bronchocele. Dr. H. H. Webster, for- 
merly of North Jackson, Ohio, used it successfully, for 
years, for this purpose, and always with satisfactory results. 
He considers it superior to iris, calcarea carb., spongia, 
or any other remedy in this class. 
POLYMNIA UVEBALTA. 
The specific affinity of polymnia for the spleen has been 
attested by various Eclectic physicians for many years, 
and has become one of the established points in our thera- 
peutics. Its action is prompt and unmistakable, when 
disturbances of the circulation here are to be controlled, 
or their sequelae removed. 
It not only acts promptly in the removal of the en- 
largement known as "ague cake," but it proves resolvent 
of other indurations. Probably I may say without chal- 
lenge that this is the typical spleen remedy-which excels 
all others in promptness and positiveness of action. There 
is but one form of splenic enlargement in which its value 320 
THE DUCTLESS GLANDS. 
will not soon be attested; and this is a condition that defies 
most efforts for its removal, because it depends upon a 
deeply seated constitutional depravity, which is an etio- 
logical factor in a series of changes of which the splenic 
derangement is but one of many. I refer to leucocythae- 
mia. Even in this case I have known polymnia to appre- 
ciably diminish the size of the spleen, though this was 
probably on account of its influence over the circulation 
here, the disease proceeding to an unfavorable termination 
unchecked, the enlargement of the spleen being but par- 
tially reduced. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From five to twenty drops three or four times a 
day. 
Spongia. 
Spongia exerts a selective influence on the thyroid 
gland, though there are other agents which are more pow- 
erful in this respect, as a rule. I have alternated spongia 
with calcarea carb., in old cases of goitre with satisfactory 
results, but would usually expect more from iris or phyto- 
lacca. 
Hughes, one of the most rational of homeopathic writers 
on therapeutics, writes of this remedy in his Manual of 
Pharmacodynamics as follows:- 
"Burnt sponge has been used ever since Arnold of Vil- 
lanova introduced it in the fourteenth century, as a remedy 
for goitre. Hufeland and all authorities of his time ex- 
press the utmost confidence in it, and Joseph Frank says 
it is as sure as cinchona in intermittent fever. Since the 
discovery that it contained iodine, and that this agent by 
itself displayed marvelous antigoitrous properties, sponge 
has fallen into disuse in ordinary practice, Vogt alone 
among modern therapeutists protesting that it will cure 
when iodine fails. In homeopathic practice it has not un- 
dergone this neglect. Hahnemann says that the endemic THE DUCTLESS GLANDS. 
321 
bronchocele of the inhabitants of valleys, being always 
essentially the same affection, ought to be curable by the 
same specific; and this he considers spongia to be. He 
states that one or two doses of the attenuated tincture (he 
does not state how far attenuated) suffice for the purpose. 
If this is spoken from experience, it ought to be tested 
more widely than it has been. Dr. Hering can only find 
three cases of cure by it in infinitesimal doses, and Dr. 
Hoyne reports but one more; and of these one alone an- 
swers to Hahnemann's description. I know, however, of 
another; and probably many testimonies could be borne 
to it." 
Form for Administration.-The tincture from a homeo- 
pathic pharmacy, or the 3x trituration. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops of the 
tincture. Of the trituration, from one to three grains three 
or four times daily. The dose of the tincture may be re- 
peated as often. 
Strophanthus. 
Strophanthus is accredited with the property of select- 
ing the thyroid gland for a portion of its field of action. 
Its action in this direction was accidentally observed while 
treating a case of cardiac trouble, the goitre which afflicted 
the patient at the same time disappearing under its influ- 
ence. It would probably repay trial in exophthalmic 
goitre. 
Urtica Dioica. 
The seeds of the stinging nettle are reported to have re- 
moved goitres. A tincture should be made from the fresh 
seeds by covering them with pure alcohol and allowing 
them to macerate fourteen days. Of this from a fraction 
of a drop to ten drops will constitute the dose. Internal 
remedies may often be externally assisted, in the treat- 
ment of goitre, by the local use of polymnia ointment. Au 
ointment of biniodide of mercury has also been highly 
extolled in some quarters. 322 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
Aconite. 
Aconite is a valuable remedy in the treatment of 
morbid states of the alimentary canal. In angina 
faucium and follicular tonsillitis it combines with phy- 
tolacca to constitute a very successful prescription, the 
result being almost immediate relief in most instances. 
In this case the proportion is from five to ten drops 
of aconite, from a half drachm to a drachm of phyto- 
lacca, and four ounces of water, of which the dose 
should be a teaspoonful every hour. 
In gastric irritation it is valuable, the aconite alone 
serving a good purpose, though its combination with 
rhus tox. is usually more satisfactory. Five drops of 
aconite and ten or fifteen drops of rhus in four ounces 
of water, furnish the appropriate strength for teaspoon- 
ful doses, which may be repeated every half hour or 
hour, according to the urgency of the symptoms. In 
some forms of cholera infantum, in cholera morbus, 
and in diarrhoea from irritation, the same prescription 
is very successful, not only relieving nausea and vom- 
iting but controlling diarrhoea. 
Aconite combines with ipecac to control many cases 
of infantile diarrhoea, cholera infantum and other in- 
testinal irritation attendant upon dentition, as well as 
dysentery and other acute gastro-intestinal irritation in 
adults. It is a favorite and effective ally of other 
remedies of this class in almost all forms of recent 
vascular disturbance of the gastro-intestinal mucous 
membrane. 
In aphthous inflammation of the oral mucous mem- 
brane, acute in character, aconite and phytolacca com- 
bined as already directed, constitute a specific treat- THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
323 
ment, few cases refusing to yield to two or three days 
of their use. 
Form, for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-This has already been suggested. 
JEsculus Hippocastanum. 
This remedy spends its main influence on the circu- 
lation of the lower portion of the alimentary canal. 
Its best effects are manifested in congestive states of 
the hemorrhoidal vessels, and we may expect prompt 
beneficial results from it in the treatment of many 
cases of piles. 
Dr. Richard Hughes writes as follows regarding the 
influence of this remedy on the rectum and anus (Manual 
of Pharmacodynamics):^- 
"The region most constantly and strongly affected by 
the horse-chestnut is that of the rectum and anus. 
No prover escaped its influence there; and beyond the 
many forms of distress experienced by others-dryness, 
fullness, constriction, sense as if a foreign body were 
there, heat, itching, in two, one of whom had never had 
piles before, these morbid growths (?) were produced. 
Correspondingly, sesculus has acquired a high reputation 
in the homeopathic school as an antihemorrhoidal medi- 
cine. I have several times affirmed and illustrated its 
value; and Dr. Hale cites numerous testimonies of like 
import. The form of the disease in which I have found 
it specially efficient is that in which the only connected 
symptom or appreciable cause is constipation, and where 
there are much uneasiness and pain but little bleeding." 
Chronic throat trouble is often a concomitant of rectal 
irritation; and here this remedy will be found serviceable. 
It has even been recommended by some writers as a 
remedy for follicular pharyngo-laryngitis. 
Hale (New Remedies) recommends this remedy in hep- 
atic congestion, when accompanied by hemorrhoids, and 324 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
suggested by aching, pinching pains in the right hypo- 
chondrium, which are aggravated by walking. 
Dr. Hart (quoted by Hale) considers throbbing in the 
abdominal and pelvic cavities, especially the pelvic, a key- 
note for its selection as a remedy. This allies sesculus 
to hypericum, somewhat, though the throbbing of the 
latter is general-all over the body and nervous system- 
while that of sesculus is probably a result of disturbance 
of the hemorrhoidal and portal blood vessels. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add from ten to twenty drops to four ounces of 
water and order a teaspoonful four or five times a day. 
JEthusa. 
This remedy seems especially adapted to the gastro-in- 
testinal disturbance of bottle fed babies, when milk is the 
diet used. In cholera infantum and infantile diarrhoea 
arising during hot weather, sethusa rivals ipecac in its 
beneficial effects. 
Though authors have attempted to discriminate as to 
the particular symptoms that call for the remedy, the 
knowledge of its specific affinity and application will be 
sufficient to enable one to apply it in practice without 
such symptoms as "great anguish and crying; disposition 
to jump out of bed and escape from the room; great anx- 
iety expressed by the face, often accompanied by the linea 
nasalis," etc. All these symptoms might occur in an ipe- 
cac case, and this remedy help promptly. When symp- 
toms can be made to assist in the selection of a remedy 
they are to be desired, but not to cumber the ground 
with needless verbiage. 2Ethusa may be found useful 
where ipecac would seem indicated and fail, upon trial, 
to cure. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x dilution from the 
tincture of the fresh plant. That found at a homeopathic 
pharmacy will usually he reliable. THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
325 
Dose.-Add a drachm to four ounces of water and give 
a teaspoonful every hour. 
Ailanthus. 
This remedy has proven curative of malignant sore 
throat, ulceration ®f the tonsils, and other inflammatory 
conditions of the tonsils marked by adynamia and per- 
sistency. It is worthy of trial when other well tried 
remedies fail. 
Aletris. 
Aletris farinosa specifically improves the functional 
power of the stomach, and is appropriate to any case of 
indigestion, especially in women whose reproductive 
organs seem to share in the disarrangement. As a stom- 
ach remedy, however, we need not reserve it strictly 
for female patients, for it acts well in the treatment of 
gastric disorders of the male. 
Goss affirms that it is a valuable remedy in the gastric 
depravity that leads to diabetes, and states that he has 
found excellent results to follow its use in such cases. 
This remedy may be thought of in dyspepsia where 
digestion is slow and difficult and attended with flatu- 
lence, especially in the ansemic debility of chlorotic girls 
and pregnant women. 
Women prone to habitual abortion are often subject 
to feeble digestive functions, and aletris will here be of 
excellent service. 
It is also of service in the morning sickness of preg- 
nancy; probably one of the best and most reliable we 
have. It may be given in ten-drop doses of the specific 
medicine, and repeated every three or four hours during 
the day. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add half a drachm to four ounces of vehicle 
and order a teaspoonful four or five times daily. 326 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
Alstonia. 
Alstonia is a valuable remedy in lienteric diarrhoea, in 
dysentery with malarious complication, and in atonic 
dyspepsia. It is one of the best remedies known in 
chronic malarial poisoning; and gastro-intestinal troubles 
depending upon, or complicated with, such a condition 
would suggest its use in practice. 
Dose.-From two to four grains, three or four times a 
day. As the drug is extremely bitter, it should be ta- 
ken after meals (powdered bark) in capsules. 
Alumina. 
Hughes asserts that this remedy has the characteristic 
feature of "dryness, with more or less irritation," to indi- 
cate its use in the treatment of affections of the mucous 
membranes. "Thus it has proved curative in morbid 
sensitiveness of the nasal mucous membrane to cold; in 
chronic dry catarrh of the conjunctiva, even when it is 
granular; in chronic pharyngitis, where the membrane 
looks dry, glazed and red; in dry, hacking coughs from 
pharyngeal or laryngeal irritation; in dyspepsia from de- 
ficiency of gastric juice, and in constipation from lack of 
intestinal secretion." 
Form for Administration.-The lOx dilution. 
Dose.-Five or ten drops three or four times daily. 
Ammonium, Muriate of. 
Chloride of ammonium has been used successfully to 
remove catarrh of the stomach and intestines, especially 
•after this has become chronic. It also exerts more or 
less influence upon the liver, being adapted to catarrh of 
the biliary ducts and to the relief of the pain which 
attends. Some writers have claimed antineuralgic vir- 
tues for it when the pain is located in the substance of 
the liver-hepatalgia. 327 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
Dose.-From ten to thirty grains three or four times a 
day, dissolved and well diluted in water. 
Ananassa Sativa. 
The fruit of the pine-apple plant contains a peculiar 
ferment, which is a valuable aid to digestion, and will be 
found useful in dyspepsia. Being of acceptable flavor to 
many, a cold infusion of the sliced fruit is serviceable in 
the treatment of febrile states, where there is lack of di- 
gestive power, especially in protracted fevers and in con- 
valescence, relieving thirst and improving alimentation. 
Pine-apple is also destructive to the tsenia, and should 
be remembered where other means fail to expel this par- 
asite. 
Apis. 
Certain inflammatory conditions in the throat demand 
apis. The peculiar character of the angina faucium that 
would suggest the remedy is an evenly spread, puffy 
swelling, extending over the general surface, confined to 
no particular portion of the throat. 
The puffiness would seem to be from involvement of 
the submucous tissues. There is not much redness nor 
pain, the character of the latter symptom resembling 
that of the sting of the bee. Some cases of sore throat 
in which there is an erysipelatous complication present 
us with such a group of symptoms, and will suggest apis 
as the remedy. Scarlatina also often offers such a con- 
dition for treatment. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to a drop. 
Apocynum Cannabinum. 
Apocynum selectively influences the upper portion of 
the pharynx, and is applicable to acute inflammation of 
this part involving the posterior nares. It is almost as 328 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
positive as phytolacca in its influence here, and when the 
irritation is confined to this spot, especially if there 
seems a predisposition to contract the trouble on slight 
exposure, it is the preferable remedy. 
The remedy also has an application in dyspeptic con- 
ditions attending diabetes insipidus, "a sensation at the 
pit of the stomach, of sinking," being asserted as a char- 
acteristic symptom calling for it. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops. 
Argenti Nitras. 
Nitrate of silver possesses a selective affinity for the 
alimentary canal. Its effects are not marked above the 
stomach, but here it seems to exert considerable power 
over the reparative functions of the mucous membrane, 
proving one of the most reliable agents known in perfo- 
rating ulcer, and playing an important part in the relief 
of gastric catarrh, gastralgia and flatulent dyspepsia ac- 
companied with pain and cardiac disturbance. 
Its action, however, is not confined to the stomach, for 
it has proven very successful in the treatment of chronic 
diarrhoea, with or without ulceration of the bowels, also 
in dysentery and cholera infantum where the irritation 
has become chronic and the recuperative powers of the 
gastro-intestinal mucous membrane seem to have be- 
come impaired. 
Form for Administration.-The remedy must be reduced 
to very minute doses in order to derive a kindly and effi- 
cient action from it. I have employed the sixth decimal 
dilution with satisfaction in several cases, and would re- 
commend that attenuation. 
Dose.-The dose of the attenuation will vary from one 
to ten drops. Shoemaker recommends from one-sixth to 
one-half grain of the crude drug. 329 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
Arsenic. 
Arsenic influences the entire intestinal canal, from the 
mouth to the anus, though in many instances other rem- 
edies excel it. It is not a remedy that is usually appli- 
cable to apthae, but in cases apparently depending upon 
constitutional depravity it will sometimes effect a cure 
when phytolacca, jaborandi, lachesis and other remedies 
fail. In cancrum oris it has a reputation among the 
homeopathists, and must be a remedy here worthy of 
trial at least. 
In gastritis, especially the chronic form, and in gastric 
disturbances where burning in the stomach is a charac- 
teristic symptom, it usually helps, if it does not effect a 
cure. In such gastric states where aggravation follows 
the retrocession of a cutaneous eruption, arsenic some- 
times helps magically. It also acts well in duodenitis, 
and in dyspeptic states resulting therefrom. 
In certain cases of intestinal irritation arsenic is a val- 
uable remedy. In dysentery, where the disease has lasted 
for several weeks, so as to have assumed a semi-chronic 
condition, and where the vitality of the mucous membrane 
has become more or less impaired, it excels the more 
popular ipecac and other vegetable remedies in effecting 
a cure. In chronic or advanced stages of cholera in- 
fantum, w'here the patient is wasting, and where there 
may arise suspicion of structural change in the mucous 
membrane, arsenic should be thought of. 
It is an irritant of the nerve centers, and should be 
used with caution where there is marked irritability of 
the nervous system, as it is liable to aggravate this condi- 
tion very much. 
The arsenite of copper has been found of service in the 
treatment of cholera, to arrest the discharges and relieve 
the cramps. It has also been employed successfully in 330 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
the treatment of the late stages of cholera infantum, to 
relieve excessive pain, and at the same time derive the 
intestinal influence of the arsenic. Cuprum relieves 
spasms and neuralgia, and thus constitutes an advantage- 
ous ally to arsenic in such cases. 
The arseniate of strychnia has been used in chronic di- 
arrhoea complicated with paralysis of the bladder, rec- 
tum, and lower extremities. 
Form for Administration.-.Fowler's solution is a good 
form -where the simple arsenic is used. The arsenite of 
copper may be given in the 3x trituration. The arseniate 
of strychnia may be given in the 3x or 5x trituration. 
Dose.-Of the Fowler's solution, add from five to ten 
drops to four ounces of water and give a teaspoonful every 
three or four hours. From one to three grains of the 
trituration of the arsenite of copper or arseniate of strych- 
nia may be administered at a dose and repeated as often 
as three times a day. 
Arum Triphyllum. 
Wild turnip influences the buccal mucous membrane, 
and is applicable to irritation of this part in scarlatinal 
patients and others suffering from continued fevers in 
whom such symptoms appear; there is great soreness in 
the mouth, the tongue is red and sensitive, and the lips 
and corners of the mouth are cracked and incline to 
bleeding. The patient, especially if a child, seems irre- 
sistibly inclined to pick at the affected parts, even when 
this is attended with hemorrhage, and even if delirious 
and unconscious of surroundings. I have seen this con- 
dition several times in cerebro-spinal fever, and have 
been pleased with the action of arum in the treatment. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add five drops to half a glass of water (four 
ounces) and give a teaspoonful every two hours. 331 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
Auri et Sodii Chloridum. 
The chloride of gold and sodium is useful in gastric 
troubles attended by despondency and a desire for death. 
The mental symptoms of this drug stand out prominently, 
and should not be lost sight of in adapting it to gastric 
difficulties. 
It is also sometimes useful in syphilitic ulceration of 
the throat after the abuse of mercury. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x or 6x trituration. 
Dose.-From two to three grains, repeated three or four 
times daily. 
Baptista. 
Baptisia is an excellent remedy for all acute inflamma- 
tory conditions of the alimentary canal attended by de- 
pravity of tissue as the result, and showing a tendency to 
breaking down of structure. The characteristic indica- 
tions for its use are purplish or dusky discoloration of 
the mucous membrane, when this can be seen, as in the 
throat, with sloughy appearance and prune-juice exuda- 
tion. 
Its principal use will be in the treatment of malignant 
sore throat, typhoid dysentery and typhoid fever. Where- 
ever there are marked evidences of prostration of the 
nervous system attending such cases, with tendency to 
drowsiness and stupor, with the local condition sug- 
gested by prune-juice discharges and purplish or dusky 
mucous membranes, with fetor of the breath or secre- 
tions, baptisia should be the first remedy prescribed, 
and should be the leading remedy throughout the treat- 
ment. 
It probably serves to fortify the mucous membrane of 
the small intestine against the structural changes liable 
to be induced by the effects of typhoid fever, and it is a 
good plan to administer it from beginning to end in this 332 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
disease, as it is likely to shorten the duration of the affec- 
tion and lessen the amount of breaking down, thus pro- 
viding against probability of perforation. 
It is said to possess marked sedative properties, and 
this might be considered an additional argument in favor 
of its use here, especially as it combines with this prop- 
erty that of a blood corrective-antiseptic or antizymotic. 
It is particularly valuable as a remedy in typhoid affec- 
tions which occur epidemically. A few remedies seem 
adapted to the correction of epidemic influences, and bap- 
tisia is one of the leading agents of this class. It has 
proven one of the best agents in the materia medica in 
many epidemics of typhoid dysentery, as well as of ty- 
phoid fever. 
Form /or Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Pose.-Add from ten to fifteen drops to half a glass 
(four ounces) of water and give a teaspoonful every one 
or two hours. 
Baryta, Carbonate of. 
Baryta carbonica selectively influences the tonsils, and 
is valuable in acute parenchymatous inflammations of these 
parts, controlling vascular excitement and averting sup- 
puration. It is thus a very good preventive of quinsy, 
when administered early in the disease, often serving to 
abort the inflammatory action before the formation of pus 
has begun. 
This remedy is also valuable in chronic enlargement of 
the tonsils, though not so reliable as in acute swelling. 
Form for Administration.-The sixth decimal dilution, 
obtainable at a homeopathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-From five to ten drops, repeated every three 
hours in acute cases; three or four times a day in chronic 
tonsillar enlargements. THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
333 
Baryta, Iodide of. 
This remedy bears a better reputation with some ob- 
servers in chronic enlargement of the tonsils than baryta 
carbonica. It has reduced tonsillar enlargement rapidly 
after the carbonate has failed, according to the testimony 
of some writers, but my experience has not been favorable 
to it in such cases; however, this has been limited, and 
the remedy possesses so good a reputation in some quar- 
ters that I present it in this place. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x or 6x trituration, ob- 
tainable at a homeopathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-Two or three grains, three or four times daily. 
Benzoate of Lithium. 
This remedy has been commended by good authority 
for its action in the relief of the gall-stone habit. Dr. E. 
R. Waterhouse contributed the following to the American 
Medical Journal in 1889: "Try benzoate of lithium, ten 
grains dissolved in an ounce of water, directing the pa- 
tient to take a teaspoonful of the mixture every three or 
four hours. I have cured some of the most obstinate 
cases I have ever seen with this remedy. One case had 
been treated by several physicians, and came into my 
hands with a severe irritation of the bladder. I pre- 
scribed the lithium, and after taking the remedy for 
several weeks the patient was free from the urinary 
trouble, and there has been no return of the gall-stone 
colic in three years, while before the lithium was taken 
she suffered from the attacks as often as every week or ten 
days." 
Berberis Aquifolium. 
Berberis is one of our most reliable agents in dyspepsia, 
and seems to invigorate the gastric functions while it im- 
proves the power of the assimilative processes. Being a 
valuable blood and skin remedy, its influence as a gastric 334 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
agent comes into additional service in the treatment of 
scrofulous and syphilitic states, where digestive disorders 
interfere with the proper effect of other correctives. 
Combined with iodide of potassium it permits of large 
doses of that agent for a considerable time without intol- 
erance, and the system rather gains than loses in strength, 
as is the case where the iodide is pushed to extreme 
limits alone. Where iodide of potassium disagrees with 
the stomach, it is a good plan to combine it with berberis, 
as the latter agent seems to overcome the difficulty. 
Berberis has been employed with success in gastric 
troubles complicated with hepatic affections, frequently. 
In cirrhosis of the liver complicated with gastro-enteritis, 
it has been found of important service; also in hepatic 
torpor complicated with dyspepsia. It is valuable in 
chronic constipation, combined with cascara sagrada. 
Form for Administration.-Parke, Davis & Co.'s fluid 
extract. 
Dose.-From five to thirty drops. 
Berberis Vulgaris. 
The barberry possesses a reputation of old for its ex- 
cellence in hepatic torpor. It belongs to the class with 
chionanthus, in its property of improving the functional 
activity of the bile-secreting cells. Where there is no ob- 
struction to the free passage of bile along the biliary 
ducts this agent acts as a gentle stimulant to the secretory 
processes of the biliary cells, and is an effective remedy 
in jaundice. 
This remedy also improves the functional powers of 
the stomach, and acts well in dyspepsia, especially where 
the hepatic torpor is a concomitant. It acts gently on 
the bowels, and is a purgative in large doses. In doses 
just short of this influence it improves the functional 
power of the duodenum and relieves intestinal dyspepsia. THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
335 
Barberry has been recommended to relieve pain during 
the passage of gall-stones. 
Form for Administration.-A decoction of the recent 
bark, or the tincture from a homeopathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-Of the decoction, a teaspoonful four or five 
times a day. In some cases a table-spoonful may be re- 
quired to effect the desired purpose. The tincture may 
be given by adding half a drachm to four ounces of water 
and giving a teaspoonful every three hours. 
Bichromate of Potassium. 
The entire alimentary canal is influenced by this 
remedy, from the pharynx to the colon, as far as the sig- 
moid flexure. It heals chronic ulceration of the pharynx, 
even if syphilitic, and is applicable to gastric catarrh, 
even when this has gone on to organic change in the 
mucous membrane of the stomach. It is one of the rem- 
edies which act positively in the treatment of round ulcer 
of the stomach, effecting a cure in some cases, I am cer- 
tain. In dyspepsia with gastric catarrh and yellow coat- 
ing of the tongue it has been considered the remedy par 
excellence. 
In mucoenteritis it is a useful remedy, and in some 
acute diarrhoeas, as those sometimes occurring during the 
winter months, attended by much pain and tenesmus, it 
acts like a charm in relieving, and seems to be about the 
only one that will cure promptly in such cases, unless we 
except kaki. It is valuable in chronic diarrhoea, and 
seems to exert a favorable influence over the recuperative 
power of the alimentary mucous membrane, encouraging 
restoration. 
In chronic dysentery, where there has been structural 
change in the lower bowel, where there has been ulcer- 
ation of the mucous wall of the colon, it compares favor- 
ably with arsenicum and mercurius corrosivus in its 
curative action. 336 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration. 
Dose.-Two or three grains, repeated every two or four 
hours. 
Bismuth. 
Bismuth is commonly used in practice in two forms, 
the subnitrate, and the liquor bismuth. 
The subnitrate of bismuth is soothing to the gastro- 
intestinal mucous membrane and is useful in water-brash 
and associated dyspepsia, and in gastric irritation of acute 
character attended by vomiting. 
It is a very reliable remedy in persistent vomiting, 
when this is due to local irritation of the stomach and 
not to reflex disturbance. It is indicated by the elon- 
gated, pointed tongue, with reddened tip and edges, accom- 
panied by persistent nausea and vomiting. It is an asso- 
ciate of rhus tox., ipecac, lobelia and aconite in this 
respect. I usually prefer rhus in such cases, as it more 
appropriately meets other indications liable to attend, 
but sometimes bismuth succeeds when this remedy fails. 
It often acts successfully when the tongue lacks the 
specific indications. 
The subnitrate has been used with success by many 
practitioners in the treatment of diarrhoea, usually in 
combination with small doses of morphia. I think there 
will be found but few cases where some other remedy will 
not be preferable, as the use of the narcotic must always 
be objectionable and we can manage this disease without 
it; however, there might be a case where such treatment 
would prove the very thing. 
The liquor bismuth is a good remedy in many cases of 
chronic dyspepsia and chronic diarrhoea-and the former 
is usually complicated with the latter. The liquor bis- 
muth answers best in the diarrhoea of the heated term, 
though it is applicable to intestinal troubles occurring at 
any period of the year. It is a valuable remedy to follow 337 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
convalescence from dysentery and cholera infantum with, 
to promote healing of the irritated mucous membrane and 
insure complete recovery. 
Dosage.-The subnitrate may be given in from one to 
three grains. The dose of the liquor may vary from one- 
fourth drachm to one drachm. 
Boldo. 
Boldo is one of the new remedies introduced from 
South America. It is a quieting, soothing agent, caus- 
ing drowsiness, when taken in full doses. It allays the 
gastrodynia of dyspepsia, and exerts a favorable influ- 
ence in hepatic torpor. It seems to be adapted to dys- 
peptic conditions complicated with jaundice, when there 
is pain in the stomach during digestion and considerable 
nervous irritability. 
Form for Administration.-Parke, Davis & Co.'s fluid 
extract. 
Dose.-From one to ten drops. 
Bromide of Potassium. 
Bromide of potassium allays irritability of the phar- 
ynx, and is sometimes useful to quiet the disposition to 
frequently swallow, or attempt to clear the throat by 
hawking, occasionally attending pharyngitis in nervous 
persons. Lachesis relieves this complication usually, but 
sometimes fails. 
Spasmodic stricture of the oesophagus and globus hys- 
tericus may sometimes call for potassium bromide. In 
enteralgia of children, Ringer extols it highly, and Hale 
indorses the statement in New Remedies. The follow- 
ing conditions are described by Ringer as indicating it: 
"The walls of the belly are retracted and hard, while 
the intestines, at one spot, are visibly contracted into a 
hard lump, the size of a small orange, and this contraction 
can be traced through the walls of the belly, traveling 338 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
from one part of the intestines to another. These colicky 
attacks, unconnected with constipation, diarrhoea, or flat- 
ulence, occur very often, and produce excruciating pain. 
Sometimes they are associated with a chronic aphthous 
condition of the mouth. They generally resist all other 
kinds of treatment but the bromides." 
This practice must be confined to infants and young 
children, less than two years of age. 
Hale commends bromide of potassium in chronic con- 
stipation, asserting that many long standing and obsti- 
nate cases have been cured incidentally while it was 
being administered for some other purpose. 
Dose.-From a tenth of a grain for infants, to ten or 
twenty grains for adults, according to circumstances. 
Bryonia. 
Bryonia, in minute doses, is occasionally a very posi- 
tive remedy for costiveness in infants nourished on cow's 
milk or other constipating diet. I have cured such cases 
with this remedy, but have oftener failed. It is not very 
reliable. 
Bryonia is sometimes useful in the treatment of dys- 
pepsia, gastralgia being the indication for it. The pain 
comes on whether the stomach is empty or full, and seems 
to depend upon a predisposition of the muscular walls of 
the stomach to ache, rather than upon gastronomic abuses. 
It here classes with cimicifuga, which proves an excellent 
remedy for gastralgia when the muscular walls of the stom- 
ach are the seat of rheumatoid pains. 
Hepatic affections are often relieved by bryonia. It is 
indicated when there is slight jaundice with stitching 
pains in the region of the liver-as though the serous en- 
velope were inflamed. It has been termed a gastro-he- 
patic remedy-useful in digestive and hepatic disturbances THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
339 
when the reciprocal relations of these functions are dis- 
arranged. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add ten drops to four ounces of water and give 
a teaspoonful every one or two hours. 
Carbo Vegetabilis. 
The absorbent and antiseptic properties of this agent 
adapt it to fermentive states of the alimentary canal, 
and it has acquired a reputation in the treatment of wa- 
ter-brash and other conditions where the trouble de- 
pends on septic influences. 
Acidity and flatulence are symptoms that call for its 
administration, as well as a sensation of fullness and op- 
pression-as though one could not draw the diaphragm 
downward-this occurring soon after eating. 
Form for Administration.-The lx or 3x trituration of 
the wood charcoal of commerce. 
Dose.-Two or three grains after each meal, and oftener 
if necessary. 
Carduus Marianus. 
I have referred, under Remedies Which Influence the 
Circulatory System, to the influence of this remedy upon 
the circulation described by the distribution of the coe- 
liac axis. In addition to this it seems to exert some in- 
fluence over the functions of the stomach and liver, 
though whether it reaches further than the circulation 
may be some question. 
It has been recommended in the vomiting of pregnancy, 
swelling and painfulness of the liver, jaundice, tender- 
ness and hardness of the right hypochondrium, gall- 
stones, abdominal pain and stitches in the side attend- 
ing bilious conditions. 
It is a powerful and valuable remedy, and one which will 340 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
repay any one for a careful clinical study. Its virtues 
have not been half determined. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture from a homeo- 
pathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-Add ten or twenty drops to half a glass (four 
ounces) of water and give a teaspoonful every three or 
four hours. 
Chamomilla. 
This is substantially the anthemis nobilis of some au- 
thors, though the use of the two names gives rise to con- 
fusion. 
Chamomile influences the alimentary canal, but is a 
feeble remedy, and will hardly be of service except in the 
treatment of colicky infants. Here I usually prefer the 
3x dilution of colocynth. However, chamomile some- 
times does better, and is especially applicable to cases 
attended by diarrhoea, or where there is great irritability 
and restlessness. 
Chelidonium. 
Chelidonium is the remedy for jaundice when the con- 
dition depends upon a congestive state of the liver or on 
catarrh of the biliary ducts dependent thereon, resulting 
in obstruction to the free flow of bile. With some prac- 
titioners it is a favorite routine remedy for jaundice, with- 
out reference to the pathological condition, and it usu- 
ally proves effective. I would suggest it where there is 
pain in the right hypochondrium and right shoulder, the 
pain in the hypochondriac region being full and tensive 
or throbbing. 
It has proven effective in the treatment of gall-stones, 
and in bilious dyspepsia, with severe headaches. It 
somewhat resembles nux vomica in its action on the 
liver, having, however, a more marked effect on the cir- 
culation. THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
341 
Inflammation of the liver, both acute and chronic, jaun- 
dice from obstruction of the biliary ducts, and other hep- 
atic disorders are amenable to the action of this remedy. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Chelone. 
Balmony is a mild tonic, applicable to dyspepsia com- 
plicated with hepatic torpor. It improves the digestive 
power of the alimentary canal, and stimulates the bile 
secreting functions of the liver at the same time, thus 
being adapted to quite a large class of cases. 
It is a valuable tonic after malarial fevers, serving to 
promote functional activities likely to have been inter- 
fered with, especially if the secretions have been locked 
up through the action of quinine. In tolerably large 
doses it acts as a gentle purge, an influence very accept- 
able in many such cases. 
The 2x or 3x trituration of chelonin is a valuable rem- 
edy in many long standing cases of dyspepsia. Chelonin 
is an active principle obtained from the crude drug. 
Chelonin is also an active parasiticide of the aliment- 
ary canal, being especially efficient in the destruction of 
the lumbricoid worm. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Ten to thirty drops. The chelonin may be given 
in doses of one or two grains, or the 2x or 3x trituation 
may be used in two or three-grain doses. 
Chenopodium. 
This remedy is of service in the destruction of the 
round worm, being one of the most reliable anthelmintics. 
The oil is employed in doses of from five to fifteen drops. 
The seeds, combined with jalap, equal parts, may be 
infused or boiled, the resulting liquor serving a very pos- 
itive purpose as an anthelmintic. Of this a tablespoonful 342 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
or two should be given, when the stomach is empty, 
three or four times daily for several, days. When a re- 
cent article of the seeds is obtainable we have no more 
reliable remedy for the purpose. 
Chionanthus. 
The fringe tree is a reliable remedy to dynamically en- 
courage the functional activity of the bile secreting cells. 
It is the leading remedy with a large majority of modern 
Eclectics in the treatment of jaundice, if the trouble de- 
pend upon want of activity in the secretory function of 
the biliary apparatus. Where there is obstruction to the 
flow of bile along the ducts we cannot expect so much 
from it. 
Professor Goss was first to call attention to the virtues 
of this remedy, I believe, and he has given us one of the 
best in the materia medica. He asserts that he was led 
by mere accident to test the tonic and cholagogue 
powers of this shrub. He had been salivated several 
times for jaundice following intermittent fever and had 
given up to die, when a fellow student induced him to 
try the "old woman's remedy," chionanthus. This grew 
plentifully on the sandy soil about Augusta, Georgia, 
where he was attending lectures. He took a table- 
spoonful of a tincture made in gin before each meal, and 
in ten days was practically well, the jaundice having de- 
parted and appetite and digestion being restored. 
It is a splendid remedy for the jaundice of malarial 
cachexia, and in chronic ague complicated with jaundice 
its use will assist very much in effecting a cure. I have 
cured many stubborn cases of the kind with chionanthus 
and arseniate of quinia. 
It should be remembered that it is not the remedy to 
relieve jaundice due to inflammatory action of the liver, 
or obstruction of the biliary ducts. It is only adapted to THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
343 
torpor of the bile-secreting functions where something is 
needed to arouse cellular activity in the biliary apparatus. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From two to fifteen drops. 
ClMIGIFUGA. 
Cimicifuga is adapted to the treatment of dyspeptic 
conditions in which the muscular wall of the gastro- 
intestinal canal is affected by rheumatism. Rheumatoid 
conditions of the muscular walls of the alimentary canal 
are not uncommon, and are liable to affect persons who 
are subject to muscular rheumatism in other parts. 
Dull, aching pain, with tendency to metastasis, aggra- 
vated by eating or drinking, a sensation as of a hard 
lump in the stomach with the walls contracting upon it 
in persons with a tendency to muscular rheumatism, as 
indicated by history of former attacks, would suggest 
cimicifuga. I have relieved many such cases with it, as 
well as with caulophyllin. I use the caulophyllin in 
the lx or 2x trituration; the cimicifuga in the decoc- 
tion of the recent root, in tablespoonful doses. 
Cistus Canadensis. 
Rock rose specifically influences the mucous membrane 
of the mouth and throat, and is particularly applicable 
to the treatment of chronic pharyngitis, thus being in 
the same class with penthorum. It is useful in long 
standing pharyngeal irritation, where there is dryness of 
the membrane, blueness, with tickling, itching, and other 
irritation in the pharyngeal vault. 
It sometimes proves useful in laryngeal irritation due 
to contiguity to an irritated pharnynx. It then may be 
capable of relieving tickling, laryngeal cough. 
Cistus also influences the digestive tract lower down, 
and has been successfully employed in the treatment of 
chronic diarrhoea and dysentery. 344 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
In sponginess and scorbutic irritation of the gums, 
where there is tenderness and bleeding about the teeth, 
this is a reliable agent. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture supplied by a 
reliable homeopathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-Add a drachm to four ounces of water and give 
a teaspoonful four times daily, in chronic inflammation of 
the pharynx. In more acute troubles the dose should be 
repeated oftener. 
Collinsonia. 
Collinsonia is a tonic to the digestive organs and ben- 
efits some cases of dyspepsia. Probably the cases 
benefited most markedly will be found to be those aris- 
ing from rectal derangement-a very common cause of 
indigestion. 
The special use of the remedy is for the treatment of 
hemorrhoids, and other rectal disturbances. In hemor- 
rhoids, even though they have become chronic, its effects 
are usually pronounced. The pain and fullness soon 
subside and the unpleasant features of the case all dis- 
appear, and often the cure seems lasting; at least the 
difficulty may not return for years. 
In severe rectal pain, even where there is no ocular 
evidence of structural change, collinsonia will often 
prove curative. Whether the drug exerts any influence 
over the sensitive nerves of the part to relieve neurosis I 
am unable to say, but it seems sometimes as though this 
might be the case. I have relieved the most excruciating 
rectal pain with collinsonia in a few minutes that for- 
merly would have seemed to imperatively demand the 
use of a powerful opiate, and the pain once relieved 
would not return. 
Occasionally, after a surgical operation on the rectum, 
the patient is harrassed by severe pain for several days, 
and the attendant will be tempted to administer an THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
345 
opiate. This, however, is liable to be followed by con- 
stipation, and collinsonia will here be a better remedy, 
as in a few days its effect is usually very satisfactory in 
relieving the suffering. 
The irritation attending rectal pockets, rectal ulcers, 
fistula ani, and other rectal and anal troubles may be 
much modified by the use of collinsonia, and though such 
palliation would not usually serve an intelligent purpose, 
yet there are times when something of the kind is very 
desirable. 
Shoemaker recommends collinsonia locally in spas- 
modic stricture of the anus, and though such treatment 
cannot serve any permanent purpose, yet it illustrates 
the power of this drug over the functions of the lower 
portion of the alimentary canal. 
There is a certain form of abdominal pain which is 
promptly relieved by collinsonia, and though this is not 
a frequent symptom it occurs sufficiently often to demand 
attention. This is pain confined to the hypogastrium, 
presumably of rectal origin. If not evidently proceeding 
from vesical complication collinsonia may be employed 
with confidence. I have relieved several cases of chronic 
hypogastric pain since I began to prescribe collinsonia 
for it, promptly and permanently. Formerly, I failed to 
accomplish anything satisfactory with other remedies. 
Form for Administration.-A saturated tincture of the 
fresh plant. 
Dose.-Add from one to two drachms of the tincture to 
half a tumbler of water and give a teaspoonful every few 
minutes, in acute pain. For more chronic states give a 
teaspoonful every three or four hours. 
COLOCYNTH. 
Colocynth is one of the most prompt and powerful 
remedies we possess for the relief of enteric colic. Its 
specific influence on the intestines is pronounced, large 346 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
doses being capable of exciting active catharsis and irri- 
tation of the mucous membrane, this amounting to hem- 
orrhage and dilatation of the hemorrhoidal veins in some 
instances, accompanied by severe tenesmus. 
The part most promptly influenced by it is the lower 
bowel, and it makes some very satisfactory cures of 
cholera infantum and dysentery, being especially indi- 
cated when the disease is attended by intense pain- 
when pain is a prominent feature of the complaint. 
Much blood in the evacuations has been considered an 
indication for it by homeopathic authorities. 
Though colocynth seems to influence the circulation of 
the lower bowel to a marked extent, it is more a remedy 
for neuralgic than for circulatory disturbances, and re- 
lieves neuralgic colic magically in many cases, twisting, 
griping pains about the navel being the favorite symptoms 
of the homeopathists. However, it is adapted to pain in 
any portion of the alimentary canal below the oesophagus, 
and will prove useful in many a case of gastralgia of neu- 
ralgic character. 
It has been my favorite remedy for neuralgic colic for 
years, and I hardly ever find it necessary to use any 
other. I find a very minute dose sufficient, though the 
specific medicine diluted in water answers a good pur- 
pose. 
Colocynth is a valuable medicine in chronic constipa- 
tion, if medicine can prove effective. I have found mi- 
nute doses of it serviceable in the treatment of constipa- 
tion in children and delicate females, ■when other 
remedies would be objectionable. The minute dose 
averted objectionable features while the intestine was 
sufficiently stimulated to promote daily evacuation. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add from three to five drops to four ounces of 
water and give a teaspoonful every ten or fifteen minutes, 347 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
in urgent cases. Where the pain is not severe, but in- 
clined to linger, a teaspoonful may be given every hour. 
In treating colic in children I prefer a few drops of the 
third decimal dilution in water, instead of the crude med- 
icine. 
Curare. 
The arrow poison of South America seems to exert an 
influence over the functions of deglutition, and has re- 
stored the power of swallowing when this has been par- 
alyzed. But little use has been made of the drug in this 
direction thus far, and its use must still be largely experi- 
mental. It has been used with success in a few cases of 
hydrophobia, but as curare is a composition prepared by 
the natives, and its exact origin unknown, it is possible 
that it will be found varying in strength and properties- 
Form for Administration.-A solution of the drug in al- 
cohol, the 2x or 3x dilution being the best form for ad- 
ministration. 
Dose.-Add from ten drops to half a drachm to four 
ounces of water and give a teaspoonful every one or two 
hours. 
Dioscorea. 
Wild yam has long sustained a reputation among Ec- 
lectics as a remedy of high order in the treatment of 
colic. It seems to specifically influence the nervous sup- 
ply to the alimentary canal and control painful conditions 
depending upon irritation in these parts. 
Dioscorea and colocynth resemble each other very 
much in their action in abdominal pain, and I am of the 
opinion that it will be difficult to discriminate between 
the cases where either will be most applicable. It seems 
to me that rotation-the use of the second if the first fail 
-will be the only way to select the better if both need 
be tried. 348 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
Though the traditional remedy for bilious colic among 
Eclectics, it seems that the distinction of the bilious 
symptoms has long been dropped, and it is employed in- 
discriminately, whether vomiting of bile attend the col- 
icky state or not. Flatulent colic and other forms of ab- 
dominal neurosis yield as readily as the bilious form. 
The remedy is highly endorsed by some practitioners in 
the colic attending the passage of gall-stones, in combi- 
nation with full doses of gelsemium. 
It may be useful to allay the pain of dysentery, diar- 
rhoea and cholera infantum, though I think we have bet- 
ter remedies in such cases. It seems to possess antineu- 
ralgic properties, and has been successful in the treat- 
ment of facial neuralgia, pain and spasm in the rectum, 
bladder and uterus, in sciatica, etc. 
It has also proven valuable in many cases of gastral- 
gia, and should not be forgotten in the management of 
this sometimes stubborn difficulty. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From five to thirty drops. 
Epilobium. 
This is Professor Scudder's specific for muco-enteritis, 
and it exerts a very favorable influence upon the small 
intestine, when there is irritation of the mucous mem- 
brane. It is valuable in acute diarrhoea, dysentery and 
colic, relieving irritation, quieting pain and arresting dis- 
charges, but it fills a greater want by controlling chronic 
diarrhoea and dysentery. 
Scudder asserts that he employed epilobium exten- 
sively in the treatment of chronic diarrhoea during the 
war of the rebellion, and with a success not to be ob- 
tained with other remedies tried. 
I think we have one remedy comparable with this, viz., 
kaki,-Japanese persimmon,-which exerts a very posi- THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
349 
five influence in similar cases. Both these drugs have 
been highly extolled for the intestinal irritation of ty- 
phoid fever. 
As with some other of our indigenous remedies, epi- 
lobium acts best in decoction; but, as it is not readily 
obtainable in the recent state at all seasons, the spe- 
cific medicine must usually be relied upon. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From one to twenty drops. 
Erigeron Canadense. 
This is one of the most widely distributed plants I 
have any knowledge of. 1 have found it growing in ev- 
ery part of the United States and Canada that I have 
ever visited-except on the American Desert-and in 
many parts of Europe. It grows about the ruins of Pom- 
peii at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, in Germany, Aus- 
tria and France, and probably in England, though I was 
not outside the great cities there to note the character 
of wild plants. 
It is in its prime at the very time that it is most 
needed, viz., the season of the year when cholera infan- 
tum and other summer fluxes are liable to occur. 
I have found it the most reliable remedy I have ever 
employed in the profuse, exhaustive discharges of cholera 
infantum, when the disease assumes the choleraic form 
and the fluids of the body rapidly pass away with se- 
vere tenesmus and cramps. This is a form of the dis- 
ease to which ipecac is not adapted. 
Erigeron resembles veratrum album in its property 
of arresting copious, watery discharges from the bow- 
els, which pass away with a gush and are profuse; though 
there is the difference that erigeron must be given in 
full doses-a decoction drank freely-while veratrum 
album acts well in the third dilution. 350 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
I prepare a decoction from the fresh plant and al- 
low patients to drink of it freely, which children suf- 
fering with the choleraic form of cholera infantum will 
usually do. It may be given warm or cold, a little su- 
gar and milk being added for those who so desire. Im- 
mediate results follow, and a grave case will be changed 
in its aspects within an hour. I have saved life with 
this remedy several times. 
It is adapted to diarrhoea in adults also, and cannot 
be excelled in acute cases, where vomiting does not 
cause its rejection. It ought to prove a useful remedy 
for cholera. 
Eryngium Aquaticum. 
Water eryngo exerts some influence on the alimentary 
canal, and will occasionally be found useful in the treat- 
ment of chronic pharyngitis complicated with laryngeal 
irritation, as well as in diarrhoea of teething children 
when the discharges are largely mucus. 
I have found it a good remedy in dyspepsia, where 
a persistent tendency to gastric irritation is present. 
Here we find the edges of the tongue red and tender 
with nausea and disgust for food arising upon slight 
provocation. The best place for the remedy is in irri- 
tation of the urinary organs. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From one to twenty drops. 
Euonymus. 
Euonymus aids digestion and improves the secretory 
functions of the liver. It proves a good aid to digestion 
in convalescence from intermittent fevers, as it combines 
some anti-malarial qualities with its action on the diges- 
tive and biliary organs. Another important property is 
its mild aperient effect, which doubtless contributes to 
its value in indigestion complicated with constipation. the digestive organs. 
351 
Goss declares that euonymin, an active principle of this 
agent, increases the amount of bile secreted, its function, 
it seems to me, resembling that of chionanthus, with 
which Professor Goss combines it. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to thirty drops. 
Gentiana Quinqueflora. 
This drug is highly extolled in some quarters as a 
remedy for chronic debility of the organs of digestion and 
assimilation. It has proven a reliable remedy for the 
treatment of chronic ague, and may be used with satis- 
faction after convalescence from this disease, to improve 
the digestive and assimilative powers and prevent re- 
lapse. 
Form for Administration.-A saturated tincture of the 
recent root. 
Dose.-From five to twenty drops. 
Geranium Maculatum. 
This remedy has recently been used with reported suc- 
cess by J. V. Shoemaker, M. D., as a restorative in the 
treatment of incipient phthisis. He prescribed it in 
drachm doses of the fluid extract before meals and at 
bed-time, and reported remarkable success from its use. 
The cough lessened under its influence, the night sweats 
disappeared and the appetite improved, while the patient 
gained strength and weight and the pulse returned to 
normal. We must receive such reports as this with some 
allowance, but the suggestion is worthy of notice at 
least. 
Geranium acts as a tonic to the mucous membrane of 
the alimentary canal, sometimes proving curative of 
chronic pharyngeal catarrh, while in diarrhoea from re- 
laxation of the intestinal mucous membrane it has ef- 
fected some prompt cures. The place for it is in the 352 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
relaxation which follows subsidence of inflammatory 
symptoms during the late stages of dysentery, and some 
forms of diarrhoea. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From five drops to half a drachm. 
Guaiacum. 
In a clinical lecture given in Edinburgh in 1889, Dr. 
Morrell McKenzie remarked as follows regarding the 
treatment of tonsillitis:- 
"A person who has once had acute tonsillitis never 
really gets well, though he may appear to do so. The 
treatment, therefore, is important. One of the most 
popular remedies is aconite-originally, I believe, a hom- 
eopathic drug, but now used extensively by allopaths, 
(though I object to the term)-and strongly recommended 
by Dr. Ringer. It has certainly never in my hands 
proved to be of the extraordinary value which he asserts. 
On the other hand I have found guaiacum, which used to 
be given in the form of the ammoniated tincture, very ef- 
ficient. I recollect a Manchester surgeon, Dr. Crompton, 
who used to come a good deal to the Throat Hospital 
about the time it was founded, telling me I should find 
much more benefit by giving it in the form of a powder; 
and I did so, letting the patient take a pinch of the resin. 
This was rather disagreeable, and after a time I had it 
made into lozenges containing about three grains in each. 
In this form it makes an excellent remedy. Nine cases 
out of ten will get well rapidly if one of these lozenges is 
given every two hours at the outset." 
Gymnocladus Canadensis. 
This remedy appears in Hale's New Remedies, and is 
accredited with a specific influence on the throat. Angina 
faucium, with drawing pain in the tonsils and uvula, is 
among the symptoms said to have been caused by it, and THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
353 
it has cured similar cases. Dr. Delameter asserted that 
a bluish color of the throat was characteristic of it. We 
are not much in need of this agent, even if it will accom- 
plish all that has been suggested, but it may help out in 
some stubborn cases. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x dilution of a tincture 
from a homeopathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-Add from half a drachm to a drachm to half a 
glass of water and give a teaspoonful every two hours. 
Hjematoxylon Campeachianum. 
Logwood was one of the favorite remedies of the lat© 
Professor Howe. He extolled it highly in the treatment 
of diarrhoea. I have used it to a limited extent, and be- 
lieve that it possesses some virtues in the treatment of 
painless diarrhoea in which there is relaxation of the in- 
testinal mucous membrane without irritation. It is not a 
remedy of wide range of application, and will fail oftener 
than it will succeed. 
Form for Administration.-A strong decoction of the 
the aqueous extract. 
Dose.-A teaspoonful or more repeated every hour. 
Helonias. 
Helonias dioica improves the digestive and assimilative 
powers in appropriate cases, and may very properly be 
classed in this department, though its prominent place 
is among remedies influencing the female reproductive 
organs. Its best place as a remedy for indigestion and 
mal-assimilation is in those cases which are complicated 
with reproductive disturbances in women, though it is 
not to be discarded as a tonic to the digestive organs in 
the opposite sex. 
In digestive disturbances the result of reflex action 
from uterine irritation it is often very useful, especially 
in chlorotic anaemia, where indigestion is attended by 354 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
anorexia. It has also proven useful as a tonic after such 
debilitating disease as diphtheria. 
In the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy it is a prime 
favorite with some practitioners, and it is a fine remedy 
here in many cases. 
In the digestive disturbances apt to attend albumin- 
uria it is also an appropriate remedy, and it possesses a 
reputed efficiency in the treatment of this disease inde- 
pendently of its action on the digestive functions-a spe- 
cific action. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From five to twenty drops. 
Hydrastis. 
Golden seal possesses a long established reputation for 
its influence on the mucous membrane of the alimentary 
canaL 
In aphthous conditions it sometimes proves very suc- 
cessful, though it is not as reliable as phytolacca. It is 
in the cases where phytolacca and jaborandi fail that it 
will be liable to act most positively-cases that have 
passed into a semi-chronic state. 
Where the vault of the pharynx is involved in a ca- 
tarrhal inflammation, and there is much dropping of mu- 
cous into the throat, hydrastis should be recollected. 
In gastric catarrh, and in dyspepsia with putrid eruc- 
tations and sense of emptiness and "goneness" in the epi- 
gastric region, minute doses of hydrastis often benefit. 
It resembles chelidonium in its power of controlling 
catarrh of the biliary ducts and in the relief of jaundice 
hinging thereon. 
Hughes recommends hydrastis for constipation, as 
Scudder does nux, the patient being ordered a single 
drop of the tincture in water in the morning before break- 
fast. This author also alludes to the use of the remedy 355 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
in hemorrhoids and prolapsus ani-doubtful qualities, I 
am inclined to believe. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Ingluvin. 
This is a peculiar digestive principle obtained from the 
gizzard of the common domestic fowl (gallus domesti- 
cus). It differs from other digestive substances, being a 
bitter principle, and is sometimes adapted to dyspeptic 
conditions when digestive ferments prepared from the 
stomach and pancreas of the pig fail to benefit. 
Ingluvin is applicable to the relief of the vomiting of 
pregnancy as well as to other gastric disturbances. In 
this it is asserted to be a specific, though it certainly will 
fail at times as well as the best of other remedies for this 
complaint. It may be given in ten or twenty-grain doses 
three or four times a day. 
In tabes-mesenterica, where food of every description is 
vomited, it may be combined with the aliment so that it 
will be retained and appropriated. 
Doubtless this preparation, like other digestive aids, 
has been overestimated, but it has really proven effica- 
cious in domestic practice for too long a time to permit 
the imputation of worthlessness to dwell upon it. It is 
worthy of trial at least in cases requiring a digestive prin- 
ciple. 
Iodide of Arsenic. 
This remedy is sometimes very positive in the treat- 
ment of diarrhoea of children occurring in hot weather 
and depending on epidemic influences-at least seeming 
to be perpetuated by them. In lingering cholera infan- 
tum, after the inflammatory symptoms have subsided and 
a condition of marasmus has supervened, it is also one of 
the best remedies we have. 356 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
Form for Administration.-The 6x trituration. 
Dose.-From one to three grains, repeated every two 
hours. 
Iodide of Potassium. 
A rather novel use for this salt has been suggested 
within the past few years, viz., its application to the treat- 
ment of typhoid fever. In 1881 Dr. Oatman, in the Pa- 
cific Medical and Surgical Journal, advocated the idea that 
iodide of potassium impresses the lacteal glands in this 
disease in such a manner as to fortify them against the 
entry of the typhoid poison into the blood, and that they 
are also better enabled to assist in eliminating what may 
gain access. 
Since this many favorable notices of this plan of treat- 
ment, and reports of cases successfully treated, have ap- 
peared in the medical journals from time to time, and the 
point is worthy of record. 
It is asserted that the iodide of potassium treatment 
very much shortens the course of typhoid fever, and that 
when its use is begun early no enteric symptoms develop. 
Ipecac. 
Ipecac is a specific emetic, and in minute doses it op- 
erates to quiet inverted peristalsis, thus becoming a val- 
uable agent in gastric irritability, especially where the 
mucous membrane is involved. 
It also seems devoted to the intestinal mucous mem- 
brane, and is one of the most positive remedies known for 
the relief of acute irritation of the bowel attended by mu- 
cous discharges. In mucous diarrhoea of both adults and 
children it is usually efficacious, often serving to allay the 
accompanying pain and arrest the discharges, and its ac- 
tion is kindly and permanent. 
In cholera infantum, where the evacuations are small 
and composed largely of mucus, it is very effective if THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
357 
begun early. It may be used alone or combined with 
aconite, though the latter drug assists its action where 
febrile symptoms are a marked accompaniment. Where 
the evacuations are profuse and watery, and voided with a 
gush, it will not succeed. Here erigeron canadense or 
veratrum album will be found preferable. 
Ipecac is not a remedy for chronic irritation of the 
alimentary mucous membrane, and should not be de- 
pended upon after the trouble has become deep-seated. 
As taught in Principles of Medicine, a remedy which in- 
fluences the vascular supply of a part largely is not to be 
depended upon after structure has suffered beyond the 
blood vessels, and ipecac is not a remedy which reaches 
beyond the circulation in its effects, to any great extent. 
In cholera infantum, then, and in other bowel com- 
plaints which have assumed a chronic or semi-chronic 
state we would omit it and think of epilobium, arsenicum, 
mercurius cor., and other remedies more adapted to the 
influencing of the nutrition of the part-to the building 
of better tissue. 
Ipecac is a valuable remedy many times in the treat- 
ment of the diarrhoea that accompanies the process of 
dentition, for though it will hardly ever arrest it entirely 
it modifies it and renders the little patient more comfort- 
able-less peevish and troublesome-and better adapts 
the alimentary canal to the reception and tolerance of 
food. 
Ipecac will cure dysentery unaided by anything except 
a favorable regimen, though it is not a rapid remedy. 
Doubtless the sulphate of magnesium or podophyllin 
treatment will accomplish a cure more quickly in many 
cases, but if the podophyllin treatment fail it is almost 
certain to leave bad results behind, while ipecac is safe 
and pleasant. It is well to combine it with aconite here, 358 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
which cannot but assist, if appropriate dosage be con- 
sidered. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add from ten to fifteen drops to half a glass of 
water and give a teaspoonful every hour. 
Iris Versicolor. 
Iris exerts a specific influence on the gastro-intestinal 
mucous membrane, and is valuable to allay irritation, in 
small doses, and relieve the reflex disturbances arising 
from this condition. It cures sick headache arising from 
morbid accumulations in the stomach, and also the neu- 
ralgic pains of certain dyspeptic patients which are re- 
flected to the pectoral muscles and head. 
In stomatitis, with burning in the mouth and fauces, 
iris is a remedy that may be prescribed with a consid- 
erable degree of confidence. It is not an infallible specific, 
but there is no doubt that it selectively influences the 
mucous lining of the mouth as far back as the ramifica- 
tions of the salivary ducts, as it induces ptyalism in 
lull doses, and controls this condition in minute quantities 
when the result of disease. 
Iris relieves colic and diarrhoea, and is sometimes val- 
uable in treatment of cholera infantum. It is also a good 
remedy in gastralgia, acting more specifically than dios- 
corea or colocynth, which possess more marked affinities 
for parts lower down the alimentary canal. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops. 
Jaborandi. 
Jaborandi specifically influences the salivary glands 
and mucous membrane of the mouth and fauces. It is 
useful to arrest ptyalism and stomatitis, especially the 
aphthous form. 
I have cured aphthae complicated with profuse ptyalism THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
359 
promptly with jaborandi, after several other remedies 
have failed a number of times. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add ten drops to four ounces of water and give 
a teaspoonful every two hours. 
JUGLANS ClNEREA. 
This remedy, in minnte doses, allays intestinal irrita- 
tion, and is useful in intestinal dyspepsia, dysentery, and 
diarrhoea attended by irritation. In full doses it relieves 
constipation. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops. 
Kaki. 
The Japanese persimmon has been highly extolled in 
some quarters for its influence in intestinal irritation. I 
have some personal knowledge of it that is very favorable, 
but will quote an extract from a letter from Dr. J. W. 
Huckins bearing on the subject, which affirms the high 
estimate placed on it:- • 
" I use kaki in dysentery, ulceration of the bowels, 
chronic diarrhoea and typhoid fever. For the diarrhoea 
of typhoid fever it has no equal. When I am called to 
see a patient with this disease I put him on kaki in the 
beginning and continue its use throughout the course of 
the disease, and I have never had any trouble in con- 
trolling the intestinal irritation in any case. It is always 
indicated. It cleans the tongue, relieving the tenderness 
of the abdomen, and controls diarrhoea and thirst. 
" In intestinal troubles its action is unsurpassed by any 
other remedy that I know of. For dysentery it excels 
them all. I have treated over sixty cases of this disease 
with kaki with the best of results. It relieves the dis- 
tressing abdominal pain and tenesmus in a few hours. 
"I find it valuable in almost all forms of diarrhoea 360 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
without reference to the evacuations. It is equally effica- 
cious in simple mucous diarrhoea, in the feculent form 
and in that of typhoid, as well as in chronic difficulties. 
" I use it in gastric catarrh with satisfaction. I have 
used it with good results in several cases where other 
remedies have failed. 
" For ulceration of the bowels and catarrh of the 
colon and rectum I know of nothing better, as it seems 
to excite a renewal of life in the entire intestinal tract. 
"I am now treating a lady who has ulceration of the 
stomach, and I am giving her no other remedy than 
kaki, and she is getting better every day. She says 
that I am the only physician who has benefited her at 
all. I treated a gentleman living near Kankakee, Illi- 
nois, in 1886, who contracted chronic diarrhoea during 
the late war, and who never found any relief, though 
he had been treated by many physicians. I cured him in 
three months with kaki, and up to 1891 he had had no 
return of the old trouble. It is the best remedy for in- 
testinal troubles I have found in all my experience, and I 
have used it for seven years. 
Form for Administration.-"I like the decoction best. 
I put from one to two drachms in half a pint of boiling 
water and let it steep half an hour. Then I let it cool. 
Dose.-"Of this I give from a tablespoonful to a wine- 
glassful every hour or two, or every three or four hours, 
as I think the case requires." 
Lachesis. 
Lachesis corrects some nervous symptoms connected 
with the function of swallowing better than any other 
remedy. It relieves the sensation as though the act of 
swallowing must be continually repeated when the throat 
is empty; the feeling of uneasiness that causes the pa- 
tient to be always swallowing and hawking when there is 361 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
nothing to remove; the feeling as though there is a dry 
spot in the throat tickling and irritating, and the sensa- 
tion as though there was a lump in the throat on empty 
swallowing. In short, it is the remedy for the irritable 
pharynx, as well as for the irritable larynx. 
Lachesis has also apparently an affinity for the caecum, 
and has been used successfully for inflammation of this 
part; and in certain nervous conditions of the rectum, as 
tickling, throbbing, and other sensations where there is 
little actual disturbance but considerable nervous irrita- 
bility it sometimes acts promptly in quieting the symp- 
toms. 
Form for Administration.-The 6x trituration. 
Dose.-From one to two grains, repeated three or four 
times a day. 
Lactate of Strontium. 
Strontium lactate, though a new acquisition to the ma- 
teria medica, gives promise of considerable usefulness as 
a remedy for gastric debility and albuminuria. In regard 
to its action in indigestion and depravity of the nutritive 
functions generally, it may be stated that eminent French 
observers have testified to its innocuousness and great 
efficacy. 
"In the course of the investigations which demonstrated 
the absolute innocuousness of the pure salts of strontium, 
Dr. Laborde, the Chief of the Physiological Laboratory of 
the Faculty of Medicine of Paris, had occasion to observe 
the remarkable influence of these salts in promoting 
assimilation and nutrition, and relieving obstinate and 
painful cases of dyspepsia associated with painful mani- 
festations. 
"His conclusions have since been confirmed by numer- 
ous clinical observations made by Prof. Germain See, 
bearing on the value of strontium salts in affections of 362 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
the stomach, in the treatment of which he considers them 
far superior to the alkaline carbonates."-Western Medi- 
cal Reporter. 
Dose-From ten to thirty grains, three or four times a 
day. 
Lactic Acid. 
This is a valuable agent in infantile diarrhoea when 
other remedies fail. It is indicated by green stools, at- 
tended by pain and gastric irritation. 
It is also a valuable remedy in dyspepsia, to combine 
with pepsin, when there is lack of secretion. Its most 
positive action, however, is in the treatment of green di- 
arrhoea of infants, w'here it acts as a specific. 
Dose.-For infants, one-half drop, repeated every hour. 
A good plan of dosage is to add a teaspoonful to half a 
glass of boiled water and sweeten to taste with white su- 
gar. This forms a pleasant article, which the child will 
take readily. A teaspoonful may be given every hour or 
half-hour, according to urgency of symptoms, 
Leptandra. ' 
Leptandra is one of the old Eclectic liver remedies, now 
little used. It was supposed to possess some remarkable 
virtue as an invigorator of hepatic function, but that it 
contains any specific property, or that it specially influ- 
ences favorably any particular function of the liver, I am 
in doubt. 
As "cholagogue" properties have been ascribed to it by 
some of the older writers, it probably is supposed to have 
encouraged a flow of bile. Probably many of the proper- 
ties ascribed to it are the result of speculation. 
It may be considered a very feeble agent, and one that 
may be conveniently dispensed with by the substitution 
of others more direct and positive in the majority of 
cases. THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
363 
Lycopodium. 
Lycopodium resembles carbo vegetabilis somewhat in 
its action on the stomach, and is valuable in water brash 
with flatulence. It is also valuable in dyspepsia with pal- 
pitation and constipation. In fermentation of food at- 
tended by borborygmus and accompanying indigestion, it 
may be favorably thought of as a remedy. 
In excessive acidity of the stomach it has its advocates 
as a remedy, though I am inclined to believe, from my 
limited experience, that we possess better agents for that 
condition. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add ten drops to half a glass of water and give 
a teaspoonful three or four times a day. 
Magnesium Phosphate. 
Dr. H. K. Leonard writes as follows of this remedy as 
used by him in the treatment of a case of dysentery:- 
"In treating a case of dysentery lately I was at my wits' 
end to control the terrible pain in defecation. Merc. cor. 
suited the case well, and the stools were growing less fre- 
quent but the pain was increasing, being so severe as to 
cause fainting. Something had to be done if I held my 
case. The pain in the rectum and abdomen was very se- 
vere, more in rectum than abdomen. The tenesmus was 
like a prolonged spasm of the muscles employed in defe- 
cation. I employed Schuessler's magnesium phosphate 
in hot water. A hypodermic injection of morphine could 
not have acted quicker. The pain was almost entirely re- 
lieved by the first dose. The whole condition changed 
for the better, and I discharged my case the next day." 
Magnesium Sulphate. 
The general laxative action of the sulphate of magne- 
sium is not of importance here. Its action in small doses 364 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
is that of a specific in dysentery. This was Prof. Howe's 
favorite remedy for that disease, and in one place in the 
Eclectic Medical Journal he wrote of it as follows:- 
"As a medicine (in dysentery), sulphate of magnesia 
has proved the most efficient in my practice. A grain in 
a tablespoonful of water, and repeated every hour, con- 
stitutes efficient medication. In the course of two or 
three days the drug action reaches the lower bowel-the 
colon-and empties the sacculi of that organ or viscus, 
moving from lodgment impacted particles of fecal matter; 
and such action is in the line of cure." 
Whether the theory of cure be correct or not one fact 
remains, and that is, the clinical evidence that the drug 
will cure many severe cases promptly. 
Melilotus. 
Melilotus is a serviceable remedy in the treatment of 
colic and diarrhoea attended by much pain. In dyspeptic 
headaches it is a valuable remedy, and the reader is re- 
ferred to the department devoted to remedies for diseases 
of the nervous system for light on this subject. 
Mercuries Corrosives. 
Mercurius cor., in minute doses, specifically influences 
the reparative power of the mucous membrane of the 
colon, and is one of the most positive remedies known 
for cholera infantum and dysentery, after the vitality of 
this part has been injured by prolonged inflammatory 
action. 
In many cases of long standing dysentery and cholera 
infantum the mucous lining of the colon and rectum be- 
comes chronically inflamed, and breaking down of the 
structure of the part in the form of ulceration in different 
places is liable to occur. The evacuations become semi- 
purulent, and the patient lingers in the stage of convales- THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
365 
cence, instead of recuperating as he should were recovery 
progressing properly. 
Here mercurius corrosivus comes in to promptly heal 
and energize the affected part, arrest the evacuations, re- 
lieve the pain and tenesmus, and restore normal functions. 
It is as positive a specific here as any in medicine, and 
the size of the dose is so minute that no valid objection 
can be urged against it as to toxic properties. 
Form for Administration.-For adults, the 3x tritura- 
tion ; for children, the 6x trituration. 
Dose.-Two grains, repeated every two or three hours. 
Myrica Cerifera. 
This remedy is much used by the physio-medicalists in 
catarrhal conditions of the alimentary canal, as chronic 
gastritis, muco-enteritis, and chronic diarrhoea, to arrest 
the discharge of mucus and stimulate and tone up the 
gastro-intestinal mucous membrane. 
Some practitioners have used it with success in typhoid 
dysentery, but they have neglected to tell us what partic- 
ular typhoid condition or symptom indicates its use. 
Myrica also possesses properties adapting it to the 
treatment of aphthae and jaundice, though I imagine it 
will never become very popular here, considering the 
number of more reliable agents in our possession. 
Nux Vomica. 
This remedy exerts a considerable influence over the 
nervous supply to the abdominal viscera. It relieves 
nausea and vomiting due to lack of, or perverted innerva- 
tion, and it relieves gastric and intestinal pain attending 
the same condition. 
In congestion of the portal circulation, especially that 
of the liver, it is nearly equal to chelidonium, and it im- 
proves the general tone of the organ, enabling it to per- 
form its functions better after exhausting diseases. 366 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
It acts on the digestive functions, relieving pain and 
aiding digestion where there seems to be a lack of power 
in the nervous energies of the gastro-intestinal functions. 
It is especially valuable where there is corresponding lack 
of hepatic activity. 
Professor Scudder considers the broad and pallid 
tongue an indication of atony of the abdominal viscera, 
and asserts that in this condition nux is a remedy for 
vomiting, for colic, for torpor of the liver and associate 
viscera, and for constipation. The pain in colic indica- 
ting it is said to be that pointing about the umbilicus. 
As for myself, I think we have better remedies than nux 
in abdominal pain, whatever the symptoms, though in 
chronic troubles it may sometimes succeed when other 
means fail. 
Another picture indicating nux, offered by Professor 
Scudder, is : "a yellow sallowness of the skin and about 
the mouth." This, he refers to chronic disease. 
Nux undoubtedly influences both the nerves and mus- 
cles of the digestive organs, and is adapted to all forms 
of indigestion where want of tone in either of these 
structures is present. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops. 
(Enothera Biennis. 
This remedy has a high repute in some quarters in the 
treatment of the choleraic form of cholera infantum and 
in watery diarrhoea. 
It has also been used with remarkable success in dys- 
pepsia, where there was vomiting of food, distress after 
eating, and restless nights, aggravated by a desire to 
urinate. However, this effect can only be expected where 
the symptoms arise from functional disturbance. 
It has also been used in dysentery,where tenesmus was 
marked and considerable bloody mucus was discharged. THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
367 
In typhoid fever it has been found useful to allay irrita- 
tion of the intestinal mucous membrane, and lessen the 
chances of serious mischief from the inflammatory action 
which precedes the ulceration of Peyer's patches, while it 
is argued that it may prevent ulceration if its use be be- 
gun in time. In this it resembles baptisia and kaki. 
Form for Administration.-Parke, Davis & Co.'s fluid 
extract. 
Dose.-From ten to thirty drops. 
Oleum Cajeputi. 
This was an old time favorite in the treatment of intes- 
tinal disturbances? attended by watery diarrhoea. It acts 
promptly in cholera morbus, and is of service in the man- 
agement of cholera nostras. 
During the first few years of my practice I relied on 
the compound tincture of cajeput in the treatment of 
cholera morbus, and found it to act well, but later I be- 
came attached to the combination of aconite aud rhustox., 
on account of less unpleasantness about the dose. 
Form for Administration.-The lx dilution in alcohol. 
Dose.-From five to thirty drops. 
Oleum Olivte. 
Wo make use of olive oil for its specific effects in the 
prevention of the formation of gall-stones. This prop- 
erty has been disputed by some, but clinical evidence is 
strong in favor of its efficacy. When the habit of gall- 
stone formation has once been fixed it is difficult to cor- 
rect with remedies not specifically adapted to it; and 
when trial has convinced us an agent will accomplish the 
purpose, no far-fetched logic can gainsay it. 
I have known olive oil to thoroughly break up the gall- 
stone habit after it had been confirmed for several years, 
and after other remedies had failed, in several instances. 
Olive oil seems adapted to the treatment of some forms 368 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
of intestinal dyspepsia. In catarrh of the pancreatic duct, 
or in hypersecretion of this gland, it is of undoubted merit. 
I have known intractable forms of dyspepsia, apparently 
of pancreatic origin, alleviated by the habitual eating of 
pickled olives at meals. They might prove a substitute 
for the oil in the gall-stone habit. 
Form for Administration.-The genuine article ought to 
be obtained. Much of the olive oil of commerce is largely 
obtained from cotton seed. The olive oil of California 
manufacture should be demanded, and from a reliable 
manufacturer, as much of the oil of this State even is 
adulterated. 
Dose.-The patient should take a wine-glass full three 
or four times daily, and continue foe several months after 
the last paroxysm. 
Panax Quinquefolium. 
This agent (ginseng) bears the indorsement of both 
Professor Scudder and Professor Goss, as a remedy for 
nervous d} spepsia. 
Goss asserts that in dyspepsia from sedentary habits 
and from close mental application it is a valuable tonic, 
it probably acting through the pneumogastric nerve. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From five to fifteen drops. 
Pancreatin. 
This is a digestive ferment usually obtained from the 
pancreas of the pig. It resembles pepsin in many of its 
properties. It digests proteids, though it is active in an 
alkaline, instead of an acid medium. This element is 
termed trypsin. Another principle of pancreatin resem- 
bles bile in action and emulsifies fat. Still another is an 
amylotic ferment, converting starch into sugar, like 
ptyalin. 
The composition and properties of pancreatin suggest THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
369 
its use in various forms of intestinal dyspepsia, as a tem- 
porary measure. In diphtheria, trypsin is valuable to 
dissolve the membrane and favor its expulsion. In haem- 
aturia, with clots in the bladder, it has been recommended 
as an injection to dissolve the blood. 
In giving pancreatin by mouth it should be recollected 
that its effects are expected to be exerted in the intestine, 
and it will be best to precede its administration by the 
use of bicarbonate of sodium in full doses to neutralize 
the effect of the acid of the stomach during transmission. 
In intestinal troubles attended by the evacuation of 
chylous faeces, fatty diarrhoea, and in disease of the mes- 
enteric glands, pancreatin may afford temporary relief. 
The vomiting of pregnacy is often allayed by the use of 
pancreatin. 
Dose.-From three to five grains. When given for in- 
testinal dyspepsia it should be taken two hours after 
meals. 
Papain-Papayotin. 
This is a product from the common pawpaw. This 
shrub, in common with other vegetable growths, has been 
found to contain a principle which effectively digests 
proteids. 
Papain has been successfully used to digest the mem- 
brane in diphtheria, applied with a camel-hair brush or 
by atomization. It possesses no power to prevent a re- 
turn of the exudation. 
Papain is vermifuge, and has been employed successfully 
for the removal of the lumbricoid worm. In dyspepsia 
attended with pain after eating, acid eructations and con- 
stipation, papain is often useful to assist the action of the 
proteolytic ferments. Its highness of price interferes 
with its general use, or its substitution for pepsin or 
pancreatin. 
Dose.-Two or three grains. 370 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
Paullinia. 
Paullinia sorbilis (guarana) enjoyed a high reputation 
for the relief of sick headache at one time, but has rather 
lost its prestige. It specifically affects the intestinal 
mucous membrane, and is useful in anorexia, enteralgia 
and diarrhoea. 
It has been very serviceable in the treatment of cholera 
infantum, especially some cases which tend to run into a 
chronic form. In the intestinal irritation of teething 
children it will often exert a favorable influence, soothing 
the irritability of the nervous system and arresting or 
modifying the diarrhoea. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Prom one to ten drops. 
Pepsin. 
This substance represents the digestive principle of the 
gastric juice. As found in commerce it is usually ob- 
tained from the stomach of the hog. The pepsin may 
sometimes be found lacking, in gastric indigestion, and the 
prepared article may assist the normal process if admin- 
istered at the time. But it is overestimated as a remedy, 
and at the most can only be expected to accomplish tem- 
porary results. 
Pepsin may be employed to artificially digest nutritive 
enemata when cancer of the stomach or round ulcer pre- 
clude the taking of food per mouth. It also acts as a solv- 
ent of diphtheritic and other false membranes, and of co- 
agula in the cavities of the body, as when blood in the 
bladder has become clotted. 
It must act in association with an acid solution in order 
to accomplish the purpose for which it is employed. 
Dose.-From three to five grains. 
Penthoeum. 
Penthorum sedoides (stonecrop) specifically influ- 
ences the pharynx and fauces, improving the plastic THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
371 
power of the mucous membrane and assisting its recuper- 
ation in cases of chronic disease. It is adapted to all 
cases of chronic inflam mation here attended by purple, 
congestive appearance, with dryness and sense of fullness 
and irritation. In chronic inflammation of the pharynx 
with catarrhal proclivities it is also of value. 
It is a remedy that acts slowly, and must be persevered 
in if proper results are to be attained. It is of little value 
in acute cases. 
I have known it to incidentally improve bad cases oi 
indigestion while it was being taken for pharyngitis. I 
believe it will prove a very successful agent in many cases 
of nervous dyspepsia. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From one to ten drops. 
PeLLETIERINE-PUNICINE. 
This is an alkaloid from pomegranate bark. It is re- 
puted a very reliable agent for the expulsion of tape- 
worm. Its somewhat extravagant cost is the principal 
objection to its common use as a taenicide. 
Dose.-One drachm of the ten-per-cent solution of the 
sulphate or tannate. 
Phosphorus. 
There is considerable testimony in favor of the value 
of phosphorus as a remedy for the relief of chronic rectal 
irritation. In chronic proctitis following acute attacks it 
certainly affords benefit, though it may disappoint those 
too ardent as to expected benefits. 
Dr. Richard Hughes relates a case in his Pharma- 
codynamics, in which it cured a chronic rectal inflamma- 
tion of eighteen months' standing within two months. 
In this case there was discharge of blood and pus, with 
tenesmus. In another case there was mucous discharge, 
with difficult defecation, following an acute attack of 
proctitis, and ribbon-shaped faeces, suggesting incipient 372 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
stricture. This also yielded to phosphorus, in attenuated 
doses (the 30th). 
Phytolacca. 
Phytolacca decandra is as positive a specific in its influ- 
ence upon the circulation in the pharynx and fauces as 
any we have in medicine. In acute inflammation here 
that depends on vaso-motor causes and not on diphtheria 
-which depends upon a local fungus in the start-it is 
very positive. 
In the slight congestions which follow colds phytolacca 
cures in a few hours. In acute pharyngitis, attended by 
difficulty in swallowing, aching in the throat with a sen- 
sation of fullness, it is prompt in relieving the symptoms 
in a day. In follicular tonsillitis attended by painful 
soreness in the throat with aching pains in the muscles 
generally, stiffness in the muscles of the throat and neck 
and marked febrile action, it is the most reliable remedy 
in the materia medica. 
Though it usually acts effectively alone it is best to 
combine it with aconite, as the combination is liable to 
produce better results (see Principles, The Single Remedy 
Versus Combinations). 
Another very positive property is the action of phyto- 
lacca on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. In the 
sore mouth so common in infants it will cure speedily if 
proper attention to cleanliness and diet is observed. In 
ulceration of the mouth, not mercurial, it proves promptly 
curative, and in simple stomatitis it has no superior. In 
stomatitis attended by profuse ptyalism it is a good idea 
to combine jaborandi with the phytolacca, in appropri- 
ate doses. It is equally effective in stomatitis affecting 
adults. 
The juice of the berries is an admirable remedy for 
ascarides, as I have discovered while administering it for THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
373 
anti-fat purposes. It reaches the rectum in a few days 
after its administration is begun, and if then assisted by 
copious injections of warm carbolated water, it will expel 
the parasites effectually. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine is al- 
ways reliable, where preparation of the root is required, 
as in aphthae, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, etc. The inspissa- 
ted juice is easily prepared from the berries, by the pro- 
cess of expression and exposure to the sun on earthen 
trays. 
Dose.-Of the specific medicine, add half a drachm to 
four ounces of water, and order a teaspoonful every hour. 
Two or four grains of the inspissated juice may be taken 
three times a day. 
Piper Methysticum. 
This remedy is a very positive one in the treatment of 
neuralgic conditions of the dental nerves, when not the 
result of exposure of the pulp. It ranks with plantago 
major in this respect, and is worthy of trial in any case 
of toothache, though one must be reasonable in not ex- 
pecting too much where nothing but operative interfer- 
ence is likely to benefit. 
Piper methysticum is also valuable in the treatment of 
indigestion, and has been highly lauded, both as a secret 
and legitimate remedy. It is a stimulating stomachic, im- 
proving the digestive powers when these have been debili- 
tated by sexual abuse or severe mental strain. 
In toothache, it may be administered internally and 
applied to the cavity-if this be possible-by saturating 
absorbent cotton and inserting. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 374 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
Plantago Major. 
This remedy selects the fifth pair of nerves for its prin- 
cipal field of action. It is valuable in toothache, not only 
to relieve radiating pains by its action through the circu- 
lation, but to soothe the part locally, the irritated dental 
pulp being amenable to its influence. In this affection 
then it is well to combine the local action with the con- 
stitutional or specific effect. 
Plantain also has a use in aphthse, colic, diarrhoea, chol- 
era infantum, dysentery, etc. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops. 
Podophyllum. 
We have little need of the old use of podophyllum as 
an emeto-cathartic, or even for its cathartic action; it is 
too harsh and unpleasant a remedy here to justify its use. 
Its application to affections of the alimentary canal then 
must be in minute doses, and here both it and podophyl- 
lin are valuable remedies. 
Professor Scudder considers podophyllum a stimulant 
to the digestive functions, and recommends it in indiges- 
tion, and as an adjuvant to other restoratives in old syph- 
ilitic lesions. 
The third decimal trituration of podophyllin has been 
used by many Eclectic physicians successfully in the 
treatment of cholera infantum. The mucous form of the 
disease is that to which the remedy is particularly appli- 
cable. 
Prolapsus ani of long standing in children usually re- 
sponds to the third decimal of podophyllin, administered 
in two or three-grain doses three or four times a day. 
Sporadic dysentery in the adult may usually be promptly 
cured by cathartic doses of podophyllin, the drug being 
administered in broken doses until the characteristic yel- THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
375 
low stools occasioned by it appear, and then discontinued. 
When the effects of the drug are gone the dysentery will 
have disappeared also. But this plan of treatment is de- 
cidedly injurious and ineffective in epidemic or typhoid 
dysentery, and may produce very serious results,by estab- 
lishing an intestinal irritation which will afterward be 
difficult to control. Such treatment then, while very 
prompt and satisfactory in appropriate cases, must always 
be administered with caution. 
Professor Goss asserts that podophyllin is an active de- 
fibrinizer of the blood, and is consequently a potent rem- 
edy in inflammatory diseases of a sthenic type, such as 
rheumatism. I have never thought of it as a remedy for 
such complaints, but Professor Goss' experience has been 
extensive, and he is a good observer of drug action, and 
this hint may not come amiss. 
I am an unbeliever in the traditional use of podophyl- 
lin for hepatic disease. If the remedy influences the liver 
appreciably it exercises little salutary effect in disease of 
that part, if my observation has taught me aright. I 
think it should be discarded from the list of liver reme- 
dies. 
Podophyllum probably acts on the duodenum, ileum 
and jejunum, exerting little influence on the colon, but se- 
lecting the rectum for its final effect on the alimentary 
canal. In ulceration of the duodenum, and in irritation of 
the small intestine generally, even to that of typhoid 
fever, if the dose be minute, it is capable of exerting a 
most desirable effect in many instances. The form of dys- 
entery to which it is most adapted is that confined almost 
exclusively to the rectum. In simple proctitis it will 
probably be found effective. 
Form for Administration.-Where the podophyllum is 
used, the specific medicine. The podophyllin may be em- 
ployed in the 3x trituration. 376 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
Dose-This may be very minute. The trituration of 
podophyllin may be given in two or three-grain doses 
every three or four hours. The specific medicine from 
podophyllum may be given in doses varying from the 
tenth of a drop to ten drops. 
Polygonum. 
Hydropiperoides is a very certain remedy for flatulent 
colic. It is indicated where there are cutting, lancinating 
pains, with griping, rumbling of the bowels and flatulence, 
with forcible, windy evacuation of liquid stool. 
It is not a remedy that will be required very often, and 
we might dispense with it without much loss. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add ten drops to half a glass of water and give 
a teaspoonful every five or ten minutes until relief from 
pain follows. 
Polyporus. 
Polyporus officinalis exerts an influence on the hepatic 
and intestinal structures, proving a good remedy in some 
cases of jaundice where there is torpor of the biliary 
functions, and of diarrhoea and dysentery when these are 
of malarial origin or depending on such influence. 
The antiperiodic power of polyporus is not to be for- 
gotten. It is in cases manifesting periodicity that it will 
do its best work as a corrector of gastro-intestinal trou- 
bles. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture from a homeo- 
pathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops. 
Polymnia. 
This remedy influences the circulation in the coeliac- 
axis-distribution, and is applicable to digestive troubles 
dependent on congestion of the first capillary distribution 
of this portion of the portal circulation. THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
377 
It is applicable to dyspeptic conditions attended by full- 
ness in the epigastrium, sense of weight and sinking, and 
burning when due to fullness of the gastric capillaries. It 
should be continued for several weeks, in order to derive 
its full benefit. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From five drops to half a drachm. 
Populus Tremuloides. 
It is difficult to suggest the line of action of this rem- 
edy, but it is a valuable agent in the treatment of dys- 
peptic conditions in debilitated subjects. It is a good 
remedy to improve the tone of the stomach in patients 
debilitated from protracted fever, or from long standing 
disease of the reproductive apparatus, especially in nerv- 
ous and hysterical women. 
Trembling poplar also possesses anthelmintic proper- 
ties. It has been used in domestic practice for the expul- 
sion of the lumbricoid worm. 
Form for Administration.-A saturated tincture of the 
fresh bark. 
Dose.-From five drops to half a drachm. 
Potassium Chloride. 
Schuessler's tissue salt is a valuable remedy to be 
thought of in chronic affections of the liver when fibrous 
changes are suspected. In cirrhosis, and even in acute 
hepatitis, when the stage of exudation is impending, this 
remedy promises a little more than any other, to say the 
least. 
I am of the opinion that it will cure cirrhosis- in its in- 
cipiency, and even after the disease has become advanced 
it will manifest a good influence, if properly administered. 
In acute hepatitis it will avert threatened suppuration 
if admininistered in time, and rapidly lessen the conges- 
tion of the affected liver. 378 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration. 
Dose.-Add five grains to four ounces of water and give 
a teaspoonful every two hours. 
Prunus Virginiana. 
This remedy is valuable in debilitated conditions of the 
digestive and assimilative organs following jaundice from 
hepatic torpor. It improves the appetite, augments the 
digestive powers, and promotes normal evacuation. 
Form for Administration.-I have used a preparation of 
preserved cider and wild cherry bark with the best re- 
sults. A quart bottle is loosely packed with the fresh in- 
ner bark of the wild cherry and afterward filled with pleas- 
ant apple cider. This may be taken in small wine-glass- 
ful doses three or four times a day. In the absence of 
the opportunities for such a combination the specific med- 
icine may be used in five or ten-drop doses. 
Ptelea. 
Wafer ash is a splendid tonic, and will afford satisfac- 
tion in debilitated states of the stomach and small intes- 
tine as frequently as any other remedy. It improves ap- 
petite, digestion, assimilation and retrograde metamor- 
phosis. 
It improves the power of the pneumogastric nerve, and 
has been useful in some cases of dyspnoea. At one time 
it wTas considerably lauded as a remedy for asthma, but 
has been found wanting as a means of much service here. 
Hale characterizes this remedy as a powerful one, not 
active, like podophyllin and iris, but pervading. It ought 
to be adapted to tissue changes in any part for which it 
has a specific tendency. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-This may vary from one drop to half a drachm. THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
379 
Pulsatilla Nuttalliana. 
The American pulsatilla resembles the European spe- 
cies very much in its therapeutic action, manifesting 
nearly the same affinities. It differs somewhat, however, 
in its action on the alimentary canal, its influence on the 
pharynx being marked, and its action on the intestine 
more pronounced. 
It acts very promptly in many cases of dyspepsia where 
there is irritation of the gastro-intestinal mucous mem- 
brane. Where such disturbance exists lower down, it is a 
valuable remedy in diarrhoea. In vomiting, especially 
the vomiting of pregnancy, it is of service, acting prompt- 
ly in many cases. 
As a remedy for colic from reflex intestinal irritation, 
it is a prompt and efficacious remedy in many instances. 
Its general action being that of a modifier of vascular 
disturbance of the capillaries of the mucous membrane, 
the local irritations and reflexes arising therefrom are 
all modified by it. 
Form for Administration.-A tincture from the fresh 
plant. This may be obtained from any respectable home- 
opathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-Add from five to fifteen drops to four ounces of 
water and give a teaspoonful every hour or two, as re- 
quired by the urgency of the case. 
PUNKAMA. 
This agent has lately been highly extolled for the ex- 
pulsion of tapeworm. It is the name of a formula sug- 
gested by Prof. Lyman Watkins, M. D., as a tsenicide. 
For further particulars see Pharmacological Excerpts. 
Rhus Aromatica. 
While in practice it might be well to reserve this 
remedy for its specific effect on the urinary organs, its 380 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
influence on the bowels in diarrhoea and dysentery should 
not be forgotten. The introducer of rhus aromatica, Dr. 
J. T. McClanahan, describes its action in these diseases 
as follows:- 
"August E. This little boy was taken early last sum- 
mer with diarrhoea. Stools pale and thin, running from 
him like water; no particular pain or fever. He was 
pale and emaciated; limbs trembling; scarcely able to 
stand alone; skin unusually cool and bowels flabby. 9 
tincture rhus aromatica, three drops in water after 
each stool. With proper diet and care the little boy re- 
covered rapidly. 
"Mr. F., laborer; called July 17th. Stated that he 
was suffering from what the doctors called chronic dys- 
entery, and that he had been in this condition for two 
months. He further stated that he had averaged five 
stools each twenty-four hours for that length of time; 
sometimes copious, sometimes scant-the latter accom- 
panied with pain. At times stools consisted largely of 
of blood and mucus; at other times almost of pure blood. 
Patient was thin, countenance anxious, bowels flabby, skin 
sallow, and he was scarcely able to walk. This was a 
bad case and I determined to use no other remedy un- 
til I had given the rhus aromatica a fair trial. Under 
the influence of ten-drop doses of this remedy, together 
■with boiled milk diet, my patient made a complete recov- 
ery. No other medicines necessary." 
Form for Administration.- The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From one to ten drops. 
Rhus Glabrum. 
Common sumach is a useful remedy to relieve stomatitis 
ulcerata and sponginess of the gums attending scurvy and 
purpura hemorrhagica. It acts as an astringent to the 
intestinal capillaries and proves useful in some cases of THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
381 
diarrhoea. It has been recommended in dysentery, where 
the disease has advanced to ulceration of the intestinal 
mucous membrane. It will not be needed often, as we 
possess better remedies for almost every place where this 
is applicable. 
Form for Administration.-A saturated tincture of the 
inner bark. 
Dose.-From five to twenty drops. 
Rhus Toxicodendron. 
Rhus tox. fills a very important place in this depart- 
ment. It is the remedy par excellence for gastric irrita- 
tion, and will usually serve to promptly arrest the vomit- 
ing attending gastro-intestinal disturbances and fevers 
where gastric irritation is a complication. 
The indication for it is "pointed tongue with reddened 
tip aud edges." If there be a "strawberry" tip on the 
tongue the indication is still more marked. When fevers 
present such phases they are very stubborn and unpleasant 
cases to treat until this complication has been banished; 
and when this has been accomplished the whole train of 
symptoms often yields at once to other treatment, if not 
without additional medication. As rhus possesses valuable 
sedative properties for the circulation it is highly appro- 
priate in all febrile cases presenting such symptoms. 
In cholera morbus, rhus tox., a few drops in a glass 
of water, dose a teaspoonful every fifteen minutes, consti- 
tutes the most reliable remedy I have ever tried. It re- 
lieves the vomiting promptly, the patient hardly vomiting 
the second time, and the cramps and diarrhoea cease at 
once. I usually combine aconite with rhus here, and 
would commend the following: ty specific medicine aconite 
gtt. x, specific rhus tox. gtt. xv, aqua fiv. M. and give 
a teaspoonful every ten or fifteen minutes. 
In cholera infantum, where "head symptoms" are prom- 382 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
inent, or where there is marked restlessness, or where 
there is a pronounced epidemic influence at work, rhus is 
one of the foremost remedies. It seems to be one of the 
group of remedies adapted to the correction of the genus 
epidemicus, and in both cholera infantum and typhoid dys- 
entery aggravated by such an element it will come into 
service at an early date, wherever well understood as a 
remedy. It combines a special influence on the gastro-in- 
testinal mucous membrane with a power of controlling a 
certain cerebral excitation almost certain to attend such 
cases. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add ten or fifteen drops to half a common tum- 
bler of water and give a teaspoonful every hour, unless 
otherwise directed. 
Rumex Crispus. 
Yellow dock is a good remedy in nervous dyspepsia 
with pain in the epigastric region, aching in the left chest 
or shooting pains in that region, accompanied with flatu- 
lence and eructations. It is especially indicated as a dys- 
pepsia remedy where the pains radiate to the left pectoral 
region. 
It also relieves diarrhoea and dysentery, where the dis- 
charges are watery and not very painful. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x dilution of the spe- 
cific medicine. 
Dose-Add a teaspoonful to four ounces of water and 
give a teaspoonful every hour. 
S ANTONINE. 
Santonins destroys the lumbricoid worm. It also pos- 
sesses properties commending it as a remedy for the uri- 
nary organs, but this quality will be considered in another 
department. 
As a vermifuge, santonine should be administered when 383 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
the stomach is empty, that its effect may be fully pro- 
duced. And the subject should avoid eating for an hour 
or more after the medicine has been taken. 
It is one of the most convenient and positive remedies 
in the materia medica for this purpose, and it may be trit- 
urated with sugar so as to be taken without objection by 
children. 
Form for Administration.-The product of any reliable 
drug house. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a grain to three grains, re- 
peated three or four times a day. 
Sodium Sulphate. 
This is a very positive remedy for the green diarrhoea 
of children. In this respect it is an analogue of lactic 
acid, both this and that acting specifically to arrest green 
discharges in teething infants, whether it be cholera in- 
fantum or other disturbance of the alimentary canal. 
It is also one of the few remedies applicable to the 
treatment of typhlitis, and here it serves a good purpose, 
when used discriminatingly. 
In some forms of liver trouble bordering on hepatitis, 
where the liver is swollen and sensitive to pressure, it re- 
lieves promptly, though this is a condition of irritability 
rather than inflammation, probably. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration. 
Dose.-Add five grains to half a glass of water and give 
a teaspoonful every hour. 
Spigelia. Marilandica. 
Pink root is one of the old indigenous anthelmintic 
agents. It is an excellent remedy for the expulsion of 
worms, but is rather unpleasant for administration. 
Spigelia exercises considerable influence over eye, heart 
and nervous affections of painful character (neuralgia), 
but these properties should be named in their appropriate 
places. 384 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
Form for Administration.-A saturated tincture of the 
fresh root. 
Dose,-As an anthelmintic, for a child three years oi 
age, from ten to thirty drops, administered when the 
stomach is empty. 
Stannum. 
Stannum relieves abdominal pain of obscure origin, 
and has been employed by the homeopathists as an 
anthelmintic. They highly indorse it in "worm colic," 
and assert that it is efficacious in the abdominal pain 
of hypochondriasis. 
While this may seem somewhat indefinite, it will be 
well to remember the remedy in stubborn pain in the 
abdomen proceeding from causes not discernable, as this 
remedy searches deeply the vegetative nervous system, 
especially that represented by the pneumogastric branches, 
and is always worthy a trial when other remedies fail. 
It may also be found beneficial in sick headache and 
the vomiting of pregnancy. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration, obtaina- 
ble at a homeopathic pharmacy. 
Dose.--Two or three grains, repeated three or four times 
daily. 
SUMBUL. 
In Russia this remedy has been quite extensively em- 
ployed in the intestinal irritation of typhoid fever, in dys- 
entery, and in diarrhoea. It has been used with success, 
according to reports, in the active stage of cholera. 
Hale asserts that it is destructive of ascarides, when 
there is bloated, drumlike abdomen, picking at the nos- 
trils, etc. I am of the opinion that time is wasted when 
efforts are made to remove ascarides by medicine admin- 
istered per mouth, though there may be such an effect 
exerted in exceptional cases. THE DIGESTIVE OHG INS. 
385 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration. 
Dose.-Two or three grains, repeated every three or four 
hours. 
Tamarindus. 
The flowers of the Egyptian tamarind have been found 
a most excellent remedy for hemorrhoids. In some quar- 
ters it is considered a specific. Dr. J. C. Probst, writing 
in the Pharmaceutical Record, claims to have had the most 
extraordinary results from its positive curative powers, 
and especially so as this has been in cases deemed incur- 
able and given up by other physicians He has noticed, 
after giving his patients three or four wineglassfuls of the 
decoction, that they were instantly relieved of the persist- 
ent itching and burning sensation, while the excremeni 
seemed materially altered by it. 
Thymol. 
Thymol is a very positive agent for the expulsion of 
tapeworm. It is a powerful depressant and should be 
used with some caution, but it is capable of causing the 
speedy removal of this parasite when properly used. 
The proper method of procedure consists in the admin- 
istration of a cathartic at bedtime the night before the 
thymol is to be administered, and early the following 
morning the remedy is to be given in ten-grain doses 
every fifteen minutes until the worm is evacuated. My 
own experience with this remedy has been very satisfac- 
tory. 
Thymol has been used by old-school practitioners as a 
remedy in typhoid fever, fermentative processes of the 
bowels being presumably checked by it, while the tem- 
perature is diminished and head symptoms ameliorated. 
Triosteum. 
Hale recommends feverfew in bilious headaches with 
gastric irritation,and in migraine. He also suggests its 386 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
use in bilious colic, diarrhoea and dysentery. If these are 
its affinities-the various portions of the alimentary canal 
-the combination of sedative properties with them, which 
it possesses to a slight extent at least, suggests its em- 
ployment in all inflammatory conditions of the gastro-in- 
testinal mucous membrane. 
Form for Administration.-A saturated tincture of the 
recent root. 
Dose.-From one to ten drops every three or four hours. 
Uranium, Nitrate of. 
Nitrate of uranium probably influences the glycogenic 
functions of the liver, as glycosuria is often relieved by 
its use. It is best adapted to the forms of diabetes mel- 
litus that are complicated with dyspeptic states. Here it 
is one of the best remedies we possess, and will cure a 
large percentage of the cases in which it is employed, if 
discriminatingly used, and persisted in. 
It is also adapted to round ulcer of the stomach, the 
pyloric extremity of the stomach being a point of selec- 
tion with it. Here it rivals potassium bichromate, and 
will afford good satisfaction. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration. 
Dose.-Two or three grains four times daily. 
Veratrum Album. 
This remedy is adapted to the control of watery evacu- 
ations from the bowels, when they are forcibly expelled 
with a gush. In other words, it is adapted to watery di- 
arrhoea attended with spasmodic action of the muscular 
coats of the intestines and abdominal muscles. 
It is adapted to cholera morbus, which presents us 
such a picture, and the homeopathists have lauded it in 
the treatment of cholera Asiatica. In cholera morbus it 
arrests the vomiting and crampy diarrhoea promptly, 
though it is not more efficient than rhus tox. THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
387 
I have used it with the best of satisfaction in the treat- 
ment of the choleraic form of cholera infantum where the 
characteristic gush of the evacuation suggests its need. 
Here no other remedy acts as promptly, unless it be erig- 
eron or kaki. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x dilution of the specific 
medicine. 
Dose.-Add half a drachm to four ounces of water and 
give a teaspoonful every fifteen minutes, in urgent cases. 
Xanthoxylum. 
Xanthoxylum influences the muscular fibres and mucous 
coat of the intestine, relieving spasm of the former and 
irritation of the latter. It is therefore applicable to in- 
flammatory conditions there, especially those attended by 
spasmodic states of the muscular walls. 
It has been used successfully in cholera morbus, chol- 
erine, cholera, diarrhoea and dysentery. It may prove es- 
pecially valuable w'here severe tenesmus is a marked 
symptom, and where the evacuations have been arrested 
by astringents and the irritation remains. 
Some of the old Eclectics used it in typhoid fever with 
reputed success. Its action on the intestine, with its 
stimulating properties, might adapt it to the late stage, 
where a stimulant was desirable. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 388 
THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
Aconite. 
Aconite is an important remedy in the early stage of 
almost any inflammatory condition of the respiratory or- 
gans. It relieves the slight congestion of the pulmonary 
mucous membrane which follows sudden atmospheric 
changes readily, and in addition to being very appro- 
priate for colds it answers well to control inflammatory 
action in the beginning of bronchitis and pneumonia. 
It is well, usually, to combine this drug with asclepias, 
veratrum, rhus tox., or other appropriate remedy, though 
when well chosen it is capable of accomplishing much 
good alone. In infantile pneumonia minute doses of acon- 
ite in connection with the tepid water pack to the chest 
proves a very effective treatment. Here the single drug 
is often more effective than a combination. 
The special sphere for aconite in respiratory diseases 
is in acute affections of the larynx. Here we find it one 
of the most prompt we have in the treatment of croup, 
and in other forms of laryngitis, as it seems to possess an 
affinity for this part. From one to three drops of the spe- 
cific medicine, according to the age of the child, should be 
added to four ounces of water, and a teaspoonful adminis- 
tered every fifteen minutes, for a few times. This will 
usually control the croupy cough and other unpleasant 
symptoms promptly. In the hoarseness that attends 
colds in the larynx in adults in the first stage, it is also a 
very good remedy. At a later stage the second or third 
decimal trituration of bichromate of potassium is more 
effective. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add from one to ten drops to half a glass of 
water and order a teaspoonful as often as the needs of the 
case require. THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
389 
Alnus Rubra. 
Dr. A. D. Ayer contributed an article on this agent as a 
remedy in hay fever to the Eclectic Medical Journal a few 
years ago, from which I will quote, as the disease referred 
to demands all the reliable remedies we can muster:- 
"September 5th, a prominent politician sent for me, 
saying: 'Can you get me fixed up so I can go to the State 
Convention the 9th?' His face was red, eyes running a 
steady stream; as he expressed it, during the night before 
his eyes ' had run ten barrels of water.' Pupils contracted, 
tongue white with yellow streak in the middle, a constant 
sneezing, tightness across the chest, slight acceleration of 
the pulse. I gave gelsemium, gtt. xxx, water tea- 
spoonful every four hours, alternating with lobelia, gtt. v, 
water jiv, teaspoonful every four hours, two hours after 
number one. I also left four one-half-gr. sulphite of soda 
powders, one to be taken on the tongue every hour after 
taking gelsemium. Left tag alder, distilled extract, to be 
snuffed up the nose, full strength every half hour. 
September 6th. Face and eyes natural, no discharge 
from eyes, smarting all gone from nose; tongue, white all 
gone, but a dirty half-brown, yellow appearance present. 
Pulse normal; tightness across the chest a little worse, 
with a slight cough, tickling in the throat. Gave bryonia 
in place of gelsemium; continued lobelia, only oftener. 
Gave an old-fashioned dose of podophyllin with cream of 
tartar; bowels had not moved. Found uvula elongated. 
Ordered tag alder snuffed up the nose as before, and to 
gargle with it. 
September 7th. Tongue nearly clean; three movements 
of the bowels; begun to be hungry; no tickling in the 
throat; no discharge from nose or eyes; no headache; 
some tightness across the chest, which is always a trouble 
with him when he has a cold. Two others in the family 390 
the respiratory organs. 
informed me then that they had begun to sneeze, but had 
stopped it by inhaling tag alder. 
"The next day, September 8th, my patient left town 
and returned the 10th, but no return of the sneezing. Be- 
lieving this was a typical hay fever case, is why 1 have 
gone into such lengthy details." 
The writer refers to other uses of the remedy, but they 
have no bearing here. 
Arum Triphyllum. 
Indian turnip possesses a selective affinity for the lar- 
ynx. It is not a remedy that will be called for often, but 
in some cases of chronic laryngitis it will be found of ex- 
cellent service. In the disease known as "minister's sore 
throat" it will often prove curative in a very short time. 
"Where the larynx is ulcerated, with much irritability of 
the part, it is reliable. The sudden hoarseness and 
aphonia that sometimes afflict public speakers prior to a 
;more severe affection of the larynx is usually amenable 
to minute doses of this agent. 
Form for Administration.-The expressed juice of the 
fresh plant, triturated in sugar of milk. This is the form 
sold at homeopathic pharmacies. 
Dose.-From two to three grains of the 3x or 6x. 
Asclepias Tuberosa. 
Asclepias tuberosa, though seemingly a feeble agent, is 
quite active in controlling excitement in the area of distri- 
bution of the bronchial arteries. It is therefore very 
useful in pneumonia and bronchitis, while the active 
stage is in progress. I have employed this remedy in 
these conditions for years with the best of results, and 
regard it as the most positive agent of its class that we 
possess. 
Though effective alone, there are certain states of the 
nervous system which render it desirable to combine 391 
THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
this agent with such a remedy as aconite or rhus tox., 
and this I commonly do, though I expect the asclepias to 
largely control the hypersemic condition of the respira- 
tory organs. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine, or a 
decoction of the recent root. 
Dose.-From one to ten drops of the specific medicine. 
The dose of the decoction will vary from a tablespoonful 
to an ounce. The dose should be repeated every two 
hours in acute conditions-the only class of cases in 
which it is indicated. 
Bichromate of Potassium-Kali Bichromicum. 
Bichromate of potassium specifically influences the 
respiratory and gastro-intestinal mucous membranes. Its 
most positive effect in the respiratory sphere is its influ- 
ence upon the larynx. Here we find it capable of remov- 
ing the hoarseness left after the first few days of a cold 
in the larynx marvelously well. Twenty-four or forty- 
eight hours1 use of the remedy here in appropriate doses 
does the work; the hoarseness and attendant cough 
promptly subside. This was one of the bits of specific 
medication that Professor Howe was willing to copy. 
The response must have been so prompt upon his first 
use of it (probably made to condemn) that he was cap- 
tured. At least old numbers of the Eclectic Medical Journal 
contain commendations of this use of the remedy from 
his pen. 
Potassium bichrom. also acts lower down, upon the 
bronchial mucous membrane. Many cases of hard, rasp- 
ing, bronchial cough, of subacute character, will be im- 
mediately benefited by it. It does not possess the affin- 
ity of tartar emetic for the smaller tubes, and is of little 
use for the suffocative cough of "capillary bronchitis," but 
when the irritation is higher-along the larynx, trachea, 392 
THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
or bronchi-it is a valuable remedy, though as already 
suggested its specific place is in the treatment of laryn- 
geal irritation attended with hoarseness, with dryness or 
little expectoration. I have several times prescribed it 
for public speakers who were hoarse from over-exertion, 
prior to their going before an audience, and found it to 
do good service. I have also prescribed it for singers 
with fully as good results. 
Form for Administration-The 3x trituration. 
Dose.-From one to three grains, repeated every two 
o three hours. 
Bryonia. 
Bryonia alba specifically influences the structures 
about the thorax, and is applicable to irritation of the 
pulmonary mucous membrane, as well as to painful con- 
ditions of the muscular and serous structures here. 
Its best place is in the treatment of acute coughs, and 
those usually the accompaniment of epidemics of influ- 
enza; it is an excellent remedy for the cough of common 
colds. It was a favorite remedy with many practitioners 
during the epidemics of la grippe of 1890-91. 
The trachea and its bifurcation seem to be the regions 
best affected by bryonia, other remedies being required 
when the irritation is lower down, the selective affinity 
for regions of the respiratory mucous membrane being as 
marked with this remedy as with some others. The cough 
that calls for bryonia is hard, explosive and rasping, and 
there is pain behind the sternum, evidently proceeding 
from the region referred to. The cough of bryonia is dry, 
absence of secretion being one of its characteristics. It 
is of little value in chronic coughs. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add from five to ten drops to four ounces of 
water and give a teaspoonful every two hours. 393 
THE RESPIRATOR! ORGANS. 
Cactus Grandiflorus. 
This is one of the most useful remedies in pulmonary 
hemorrhages that I have ever employed. In the hemor- 
rhage attending incipient phthisis, and in the advanced 
stage of interstitial pneumonia, it acts promptly after 
other approved remedies fail. I have found it a most 
welcome aid in a number of cases where it seemed as 
though the hemorrhage must continue, in spite of treat- 
ment. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add ten or fifteen drops to half a glass of water 
and give a teaspoonful every hour until the haemorrhage 
ceases. 
Calcarea Ostrearum-Calcarea Carb. 
This is more commonly called calcarea carbonica, but 
the term is misleading, as it is not merely carbonate of 
lime, but represents an organic principle, just as distinct as 
that occurring in a vegetable product. It is prepared from 
the middle layer of the oyster shell, and this contains more 
than the inorganic constituents of carbonate of lime. 
This agent is one of the most positive we have to im- 
prove the relaxation attending profuse discharges from the 
mucous membranes, and its special field is the respiratory 
mucous surfaces. In profuse bronchorrhoea where the 
mucous membrane is relaxed, and where there is consid- 
erable cough without much inflammatory action or eleva- 
tion of temperature, it acts very promptly. I have cured 
several cases of chronic cough with it that have been pro- 
nounced phthisis by practitioners of experience, though 
of course the disease did not extend deeper than the mu- 
cous membrane. 
In some cases of acute coughs the disease will suddenly 
assume a bronchorrhoea, expectoration becoming so pro- 
fuse as to appear alarming. Here the calcarea carb, will 394 
THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
relieve in two or three days, when other remedies -would 
hardly make an impression in that time. Its sphere, how- 
ever, is more especially in the treatment of chronic 
coughs. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration. 
Dose.-Two or three grains, repeated every two hours 
in acute disease, and three or four times a day in chronic 
cases. 
Castanea Vesca. 
Chestnut leaves possess the reputation of curing whoop- 
ing cough. This remedy is vouchsafed for by so many 
writers that the testimony as to its efficacy seems over- 
whelming. I have never tested it because I have been 
able to succeed with more familiar remedies, though I 
may encounter an epidemic where these may fail, and be 
glad to bring it into requisition. 
A trial of the fluid extract was made in the Philadel- 
phia Hospital a few years ago, in which fifteen cases were 
put on the use of the drug in from thirty to sixty drops 
every three hours. The paroxysms decreased rapidly 
after the beginning of treatment, though severe before, 
and marked by the characteristic whoop, and by the fifth 
day the disease was arrested, except in three cases, and 
these were very much ameliorated. 
Medical journals from different sources contain con- 
firmatory reports of the efficacy of this remedy. As the 
action is probably on the respiratory center it is not im- 
probable that other forms of spasmodic cough will be 
found to yield to it. Scudder recommends it in those 
cases in which there is "unsteadiness of gait and a dis- 
position to turn to one side." 
Form for Administration.-A saturated tincture of the 
green leaves, gathered in September or October. 
Dose.-From ten to twenty drops, repeated every two 
or three hours. THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
395 
Causticum. 
This is a remedy long in use by the homepathists for 
its influence on the larynx. It is a preparation of potas- 
sium hydrate, obtained by Hahnemann by digesting caus- 
tic potash in alcohol, and then saturating with vinegar to 
neutralize the potash. This is diluted with alcohol. 
Causticum is applicable to the treatment of paralytic af- 
fections of the larynx, and to laryngo-tracheal catarrhs. 
Sometimes we find a combination of these difficulties, 
viz., a partial paralysis of the laryngeal muscles with an 
attendant profuse catarrhal secretion from the laryngeal 
mucous membrane. Such a complication would call for 
attenuated doses of causticum, for this remedy would 
promise a little more for the condition than any other 
remedy, excepting stillingia, perhaps, though it might 
fail. 
Form for Administration.-The dilution may be obtained 
from any homeopathic pharmacy of repute. The second 
or third decimal dilution will fulfill the purpose best. 
Dose.- From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Chloride of Ammonium. 
This remedy is highly prized by some Eclectics on ac- 
count of its action in cough; usually that of the first 
stage of bronchitis or of the active stage of catarrhal 
pneumonia being its best place. It seems to exert a fa- 
vorable influence on the hepatic secretions, and is partic- 
ularly applicable to coughs which are complicated with 
torpor of the liver and sluggish circulation about the ab- 
dominal viscera. 
Form for Administration.-The crude salt, and as the 
taste is quite objectionable it should be concealed in cap- 
sules. Or, it may be well diluted in water. 
Dose.-From one to three grains, repeated every two or 
three hours. 396 
THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
Collinsonia Canadensis. 
While I prefer to reserve collinsonia for its effect on 
the rectum and anus, it doubtless exercises more or less of 
an influence on the respiratory organs, and has been 
highly recommended by Scudder as a remedy for the 
treatment of minister's sore throat, this suggesting an af- 
finity for the larynx. 
I have used collinsonia in asthma with satisfaction, de- 
riving prompt benefit, but have been inclined to ascribe 
the results to a removal of rectal irritation and conse- 
quent arrest of reflex pulmonary disturbance. 
Collinsonia has been accredited with virtues as a car- 
diac remedy, and has been said to cure cough depending 
on cardiac disturbance. How true this is I am unable to 
say from my own observation, but the testimony to the 
assertion is good. The remedy evidently sustains a rela- 
tion to the compensation between the heart and lungs 
which is worth thinking about in disturbance of this rela- 
tionship, however the difficulty may be manifested, 
whether by cough, difficult respiration, or cardiac palpi- 
tation. 
Professor Scudder declares that it is a remedy for the 
respiratory apparatus when the difficulty is located in 
the larynx, with irritation, change of voice and inability 
to use it without bringing on disturbance of its functions, 
a condition very similar to that calling for lachesis. 
Form, for Administration.-A saturated tincture of the 
fresh plant. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops, re- 
peated hourly in acute affections, and four or five times 
a day in chronic cases. 
Corai.lium Rubrum. 
My experience with this remedy has been limited, 
though I have prescribed it in a few cases of whooping 
cough with good results. It is applicable to chronic con- THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
397 
vulsive coughs, including pertussis and other coughs of 
nervous character. It evidently influences the cough cen- 
ter specifically, and is not adapted to that class of pulmo- 
nary affections that have their origin in the lung tissues. 
Dr. Hughes, in his Manual of Pharmacodynamics, re- 
lates the following case, which illustrates the field of ac- 
tion of this agent:- 
"On February 1st, 1867, I was asked to see the daugh- 
ter of the Rev. S. E . In the previous November 
she had had a very troublesome cough, which resisted all 
the treatment of the ordinary kind directed against it. 
Change of air was at last prescribed, and immediately on 
arriving at Norwood the cough ceased. She returned 
home at Christmastime; but the cough gradually reap- 
peared, and had now assumed its former intensity. I 
found her firing minute-guns of short, barking cough. 
This, I was told, went on all day; and for half an hour or 
so toward evening increased to a violent spasmodic parox- 
ysm. In other respects the health was fair. She was 
nearly 13, and had not yet menstruated. The larynx and 
trachea were not tender, and the cough gave no pain. I 
ascertained on inquiry that she was of nervous tempera- 
ment, and had more than once manifested hysterical symp- 
toms. I gave her a drop of cor allium 3c three times a 
day. On the 5th I saw the patient again. The cough 
had steadily diminished since beginning the medicine. 
There had been no paroxysm for two evenings, and I 
heard not a single bark during my visit. By the 9th the 
cough had quite gone; and it did not return. Since this 
time corallium has become quite a favorite medicine with 
me for hysterical and other spasmodic coughs; and I am 
rarely disappointed by it." 
Form for Administration.-The 6th decimal dilution, to 
be obtained at a homeopathic pharmacy. It is prepared 
from the red coral. 
Dose.-Two or three drops two or three times a day. 398 
THE RESPIRATOR!! ORGANS. 
CORALLORHIZA OdONTORHIZA. 
The crawley root possesses an affinity for the bronchia] 
mucous membranes, and proves a valuable remedy in 
chronic coughs, allaying irritation and improving the re- 
cuperative powders of the structures involved. It is a val- 
uable sedative, exerting its influence especially on the pul- 
monary mucous membrane, and ought to be valuable in 
acute bronchitis. The objection to it as a remedy for fre- 
quent use is its scarcity. 
It may be used in decoction of the fresh plant, or in the 
form of a saturated tincture of the fresh root. 
Cuprum. 
Copper influences the cough center, and is a good rem- 
edy for some cases ol whooping cough, though I think we 
have a more reliable remedy in drosera, usually. It re- 
sembles corallium rubrum, somewhat, in its influence on 
the cough center, being adapted to spasmodic coughs, lar- 
yngismus and spasmodic asthma. The cases of this kind 
that would especially indicate the remedy are those in 
which the convulsive tendency is so marked that the pa- 
tient is liable to go off into convulsions. Such cases in 
children, complicated with whooping cough, should cause 
one to study copper as a probable remedy. 
Form for Administration.-The acetate of copper, in 
the 5x or 6x trituration 
Dose.-From two to three grains three or four times a 
day. 
Drosera. 
This is one of our most valuable remedies for spas- 
modic coughs, its affinity for the cough center being 
marked and prompt in action. It is the favorite remedy 
for pertussis, and seldom fails to cure, if its use be per- 
sisted in for a week or ten days, though several days 
may be consumed in producing an impression with it in THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
399 
some cases. I have given it five or six days in some 
cases with no apparent benefit, when good effect would 
suddenly become marked and permanent. Where the pa- 
tient is known to have been exposed to the contagion it is 
a good plan to anticipate the onset of the disease with the 
remedy, as the cough is then not liable to become very 
severe. When it has become established it requires a 
reasonable time to secure the impression of the remedy 
on the affected part. 
It would seem also that drosera exerts an influence 
over the periphery of the filaments from the cough center, 
as in the cough of measles it is nearer a specific than any 
other remedy we have. I have quieted the explosive 
cough of a noisy houseful of children affected with meas- 
les by it more than once, and I always try it in the be- 
ginning of a measles cough, as I have reason to expect 
a prompt response from it. 
Coughs marked by tickling in the larynx, when of spas- 
modic character, are often benefited by drosera when not 
from the influence of whooping cough or measles. There 
seems to be something of an affinity for the laryngeal 
sphere about this remedy, as it brings about good results 
in some cases of cough with hoarseness, thus allying it- 
self with aconite, spongia, potassium bichromate, etc. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dost.-Add from ten drops to half a fluidrachm to four 
ounces of water and give a teaspoonful every three or 
four hours. 
Echinacea. 
Echinacea has not an extensive field in this list, 
though there is one place where it is not rivalled by any 
agent in the materia medica. I have reference to threat- 
ened pulmonary gangrene. When this occurs in connec- 
tion with pneumonia we may administer echinacea with 400 
THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
full assurance that if it is possible for medicine to accom- 
plish a cure this one will do it. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose -Add two or three drachms to four ounces of wa- 
ter and order a teaspoonful every hour. 
Euphrasia. 
Eyebright exerts an influence over the upper portion of 
the respiratory membrane, affecting the nasal and lachry- 
mal mucous portions of this part. It is best adapted to 
acute fluent catarrh of these sections, fluent coryza being 
the popular place for it with those who employ it. 
In the catarrhal inflammation of these parts attending 
measles it acts well in lessening the severity of the symp- 
toms, and its use will be found an admirable means of 
averting the unp e isant sequelae with which the ocular 
appendages are often afflicted after a neglected case where 
the catarrhal symptoms are severe. It acts well here in 
combination with ac< n te, gels-mium, jaborandi, or other 
sedative. 
Form for Administration.-The mother tincture of a rep- 
utable homeopathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-Add from ten to twenty drops to four ounces of 
water and order a teaspoonful every hour. 
Gelsemium. 
Gelsemium is a remedy that comes into play in many 
cases of acute inflammation of the pulmonary mucous 
membrane. It can hardly be said that it possesses an 
affinity for this part more than for any other, but its 
power in controlling determination of blood renders it 
very acceptable in acute congestive states here, whether 
it be the effect of a common cold or something more 
serious. It will be found a very reliable remedy to pre- 
scribe in the treatment of coughs, in their early incep- 
tion, though it has no place in the management of chronic 
coughs, unless it be for aggravations. THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
401 
Combined with aconite, it is useful in the early stage 
of bronchitis, pneumonia, laryngitis, etc. It lessens de- 
termination to the part, promotes normal secretion, and 
equalizes the circulation of the blood in the organs. It 
thus may largely assist in aborting an inflammatory condi- 
tion which otherwise might prove very serious. I regard 
it as specially valuable in malarious districts, as its anti- 
malarial properties are useful, even in pulmonary affec- 
tions occurring under such influence. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add twenty drops to four ounces of water and 
give a teaspoonful every one or two hours; such a dose 
would be appropriate for an adult. 
ICTODES F(ETIDUS. 
Skunk cabbage is not a remedy of great promise, though 
it manifests an affinity for certain portions of the respir- 
atory apparatus. It has been found of service in asthma 
and bronchitis, but can hardly replace our best remedies 
in these fields. It is not used very much, and will prob- 
ably not become a general favorite. 
Form for Administration.-A saturated tincture of the 
recent root. 
Dose,-From one to eight drops. 
Inula Helenium. 
Elecampane is an important remedy in this depart- 
ment, and one that has been too much neglected by the 
profession. It is one of the most positive remedies we 
have in bronchial irritation, and is applicable to either 
acute or chronic phases. 
I found it the most positive remedy I could select in 
the treatment of the severe cases of cough that attended 
la grippe during the winter of 1889-90. In my own case 
it relieved the sub-sternal pain and teasing cough at once, 
after a fruitless search of several days among the best 402 
THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
remedies of this class that I was familiar with. I after* 
ward found it, throughout that season, a very reliable re- 
sort for the relief of a large number of similarly afflicted 
patients. 
It has cured more than one stubborn case of chronic 
bronchitis, to my knowledge, and may fairly be classed 
among our best indigenous remedies for irritation of the 
pulmonary mucous membrane. It acts best on the large 
air passages, notably the trachea and bronchi. Its effect 
in irritation lower down is not of much worth. Here we 
must rely upon lobelia; ipecac, tartar emetic, or, if the 
parenchyma of the lung be involved, asclepias. 
It combines very well with the last named remedy in 
the treatment of stubborn coughs, the two covering a 
large portion of the respiratory tract below the larynx. 
I have used the two in the following combination with 
splendid results:- 
B S. m. inula helenium, fjii. 
S. m. asclepias tuberosa, fjii. 
Simple syrup, ffii. 
Aqua, ad ffiv. 
In acute cases a teaspoonful of this may be given as 
often as every half-hour, until the cough becomes less- 
ened, and afterward every hour or two as circumstances 
demand. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From five to ten drops, repeated as often as the 
case demands. Acute cases demand frequent repetition 
of the dose. 
Iodide of Arsenic. 
This remedy seems to exert its best influence in the 
respiratory affections attending epidemic catarrhal fevers. 
Hale recommends it where there is a corrosive character 
about the discharges, causing erosion of parts upon which THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
403 
they are allowed to flow. It has been a favorite remedy 
in several epidemics of catarrh with some practitioners, as 
in the "epizootic" of 1872, and in the catarrhal form of 
the grip of 1890. 
Hale asserts that it is nearly a specific for hay fever, and 
he also recommends it for old nasal catarrhs, where the 
discharges become foetid and bloody, scabs form in the 
nose, and the disease extends to the throat. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration. 
Dose.-Two or three grains every two or three hours. 
Ipecac. 
Ipecac is a remedy that will come in play frequently in 
the treatment of affections of the respiratory organs. It 
selects the small bronchial tubes for its principal field of 
action, and is very useful in allaying irritation here, when 
of acute or subacute character. In minute doses it is 
also a valuable remedy in pulmonary hemorrhage of pas- 
sive character, lessening the amount of blood expectorated 
with promptness. 
It is useful in capillary bronchitis, colds, acute bron- 
chitis and pneumonia, acting very favorably in most cases, 
relieving cough and diminishing expectoration, if too large 
doses are not administered. Its action resembles that of 
tartar emetic somewhat when minute doses are adminis- 
tered, the remedy being valuable to relieve the dyspnoea 
and rattling in the chest due to clogging of the bronchi- 
oles, though it is not so prompt or reliable as the antimo- 
nial preparation-tartar emetic, 3x. 
Some authors assert that ipecac is valueless in acute 
bronchitis, but I have had considerable experience which 
causes me to doubt the assertion, though it certainly is 
more appropriate to the subacute than to the active stages 
of bronchial irritation-more applicable to the cough of 
convalescence. It has been extolled in croup, and is a 404 
THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
favorite domestic remedy in the form of the syrup, but I 
think we have so many better remedies that we can well 
dispense with it in this respect. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops. 
Jaborandi. 
Pilocarpus pinnatus controls excitement of the general 
circulation, in appropriate doses, and thus becomes a val- 
uable remedy in all cases of acute inflammation of the 
respiratory organs. 
It is of service in the early stages of bronchitis, com- 
bined or alternated with elecampane, potassium bichrom., 
bryonia, aconite, etc. In pneumonia, it combines or alter- 
nates well with asclepias, in the early stage, and with po- 
tassium chloride, during the stage of exudation. Admin- 
istered with caution, it is one of the best sedatives we 
possess in all inflammatory conditions of the respiratory 
organs in their active stages. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From one to five drops, repeated every one or 
two hours. 
Lachesis. 
This remedy is a very useful and prompt agent in some 
cases of disturbance of the respiratory organs when prop- 
erly selected. It must prove disappointing to the indis- 
criminating practitioner, because there are only a few 
cases where it is indicated, but where these occur nothing 
else will suffice, and this cures magically. 
The larynx seems to be the point of action, or rather 
the laryngeal nerves, for irritability of the larynx is the 
leading indication for it. The lachesis patient coughs 
uncontrollably, the cough being provoked by the least ex- 
citement, and the irritation being pointed out as exist- 
ing somewhere in the throat, by the patient. Sometimes THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
405 
this is referred to the posterior nares, sometimes to the 
muscles of deglutition, sometimes to the pharynx, the pa- 
tient describing the sensation as though there were a 
splinter or other foreign body in the throat. The lach- 
esis patient coughs violently when the least portion of 
dust or a draught of cold air is breathed. In most of 
these cases a careful examination will reveal a total ab- 
sence of any local disturbance to account for the parox- 
ysms of cough. 
If the practitioner will remember the application of 
lachesis to the irritable larynx, or the irritable laryngeal 
nerves, this usually being associated with disturbance of 
the muscles of deglutition, he will be able to cure some 
cases of cough otherwise intractable. Patients of ex- 
tremely susceptible and nervous temperament are the 
ones usually presenting the symptoms demanding it. 
Form for Administration.-The 6x or lOx trituration, 
obtainable at a homeopathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-Two or three grains three or four times a day. 
Only a few doses are needed to bring about the desired 
result if the remedy is properly chosen. Two or three 
days time will suffice to cure. 
Lobelia. 
I confess that lobelia has never been a favorite with 
me in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory system. 
It is nauseous, and not so reliable for any particular con- 
dition as some other appropriate remedy. It has quite a 
wide range of application, and is liable to be a favorite 
with that class of practitioners who do not discriminate 
very closely in making their selection, for it benefits quite 
a number of abnormal conditions. For example:- 
It relieves croup, but not as promptly and pleasantly 
as aconite usually; it affords temporary relief in asthma, 
but this use soon wears off, the remedy losing its effect 406 
THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
and becoming of little use; it is an expectorant, assisting 
in the loosening of cough, and acts on the small bronchi- 
oles to lessen profuse expectoration in capillary bronchi- 
tis, though not as well as tartar emetic. I think we are 
using a second rate remedy when we are depending on 
lobelia in any pulmonary difficulty, if we are able to select 
discriminatingly from the valuable list offered outside of 
its sphere. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Lycopus. 
Bugle weed possesses certain virtues, entitling it to a 
place in this department. It exercises a control over the 
circulation in the pulmonary vessels, which is of value 
in the treatment of chronic inflammatory affections, and 
through this influence, probably, it modifies passive pul- 
monary hemorrhage. It is one of our most useful agents 
in the hemorrhages that occur in the course of phthisis 
pulmonalis. 
Through its influence on the heart, it largely affects the 
pulmonary circulation, and seems to preside over the 
compensatory action between the heart and lungs. In 
coughs depending on cardiac obstruction or insufficiency, 
it acts very promptly. The hemorrhage and cough occur- 
ring as sequelae of cardiac difficulty, will always suggest 
lycopus as a remedy. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Phosphorus. 
Phosphorus has been allotted too much space as a pul- 
monary remedy, though it is deserving of mention. The 
homeopathists have lauded it since the days of Hahne- 
mann as a remedy, though the Austrian homeopathists 
were the first to emphasize its merits as a remedy in pul- 407 
THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
monary congestions. It has been used in the early and 
late stages of pneumonia, with reputed success, and also 
in hacking, dry coughs, either of the early stage of phthi- 
sis,»or from other causes. 
I think that we can very well dispense with phosphorus 
as a cough remedy, as we have reliable substitutes for 
any place it can supply. 
Protiodide of Mercury. 
This remedy, in the third decimal trituration, has a spe- 
cific influence on the larynx, and is a prompt remedy in 
croup and hoarseness. It may be given in two or three- 
grain doses. 
Potassium Chloride. 
Potassium chloride is the remedy to use during the 
early stage of hepatization, in pneumonia, to assist the 
absorption of plastic lymph and prevent the processes of 
resolution or gray hepatization. It is the remedy to bring 
about absorption of plastic material and prevent suppura- 
tion in any part of the body, and it is no less prompt 
and efficacious here than in other parts. 
I think I have seen this remedy save life in pneumo- 
nia, in a number of instances through this virtue, and 
would not like to be without it in treating a case of this 
kind after the first stage had terminated unfavorably. 
I have also used it successfully in some cases of chronic 
bronchial cough, where it seemed that the trouble de- 
pended upon the presence of plastic exudates and a ten- 
dency to their increase. It is the only remedy of any 
account that we possess for the treatment of fibrous 
pneumonia, and promises much, if its use be begun at a 
comparatively early date. 
It is not difficult to cherish a sentiment of scepticism 
with regard to this agent, as the dose seems remarka- 
bly small for the results to be expected, but it only needs 408 
THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
a fair trial to convince the observer that it will do all 
that has been claimed for it. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration. 
Dose.-Add five grains to four ounces of water and 
give a teaspoo>ful every hour. 
Potassium, Iodide of. 
Professor F. Cornwall observes, in an article in the Cal- 
ifornia Medical Journal:- 
"From quite an extended observation of nasal diseases 
I have come to some definite conclusions regarding the sig- 
nificance of ulceration and loss of the cartilage of the sep- 
tum. I have a recollection of so great a number of these 
cases which have afterward shown a tendency to ulcera- 
tion of the soft palate and pharynx as to cause me to an- 
ticipate such an occurrence in any case wherein the septal 
trouble exists. 
"It is difficult for me to tell whether the constitutional 
cause or condition is inherited syphilis or what is called 
strumous, but so many have been actively benefited by io- 
dide of potassium as to cause me to prescribe alteratives 
in which this salt is incorporated very often. I have at 
this time three cases illustrative of this-all with old 
septa and recent ulcerated pharynges-and iodide of potas- 
sium acted charmingly in all; not only stopping the ulcer- 
ative process, but rapidly improving the health." 
Prunes Virginiana. 
Wild cherry possesses pulmonary virtues, though it is 
not a remedy that will come into frequent use. It is 
not a remedy for acute pulmonary diseases, and not one 
that will be often used in chronic cases. 
It is what might be termed a "sedative expectorant," 
assisting in the raising of tenacious mucus in chronic 
pneumonia and phthisis, imparting, at the same time a 
soothing influence, and improving the respiratory power THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
409 
and cardiac action, thereby aiding pulmonary circulation. 
Its action is somewhat similar to that of lycopus, though 
it differs from that remedy in possessing little if any 
power in hemorrhage. 
Being a tonic to the digestive and assimilative organs 
it is a useful remedy in chronic pulmonary disease where 
the system is debilitated. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From five to twenty drops. 
Quebracho. 
Quebracho improves the respiratory power through its 
joint action on the heart and lungs, and is valuable in 
certain forms of dyspnoea complicated with insufficient 
cardiac action. It is valuable in some forms of asthmatic 
bronchitis, and in pure asthma, where there is a lack of 
cardiac compensation. It is also valuable in the dysp- 
noea of emphysema. 
Form for Administration.-Parke Davis & Co.'s fluid 
extract. 
Dose.-From ten to thirty drops. 
Rhus Tox. 
Rhus is often useful in the treatment of acute coughs, 
its influence being best in influenzas where the cough 
is dry and tickling, and the unpleasant sensations are 
shifting about from one portion of the respiratory tract 
to another. Tickling in the bronchial tubes, racing up 
and down, with dry, spasmodic, uncontrollable cough are 
some of the indications for rhus tox., as a cough remedy. 
Rhus combines well w'ith aconite in bronchitis, es- 
pecially the early stages of infantile bronchitis. It not 
only acts as a sedative, controlling vascular excitement 
in the area of the bronchial artery, but it soothes, 
through its influence on the nerves of the part, the 410 
THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
erethism which contributes largely to the aggravation 
and perpetuation of the disease. 
Rhus is of little service where there is expectoration, 
its proper field being the controlling of dry, tickling 
coughs, and the early stages of inflammatory pulmonary 
affections. However, I have found it useful in the treat- 
ment of some cases of phthisis where there was red- 
ness of the tip of the tongue, with nausea. In such 
cases rhus seems to improve all the symptoms, reliev- 
ing the gastric irritation, soothing the cough, promot- 
ing the appetite and contributing to natural sleep. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add from ten to fifteen drops to four ounces 
of water and give a teaspoonful every hour or two. 
Rumex Crispus. 
Yellow dock manifests an affinity for the larynx and 
trachea, and sometimes proves a valuable remedy in stub- 
born coughs having point of origin here. It is best in 
summer coughs, and not very applicable to those which 
come on during changeable seasons, from cold. 
It has been extolled as a specific for hay fever, but 
my experience does not justify such a conclusion; I have 
found it excellent in a few stubborn, dry, summer coughs. 
Form for Administration.-A saturated tincture of the 
fresh root. 
Dose.-This must be small in order to get the dy- 
namical influence in irritation of the respiratory organs. 
Add ten or fifteen drops to half a glass of water and 
give a teaspoonful every two or three hours. 
Samrucus Canadensis. 
The common elder furnishes a principle which mani- 
fests an affinity for the nasal mucous membrane. Its 
principal use has been for the obstructive catarrh of in- 
fants, and here it has made some very pretty cures. I THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
411 
have prescribed it myself a few times with prompt re- 
sults. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add ten or fifteen drops to four ounces of water 
and give a teaspoonful every hour. 
Sanguinaria Canadensis. 
Blood root is adapted to irritation of the trachea and 
bronchi. It is not a pleasant remedy to take, and will 
not be administered very often after the practitioner has 
become acquainted with Nitrate of Sanguinarina. 
In the treatment of stubborn coughs arising from 
tracheal or bronchial irritation the nitrate of sanguina- 
rina is likely to afford complete satisfaction, if adminis- 
tered in appropriate doses and given a fair trial. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration of the 
nitrate of sanguinarina. 
Dose.-From one to three grains. 
SCILLA MARITIMA. 
Squill is a remedy of considerable value in bronchial 
irritation with profuse secretion, if used in minute do- 
ses. In large, or full physiological doses, it produces 
relaxation of the mucous glands and causes bronchial 
catarrh. In order to avoid such an effect-which can- 
not be salutary-the dose should be small enough to 
shun it. 
Sodium Sulphate. 
The sulphate of sodium is one of the leading reme- 
dies recommended by Schuessler for coughs, and one of 
the leading characteristics is: expectoration, of thick, 
ropy, greenish character. This may be present in humid 
asthma, or in bronchitis. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration. 
Dose.-A.dd five grains to four ounces of water, and 
give a teaspoonful every two or three hours. 412 
THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
Spongia Tosta. 
Spongia is restricted, as regards its action on the pul- 
monary organs, to the larynx. It is a remedy for croup 
and croupy coughs, and is of service sometimes for the 
relief of hoarseness. 
The homeopaths regard it highly as a croup remedy, 
but I much prefer aconite in the early stage, and potas- 
sium bichromate later on. 
However, we may sometimes find this remedy will act 
better than either, and should not forget its existence 
when puzzling over an obstinate case of croup. 
By referring to the index it will be seen that quite a 
group of croup remedies may be studied, and the motto 
should be remembered: "If at first you don't succeed, 
Try, try, again." 
Hughes (Manual of Pharmacodynamics) says that spon- 
gia is of value in the cough of laryngeal phthisis. It 
probably relieves temporarily the teasing cough of this 
affection, and will be found effective in other laryngeal 
coughs. 
Form for Administration.-The second or third decimal 
dilution. 
Dose.-Add ten or twenty drops to four ounces of wra- 
ter and order a teaspoonful as often as necessary-every 
half-hour, hour, or second hour. 
Sticta Pulmonaria. 
Sticta pulmonaria specifically affects the trachea, es- 
pecially the upper portion. It is of little value in or- 
dinary coughs, but in hay fever and summer influenza 
it is one of the best remedies we have, where the patient 
locates the point of irritation in the upper portion of 
the trachea. 
The cough of sticta is wheezing and rasping, dry and 
persistent, and comes on during the months of July and THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
413 
August, in the dusty season of the year. I have been 
much pleased with my success with it in the treatment 
of such coughs-and these refuse to yield to ordinary 
remedies. 
Sticta also influences the nasal mucous membrane, and 
has cured chronic nasal catarrh of long standing. Pos- 
sibly its operation, in obstinate tracheal and laryngeal 
coughs, may be due to this influence, these coughs being 
the result of reflex irritation. In hay fever we have such 
effects, and here sticta has a reputation of considera- 
ble weight. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add from ten to twenty drops to four ounces 
of water, and give a teaspoonful every one or two hours. 
In some severe cases I have used the doses every hour, 
with good effect. 
Stillingia. 
Stillingia sylvatica is a remedy that spends its ther- 
apeutic force, so far as the respiratory organs are con- 
cerned, largely on the larynx. It has been a favorite 
remedy with Eclectics from the earlier times for chronic 
coughs, and the class of coughs to which it seems ap- 
plicable is that in which there is an irritation about 
the upper portion of the respiratory tract, with strumous 
complication. The value of stillingia in scrofula renders 
it a most desirable remedy in such cases. 
Scudder asserts that the bronchi are influenced by it 
as well as the larynx and pharynx, and recommeds it in 
chronic bronchitis. 
It should be thought of favorablv in chronic coughs 
in strumous patients which affect principally the upper 
portion of the respiratory tract. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From one to ten drops. 414 
THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
Tartar Emetic. 
Tartar emetic fills one place better than any other 
remedy in the materia medica. This is manifested by its 
influence on the bronchioles when there is a catarrhal in- 
flammation present of subacute character. The condition 
is familiarly known as "capillary bronchitis" and is char- 
acterized by pronounced subcrepitant ronchi, difficult, 
wheezy respiration, suffocative, rattling cough, etc. In 
children the indication may be felt, by placing the hand 
over the chest-a fine, rattling respiration, communicating 
itself to the sense of touch. 
Catarrh of the bronchioles is a disease most apt to 
affect the debilitated and feeble-children and old people, 
though it may be found at any period of life. It is usu- 
ally accompanied by prostration. The cough is attended 
by sensation of faintness and followed by clammy per- 
spiration, the sputum is raised with difficulty, the cough 
persisting until this is accomplished; and the blood is 
poorly oxygenized, as evidenced by cyanotic appearance 
of the countenance. Of course these are the extreme 
symptoms, many persons being similarly affected and 
being about attending to their avocations. 
But the indications for tartar emetic are simple and 
plain. Given, a case where the subcrepitant ronchi are 
marked, and tartar emetic is almost sure to relieve, un- 
less the case has been of long standing, and here wre 
should alternate calcarea carb, with it, to tone up the 
bronchial mucous membrane. 
Form for Administration.-The 2x or 3x trituration. 
I usually use the 2x for adults, and the 3x for children. 
Dose.-Two grains, repeated every two hours. 
Trillium Pendulum. 
Beth root will meet the demand quite often as a lung 
remedy. It is applicable to chronic bronchitis attended THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
415 
by profuse expectoration, and to the early stage of phthi- 
sis where pulmonary hemorrhages are alarming, as it 
possesses haemostatic properties and is especially valua- 
ble in pulmonary hemorrhage. 
Form for Administration.-A. saturated tincture of the 
fresh root. 
Dose,-From five to fifteen drops. 
Verbascum Thapsus. 
This is a valuable remedy for irritation of the upper 
portion of the respiratory mucous membrane, exerting its 
influence upon the laryngeal and tracheal surfaces princi- 
pally, though it is of value where the bronchi are involved. 
It is excellent for dry, hoarse, night coughs. 
I have found this a superior remedy for breaking up 
long standing colds, and consider it very reliable in some 
such cases. 
Form for Administration.-I have usually employed it in 
the form of a decoction, though the specific medicine may 
prove as reliable. The decoction should be from the re- 
cent leaves; packages found at the druggists are fre- 
quently old and worthless. 
Dose.-A tablespoonful of the decoction every hour, or 
from five to ten drops of the specific medicine. 
Veratrum Viride. 
Veratrum is a popular remedy with a large share of 
the profession in the treatment of pneumonia. Its sed- 
ative properties are of great value in the treatment of 
all inflammatory affections, when the remedy is not con- 
traindicated, and pneumonia is preeminently the proper 
place for it, as it probably possesses an affinity for the 
area of distribution of the bronchial arteries. 
However, I have already assumed that we possess bet- 
ter remedies for this condition, though undoubtedly it 
is the best agent employed by the allopathic school for 416 
THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
the first stage of such disease. As epidemic influences 
play quite an important part in some pneumonia seasons, 
it may be that veratrum will sometimes be found the 
most acceptable remedy, though it is only as an epidemic 
agent that I would consider it as first choice. 
In the use of veratrum it is to be recollected that it is 
a remedy that may produce gastric irritation, and that 
care should be exercised not to push it in too large doses 
nor prolong its use over too great a length of time, espe- 
cially if the patient complains of nausea, or the tip of the 
tongue becomes red and pointed. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add from fifteen to twenty drops to four ounces 
of water, and order a teaspoonful every hour. 
ASAF(ETIDA. 
Few of our practitioners realize the valuable influence 
which this remedy exercises over stubborn, deep seated, 
bronchial coughs. My attention was first directed to it 
by Dr. Stetson, of Oakland, but I find, upon reference to 
old school authorities, that it is recognized by them, 
though seldom put in use, according to my observation 
of their methods. 
I have often employed the remedy in coughs which 
refused to yield to other drugs, with flattering success. 
The coughs in which it has done good service for me have 
been dry, or at least those attended by little secretion, 
but I find it recommended in humid, asthmatic coughs 
-asthmatic bronchitis-in some old school works, as 
Ringer and Shoemaker. 
Form for Administration.-On account of the objection- 
able odor it is best to prescribe the remedy in the form 
of gelatine-coated pills. 
Dose.-Two or three grains, every three or four hours. 
The remedy may need to be continued for several weeks. THE URINARY ORGANS. 
417 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
Acetate of Potassium. 
Acetate of potassium is a valuable remedy in chronic 
disease where the structure of the kidneys is not impaired 
and where it is essential to remove worn out material 
from the system by way of this exit. It doubtless in- 
creases the amount of solid material secreted, and where 
increase of retrograde metamorphosis is an important ele- 
ment of treatment, as in case of scrofulous inflammation, 
it serves a most valuable purpose. 
In chronic malaria, where secretion has been long ar- 
rested, it acts beneficially in removing certain morbid ma- 
terial from the system upon which the perpetuation of 
the disease depends. In chronic ague, it is often an ef- 
fective remedy after antiperiodics have failed, and in per- 
sistent remittent fever it acts well in connection with 
other appropriate remedies or alone, in bringing about 
a cure. 
Where the urinary apparatus itself is involved it is not 
the proper remedy, as here we want nothing that will 
tend to destruction of tissue-a characteristic property of 
all potassium salts. 
Form for Administration.-A solution of the salt in 
water-well diluted. 
Dose.-From five to ten grains every three or four 
hours. 
Achillea Millefolium. 
Yarrow acts on the urinary tract to constringe the cap- 
illaries, and will be found a valuable remedy in hsematuria. 
It also relives irritation of the urinary tract, and may 
be found of service in the early stage of Bright's disease, 
and in strangury and suppression of urine. It is not as 
prompt as some other remedies of this class, but may be 418 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
remembered with profit by those who are so situated as 
to avail themselves of a decoction of the fresh herb, which 
grows almost everywhere, in proper season. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.--From the fraction of a drop to five drops. 
Agrimonia Eupatoria. 
Agrimony specifically influences the kidneys, and is val- 
uable in painful congestion of these organs, probably ex- 
erting its effects on the capillaries of the parts. With 
full, aching pain in the kidneys, when the morbid condi- 
tion is actually seated here, it is very serviceable. Pro- 
fessor Scudder asserts that the strongest indication for 
agrimonia is a colicky pain pointing in the lumbar region. 
This sometimes extends to the lower portion of the liver. 
Professor Goss asserts that it is used with success in 
cystitis, nephritis and irritable bladder. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From one to twenty drops. 
Althea Officinalis. 
This remedy is soothing to the urinary mucous mem- 
brane, not on account of its mucilaginous properties, but 
because of a specific quality by which it selects the 
the part. It is not as useful as many other medicines 
and will not be called into use very often by the expe- 
rienced practitioner. 
Apis Mellifica. 
The poison of the honey bee possesses valuable ther- 
apeutic properties, and some of these are directed to the 
urinary tract. In irritation of the bladder and urethra 
with constant, teasing tenesmus, it is a very positive rem- 
edy, giving speedy relief in many cases. 
It is also valuable when there is suppression or reten- 
tion of urine, its action extending to the kidneys and re- 
lieving irritation there. Its action on the kidneys has THE URINARY ORGANS. 
419 
been made avail of in dropsical conditions depending on 
disturbance of normal renal action. In post scarlatinal 
dropsy, due to renal engorgement, it may be especially 
commended. In such cases, however, the dose must be 
material, and an infusion, or full doses of the tincture, 
must be employed. 
In vesical irritation minute doses act best, and the 3x 
dilution will be found preferable to the crude drug. 
Of this, half a drachm added to half a glass of water, and 
a teaspoonful given every hour or two, will afford the 
best satisfaction. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine will 
be found reliable as a crude medicine from which to pre- 
pare the dilution, as well as for other purposes. 
Antipyrin. 
I will offer the following extract from an old medical 
journal for what it is worth:- 
"Professor Panas has communicated to the Academy of 
Medicine two cases of diabetes, complicated with cataract, 
in which he employed antipyrin with success; and from 
these cases and others of Dr. Germain See's and Dr 
Bobbin's it is clear that this drug has an antiglycogenetic 
action at once efficacious and prompt, and that it will 
succeed where other drugs fail. It is effective even when 
a certain amount of feculents are allowed as food. The 
dose should be three grammes per day. The drug should 
not be continued constantly. It should be given for a 
week or ten days and then a period of repose should fol- 
low, while the usual regimen should be instituted. This 
diet, which is so fatiguing to these patients, is one of the 
reasons for giving antipyrin, as it allows the patient to 
take ordinary food during the time he is taking the drug, 
and thus gives him a rest from the regimen. In short: an 
alternation of the usual regimen with antipyrin is now 
the accepted best treatment for diabetes." 420 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
Apocynum Cannabinum. 
This is a favorite remedy in certain affections of the 
kidneys with many Eclectic practitioners. It relieves con- 
gestion of the renal capillaries, and is valuable to over- 
come this condition in advanced cases of tubular nephri- 
tis. Professor George G. Gere recommends it in such 
cases in an article contributed to the seventh volume of 
the California Medical Journal. He suggests that: "Per- 
haps the most valuable of all deobstruents used in the 
second stage is apocynum cannabinum." 
Anasarca, due to defective renal action, when this is 
from a congested condition of the renal capillaries may 
usually be cured by the use of apocynum. It should be 
given in small doses and its action kept up by frequent 
repetition, in order to derive the most satisfactory results. 
Professors Scudder and Goss, and homeopathic authors, as 
Hale and Hughes-who have profited by Eclectic meth- 
ods-commend it in dropsy, and these commendations are 
warranted by the experience of a large number of practi- 
tioners. In some instances, without doubt, this agent has 
been confounded with the apocynum androssemifolium, a 
plant so nearly resembling it as to confuse an inexper- 
ienced person, and a spurious product has resulted, de- 
void the renal properties of apocynum cannabinum. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Where the root can be obtained in its fresh state a de- 
coction made from it cannot be excelled. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops of the 
specific medicine. The dose of the decoction will vary 
from ten drops to a drachm. 
Arctium Lappa. 
This remedy possesses some reputation in dysuria 
and in dropsical conditions resulting from renal obstruc- 
tion. Professor Scudder suggests that it acts best in the 421 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
cure of those cases of urinary disease that have be- 
come chronic-where the removal of worn out tissue is 
requisite-where a remedy influencing the formative force 
in the renewal of tissue is necessary. 
The best preparation is that prepared from the fresh 
seeds, after they have matured. This is represented by 
the specific medicine. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Auri et Sodii Chloridum. 
Bartholow remarks of this as a remedy in the treat- 
ment of albuminuria, as follows:- 
"Chloride of gold and sodium have long been known to 
have a special direction to the genito-urinary apparatus- 
The ovarium and uterine organs in the female, the testes 
and vesiculse seminales in the male, are stimulated by it, 
and the kidneys, by means of which it is eliminated, and 
in which it tends to accumulate, are decidedly influenced by 
it in function and structure. In common with some other 
agent of the class to which the gold belongs-for example 
corrosive sublimate-the chloride acts upon the connect- 
ive tissue, and checks its over-production or its hyperpla- 
sia. It would be quite impossible in this note to go over 
the evidence on these points, and hence I must ask you to 
assent to these statements. They have been accepted as 
true ef gold from the days of the alchemists and iatro- 
chemists, as any one may ascertain from that curious col- 
lection of mediaeval medical learning, the "Anatomy of 
Melancholy." 
"It has happened, strangely enough, that Hahnemann 
and his followers have profited by this knowledge, and 
have used gold preparations-especially aurumpotabile- 
in the treatment of renal diseases with success. 
"Chloride of gold and sodium is indicated in the sub- 422 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
acute and chronic cases, especially in the latter. The 
eaxlier it is given the better, if structural changes are to 
be prevented or arrested. The good effects to be expected 
from it will depend necessarily on the extent of the dam- 
age already inflicted on the kidneys. The usual dose is 
one-twentieth of a grain, given twice a day, but this may 
be much increased if necessary. At the outset one-tenth 
of a grain may be given; in a week the dose should be 
lowered to one-fifteenth, and after a month the regular 
dose of one-twentieth should be steadily pursued, with 
occasional intermissions. Indigestion, gastralgia, colic 
pains, nausea or diarrhoea, are occasionally caused by it; 
and, if so, the quantity administered must be reduced. It 
is usually borne without any discomfort; but, after pro- 
longed administration, salivation, weakness, emaciation, 
trembling, and other nervous phenomena, may possibly 
occur." 
This remedy should be given in alternation with nitro- 
glycerine, the two being administered at different hours 
during the day. Bartholow asserts that the good effects 
of the treatment should be observed w'ithin two weeks 
from the time of beginning its use, and if by that time 
they are not appreciable the remedy should be discon- 
tinued. 
Barosma Crenata. 
Buchu is a favorite remedy with a large number of 
practitioners, on account of its soothing effect on the ves- 
ico-renal mucous membrane. It is useful in chronic in- 
flammation of this part characterized by profuse mucous, 
or muco-purulent discharge. 
Its internal use may sometimes be supplemented with 
the injection of an infusion of the leaves into the blad- 
der in chronic cystitis with good results. 
Form for Administration.-A decoction of the receni 
leaves. 423 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
Dose.-A tablespoonful four or five times daily in 
chronic cases, every two hours where the affection is 
acute. 
Belladonna. 
Belladonna specifically influences the capillary circula- 
tion of the kidneys, and is a valuable remedy in the con- 
gestive or early stage of all affections of this part. In 
the nephritis accompanying scarlatina, in the early stage 
of tubular nephritis, and in all other cases where engorge- 
ment of the renal capiharies threatens structural mischief 
at a later day, belladonna is one of the most useful reme- 
dies in the materia medica. 
Combined with apocynum cannabium it acts well in 
some forms of dropsy, the renal functions being improved 
through the joint action, so that oedematous conditions 
are promptly removed. 
Belladonna acts well in some cases of vesical irritation, 
and alternated with cantharis it is a favorite remedy with 
many practitioners in dysuria and tenesmus. It is also 
useful in nocturnal incontinence of urine in children, 
though I think its value here has been overestimated. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add from five to ten drops to four ounces of wa- 
ter and give a teaspoonful every four hours. 
Benzoic Acid. 
Benzoic acid is valuable in chronic cystitis with fer- 
mentation of the urine and deposit of phosphates. It 
reduces the alkalinity of the urine and consequent irrita- 
bility of the bladder. In its exit from the system it acts 
as a gentle stimulant to the bladder and urethra, and as a 
corrective of septic states of their secretions. 
In enuresis of children attended by alkalinity of the 
urine, benzoic acid is curative; also in incontinence of old 
persons, where the alkalinity is marked, it answers a good 424 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
purpose, though in such incontinence where the urine 
does not manifest the chemical peculiarity referred to nux 
vomica will usually be found preferable. 
Dysuria may often be relieved by the use of this rem- 
edy. That attending rheumatic conditions is believed to 
be most adapted, though any case attended by strong odor 
or marked alkalinity may be benefited by it. 
Dose.-From one-twentieth of a grain to ten grains. 
The dose for the correction of alkalinity of urine should 
be the maximum one, for adults. 
Benzoate of Ammonium. 
This remedy augments renal action in appropriate 
doses, and is a valuable agent in post scarlatinal dropsy 
to remove the accumulation by way of the kidneys. It 
is indicated by scanty, dark red urine, with strong, pun- 
gent odor and thick sediment. 
In gouty conditions, as well as in chronic rheumatism 
depending on perverted renal action, benzoate of ammonia 
may be found of service, though in rheumatism, the ben- 
zoate of potassium is the preferable agent. 
Form for Administration.-The lx trituration for adults, 
the 2x for children. 
Dose.-From one to three grains. 
Benzoate of Lithium. 
Benzoate of lithium corrects the tendency to the de- 
posite of uric acid, converting the product into hippuric 
acid which is readily soluble and which is bland and 
unirritating to the urinary mucous membrane. It is 
therefore valuable where the uric acid diathesis is marked 
and irritability of the bladder is the result. 
Benzoate of Sodium. 
According to the report of Dr. A. S. Partzersky of Mos- 
cow this drug acts almost as a specific in uraemic poi- 
soning. THE URINARY ORGANS. 
425 
Out of ten cases treated, seven of which suffered from 
parenchimatous and three from interstitial nephritis, nine 
recovered. The headache, dilatation of pupils, albumin- 
uria, and even convulsions, are soon controlled by it. 
It should be remembered in the treatment of the albu- 
minuria of pregnancy. 
Dose.-From ten to twenty grains, every three or four 
hours. 
Berberis Vulgaris. 
This remedy may be commended for the relief of burning, 
soreness, and other discomfort in the urinary passages. 
It is especially valuable in the treatment (palliative) of 
calculus, where it possibly exerts an influence in the pre- 
vention of calculous formation. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture supplied by a 
homeopathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-Add ten drops to half a glass (four ounces) of 
water and order a teaspoonful every two hours. 
Beta Vulgaris. 
The common beet root is a valuable agent in chronic 
vesical irritation. I have known it to cure a long stand- 
ing case of this kind, after the most approved remedies 
had been tried and after several physicians had failed to 
benefit. A decoction is made and the juice administered 
in tablespoonful doses, four or five times a day. I have 
no knowledge of the effects of any other form but would 
advise experimentation with a tincture, made by covering 
the fresh root, sliced, with alcohol. Of this the dose 
might be ten drops, every two or three hours. 
Bromide of Arsenic. 
This remedy is extolled in some quarters for the cure 
of diabetes. "Solution of bromide of arsenic is to be 
given in doses of one drop in a glassful of water. This 426 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
dose is gradually increased to three drops three times a 
day, always in the same amount of water. The urine is 
to be constantly examined. When the amount of sugar is 
decreased, as usually happens in about fourteen days, 
then decrease the arsenic to one-drop dose again. 
"This can be kept up for years. Extreme attention 
need not be paid to the diet, but ordinary care as regards 
acids, starchy and sweet food, should be taken. The 
greatest enemy of the diabetic is bad air-the air of 
chambers. Fresh air is most essential."-Medical Record. 
Caffeine. 
Caffeine may be employed with success in the treat- 
ment of dropsy with feeble cardiac impulse attended by 
deficiency of renal action in nephritis, especially chronic 
Bright's disease, where it diminishes the amount of albu- 
min in the urine, and in uraemic coma, though here there 
are better remedies. 
Probably the most positive use for this remedy will be 
in the treatment of dropsy from cardiac affections, where 
its combined cardiac and renal effects operate to bring 
about a cure. 
Dose.-The citrate of caffeine may be given in doses 
ranging from one to five grains, every four hours. 
Cannabis Indica. 
This remedy soothes irritation of the mucous membrane 
of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. It is valua- 
ble in vesical tenesmus, and m the urethral irritation of 
gonorrhoea. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From one to ten drops. 
Cantharis. 
Spanish fly exerts its influence on the base of the blad- 
der and on the reproductive apparatus, stimulating the 
sexual functions, producing erotic excitement, and in mi- 
nute doses, relieving vesical irritation. THE URINARY ORGANS. 
427 
It is valuable in cystitis, relieving the teasing and tenes- 
mus accompanying that condition, also in enuresis of 
women occurring during the day while up and around, 
the condition being a partial paralysis of the sphincter 
vesicrn, and analogous to that indicating the need of nux 
vomica. 
This is not a remedy that will be often demanded, 
though a prime favorite with the older order of homeop- 
athists; but modern therapeutics abound with a better 
class of remedies adapted to this sphere. However, we 
cannot know too much of remedies, nor too many reme- 
dies for a given purpose; for when one fails another is al- 
ways acceptable, and all are prone to sometimes disap- 
point us. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add ten drops to four ounces of water and give 
a teaspoonful every hour. 
Causticum. 
"The late Mr. Freeman has put on record some cases 
where convalescence from typhoid fever was retarded by 
the passing of large quantities of urine loaded with lithic 
acid and lithates. The excessive tissue waste was relieved 
by causticum, and recovery went rapidly on. In a simi- 
lar case occurring in my own practice, where after partu- 
rition this state of the urine was associated with debility, 
low spirits, anorexia, copious sour perspiration, and per- 
sistent aching of the mammae, speedy change for the bet- 
ter ensued upon the administration of this remedy. It 
should be thought of for that rare form of disease, azotu- 
ria."-Hughes. 
Form for Administration.-The 2x or 3x dilution, as 
prepared at a homeopathic pharmacy. 
Chimaphilla. 
Pipsissewa improves the recuperative powers of the 
urinary tract and is useful where chronic disease here 428 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
has been followed by debility. It also relieves irritation 
and is useful in chronic cystitis, and relaxation of the 
kidneys attended by polyuria. 
Professor Goss writes very enthusiastically of this 
agent as a remedy for the relief of dropsy, where there 
is no obstruction to the circulation. He asserts that the 
dose used is usually too small to give the remedy a fair 
chance to develop its full power. Hale recommends 
chimaphilla in dysuria with mucous sediment in the 
urine. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine, when 
the fresh plant is not obtainable. The decoction of the 
recent plant is certain to give the best satisfaction. 
Dose.-From five to twenty drops. The decoction may 
be given in teaspoonful doses. 
Chloral Hydrate. 
The following remarkable statement as to the virtues 
of chloral hydrate in nephritis is from a reprint in an old 
number of the New England Medical Journal. I have 
never tested the truth of the statements made there, but 
offer them for what they are worth. The writer remarks: 
"I saw an article in the January, 1883, number of the 
Medical Gazette, New York, with the above caption [Chlo- 
ral Hydrate in Albuminuria ], by Thomas Wilson, M. R. 
C. S., England, reciting two very interesting cases. The 
first one, a delicate woman, did not seem to regain her 
strength after her last confinement. Dropsy set in; both 
legs very oedematous; breathing very short and difficult; 
the lips cyanosed; the pulse extremely weak; urine al- 
buminous; etc. He noticed that after taking chloral her 
urine was lighter colored and less albuminous. A con- 
tinuation of the chloral treatment resulted in the com- 
plete disappearance of the albumin and ultimate recov- 
ery of the patient. He says: 'No one, I think, has yet 
drawn the attention of the profession to the almost mar- THE URINARY ORGANS. 
429 
velous effect of chloral in causing albumin to disappear 
from the urine.' He offers as an excuse for bringing the 
matter before the profession ' facts so strong, and treat- 
ment so striking.' 
"I, for one, was very much gratified in reading the ar- 
ticle from such an eminent pen, for it explained to me a 
case in my own practice, which had been up to that time 
a mystery. The case was as follows : In 1881, I was 
called to see a robust and heretofore apparently healthy 
Irishman, who presented every symptom of acute Bright's 
disease, including general anasarca, etc. I found the urine 
scanty and very albuminous. I treated the case with hot 
fomentations, diaphoretics, digitalis, cream of tartar, etc., 
etc., according to the best authorities on the subject. 
Notwithstanding all treatment, medicine seemed to be of 
no avail, and the case went from bad to worse, until one 
evening I called and found him in convulsions. His 
friends told me that he had been so all day. He knew 
nobody, and could not swallow; in fact, he would be in 
a comatose state between the convulsions. The priest 
had been called, the 'extreme unction' had been per- 
formed, and the patient given up to die. 
Counsel was called, and it was decided that the case 
could not last five hours longer. Counsel left, but I 
stayed, for I had made up my mind that I would help 
my patient to die easy; so I injected per bowel 30 grains 
of hydrate of chloral, and left. In the morning I called, 
expectins to find the patient dead. Imagine my surprise 
upon entering the room to see my patient open his eyes, 
and hear him say, 'Good morning Doctor!' Had he 
risen up and hit me with a club, I could not have been 
more surprised. 
"His friends told me that he had rested well all night, 
and had voided his urine freely that morning. I then, 
according to 'Kid's Law of Therapeutics,' put him on 430 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
digitalis and nux, alternately, which kept up a good flow 
of urine. At night I called again, and found a little mus- 
cular twitching. I gave him another injection of twenty 
grains hydrate of chloral, and left, with instructions that, 
if the convulsions returned, to send for me immediately. 
I called in the morning and found my patient improv- 
ing. Thus he continued to improve and soon was up 
and about the house, and to-day he can do as much work 
as any man in town. 
"Now, as I had no authority on the subject, I dared 
not say it was the chloral. In fact, I attributed it to 
some freak of nature, and reasoned thus: That interven- 
tion of nature, or freak of disease, that I did not under- 
stand, had caused him to void an unusual amount of 
urine less albuminous, and I must keep up the flow, 
which I did with nux and digitalis, using my chloral at 
night, for I could not forget that marvelous change had 
come over my patient after using the chloral. 
"I had an inward feeling that, perhaps, my chloral was 
the cause, but I was too timid to report it, for fear that 
some of my learned brethren would rise up and say: 
'Well, young fellow, that treatment is old; you will find 
it in the practice of Lazarus Riverius, 1672', and there- 
fore expose my ignorance of the literature of the subject, 
so I kept still. But the case has been from that day (un- 
til I saw the case above mentioned) a puzzle to me. I 
feel grateful to Dr. Wilson for the article in question, 
and have written this at this late day at the solicitation 
of my friends, to add one more to the list of the 'Curative 
Effects of Hydrate of Chloral in Albuminuria.' " 
Clematis. 
Clematis erecta influences the urinary tract, relieving 
irritation and serving a good purpose in some cases of 
dysuria and retention of urine. It is not a remedy that 431 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
will be found generally applicable to such cases, but will 
come into use in the management of vesical irritation in 
nervous, susceptible women suffering from ovarian dis- 
ease. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture from a homeo- 
pathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-Add ten drops to four ounces of water and give 
a teaspoonful every hour. 
Coccus Cacti. 
Cochineal specifically influences the entire urinary tract, 
from the kidneys to the urinary outlet. In small doses 
it is applicable to the relief of renal colic, profuse dis- 
charge of clear, limpid urine, from relaxation of the renal 
capillaries, also vesical tenesmus, as well as retention of 
urine. 
The homeopaths recommend this remedy highly in 
spasmodic cough, especially whooping cough. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture prepared at a 
homeopathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-Add ten or fifteen drops to four ounces of water 
and give a teaspoonful every two hours. 
COLLINSONIA. 
Collinsonia relieves certain bladder affections due to 
fullness of the pelvic bloodvessels. Sharp pain and ach- 
ing in the bladder accompanying hemorrhoids are usually 
relieved by this remedy. It has been recommended in 
cystitis, but I think it will be of little use here, though 
where the mucous membrane of the bladder is congested 
it may relieve this by its strengthening influence on the 
pelvic veins and circulation generally. 
Tenesmus attending hemorrhoids is usually relieved by 
collinsonia. Whatever vesical symptoms it relieves, the 
effects may be ascribed largely, if not entirely, to the 
effects exerted upon the pelvic veins and capillaries. 432 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
Form for Administration.-The green plant tincture. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops. 
Digitalis. 
Digitalis directly influences the kidneys, and is of ser- 
vice in relieving the tension of the renal capillaries in 
chronic inflammation, as in Bright's disease. In granular 
degeneration of the kidneys it is of service, increasing 
the quantity of urine passed and lessening the amount of 
solids voided. 
It is of service in cardiac dropsy, through its influence 
on the kidneys, and in albuminuria of scarlatina it is 
often the only remedy needed to relieve the oedema and 
bring the difficulty to a favorable termination. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Diuretin. 
This is double salicylate of theobromine and sodium. 
In acute nephritis it more than doubles the amount of 
urine voided, and in circulatory lesions attended by 
oedema it rapidly removes the accumulation of serum. 
However, it is not so generally reliable in dropsical affec- 
tions as convallaria, digitalis, and some other diuretics. 
Dose.-Twenty grains, every four hours. 
Dulcamara. 
Bittersweet seems to possess a general affinity for the 
skin and mucous membrane, and is successfully employed 
in catarrh of various organs when aggravated by damp 
weather. It is thus applicable to vesical catarrh, and 
will sometimes prove very efficacious. 
It may be employed even when there is considerable 
mucous discharge with the urine, though the use of a 
proper cleansing wash for the bladder will materially as- 
sist its action in such cases. This may consist of a weak THE URINARY ORGANS. 
433 
solution of chlorate or permanganate of potassium, or a 
decoction of epigea repens, or some other healing agent. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Elateeium. 
This remedy is highly recommended by Professor Scud- 
der in the treatment of chronic cystitis and nephritis. 
It was first recommended by Professor King for this pur- 
pose. The drug should be administered in doses of half 
a drachm of the tincture three times a day, until it pro- 
duces purging, and afterward in five-drop doses until the 
disease disappears. 
Professor Scudder asserts (Specific Medication) that it 
exerts a curative influence in chronic nephritis and cysti- 
tis in much smaller doses. 
My experience in this use of the remedy has been rather 
unsatisfactory. 
Epigea Repens. 
The trailing arbutus specifically influences the urinary 
apparatus, and was a great favorite with many of our 
older Eclectic practitioners in vesical irritation. It is 
curative of dysuria, strangury, and vesical tenesmus. 
In vesical irritation attended with uric acid deposits, 
it is especially valuable, correcting the irritating character 
of the urine and restoring the diseased mucous membrane- 
Even where the urine is found to contain a bloody muco- 
purulent sediment, the use of this remedy will often re- 
store the patient to health. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From five to ten drops, repeated every two or 
three hours. 
Equisetum Hyemale. 
The scouring rush is a remedy of more than ordinary 
virtue in the treatment of cystic irritation. It is valuable 434 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
in dysuria with urgent tenesmus, in incontinence of urine 
from cystic irritation, and in noctural incontinence of 
children. 
Form for Administration.-An infusion of the green stalks 
made with hot water. A stronger preparation may be 
made by boiling the plant in water. If this is to be kept 
for future use it may be preserved by adding a sufficient 
quantity of alcohol. The specific medicine is also a valu- 
able form for prescribing. 
Dose.-A tablespoonful of the infusion; from five to 
ten drops of the specific medicine. 
Erecthites Hieracifolius. 
The oil of fireweed is useful in controlling passive hem- 
orrhage from the kidneys in the early stage of Bright's 
disease and other renal affections. It resembles the oil 
of erigeron in its effects very much. 
Dose.-From five to ten drops. 
Erigeron Canadense. 
This remedy is valuable in relaxed states of the renal 
capillaries to arrest profuse secretion of urine, and will 
be found efficacious in diabetes insipidus. A decoction 
of the whole fresh plant is the best form for use in this 
condition. In passive hemorrhage from the kidneys it is 
one of our best agents, the oil being preferable here. 
Dose.-Of the decoction, one or two wineglassfuls every 
hour; of the oil, ten drops, in a tablespoonful of simple 
syrup, every one or two hours, as required. 
Eryngium Aquaticum. 
Water eryngo specifically influences the urinary appa- 
rataus, especially the base of the bladder and urethra. It 
is useful in tenesmus, of dull, aching character, and acts 
best when combined with gelsemium, in such conditions. 
Its action on the urethra is of service in the painful 
urination attending gonorrhoea. THE URINARY ORGANS. 
435 
It has also proven very effective in the treatment of 
renal colic attending the passage of calculi, though doubt- 
less a combination with more positive relaxants will very 
much augment its efficacy. Here such remedies as gelse- 
mium and jaborandi will be indicated. 
A writer in Hale's New Remedies recommends eryngium 
for the cure of the habit of renal calculi formation. He 
cites several cases of protracted standing which were 
promptly cured by the use of from six to ten drops of 
the tincture three or four times a day. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From one to ten drops. 
Eucalyptus. 
The Australian blue gum has been recommended by 
Dr. Woodbury, of Boston, for the cure of vascular tumors 
of the urethra, through its internal administration. 
Eucalyptus influences the entire urinary tract, and 
has proven curative in desquamative nephritis, pyelone- 
phritis, and chronic vesical catarrh attended by muco- 
purulent deposits in the urine. It must be given in small 
doses, frequently repeated, and its use persevered in, to 
accomplish good results here. In vesical catarrh, a de- 
coction of the fresh leaves used as a wash for the bladder 
is a valuable adjuvant. 
Form for Administration.-A saturated tincture of the 
fresh leaves in alcohol, or the specific medicine. 
Dose.-From one to ten drops. 
Eupatorium Purpureum. 
Queen of the meadow is a useful remedy in painful 
affections of the urinary organs and dropsy depending on 
lack of renal activity. It has a use in irritable bladder, 
diabetes insipidus, incontinence of urine, and in calculous 
affections. 
It has also been successfully employed in nocturnal in- 436 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
continence of children, though it is not as reliable asrbus 
aromatica and some other remedies, for this condition. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. In 
dysuria, an infusion of the fresh plant in hot water is a 
valuable form. 
Dose,. -Of the specific medicine, from one to ten drops; 
of the infusion, from a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful. 
Fabiana Imbricata. 
Pichi is the common name of this agent, recently intro- 
duced by Parke,Davis & Co. Its influence on the blad- 
der is a prompt and satisfactory one in many cases of irri- 
tation. 
It relieves dysuria, tenesmus and cystitis, and has been 
extolled as a remedy to dissolve stone in the bladder; 
though I think we should accept the last recommendation 
with a grain of allowance. However, it maybe true that 
the resin in this remedy "dissolves the mucus which 
binds together the particles of the stone and thus assists 
in its disintegration," 
Pichi has been used with success in the treatment of 
nocturnal incontinence, and its positive affinity for the 
bladder should encourage a fair trial for it where accred- 
ited remedies fail. 
It has been recommended in renal congestion, where 
structural changes have not taken place, and in uric acid 
formation. Here it has been advised to administer it in 
combination with an alkali, as the uric acid is better held 
in solution. Another advantage in combining it with an 
alkali is, that its resinous principle is precipitated upon 
the addition of water, unless this combination be effected. 
Form for Administration.-The fluid extract prepared by 
Parke. Davis & Co. 
Dose.-From five to twenty drops. 437 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
Fuchsin. 
This is a derivative of analine which has been success- 
fully used in the treatment of some cases of chronic kid- 
ney disease attended with albuminuria. It is used in 
doses varying from one-half of a grain to four grains 
three or four times a day. It should be given in com- 
bination with some simple vegetable remedy as a vehicle. 
Fucus Vesiculosus. 
Sea weed influences the kidneys in medicinal doses, 
and also relievs irritable bladder and chronic cystitis. 
It is a valuable remedy in acute desquamative nephritis, 
to lessen the congestion of the renal capillaries and re- 
lieve consequent irritation. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From five to twenty drops. 
Galium Apabine. 
Cleavers, couch grass, etc., are common names applied 
to this remedy, which grows abundantly in many parts of 
the United States. It is a valuable remedy for irritation 
of the early stage of every form of inflammation occuring 
here. 
Hale, who occupies considerable space in his New 
Remedies to apologize for recommending an infusion of 
this agent, coincides with what Eclectic authors had long 
taught, and commends it in dysuria and suppression of 
urine. He considers it adapted to the dysuria of young 
persons arising from cold, and the vesical irritation aris- 
ing in women suffering from uterine disease. He also 
recommends it in suppression of urine, in strangury aris- 
ing from rheumatic fever, and in irritable bladder from 
prostatic irritation in old men. 
Form for Administration.-The decoction of the fresh 
plant is preferable to other forms if it can be had. Other- 
wise, the specific medicine. 438 
the urinary organs. 
Dose.-The dose of the decoction will vary from a 
tablespoonful to a wineglassful. Of the specific medicine, 
from five to twenty drops. 
Gallic Acid. 
This remedy is one of the most effective we have in 
diabetes insipidus. It seems to promptly contract the re- 
laxed renal capillaries and arrest the polyuria. I have 
seldom been disappointed when I have prescribed it in 
such cases, even when several other accredited remedies 
have failed. 
Form for Administration.-The glycerole of gallic acid. 
Dose.-From ten to thirty drops, repeated three or four 
times daily. 
Gaultheria Procumbens. 
Wintergreen possesses marked properties fitting it for 
affections of the urinary apparatus. It relieves renal as 
well as vesical and urethral irritation, and is useful in the 
early stages of all inflammatory conditions of the kidneys. 
It has arrested tubal nephritis, when casts and blood cor- 
puscles were discernable in the urine. 
Form for Administration.-A decoction of the fresh 
plant or a solution of the oil in alcohol-the essence. 
Dose.-Of the decoction, a wineglassful; of the essence, 
from the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Gelsemium. 
Gelsemium exercises a marked control over irritation 
of the bladder, and is useful in vesical tenesmus, ischuria, 
and dsyuria from spasmodic stricture of the urethra. In 
the retention of urine attending acute inflammatory con- 
ditions it is especially valuable, assuaging the febrile 
symptoms and consequent nervous irritability and spas- 
modic action of the bladder and urethra. 
Combined with eryngium, it constitutes a valuable THE URINARY ORGANS. 
439 
remedy in chronic vesical catarrh, assisting in relieving 
the teasing and other unpleasant symptoms attending. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Hamamelis. 
The witch hazel will sometimes be found of service in 
the treatment of renal difficulties attended by much relax- 
ation of the renal bloodvessels. 
It is useful in hsematuria, where there is absence of in- 
flammatory action, and in polyuria arising from relaxa- 
tion of the renal capillaries. 
Vesical irritability and tenesmus attending varicocele 
demand the exhibition of hamamelis, the distilled extract 
being administered internally and applied to the enlarged 
scrotal veins. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine or a 
good distilled extract. 
Dose.-From five to twenty drops, repeated every three 
or four hours. 
Helonias. 
Helonias dioica manifests an influence over the recu- 
perative processes of the kidneys, and is sometimes val- 
uable in diabetes and Bright's disease. Goss testifies to 
its favorable action in diabetes, but is not prepossessed 
with its virtues in albuminuria. 
Dr. S. A. Jones asserts that it renders alkaline urine 
acid. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Hydrangea. 
This remedy has been lauded for the asserted property 
of dissolving stone in the bladder. However, it has later 
been admitted that it does not possess the power to dis- 440 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
solve calculi that have been formed, but claimed that it 
prevents the formation of calculi through its effects on the 
kidneys. This is more like it. 
Where the calculous habit seems to be engrafted on a 
patient, hydrangea may be thought of as a possible remedy 
for its correction, and it will, probably, at the same time, 
relieve the irritation of the urinary trict that the calcu- 
lous deposits already accumulated may have occasioned. 
Hydrangea possesses soothing properties for the urin- 
ary tract and relieves vesical and urethral irritation. 
This remedy also relieves bronchial irritation. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine or a 
saturated tincture of the fresh root in alcohol. 
Dose.-From five to twenty drops. 
Hydrastis. 
In chronic cystitis attended by considerable catarrh of 
the mucous membrane, hydrastis is a valuable remedy. 
It not only acts very beneficially through the general 
circulation, through its affinity for mucous surfaces, but 
it is also valuable on account of its topical effect, de- 
rived by the use of injections into the bladder. 
Form for Administration.-Lloyd's hydrastis. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops. 
Jaborandi. 
Jaborandi is sometimes useful in diabetes insipidus, 
combined with ergot, to arrest the excessive discharge of 
water. It is also useful in the albuminuria of pregnancy, 
used in doses sufficiently large to stimulate sweating, 
which should be kept up profusely until time for the ef- 
fect to become beneficial has elapsed. 
Jaborandi has been employed in some quarters in the 
advanced stages of Bright's disease to produce a vicari- 
ous action of the skin and relieve the system of the ef- 
fects of retained urinary elements through the sudiparous THE URINARY ORGANS. 
441 
glands. Such treatment must, however, be temporary in 
result. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-To produce free diaphoresis, ten drops repeated 
every one or two hours. Larger doses, if they are to be 
repeated for any great length of time should be used with 
caution and watchfulness. From the fraction of a drop 
to five drops may be employed iu the treatment of 
diabetes. 
Jambol. 
Syzygium jambolanum comes to us recommended for 
the cure of diabetes mellitus. As this is a disease having 
its origin in disturbance of the glycogenic function of the 
liver, it might be more proper to class this remedy with 
those effecting the digestive organs; but as the kidneys 
finally suffer from the effects, diabetes is usually classified 
as a disease of the urinary organs. 
Dr. E. M. Hale contributed an article to the American 
Homeopathist bearing on this subject, in 1885, which is 
here given:- 
"Several months ago there appeared in the London Lan- 
cet a notice of the use of syzygium in the treatment of 
glycosuria. The seeds are the officinal portion. It is an 
East Indian plant, and is used in diabetes by the native 
physicians, who give the pulverized seeds in twenty or 
thirty-grain doses. Their use gives rise to no unpleasant 
symtoms, gastric, intestinal, or urinal, but they have an 
undoubted power to lessen the sugar in the urine. 
"Dr. Hughes, of London, in the Homeopathic World, re- 
ports one case which improved under drop doses of the 
20th dilution. 
"I have lately had an opportunity of observing its ef- 
fects in two cases of glycosuria, and the results are wor- 
thy of record. 442 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
"Case 1.-Mr. C. C. C, a very wealthy and intelligent 
gentleman of Chicago, several years ago-four or five- 
found that he was suffering from glycosuria. He was at 
the time traveling in Europe, and was treated by the most 
eminent physicians of London, Paris and Vienna. The 
amount of sugar fluctuated from 12 to 20 per cent., never 
less than 12. No medicine or diet was able to reduce it 
below that quantity. The specific gravity was always 
high, 1.036. Quantity usually 10 to 12 pints. He had 
lived on skimmed milk and gluten bread for a year at a 
time. Had taken every known remedy in all schools. I 
put him on bromide of arsenic, and again on lycopus vir- 
ginicus, but with no change. A few weeks ago one of his 
medical friends showed him the London Lancet, in which 
was a mention of syzygium. He immediately telegraphed 
to New York and London, and after three weeks succeeded 
in procuring the seeds. From these he had a decoction 
made, according to the following formula:- 
" $ Pulverized seeds of syzygium, one ounce; hot water, 
one pint. When sufficiently infused, add glycerine, one 
ounce, which prevents fermentation. Dose: one teaspoon- 
ful three or four times daily. 
"Mr. C. took this preparation ten days, sometimes tak- 
ing a tablespoonful. No pathogenetic effects were ob- 
served. As to its curative effects, I can but describe them 
by giving, verbatim, a characteristic letter from the patient 
himself:- 
"'Dear Dr. Hale'. No sugar! Sp. gravity very high, 
1.026, but no sugar. That is the most remarkable medi- 
cine in the world, for that purpose. Proclaim it to the 
world. From 12 to 15 per cent, of sugar, never under 
skim milk reducing the amount below 7 per cent., it has 
come after ten days use of syzygium to no sugar. Only 
highly concentrated, 7 per cent, of urea, bat that does not 
matter. It will take out the sugar. I have kept records THE URINARY ORGANS. 
443 
for two years, and never before without finding large 
quantities of sugar. 
'"A daily record and monthly analysis (I have made 
for two years): Quantity reduced at once from eight to 
nine pints in 24 hours, to less than four. It will show 
that result within 40 hours, yes, within 30. 
Yours sincerely, C. C. C. 
"Case II.-Mrs. C., aged 70. Sugar was first observed 
in the urine two or three years ago, but probably had been 
present before, as she had been failing in strength and 
became emaciated before that date. Had been under the 
care of a physician who gave her acids (phosphoric, ni- 
tric), in large doses with some improvement. Before giv- 
ing syzygium the urine showed ten per cent, sugar; spe- 
cific gravity, 1.036; quantity, 4 quarts. Prescribed 5 grs. 
of a trituration made by mixing equal parts of the seeds 
and sugar of milk. Analysis showed after a week's use 
of the drug, sugar, 9 per cent.; specific gravity, 1.042; 
quantity, quarts (56 ounces). 
"This showing was not satisfactory, and the medicine 
was prescribed in the form of a decoction, prepared as fol- 
lows : One ounce of the pulverized seeds was infused in 
one pint of hot water. To this was added one ounce of 
glycerine to prevent fermentation. Of this she was or- 
dered to take a teaspoonful four times a day. In a week 
the urine was found to have the specific gravity of 1.0365; 
sugar, 6.66 per cent.; average daily quantity, 64 ounces 
(4 quarts). 
"Although the sugar had notably decreased, the amount 
of urine had not, but had apparently increased. I say 
apparently, for the patient thought she had drank more 
.water than usual, and the water was from the 'Silurian' 
spring, at Waukesha, which is decidedly diuretic. 
" She was ordered to take two teaspoonfuls four times a 
day of the same decoction. In fourteen days the urine 444 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
was again examined, and showed a specific gravity of 
1.032; sugar, 5.25 per cent.; quantity averaged 40 ounces 
daily. " 
Another report, a portion of which I will reproduce, 
was written by S. N. Brayton, M. D., and published in the 
Investigator, in 1887 :- 
"Hearing of this remedy for diabetes mellitus, I ob- 
tained some of it, and commenced its use in five-grain 
doses, three times a day, on a patient who had been suf- 
fering from the disease for a little over five years. Dur- 
ing that time he had taken ergot, thuja, codeia, bromide of 
arsenic, nitrate of uranium, ledum, plumbum, and count- 
less other remedies, at the same time following out the 
ordinarily prescribed diet for diabetic patients; but with 
the only result of keeping the disease in check to a small 
degree. The gradual tendency was downward, and when 
hope had almost been abandoned and the languor which 
accompanies this difficulty in the later stages became al- 
most unbearable, he resorted to about two ounces of 
whisky once each day, which seemed to benefit in every 
way more than anything used before. 
"He commenced using the syzygium jambolanum on 
the 4th day of January, 1887. In forty-eight hours he 
began to experience beneficial results. The intense thirst 
and weariness subsided, in a measure, and the urine di- 
minished in quantity. After using about an ounce of 
the remedy he noticed that his strength and spirits began 
to return as in former days. The cramps in the limbs, 
the severe attacks of lumbago, the thirst, bleeding of the 
gums and pharynx, the night sweats, which were profuse, 
subsided. 
In fact, all the unpleasant sensations and symptoms 
ceased, and, like the Arabs, folded their tents and si- 
lently stole away. The quantity of urine, which had 
averaged about one-hundred and forty ounces each day of THE URINARY ORGANS. 
445 
twenty-four hours, diminished to about sixty ounces, and 
from being obliged to pass his urine three or four times 
during the night, he was enabled to pass the whole night 
without being disturbed. The quantity of sugar had di- 
minished to a very marked degree; although the specific 
gravity did not decline from 1.035 until after about three 
months. It is now about 1.024, with hardly ever any 
traces of sugar. 
"Although this case is of long standing, it has been 
held in check by diet and almost constant medical treat- 
ment; therefore the kidneys have not suffered materially, 
and a cure has been effected. " 
I have used this remedy with varying success, though 
I can report two cases of diabetes cured with it. Many 
cases are of so long standing that it is impossible to cure 
them with any remedy*. To derive the greatest success 
with jambol it should be begun early in the course of the 
disease and persevered in for many months. The latter 
proposition is impressed upon some patients with diffi- 
culty, and they are liable to disappear before the full 
measure of benefit has been derived. 
Juniperus Communis. 
This remedy, the common juniper, possesses an affinity 
for the urinary tract which proves of service in deficient 
urinary secretion, where there is excess of urates. Goss 
recommends a tincture of the oil of juniper in strangury 
and to stimulate the kidneys in dropsy. It is not a 
powerful remedy, nor one likely to be demanded often. 
Lactate of Strontium. 
This is a new remedy prominently mentioned by French 
therapeutists for its influence in affections of the digestive 
and assimilative organs, and kidneys. M. See has em- 
ployed the lactate of strontium in Bright's disease, where 
it acts very favorably, probably largely through its in- 
fluence on the organs of digestion. 446 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
M. Constantin Paul, in a published account of twelve 
cases of Bright's disease treated with this drug, con- 
cludes as follows:- 
" ' Strontium is not toxic; it is not diuretic; it dimin- 
ishes the albumin well and rapidly in epithelial and par- 
enchymatous nephritis, but it does not suppress it en- 
tirely; if the administration of the drug is stopped too 
soon the albumin increases at once. The diminution of 
the albuminuria is followed by a very notable amelio- 
ration of other symptoms and the patient exhibits much 
improvement. The presence of fever, even intense, does 
not prevent the action of lactate of strontium in paren- 
chymatous nephritis.' 
"Dr. Constantin Paul testifies to the fact that the lac- 
tate is well borne even in daily doses of from 120 to 160 
grains. Although in no sense a diuretic it brings about 
an immediate diminution in the amount of albumin ex- 
creted, and leads to a corresponding improvement in the 
collateral symptoms and general condition of the patient. 
When the exhibition of strontium is suspended, the al- 
bumin reappears in the urine, in some cases, and disap- 
pears on the resumption of the treatment. 
"These observations have been confirmed by others, 
which show clearly enough that lactate of strontium is 
indicated, in the parenchymatous nephritis of gouty and 
rheumatic subjects, as well as in puerperal and post-puer- 
peral albuminuria. There is, moreover, every reason to 
believe that its influence on the renal function may be 
turned to good account in the treatment of glomerular 
(scarlatinal) nephritis." 
'Dose.-From ten to twenty grains every three or four 
hours. 
Lycopodium. 
Lycopodium is useful in spasmodic retention of urine 
in children, and in catarrh of the bladder in adults at- THE URINARY ORGANS. 
447 
tended by frequent and painful urination, with sediment 
of mucus and blood. 
It is especially adapted to the correction of the lithic 
acid habit, and has long maintained a high reputation 
among the homeopathists for urinary difficulties attended 
by the deposit of "red sand in the urine." Attending 
this there is sometimes pain during micturition, either in 
the kidneys, along the ureters, or in the bladder. This 
condition is often complicated with dyspepsia, if not pro- 
ductive of it, and the urinary symptoms and dyspepsia 
wilf both be likely to yield to the one remedy. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add from five to ten drops to four ounces of 
water and give a teaspoonful every two hours. 
Lycopus Virginicus. 
This remedy is curative of diabetes mellitus, and a 
prompt and reliable agent for many of the cases of this 
kind, if its use be begun early in the course of the dis- 
ease. It is also of value in hsematuria, and should be 
thought of in that form occurring early in the onset of 
Bright's disease. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Where the fresh plant can be obtained an infusion made 
with hot water serves the best purpose. It should be 
given in tablespoonful doses. 
Magnesium Phosphate. 
The following clinical notes suggest the usefulness of 
this remedy in vesical irritation:- 
" Case I; had suffered from an attack of gonorrhoea for 
one year before consulting him. There was at this time 
no discharge and no evidence of stricture. The only 
symptom was excessive and imperative urging to urinate 448 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
when standing at work or walking, and accompanied by a 
constrictive pain at the neck of the bladder, extending 
along the urethra to the glans. The act of urination 
was painful, followed by relief which was of short dura- 
tion, when the urging returned and the symptoms were 
repeated as before. Several remedies were tried without 
benefit. Finally, reasoning that the symptoms might be 
caused by spasm of the bladder, magnesia phosphorica, 
6x was given, and effected complete and permanent relief 
within a few days. 
"Case II was similar to Case I; relief in this instance 
was also prompt and lasting. 
"Case III was that of an attorney who had suffered 
for a week from a constant urging to urinate, with pain 
at the neck of the bladder, worse when standing or walk- 
ing, but after complete rest for an hour or two, relief 
from pain for a short time after the urine was passed. 
The urine seemed normal in all these cases with the ex- 
ception of a faint show of phosphates in Case I. Two 
doses of magnesium phosphorica cured Case III. 
"Dr. F. J. Dickey has cured several cases with these 
symptoms following operation on the rectum in females 
where the urethra had been dilated with sounds, and in 
one or two cases in which the rectum alone had been the 
seat of operation. The guiding symptoms had been 'ex- 
cessive and imperative urging to pass small quantities of 
urine with constrictive pain at the neck of the bladder, 
extending along the urethra, worse from standing or 
walking, relief after urinating.' " 
Mitchella Repens. 
This remedy may be found useful in dysuria and other 
bladder affections complicating uterine irritation in female 
diseases following parturition. It is adapted to the troub- 
les of the parturient female, and vesical disturbance aris- 
ing from this condition would suggest its use. THE URINARY ORGANS. 
449 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose-From five to ten drops. 
Nitric Acid. 
"Dr. F, Herle, of Rochester, New York, proposes the 
injection, per rectum, of dilute nitric acid, in the treat- 
ment of Bright's disease and albuminuria, in doses rang- 
ing from half a scruple to a drachm in eight ounces of 
water. He claims to have had success with this novel 
treatment, and states that the quantity of albumin com- 
mences to decrease from the very first injection. He rec- 
ommends an injection daily for two or three weeks."- 
Medical World. 
Nitro- Glycerine. 
"Dr. Burginsky formulates the following conclusions 
from a series of investigations which he made concerning 
the treatment, especially of parenchymatous nephritis: 
1. Nitro-glycerine in small doses reduces the amount of 
albumin in the urine. 2. It increases the total amount 
of the urine secreted and this effect is observed for some 
time after the administration of the drug has been discon- 
tinued. 3. The amount of the albumin is still further 
reduced when the drug is given in gradually increasing 
doses. 4. Nitro-glycerine appears to have no influence 
upon the specific gravity of the urine, nor upon the weight 
of the individual. 5. The only unpleasant effect of the 
drug, when given in Bright's disease, is a slight and transi- 
tory headache, observed sometimes in the commencement 
of the treatment."-Medical Record. 
Nux Vomica. 
Nux has a valuable application to the treatment of in- 
continence of urine in old persons arising from relaxation 
of the vescial sphincter. I think that it is one of the best 
remedies we have in this trouble where paralytic tenden- 450 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
cies are at the foundation of the difficulty, though inconti- 
nence in old persons is very likely to yield to it where 
paralytic symptoms are not manifest. 
The dose in such cases must be material, varying from 
one drop of the specific medicine to one-fourth grain of 
the solid extract. It should be repeated three or four 
times a day. The effect is usually permanent, when it has 
been established. 
OxYDENDRON ArBOREUM. 
This remedy has accomplished some very pretty cures 
of anasarca, doubtless though its action, in a measure, 
on the kidneys. It seems to tone the relaxed capillaries 
of the blood vessels generally, while it augments the re- 
moval of the effused fluids from the tissues. 
Form for Administration.-The solid extract prepared 
by Lloyd Brothers. 
Dose.-From three to six grains, every two or three 
hours during the day. 
Oxygen. 
Oxygen has proven a valuable remedy in post scarla- 
tinal nephritis. It is positive as any remedy we possess, 
if its use be properly made. It should be inhaled, in the 
form of a gas, and the oxygen water should be given by 
mouth at the same time. The inhalations may be prac- 
ticed every two hours or oftener, if demanded by the 
urgency of the case. 
The oxygen may be stored in a rubber bag, to be with- 
drawn at time of need, and being renewed from time to 
time, may be kept constantly at hand, for ready applica- 
tion. Oxygen water is a grateful drink in such cases usu- 
ally, as it diminishes thirst, nausea and fever. Rapid 
and satisfactory convalescence commonly follows this 
treatment. THE URINARY ORGANS. 
451 
Phosphoric Acid. 
This remedy acts on products destined to reach the 
kidneys at a later period, rather than on the kidneys 
themselves. In diabetes mellitus, it corrects the disturb- 
ance of the urinary organs, in some cases. 
In a quite common form of polyuria, that arising from 
nervous causes, as mental disturbance, it is one of the 
best remedies we possess, and should commend itself in 
the treatment of the frequent flushings of the urinary ap- 
paratus that occur in broken down, nervous, hyperaes- 
thetic individuals liable to such occurrences upon trivial 
annoyance. 
It is also valuable, as numerous writers have attested, 
in the correction of phosphatic deposits in the urine. 
Dose.-From one to ten drops of the dilute phosphoric 
acid. 
Plantago Major. 
This remedy is often a successful one in the treatment 
of nocturnal enuresis among children. It is applicable 
to cases of relaxation of the sphincter vesicse, where the 
urinary discharge is profuse and colorless. 
Populus Tremuloides. 
Populus exerts a powerful influence over the plastic or 
recuperative forces of the kidneys, and is a valuable rem- 
edy in granular degeneration of these organs. Populin, 
an active principle from the populus, is a favorite form 
for administration here. It also acts well in chronic ves- 
ical irritation attended by severe tenesmus. Tenesmus 
is a prominent indication for its use, especially if occur- 
ring after, instead of during, micturition. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. The 
populin may be given in the first decimal trituration. 
Dose.-Add ten drops to four ounces of water and give 452 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
frequently, every hour or so, in vesical irritation. The' 
dose of the trituration of populin may be a grain or two 
every four hours. 
Polygonum. 
Professor Goss commends polygonum in retention of 
urine from want of expulsive power in the bladder. He 
asserts that this remedy gives tone to the bladder in such 
cases, and that it will relieve the retention in a few hours. 
He recommends half an ounce of the infusion of the fresh 
plant at a dose, repeating every hour or two. 
POLYTRIOHUM JUNIPERINUM. 
Hair-cap moss is a diuretic of old, established repu- 
tation. It increases the amount of urine secreted and 
imparts to it a bland influence acceptable in calculous 
formations and the irritation consequent on their pres- 
ence. This influence is believed to lessen the liability to 
calculous deposits. 
It also acts favorably in the treatment of dropsical 
accumulation, especially in cardiac dropsy, through its 
influence on the kidneys. 
Form for Administration.-An infusion of the fresh plant 
in hot water, when the plant can be obtained. The 
specific medicine is the most reliable preparation in the 
market. 
Dose.-From five to ten drops. 
Rhus Aromatica. 
This remedy acts on the entire length of the urinary 
apparatus. It acts promptly in many cases of diabetes 
insipidus, and numerous cases of diabetes mellitus have 
been reported cured with it. 
In nocturnal enuresis it is one of the best remedies we 
possess, and will seldom fail to cure unless the case is 
thoroughly intractable. It is valuable in the incontinence THE URINARY ORGANS. 
453 
of adults, as well as of children. The dribbling of old 
men attending relaxation of the sphincter vesicae and 
prostatic difficulties will suggest it. 
In hemorrhages, both from the bladder and uterus, it 
is a prompt and reliable remedy. 
I have employed it with the best of satisfaction in ves- 
ical irritation in women suffering from sexual troubles, as 
well as in other cases not so complicated. It is the most 
trustworthy remedy of this kind we possess. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From one to ten drops. 
Sabal Serrulata. 
Saw palmetto is a valuable remedy in relaxation of 
the urinary organs, and will be found an excellent tonic 
when there is exhaustion of the nervous system attended 
by diuresis. 
In vesical tenesmus the result of prostatic irritation, it 
is a prompt remedy in the majority of cases; it is thus a 
valuable agent in the treatment of vesical difficulties oc- 
curring in old men. It is also applicable to vesical irri- 
tation attending uterine disease. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From five to twenty drops. 
Santali Oleum. 
Oil of sandal wood is valuable in pyelitis, and other in- 
flammatory conditions of the urinary tract. Its principal 
use, however, is in the treatment of gonorrhoea, in which 
it is highly esteemed by many practitioners of the old 
school. 
Form for Administration.-This oil is often adulterated, 
and a reliable brand should be selected; Parke, Davis & 
Co. supply an article which has given me satisfaction, and 
I can recommend it. 
Dose.-From three to ten drops. 454 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
Santonin. 
Santonin specifically influences the urinary tract, reliev- 
ing irritation, and is useful in acute nephritis, nocturnal 
enuresis, dysuria, strangury, vesical tenesmus and chronic 
vesical catarrh. 
Form for Administration.-The 2x trituration. 
Dose.-From two to three grains. 
Sarsaparilla. 
Sarsaparilla acts on the bladder to relieve irritation of 
chonic character. It relieves the teasing and tenesmus of 
chronic cystitis, and is applicable to the treatment of ves- 
ical catarrh, as a constitutional remedy. Here its use 
should be associated with properly adapted local applica- 
tions, for washing out the viscus. 
SCOPARIUS SUMMITATES. 
Broom tops afford a very effective principle in the treat- 
ment of various forms of dropsy, when there is lack of 
vigorous renal action. 
The best form for use is a decoction, which should be 
drank freely at frequent intervals. Much depends upon 
the use of a recent article. 
Secale Cornutum. 
Ergot is of use in relaxation of the sphincter vesicse, to 
assist in controlling dribbling of urine and nocturnal in- 
continence. 
Also in hsematuria attending various organic diseases 
of the kidneys, as well as in diabetes insipidus, where it 
often acts promptly to control the diuresis. 
Something is claimed for it in paralysis of the bladder, 
though there are doubtless better remedies here. A con- 
tinuous sensation as if the organ were imperfectly relieved 
of its contents is a homeopathic indication for its use in 
such cases. THE URINARY ORGANS. 
455 
Form for Administration.-Lloyd's, or Parke, Davis <fc 
Co's normal liquid. 
Dose.-From five to twenty drops, repeated as often as 
the case may require. 
Senecio. 
Life root exerts considerable influence upon the plastic 
power of the kidneys, and is useful in diseases tending to 
break down the renal structure. In granular degenera- 
tion of the kidneys, and other forms of albuminuria, it 
has been used with success. In vesical irritation it some- 
times affords satisfaction, though it does not compare with 
rhus aromatica and some other remedies here. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Senna. 
"Senna is known in old school therapeutics as a tolera- 
bly active purgative, influencing mainly the small intes- 
tine, and causing a good deal of colic in its operation. 
Its chief value for us, however, resides in the changes it 
induces in the urine, in which Martins ascertained that it 
always causes an increase in the amount of urea, chloride 
of sodium, earthy phosphates and urates, so that the 
secretion is increased. Dr. Drysdale has told us how to 
turn this action of the drug to good account, by recording 
a case of oxaluria with excess of urea (the specific gravity 
of the urine being 1.035), the stools also being diarrhoeaic, 
in which tincture of senna, four drops twice a day, brought 
about rapid amendment."-Hughes. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture referred to here 
was that of the homeopathic pharmacies. 
Silica. 
This remedy promises to prove effective in the treat- 
ment of organic affections of the kidneys. Dr. Battye,of 
Edinburgh, employed it successfully in cases attended with 456 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
sugar and albumin in the urine, as well as in the treat- 
ment of cancer, in which it relieved the pain, and also 
caused the diminution of fibroid tumors of the pelvis. 
This remedy has long been in use by the homeopathists 
for affections of the bones, suppuration, etc., but Dr. Bat- 
tye belongs to the old school, and uses one-grain doses of 
the powdered, crude silica. 
Silphium. 
This remedy, in addition to valuable properties as a 
pulmonary medicine, has been used successfully in the 
treatment of vesical catarrh. As with other remedies for 
this complaint, however, the bladder should be frequently 
cleansed with proper washes, that the therapeutic effect 
may not be interfered with by fermentative action. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture from a homeo- 
pathic pharmacy. 
Staphisageia. 
Delphinium staphisagria exerts an influence upon the 
bladder, prostate gland and urethra, which is sometimes 
of service in the teasing urinary difficulties of old men, 
subject to vesical or prostatic irritation. In such cases, 
where incontinence of urine is an annoying factor, and 
where frequent urging is present, it will often prove a 
most efficient remedy in our practice. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Thuja Occidentalis. 
Arbor vitae has long been a favorite remedy with the 
homeopathists as an agent for the treatment of gonorrhoea. 
That it possesses rare virtues here I am inclined, from 
my own experience, to doubt. But in some urinary diffi- 
culties, it promises better results, and I think the late 
Professor Howe should be credited with having first called 
attention to this use of the remedy. THE URINARY ORGANS. 
457 
He recommended it in incontinence of urine, both in 
adults and in children. The dribbling of urine common 
in old men, is doubtless the result of prostatic enlarge- 
ment, and is an application of the remedy long ago recom- 
mended by Dr. Richard Hughes, of London; but the use 
of the drug for the relief of the incontinence of children 
is of Eclectic origin. 
The following article, written for the August number, 
1892, of the Eclectic Medical Journal, by P. F. Price, M. D., 
illustrates the application of this remedy so well that I 
will reproduce it entire:- 
" My attention has been called to several articles by 
Prof. A. J. Howe, on the therapeutical value of thuja. 
I concluded to try it in the treatment of conditions named 
by the Professor, and on trial achieved good results. 
"During the summer of 1891 a man came to my office, 
and told me about his boy of twelve years, who was in 
the habit of 'wetting the bed' every night. No differ- 
ence how often he would get up during the night the 
result was the same. The father stated that his boy had 
been affected in this way all his life, more or less, and 
nothing that had been done for him in the way of med- 
icine had done any good. After stating fully the boy's 
condition, he wanted to know if I could do anything for him 
in the way of relief, and I answered in the affirmative. 
"I prescribed: Apis mellifica gtt.x, mix vom. gttv, 
aqua ?iv, M. 
A teaspoonful every three hours. Also prescribed gr.v, 
of sulphur, every other night, at bedtime, with a warm 
bath, and rubbed with a rough towel, the foot of the bed 
to be raised about six inches higher than the head. 
"This treatment was continued for about two months 
with considerable improvement, but it did not entirely 
overcome the incontinence of urine, though the boy's 
health otherwise greatly improved. After seeing that the 458 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
condition could not be controlled by this treatment I pre- 
scribed: fy Belladonna gtt. x, aqua M. A teaspoon- 
ful four times a day. This was continued four weeks, 
with some improvement, but no cure. Meanwhile I was 
reading up the matter, and my attention wTas called to an 
article on thuja. I requested my druggist to order it foi 
me. In a short time it came. I then prescribed thuja, 
in five drop doses, at bedtime. After about two weeks, 
the father came into the office, and said: 'My boy is bet- 
ter; dont wet the bed more than two or three times in a 
week. But, he is so nervous. Will the medicine cause 
it?' I evaded a positive answer, and ordered three-drop 
doses every other night for two weeks longer. At the ex- 
piration of this time he reported that his boy was cured; 
did not pass any urine in bed, nor did he have to get up 
during the night. 
"The trouble has never returned, so far as I know. 
"Case II.-A man, aged 65, called on me several differ- 
ent times for treatment for, as he called it, 'dribbling 
urine.' During the night he would be compelled to void 
his urine as often as half a dozen different times, and dur- 
ing the day would 'dribble in his breeches,' as he stated, 
so that he was ashamed to go away from home, for he 
was always wet. I interrogated him in regard to his 
trouble, and diagnosed an enlarged prostate, with great 
irritation. 
"I prescribed belladonna for a time, with no improve- 
ment, then gave nux, with the same result. I then gave 
pulsatilla, which made some improvement, but not enough 
to satisfy the old man. I then gave him an ounce vial of 
thuja, told him to take five drops at bedtime, and ten 
grains of sulphate of magnesium, every other night. In 
three weeks I saw him again. He said he was feeling 
much better. He could sleep all night without being dis- 
turbed to void his urine. He says he cannot do without THE URINARY ORGANS. 
459 
'them green drops for his dribbling,' to keep his breeches 
dry." 
Trillium Pendulum. 
Trillium pendulum relieves the relaxation attending the 
profuse diuresis present in diabetes mellitus and insipi- 
dus. It has been lauded as a cure for diabetes by some, 
but it is likely that it will not control glycosuria, though 
it may lessen the amount of fluid passed in that complaint. 
It has not an extensive use with modern Eclectics in this 
disease, and as there are probably better remedies it is 
not likely to become popular. 
TRITICUM PvEPENS. 
Couch-grass is useful in cystitis and dysuria. "Where 
the bladder is chronically irritable this remedy will some- 
times serve a valuable purpose. 
Form for Administration.-The infusion of the fresh 
plant is the preferable form; where this cannot be ob- 
tained, the specific medicine. 
Turnera Aphrodisiaca. 
This remedy, better known as damiana, is a tonic in re- 
laxed states of the urinary organs attended by the depo- 
sition of oxalates and phosphates in the urine. It has 
enjoyed a wide reputation in the treatment of impotency, 
and has probably been over lauded, though its properties 
are undoubtedly valuable in some cases of this kind. 
Urtica Urens. 
This is a remedy that will be but seldom used, though 
it may be of service in certain cases of irritation of the 
bladder and urethra. Those who place considerable stress 
on the law of "similars" would advocate its use in stran- 
gury attended by stinging sensation in the urethra, re- 
sembling that of the nettle when applied to the skin. 460 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
Uva Ursi. 
This remedy is valuable in general relaxation of the uri- 
nary tract indicated by dragging in the loins and a feeling 
of insecurity about the bladder and perinseum. It tones 
up the fibers of the renal and vesical mucous membrane, 
and imparts invigoration to the whole system. 
In chronic irritation of the bladder it is a valuable 
remedy, relieving the pain and tenesmus and lessening 
the catarrhal products, though these ought to be washed 
out with proper douches in order that the remedy may 
have full opportunity to exert its beneficial effect. 
Form for Administration.-A decoction of the fresh plant 
is preferable. 
Dose.-A tablespoonful, repeated every two or three 
hours. 
Verbascum Thapsus. 
The so-called "oil" of mullein has acquired considera- 
ble of a reputation within the past few years, in the treat- 
ment of incontinence of urine and other vesical difficulties. 
It is not an oil, but an extract obtained by filling bottles 
with the flowers and suspending them in the sun for a 
few days. The resulting fluid, which separates, is the 
"oil" of mullein. 
Besides its action in nocturnal enuresis, which is to be 
commended for this purpose, it seems to correct the ir- 
ritating properties of the urine, when these are the cause 
of vesical irritation, and with this follows relief of perma- 
nent character. It is thus useful in the painful micturi- 
tion of chronic cystitis with alkaline urine, in lithaemia 
where micturition is painful, and in vesical calculus. 
Dose.-From one to ten drops. 
Vesicaria Communis. 
This remedy, known in Germany as "Gemine Blasen 
Kraut," has been found of signal service in the treatment THE URINARY ORGANS. 
461 
of urinary difficulties. It is useful in chronic inflamma- 
tory states of the urinary mucous membrane, seeming to 
influence the plastic power of this part and restore it 
to health, when chronically inflamed and its structure 
threatened. 
It relieves irritation in the kidneys, ureters, bladder 
and urethra. Its influence on the urethra renders it a 
valuable remedy in gonorrhoea, in both male and female. 
Vesicaria is curative in vesical catarrh, chronic vesical 
irritation, cystitis, etc. Its action on the kidneys seems 
no less positive. The following report of a case of trau- 
matic albuminuria illustrates its power as a remedy. It 
is from the pen of Professor E. R. Waterhouse, M. D., 
and was published in the Homeopathic News:- 
"On May 10th, 1891, a case came into my hands with 
the following history: I. A. M., age, 28 years, occupa- 
tion, making up passenger trains in Union Depot yard 
(St. Louis). 
"In November last, w'hile switching in some coaches, 
he was standing in front of the engine, which had three 
coaches behind it. As he attempted to get off to open 
a switch he fell. His body being too large to allow the 
footboard to pass over him, he was rolled in front of the 
*iron horse,' for thirty or forty feet, or until the engine 
could be brought to a stand. He was unable to stand 
upon his feet, and was taken to the hospital, where he was 
told that he would probably die. He was one mass of 
bruises, no bones being broken. He gradually improved 
until he was able to make an occasional trip to his home. 
About February 1st, he made complaint that his feet and 
lower limbs were swollen. This caused an examination 
of his urine to be made, which was found to contain a 
very large amount of albumin. 
"After being examined by several physicians he was 
sent home, the hospital physicians telling him they could 462 
THE URINARY ORGANS. 
do no more for him, and that he was bound to die within 
sixty days. I was called to see him and found him in 
bed, with a temperature of 101. Upon examination of the 
urine I found large quantities of albumin. Into a test 
tube containing urine I would put a little nitric acid, 
when the albumin would coagulate to such extent that in 
half an hour the contents would seem nearly solid. He 
complained of "all gone" feelings, so characteristic of 
such diseases. 
" I believed the congestion upon which the presence of 
the albumin depended could be removed, and his condi- 
tion at least be improved. I began the treatment by re- 
ducing his temperature with the proper sedative, after 
which I gave vesicaria tincture, in doses of gtt. xv. Im- 
provement began at once, the quantity of albumin grew 
less day by day until about May 28th, when it had en- 
tirely disappeared. 
"He resumed his work about June 1st, weighing about 
180 pounds. I should have stated that on May 1st his 
weight was 165 pounds, and at this writing he weighs 192 
pounds. He has no aches nor pains, and says he never 
felt better in his life. I have examined his urine several 
times this month, but not a trace of albumin is to be 
found." 
Form for Administration.-The tincture from the fresh 
plant; the tincture of the dried specimen is worthless. 
The Luyties Company, of St. Louis, Missouri, furnish 
this product, in good form. 
Dose.-From five to twenty drops. 463 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
JEsculus Hippocastanum. 
This remedy is adapted to the relief of chronic conges- 
tive conditions of the uterus, especially to chronic cervi- 
citis and endocervicitis. Hale recommends it here when 
the condition is characterized by throbbing in the abdom- 
inal and pelvic cavities, but I do not think this symptom 
necessary to justify its selection, if this form of inflamma- 
tion exist; if the inflammation be present and not due to 
traumatic causes, and even if it is in some cases, sesculus 
hippocastanum will answer a good purpose. It will be 
prescribing very close to the mark to select it at any rate. 
Form for administration and dose may be as directed 
for hemorrhoids. 
Agnus Castus. 
This remedy selectively influences the sexual organs 
through the circulation. It seems to possess the power, 
in tolerably large doses, of repressing the sexual propen- 
sities, and may occasionally be found useful in erotoma- 
nia. It is recorded in history that it was used by Athe- 
nian women during religious ceremonies to repress car- 
nal desire, as well as by mediaeval monks, for the same 
purpose. 
In minute doses it is a reputed remedy for impotence, 
and is employed by the homeopaths on the principle of 
" similia." I think we will find more positive remedies 
for this purpose, though this might be tried as a dernier 
ressort. 
Hughes suggests this remedy in sexual melancholy, and 
Dioscorides asserted that it promotes menstruation and 
the secretion of milk. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture from a homeo- 
pathic pharmacy. 464 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
Dose.-As a remedy for erotomania, from five to fif- 
teen drops. In impotency, the dose should be smaller. 
Those who report success with it in this affection used 
the 6x dilution. 
Aletris Farinosa. 
The aletris has long been a favorite remedy with Ec- 
lectics, on account of its affinity for the reproductive ap- 
paratus of the female. It improves the functional power 
of the uterus, as well, probably, as influencing a change 
in its nutrition when the structures have become debili- 
tated by disease, and has been found very positive in pre- 
venting abortion, thus classing with mitchella, viburnum 
prunifolium and certain other remedies. 
In thin, anaemic women, where menstruation is tardy and 
scanty, it is a very positive remedy, improving the regu- 
larity and quantity of the discharge, while accompanying 
ailments are usually banished. It is a valuable aid to 
digestion, and this property will commend it for the treat- 
ment of delicate, dyspeptic, illy nourished cases, in which 
uterine disorders are prominent features. Relaxation of 
the uterine supports may be benefited with this remedy 
also, the sensation of bearing down attending many cases 
of debility of the female sexual system yielding to the 
remedy in appropriate doses. 
Sterility, as well as habitual abortion, will suggest this 
remedy. Where the fault is due to lack of functional 
power on the part of the uterus, this remedy ranks with 
the best of its class. 
It is also adapted to certain unpleasant conditions at- 
tending pregnancy. In the morning sickness common to 
so many cases it will often prove an effective remedy, and 
in the pelvic discomfort so frequently experienced it may 
prove more reliable than pulsatilla, cimicifuga, caulophyl- 
lum, or sepia. THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
465 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Alumina. 
Of this remedy, Dr. Richard Hughes, in his Manual of 
Pharmacodynamics, remarks: "Alumina seems to affect 
chiefly the sexual system and the mucous membranes. 
Teste says, 'I have often derived the greatest advantages 
from the use of this drug in the case of aged females, 
against diseases which had been apparently seated in the 
sexual system, but whose primary symptoms had disap- 
peared with the complete cessation of the menstrual 
periods.' It has cured in his hands chronic gonorrhoea 
and leucorrhoea, chronic post-gonorrhoeal induration of 
the testicles and raised, itching spots in the vulva and 
vagina. In the mucous membranes, the characteristic 
feature indicating alumina seems to be dryness with more 
or less irritation. All the affections to which alumina is 
suitable are of a chronic character, and occur in old peo- 
ple, or in dry and thin subjects." 
Form for Administration.-The 6x or lOx dilution, as 
obtained from a homeopathic pharmacy. 
Ampelopsis. 
This has been suggested as a remedy for agalactia. 
Amyl Nitrite. 
The nitrite of amyl is a reliable remedy for the relief 
of after-pains. A writer in the Journal of Obstetrics, ob- 
serves: "I am satisfied that in many cases a nice warm 
meal is better than medicine in these cases. Still, I have 
had several cases in which the pains were exhaustingly 
severe, and in which I was glad to turn to nitrite of amyl. 
This potent drug is a very efficient controller of after- 
pains, and, used cautiously, I see no reason to apprehend 
harm from it. A neat way to use it is to saturate a small 466 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
piece of tissue paper with five or six drops, stuff this into 
a two-drachm vial, and request the patient to draw the 
cork and inhale the odor when she feels the pain coming 
on. It acts with magical celerity." 
This remedy is also valuable in relaxing rigid os during 
labor, and may be employed in the same manner. 
Apis. 
Apis mellifica relieves the puffy irritation attended 
with itching occasionally affecting the genitals. Hughes 
recommends it in inflammation of the labia. 
Apocynum. 
Apocynum cannabinum exerts an influence on the uterus 
and has restored the menses in some cases of amenor- 
rhoea. It may found of value in menorrhagia, as it is 
reported to have cured severe cases of the kind, by Dr. 
Marsden. 
Asafgetida. 
This remedy exerts an influence on the mammary 
glands, and is a galactagogue of considerable power. It 
may be thought of in cases where there is want of lacteal 
secretion and it is desirable to augment the supply. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x dilution. 
Dose.-From one to three drops. 
Aurum. 
This remedy influences the testes, and has been effect- 
ive in the treatment of sarcocele, and in atrophy of the 
testes following epididymitis. Induration of the uterus 
and ovaries has also been benefited by this drug, and it 
should have a place in the treatment of such affections. 
It is also valuable in disturbances of the sexual appe- 
tite, as erotomania, irritability of the sexual organs, im- 
potency from premature ejaculation, nocturnal emissions, 
etc. It should be recollected as a remedy likely to act 467 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
favorably in chronic sexual diseases of either sex when 
the structure of the parts seems involved in the diffi- 
culty-when there is more than a temporary functional 
disturbance. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration of the 
chloride of gold and sodium. 
Dose-From one to three grains. 
Avena Sativa. 
This is a favorite remedy for nocturnal emissions, when 
the affection is purely a nervous one and requires a rem- 
edy to augment the innervation of the sexual apparatus. 
It is the most prompt and efficient remedy in the materia 
medica for this condition, I believe. Where much pros- 
tatic irritation exists it may be well to alternate it with 
such remedies as sabal serrulata, staphisagria, or oil of 
sandal-wood. 
The spermatorrhoea that follows exhausting fevers and 
other debilitating di-eases will usually yield promptly to 
this remedy, if sexual abuse has not been a partial factor 
in the causation. Even then it will materially assist in a 
cure, by strengthening the nervous energies of the affected 
parts and steadying tendency to explosions of sexual 
erethism. 
I do not think that it specifically influences irritation 
of the prostatic urethra, and am of the opinion that in 
emissions due almost entirely to this cause it will not 
prove as successful as in those cases where enervation or 
nervous erethism are prime factors, but it will do for a 
trial remedy in every case where clear discrimination 
seems difficult, and will succeed the majority of times. I 
often combine it with gelsemium, as I think this assists 
in relieving spasmodic action at the base of the bladder 
Form for Administration.-Keith's concentrated tine- 468 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
ture. A saturated tincture of the green plant, while the 
kernel is in the milk, is nearly as reliable. 
Dose.-From five to fifteen drops. 
Baeosma. 
Buchu resembles thuja somewhat in its action on the 
prostate gland, though this is not so powerful nor posi- 
tive as that of thuja. It might be thought of as a pos- 
sible remedy here, though it is not likely to supersede 
remedies like thuja, saw palmetto and some others. 
Borax. 
Borax exerts an undoubted influence on the uterus. 
In small and repeated doses, continued two or three 
months it is a very certain abortifacient, its influence on 
the functions of the uterus being thus unmistakably 
manifested. 
It is a very positive emmenagogue, and may be used 
with success where a remedy of this kind is required. 
It is also recommended in sterility, where conception 
seems to be prevented by leucorrhceal discharges. 
In olden time this remedy was "regarded as an agent 
exercising a specific influence over the uterus; promoting 
menstruation, alleviating the pain which sometimes at- 
tends the process, facilitating parturition, diminishing the 
pain of accouchment, and favoring the expulsion of the 
placenta and lochia." It is also a remedy of repute in 
the radical cure of membraneous dysmenorrhoea. 
Form for Administration.-The powdered, crude salt, or 
the 3x trituration. 
Dose.-One grain of the crude salt; from two to three 
grains of the trituration. 
Bromide of Potassium. 
This remedy influences the nervous supply of the re- 
productive organs, and will sometimes be found of service 
to quiet the irritation of the vesiculse seminales and ejac- 469 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
ulatory ducts, in the treatment of spermatorrhoea in per- 
sons of plethoric habit and vigorous sexual capacity. It 
is especially useful when taken at bedtime, and will often 
prove efficacious in carrying the patient through the night 
without emissions. A full dose should be given at bed- 
time when it is used for this purpose. 
Hughes (Manual of Pharmacodynamics) refers to the ac- 
tion of this agent in ovarian cysts, and asserts that several 
well authenticated cures have been accomplished with it. 
"A case of this kind is recorded in the Edinburgh Medical 
Journal for 1868, in which, after a single tapping, the con- 
tinuous use of the bromide in doses of five, ten and fifteen 
grains, effected a complete cure. In the twenty-seventh 
volume of the British Journal of Homeopathy Dr. Black 
records an equally satisfactory case where grain doses 
sufficed for the cure; and in the twenty-eighth volume 
you may read one of my own. There is much encourage- 
ment here for future trials." 
- Bryonia. 
Bryonia is highly recommended by Hughes, for inflam- 
mation of the mammary gland. He remarks: "When- 
ever, from the first coming in of the milk, from catching 
cold while nursing, or from abrupt weaning, the breasts 
become tender, knotty and painful, bryonia will almost 
certainly resolve the inflammation and prevent the forma- 
tion of an abscess." 
These suggestions might have been of service before 
the time of phytolacca, but I am sure that bryonia bears 
no comparison with this drug in mammary inflammation. 
However, we can never possess too many remedies for a 
single purpose, if we use them judiciously, for the best 
tried one may fail and the least reliable one succeed 
occasionally. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x dilution of the spe- 
cific medicine. 470 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
Dose.-Five or ten drops should be added to four ounces 
of water and of this a teaspoonful should be given every 
hour. 
Calcarea Ostrearum-v 
The powdered oyster shell is a valuable remedy in all 
relaxed states of the mucous membranes. I have found 
it the most reliable internal remedy I have ever used in 
uterine and vaginal catarrh. Wherever this is due to 
relaxation of the mucous membrane and not to irritation 
from laceration of the cervix or other local disturbance, I 
prescribe calcarea carb, with pretty certain expectation of 
success. 
/ 
Of course there are special conditions which may ren- 
der this a more particularly applicable remedy; I believe 
that strumous subjects respond to it more readily than 
others and such ones are the most liable to contract this 
kind of relaxation of mucous membrane; but it is not best 
to be too discriminating here, for the remedies that are 
positive in any case are few, and this can do no harm to 
say the least of it, if tried in all. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration. 
Dose.-From two to three grains, repeated four or five 
times daily. 
Calcium Phosphate. 
In certain forms of mal-nutrition attending the estab- 
lishment of the menses following child-birth (puerperal 
anaemia), as from rapid child-bearing or prolonged suck- 
ling, and in debility occasioned from excessive menstru- 
ation and profuse leucorrhceal discharge in strumous 
subjects, I think this a very useful remedy. I consider it 
especially called for if there be a chronic irritation of 
the tonsils and fauces attending such cases. 
The action of this remedy is slow, but it often gives 
good returns after it has been taken two or three months. 
Very intractable cases yield to it when its use is persisted 
in, provided it be properly adapted. 471 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
Form for Administration.-The crude salt may be used, 
or the 3x trituration. I prefer the trituration, from my 
own experience. 
Dose.-One or two grains of the crude salt, two or three 
of the trituration. 
Cannabis. 
Cannabis sativa will sometimes be useful in the treat- 
ment of the advanced stage of gonorrhoea, its specific 
influence rendering it of service to relieve the subacute 
inflammation remaining after the active inflammation has 
been reduced with the more pronounced sedatives. 
Cannabis Indica is a valuable remedy in neuralgic and 
spasmodic dysmenorrhoea. Hale (New Remedies) writes 
very enthusiastically of this remedy here, asserting that it 
has cured cases formerly treated by specialists for years 
unsuccessfully with electricity and other reputable meas- 
ures. Women subject to neuralgia are the best adapted 
to its action. It should be given in large enough doses 
to impress the system, and its use should be begun several 
days before the time of menstruation, that its effect may 
be well established before time for the pain to begin. 
It also relieves after-pains, and is valuable in metrorrha- 
gia, menorrhagia, and haemorrhage occurring during preg- 
nancy. Hale calls attention to its reputed action as a 
partus accelerator, and asserts that a limited experience 
with it in his hands, bears out the recommendation. 
It may be profitably investigated as a remedy for im- 
potency, spermatorrhoea, and some other affections of the 
male organs. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From three to ten drops. 
Carbo. 
Vegetable charcoal has been recommended as a remedy 
for pruritus pudendi. In some of the persistent cases 472 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
occasionally encountered it might be well to recollect 
this, as a trial could do no harm at the most. 
Animal charcoal may be found of service in the treat- 
ment of induration of the mammary glands, and in the 
correction of certain offensive discharges, as putrid lochia. 
It has also been recommended by good authority for 
"stinking feet," as well as for offensive body exhalations. 
I must confess that my own faith in such a use of the 
remedy is not overwhelming. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration of both 
the vegetable and the animal charcoal. 
Dose-Two or three grains. 
Caulophyllum. 
Blue cohosh exerts a pronounced effect upon the re- 
productive organs of women. It is a positive remedy in 
dysmenorrhoea when properly adapted, is a partus accel- 
erator, and is useful to fortify the pregnant uterus against 
a predisposition to premature casting off of its contents. 
It also acts well to prepare the parturient woman for the 
successful accomplishment of labor. 
Caulophyllum undoubtedly influences the uterus prin- 
cipally, in its action on the reproductive organs of women, 
and it acts promptly in controlling spurious labor pains; 
and where there is an uncertainty in the diagnosis of such 
cases it will assist materially in deciding this by bringing 
on proper and successful labor if that is what the pains 
suggest, or in relieving them if parturition be not impend- 
ing. After labor has begun, if the pains are tardy and 
inefficient, caulophyllum ranks with cimicifuga and pulsa- 
tilla in its capacity of regulating them and rendering them 
efficient. It does not bring on the rigid and forceful 
pains of ergot here, but augments a normal condition and 
relaxes, instead of constricting the os uteri, thus favoring 
the ready and safe delivery of the child. THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
473 
It is a valuable remedy in rheumatism of the uterus, 
and will aid very much in the relief of persistent pain in 
the organ when this is not due to inflammatory action 
outside of a rheumatic complication. It may be thought 
of with advantage in chorea arising from suppression of 
the menses, not only to relieve the reflex action but to 
promote the molimen as well. 
This will also be found a useful remedy in orchialgia, in 
patients of rheumatic diathesis. With its proper admin- 
istration, and support to the testicle or rest in the recum- 
bent position, good results are almost sure to follow. 
Form for Administration,-The specific medicine. I 
think highly also of a trituration of caulophyllin (the 
active principle) in cases demanding this remedy, usuallv 
using the 2x or 3x, in two or three-grain doses. Lloyd's 
"leontin" is another excellent form for the action of this 
remedy, and is highly written and spoken of by those 
who have used it. 
Chamomilla. 
This is a feeble remedy, so far as its action on the sex- 
ual organs is concerned, and will not be used very often 
by those well acquainted with the more potent remedies 
furnished by our materia medica. It may sometimes be 
made use of with advantage in the treatment of spasmodic 
dysmenorrhcea, spurious labor pains and after-pains. 
Its best use will be in the correction of peculiar mental 
developments accompanying affections of the female re- 
productive organs, as irritability, irascibility and peevish- 
ness, occurring erratically and cropping out suddenly. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. An 
infusion of the green plant cannot be excelled when this is 
obtainable. 
Dose.-Of the specific medicine, from the fraction of a 
drop to five drops; of the infusion, a teaspoonful or more. 474 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
Chelidonium. 
Chelidonium has been used successfully for the radical 
cure of hydrocele. Dr. R. K. Gosh, of Calcutta, India, 
reports ( Hahnemannian Monthly) a large percentage of 
cases treated by him with it radically cured. Out of 
twenty cases treated fifteen at least were permanently re- 
lieved, through the specific action of this drug on the 
parts involved. 
Dr. S. Lilienthal also recommended it for the same pur- 
pose in an article published in the Medical Advance. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. This 
may be diluted in water so that from the tenth to tha 
twentieth of a drop may be administered in a teaspoonful, 
repeated every two or three hours. 
Chimaphilla. 
This remedy has cured chronic prostatic irritation, and 
should form one of the list of the few remedies applicable 
to diseases of this part. In chronic prostatitis associated 
with vesical catarrh it may be found to excel saw palmetto. 
It is also asserted to act curatively in tumors of the 
mammary gland, though I have no knowledge of its use 
in this direction. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine or the 
infusion of the fresh plant. 
Dose.-Of the specific medicine, from the fraction of a 
drop to ten drops; of the infusion, from a teaspoonful to 
a tablespoonful. 
Chloroform. 
Chloroform is one of the most positive relaxants of 
the cervical tissues in rigidity of the os that exist. The 
most stubborn cases will yield to it if the remedy be 
pushed to profound anaesthesia, though so free a use of 
the remedy will not generally be required, a few inhala- THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
475 
tions during the throes, the remedy being withdrawn dur- 
ing the intermissions, ordinarily accomplishing the work. 
ClMICIFUGA. 
This remedy is applicable to almost all painful affec- 
tions of the uterus. It is useful in spurious labor pains, 
and will often be useful to decide a point of diagnosis be- 
tween true and false labor, the pains in genuine labor be- 
coming steady and effective, while spurious pains are ban- 
ished, under its influence. I like the decoction of the 
recent root in such cases. 
It is also valuable in rheumatism of the uterus, as well 
as in dysmenorrhoea. Here it combines well with pulsa- 
tilla, though it is capable of doing good service alone. 
Cimicifuga also acts well in amenorrhcea, especially 
that form known as "absentio mensium." In chorea in 
young females attended by amenorrhcea, it is a valuable 
adjunct to proper faradic treatment. In uterine catarrh 
due to flabbiness of the walls of the viscus cimicifuga acts 
almost as well as ustilago. 
As already suggested, cimicifuga is a valuable parturi- 
facient, much preferable to ergot and as prompt and effi- 
cacious as any of the oxytocics at our command. I used 
tablespoonful doses of a strong decoction of the recent 
root here with very satisfactory results, in a country prac- 
tice where other drugs of the kind were sometimes diffi- 
cult to obtain at short notice, until I learned to value it 
very highly on account of its prompt and reliable action. 
It will regulate irregular and inefficient pains and stimu- 
late feeble contraction without endangering the mother 
or child, as is the case with ergot except under favorable 
conditions. 
When sterility is due to improper functional activity of 
the uterus a continued course of cimicifuga sometimes 
acts very beneficially, though I do not regard it with as 476 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
much favor as I do mitchella in this respect. Its pro* 
longed use also doubtless mitigates the painfulness of la- 
bor when given for a few weeks beforehand, in a great 
measure, in many instances. 
Mammary pains attending the process of gestation are 
amenable to the action of this remedy in many cases. By 
relieving irritation of the uterus it doubtless relieves the 
reflex disturbance in the mammary gland. Possibly it 
may selectively influence that part, but not very likely. 
Ovarian irritation, as aching pain (ovarialgia), neuralgia, 
etc., may suggest this agent, especially if the patient be 
known to belong to a rheumatic habit. In fact, such is 
its predilection for the female generative organs that it 
may be employed with good results in almost all cases of 
curable disease of these parts. 
In certain cases of sexual trouble in the male sex it is 
also a valuable remedy. Aching in the basfond, presuma- 
bly in the prostate gland, will readily yield to it, as well 
as orchialgia. Spermatorrhoea is sometimes benefited 
with cimicifuga, especially if a tonic to the reproductive 
organs generally, is required. At least it assists more 
specific remedies, as avena, salix nigra, etc. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine is the 
most reliable preparation that can be found in the mar- 
ket. It is a convenient form for dispensing, a few drops 
in four ounces of vehicle being amply potent for all pur- 
poses that it is adapted to. In acute troubles, as muscu- 
lar rheumatism, spurious pains, to stimulate the contrac- 
tions during labor, etc., I prefer a decoction of the recent 
root. 
Dose.-Of the specific medicine, the fraction of a drop. 
I usually combine it with a vehicle, in the proportion of 
half a drachm of the specific medicine to four ounces of 
the vehicle, the dose of the combination being a teaspoon- 
ful. The decoction may be administered in doses of a THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
477 
tablespoonful, repeated every two, three or four hours, 
as required by the urgency of the symptoms. In spuri- 
ous labor and to prompt tardy labor pains, the dose may 
be repeated every half-hour. Excessively large doses 
cause a full, dull headache, which however passes off in 
a few hours, if the agent be discontinued. 
Cinnamon. 
Cinnamon specifically influences the uterus, controlling 
hemorrhage and stimulating contraction of its muscular 
fibers. It is a valuable remedy in uterine hemorrhage, 
combined with hamamelis, though it does good service 
alone. 
As this agent, in small and repeated doses, is capable of 
producing abortion, its powerful influence on the nutritive 
functions of the uterus is undisputable; and it is possible 
that more study and experimentation may permit us to 
possess a fuller knowledge of its virtues as a uterine 
remedy. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From five to twenty drops. 
Clematis. 
This remedy influences the sexual organs, and is some- 
times useful in the treatment of gleet, incipient stricture, 
and other conditions of the urethra resulting from gon- 
orrhoea. It also influences the testes and ovaries, and 
relieves the chronic orchitis that results from gonorrhoea, 
also induration of the ovaries. It will repay study as a 
remedy influencing the sexual apparatus in either sex. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture from a homeo- 
pathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-Add from ten to fifteen drops to half a glass of 
water and give a teaspoonful every two or three hours. 478 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
Cocculus Indicus. 
Cocculus Indicus is a remedy of repute among home- 
opathic practitioners for menstrual colic and dysmenor- 
rhoea of nervous origin. From a limited experience with 
it I believe that it should be one of the remedies of Ec- 
lectics, especially in cases where our tried remedies fail. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x dilution, obtainable 
at a homeopathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-Add half a drachm to four ounces of wrater and 
give a teaspoonful every fifteen minutes or half-hour, in 
urgent cases. 
COLLINSONIA. 
Collinsonia exerts curative powers in prolapsus uteri, 
dysmenorrhoea, varicocele, pruritus ani, amenorrhoea, men- 
orrhagia, vicarious menstruation and threatened abortion. 
It is probably that class of cases that depend upon hem- 
orrhoidal engorgement which are most benefited by it. 
Colocynth. 
This remedy is sometimes useful in orchialgia, and in 
ovarian neuralgia. It is not as reliable as some remedies 
in these diseases, but will sometimes act promptly after 
other remedies have failed. Where the complication of 
neuralgia about the hip-joint is present we may look for 
the best results. 
CONIUM. 
The female breasts, the ovaries and the testes are the 
parts of the sexual system influenced by conium. Indu- 
rations of the mammary gland, even when these amount to 
scirrhus, are bettered by the internal use of conium. To 
derive benefit in cancer, the remedy must be given early 
in the development of the affection. I usually combine 
it with hydrastis. 
In scanty menstruation due to ovarian torpor, and in 
sterility due to the same cause, it is an important rem- THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
479 
edy. In lack of virility due to passive engorgement of 
the testes, and in feeble but erethitic conditions of the 
male genitals it is also serviceable. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add ten or twenty drops to four ounces of ve- 
hicle and give a teaspoonful four times a day. 
Dulcamara. 
Dulcamara is sometimes serviceable in excitable con- 
ditions of the sexual organs, with tendency to nympho- 
mania or satyriasis. It relieves itching of the pudendi, 
and stitching pains in the vagina also. It will seldom be 
used in the treatment of the sexual apparatus, but may 
be thought of profitably in some cases of spermatorrhoea, 
impotency, or other perverted state of the sexual organs. 
It is applicable to both sexes. 
Echinacea. 
Echinacea is a valuable remedy in acute inflammation 
of the male and female urethra, and in inflammation of 
the vulva and vagina in the female, both internally and 
locally. In the first stage of gonorrhoea, as well as in the 
catarrhal stage it is one of the best, if not the best we 
possess. It lessens the pain and inflammation, and is 
valuable to relieve the profuse catarrhal discharge that 
follows later. 
It should be injected into the urethra in the male, and 
into the vagina in the female, and retained as long as 
possible, in order to derive the local benefits. It should 
also be administered internally at the same time, as its 
influence over such forms of inflammation is excellent. 
In vulvitis, where there is considerable inflammation 
of erythematous or erysipelatous character, and in the 
vulvitis of strumous character that often afflicts young 
children, echinacea is a splendid remedy, both locally and 
internally. 480 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
Echinacea is also the best remedy we have in mammary 
pain, unless it be that of acute inflammation, where pliy- 
tolacca probably excels it. In the pain of mammary 
cancer it has no equal, the severe lancinating pain sub- 
siding within a few hours after its use has been begun 
and remaining quiescent until its use has been discontin- 
ued a few hours, or days. In chronic inflammation of 
the mammary gland the result of badly treated puerperal 
mastitis, where the part has become reddened and con- 
gested, echinacea, assisted by proper support, the remedy 
being used locally and internally, is the best reliance we 
have. 
I have had no experience with this remedy in uterine 
cancer, but would suggest its use to relieve the pain at- 
tending this affection, since it seems so well adapted to 
the pain of cancer in other portions of the body. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From ten to twenty drops, repeated every three 
or four hours. Locally, its strength may vary from a ten 
to a twenty-five-per-cent, dilution. 
Erecthites. 
This remedy applies to uterine hemorrhage, profuse 
menstruation and gonorrhoeal orchitis. It should be stud- 
ied especially with reference to its action in menorrhagia, 
in which it is likely to prove a superior remedy. It re- 
sembles the action of erigeron canadense very much in 
this affection and may be combined with it advantage- 
ously in most cases. The oil of erecthites acts most 
promptly when the genuine article is employed. 
Erigeron. 
Erigeron canadense is one of our most reliable reme- 
dies for uterine hemorrhage. Of course we must know 
enough about uterine hemorrhage to realize that a par- 
tially detached ovum or placenta retained in the uterus 481 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
will cause the flow in spite of the action of the best 
remedies that can be used, and that the reasonable treat- 
ment here is the prompt removal of the offending cause 
or the appropriate use of tampons. But when there is a 
reasonable opportunity for the employment of this remedy 
it will hardly fail to act beneficially. 
Erigeron is also useful in the catarrhal stage of gonor- 
rhoea to arrest the flux. It compares with copabia in its 
influence in this respect. 
Form for Administration.-The oil of erigeron. It may 
be combined with simple syrup, which will disguise some 
of its unpleasant taste. One part of the oil to six of 
syrup will allow the regulation dose-ten drops-to be 
taken in a teaspoonful of the mixture. 
Gelsemium. 
Gelsemium is a uterine remedy of considerable virtue 
in some instances. It relieves spasmodic dysmenorrhoea, 
and spasmodic stricture in either sex. It is also of ser- 
vice in spasmodic or false labor pains, and as it relaxes 
rigidity of the os uteri it may often be found of service 
to the obstetrician. It is not as positive a relaxant of 
the cervix as chloroform, and many prefer lobelia to it 
here, but it is a useful remedy in conditions demanding 
such an agent, and it is more acceptable to the stomach 
than the latter remedy, while it has a wider application 
to the various conditions of dystocia. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Gossypium. 
This remedy specifically influences the circulation of 
the uterus, and is a valuable agent to control the reflexes 
manifested by some hysterical subjects from uterine irri- 
tation. It improves the tone of the sexual organs when 482 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
there is sexual lassitude in tlie female, and this suggests 
it as a remedy for impotency. 
It is a remedy of considerable worth in the treatment 
of scanty menstruation and amenorrhoea, and has been in- 
dorsed by several good authorities as a remedy for dys- 
menorrhoea and menorrhagia. It promotes labor, when 
tedious from uterine inertia, resembling in this respect 
cimicifuga and ustilago. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose..-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Graphites. 
This is one of Scudder's specifics for "impairment of 
the sexual function (loss without power), irregular and 
painful menstruation and leucorrhoea." 
Hughes asserts that "beyond the cutaneous region, the 
best established action of graphites is on the ovaries and 
testes." The same author refers to its application to dis- 
turbances of the menstrual period near the climacteric, 
remarking that graphites is to the climacteric period what 
pulsatilla is to the establishment of the molimina in 
youth. 
The same author refers to the favorable action of this 
remedy in hydrocele, asserting that it has more than once 
proved curative here, as well also as in ovarian cysts. 
Form for Administration.-The 6x dilution, obtainable 
at a homeopathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-From five to ten drops, repeated four or five 
times a day. 
Hamamelis. 
Hamamelis is a valuable remedy in congestions of the 
ovaries and testes due to venous fullness. It relieves 
many cases of ovarian pain due to this cause, dull, aching 
sensation in the part being the indication for its use. It 
is a favorite remedy with many of our practitioners for THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
483 
the treatment of varicocele, and it will permanently ben- 
efit many cases not too chronic. However, it is not to be 
compared in efficiency with a radical operation. 
In phlegmasia dolens, after the early inflammation has 
subsided, and even in the early part of the disease, it is a 
very good remedy to administer. Hale regards it as the 
"aconite of the venous system" and considers it the proper 
remedy in all forms of phlebitis. 
Scudder has recommended hamamelis in prolapsus, and 
it may do good service where the cause is venous fullness 
of the uterine tissues, or fullness of any of the pelvic 
veins. 
Form for Administration.-A good distilled extract. 
Dose.-From ten drops to half a drachm. 
Hedeoma. 
Pennyroyal is an old domestic remedy for menstrual 
difficulties and suppression of the lochia. Rafinesque re- 
fers to these properties in his works, Goss and other Ec- 
lectic writers recognize it as a remedy here, and late home- 
opathic authors follow in the same train. The best effects 
are derived from a decoction of the fresh plant, though 
dilutions of the oil, or the tincture from the recent plant 
may be used with satisfaction. The oil of pennyroyal 
has been used for the purpose of criminal abortion and 
is a dangerous agent, in large doses. 
Helonias. 
Unicorn root is a remedy of repute among the prac- 
titioners of our school and has long been esteemed for 
its specific influence on the female reproductive organs. 
It tones the uterine mucous membrane in relaxation of 
that part, and may thus become an effective remedy in 
uterine catarrh. Through the same influence it promotes 
proper functional activity here and fortifies the part 484 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
against abortion when the uterus seems so predisposed. 
Goss asserts that helonias is superior to ale tris here. Af- 
ter miscarriage has been threatened, it acts well to avert 
the catastrophe, either alone or combined with viburnum. 
Scudder refers in commendatory terms to the applica- 
tion of helonias to the relief of the mental symptoms (de- 
pression and despondency) that attend many cases of 
uterine disturbance. 
Helonias is applicable to the treatment of chlorotic an- 
aemia when this is due to lack of activity of the female 
sexual system. It here seems to act as a stimulant to 
digestion and appropriation, as well as to balance disturb- 
ances of the nervous system arising from the chlorotic 
condition. 
This remedy also improves the energy of the reproduc- 
tive organs in sexual lassitude in either sex, and is appli- 
cable to the treatment of spermatorrhoea, through its in- 
vigorating influence upon the male generative organs, 
though it is not as positive as some other remedies men- 
tioned in this department. 
Some physicians of my acquaintance recommend helo- 
nias highly for the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Hydrastis. 
Golden seal has acquired a new reputation as a remedy 
for the uterus within the past few years, owing to experi- 
ments which have proven its remarkable effects on the 
circulation in this part. 
In uterine haemorrhage, where this is due to relaxation 
of the bloodvessels, hydrastis proves to be a very reliable 
remedy. This I have proven numerous times. 
If we possess any constitutional remedy capable of ar- 
resting and blasting uterine fibroids in their incipiency, I THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
485 
believe this will be found the one. In uterine hyperpla- 
sia due to the effects of childbirth it also acts very suc- 
cessfully, often, as a prominent writer has remarked, avert- 
ing the necessity of trachelorrhaphy where the cervix has 
been lacerated. 
The action of hydrastis in cancer of the breast suggests 
a specific affinity of this remedy for that part. In the 
early stage of this disease hydrastis alternated with co- 
mum constitutes a valuable plan of treatment. These 
two remedies with echinacea to relieve the pain, promise 
considerable benefit, though I am in doubt as to their 
power to cure. 
Form for Administration.-Lloyd's hydrastis. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops. 
Hydrocotyl Asiatica. 
This plant seems to exert a specific influence upon the 
uterine cervix, thus allying itself with eesculus hippocas- 
tanum. In granular ulceration of the neck attending 
old cases of laceration, and in pruritus of the vagina aris- 
ing from excoriating discharges from the same condition 
it may be found of service, where the patient is not will- 
ing to submit to the proper treatment-trachelorrhaphy. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x dilution, obtainable 
at a homeopathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-Three to five drops three or four times a day. 
Iodide of Baryta. 
Iodide of baryta may sometimes be found valuable in 
the treatment of ovarian induration, and induration of 
the testes and prostate. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration. 
Dose.-Two or three grains three or four times a day. 
Iodine. 
Of this remedy in affections of the sexual organs, 
Hughes remarks (Manual of Pharmacodynamics): "The 
1 486 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
specific influence of iodine upon the glands of the genera- 
tive system would suggest its frequent employment in 
morbid states of these glands, especially when occurring 
in scrofulous and tuberculous subjects. In such patients 
prostatitis in the male, and amenorrhoea, galactorrhoea 
and leucorrhoea in the female subject have been cured by 
it. I speak with more diffidence when I suggest that to 
such an influence is due the dispersion of mammary, ova- 
rian and uterine tumors, which has sometimes been ac- 
complished by iodine. 
"It is worth noting, however, that the tumors that 
have-in Dr. Ash well's words-'melted down' under the 
action of iodine, appear invariably, to have originated in 
the cervix, viz., in the glandular and secreting portion of 
the organ. In inflammation and induration of this part, 
moreover, iodine is a remedy of tried value. Here, prob- 
ably, what has been said about strumous glands holds 
good; and the ovary seems to bear to iodine just the same 
relation as the thyroid." 
JABO RANDI. 
The following was written for the Medical Register by 
Dr. Jerome Hardcastle several years ago:- 
" Having for many years noted the fact that parturition 
does not progress favorably till diaphoresis occurs, I have 
for some months past induced this condition, in the early 
stage of labor, by giving fluid extract of jaborandi (green 
-the brown has proved worthless in my hands). 
"My plan is, when called to a case, to order a wTarm 
brick applied to the feet-which are always cold-and 
then give one-third of a teaspoonful of fluid extract of 
jaborandi in half a wineglassful of water, and repeat the 
dose every half-hour until perspiration occurs. It is very 
seldom that more than two doses are required. 
" The first effect of this medicine on the patient is sooth- 
ing; she becomes more quiet, and bears her paius with THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
487 
resignation. Upon being questioned the patient often 
states that her pains do not hurt her as they did. On 
examination, after diaphoresis occurs, the os will be found 
dilating rapidly; the soft parts to be in a favorable con- 
dition; and in a short time the labor will be satisfac- 
torily terminated. Since using this remedy, I have had 
no occasion to use ether, chloroform or the forceps." 
The os uteri dilates readily and rapidly under the in- 
fluence of jaborandi, as I have proven in practice myself, 
and it seems to further assist labor by relaxing all the 
soft parts of the parturient canal. 
Lilium Tigrinum. 
The tiger lily is a comparatively new acquisition to the 
list of uterine remedies. It is sometimes of service in ir- 
ritation of the uterus with congestion, and has proven 
successful in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea of congestive 
character. It has been recommeded in prolapsus to re- 
lieve the bearing down sensation, but I am of the opinion 
that it bears no comparison with sepia for this trouble. 
Lilium is slow about bringing about its effects, but if 
persevered in it is a very reliable remedy in ovarian neu- 
ralgia of long standing. Burning, darting pains in the 
part indicate it. 
In the nausea of pregnancy I have found it useful, as 
well as in nausea from uterine irritation* 
Tardy getting up after labor with prolonged lochia and 
weight in the pelvis should suggest lilium. Here we have 
few remedies which afford more satisfaction. I sometimes 
combine or alternate it with ustilago. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture from a homeo- 
pathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops. 
Lobelia. 
This is one of the old time remedies used to produce 
relaxation of the os when rigidity of that part was a cause 488 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
of dystocia. It was used to relax the os and perinseum, 
as well as to stimulate tardy action of the uterus in tedi- 
ous labor. In this use of the remedy it should be given 
in sufficiently large doses to induce nausea and this con- 
dition should be maintained for a short time, the remedy 
to be afterward continued in smaller quantities. 
I have never made much use of lobelia for this purpose, 
for I believe we possess better remedies in chloroform, 
gelsemium and jaborandi. 
Mangifera Indica. 
Mango bark is a remedy that acts very positively on 
the uterus, to control hemorrhage and catarrhal dis- 
charges. It was formerly a favorite with Professor Howe 
as a remedy for uterine hemorrhage. 
Form for Administration.-The fluid extract of Parke, 
Davis & Co. 
Dose.-From ten drops to half a fluidrachm. 
Millefolium. 
Achillea millefolium or common yarrow is a valuable 
remedy in uterine hemorrhage. It is best .administered 
in decoction of the fresh herb to be drank freely. It has 
served me a valuable purpose several times when other 
remedies of better repute could not conveniently be 
obtained. 
Mitchella. 
Partridgeberry possesses valuable properties to recom- 
mend it to this department. It is the best remedy extant 
to fortify the uterus against the abortion habit when this 
has become established, and it is furthermore very use- 
ful where sterility depends upon lack of energy in the 
uterine mucous menbrane. Where the deciduous mem- 
branes and enveloped ovum are cast off during the first 
few days after conception, mitchella will serve to fortify 
the uterus against such occurrence. THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
489 
Mitchella is also one of the best partus preparators we 
possess, its continued use during the last few months of 
pregnancy usually providing for a safe and easy delivery. 
There is usually absence of false pains, rigid os, hour- 
glass contraction, and other unpleasant accompaniments 
of dystocia, after this remedy has been used several weeks 
prior to labor. 
Form for Administration.-The best preparation is a 
decoction *of the fresh herb. Whenever this can be ob- 
tained I would advise its use. A decoction can be made 
and enough alcohol added to preserve it and the remedy 
thus kept for use for a long time. In the absence of the 
decoction the specific medicine is the best form for use. 
Dose.-A tablespoonful of the decoction, repeated three 
or four times a day. The specific medicine may be used 
in ten or fifteen-drop doses. 
Myrica. 
Bayberry will have but a limited use in this depart- 
ment. It acts well in restoring arrested lochia, in uterine 
hemorrhage, and in leucorrhcea, or is asserted to by some 
of our old authors; I have had no experience with it in 
such cases. 
Nitro-Glycerine. 
Nitro-glycerine is sometimes a good remedy in neu- 
ralgic dysmenorrhcea, and is a great favorite with homeo- 
pathic practitioners in the treatment of menstrual head- 
aches and the flushings of the climacteric period. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x dilution. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to a drop. 
Nuphar Lute a. 
This remedy may be investigated with profit in the 
treatment of spermatorrhoea and impotency. A tincture 
may be obtained at a homeopathic pharmacy, of which 
the dose will be the fraction of a drop. 490 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
Nux Vomica. 
This remedy is one of the most positive agents we pos- 
sess in the treatment of impotency. It improves the 
power of erection and invigorates the sexual appetite. 
The dose should be large enough to produce a pro- 
nounced effect upon the nervous energies of the part,-as 
large as the fourth of a grain of the solid extract-and 
should be repeated every three or four hours during the 
day. 
Oxalate of Cerium. 
The Medical Record remarks as follows: "Dr. M. L. 
Chambers does not remember a failure with the oxalate 
of cerium in dysmenorrhoea occuring in fleshy and robust 
women with scanty menses, where they have the pain 
before or just at the beginning of the flow, where it is 
spasmodic or colicky in character, with a feeling of ten- 
esmus, and relief follows the establishment of a free flow. 
But to insure success he believes it must be selected with 
reference to these symptoms. It is given in powders of 
six grains each, one every hour until the pain is relieved. 
When the preparation is a pure one he has never seen 
any bad effects from its administration. Sometimes it 
contains small quantities of arsenic, which in certain cases 
has caused some irritation of the stomach." 
Petroselinum. 
The seeds of parsley contain an oily product termed 
apiol, which is a remedy of considerable repute in neu- 
ralgic dysmenorrhoea. The parsley, either in infusion or 
tincture of the fresh plant is serviceable in urethral ir- 
ritation, notably in the treatment of gonorrhoea. The 
dose of apiol is ten or fifteen drops, repeated every hour 
or two in severe cases of neuralgic uterine colic. THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
491 
Phosphide of Zinc. 
Phosphide of zinc has been suggested as a remedy for 
impotency. 
Phoradendron. 
The mistletoe is an oxytocic of considerable power, re- 
sembling ergot somewhat in its action. It is not superior 
if equal to other agents of this class, as ustilago, caulo- 
phyllum, cimicifuga, quinia, etc., and will probably not 
become very popular as a remedy. 
Phytolacca. 
Phytolacca is the remedy in acute mastitis, and the 
remedy to avert this catastrophe during the early days of 
the lying-in period, if administered in conjunction with 
proper management in other respects. It relieves the 
pain, softens the hardened gland and promotes the flow 
of milk, thus abating engorgement of the ducts. 
In orchitis, it is a reliable remedy, both internally and 
locally, though here it is well to combine it with pul- 
satilla. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine or a 
saturated tincture of the fresh root. 
Dose.-Add from half a drachm to a drachm of the 
specific medicine or tincture to four ounces of water, and 
give a teaspoonful of the mixture every hour. Usually it 
is well to add from five to ten drops of specific aconite to 
this mixture where there is any febrile action to be met, 
and this is almost certain to be the case in mastitis or 
orchitis. 
Piper Methysticum. 
This is a remedy pretty well known for its reputation 
in the treatment of gonorrhoea. While it is a good rem- 
edy I think it has been overestimated here. It may be 
found of service in the treatment of impotency, as it evi- 
dently possesses aphrodisiac powers. It also possesses 492 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
some reputation as a remedy for orchitis, though it can 
hardly be expected to rank with pulsatilla in this respect. 
Dr Eliza A. Gillett contributed the following on this 
remedy to the Calfornia Medical Journal (September num- 
ber), in 1884, worthy of reprint here:- 
"Nearly three years ago, Dr. Hilhyer gave me a vial 
of the mother tincture, asking me to try it in tedious la- 
bor. The medicine was entirely new to me, nor could I 
find, on my return home, any notice of it in my copy of 
King's American Dispensatory or any other work in my 
library; however, I put it in my medicine case. 
" Sometime afterward I was called to attend a case of 
primipara. The patient was a nervous woman, extremely 
sensitive. The membranes had ruptured thirty-six hours 
before the pains began. I was called in the morning, the 
patient having had some pains-enough to keep her from 
sleeping-the previous night, which greatly increased in 
severity about five a. m. I found the head presenting, the 
parts hot and exceedingly tender, and the os sufficiently 
dilated to admit the finger. The pains were excruciating, 
the patient declaring that they did no good, which was 
really the case. 
"During the next four hours I gave successively pulsa- 
tilla, gelsemium and caulophyllin, with little or no change, 
or benefit. On inquiry I learned that the lady had been 
a great sufferer from dysmenorrhoea and also from neural- 
gia, between her periods. Taken altogether, the symp- 
toms of my patient began to be strongly suggestive of 
convulsions, and I concluded it best to put her under 
the influence of an anaesthetic. 
"While her husband was gone for chloroform I thought 
of the piper methysticum and prepared some in water, 
so that a teaspoonful would contain a drop of the medi- 
cine, and gave two teaspoonfuls. Ten minutes after, I THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
493 
repeated the dose, almost immediately after which my 
patient said, "That helps me; somehow I feel different." 
I continued to give the remedy every fifteen minutes for 
the next two hours. The chloroform was not used, the 
patient declaring she did not need it now; neither did 
she. Three hours after the first dose of this remedy was 
given a living child was born, weighing ten pounds. The 
mother made a good recovery. 
"I have used it in several cases since then with gratify- 
ing results. I have also been prescribing it in dysmen- 
orrhoea, and find it best adapted to the neuralgic or spas- 
modic type. I believe that it will prove to be a valuable 
addition to the materia medica of the accoucheur and 
gynaecologist." 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
PODOPHYLLIN. 
Several years ago Professor Younkin reported this rem- 
edy as a specific for the treatment of gonorrhoeal epididy- 
mitis, in the American Medical Journal. His plan of using 
it was to combine it with bitartrate of potassium as 
follows:- 
ty Podophyllin, gr. ii. 
Potass, bitartrate, 5 ii. 
M., Ft. chart. No. xii, Sig. Take a powder every two 
hours until thorough action upon the bowels results. 
The pain usually ceases after two or three doses, and 
the inflammation subsides upon the occurrence of cathar- 
sis. The use of chloral, bromide of potassium and gel- 
semium, in combination, is commended to promote rest 
until the curative action of the podophyllin is obtained. 
Polygonum. 
Hydropiperoides acts somewhat like pulsatilla upon 
the generative organs of women. It is valuable in both 494 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
amenorrhoea and dysmenorrhoea. In amenorrhoea it is a 
very successful remedy. 
Form for Administration.-A saturated tincture of the 
fresh plant. In the absence of this, the specific medicine. 
Dose.-Of the tincture, from half a teaspoonful to a 
teaspoonful; of the specific medicine, from ten to thirty 
drops. The dose should be repeated three or four times 
a day. 
Platina. 
This remedy is recommended by homeopathic authori- 
ties for induration of the ovaries, and for sterility arising 
from ovarian irritation. It allays undue sexual excite- 
ment in the female, and might prove a useful remedy in 
nymphomania. In boys subject to masturbation it also 
acts well to relieve irritation of the sexual organs and 
quiet desire to yield to the habit. 
Form for Administration.-The ■ Ox trituration. 
Dose.-Two or three grains. 
Populus. 
This remedy may be found of service in the treatment 
of affections of the prostate gland and uterus. In vesical 
troubles seeming to depend on these conditions it may 
afford prompt relief. In stubborn cases of prostatic en- 
largement and uterine congestion I would suggest an 
investigation of populus tremuloides. 
Pulsatilla Nigricans. 
The German pulsatilla is well known to all modern 
Eclectic medical practitioners for its action in dysmen- 
orrhoea, amenorrhoea, irregular and inefficient labor pains 
and other diseases of the female reproductive organs. 
It is emphatically the most important of any single 
remedy for the sexual sphere of woman that our materia 
medica possesses. While it relieves many local affections 495 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
of the uterus and ovaries it also acts as a corrective of 
disturbance of the brain from reflex action, and is there- 
fore valuable in many conditions not essentially painful 
or injurious except as the mental condition of the patient 
is concerned. "Fear of impending danger" is the condi- 
tion indicating it here. 
In dysmenorrhoea, it combines well with cimicifuga, 
though it acts well here alone. It is well, in giving it in 
this affection, to continue its use during the interim which 
intervenes between the periods, for a month or two. 
It is one of the most positive remedies we possess for 
suppression of the menses from cold; here it is well to 
combine it with aconite. Where the suppression has gone 
on for several weeks it may be given alone or combined 
with leontin or cimicifuga. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Doss.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops. 
Pulsatilla Nuttalliana. 
The anemone nemorosa, as this remedy is called by 
some botanists (American pulsatilla), possesses proper- 
ties similar to the German pulsatilla, and may be used in 
identical cases. It is asserted by some practitioners to 
be more active than its German relative, especially in its 
influence on the veins, being highly extolled in some 
quarters as a remedy for varicocele, and for the venous 
inflammation characterizing phlegmasia dolens. 
Hale (New Remedies) asserts that the pulsatilla nut- 
talliana is a much more powerful remedy that the German 
pulsatilla, and that less quantity is required to effect the 
organism profoundly, but that the quality of action is the 
same. It is to be thought of as a remedy in leucorrhoea, 
both vaginal and uterine, ovaritis, dysmenorrhoea, amen- 
orrhoea, etc. 496 
the sexual organs. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture from a homeo- 
pathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops. 
Quinia Sulphas. 
Quinia is a decided oxytocic, and may be relied upon 
to bring labor on promptly when it is impending and the 
pains are irregular and ineffective. I think, however, that 
it might be well to reserve this remedy for malarious sec- 
tions, since we possess so many other usually reliable 
agents which do not produce the unpleasant cerebral ef- 
fects peculiar to it. 
There sometimes occur cases in which periodicity is 
a complication of labor-or dystocia-and periodical ef- 
forts of nature only amount to a false alarm which regu- 
larly passes off from day to day. Full doses of quinine 
will now settle the matter, either interrupting the attacks 
or bringing on regular labor. 
Rhododendron. 
The rhododendron chrysanthemum (Siberian rose) is 
adapted to the treatment of chronic affections of the tes- 
tes and ovaries. In chronic orchitis it is a valuable rem- 
edy, seeming to exert a specific influence upon the part, 
encouraging its recuperative-plastic-power. In hydro- 
cele also it will perform a cure without the aid of local 
measures, in some instances. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture from a homeo- 
pathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-From the hundredth to the tenth of a drop. 
Rhus Aromatica. 
This remedy is a positive agent in arresting certain 
cases of uterine hemorrhage. I have used it in many 
cases of profuse menstruation with satisfactory effect. 
Dr. W. T. Williamson, Fort Branch, Indiana, contributed 497 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
an article to the California Medical Journal in 1884, in 
which he described a number of cases of uterine hemor- 
rhage treated successfully with it. 
One case was that of a delicate, anaemic woman, aged 
forty-four, who was passing through the menopause, and 
who was subject to profuse and protracted hemorrhage 
at each menstrual period. Another was a girl eleven 
years of age who flooded profusely at time of menstrua- 
tion. Still another was a woman aged forty-two, who 
was flooding so profusely that she was colorless, and who 
fainted every time she was raised from a recumbent posi- 
tion. This case had been given up to die by the regular 
attending physician. All three recovered promptly on 
rhus aromatica. 
This is but corroborative of the testimony of Dr. 
McClanahan, who introduced it to the profession. 
Form for Administration--The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From ten to twenty drops. 
Rhus Toxicodendron. 
This remedy is valuable in inflammation of the vulva 
of erysipelatous or erythematous character. It is the 
most positive agent we possess for that form of irritation 
n<»t uncommon to little girls in whom there is a taint of 
stiuma. 
In such cases the itching and irritation following mic- 
turition are very annoying, and the practitioner may be 
importuned for something which will more than tem- 
porarily relieve. Here we may often use rhus tox. with 
eminent satisfaction. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add ten drops to four ounces of water and give 
a teasnoonful every two hours. 498 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
Sabal Serrulata. 
Saw palmetto exerts a marked influence upon the re- 
productive organs of both male and female subjects. It 
promotes the functional activity of the testes, ovaries, 
uterus and prostate gland, being especially adapted to 
irritation of the last named organ. 
In waning sexual power in the male, and in sexual 
lassitude in the female, saw palmetto is reliable. In cys- 
tic irritation from prostatic or uterine disease it is prompt 
and effectual, and in chronic hypertrophy of the prostate 
or uterus it is the most positive remedy we possess. 
Its action on the female breasts is remarkable, causing 
pronounced enlargement of these organs in young females, 
thus demonstrating its marked influence over the repro- 
ductive organs even to their accessories. Its continued 
use where the breasts are small and poorly developed, 
will repay the trouble and expense of a prolonged trial. 
Saw palmetto is emphatically the remedy for old men 
suffering from urinary complication due to chronic dis- 
ease of the prostate gland. It is the leading one of an 
important trio here, of which the others are sandal-wood 
oil and thuja. 
I am of the opinion, an opinion formed from recent ob- 
servation, that this will prove the most positive remedy 
we have to clear up the results of inflammatory action 
about the fallopian tubes. It is also a remedy well adap- 
ted to the purposes of a general tonic to the reproduc- 
tive organs of women, its invigorating influence becoming 
manifest in a short time in many cases where such a 
remedy seems demanded. 
In a case which came into my hands a few months ago 
I witnessed such remarkable effects that I deem it wor- 
thy of mention: A lady of thirty-five or thereabouts 
consulted me for a severe dragging pain in the left iliac 
region, which had been present about eighteen months. THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
499 
She had taken cold during menstruation and had suffered 
from a severe attack of inflammation in the pelvic region 
which had kept her in bed under the care of a physician 
for six weeks. At the time of the attack she was strong 
and healthy, her weight being about one-hundred and 
forty pounds. During the attack she suffered intense 
pain for weeks, and her convalescence was marked by 
hectic, night sweats and emaciation, from which she had 
never recovered. She weighed about one-hundred and 
ten pounds at this time, suffered constantly with pain in 
the left ovarian region, but her sufferings were very much 
intensified at her menstrual periods. At that time there 
was considerable mucopurulent discharge preceding and 
following the menstrual flow. 
Upon careful examination I found the left ovary and 
tube too sensitive to permit the least pressure, and the 
parts somewhat dragged to that side as though there had 
been contraction of the ligament from plastic deposits. 
I informed the patient that I did not think anything 
but a radical operation-removal of the left ovary and 
tube-would promise very much toward a permanent cure» 
and that all other treatment could only at the best be 
palliative. She then told me that she had already con- 
sulted six physicians of prominence and reputation who 
had rendered the same opinion, and that she was now 
resolved to submit to an operation, as she preferred death 
to the sufferings that she must undergo if the future was 
to be like the past. However, she desired to visit her 
mother, who resided in Oregon, and when she returned 
she would apply to me for the operation. In the mean- 
time could I give her something to render her sufferings 
more bearable? I responded by prescribing saw palmetto, 
ten drops of the fluid extract, in water, four times daily. 
Two or three months afterward she returned to the of- 
fice, but so changed that I hardly recognized her. She 500 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
had grown strong and rugged, weighed nearly one-hundred 
and forty pounds, and walked with a firm, elastic step. 
She said: "Well, Doctor, I am back, but not for an op- 
eration. I am well. And what do you think cured me? 
Saw Palmetto! I took it as you directed, and now I 
sing its praises and yours. It is the most wonderful rem- 
edy that I ever saw. I had tried remedies from doctors 
of all schools, and some of the most eminent ones I could 
find, but you were the first one who did me any good." 
She was evidently well, suffered no pain nor inconvenience 
at time of menstruation, was free from the old dragging 
pain, and was comfortable in every way and well nourished. 
I have been using it rather extensively since that time 
in order to test its properties more thoroughly as a remedy 
for diseases of women, and predict a widespread reputa- 
tion for it in this respect. It is no longer a remedy for 
the male sex alone-for prostatic troubles-but promises 
to act fully as positively upon the analogue of the prostate 
in women-the uterus-as well as upon its appendages. 
Form for Administration.-The fluid extract of Parke, 
Davis <fc Co. 
Dose.-From ten to twenty drops, repeated three or 
four times a day. 
Salix Nigra. 
This is a remarkable remedy in its special province, 
viz., its power to sedate undue virility of the sexual 
organs. It therefore becomes a remedy of much impor- 
tance where excessive sexual desire is to be moderated. 
It acts equally well in both sexes, and though not often 
needed by female patients it sometimes proves very ac- 
ceptable, while in the opposite sex, especially in spermat- 
orrhoea with irritability it is an important aid. 
But, to condense the qualification of this remedy to a 
few words, it may be remarked that its special use will 
be found to be that of a sexual sedative in satyriasis and THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
501 
nymphomania, where sexual excitement is more carnal 
than emotional-where sexual desire is not a matter of 
the mind, but of undue excitement about the sexual organs 
unstimulated by the fancy. It is applicable to the treat- 
ment of married men whose wives are delicate and unable 
to satisfy their unnatural sexual cravings without injury, 
and to young persons who are annoyed by lascivious 
dreams and other libidinous suggestions. 
Form for Administration.-A saturated tincture of the 
catkins, or the fluid extract prepared by Parke, Davis 
& Co. 
Dose.-From ten to twenty drops, three or four times 
a day. 
Sanguinaria. 
Bloodroot exerts a profound influence over the uterus, 
and in small doses repeated three or four times daily for 
a few weeks it will usually produce abortion. Its use for 
pulmonary difficulties among pregnant women will there- 
fore obviously be a matter to be regarded with caution, as 
an abortion caused by it is liable to be attended by dan- 
gerous hemorrhage. 
Sanguinaria is one of the most reliable emmenagogues 
we possess, and will restore the menses usually within a 
short time, if administered promptly and properly. It 
should be given in full doses three times a day, beginning 
two weeks before the time the menses should appear and 
continuing up to the proper time. If the flow does not 
come on the remedy may be omitted until the fortnight 
preceding the next expected discharge when the remedy 
should be repeated as before. Fullness of the cerebral 
circulation has been suggested as a special indication for 
its use in this condition. 
It has been suggested as a remedy for dysmenorrhoea 
and threatened abortion. Its dose in the latter case 502 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
should obviously be minute, as in material doses it will 
produce miscarriage. This use has been suggested on 
the strength of the theory of similia similibus curantur 
and is more likely to be a homeopathic whim than a fruit- 
ful therapeutic suggestion. However, the fact of the spe- 
cific affinity of the drug for the uterine mucous membrane 
admits of the possibility of opposite effects, depending 
upon posology. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the one-hundredth of a drop to ten drops 
depending on the effect expected. 
Santalum Album. 
The oil of sandal-wood should not be forgotten in the 
treatment of the vesical irritability arising from prostatic 
irritation in old men. It will often prove serviceable in 
conjunction with thuja in relieving such cases. Where 
there is much catarrhal discharge from the bladder it is 
especially the remedy. 
Form for Administration.-Parke, Davis & Co. furnish 
a reliable oil of sandal-wood. It is often sophisticated, 
and care must be taken to obtain a good article when 
depending upon it. 
Dose.-From three to ten drops. 
Saponaria. 
Soapwort influences the uterine mucous membrane, and 
is a useful remedy in amenorrhoea. It should be used 
with caution as it is capable of producing abortion. 
Form for Administration.-A. saturated tincture of the 
fresh root. As this is not included in the list of specific 
medicines the next best resort is the tincture furnished 
by a reliable homeopathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-From five to eight drops. THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
503 
Senecio. 
Life-root is one of the old Eclectic remedies for af- 
fections peculiar to the female organism. It exerts a spe- 
cific influence upon the reproductive organs of both sexes, 
though it is more pronouncedly a remedy for women. It 
relieves irritation of the uterus and ovaries, and improves 
their plastic power, thus being adapted to affections of 
these parts of chronic nature, as amenorrhoea, dysmenor- 
rhoea, menorrhagia, sterility, etc. It acts slowly, and 
must be persevered in if satisfaction follows its use. 
Many cases of nervous disorder attributable to female 
complaints may be benefited by senecio. In chlorosis it 
is an exceptionably valuable remedy in restoring the men- 
ses and controlling the nervous phenomena attending. 
In the male it relieves aching and weight in the testi- 
cles and spermatic cord, and improves the sexual power 
when this is waning. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From one to ten drops. 
Sepia. 
The secretion of the cuttle-fish is a very positive rem- 
edy in a certain class of affections of the female repro- 
ductive organs. 
In dyspareunia, or painful coition, it is the most positive 
remedy we possess to remove the hypersensitiveness of 
the female sexual apparatus. In bearing down sensations 
in the vagina it is also a very positive remedy. I do not 
think that it will restore the prolapsed uterus to its nor- 
mal position as has been asserted by some homeopathic 
writers, but it certainly relieves the feeling of discomfort 
entailed by a prolapsed uterus, in many instances, and 
thus becomes a boon to women afflicted with dragging 
sensations in the vaginal region. 504 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
For stitching pains in the vagina it is also specific, 
provided these are the effect of neurosis, and not from lo- 
cal ulceration or cause not amenable to the selective 
effect of internal drugs. Even in inflammatory affections 
of the vagina it is a good remedy to alternate with echi- 
nacea and other pronounced capillary sedatives. I often 
find it useful after an operation on the cervix, to relieve 
dragging sensations and stitching pains in the part on 
first getting up. It seems to favor early departure of the 
unpleasant effects of traumatism in these cases. 
It is also the only positive remedy for the troublesome 
itching of the vagina that precedes or attends the men- 
strual period in certain women. It not only relieves here 
but cures in a few months, if resorted to at each period. 
Acrid vaginal and uterine discharges afford an excellent 
field for the action of this remedy. In uterine leucorrhoea 
of this character, as well as the discharge that attends 
the late stage of gonorrhoea in women, it is reliable to 
modify the acrid character, if not to arrest the secretion 
altogether. 
Sepia is also valuable in dysmenorrhoea, where the loss 
of blood is scanty and attended by severe headaches. It 
is one of the most positive agents known in headaches 
attending menstruation. 
The virtues of sepia are not well enough known among 
Eclectic physicians. It is among the very best agents in 
our materia medica for female affections, and should re- 
ceive a careful and thorough study by every one of our 
practitioners-a study of its effects by clinical experience 
rather than by reference to text-books. 
Form for Administration.-The fix trituration. (For full 
information relative to triturations consult the pages of 
Principles.) 
Dose.-From two to three grains. 505 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
SlLPHIUM GUMNIFERUM. 
This remedy will sometimes be found serviceable in the 
treatment of gonorrhoea and gleet. 
Spongia. 
This remedy exerts more or less influence upon the ov- 
aries and testes. In chronic orchitis, epididymitis, ovaritis 
and salpingitis, it figures as a remedy worthy of con- 
sideration. 
Stannum. 
This remedy resembles sepia in its power to banish 
the uncomfortable bearing down sensations in the peri- 
naeum attending certain congestive conditions of the 
uterus. It is almost as positive as sepia here, though it 
lacks the wide application of that drug to other derange- 
ments of the female sexual apparatus. 
Form for Administration.-The 6x trituration, obtain- 
able at any reliable homeopathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-Two or three grains every three hours. 
Staphisagria. 
Delphinium staphisagria specifically influences the 
male sexual apparatus, relieving irritability of the testes, 
prostatic urethra, prostatic ducts and vesiculae seminales. 
It is useful in prostatorrhoea and some cases of sperm- 
atorrhoea; as a remedy for the last named complaint, 
however, it is not very reliable. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops. 
Tanacetum. 
It is hardly worth the while to mention tansy here, as 
there are so many other remedies of superior quality in 
the same field; however, for the sake of completeness it 
mn.v b« to yafAr to it. 506 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
Tansy is a well known remedy in domestic practice for 
the relief of dysmenorrhoea and amenorrhoea, and the oil is 
frequently resorted to for the purpose of producing abor- 
tion-a very dangerous practice however, as convulsions, 
gastritis and death not unfrequently result. 
This about suggests the line of action of the drug, but 
it is not as satisfactory a remedy for menstrual difficulties 
as many others fully as accessible, and it will never be 
very popular. 
Thuja. 
Thuja acts on the prostate gland and urethra, and has 
been extolled by some homeopathic authors as a remedy 
for gonorrhoea, but I am not prepossessed with it in this 
direction. 
Professor Howe thought highly of it in senile prostati- 
tis, and his recommendation of it has been indorsed by 
several practitioners in our school within late years. It 
relieves urinary obstruction and tenesmus resulting from 
this condition, as well as improving the function of the 
sphincter vesicae, thus arresting dribbling of urine and 
other uncomfortable accompaniments. 
Trillium. 
Trillium pendulum exerts a constringing influence upon 
the capillaries of the mucous membranes especially that 
of the uterus, and enjoys a high reputation in some quar- 
ters as a remedy for uterine hemorrhage. 
Passive hemorrhage is the special field for it, and here 
we will find it a very satisfactory remedy in menorrhagia, 
and metrorrhagia. 
It is also valuable in leucorrhoea, especially uterine ca- 
tarrh, and where too much organic change in the endo- 
metrium has not taken place it will be found very reliable. 
It has been suggested as a remedy for varicocele, but 
there is not much testimony in favor of this use of the THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
507 
remedy. As it acts as a promoter of tone in vascular 
walls, however, further inquiry in this direction might de- 
velop valuable qualities. 
Form for Administration.-A saturated tincture of the 
recent root Trillin, an active principle of the beth-root, 
is employed by some, m preference. 
Dose.-Of the tincture, from one to ten drops. Of tril- 
lin, from two to five grains. 
Turnera. 
This remedy is better known as damiana. It has borne 
the reputation of being an invigorator of the sexual ap- 
petite, and a reliable remedy for this purpose. I have 
used it with good results in some cases of the kind. 
It acts equally well in both sexes, restoring the power 
of erection to the male in impotency, invigorating the fe- 
male sexual organs, increasing desire and promoting en- 
joyment of the sexual act. 
Outside of this property the remedy has little effect, 
and we will do well to reserve it for this use. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From ten to twenty drops. 
Urtica Urens. 
Stinging-nettle possesses galactagogue properties, and 
may be employed to promote the secretion of milk where 
this is deficient in nursing women. In this property 
the drug resembles asafoetida, jaborandi and some other 
remedies. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From ten to thirty drops. 
USTILAGO MaIDIS. 
Corn-smut is an oxytocic of pronounced quality, and is 
a favorite remedy with many of our practitioners in feeble 
and ineffective labor, where something to stimulate uter- 508 
THE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
ine contraction is the desideratum. Ustilago is as prompt 
as ergot, but is safer in that it does not cause such power- 
ful tonic contractions. 
It is also valuable in flabby uterus where subinvolution 
is a cause of metrorrhagia, menorrhagia, uterine catarrh, 
etc. It cures many reflex symptoms depending on this 
condition when properly administered. 
In cases of prolonged lochial discharge ustilago is one 
of our most reliable remedies to arrest the flow and im- 
part tonicity to the relaxed uterine walls. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose-From ten to thirty drops. 
Vesioaria. 
This remedy exerts a soothing influence upon the pros- 
tate gland and is a valuable adjunct to sabal serrulata, 
thuja and other remedies adapted to the relief of pros- 
tatic irritation. It also acts favorably in the treatment of 
the irritation attending and following gonorrhoea, in both 
male and female. 
Form for Administration.-The imported, German tinc- 
ture. Luyties, of St. Louis, furnish a reliable article. 
Doss.-From five to twenty drops. 
Viburnum Opulus. 
The high cranberry is a remedy for the pains of false 
labor, dysmenorrhoea, and abortion. 
It fortifies the female organism against the tendency to 
abortion that some women are subject to, and prepares it 
for the ordeal of labor, so that there is less liability to 
severe suffering, hour-glass contraction on expulsion of 
the placenta and favors a more ready delivery. 
In dysmenorrhoea it is a valuable remedy, and may be 
employed with satisfaction in these cases, alone or com- 
bined with caulophyllin, cimicifuga, mitchella, or vibur- 
num prunifolium. It also acts well in quieting the uter- TEE SEXUAL ORGANS. 
509 
ine irritation that is demonstrated in the reflex symptoms 
of hysteria. In either spasmodic or neuralgic dysmenor- 
rhoea it is equally efficacious, and can be relied upon with 
as much certainty as any remedy in the materia medica. 
It is extolled for ovarian irritation in some quarters, 
and also for the spasmodic contraction of the cervix that 
probably gives rise to some cases of dysmenorrhoea. It 
is eminently a remedy for spasm, and has been knowm 
since early times as " cramp bark," on account of this 
antispasmodic property. 
Viburnum prunifolium is almost identical in property 
with the viburnum opulus, and will not require separate 
notice. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose-From the fraction of a drop to twenty drops. 
Vinca Minor. » 
This remedy is recommended by Hughes for passive 
uterine hemorrhage. Whether it excels or even equals 
other remedies of this class remains to be determined. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture from a homeo- 
pathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to a drop. 
Xanthoxylum. 
Prickly-ash is one of Hale's favorite remedies for the 
treatment of dysmenorrhoea. He uses equal parts of the 
bark and berries for a tincture, of which ten drops of the 
lx dilution is a dose, to be repeated three times daily. 
He asserts that it is only applicable to neuralgic dysmen- 
orrhoea. A preparation of the berries will be found pref- 
erable to one made from the bark. I would suggest a 
trial of the specific medicine, prepared from the berries. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From five to twenty drops. 510 
THE MUSCLES. 
THE MUSCLES. 
Aconite. 
It is not necessary to discuss the manner in which this 
remedy influences the muscles, whether through the spe- 
cific action on the nervous system or through an affinity 
for the muscles themselves; suffice it to remark that it 
figures as a prominent and useful remedy in all spasmodic 
and painful conditions where the muscles are principally 
involved. 
Aconite is a valuable remedy in muscular rheumatism. 
It acts beneficially when administered singly, but is us- 
ually preferred by our practitioners as an auxiliary to 
some more pronounced agent of this class. It combines, 
with its muscular influence, the properties of an arterial 
sedative, and as an ,agent of this character is almost al- 
ways useful in rheumatism, it is a valuable addition to 
any other treatment. Aconite and macrotys (cimicifuga) 
form a favorite combination with Scudder for muscular 
pain, and when this is rheumat.c in character it is a val- 
uable one. 
Even in chronic rheumatism aconite assists materially 
in assuaging many of the unpleasant symptoms, relieving 
the acuteness of the suffering, quieting muscular spasm, 
and promoting rest. It is not a remedy to be relied upon 
to cure muscular pain, usually, but may be considered a 
valuable adjuvant to other remedies, and a useful palli- 
ative in almost all cases. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Erom the hundredth to the tenth of a drop. 
Antieebrin. 
This agent is one of the most reliable we possess for 
the relief of severe muscular spasm. Intense pain aris- 
ing from this cause will usually yield promptly to five or THE MUSCLES. 
511 
ten-grain doses, one or two being sufficient to arrest the 
difficulty for the time. It is a very reliable palliative for 
rheumatism, when its initiatory stage is ushered in by in- 
tensely sharp pain that demands immediate relief. Here 
antifebrin should supercede morphia, whenever the stom- 
ach will retain medicine. Autikamina, an analagous agent, 
may be used instead, and is probably less objectionable. 
Five or ten grain doses may be used. 
Apocynum Androsjemifolium. 
Dogsbane has been used successfully in the treatment 
of rheumatism since th ■ earliest times. In fact, it was a 
favorite remedy among the aborigines for that complaint 
before America was discovered by Europeans. 
Goss and Hale both refer to this property of the rem- 
edy, though neither are very enthusiastic as to its virtues. 
It is not likely to prove very reliable as an every-day rem- 
edy, but may prove of service in some chronic cases com- 
plicated with derangement of the chylopoietic viscera. It 
was a remedy of great repute among the Indians for syph- 
ilis, and probably the muscular pains of syphilitics will 
be good cases in which to test its virtues. However, it 
will hardly be likely to excel berberis aquifolium in this 
condition. 
Muscular pain arising from hepatic derangement, wan- 
dering from the left hypochondrium to the left scapula, 
involving the subscapularis muscle, would suggest a trial 
of its action. 
Form jor Administration.-A saturated tincture of the 
fresh root. 
Dose.-From five to twenty drops. 
Arctium Lappa. 
Burdock acts upon muscular and fibrous tissue to re- 
lieve rheumatism. It acts best in chronic articular 
rheumatism where there has been no permanent struct- 512 
THE MUSCLES. 
ural change about the joints from previous inflammatory 
action. The best part of this plant for such purposes is 
the seeds. These should be separated from the burs as 
soon as ripe, bruised, and covered with alcohol. In four- 
teen days the tincture is fit for use. The specific medi- 
cine is prepared from the seeds. 
I have known some stubborn cases of chronic rheuma- 
tism cured with this remedy. 
Dose.-From five to twenty drops. 
Arnica. 
The place for arnica in affections of the muscles is in 
the treatment of the painful condition of these organs 
following sprains. Wherever a muscle has been sub- 
jected to over-strain from any cause it is the appropriate 
remedy, and probably as reliable a one as we have, though 
not always effective. In debility of the heart muscle the 
result of over-exertion or excitement, it is the appropriate 
remedy. Dull, aching pains in the region of the heart, 
when caused by disturbances of this character, call for 
arnica. Pain and soreness of the muscles of the shoul- 
ders or other parts of the body, due to injuries or strains 
should suggest it. 
Scudder prescribes it (Specific Medication) in lame 
back accompanied with feeling of debility and soreness in 
the lumbar region. 
Hughes highly lauds the action of arnica upon the 
muscular tissues. He refers to its action in myalgia, and 
recommends it highly here. Among other special uses 
he refers to pleurodynia resulting from over-exertion as a 
place for its exhibition. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the hundredth to the tenth of a drop. the muscles. 
513 
Asclepias Syeiaca. 
This agent has been highly extolled in some quarters 
for the treatment of rheumatism. Some have asserted 
that it rivals cimicifuga. I know nothing about the rem- 
edy from experience with it in such cases, but would sug- 
gest a trial of it in obstinate muscular pain. 
Form for Administration.-A saturated tincture of the 
fresh plant. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to twenty drops. 
Avena Sativa. 
Avena sativa is capable of giving tone to the cardiac 
muscle, and will occasionally be found very useful in de- 
bilitated conditions of the organ following acute disease. 
The most valuable use I have known of it in such cases 
has been to prevent relapse in cadiac rheumatism. Here 
it serves a good purpose, fortifying the heart muscle and 
improving its energy. 
Form for Administration.-Keith's concentrated tincture. 
Dose.-From ten to twenty drops. 
Benzoate of Ammonium. 
This remedy, in common with other benzoates, pos- 
sesses the property of clearing up the urine when this 
excretion is highly colored, scanty, deposits a thick red 
sediment and emits a peculiarly putrid odor. It is espe- 
cially in such conditions as this that the remedy is 
indicated in gouty and rheumatic affections. In many 
such cases it cures not only the renal difficulty but also 
the muscular pain. 
Benzoate of potassium is sometimes more efficacious. 
Form for Administration-The lx trituration. 
Dose.-From two to three grains. 514 
THE MUSCLES. 
Berberts Aquifolium. 
This remedy sometimes succeeds marvelously as a cure 
for chronic muscular pain. In chronic rheumatism which 
has refused to yield to all other remedies it should be 
tried. A valuable adjuvant is the iodide of potassium, 
itself a useful remedy in chronic rheumatism. 
In the treatment of muscular pains attending the sec- 
ondary and tertiary stages of syphilis, a few weeks of ber- 
beris will often banish this cause of suffering. Being a 
valuable tonic and stimulant to digestion here it is the 
best agent that can be employed. It does not act quickly, 
and must be persevered in for a month or two in order 
that its value may be fairly estimated in any case of this 
kind. 
In the severe muscular pains attending certain cases of 
spinal disease, with partial loss of use of the muscles, it 
acts efficaciously, excelling many other remedies. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-This should be large-from ten to twenty drops, 
repeated four or five times a day. 
Bromide of Lithium. 
Bartholow has declared that bromide of lithium is al- 
most a specific for muscular rheumatism. 
Goss refers to it favorably as a remedy for severe rheu- 
matic pain. 
Bryonia. 
Bryonia is adapted to painful conditions of the tho- 
racic muscles. It has been highly extolled by homeo- 
pathic writers as a remedy for rheumatism generally, but 
its best place is in the treatment of thoracic pain accom- 
panying bronchitis or pneumonia. In chronic pleuro- 
dynia it is of little use. 
I have found this agent of service in the treatment of 
infants suffering from thoracic pain, as evidenced by THE MUSCLES. 
515 
grunting expiration and catching inspiration, the little 
patient evidently suffering then. Such cases sometimes 
prove very troublesome until bryonia is brought into 
requisition. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the hundredth to the tenth of a drop, re- 
peated frequently. 
Cactus. 
This remedy relieves spasmodic action of the heart 
muscle and is of service in cardiac pain attended with a 
sensation as if there were a firm band constricting the 
organ. Pain in the cardiac region, of constrictive char- 
acter, should suggest a trial of it as a remedy. The 
cactus grandiflorus, cereus bonplandii and cereus specio- 
sissimus possess similar properties in this respect. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops. 
Cascara Sagrada. 
Considerable ado was made over this remedy as an 
agent for the successful treatment of rheumatism a few 
years ago, but it seems to have been weighed in the bal- 
ance later and found wanting. At least I think it has 
failed to fulfill the expectations that the first reports of 
its action in this direction warranted, as it is seldom men- 
tioned in this connection at present. I have never been 
able to derive any decided benefit from it in the treat- 
ment of rheumatism, though I have tried it several times 
in cases offering favorable opportunities for a response in 
the affirmative. Possibly I have not happened to test it 
in the proper cases, however. 
In 1888, Dr. A. T. Goodwin (N. Y. Medical Journal') re- 
ported remarkable success in his own case and several 
others with the agent under consideration. In his own 
case he took cascara as a laxative while suffering from se- 516 
THE MUSCLES. 
vere rheumatic pains in the shoulder, and recovered en- 
tirely from pain within two days. From this time he em- 
ployed the remedy extensively in both hospital and pri- 
vate practice with flattering success. This is worthy c'- 
remembrance at least. 
He used from ten to fifteen drops of the fluid extract 
three or four times daily. 
Caulophyllum. 
Blue cohosh is one of the standard remedies among 
Eclectics for muscular pain. This use dates back as far 
as aboriginal times in the Alantic States, the Indians val- 
uing it highly as a remedy for rheumatism and other mus- 
cular affections, according to Rafinesque's "Medical Flora,'' 
published in 1828. 
Caulophyllum is adapted to spasmodic affections of the 
muscles as well as to painful conditions of these organs, 
being especially applicable to spasmodic action of the 
muscular walls of the uterus, as in certain forms of dys- 
menorrhoea, hour-glass contraction, spurious labor pains 
etc. In spasmodic cramps of the adominal viscera it is 
no less reliable. Many cases of painful dyspepsia are 
amenable to the influence of caulophyllum, the symptom 
being due to a rheumatoid condition of the muscular 
walls of the stomach. I have cured dyspepsia of painful 
character with this agent repeatedly, when ordinary rem- 
edies failed. The symptoms here would indicate muscu- 
lar complication, as the pain would be aggravated immedi- 
ately upon eating, and be crampy in character. Colicky 
pains in the intestines may depend upon the same cause, 
and yield promptly to this remedy. In fact, all the tho- 
racic and abdominal viscera as well as the organs in the 
pelvis come under these observations. I have relieved 
severe rectal pain with caulophyllin. Where a pregnant 
woman has been subject to rheumatism caulophyllum is THE MUSCLES. 
517 
a valuable remedy to administer throughout gestation, 
as rheumatism of the uterus is very liable to be a compli- 
cation, not only of pregnancy but of parturition, unless 
guarded against by the proper means. In this instance 
it may be caulophyllum or cimicifuga. 
Homeopathic writers place much stress upon the action 
of this remedy in rheumatism of the small joints, as those 
of the feet and hands. They assert that it is "homeo- 
pathic" to rheumatism of these parts, as it will cause 
pain here rather than in other places; but as many reme- 
dies act specifically and decidedly upon parts in disease 
which they fail to affect in health, appreciably, it is not 
impossible that the remedy may influence other parts 
more powerfully in disease than the small joints. 
Caulophyllum is a splendid remedy for muscular rheu- 
matism. This remark applies especially to the chronic 
stage of the affection, when the muscles are particularly 
the seat of the trouble. I have known long standing stub- 
born cases of chronic pleurodynia cured with small doses 
of the 3x trituration of caulophyllum in a few weeks, the 
patient taking two or three grains three or four times a 
clay. In acute muscular rheumatism it acts well, but not 
as promptly as macrotys. 
Form for Administration.-I have had the most pleas- 
ing results from the use of the 3x trituration of caulophyl- 
lin, Keith's being my preference. Caulophyllum is a 
remedy that leaves an unpleasant sensation in the throat 
after being swallowed, unless the dose be very small. Le- 
ontin, a special preparation of Lloyd Brothers, does not 
possess this objectionable property, and has been highly 
extolled as a substitute. 
Dose.-Of the specific medicine, from the fraction of a 
drop to a drop; of the trituration of caulophyllin, from 
two to three grains; of the leontin from five to ten drops. 518 
THE MUSCLES. 
ClMIOIFUGA. 
This agent is variously known as actea racemosa, ma- 
crotys racemosa and cimicifuga racemosa. It is one of 
the oldest Eclectic antirheumatics, and has always sus- 
tained its reputation, though many have entered the field 
during its time. 
This is another aboriginal remedy for rheumatism, and 
is described in Rafinesque's "Medical Flora," under the 
name, "botrophis serpentaria," though it had been for- 
merly named by different botanists, as actea, cimicifuga 
and macrotys. 
Cimicifuga is Scudder's specific for muscular pain, his 
favorite combination being this agent with aconite. It 
proves very efficacious in acute phases of this affection, 
whatever the disease it may occur in may be called. It 
is a remedy for a condition-muscular pain of rheumatoid 
character. Muscular pain may be one of the first symp- 
toms of cardiac disease, especially cardiac rheumatism, 
and cimicifuga is the most positive remedy we possess to 
banish it promptly, if given early, in full doses of a decoc- 
tion of the recently dried root. Similarly, it relieves 
pleurodynia, mediastinal pain, gastralgia, enteralgia, vesi- 
cal pain and tenesmus, orbital and aural pain-when this 
is rheumatoid-as well as pain in the voluntary muscles. 
In articular rheumatism it is of little account, and here 
must be superseded by jaborandi, the salicylates, and rhus 
tox.-though I have not much confidence in the last named 
remedy here. 
On the Pacific Coast I have been rather disappointed 
in cimicifuga as a remedy for muscular pain. It certainly 
is not as effective here as in the interior country of the 
Middle and Western states, probably on account of the 
damp atmosphere. How it succeeds in the interior of 
California I have never ascertained. 519 
THE MUSCLES. 
However, it will always be found a reliable remedy for 
muscular pain in acute affections, and will continue to be 
a standard one, unless the pain be of spinal origin. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine is a 
reliable preparation, though I prefer a decoction of the 
recently dried root for all purposes; this may be sweet- 
ened to suit the taste. But this will not always be 
obtainable and the specific medicine represents the recent 
plant properties reliably. 
Dose.-The dose of the decoction will vary from a table- 
spoonful to a wineglassful; over-doses cause fullness and 
pain in the head, but these soon pass off without bad re- 
sult. The dose of the specific medicine may vary, from 
the one-hundredth to the tenth of a drop. 
CoDLIVER-OlL. 
Oleum morrhuae is a valuable remedy in rheumatism 
attended by mal-nutrition. In chronic rheumatism where 
there is anaemia and lack of nutrition it many times proves 
valuable, though the muscles do not derive as much ben- 
efit as the fibrous tissues. 
In musculo-fibrous rheumatism arising in persons living 
in poverty, in crowded dwellings insufficiently lighted and 
ventilated, or in those of scrofulous constitution or in- 
herited proclivity to rheumatism, this agent is often a 
most valuable adjuvant to other remedies, if it will not 
succeed alone. 
In fibrous rheumatism, this arising from long residence 
in damp locality, the disease being confined to the joints, 
cod-oil may be prescribed successfully. 
To derive benefit the remedy must be persevered in 
for a long time, as at first it may aggravate the trouble; 
however, as the nutritive effects begin to appear its bene- 
ficial action will follow. 520 
THE MUSCLES. 
COLCHICUM. 
Colchicum is a remedy of ancient repute for the treat- 
ment of muscular pain. It is a remedy of positive action 
in many cases, but possesses the one objectionable qual- 
ity of being very debilitating, through its action on the 
heart and bowels. 
Though not as generally applicable to rheumatism as to 
gout, colchicum acts promptly in the treatment of tear- 
ing, muscular pain, either acute or chronic. It combines 
well with cimicifuga in such cases, the combination not 
impairing the action of either remedy. 
Shoemaker asserts that colchicum is only applicable to 
the treatment of chronic rheumatism, and is worthless in 
the acute stage. This is contrary to my experience, and 
it was a remedy in almost constant use with me during 
the first ten years of practice. My principle objection to 
it is its liability to produce prostration and feeble heart 
action when continued too long in full doses; and minute 
doses fail to act promptly, though the doses employed 
should be less than enough to produce catharsis, as this 
action seems to interfere with its full antirheumatic 
effect. 
Form for Administration.-The English wine of colchi- 
cum seed. 
Dose.-From five to ten drops, every three or four 
hours. 
Gelsemium. 
The specific influence of gelsemium upon the muscles 
is a feature of its general effects. As a remedy to relax 
muscular spasm it is of the greatest service in many in- 
stances, especially when the spasmodic action is attended 
with severe pain. It here becomes a pain reliever of 
importance. 
In all cases of muscular pain gelsemium may be pre- 
scribed with advantage where the condition is attended THE MUSCLES. 
521 
with spasmodic action. In rheumatism it therefore be- 
comes a valuable agent when spasmodic contraction is a 
prominent feature, as it is many times. 
It is specially useful in the muscular pains that attend 
acute catarrhal diseases, as follicular tonsillitis, pharyn- 
gitis, bronchitis, etc. It combines with the proper sed- 
ative very appropriately here, contributing not only its 
action on the muscles but its well known sedative influ- 
ence as well. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Guaiacum. 
Guaiac is sometimes useful in chronic rheumatism, 
though it seems to me that its value has been over-esti- 
mated. As it exerts a specific influence upon the throat it 
may prove especially serviceable in rheumatism of the 
throat, a condition met at times. As a remedy in chronic 
rheumatism it should be combined with other remedies 
of this character, as cimicifuga, colchicum, caulophyllum, 
salicylate of sodium, etc. 
Form for Administration.-A tincture of the gum. 
Dose.-From ten to thirty drops. 
Gualtheria. 
Wintergreen has become a prominent remedy for muscu- 
lar affections within late years. The best salicylic acid is 
prepared from wintergreen, and the oil of wintergreen has 
been highly extolled as a remedy for articular rheumatism. 
From my own experience with this remedy I am in- 
clined to consider it far inferior to some of our indige- 
nous antirheumatics, as cimicifuga, caulophyllum, etc., 
but am still willing to ascribe to it some power in this 
direction. It may do for a trial remedy after more ac- 
credited ones have failed. Its recommendation comes 522 
THE MUSCLES. 
from quarters where little is known of the value of oui 
old Eclectic materia medica, viz., old-school sources. 
Form for Administration.-The essence of wintergreen. 
Dose.-From one to fifteen drops. 
Hydrastis. 
This is a very positive remedy for soreness and tender- 
ness of the muscles. Pain and soreness of the muscles 
on motion or pressure, but absence of pain when these 
organs are at rest, is the indication for it. 
Long standing cases of this kind are not uncommon, 
and are oftenest the result of uterine disease, though rec- 
tal or prostatic affections may give rise to them. Pecto- 
ral tenderness is a very common accompaniment of uterine 
laceration, these muscles being tender on pressure, and 
painful on motion. 
In all such cases hydrastis is a valuable remedy, prom- 
ising more than any other medicine for permanent relief, 
though the proper treatment here should include a radi- 
cal removal of the exciting cause, when this is possible. 
The myalgic pains accompanying anaemia the result of 
losses of blood from uterine hemorrhage, bleeding hem- 
orrhoids, etc., are benefited by proper doses of hydrastis, 
when the remedy is persistently used. 
Headaches of myalgic character are not uncommon, 
and here hydrastis is as reliable as in other cases men- 
tioned-when the muscles of the scalp are involved in 
the reflexes that originate myalgia. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to a drop. 
Hydriod.c Acid. 
The syrup of hydriodic acid is the form usually em- 
ployed. " In rheumatism, " writes Dr. J. V. Shoemaker, 
the syrup may substitute the alkalies and may cut acute 523 
THE MUSCLES. 
attacks short sooner than the ordinary drugs that are usu- 
ally prescribed. It is certainly a useful article in chronic 
muscuar rheumatism. It has done good service in my 
hands in sciatica. It may be administered in acute rheu- 
matic attacks without reference to the fever, and in mod- 
erate doses, say a teaspoonful or two every two hours. 
Of course it will not act promptly and effectually in all 
cases, for rheumatism is notoriously fickle as related to 
curative agents." 
Iris. 
Iris cures muscular pains, but is not applicable to all 
forms of this kind of trouble. In muscular pain due to 
reflexes from gastro-duodenal and pancreatic difficulties 
we will find it most applicable, the remedy here serving 
to banish gastralgia, colic, and pectoral pains arising 
from this cause, as well as subscapular distress. 
I think many cases of so-called rheumatism may be 
traced to gastric debility, especially pectoral pain, and 
here we may try iris with considerable confidence. As 
the gastric or pancreatic debility yields to the remedy the 
"rheumatic aches" subside. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops. 
Jaborandi. 
I think that we possess one of the most positive reme- 
dies for muscular pain in jaborandi that the materia med- 
ica contains. It is especially adapted to acute forms of 
muscular pain, though it sometimes acts admirably in 
chronic cases. 
One of the most positive indications for the administra- 
tion of jaborandi in muscular pain is that of puffiness of 
the surrounding tissues. In inflammatory rheumatism 
where the parts involved are swollen and painful, whether 
reddened or not, jaborandi is the remedy of all others. 524 
THE MUSCLES. 
In severe muscular spasm, where the suffering is 
intense, a full dose of this remedy will often relieve 
promptly; if it fail, a repetition of the dose within an 
hour will alleviate materially and prepare the way for 
the use of the remedy in smaller doses. If two or 
three drachms now be added to four ounces of water and 
a teaspoonful of the mixture be given every hour, a few 
hours will suffice to relieve the difficulty, even if it be a 
severe attack of muscular rheumatism. 
In subacute attacks of rheumatism, where there are some 
pain and considerable swelling about the joints, rendering 
them sore and stiff, jaborandi, in the small doses men- 
tioned, will banish the difficulty in a few days, even if it 
has been standing for months. 
I have employed jaborandi in lumbago of severe char- 
acter after cimicifuga has failed to relieve, with complete 
satisfaction. In all forms of chronic rheumatism, except 
where there has been structural change, it should be tried 
as a dernier ressort, at least. 
Severe abdominal pain, pleurodynia, rheumatism of the 
heart-in fact muscular pain of any character-will yield 
more promptly to jaborandi than to any other renEiedy, un- 
less it be antipyrin, antifebrin, phenacetin, or some other 
of the preparations that are objectionable on account of 
their debilitating influence, and it is much safer, though 
it may also be overdone as to size of dose, and should be 
used with judgment. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine, every 
time. 
Dose.-This has already been discussed. Twenty drops 
may be considered a full dose. 
Kalmia. 
Kalmia latifolia exerts an influence upon the muscles, 
and is sometimes serviceable in the treatment of aching 
pains in the face when these are muscular in their place THE MUSCLES. 
525 
of origin. Some writers extol this remedy highly in the 
treatment of muscular rheumatism, especially where there 
is a tendency to frequent shifting of the pain. In car* 
diac rheumatism it may be found of service, especially in 
the early stage of this complaint. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops. 
Manaca. 
This remedy has been highly lauded as a specific for 
rheumatism, in some quarters, within the past few years. 
It seems adapted to both acute and chronic forms of the 
complaint, and merits a fair trial in stubborn cases. 
From my experience I am inclined to regard it as in- 
ferior to jaborandi, cimicifuga, caulophyllum and phenace- 
tin, though I can attest a marked action in rheumatic 
conditions from it. It is worthy to be ranked as a rem- 
edy markedly affecting the muscular system as an antimy- 
algic, but not as one of our best by any means. Dr. 
George P. Bissell contributed the following on this sub- 
ject to the California Eclectic Medical Society in 1885:- 
" Inasmuch as I cannot be with you I have determined to 
contribute a short dissertation on the Use of Manaca in 
Muscular Rheumatism. My experience with this drug 
has been solely in the form of the fluid extract, and is 
mostly personal testing, confirmed by obseivation of its 
effects on others. 
"Given, a case of rheumatism with soft skin and ab- 
sence of feverish symptoms, affecting more especially the 
muscles, including their tendons, perhaps occasionally af- 
fecting the joints, the pain being dull and heavy, but con- 
tinuous, manaca jj to jij, water fiv, teaspoonful three 
times a day, will give quicker relief than any remedy I 
know of. 
"I can find no positive symptoms of its action save 526 
THE MUSCLES. 
that the pain gradually fades out, and that the parts af- 
fected gradually assume their natural suppleness and 
strength. 
"There is no tonic feeling as with macrotys. Neither 
can I see that it acts on the digestion or any part of the 
system except that affected by pain. It is true that I 
have taken it only in the dose indicated. It is the first 
medicine that ever gave me relief, and I highly value it. 
The indication which guides me to its use is simply where 
I find none special for anything else. Or, to give positive 
statement, where the pain is continuous. 
"I am 59 years old; have been afflicted with muscular 
rheumatism since my fourth year, within my own distinct 
memory. My life has been one of great muscular exer- 
tion ; but I find the remedy to have the identical effect 
on those who have led lives of comparative idleness." 
Form for Administration.-Parke, Davis & Co.s' fluid 
extract. 
Dose.-Prom two to five drops. 
Paullinia Sorbtlis. 
Guarana acts promptly im some cases of chronic rheu- 
matism, affording relief in a few days. It is best adapted 
to chronic muscular rheumatism, as lumbago; here it has 
proven promptly curative. Even in acute muscular rheu- 
matism it may be used with confidence, though we do not 
require a remedy for this condition so much as for the 
stubborn, protracted cases. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From five to fifteen drops. 
Phenacetin. 
This remedy is one of our most positive antirheumatics. 
It relieves muscular spasm and muscular pain promptly, 
and is adapted to the treatment of either acute or chronic 
muscular rheumatism. THE MUSCLES. 
527 
Its prompt action on muscular structure commends it 
for the relief of the muscular pains attending influenza, 
tonsillitis, ague, and other febrile and inflammatory at- 
tacks. Here it will be found a prompt reliever of 
the muscular pain, while its effect as an antipyretic is 
serviceable. 
Phenacetin is less objectionable on account of depress- 
ing effects than the other coal-tar products, antipyrin and 
antifebrin, though it sometimes produces profuse perspi- 
ration which is accompanied by debility, and its use 
should be guarded with proper caution. 
I usually combine it with arseniate of quinia 3x, as 
follows:- 
ft Phenacetin, gr. iij. 
Arseniate of quinia, 3x (trit- 
uration), gr. ij. 
M. Ft. capsule No. 1. Duplicate No. 60. S.-Take one 
every three hours. 
The tonic serves to counteract the debilitating effects 
of the phenacetin and correct any malarial influence that 
the case may be complicated with, while the dose is so 
small as to avoid all unpleasant or objectionable drug 
influence. 
Phytolacca. 
Phytolacca exerts a positive influence upon the muscles, 
relieving muscular pain, in some cases, promptly. It was 
a favorite remedy in rheumatism with our old Eclectics, 
and it is not to be despised for this purpose, though I 
think that we have better ones. 
For the muscular pains attending acute tonsillitis and 
pharyngitis it is promptly curative, while it also relieves 
the inflammation of the mucous membrane. 
It is also of value in the treatment of pectoral pains, 
when these are confined to the pectoral muscles-not 528 
THE MUSCLES. 
shifting. The value of phytolacca in mammitis and sore 
nipples attending the puerperal state has already been 
referred to. 
In chronic rheumatism phytolacca should be awarded a 
fair trial, as it will sometimes excel more highly accred- 
ited remedies. It is always worthy a trial in stubborn 
cases. Syphilitic muscular pains will demand phytolacca 
after berberis aquifolium has failed. The former remedy, 
however, is worthy of first notice. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops. 
Potassium, Bichromate of. 
Minute doses of bichromate of potassium sometimes 
act promptly in relieving muscular pain. Mucoenteritis, 
especially that occurring during the winter months and 
attended by severe cramping pains of rheumatoid charac- 
ter, finds its best remedy here, especially as regards the 
muscular pain attending. 
In chronic rheumatism where there is little inflamma- 
tory action, where there is rather a want of reactive 
power on the part of the circulatory system, it sometimes 
acts admirably in effecting cures. 
In syphilitic rheumatism, however, lies its best field of 
action as a curative agent. It here rivals berberis, phy- 
tolacca and iodide of potassium. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration. 
Dose.-From one to three grains, repeated every three 
or four hours during the day. 
Potassium, Hypophosphite of. 
This remedy is a valuable agent in myalgia. The dis- 
ease may be in the form of chronic rheumatism, pleuro- 
dynia, lameness and soreness of the muscles generally, 
cramps of the muscles-in fact, all conditions attended 
by pain and tenderness of muscular tissue may be sue- THE MUSCLES. 
529 
cessfully medicated with hypophosphite of potassium. 
In chronic coughs attended by thoracic pain it will often 
be found the remedy to alleviate the pain and improve 
the tone of the muscles of the chest. Potassium, it will 
be remembered, is a muscle tissue salt. 
Potassium, Iodide of. 
Though often used to the extent of injury to the patient 
by a certain class of physicians, this salt is not to be de- 
spised in affections of the muscles, when employed judi- 
ciously. I can indorse the following remarks by Ringer, 
as to the application of this drug to muscular affections: 
"Iodide of potassium sometimes benefits chronic rheu- 
matism, chronic rheumatic arthritis, and chronic gout, 
especially the two former affections. It should, however, 
be borne in mind that the pains of secondary syphilis, 
frequently resembling in all respects those of so-called 
chronic rheumatism, are frequently confounded with, and 
included among, the manifold affections termed chronic 
rheumatism. Some of the so-called cases of rheumatism 
relieved by the iodide of potassium are probably cases of 
syphilis. 
" The pains relieved by iodide of potassium are mainly 
those marked by nocturnal increase of suffering, a symp- 
tom which may be accepted as a strong indication for the 
employment of this medicine-an indication holding true, 
whether the pains are referable to rheumatism or some 
other source. Syphilitic pains, it is well known, are gen- 
erally worse at night, and so are the pains of many cases 
of chronic rheumatism; now, the iodide generally benefits 
these rheumatic cases." 
Potassium, Sulphate of. 
This remedy is applicable to the treatment of wander- 
ing, shifting, muscular pains, and acts best in attenua- 
tions according to the plan of Schuessler. In long-stand- 530 
THE MUSCLES. 
ing muscular rheumatism attended by debility and sore- 
n'ess of the muscles, this remedy may sometimes be used 
with magical effect. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration. 
Dose.-Add five grains to half a glass (four ounces) of 
water and order a teaspoonful every two or three hours. 
Ptelea. 
Wafer-ash possesses properties fitting it for the treat- 
ment of painful affections of the muscles. It is especially 
adapted to those cases arising in malarious regions com- 
plicated with debility of the gastric functions. In chronic 
rheumatism of this character it should be given a fair 
trial. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From twenty drops to a fluidrachm. 
Quinia Sulphas. 
The action of quinia in muscular pain, when this occurs 
periodically, is prompt and positive. In anv case of mus- 
cular pain which manifests a marked periodicity, the time 
of attack should be anticipated by three three-grain doses 
of quinine, administered two hours apart, so that the last 
dose be given an hour before the onset; this will usually 
arrest the difficulty, or at least render the attack so light 
that a repetition of the remedy the following day will 
complete the cure. 
However, in such a case as this it is well-though not 
usually absolutely necessary-to combine the antiperiodic, 
quinine, with some other accredited antimyalgic, as cimi- 
cifuga, jaborandi, salicylic acid, etc. But in every case 
of myalgia of periodic character it is almost absolutely 
necessary to employ the antiperiodic properties of quinine, 
whatever other remedy may be made use of. 
Rhododendron. 
This drug is recommended by homeopathic authorities 
in rheumatic prosopalgia (face-ache). It seems to pos- THE MUSCLES. 
531 
sess an affinity for the muscles of the face especially. 
It has also been successfully used in ophthalmic prac- 
tice in painful conditions of the eyeball, the muscles prob- 
ably being the seat of pain. It may prove a satisfactory 
remedy in rheumatic ophthalmia, and other myalgias of 
the eye. 
Rhododendron has also been employed in muscular 
pains of other parts of the body, as of the cervical and 
thoracic muscles and those of the extremities. It is as- 
serted to be best adapted to myalgia occurring during 
warm weather. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture from a homeo- 
pathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to a drop. 
Rhus Tox. 
There is considerable doubt as to the affinity of rhus 
tox. for muscular structure. Hughes suggests that its 
"action is mainly upon fibrous tissues-tendons, fasciae, 
sheaths of nerves, etc.-and perhaps the muscles." 
It has seemed to me that rhus is very much overesti- 
mated as a remedy for rheumatism. I have failed to de- 
rive much benefit from it, though I have administered it 
many times in what seemed appropriate cases. Possibly 
this is because we possess so many other remedies supe- 
rior to it in this place. In rheumatism attended by the 
element of restlessness, where this is a nervous feature, 
the remedy might find a place, but it would be for the 
nervous element of the case rather than for the muscular 
pain. 
Salicylic Acid; Salicylate of Sodium. 
Salicylic acid is not the favorite for muscular pain that 
it was several years ago. It has failed to fulfill all the 
expectations of its admirers, and is liable to produce gas- 
tric irritation unless administered with considerable cau- 
tion. The salicylate of sodium has superseded it, to 532 
THE MUSCLES. 
considerable extent, being less irritating to the stomach, 
and fully as potent as a reliever of muscular pain. 
In the treatment of acute muscular pain I think the 
salicylic acid and salicylate of sodium inferior to jabor- 
andi and phenacetin, but in chronic cases they are impor- 
tant remedies-worthy of remembrance. In rheumatic 
ophthalmia they are valuable remedies, seeming to pos- 
sess an affinity for the eye, and to exert positive curative 
effects in myalgia located there. 
Form for Administration,-The salicylic acid prepared 
from wintergreen is best. 
Dose.-From three to five grains, either of the acid or 
salicylate of sodium. 
Salophen. 
The following is abstracted from a recent number of 
the Medical Tribune:- 
"From recent reports it appears that the new organic 
compound, acetyl-para-amidosalol, or salophen, is to take 
a very high place in therapeutics, not only in acute rheu- 
matoid maladies but in those in which a principal object 
of treatment is to secure an undisturbed and continuous 
intestinal antisepsis without risk of injury to the patient. 
" The New York Medical Journal contains an article on 
salophen, written by William H. Flint, M. D., of the 
Presbyterian Hospital, which foreshadows some of the 
excellent effects which may now be expected from this 
extraordinary new remedy. 
"Dr. Flint says that during his summer hospital-serv- 
ice, he caused salophen to be administered in all cases of 
rheumatism, and that he was so well pleased with its ac- 
tion that he desires to make known to his confreres the 
advantages of salophen treatment, hoping that their re- 
sults may be as happy as his own. 
"The author presents detailed reports of six cases of 
acute rheumatism treated with salophen in 15-grain doses tHE MUSCLES. 
533 
given dry upon the tongue and swallowed with cool water 
every three hours and with sodium bicarbonate, in 10- 
grain doses, administered in the same way thrice daily. 
"Dr. Flint's conclusions concerning the results obtained, 
are stated by him as follows: 'From the above given 
histories it will be seen that in all the cases except the 
last, the pains were quite relieved, the redness dispelled, 
and the temperature reduced to the normal point on the 
second or third day of treatment. In the one exceptional 
case, the patient may have exaggerated the intensity ol 
her pain to prolong her stay at the hospital; but no ob- 
jective symptom persisted after the seventh day of treat- 
ment. It is probable that speedier results may be at- 
tained safely by the use of larger doses or of the same 
dose at shorter intervals. In none of these cases was the 
heart's action at all weakened, nor was the digestion im- 
paired by the remedy. The urine was unaffected by 
the treatment. In conclusion, we possess in salophen a 
remedy equally as potent as the other salicylates to con- 
trol the symptoms of acute rheumatic arthritis, but de- 
void of the tendency to weaken the heart's action, to 
disturb the stomach, and to produce albuminuria and 
smoky urine.'" 
Sanguinaria. 
This remedy is recommended in acute rheumatism, 
where the pains are throbbing, burning, and occur spas- 
modically. It may answer for the relief of certain cases, 
but cannot be as positive as some other remedies men- 
tioned in this work, or its merits in this direction would 
be more widely known. However, these qualities of the 
drug may be borne in mind for emergencies. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops, re- 
peated three or four times a day. 534 
THE MUSCLES. 
Sticta. 
This is a favorite remedy with many practitioners for 
muscular pain. Scudder recommends it when the pain 
extends from the shoulders to the occiput, involving the 
trapezius principally. This symptom will frequently be 
present in influenza and other catarrhal fevers, Where 
sticta is also a valuable remedy on account of its influence 
over tracheal irritation. 
In muscular rheumatism affecting the muscles of loco- 
motion and prehension it is often a very useful remedy, 
rivalling macrotys and caulophyllum. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the tenth of a drop to a drop. 
Sulphur. 
Sulphur possesses a considerable reputation in some 
quarters as a remedy for chronic rheumatism. Hughes 
commends it highly in his Manual of Pharmacodynamics, 
and Kinger, of the old school, refers approvingly to its 
use locally for the relief of rheumatic pain. 
Medical journals contained numerous reports, a few 
years ago, of the successful use of dry sulphur locally, in 
the treatment 'of sciatica. The manner of application 
consisted in wrapping the affected extremity in dry sul- 
phur with the aid of proper bandages. Belief was reported 
to be almost magical in promptness. 
E. R. Waterhouse, M. D., in an old number of the 
California Medical Journal, wrote: "It is a remedy of 
importance in the treatment of chronic rheumatism, either 
mercurial or otherwise. In these cases of rheumatism 
where sulphur is curative, we will find the pain is tensive 
or I may say tearing, and constant; it may be of scrofu- 
lous or syphilitic origin. Al any middle-aged ladies com- 
plain of cramping about the calf of the leg and about the 
feet; it is the most troublesome after going to bed, and 535 
THE MUSCLES. 
they are obliged to resort to all manner of applications 
before the trouble is relieved. Here I would administer 
the first decimal trituration in doses of what would lie 
upon a ten-cent piece, four times a day." 
Vapor Bath. 
We probably have no more prompt, positive and grate- 
ful reliever of acute muscular pain than the vapor bath. 
The heat promptly relaxes muscular spasm and banishes 
the pain of muscular tension, a few minutes sufficing to 
accomplish what might require hours for some accredited 
remedies to achieve. In all cases of acute muscular spasm 
and pain this resource is a commendable ally to internal 
agents, never doing harm and nearly always rendering 
assistance. 
The spirit vapor bath of the Dispensatory answers a 
good purpose, but I prefer the cabinet bath when it can 
be had, as a more effective heating can be administered 
by it, and I think the effectiveness of this plan depends 
largely upon the amount of heat applied to the surface of 
the body. 
In chronic rheumatism this application of heat is a 
remarkable aid to other remedial measures, antirheumat- 
ics seeming to exert a more pronounced effect after the 
circulation has been improved under a vapor bath ad- 
ministered every day or two for a few days. 
Vesical spasm of rheumatoid character-and this is 
not a rare complaint-will yield more promptly to this 
plan of treatment than to any other. This remark applies 
to a similar condition of any other internal organ. 
Veratrum. 
Veratrum viride sometimes acts remarkably well in the 
treatment of muscular affections. In rheumatism it is 
not so admirable a remedy as jaborandi and some other 536 
THE MUSCLES. 
antirheumatics, yet it seems adapted to a certain class of 
cases. I have seen it clear up a badly treated case of 
inflammatory rheumatism, after the patient had been 
about but partially convalescent with a badly swollen 
knee, in a few days. It acts somewhat like jaboran ii, 
promoting secretion, lowering temperature and relieving 
vascular tension. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add twenty drops to half a glass of water and 
give a teaspoonful every hour or two. THE SKIN. 
537 
THE SKIN. 
Acetate of Potassium. 
Acetate of potassium is sometimes a valuable remedy 
in skin affections. Chronic eruptions, where removal of 
waste is desirable, is the proper place for it. 
It has been used with success in chronic eczema in 
connection with berberis, juglans cinerea, solanum dulcam- 
ara, and other specific skin remedies, with the effect of 
hastening their action. It might be considered a doubt- 
ful proposition, that this remedy possesses any specific 
influence upon the skin more than upon other tissues, 
but its use in such cases has proven, undisputably, its 
effiacy. 
In an article on the Treatment of Eczema, read before 
the Eclectic Medical Society of California in 1889, by Dr. 
A. W. Bixby, acetate of potassium is recommended as one 
of the principal remedies for internal administration. The 
American Dispensatory refers to it also, as a remedy for 
obstinate cutaneous affections. I can indorse these rec- 
ommendations from my own experience. 
Form for Administration.-A solution of half an ounce 
of the acetate to half a pint of water. 
Dose.-A teaspoonful three or four times daily. 
Acetic Acid. 
Though not a remedy for internal administration in 
skin affections acetic acid is not to be forgotten in the 
treatment of ringworm. In that stubborn form known as 
tinea versicolor, there is no more prompt and efficient 
remedy to destroy the parasite than this agent locally 
applied. It should be touched to the affected spots once 
a day with a camel-hair pencil, sufficient being applied to 
penetrate the part deeply. It is applicable to the treat- 
ment of ringworm upon any part of the body except the 538 
THE SKIN. 
scalp. The smarting caused by it is severe, but it quickly 
subsides. 
Form for Use.-The glacial acetic acid. 
Aconite. 
In skin affections attended by febrile symptoms, aconite 
is a reliable agent to assist the action of more specific 
remedies. In the exanthemata it is almost always in- 
dispensible, and in erythema and erysipelas it is almost 
always a useful agent to assist in allaying pain and burn- 
ing, and in controlling the inflammatory element attending. 
In erysipelas, it combines or alternates advantageously 
with apis, rhus tox., or echinacea, improving the influence 
of these agents, aiding in reducing the vascular excite- 
ment and controlling the progress of the disease. In 
erythema it also acts promptly in alleviating the unpleas- 
antness of the affection in similar combinations. 
.Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add from five to ten drops to four ounces of 
water and give a teaspoonful every hour. 
Agaricus Muscaris. 
Agaric relieves that state of relaxation of the skin ac- 
companied with profuse perspiration in the night sweats 
of debilitating diseases, or in profuse and exhausting per- 
spiration occurring during the day. The form used is the 
alkaloid-muscarine. The dose of this is five drops of the 
one-per-cent solution, repeated every three or four hours. 
Alnus Serrulata. 
This is a valuable and reliable remedy in such skin 
affections as eczema, crusta lactea, and other eruptions 
where a constitutional cause lies behind the malady, as 
scrofula or syphilis. It possesses a specific affinity for 
the skin, and appears to influence the nutrition of this 
part. It should be recollected in all stubborn cutaneous THE SKIN. 
539 
affections as a probable means of relief, its persistent use 
usually affording satisfaction. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From five to fifteen drops. 
Apis. 
Apis mellifica is a favorite with many practitioners in 
the treatment of skin affections attended with itching or 
pain of stinging character. In affections of subcutaneous 
parts accompanied by puffiness with stinging pain, it is 
a remedy to be remembered. 
Hughes recommends apis in erysipelatous inflammation 
of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, especially when of 
traumatic origin He asserts that it stands midway, as a 
remedy, between belladonna and rhus in its relation to af- 
fections of the skin. Scudder and Goss indorse this ac- 
tion in their works. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to two drops. 
Arctium Lappa. 
Burdock exerts a specific influence on the skin, and 
can be relied upon for the relief of eruptions depending 
upon depraved nutrition of the part. Among the diseases 
cured by it are crusta lactea, chronic cutaneous erysip- 
elas and psoriasis. 
The best form of this remedy is a saturated tincture of 
the recently ripened seeds. I have seen this act promptly 
in the cure of tetter, eczema, and other cutaneous erup- 
tions. Some skin specialists rely upon it in the treatment 
of psoriasis. 
Form for Administration.-A saturated tincture of seeds 
not more than a year old; if more recent the better. If 
the seeds can be obtained and tinctured as soon as ripe 
tliS best tincture will result. 
Dose.-From ten to twenty drops. 540 
the SKIN. 
Arsenic. 
Arsenic is a skin remedy of very positive merit It is 
valuable in most chronic eruptions where the nutrition of 
the skin is at fault. It seems to exert a common influ- 
ence over the skin and its reflections, the mucous mem- 
branes, selecting particularly the mucous membrane of 
the alimentary canal. I have used it with flattering suc- 
cess in eruptions which were alternated with intestinal 
irritation, the eruption receding to be followed by diar- 
rhoea, and reappearing when the diarrhoea ceased. 
Arsenic is adapted to scaly and vesicular affections of 
the skin especially, not being of much use in pustular 
eruptions. It acts well in many cases of eczema of 
chronic nature, though its use must be continued for a 
long time in most instances, to produce curative results. 
It is most reliable where the disease is scattered, appears 
slowly, and does not manifest a disposition to rapidly 
spread over large portions of the body. In the latter 
class of cases we will derive more benefit promptly from 
some of the vegetable skin remedies, as berberis aqui- 
folium or burdock, or from the sulphide of calcium. 
Psoriasis is also much benefited by arsenic, lepra being 
especially a form of this disease where the drug has 
proven successful as a remedy. Pemphigus will usually 
yield to a protracted course of arsenic, though it is likely 
to recur a few months after the remedy is suspended. 
Among the profession generally it is the custom to ad- 
minister arsenic without much discrimination in all kinds 
of cutaneous affections, and this is usually satisfactory, 
though of course such practice must meet with many fail- 
ures. In chronic skin affections, however, it promises as 
much as any other single remedy, probably. 
Form for Administration.-Fowler's solution of arsenic. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. THE SKIN. 
541 
Atropia. 
Atropine is a remedy for the night sweats of phthisis 
or other debilitated condition. It is always worthy a trial 
in obstinate cases of this kind, though we probably pos- 
sess other remedies more reliable as a rule. However, in 
some cases the best accredited remedies fail where others 
succeed, when the reason cannot be accounted for. 
Form for Administration.-The 2x trituration. 
Dose.-From one-half grain to one grain. 
Berberis Aquifolium. 
Berberis aquifolium is a comparatively new remedy, but 
it has proven one of the most reliable we have in chronic 
skin affections. In eczema, psoriasis, and scrofulous and 
syphilitic affections of the skin, of various forms, we have 
no more reliable remedy than this. 
In the eruptions of secondary syphilis the continued 
use of berberis aquifolium for a few months will usually 
remove all traces of the eruption, and if any remain they 
will be trifling compared to the condition where the rem- 
edy has not been employed. In chronic changes in the 
skin, of long standing, especially in syphilitic cases, the 
use of iodide of potassium in conjunction with the berberis 
is a commendable measure, the iodide being continued for 
a month or six -weeks to then be discontinued, while the 
berberis is used uninterruptedly. 
As the effect of berberis is always to invigorate the 
skin it is a useful agent to administer in any cutaneous 
affection of chronic character, in connection with the rem- 
edy which may seem more pronouncedly indicated. The 
effect of the specific remedy is thus enhanced, since the 
functional activity of the skin generally is improved by 
the berberis, while it also augments digestion and assimi- 
lation, thus improving all the functions of the body. In 
acne, berberis will accomplish desirable results in many 542 
THE SKIN. 
cases if continued for a long time uninterruptedly, say a 
year. 
There can hardly be imagined an abnormal condition of 
'the skin where this remedy may not be administered with 
advantage, if it be borne in mind that its effects are 
brought about slowly, and that structural changes require 
months for their accomplishment. 
Form for Administration.-The fluid extract prepared 
by Parke, Davis & Co. 
Dose.-This must be large, comparatively speaking; 
from ten to thirty drops. 
Beta-Naphthol. 
This agent is an admirable remedy for parasitic affec- 
tions of the skin of vegetable origin. In the form of an 
ointment locally applied, it is one of the most reliable 
agents we possess for tinea tonsurans, mentagra, and other 
parasitic skin diseases. It is also a valuable hair tonic. 
Form, for Administration.-An ointment composed of 
half a drachm of the drug to an ounce of lanolin. It 
should be applied freely and well rubbed in, each night 
at bedtime, for months. If ten drops of the oil of berga- 
mot be added the mixture will constitute an elegant po- 
made for the hair and scalp. 
Bromide of Potassium. 
This remedy manifests an affinity for the skin by pro- 
ducing eruptions when administered in large doses for 
some time. It has been recommended by some writers 
for acne and other pustular eruptions, and rashes. It has 
not been used much, probably because there are more reli- 
able remedies. The dose should be small, say three grains 
of the 2x or 3x trituration. 
Calendula. 
The value of this remedy in superficial skin affections 
is not sufficiently realized. Even in inflammatory indu- THE SKIN. 
543 
rations of the skin of long standing, as for instance stub- 
born cases of acne, calendula will cure when other reme- 
"dies fail. It acts well in such cases both from internal 
and local use, and these actions should be combined. 
Form for Administration.-Lloyd's or the tincture from 
a homeopathic pharmacy. For local use the active agent 
should be diluted with two or three parts of water. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Carbolic Acid. 
This remedy highly diluted has been used with success- 
ful results internally, for the treatment of psoriasis. It 
is a well-known topical agent in cutaneous affections at- 
tended by excoriation and itching. In the form of an 
ointment or lotion it comes into frequent use for minor 
affections of the skin, as patches of herpes on children, 
and for pruritus of different portions of the body, as itch- 
ing of the anus, pudenda, etc. 
The remedy should be diluted to the 2x or 3x dilution 
for internal administration. Of this the dose should be 
from the fraction of a drop to a drop. For external ap- 
plication, from ten to thirty drops to the ounce of lanolin 
for an unguent, or of glycerine and water for a lotion. 
Chloride of Potassium. 
This remedy will be found reliable in skin diseases 
where it is desirable to arrest the exudation of plastic 
material, or to cause its absorption before suppuration. 
In boils, carbuncles, pimples, the eruption of small pox, 
eczema, erysipelas, chilblains, etc., it will be applicable 
on these lines. 
Form for Administration.-The 3x trituration. 
Dose.-Add five grains to four ounces of water and give 
a teaspoonful every two hours. 544 
the SKIN. 
Chrysarobin. 
As with some other remedies mentioned in this depart- 
ment, chrysarobin lacks specific affinity for the skin 
through systemic action, but as a local agent it is of great 
service, especially in parasitic disease. 
It acts well in tinea tonsurans and other vegetable 
parasitic skin diseases, penetrating and destroying the 
growth rapidly. It also acts well as a local application 
in ache and psoriasis, though care should be exercised in 
using it about the face, as it is liable to provoke active 
inflammation of the conjunctiva. 
Chronic eczema, rosacea and lupus vulgaris have been 
cured with this agent. 
From ten to twenty grains of chrysarobin should be 
thorougholy incorporated in an ounce of lanolin for an 
unguent when it is to be locally applied. It has been 
used internally but with doubtful utility, in the treatment 
of psoriasis. Unless used in minute doses-lx or 2x trit- 
uration-it is liable to provoke active catharsis. 
Clematis. 
Clematis erecta is adapted to the treatment of chronic 
cutaneous affections attending scrofulous or syphilitic 
states of the system. The homeopathists indorse it in 
the treatment of diseases involving the skin in patients 
who have been subjected to mercurial treatment and are 
suffering from its effects in connection with the cutaneous 
trouble, or in whom the skin disease is likely to have 
been caused by mercury. 
Foul eruptions of the head and general surface, eczema, 
the ulcers and excrescences of secondary syphilis, as well 
as other eruptions of vesicular and pustular kind have 
been cured with this agent. In ophthalmic practice it 
may be found of service where the edges of the eyelids 
are sore and swollen, with the irritation apparently ex- THE SKIN. 
545 
tending to the meibomian glands. Young, scrofulous 
subjects often present us with such a condition. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture from a homeo- 
pathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-From five to fifteen drops, repeated three or 
four times a day. 
COMOCLADIA DENTATA. 
This is the "guao" of the West Indies. It resembles 
the action of rhus tox. on the skin somewhat, and has 
been reputed as a remedy for leprosy. 
Corydalis. 
Turkey-corn possesses an affinity for the skin, and is a 
favorite with many of our school in the treatment of this 
organ. Its best effects are found in skin diseases arising 
from scrofulous or syphilitic conditions of the system, 
without so much regard to the particular character of the 
eruption. 
Echinacea. 
Echinacea is a remedy of rare virtue when superficial 
irritation of acute and painful character is met. Burning 
of the surface with redness is a good indication for its 
use. In some very severe cases of this kind I have met 
with gratifying success from the continued local and in- 
ternal use of the remedy. 
In chafing and other forms of erythema, echinacea is 
one of the most reliable remedies we possess, not only for 
temporary relief of the burning and itching, but for per- 
manent cure. The internal use of the agent seems to 
relieve the system at large, or else the skin itself, of the 
irritable element which predisposes to the condition. 
Form for Use.-A twenty-five per cent, dilution of the 
specific medicine or a saturated tincture in water. Cloths 
can be saturated with this and applied to the affected 
surface, or if this be impracticable, the part may be fre- 546 
THE SKIN. 
quently bathed with the preparation. Internally, a tea- 
spoonful may be given every hour or two. 
Fluoride of Calcium. 
This is one of the tissue remedies adapted to cracking 
of the skin, as chaps, fissures, etc. It is often of service 
in chapped hands, fissures of the anus, cracks about the 
lips and other fissured conditions of the skin. 
For directions as to manner of use see Inorganic Prox- 
mate Principles. 
Graphites. 
Referring to one of Hahnemann's works Hughes re- 
marks, in his Manual of Pharmacodynamics: "In his 
preface, Hahnemann tells us that a German physician, 
Weinhold, when traveling in Italy, found black-lead used 
by the workmen in a mirror manufactory as an external 
application for herpes. He himself adopted the practice, 
giving the substance internally also; and its use in cutane- 
ous disease, long obsolete in the old school, flourishes 
among homeopathists to this day." The same writer 
adds: "Dr. Hale has reported a remarkable case of ec- 
zema impetiginodes, of twenty years' standing, cured by 
it in the dilutions from the fifth to the thirtieth; and 
Bahr, who praises it highly in chronic eczema, also 
gives three cases of that troublesome disease, mentagra, 
in which it proved radically curative. I mention these 
as easily accessible illustrations of its efficacy; but if 
you hunt through homeopathic literature you will find 
numerous testimonies and narrations to the same effect. 
Dr. Bayes commends it in 'psoriasis palmaris,' which is, 
of course, a chronic eczema; and suggests that the fre- 
quent occurrence of this complaint in domestic servants 
may have something to do with the black-lead used by 
them for fire-grates. 
"It is not easy to define the precise place of graphites THE SKIN. 
547 
in skin disease. The presence of rhagades generally 
suggests it to me. Dr. Guernsey says that its character- 
istic symptom here is the exudation of a thin, sticky, 
glutinous, transparent fluid from raw places or sores. It 
probably exerts, like arsenic, a general influence upon the 
nutrition of the skin, which may lead to varying effects, 
pathogenetic and curative, according to the subjects of its 
influence. 
"Graphites is also very useful in unhealthy states 
of the appendages and prolongations of the skin. Dr. 
Guernsey commends it for falling off of the hair and ab- 
normal growth of the nails. He also speaks well of it in 
tinnitus aurium, with deafness which is improved by ex- 
ternal noise; such an affection is probably due to a mor- 
bid state of the meatus or membrana tympani. Dr. 
Cooper uses it successfully in blepharitis ciliaris, where 
inflammatory symptoms are absent; also in stillicidium 
lachrymarum, from obstruction of the nasal duct. Dr. 
Bayes ranks it with aurum in crusts about the nostrils in 
scrofulous children. Dr. Marston has left on record a 
cure of fissure of the anus by it." 
Form for Administration.-From the fifth to the tenth 
decimal dilution. 
Dose.-From five to ten drops, three or four times 
daily. 
Hydrastis. 
Hydrastis does not figure prominently as a skin rem- 
edy, but it seems adapted to certain epithelial and other 
superficial cutaneous affections manifesting malignancy. 
In lupus, in epithelioma, and in rhagades, as well as in 
chronic eruptions depending upon gastric irritation, it 
may often serve an important office. In using it in ul- 
cerations of the character described, its internal admin- 
istration should be coupled with topical application. 548 
THE SKIN. 
Hydrocotyl Asiatica. 
This remedy possesses quite a reputation for the cure of 
leprosy. It also is extolled for various other skin affec- 
tions, such as lupus exedens and eczema impetignodes. 
As this remedy exerts a specific influence upon the cervix 
uteri, it is adapted to the treatment of acne in the female 
depending upon disease of this part. It has been praised 
as a remedy for elephantiasis. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture from a homeo- 
pathic pharmacy should be carried to the 3x dilution. 
Dose.-From three to five drops. 
Ichthyol. 
Ichthyol has acquired a wide reputation within the last 
few years as a remedy for obstinate skin disease. It is 
applied locally. It acts best in psoriasis and other ob- 
stinate eczemas. Palmar psoriasis, a stubborn condition 
in many instances, is promptly benefited in a large ma- 
jority of cases. Other forms of skin disease of squa- 
mous character may demand it. 
Form for Administration.-From a ten to a twenty per 
cent, ointment, lanolin, vaseline, or other excipient being 
employed. 
Iodide of Arsenic. 
In obstinate eruptions of the skin this is often a supe- 
rior remedy, on account of its specific action on this part. 
Both arsenic and iodine influence the nutrition of the skin, 
and this combination seems to be superior to either rem- 
edy used singly, in certain cases. 
Iodide of arsenic is applicable to dry, scaly, burning, 
and itching eruptions. Among these may be named lepra, 
furfuraceous pityriasis, impetigo, psoriasis, etc. The com- 
plication of scrofulous glandular enlargement would em- 
phasize the applicability of the remedy. THE SKIN. 
549 
Iodide of Potassium. 
In old, stubborn, syphilitic, or scrofulous eruptions of 
the skin, iodide of potassium assists materially in the 
start in breaking down the deposits and allowing vegetable 
skin remedies to complete a cure. It should be given in 
liberal doses for a short time-a month, perhaps-and 
then be discontinued and followed by vegetable dermic 
agents. 
Iodide of Sulphur. 
This remedy is valuable in the treatment of acne when 
suppurative action is a common symptom. It may be 
applied locally as well as administered internally. Hale 
recommeds it in barber's itch. 
Form for Administration.-From the third to the tenth 
decimal trituration. 
Dose.-From two to three grains. 
The ointment should be made of the strength of two or 
three grains of the iodide to an ounce of lanolin. It 
should be rubbed in two or three times a day. 
Iris Versicolor. 
Hale attributes specific skin properties to this drug. 
He asserts that it is especially applicable to cases of skin 
eruption in which there is gastro-intestinal irritation with 
pronounced acidity-vomiting and purging of greenish 
material of acid character. 
Its principal use has been in the treatment of psoriasis 
and pustular affections of the scalp and face, especially in 
children. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the hundredth of a drop to the tenth of a 
drop. 
Jaborandi. 
The action of jaborandi in producing profuse perspira- 
tion is well known. Sometimes this action is useful in 550 
THE SKIN. 
establishing an artificial crisis early in the onset of con- 
tinued fevers, where it may be aided by the action of a 
vapor bath. Another action of jaborandi is its influence 
in arresting profuse perspiration due to relaxation of the 
cutaneous vessels. Here the dose must be very small, 
only a few drops of the specific medicine being used in 
four ounces of water, a teaspoonful of the mixture being 
given every three or four hours. The dynamical influence 
here is what is required, and care must be observed that 
the dose be not so large as to cause the drug-effect 
instead. 
JUGLANS ClNEREA. 
Juglans possesses decided properties adapting it to the 
treatment of skin diseases. I have had excellent success 
with this remedy in the treatment of chronic eruptions of 
various kinds, and regard it as one of our most positive 
skin remedies. 
Professor Goss refers to it very enthusiastically in his 
work on materia medica, commending it in eczema, lichen, 
ecthyma, pemphigus, impetigo, herpes circinatus, rupia, 
acne, prurigo, molluscum, and almost all other chronic 
skin affections. I am of the opinion that it will cure any 
skin disease except syhilides, scrofulides and parasitic 
diseases. In parasitic cutaneous affections the local ap- 
plication of the juice of the juglans nigra is often very 
effective in destroying the growth. 
Form for Administration.-A saturated tincture of the 
fresh bark of the root of the juglans cinerea. In the ab- 
sence of this the specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to ten drops. 
Lactic Acid. 
Concentrated lactic acid is an effectual remedy for local 
application in cutaneous affections demanding a solvent 
of the epidermis. As a local remedy in obstinate cases THE SKIN. 
551 
of tinea versicolor it is only rivalled by acetic acid, as it 
penetrates rapidly and effectually, while it does not attack 
the true skin. 
Tylotic formations may be dissolved by the persistent 
use of this agent so that they may easily be scraped off; 
and though they may form again, repeated applications 
and removal will finally accomplish a cure. Chloasma 
hepaticum or liver spots may also be removed by the use 
of concentrated lactic acid. Should the first application 
not succeed it may be repeated until the epidermis and 
underlying pigment peel off, without danger of leaving a 
scar behind. This may be followed by the application of 
mild zinc ointment or some other simple dressing. Ephi- 
lides are to be treated in the same manner. 
Tylosis or thickening of the epidermis of the palms of 
soles not only yield to this treatment but warts and other 
horny excrescences of epithelial formation may be re- 
moved by the continuous application of lactic acid. The 
agent should be applied with a camel-hair pencil. 
Lycopodium. 
Hughes observes (Manual of Pharmacodynamics): 
"Lycopodium is very good for the intertrigo of children 
and for dry porrigo capitis. It is said to be curative in 
that scourge of Poland, the plica polonica; and also in 
pruritus ani." 
Nitric Acid. 
Nitric acid, administered internally, exerts an influence 
over the muco-cutaneous outlets of the body, and is 
adapted to anal fissure, condylomata, sores about the 
mouth, etc. It resembles thuja in its action on the skin, 
somewhat, seeming to specifically correct perversions of 
the epidermis about the genitalia, and even upon the gen- 
eral cutaneous surface. It should be thought of as an 552 
the skiN. 
internal remedy in the treatment of warts after thuja, 
magnesium sulphate and arsenic have failed. 
Ringer extols nitric acid highly as a local remedy for 
the removal of venereal warts. He remarks (Hand- 
book of Therapeutics): "Small syphilitic warts and con- 
dylomata, kept constantly moist with a wash of diluted 
nitric acid-a drachm or two of the dilute acid to a pint 
of water, is sufficient-are thus surely and painlessly 
dispersed." I have verified this observation in several 
instances. 
Nitric acid, internally, is in repute among homeopathic 
practitioners as a remedy for pruritus of the vulva and 
anus. This obstinate condition sometimes demands the 
trial of several remedies before the proper one can be 
found, and nitric acid offering possible relief it should 
not be forgotten in the rotation of remedies for such 
cases. 
Form for Administration.-From the lx to the 3x 
dilution. 
Dose.-Two or three drops, three or four times daily. 
Petroleum. 
Hughes recommends this remedy internally in the 3x 
dilution to check foul-smelling perspiration from the ax- 
illae and feet; also to modify that unhealthiness of the 
skin which predisposes it to fester and niceiate upon 
slight causes. Kerosene is an effective remedy applied 
locally for the destruction of tinea tonsurans. 
Phosphoric Acid. 
Phosphoric acid asserts its influence over that condition 
of the hair follicles attended by falling off of the hair in 
many different diseases. After typhoid fever and other 
prostrating diseases this is a common symptom, and phos- 
phoric acid will check it if administered in time. It also 
encourages early return of the growth. THE SKIN. 
553 
Form f or Administration.-The dilute phosphoric acid. 
Dose.-From five to ten drops three or four times a 
day. 
Phytolacca. 
This remedy is adapted to the treatment of cutaneous 
affections resembling those of secondary syphilis, if not 
the identical ones. It is applicable to squamous eruptions, 
psoriasis, pityriasis, lupus, etc. 
Goss refers to phytolacca in very favorable terms as a 
medicine for secondary syphilis, asserting that it is also 
valuable in cutaneous diseases arising from scrofulous 
taint. In old and obstinate ulcers its internal use seems 
to improve the reparative power of the skin and hasten 
healing. It resembles berberis aquifolium much in this 
respect. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From two to ten drops. 
Picrotoxine. 
This agent is a superior one for the relief of profuse 
sweating. As to its virtues I will quote from an article 
contributed several years ago to the California Medical 
Journal, by Professor John Fearn, M. D.:- 
"I have been using this remedy for years,and my suc- 
cess in relieving colliquative sweating has been very grat- 
ifying. I can only call to mind one case where the relief 
was only partial, and that was a very unpromising one 
from the beginning, and the remedy was not fairly tried. 
I give a much less dose than is generally prescribed, using 
the 3x trituration. I give several two-grain powders of 
this preparation in the eveinng, say one at five o'clock, one 
at seven and one at nine. My way has been to medicate 
like this four nights in succession. It is usually prompt, 
acts pleasantly, leaves no bad symptoms in its train, and 
I do not generally find a necessity to continue the remedy 
longer. 554 
THE SKIN. 
"I call to mind a case of inflammatory rheumatism I 
treated about three years ago. It was a bad case; reali- 
zing that much of the poison must be eliminated through 
the skin, I favored free perspiration, using mild means 
therefor. Patient began to sweat profusely, and kept this 
up for days. With the sweating, improvement com- 
menced in every direction; when, so far as the disease 
was concerned he began to convalesce, the sweating con- 
tinued unabated, I began to think it was time to use 
mild means to check it, for the man seemed literally 
melting away. I prescribed in this case:- 
R Picrotoxine, 3x trit., gr.xv. 
Aqua, ad to fii. 
Sig. 3] every two hours in the evening. 
"The relief was prompt. I have since then used it 
several times in solution in the same way with success. 
"To conclude, I find this plan of using the active prin- 
ciple of cocculus indicus to be very satisfactory. My 
experience is, that it cures; it cures safely, it cures 
pleasantly, it cures quickly." 
A tincture of cocculus indicus is a valuable local appli- 
cation for the destruction of lice. The hair should be 
cut short and the remedy applied, care being observed to 
avoid its contact with recent abrasions for fear of absorp- 
tion and subsequent poisonous effect. 
Ranunculus. 
This remedy specifically influences the skin, acting 
curatively in herpes and eczema. Shingles affords a place 
for its action, and here it has proven very successful. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture from a homeo- 
pathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-Add from ten to twenty drops to four ounces of 
water and give a teaspoonful every two or four hours. THE SKIN. 
555 
Rhus Tox. 
Rhus tox. specifically influences the skin, and is adapted 
to the successful treatment of irritable or inflammatory 
herpes, eczema and pemphigus. In facial cutaneous 
affections of this character it is especially valuable, and 
also in facial erysipelas. I think we have no other rem- 
edy which will act as promptly as this where such erup- 
tions are found upon the face. 
Facial erysipelas involving the tissues about the eyes, 
attended by puffiness of the eyelids yields promptly to 
rhus tox. In some cases of this kind the alternation of 
minute doses of belladonna with the rhus improves its 
action. Aconite combines well with rhus also in facial 
erysipelas, but the prompt action of rhus alone testifies 
to its specific influence. 
Form, for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-Add from ten to fifteen drops to four ounces of 
water and give a teaspoonful every two hours, in acute 
cases; every four in chronic ones. 
Rumex Crispus. 
Rumex is adapted to the treatment of certain skin af- 
fections. It is the testimony of those who have used it 
most extensively that rumex is best adapted to that class 
of eruptions which depend upon a strumous condition of 
the system. 
In skin eruptions attended by much itching it has been 
extolled by homeopathic authors because an observer in 
that school noticed intolerable itching to follow its use 
in some cases. Dr. Searle, during the War of the Re- 
bellion, found it curative of the contagious prurigo or 
"army itch," which was quite prevalent, after several 
other remedies failed to relieve. He used a few drops 
of the lx dilution at a dose, repeating several times daily. 
Form for Administration.- -The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the tenth to the fifth of a drop. 556 
the SKIN. 
Sambucus Canadensis. 
This remedy has been employed successfully in small 
doses to modify excessive sweating. 
Sepia. 
Sepia is applicable to some cases of skin disease. 
Pruritus may be taken as an indication for it in cutaneous 
eruptions, especially if located about the anus or genitalia. 
Scaly eruptions, with much itching, occurring on the scalp 
or other hairy part might suggest its use. 
Form for Administration.-From the tenth to the third 
decimal trituration. 
Dose.-From two to three grains. 
Solanum Dulcamara. 
This agent specifically influences the skin, disturbing 
its functions when administered in large doses and con- 
tinued for several days. 
It is adapted to the treatment of eruptions character- 
ized by intense itching, of transient character; of moist 
eruptions attended by itching; of pimples and ulcers 
around the mouth and inside the lips; of eruptions upon 
the labia majora and male genitals attended by much 
itching; of itching eruptions upon the surface generally, 
consisting of red spots followed by vesicles; nettlerash; 
pemphigus; warts; crusta lactea. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops. 
Sulphate of Magnesium. 
The specific influence of this remedy upon the skin is 
manifested by its action in the removal of warts when ad- 
ministered internally. It acts here somewhat like thuja 
and arsenicum, the growth imperceptibly disappearing 
upon the administration of the remedy continued for two 
or three weeks. The dose may vary from the tenth of a 
grain to the half of a grain. THE SKIN. 
557 
Sulphide of Calcium. 
This remedy exerts an excellent effect in the treatment 
of numerous affections of the skin. In acne, it is one of 
the most positive remedies we possess, especially if there 
be suppuration of the pimples. In eczema, it often acts 
promptly and effectively in relieving the difficulty, the 
eruption rapidly disappearing under its influence. 
In styes and furuncles it is a useful remedy, hastening 
suppuration and lessening the tendency to reappearance 
of the trouble. In other words it tends to banish the 
stye and boi] habit, so that when one gets well the trouble 
is ended, instead of the liability of a return of the pests 
remaining. However, I think that it does not equal rhus 
tox., in its qualities as a prophylactic against styes. 
Form for Administration.-Half or one-fourth-grain 
pellets. 
Dose.-One before each meal and one at bedtime. 
Sulphur. 
Sulphur possesses an affinity for the skin, and is an old 
and widely used remedy in the profession and among the 
people for cutaneous affections. But recent years the 
combinations of this agent with other substances have 
been more extensively employed. 
One of the best agents for clearing the complexion and 
healing obstinate eruptions is a tincture of sulphur pre- 
pared by macerating an ounce of sublimed sulphur in a 
pint of alcohol. After a week the preparation may be 
filtered and applied with a surgeon's sponge or a soft 
cloth. 
Another superior form for the application of the rem- 
edy to the skin, on account of its efficacy, is the ointment 
introduced by myself to the profession several years ago, 
and known as "Webster's Compound Sulphur Ointment." 
The formula for this is as follows:- 558 
the skin. 
U Lanolin, lb. j. 
Oil of tar, f j. 
Sp. m. veratruin vir., f j. 
Sublimed sulphur, q. s. 
M., Ft. unguent. 
This combination is the most effective remedy for scab- 
ies or itch that I have ever seen used. It should be 
applied three nights in succession, after which it should 
be omitted for three nights; then a thorough bath should 
be followed by the repetition of the application for three 
nights more, and so on until the application has been 
made three consecutive nights three times with three-day 
intermissions. By this time the disease will be thor- 
oughly cured. It is excellent for eczema and psoriasis. 
Thuja. 
Thuja occidentalis is a remedy specifically influencing 
the epithelial layer of the skin, and a useful one to correct 
the tendency to the formation of warts and other epithelial 
changes. That it is a positive remedy for warts adminis- 
tered internally in every instance however must not be 
supposed; it will probably fail more times than it will 
succeed, but it is sufficiently positive to warrant a trial in 
every case, as it cannot do harm in the doses recom- 
mended and is innocuous in large ones. 
In venereal warts especially this remedy is commend- 
able, both for its internal administration and local use. 
Such vegetations are usually difficult of permanent re- 
moval, there being a strong tendency for their return 
after excision with knife or scissors unless the treatment 
be coupled with the administration of some appropriate 
remedy. Thuja or nitric acid (dilute) constitute valuable 
local applications here, and thuja is an excellent internal 
agent to administer at the same time. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine or the 
tincture from a homeopathic pharmacy. THE SKIN. 
559 
Dose.-Add from ten to twenty drops to half a glass of 
Water and give a teaspoonful every three or four hours. 
Tincture Muriate of Iron. 
This preparation is applicable to the treatment of oases 
in which the skin festers easily and becomes inflamed 
from slight causes, the affected spot becoming reddened 
and tumefied. This condition is seen in children in the 
fall or spring of the year as well as in some grown people 
in the Eastern States, due supposably to change of diet or 
other cause which disturbs the proper elaboration of the 
blood. In such cases this preparation will give prompt 
satisfaction in a short time. 
The recommendation of this form of iron for erysipelas, 
when the skin is principally involved, is a further sug- 
gestion of its action upon that part. 
The dose may vary from five to ten drops, care being 
taken to prevent it from contact with the teeth. 
Urtica Dioica. 
In superficial burns, not involving the true skin deeply, 
the internal use of urtica is extolled by some homeopathic 
practitioners. It is also employed in nettle-rash instead 
of apis, by some. The homeopathic greed for a simili- 
mum is very nearly satisfied in the resemblance between 
the stinging and itching caused by contact of the skin 
with this remedy and nettle-rash, and all true disciples 
of Hahnemann will avail themselves of it. And it is prob- 
ably a remedy worthy of notice here, on account of a 
specific affinity for the skin which it possesses. 
Urtica is a specific in some forms of eczema. It should 
be given in one or two drop doses internally and should 
be applied locally in diluted form, the specific medicine 
being perferable. 
° r UsTILAGO MAIDIS. 
The skin and its appendages--the hair, nails and 
teeth-are profoundly affected by corn smut. The nutri- 560 
THE SKIN. 
tion of the skin is evidently influenced, and the province 
of the remedy will lie in the direction of the treatment of 
chronic affections in which the reparative force is at fault. 
It has been found curative in urticaria, where large, 
pale welts were a prominent symptom; other skin affec- 
tions have yielded to its action, though it has been but 
little used. In premature decay of the teeth in children, 
where the decay begins at the roots, it has been used 
with seeming benefit. 
In alopecia, and in dry scalp diseases, it has been 
found useful. It evidently possesses an affinity for the 
scalp, as it causes falling of the hair when continued in 
large doses for considerable time. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-This must yet be established by clinical exper- 
ience. I would suggest from one to five drops, three or 
four times daily. 
Vinca Minor. 
This remedy is said to be a specific in crusta lactea 
and other moist eruptions. It has not been tested by 
any of our school to my knowledge, but I would suggest 
its trial in stubborn cases. 
Form for Administration.-The tincture from a homeo- 
pathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-From the fraction of a drop to five drops. 
Viola Tricolor. 
This remedy is highly prized in some quarters for 
moist eruptions on the face and scalp in children. A 
friend who has given it considerable trial is very enthu- 
siastic as to its specific properties in this direction. I 
have used it but little, but am satisfied that the proper- 
ties claimed for it exist in eminent degree. 
Form for Administration.-A tincture from a homeo- 
pathic pharmacy. 
Dose.-Add five or ten drops to four ounces of water 
and give a teaspoonful three or four times a day. THE EYE. 
561 
THE EYE. 
By Kent O. Foltz, M. D. 
Abrus-Jequirity. 
Jequirity, in powder or infusion, when introduced into 
the eye, produces a purulent inflammation, covering the 
mucous membrane with a grayish exudation which re- 
mains for several days. Swelling of the lids occurs, and 
copious secretion and increased haziness of the cornea 
are the immediate results of its use. During the inflam- 
matory stage the use of iced cloths, or ice-water, will allay 
the pain in a measure. 
Jequirity is used in trachoma, especially old cases, 
with pannus. The effect of the drug after the acute in- 
flammation has subsided is to clear the cornea and de- 
stroy the granulations of the palpebral conjunctiva. 
The drug has been used in so-called scrofulous pannus, 
in ulcers and abscesses of the cornea, with good results. 
In dacryo-cystitis, phlegmonous inflammation of the 
tear passages, recent trachoma with velvety surfaces and 
slight secretion, or sloughing of the cornea, the drug is 
contraindicated. I have seen two cases where the cor- 
nea sloughed off from its use. It should only be used as 
a last resort, and then with care. 
Form for Application.-An infusion of the powdered 
seed. The infusion is made by powdering the hulled 
seeds and triturating with cold water. The supernatant 
fluid is used, and is ready after six hours maceration. 
The infusion should not be filtered or shaken. The pow- 
dered seeds soon lose their activity. 
Acidum Arseniosum-Arsenious Acid. 
In the dry form of eczema, liquor potassii arsenitis 
will be found useful. In neuralgia of the supra-orbital 
nerves it is one of the best remedies in use. In all cases 562 
THE EYE, 
of eye trouble, scrofulous in character, there is no better 
drug than Fowler's solution. 
In syphilitic affections of the eye, especially those of a 
chronic character, the liquor arsenii et hydrargyri iodidi 
or arsenii iodidum will be the most useful form, of ar- 
senic to use. 
In irritability of the sympathetic nervous system arsenic 
is contraindicated. In the early stages of eczema, the 
drug should not be used. 
Form for Use.-Fowler's or Donovan's solution, as al- 
ready suggested. 
Dose.-From a sixth to a fourth of a drop of Fowler's 
solution; the hundredth of a drop of Donovan's. 
Acidum Boricum-Boric Acid. 
In conjunctival diseases, where the mucous membrane 
of the lids is velvety and thickened, with profuse watery 
discharge, the powder dusted freely over the membrane 
will soon give marked beneficial results. Its use in this 
form should not however be continued too long, as it will 
produce a dry, harsh condition of the mucous membrane 
that will be very annoying. In indolent ulcers of the 
cornea, the dusting of boric acid in the eye has effected a 
cure many times when other treatment has failed. In 
phlyctenular conjunctivitis this method of using the drug 
will also prove satisfactory. In trachoma, the following 
is said to be a good combination: $ Acidum boricum, 
ji, acid tannicum ji, M., apply to the granulated surface. 
A wash of from ji to -jy to a pint of water, is useful as a 
bath after cataract operations, in washing the eyes of 
the newborn, and in conjunctivitis of any kind where 
there is an excessive amount of secretion. In xerosis, a 
collyrium of boric acid has given relief and effected a cure. 
In immature cataract, Kalish reports improvement in 
six cases from the use of glycerine and a solution of The eye. 
563 
boric acid in rose water (one-per-cent), equal parts. 
Two drops of this mixture should be dropped in the eye 
with manipulation of the eye-ball through the lids. A sat- 
urated solution of boric acid is said to abort styes, but 
I have not found it satisfactory. 
A favorite prescription of mine in all conjunctival dis- 
eases is: B Lloyd's ergot gtt. xv- sol. boric acid 
(6 gr. to ffi), q. s., ffss., Sig. Two drops in the eye every 
two or three hours. This collyrium is used in all forms 
of conjunctivitis, either alone or in connection with other 
topical measures. 
In the form of an impalpable powder, boric acid is one 
of the most useful drugs in the list. In blepharitis ciliaris, 
used in the form of an ointment, it is especially beneficial. 
The best base is vaseline, and I usually use the following: 
B Acidum boricum gr. v to x, vaseline, M., ft. unguent. 
Sig. Apply once or twice a day, getting some of the oint- 
ment into the eye. 
Acidum Carbolicum-Phenol. 
An ointment consisting of acid, carbolic, gr. xii, to 
vaseline jii, has been used in trachoma, the application 
being made at night. In ulcers occurring during an at- 
tack of traumatic keratitis, cauterization with pure car- 
bolic acid is sometimes beneficial; but in my own ex- 
perience nitrate of silver has been more satisfactory. A 
two-per-cent, solution of carbolic acid has been used in 
ophthalmia neonatorum, but the wash of boric acid is 
safer. 
In evisceration of the eye-ball, the application of pure 
acid to the exposed surface seems to be beneficial in re- 
lieving pain and stopping hemorrhage. In blepharitis 
ciliaris, after the removal of the crusts, if the raw surfaces 
are painted with a ten-per-cent, solution of the acid they 
will heal more rapidly. Alt uses the pure acid for cau- 
terizing the exposed sclero-corneal surfaces after pterygia 564 
THE EYE. 
operations. I have seen several cases show the charac- 
teristic poisonous symptoms from the use of carbolic 
acid, and have not used it for some time. 
Acidum Gallicum. 
In trachoma, the use of gallic acid is sometimes at- 
tended with good results. It is indicated when the gran- 
ulations are soft and pasty in character. In old, pur- 
ulent conjunctivitis, it will sometimes give good results 
when other remedies fail. 
Form for Use.-Insufflation of the following powder: 
R Acid, gallic, acid, tannic, jiii, M. To be used once 
or twice a day. 
Acidum Phosphoricum Dilutum. 
Dilute phosphoric acid is one of the most useful of 
drugs in diseases of the eye where the deeper structures 
are affected. In all atonic conditions of the eye there is 
no more generally useful remedy. In nervous affections 
of the lids and ocular muscles, or atony of the ocular mus- 
cles, it is indicated. In amblyopia, either tobacco or al- 
coholic, this is the drug. In diseases of the optic nerve, 
phosphorus is indicated. I have had two cases of dis- 
seminated choroiditis that improved under the use of 
phosphoric acid. In keratitis, with an atonic condition 
of the system, this is the indicated remedy. 
Dose.-Gtt. i. I sometimes combine the acid with sp. 
m. nux, especially in amblyopia. The prescription then 
reads, K Sp. m. nux gtt.vi-x, acid, phosphor, dil. 
elixir simpl. q. s., f?iv. Sig. Teaspoonful every three hours. 
Acidum Salicylicum. 
Salicylic acid made from oil of wintergreen is the only 
form that should be used. As an application in diphther- 
itic conjunctivitis it is useful in destroying the membrane. 
A four-per-cent, solution in glycerine is the best form THE EYE. 
565 
to use. I have used it in eczema of the lids, in the scaly 
and exudative forms, with good results. I have also used 
it in blepharitis, but did not get as good effects as from 
boric acid or yellow oxide of mercury. 
Form for Use.-R Acid, salicylic. (Lloyd's) gr.v-xx, 
vaseline fi, M. Apply once a day. 
Acidum Tannicum. 
Tannic acid is, with some, the only drug in the ophthal- 
mic materia medica. In purulent conjunctivitis where 
there is slight swelling and but little discharge, a colly r- 
ium of gr.ii-x, to water f?i, will prove useful. In oph- 
thalmia neonatorum, a glycerite of tannin is used, espe- 
cially if there is a granulated condition of the conjunctiva. 
The preparation should be the strength of one to ten. A 
powder that is useful for dusting in the eye in trachoma 
is composed as follows: R Acid, boric, jiff, acid, tannic., 
ji, M. This used twice a day will prove beneficial in re- 
cent cases. The use of tannic acid and gallic acid in tra- 
choma has been referred to under the head of gallic acid. 
In commencing trachoma, when the conjunctiva is 
roughened and the granulations are developing, with the 
cloudy and vascular upper portion of the cornea, the fol- 
lowing will prove beneficial: R Acid, tannic, gr.v, gly- 
cerine ffi, M., Sig. A couple of drops in the eye twice a 
day. This will, by its lubricating action, give relief from 
the gritty feeling. 
Aconitum. 
The only satisfactory preparation of aconite is the spe- 
cific medicine. This drug is indicated in all inflammatory 
diseases of the eye, acute in character. Its use inter- 
nally in eye diseases is as satisfactory as in any other 
class of cases. 
Indications.-Hyperaemia and oedema of the conjunc- 
tiva, with its accompanying sensations of dryness and 566 
THE EYE. 
burning. Locally, it is valuable in the spasmodic twitch- 
ing of the lids, relief following two or three applications 
to the lids, cheek and frontal regions. 
Dose.-Git. one-tenth to one-third every one or two 
hours. 
Topically y I write the following: fl Sp. m. aconite, 
sp. m. veratrum virid., of each aqua q. s., ffiv, M. 
Sig. Moisten a cloth with the solution and apply to the 
eye. Repeat in an hour or two. 
Alumen. 
This drug is used in the various forms of conjunctivitis, 
especially the catarrhal form. It is used also in tra- 
choma quite extensively by some oculists. Alum was at 
one time considered the specific in all conjunctival dis- 
eases, but lately it has been found that powerful astrin- 
gents could do so much harm that their use is not often 
resorted to except in rare cases, and then in weak solu- 
tions only. The crystal is not now employed very 
generally. 
Form for Use. -As a collyrium it is seldom used in a 
strength of more than gr.ij to water ffi. 
Ammonii Chloridum. 
In ecchymosis of the lids there is no better remedy 
than chloride of ammonium. If the application is made 
early, discoloration will seldom follow. 
Form for Use.-Half an ounce, dissolved in water, 
This is to be used freely for three or four hours. 
Ammonii Bromidum. 
In nervous affections of the lids, as twitching and jerk- 
ing, also twitching of the ocular muscles, I have found 
this drug very useful. 
Dose.-Ten grains, to be repeated every two or three 
hours. THE EYE. 
567 
Ammonii Iodidum. 
In syphilitic diseases of the eye, where there is consid- 
erable depression of the system, I have obtained the best 
results from the use of the iodide of ammonium. 
Dose.-I prefer the small dose frequently repeated; 
two grains every two hours. 
Amyl Nitris. 
In exophthalmic goitre, T. F. Alien reports beneficial 
results from the inhalation of nitrite of amyl vapor. I 
have never used the remedy in ophthalmic practice, so 
have no personal experience with it in this line. From 
three to five drops are used at a time on blotting paper, 
patient inhaling the fumes. The inhalations should be 
stopped as soon as a sense of fullness and warmth be- 
comes marked. 
It is contraindicated as a remedy for old people with 
brittle arteries, or where there is an apoplectic tendency 
or predisposition to determination of blood to the brain. 
Antipyrin. 
I will refer to this remedy, as it has been recommended 
in certain eye affections, though I am opposed to its use. 
It has been recommended in nearly all eye diseases asso- 
ciated with pain. A few diseases where it has been 
recommended may be mentioned: Neuralgia of the lids, 
episcleritis, sclero-choroiditis, pain after detachment of 
the retina, after cataract operations complicated with en- 
tanglement of the iris. In toxic amblyopia and floating 
bodies in the vitreous, it has also been recommended. 
In keratitis, iritis and irido-choroiditis, much is claimed 
for it. It is used by hypodermic injection, four grains 
being the dose. 
Argenti Nitras. 
In the use of nitrate of silver in ophthalmic practice 
there has been so much written that it seems as though 568 
THE EYE, 
the subject should be exhausted. A very important 
thing to remember is, that the strength of the solution 
should be in direct proportion to the severity of the dis- 
ease. The higher the inflammatory action, the stronger 
this should be. I have used on several occasions a fifty- 
per-cent solution without neutralizing, and the applica- 
tions were made by pouring the solution on the morbid 
surface, not simply touching it with cotton moistened a 
little. I have had no bad results from its use and do not 
expect any. 
A solution of one-half per cent, dropped in the eyes 
of newborn infants constitutes the well-known Crede's 
method of preventing ophthalmia neonatorum. In this 
condition and gonorrhoea ophthalmia I prefer a five-per- 
cent. solution. 
In the catarrhal stages of trachoma strong solutions- 
even to twenty-five-per-cent-are used, as also the miti- 
gated stick caustic. In corneal ulcers, after scraping the 
morbid surface, touching the spot with a five-per-cent 
solution will usually be followed by rapid healing. Ulcus 
rodens will yield to strong solutions of nitrate of silver 
when all other remedies fail. 
Remember to always reduce the strength of the solu- 
tion as the severity of the symptoms declines. 
Aristol. 
In interstitial keratitis, after the acute symptoms sub- 
side, the use of aristol will hasten the clearing of the cor- 
nea. In phlyctenular diseases I have had good results 
follow the use of this drug, both in powder form and as 
an ointment, but as yet am not prepared to be enthusiastic 
over it. In blepharitis, I have used the ointment of aris- 
tol in one eye and an ointment of boric acid in the other, 
and could not see any special advantage over the latter 
preparation. Ulcers of the cornea have healed quickly, 
in some cases, when aristol was used. It may be em- 569 
THE EYE. 
ployed after acute inflammation lias subsided, and also 
after suppuration has ceased. The ointment should be 
one-fifth per cent, of the drug, in vaseline. 
Atropine Sulphas. 
Different salts of atropine have been recommended but 
the sulphate holds its own. This drug is one of the in- 
dispensable articles for the oculist and consequently has 
been abused through reckless and indiscriminate use. 
In iritis, atropine is indicated from the onset to the 
close of the disease. It should be used of such strength 
as to insure full dilatation of the pupil, and sufficiently 
often to keep up continuous paralysis of the ciliary mus- 
cle. In central, perforating ulcers of the cornea, atropine 
should be used so as to dilate the pupil, thus keeping 
the iris away from the perforation when it occurs. 
In deep, interstitial keratitis, the drug should be used 
often enough to keep up its characteristic effects. After 
cataract operations the use of atropine should be contin- 
ued until all danger of iritis has passed. In intermittent 
strabismus, atropine is of use by relieving the eye-strain. 
The amount of the drug should be diminished as paral- 
lelism is obtained. Proper correcting lenses should of 
course be prescribed. I have cured several cases of in- 
termittent strabismus in this manner. 
In chorea dependent on eye-strain, I have had splendid 
success with atropine aided by lenses, when all other 
treatment failed. The jerking ceased almost as soon as 
the atropine had produced paralysis of the ciliary muscle. 
In ophthalmia neonatorum, at the first indication of 
haziness of the cornea, atropine should be instilled. 
This treatment will often prevent serious corneal compli- 
cations, and will also frequently save the deeper structures 
of the eye. In phlyctenular keratitis, a solution of atro- 
pine is useful until the acute symptoms have disappeared. 
By its use the photophobia and lachrymation will be cured. 570 
THE EYE. 
' Contraindications.-In aged people the use of atropine 
is always attended with more or less risk, glaucoma often 
following its use in such cases. In superficial vascular- 
ization of the cornea in keratitis, marginal corneal ulcers, 
glaucoma, and where there is increased tension of any 
amount. In phlyctenular keratitis, after the acute symp- 
toms have subsided, the use of atropine is usually detri- 
mental to the eye. 
Form for Use.-A collyrium. R Atropinse sul. gr. ss. 
to gr. xvi, water, ad. f?i. I never give a patient a stronger 
solution than four grains to the ounce of water to take 
with him; this I have ordered used usually three times 
a day. The stronger solutions I use myself. 
Auri et Sodii Chloridum. 
This drug has given good satisfaction in deep keratitis, 
the result of hereditary syphilis. I have used it also in 
keratitis and iritis resulting from acquired syphilis. In 
scrofulous constitutions, where the bones of the orbit 
were implicated I have obtained some marked benefit in 
several cases. It will be found most useful in those in- 
dividuals who do not bear the iodides well. 
Care must be exercised in its administration, as it will 
sometimes produce so much soreness of the gums as to 
cause considerable inconvenience. 
Dose.-One-hundredth of a grain, either in solution or 
in tablet triturate. I usually prescribe it as follows: 
R Auri et sodii chlor, gr. i, aqua ffi., M. Five drops in 
water four times a day. 
Bryonia. 
This remedy is indicated in rheumatic iritis where 
motion of the eye-ball increases the pain. In puffing of 
the upper eyelid, not oedematous. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fifth to the half of a drop every two 
hours. THE EYE. 
571 
Cactus. 
Cactus has been recommended in exophthalmic goitre 
on account of its action on the heart. I have used it in 
asthenopic visual dsfects dependent on faulty cardiac 
action. The drug has not been of much if any benefit 
when organic disease was present, but has been beneficial 
in functional disturbances. 
Form for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From the fifth to the half of a drop every two 
hours. 
Calcium. 
Liquor Calcis.-For babies, I have found lime-water 
the best form in which to administer lime. It is the 
remedy in all purulent diseases of the ball and lids. In 
ophthalmia neonatorum I always prescribe it. It is best 
given in milk. The dose should average from half a 
fluidrachm to a fluid rachm. 
Syrupus Calcii Lactophosphatis.-The syrup of lacto- 
phosphate of lime is especially useful in the treatment of 
children, and adults of scrofulous diathesis. It is in such 
cases that blepharitis oiliaris, phlyctenular conjunctivitis, 
phlyctenular keratitis and muco-purulent conjunctivitis 
will usually be found. Wherever there is perverted nu- 
trition in connection with eye disease, I have found this a 
useful drug. 
Dose.-From one to two fluidrachms. 
Calx Sulphurata.-In hordeolum, calx sulphurata will 
usually prevent a crop of these painful pests. In bleph- 
aritis ciliaris, where there is a tendency to the formation 
of pustules it will prove of benefit. In suppurative dis- 
eases of the conjunctiva, cornea, or deeper structures of 
the eye, it is the drug. In dacryo-cystitis, I have had 
good results from the use of this remedy. 
Form for Administration.-The form I have found most 572 
THE EYE. 
useful is the homeopathic preparation, on account of its 
stability, the U. S. P. compound being very unstable. 
Dose.-A grain of the lx or 2x trituration every three 
hours. 
Camphor-Chloral. 
I have found this combination useful in supra-orbital 
neuralgia. It is prepared by rubbing together equal 
parts of gum camphor and hydrate of chloral. 
Cautery. 
In corneal ulcers the actual cautery has given satisfac- 
tory results, where the tendency was to perforation of the 
tissues. In conical cornea it has also been recommended. 
For this purpose a platinum probe should be used. 
The galvano-cautery has been used in follicular con- 
junctivitis, by either puncturing the follicles or touching 
them with the needle. In trachoma it has been used iu 
the same manner. Corneal ulcerations have been treated 
as with the actual cautery. 
The thermo-cautery has also been used in trachoma, 
especially the obstinate and severe types of the disease. 
Corneal tumors have been successfully removed by this 
means. 
Chloroformum Purificatum. 
Gutieroez-Ponce has used chloroform in interstitial ker- 
atitis with photophobia, by introducing a pledget of cot- 
ton, moistened with the drug, into the external auditory 
canal, thus producing anaesthesia of the gasserian gang- 
lion. This relieved the photophobia. 
UIMICIFUGA. 
I have found this remedy beneficial in headaches result- 
ing from eye-strain with a feeling of stiffness in the ocular 
muscles and bruised sensation of the muscles of the 
forehead. THE EYE, 
573 
Form, for Administration.-The specific medicine. 
Dose.-From one-third to one-half drop every two 
hours. 
Cineraria Maritima. 
The expressed juice of this plant has been recommended 
as a pretty sure cure for cataract. I am not able to speak 
from experience on the subject however. 
It is used by instilling one or two drops into the eye, 
and following with gentle massage. 
Cocaine Hydrochloras. 
This is an alkaloid prepared from the leaves of the 
erythroxylon coca. Cocaine produces local anaesthesia of 
the mucous membranes when topically applied. In the 
eye, it anaesthetizes the conjunctiva, cornea, and also the 
deeper structures. It dilates the pupil, diminishes accom- 
modative power, constricts the blood vessels and lessens 
intra-ocular tension. Anaesthesia is produced in from one 
to five minutes, and continues about an hour. 
The anaesthetic properties of cocaine were first discov- 
ered and brought to the notice of the profession by Dr. 
Carl Koller, now of New York, in 1884. The result of 
this discovery has revolutionized ophthalmic surgery, and 
the profession, as well as the laity, owe everlasting grati- 
tude to Dr. Koller. 
Cocaine is the faithful ally of the ophthalmic surgeon; 
by its use foreign bodies imbedded in the cornea can be 
removed with ease, and without pain to the patient. 
Pterygium, pinguecula, cauterization of corneal ulcers, 
operation for strabismus, anterior staphyloma, iridectomy 
and cataract-all these operations can be performed with- 
out the unpleasant results attending general anaesthesia. 
Cocaine increases the absorptive powers of the eye for 
some drugs-atropine, eserine and also homatropine-the 
full benefit of the drug being obtained sooner by the pre- 574 
THE EYE. 
vious instillation of cocaine. Cocaine seems to produce 
irregular action of the ciliary muscle, thus inducing false 
astigmatism. 
The continued use of this drug in conjunctival and cor- 
neal diseases is positively injurious. In these diseases, 
though it gives temporary relief from the annoying symp- 
toms, its use is followed by increased inflammatory action. 
Ulceration of the cornea may follow the continued use of 
the drug. 
Cocaine has no apparent effect, that I can discover, in 
operations on the lids or the lachrymal sac, unless it is 
used hypodermically. It will sometimes give good results 
in those diseases in which there is much photophobia, a 
couple of instillations being often sufficient. It is a drug 
that I do not consider safe to give the patient to use, as 
it may be carried too far. I have had several cases of 
this kind Opacities of the cornea have been reported as 
resulting from the use of cocaine, but I have never seen a 
case that could positively be traced to its use. 
Form for Use.-Solutions of from two to four per 
cent. Sometimes a ten-per-cent, solution is used, but I 
have found four-per-cent, the most useful for all work. 
CbEOLINUM-CllEOLIN. 
A product of dry distillation from English coal. The 
process of obtaining it is not as yet known. It is a dark 
brown, or blackish fluid, of a syrupy consistency and 
having a tar-like odor. It mixes with water in any pro- 
portion, forming an opaque, whitish emulsion. 
Creolin is irritant to mucous membranes, and is sup- 
posed to be a germicide. It is less toxic than carbolic 
acid. 
The use of creolin in ophthalmic practice will probably 
not produce any immediate revolution. It has been 
recommended in catarrhal and phlyctenular conjunctivitis, THE EYE, 
575 
acute trachoma, ulceration and hypopyon keratitis, ulcers 
of* the cornea, parenchymatous keratitis, especially if 
vascular. In these diseases it has been used with benefit. 
Contraindications.-Chronic conjunctivitis and keratitis 
with iritic symptoms. 
Form, for Use.-One part of creolin to five-hundred or 
a thousand parts of water. 
Cubeba-Cubebs. 
Heyl employs an ointment to the outer surface of the 
lids in cases of gonorrhoeal ophthalmia. The following 
is the form of prescription: R Cubeba pow., gr. v-xl, lan- 
olin ji, M. Apply twice a day until severe symptoms 
subside, then once a day. 
f 
Cupri Sulphas. 
Sulphate of Copper has been the main-stay of the 
oculist for years, I was going to say ages, and if I did 
it would not be far out of the way. It is a drug that I 
have never used in my private practice. I have used it 
in hospital practice enough to satisfy me that there are 
other drugs that are safer to handle, and at the same 
time as efficacious. I had the drug used once in my own 
eyes and never went back for a second treatment. 
In the cases in which I have seen it used and benefit 
seemed to follow its application it would seem to be in- 
dicated in the transition stage from the acute to the 
chronic form of trachoma, where there was paleness and 
an indolent condition of the follicles; also in old, chronic 
cases of trachoma, with the conjunctiva presenting trans- 
verse bands of cicatricial tissue, and the granulations in 
a process of atrophy. 
Form for Use.-Crystal of sulphate of copper with a 
smooth surface. Collyrium: Sulphate of copper gr. v, 
glycerine ffi, M. Unguent: Sulphate of copper gr. ii, vas- 
eline ziiss., M. 576 
THE EYE. 
Cuprum Alumixatum-Aluminated Copper. 
This is usually sold in the form of pencils. It is used 
in a manner similar to sulphate of copper, and for the 
same diseases. 
Digitalis. 
In embolism of the central retinal artery where there is 
enfeebled heart's action, digitalis has produced in some 
cases improvement in the condition of the eye, so far as 
vision was concerned. I have had the best results from 
jaborandi in these cases, however. 
Dose.-Specific medicine digitalis, gtt. | to every hour. 
Duboisine Hydrobromas vel Sulphas-Duboisia. 
An alkaloid obtained from the leaves of duboisia my- 
oporoides called duboisine, which resembles atropine. 
It is mydriatic, its effects being produced more quickly 
than those of atropine. Unpleasant effects are oftener 
obtained from the use of this drug than from atropine so 
it is not so frequently used. Epistaxis has been reported 
as following the instillation of duboisine. 
In interstitial keratitis the use of this drug will some- 
times be borne better than atropine. In indolent ulcers 
of the cornea the drug will often stimulate healthy action, 
thus hastening the healing process. 
Form for Use.-Collyrium. Generally a one-per-cent, 
solution. 
Electricity. 
It is not in the province of a work like this to discuss 
the merits of the various forms of electricity, apparatus 
and all the different makes of batteries. 
In muscular asthenopia-paresis-occasional good re- 
sults have followed the use of this treatment. In spas- 
modic affections of the orbicularis, the faradic current 
has been beneficial. In stricture of the nasal duct, the THE EYE. 
577 
introduction of a metal probe and the application of a 
moderate current from the negative pole of a galvanic bat- 
tery has been recommended. In corneal opacities the 
use of the cathode as the therapeutic pole, unless conges- 
tion appears, then the anode, of a galvanic battery has 
proved of benefit. In retinitis pigmentosa the use of the 
constant current has been followed by improvement in 
vision. 
Elect»olysis has been successfully used in cases of per- 
verted cilia, where the number is not too great. 
Ephedrin. 
Ephedrin is an alkaloid prepared from ephedra vul- 
garis helvatica, that has been used a little. The drug is 
mydriatic, producing, dilatation of the pupil in forty to 
sixty minutes. Accommodation is but slightly affected. 
There seems to be no disturbance of intra-ocular tension. 
The pupil returns to normal in about seventy hours. 
Form for Use.-Collyrium of six to seven per cent. 
Ergo ta. 
Ergot has not, so far as I have seen, been used very 
extensively in eye disease by oculists generally. In look- 
ing over the literature on the subject it is recommended 
but twice-for arresting severe hemorrhages after enuclea- 
tion, and ergotin, in congestion of the conjunctiva. 
Ergot has been a favorite of mine for six years in con- 
junctivitis and keratitis, superficial in character. In oph- 
thalmia neonatorum I employ it from the first and continue 
its use until a cure is affected. In follicular conjunctivi- 
tis it will cure oftener than any drug that I have found. 
In commencing trachoma it will usually be all that is 
necessary. In phlyctenular diseases it is a satisfactory 
remedy. In pannus, with much vascularization, it will 
prove beneficial. I have used this drug in pinguecula. 578 
THE EYE. 
frequently causing their disappearance. In episcleritis or 
diseases of the deeper structures, the instillation of ergot 
does not seem to be of any benefit. 
In hypereemia of the optic disk, hemorrhages in the 
vitreous, and where the retinal vessels show a relaxed or 
congested condition, I have had good results from the 
administration of ergot in full doses. 
Dose.-Lloyd's ergot, f^ss.-fji. As a collyrium, gtt. 
xv-jss. to water q. s., ffss. 
Erythrophloeine. 
An alkaloid obtained from the bark of erythrophloeum 
guinese; a tree that is native to the coast of Africa, 
The alkaloid has anaesthetic properties when applied to 
mucous membranes, but is so irritating that it has never 
come into general use. The irritating effects on the con- 
junctiva and cornea are very severe, and do not subside 
for several days. 
Ferrum. 
Iron, in some of its preparations, is useful only to a 
limited extent in eye diseases. Where there is visual as- 
thenopia, due to an anaemic condition, the use of iron 
will often prove beneficial. In keratitis, due to acquired 
syphilis, the iodide of iron will be a good remedy, if there 
also exist an anaemic condition of the system. 
The indications for the use of iron are, however, always 
found in the general condition of the patient, and the form 
for administration will be governed by this. 
Fluorescin. 
This is a coal-tar product, and is an anhydrid of re- 
sorcin phthalein. 
This preparation has been used to a limited extent for 
diagnostic purposes, small breaks in the corneal epithe- 
lium being rendered visible by its use. Recent corneal le- 
sions can also be differentiated from old. In recent THE EYE. 
579 
lesions the underlying elements are stained a greenish 
tint, while the epithelium remains uncolored. In old 
leisons there is no staining. In infiltration of the cornea 
the stain appears, while in hypopyum keratitis no discol- 
oration occurs. 
Form for Use.-One-half-per-cent, solution. One drop 
in the eye. 
Gelsemium. 
Pain in the eye and head, especially in the frontal re- 
gion, associated with ciliary injection, usually yields read- 
ily to gelsemium. In tobacco amblyopia this drug has 
done good work. I have used it in alcoholic amblyopia 
with better success than any other drug. In choroiditis, 
where there is an evident lack of muscular energy with a 
feeling of depression, it is of benefit. In irido-choroiditis, 
disseminated choroiditis and traumatic detachment of the 
retina, gelsemium has been used with success. In paraly- 
sis of the third nerve, following diptheria, I have had the 
best success with gelsemium. 
Dose.-Specific medicine gelsemium, gtt. one-fifth to 
one-third, every two hours. 
Glycerinum. 
Glycerine alone is seldom if ever used in ophthalmic 
practice, but it is used considerably in combination, in 
various diseases, and both before and after operations. 
In trachoma, a solution of tannic acid and glycerine 
(gr. v- dropped in the eye twice a day relieves the 
gritty feeling, possessing both lubricating and astringent 
properties. A solution of quinine and glycerin (gr. x-xx 
in £3!) applied once a day, has also been recommended in 
trahcoma. Where the granulations are discrete, after the 
use of the thermo-cautery without opening the follicles, 
the use of a collyrium of boric acid, salicylic acid, glycerine 
and water will prove a soothing application. 580 
THE EYE. 
Guarana. 
In temporary paralysis of the third nerve, which some- 
times follows headache, guarana has given relief. 
Dose.-Gtt vi-xv, every hour. 
Hamamelis. 
A household remedy used considerably in contusions 
of the lids. In intra-ocular hemorrhages hamamelis 
seems to promote absorption. Aqua hamamelidis destil- 
lata-distilled hamamelis-is the form used. 
Dose.-Gtt. i-x, every hour. 
Hoang-Nan-Strychnos Gaultheriana. 
This remedy has been suggested in tobacco amblyopia, 
but has not, so far as I know, been used for this purpose. 
Dose.-Tincture, gtt. xx-xl; fluid extract, gtt. v-xxx. 
Homatropine Hydrobromas. 
Homatropine is a derivative of atropine. This drug 
has been recommended as a substitute for atropine in the 
determination of refractive errors and for purposes of 
examination. The effect of homatropine passes off in 
from thirty-six to forty-eight hours. For examinations 
the drug is preferable to atropine, but in my experience it 
is not of much use in refactive troubles, especially of 
children, where there is much spasm of the ciliary muscle. 
I have tried the drug in many of these cases and almost 
invariably have had to resort to the use of atropine. In 
middle aged persons however I have usually found the 
drug all that could be desired. 
Cont raindication.-G1 au co m a. 
Form for Use.-Collyrium : Gr. iv, aqua, ffi. The so- 
lution should be fresh. 
Hydrargyri Chloridum Corrosivum. 
Corrosive sublimate has been used and recommended 
in nearly every disease of the conjunctiva and cornea as 581 
THE EYE, 
a topical agent, while internally it has been used In many 
of-the morbid affections of the deeper structures. 
A solution of corrosive sublimate (1-6000) has been 
suggested and used in place of Crede's method in ophthal- 
mia neonatorum. In xerosis, irrigation of the eyeball 
with a solution of sublimate (1-10000) is recommended. 
In trachoma, various methods have been used, each of 
which has its advocates. One method is to use a so- 
lution of sublimate (1-500) once a day, using three or 
four times a day in the interim a solution (1-7000) 
of the same drug. The use of solutions varying from 
1-1000 to 1-7000 for trachoma is very common. 
Hegare Korhn advises washing the face and eyelids 
of the newborn with a solution of corrosive sublimate 
(1-1000), as a preventative of ophthalmia neonatorum. 
Solutions of bichloride are used in acute catarrhal and 
phlyctenular conjuctivitis, keratitis and blennorrhoea of 
the lachrymal sac. Hourly irrigations with 1-4000 to 
1-8000 have given good results in hypopyon keratitis. 
Corneal opacities have resulted from the use of subli- 
mate solutions and many operators are not using the drug 
as much as formerly. 
Bathing the face and eyelids and instilling a solution of 
sublimate in the eye still finds favor with some operators 
as a preventive of germs infecting the traumatism. 
Internally, corrosive sublimate is used in syphilitic af- 
fections of the eyes, usually in combination with iodide 
of potassium. It is also used alone. I prefer the small 
dose of this powerful drug, as in this way the desired ef- 
fects can be obtained without the unpleasant results so 
undesirable,and yet so often seen. 
Form for Use.-Collyrium: 1 to 1000 or 8000 parts of 
water. 
Dose.-Gr. l-100th to l-60th. 
Note.-Topical applications of corrosive sublimate should 582 
THE EYE. 
not be used when iodide of potassium is being administered 
internally. 
Hydrargyri Chloridum Mite. 
In superficial opacities of the cornea, I have had some 
excellent results follow the use of calomel dusted in the 
eye, the irritation provoking sufficient action to replace 
the opaque structure with healthy material. In phlycten- 
ular conjunctivitis and keratitis, the insufflation of calomel 
will frequently produce healthy reaction, so that healing 
will quickly follow. Calomel may be used in the form of 
an ointment, but it is not as satisfactory as in the powder. 
Care should be exercised in the use of this drug that it 
be pure, that is, free from corrosive chloride of mercury, 
and is in the finest possible state of subdivision. 
Contraindications.-When the patient is taking iodide of 
potassium; when ulcers of the cornea are forming or in- 
creasing in extent. 
Form for Use.-Dusted in the eye as a powder once in 
one or two days. As an ointment, gr. v-xx, vaseline, fi. 
Hydrargyri Cyanidum. 
Cyanide of mercury has been used by Chibret for 
cleansing the contents of the globe in panophthalmitis, 
he claiming that by this method the infection, when the 
meninges were threatened, was stopped. 
Form for Use.-In solution of 1 to 15000. 
Hydrargyri Iodidum Rubrum. 
This is a drug that I have used a great deal. It has 
given results in syphilitic diseases of the eye that I have 
been unable to obtain from iodide of potassium or any 
other remedy. In specific iritis I have had cases that 
yielded to biniodicie of mercury when iodide of potassium, 
pushed to toleration doses, had no effect whatever. 
In specific iritis, choroiditis, choroido-retinitis and ker- 
atitis, when the effects of mercury are desired and the THE EYE. 
583 
danger of ptyalism is to be avoided, I consider this the 
drug to use. If given in small doses the desired effects 
can be obtained without danger. 
Biniodide of mercury is the mercuric base of "Banas's 
solution," which is used by many operators for irrigating 
the eye before operations, instead of bichloride. 
In the earlier stages of trachoma, Banas's solution is 
used for its cleansing and curative effects. It is also used 
in catarrhal and phylctenular conjunctivitis. 
Dose.-Gr. l-100th. 
Panos's Solution.-Biniodide of mercury 1, absolute al- 
cohol 400, water 20000. 
Hydrargyri Iodidum Viride. 
This preparation of mercury in my hands has not 
proved satisfactory. It is a little like calomel, an uncer- 
tain commodity. It is used some in syphilitic diseases 
of the eye, but is not as satisfactory as the biniodide. 
Dose.-Gr. one-fourth to one-tenth. 
Hydrargyri Oxidum Flavum. 
The yellow oxide of mercury is another drug of the 
mercury series that is often beneficial. In phlyctenular 
keratitis of children, the use of this drug is indicated in 
nearly all cases. 
In indolent ulcers and maculae of the cornea, episcle- 
ritis, xerosis and pannus, the use. of yellow oxide will give 
good results. In blepharitis ciliaris I have found it the 
most useful application, especially in old, chronic cases. 
The mercury should always be rubbed with a drop or 
two of glycerine before incorporating it with the vaseline, 
or the finished ointment will be anything but smooth. 
Form for Use.-Yellow oxide gr. iv-xv, vaseline ji, M. 584 
the eye. 
Hydrastis. 
Constituents.-Berberine, the yellow alkaloid. Hydras- 
tine, the white alkaloid. 
The action of the salts of berberine is negative in eye 
diseases. The salts of the white alkaloid however are 
useful in catarrhal affections, but have no especial use in 
diseases of the deeper structures. 
The use of hydrastis in conjunctival diseases has been 
known to the Eclectic profession since the early investi- 
gations of Prof. John King, in 1832-33. Since this time 
the drug has been used more or less extensively, and is 
looked upon as a valuable remedy. 
The form that I usually employ is "Lloyd's Hydrastis," 
on account of the absence of staining properties. In all 
forms of conjunctival diseases, and in superficial corneal 
lesions, hydrastis is indicated. It is especially useful in 
catarrhal conjunctivitis. In diseases of the deeper struct- 
ures the use of this drug is of no particular value. 
In trachoma, especially old, chronic cases, the use of 
hydrastis will prove of benefit. In follicular conjuncti- 
vitis it is a splendid remedy. In blepharitis ciliaris also, 
the use of this drug produces marked beneficial effects. 
Form for Use.-Collyria: Lloyd's Hydrastis fjss.-i, 
aqua q. s., f?ss. Hydrochlorate of hydrastine solution- 
two-per-cent. 
Hydrogen Peroxidum 
This compound has been used in that class of eye dis- 
eases in which purulency is the prominent feature. In 
purulent conjunctivitis the instillation of this drug de- 
stroys the pus rapidly. In dacryo-cystitis, irrigating the 
sac with peroxide of hydrogen daily, has been followed 
by a rapid cure. 
The preparation of hydrogen peroxide must be kept in 
a cool place and tightly corked, otherwise it is soon 
worthless. 
Form for Use.-A ten-per-cent solution. THE EYE. 
585 
Hydro-therapeutics. 
I have thought best to treat the effects of heat and 
cold under this head, for the reason that water, in some 
way, enters into nearly all applications used. 
In deep, corneal ulcers, the douche of hot water is fre- 
quently serviceable. Simple immersion of the eye in hot 
water gives relief in many cases. In gonorrhoeal ophthal- 
mia, hot water is frequently of benefit. In catarrhal, 
phlyctenular and granular conjunctivitis, the hot douche 
often affords relief when other measures fail. In tra- 
choma with pannus, I have seen rapid clearing of the cor- 
neal lesion and diminution of the trachomatous condition 
by the daily use of the hot water douche, the application 
being kept up for an hour each time. 
In keratitis or iritis-idiopathic in character-the use of 
hot water usually affords relief. Care must be exercised 
in the use of hot water or hot applications, for fear that 
cedema, and even chemosis, may result. It is a safe rule 
to avoid the use of poultices about the eye unless you 
can take the time to make the applications yourself. The 
use of compresses, except in rare cases, is a measure that 
I do not think wise. In conjunctival and superficial cor- 
neal diseases the secretions are usually so acrid that they 
increase the difficulty, and as free exit to the secretions 
is impossible when compresses are employed, I think 
their use is contraindicated except on rare occasions. 
Cold.-Iced cloths are useful in allaying the pain in- 
cident to traumatic iritis, and in penetrating wounds of 
the eye. In purulent conjunctivitis the use of iced cloths 
is also beneficial, as their action prevents rapid formation 
of pus. In using iced cloths the best method is to lay 
small cloths, the right size to cover the lids and of three 
or four thicknesses, on a piece of ice; the cloths should 
be changed every half-minute, or minute at the outside. 586 
THE EYE. 
The application should be made for fifteen or twenty 
minutes at a time, and repeated every hour or two. 
In making use of hot or cold applications it is neces- 
sary to remember that continuous heat or cold is required, 
and that either one may do harm if continued too long. 
Hyoscyamine Hydrobromas. 
Macbride states that this alkaloid is a powerful mydri- 
atic, and that one instillation does as well as repeated 
instillations of atropine sulphate, and, instead of requiring 
from ten days to three weeks to pass off, the effects dis- 
appear in five days at the longest. 
Form for Use.-One-fortieth to one-twentieth of a grain 
at an instillation. 
Hyoscyamine Sulphas. 
The mydriatic power of this alkaloid has been thor- 
oughly tested, and shows that a single instillation will 
ordinarily produce complete paralysis of accommodation 
with full dilatation of the pupil. 
The accommodative power is regained after twelve days, 
the pupil regaining its normal size after seventeen days. 
Form for Use.-An instillation of one-fortieth to one- 
twentieth of a grain. 
Hyoscine Hydrobromas. 
Hydrobromate of hyoscine seems to be an unirritating, 
rapid and powerful mydriatic, producing paralysis of ac- 
commodation quickly; its action being about three times 
as rapid as atropine. The mydriasis passes off more 
quickly, but the accommodative power is slower in recov- 
ery. There seems to be no effect on tension in chronic 
glaucoma, though vision is sometimes improved. 
Form for Use.-Collyrium of one-half to one per cent. 
Note.-The alkaloids of hyoscyamus are not gener- 
ally used in ophthalmic practice, as other mydriatics are 
cheaper, safer, and usually more reliable. 587 
THE EYE. 
Ignatia. 
In hysterical affections of the eye, ignatia is often ben- 
eficial. I have found it valuable also in visual asthenopia 
depending on an atonic condition. In catarrhal conjunc- 
tivitis, where there is a sensation as of dust in the eye and 
nervous twitching of the lids, I have had good results 
from its use. 
Dose.-From a tenth to a sixth of a drop (s. m.), every 
two hours. 
lODOFORMUM. 
In corneal ulcers, both simple and serpiginous, I have 
had rapid healing follow the use of iodoform. In bleph- 
aritis marginalis, after carefully washing away the secre- 
tions, the use of iodoform is beneficial. Gumma of the 
palpebral conjunctiva will heal more rapidly as a rule 
when iodoform is used, either as an ointment or in pow- 
der form. 
In ophthalmia neonatorum, an ointment of iodoform is 
a useful adjunct, preventing the lids from sticking together 
besides having an influence on the character of the dis- 
charge, it becoming less purulent. Hypopyon keratitis is 
also influenced by the use of this drug in the shape of an 
ointment. 
After operative procedures on the eye or lids, iodoform 
is useful as a dressing. 
Toxic effects from the use of iodoform are seldom seen 
in children, but frequently occur in aged people. 
Form for Use.-An impalpable powder dusted on the 
morbid surfaces, or an ointment of five or ten per cent. 
Iodol. 
Iodol is formed by the action of iodine upon pyrol, a 
constituent of mineral oil. The compound contains about 
ninety per cent, of iodine. It is a grayish-white powder, 
slightly soluble in water. 588 
THE EYE. 
Iodol has been used in conjunctival diseases, especially 
the catarrhal form, and seems to do good WQrk, but pos- 
sesses no advantage over other drugs of this class. 
Form for Use.-The powder, dusted over the eye. 
Ipecacuanha. 
In phlyctenular diseases with photophobia, ipecac gives 
prompt relief in the majority of cases. The photophobia 
soon disappears, and the other symptoms improve. 
Dose.-From the tenth to the fifth of a drop (s. m.), 
every hour. 
Lanolinum. 
Lanolin alone is not used in ophthalmic practice, as it 
is so thick, tenacious and sticky, that it would form an un- 
pleasant excipient. By combining it with vaseline or lard 
(3 parts lanolin to 1 part vaseline or lard), it makes a 
desirable base for all eye ointments. 
Limonis Succus. 
In trachoma, Abadie and Petresco both use lemon juice. 
Abadie cauterizes the entire conjunctival surface once in 
six hours. Other remedies are used in conjunction. 
Massage. 
By the employment of massage, chronic diseases of 
the conjunctiva and cornea, especially those indolent in 
character, are benefited by manipulation through the lids. 
In maculae of the cornea, this method has as much to do 
with the disappearance of the opacities as the drug that 
is introduced. Indolent corneal ulcers are especially 
benefited by rubbing. In the peculiar "tired feeling" that 
is often felt after close application of the eyes, rubbing 
of the forehead, using enough friction to make the skin 
red, will frequently afford relief. 589 
THE EYE. 
Morphin.® Sulphas. 
The alkaloids of opium are not now used very much 
by oculists. The action of morphine on the conjunctiva 
is not as marked as was supposed. In the peculiar con- 
dition frequently found among those that use the eyes in 
hot, dry and dusty work however I have found the irrita- 
tion much relieved by the use of morphine. 
The internal administration of this drug is too well 
understood to need any elaboration. 
Form for Use.-Collyrium : Gr. ii, to water, 
Morrhu® Oleum. 
Codliver oil is a valuable aid in all eye diseases de- 
pendent upon, or associated with, enfeebled nutrition. In 
phlyctenular diseases, interstitial keratitis, blepharitis 
marginalis and chronic ulcers of the cornea, I have em- 
ployed codliver oil with the best results. I prefer the 
pure oil, but sometimes have to give the emulsion. 
Naphth alinum. 
Naphthalin is another of the products obtained from 
the distillation of coal tar. Just at present there seems 
to be a sort of mania for coal tar derivatives, and the 
patient that escapes experimentation with them is indeed 
lucky. 
This drug occurs in the form of white crystals that can 
be compressed into cakes. It is insoluble in water. 
Naphthalin has been employed in purulent conjunc- 
tivitis, and seems to reduce the redness and swelling of 
the lids. There is no appreciable diminution of the 
discharge. 
Form for Use.-The drug, applied by means of a watery 
emulsion to the lids. 
Naphthol, Alpha and Beta-. 
These two compounds are formed by the action of 
sulphuric acid on naphthalin, when the two are heated 590 
THE EYE. 
together for several hours. Hot water is then added to 
this product and the mixture filtered; to the filtrate is 
added carbonate of lead, forming lead-napthalin sulpho- 
nates. These sulphonates yield the acids, which, when 
fused with an alkali yield the two naphthols, alpha-naph- 
thol and beta-naphthol. 
Alpha-Naphthol pure, occurs in white crystals and is 
insoluble in cold, and sparingly soluble in hot water. 
The drug has an aromatic odor and a slightly pungent 
taste. 
Budin highly recommends alpha-naphthol in purulent 
conjunctivitis. 
Form for Use.-Collyrium, 1-5000. 
Beta-Naphthol.-This preparation occurs in colorless 
scales or in -white crystalline powder. It is soluble in 
seventy-five parts of boiling water and slightly so in cold 
water. 
In acute and chronic trachoma, a five-per-cent solution 
of beta-naphthol applied once a day has been reported 
as beneficial. The irritation, which lasts from three to 
five minutes, may be allayed by bathing the lids and eyes 
with cold water. In purulent conjunctivitis, a solution 
(1-2500) has been used with good results. 
Contraindication.-In ulceration of the cornea the drug 
should not be used. 
Form for Use.-A collyrium. 
Nux Vomica. 
The specific medicine is the form in which to administer 
this drug. In atrophy of the optic nerve, I have obtained 
good results from the use of this remedy. In amblyopia 
from the use or abuse of alcoholic liquors and tobacco, I 
have obtained the best results from the use of nux com- 
bined with dilute phosphoric acid. In choroiditis, the use 
of this drug is often followed by improvement in vision. THE EYE. 
591 
- Tn nervous affections of the lids and in muscular asthen- 
opia, I think more of nux than any other one remedy in 
the materia medica. In phlyctenular keratitis and con- 
junctivitis, the tonic effects are of benefit in hastening a 
cure. In cases where eye affections are caused or aggra- 
vated by an atonic condition of the system, nux should 
be used. 
Dose.-Gtt. 1-10th to l-3rd, every three or four hours. 
OUBAINE. 
Oubaine is the active principle of a plant found on the 
eastern coast of Africa. Ths plant is a member of the 
family Apocynaceae. The active principle is a glucoside, 
and was supposed to possess anaesthetic properties on the 
ocular conjunctiva, this effect being produced in some ani- 
mals; but in man it possesses no such power. 
Petrolatum-Petroleum Ointment. 
There are several preparations of petroleum in the 
market, the most satisfactory in my experience being 
vaseline. Vaseline becomes liquid at the temperature of 
the body and is not sticky. It has never, in my hands, 
produced any irritation. I have had considerable experi- 
ence with the other preparations of petroleum, and have 
several times had results that were not expected. 
In catarrhal and purulent affections of the conjunctiva, 
the application of vaseline to the lids will prevent, in a 
measure, their sticking together after sleeping. I have 
found vaseline a good application after the removal of 
foreign bodies from the cornea as well as for traumatisms 
of the conjunctiva. In follicular, trachomatous diseases, 
the application of this ointment under the lids will relieve 
the sensation of dust or irritation. 
Phosphorus. 
This drug has a marked influence on many diseases of 
the inner structures of the eye. Its influence on the nerv- 592 
THE EYE, 
ous system being well known, it is surprising that it is 
not more extensively used in ophthalmic practice. In 
disseminated choroiditis, it has seemed to not only check 
the morbid process, but the vision has increased under 
its use. In retino-choroiditis, I have had a couple of 
cases that were benefited by its administration. In hy- 
persemia and inflammation of the retina, rapid benefit 
generally follows the use of phosphorus. 
In amblyopia, the visual acuity is rapidly increased, 
provided of course that no morbid process is present, but 
that the amblyopia be reflex or functional. In paralysis 
of the ocular muscles and insufficiency of the internal 
recti, phosphorus is one of the best remedies I know. 
Dose.-Gr. l-200th to 1-lOOth. 
Physostigma-Calabar Bean. 
Physostigmine salicylas-salicylate of physostigmine; 
and the hydrobromate and sulphate of physostigmine are 
also used. The alkaloid, physostigmine (eserine), is ex- 
tensively used by oculists, and forms an important ad- 
junct in many diseases. Physostigmine is the most 
generally used myotic, and for diminishing tension, it is, 
in my experience, the oftenest indicated drug having this 
action. 
In perforating ulcers of the cornea when at or near the 
periphery, this drug should be used to prevent prolapse 
of the iris. In hypopyon ulcers of the cornea when un- 
complicated by iritis, the use of physostigmine every three 
or four hours relieves tension and stimulates healthy 
action. In indolent, nonvascularized ulceration of the 
cornea, I do not know of any one drug that has proved as 
satisfactory as physostigmine. 
In episcleritis, physostigmine has given good results. In 
glaucoma induced by the use of atropine, this remedy 
will often effect a cure. In glaucoma, the use of physos- THE EYE. 
593 
tigmine will often be necessary, especially if an immediate 
operation can not be performed. In corneal abscess and 
deep ulcers, especially in those of feeble nutritive powers, 
this drug acts well. 
In the sequelae of traumatisms when increased tension 
is found, relief will quickly follow the instillation of this 
drug. I have had the best results from the instillation 
of physostigmine in marginal ring ulcers of any drug I 
have tried. In feeble accommodative power and in par- 
alysis of the muscles of accommodation, I have had some 
brilliant results from the use of this drug. In convergent 
strabismus (intermittent), the use of physostigmine will 
often, through its increasing the power of accommodation, 
cause parallelism by lessening the strain on the internal 
recti. 
In neuralgia of the eyeball, the drug will frequently 
afford prompt relief. In traumatisms at the margin of 
the cornea, this is the proper remedy. In breaking down 
adhesions, the result of iritis, the alternate use of atro- 
pine and physostigmine will, in many cases, give the de- 
sired results. 
The internal administration of the drug in eye diseases 
has been rather limited. I have used it in several cases 
of persistent spasm of the muscle of accommodation and 
have been well pleased with the effect. 
Forms for Use.-As a collyrium, gr. i to ii, aqua ffi; in- 
ternally, gr. l-200th to 1-lOOth. 
Phytolacca Radix-Poke-Root. 
In panophthalmitis, good results have followed the ad- 
ministration of phytolacca. In trachoma, the use of this 
drug has been recommended as a topical agent. Never 
having used the drug in this way I know nothing of its 
merits. 
Dose.-Specific medicine, gtt. | to 2. 594 
THE EYE. 
Pilocarpus-Jaborandi. 
Pilocarpinae hydrochloras-hydrochlorate of pilocar- 
pine; pilocarpus, the leaflets of pilocarpus pinnatifolius, 
a native of Brazil, has been used considerably of late in 
ophthalmic diseases. 
Jaborandi, in full doses, produces contraction of the 
pupil, impairs the accommodative power, and increases 
the secretion of the mucous glands. Topically, the same 
results follow. Intraocular tension is diminished. 
Internally, the use of jaborandi has given good results 
in tobacco and alcoholic amblyopia. In rheumatic iritis, 
I have had splendid results from its administration. In 
optic neuritis, detachment of the retina, choroiditis, epi- 
scleritis, and in atrophy of the optic nerve, the drug has 
given good results. I have found no remedy that causes 
such rapid absorption of non-organized vitreous opacities 
as jaborandi. One writer says of this drug: "It subdues 
inflammatory condition of the iris and ciliary body which 
intervene when masses of the cortical substance of the 
lens remain in the anterior chamber after the operation 
of extraction of cataract." 
I have found the administration of jaborandi useful in 
cases of spasm of the muscle of accommodation where it 
was inconvenient to use local measures. In iritis, I al- 
ways use jaborandi, and find that the disease is of shorter 
duration by its use. If adhesions have occurred, the use 
of this drug aids absorption. 
Locally, the use of the alkaloid, pilocarpine, has been 
recommended instead of physostigmine, in glaucoma. In 
the early stages of phlyctenular conjunctivitis and ker- 
atitis, the instillation of a solution of pilocarpine will be 
found beneficial. After traumatism, with an increase of 
tension, the local use of pilocarpine will relieve the pain 
and tension. I am an enthusiast on jaborandi and do 
not think we know its full virtue, as yet. THE EYE. 
595 
Forms for Use.-Gtt. iii to x, every two or three hours. 
Collyrium: Pilocarpine gr. i to ii, to aqua ffi. 
Caution.-There are many preparations of jaborandi in 
the market that are worthless. I have used a number 
and without results. I now prescribe Lloyd's specific 
medicine only. 
PlSCIDIA ERYTHRINA-JAMAICA DOGWOOD. 
This drug I have used in a number of cases of neuralgia 
of the eyeball-where opium was not well borne-and 
have found it relieved the pain very materially. In 
supraorbital neuralgia I have also found it a good rem- 
edy in several cases where other drugs failed. 
Dose.-Gtt. x to xx of the fluid extract, every two or 
three hours. 
Plumbi Acetas. 
This drug has in times past enjoyed considerable repu- 
tation in conjunctival diseases, but at present it has fallen 
into general disuse. Where corneal complications exist, 
as they frequently do, the danger of infiltration and de- 
posit of lead in the corneal tissues is too great to make 
acetate of lead a desirable remedy. 
Form for Use.-Collyrium of gr. iv, aqua ffi. 
Plumbi Iodidum. 
A case of dermoid cyst of the orbit has been reported 
cured by the use of the ointment of iodide of lead. 
Form for Use.-Unguentum plumbi iodidi. 
Plumbi Subacetas, Liquor-Goulard's Extract. 
This preparation (1-10) has been highly recommended 
in trachoma. It has also been employed in other con- 
junctival diseases, but is now not extensively used. It 
has been placed in the same class as the acetate of lead. 
Potassa-Caustic Potash. 
In trachoma, one writer advises scarifying and squeez- 
ing the lids, then cauterizing the surface with liquor po- 596 
THE EYE. 
tassa. This looks like heroic treatment, and I would be 
loth to try it. 
PoTASsn Bichromas. 
Internally, in mild cases of croupous conjunctivitis, the 
administration of this drug is especially beneficial. In 
indolent inflammatory action, especially corneal ulcers 
and where the secretions are of a stringy nature, potas- 
sium bichromate is the indicated remedy. In trachoma 
with a tenacious secretion, it is also a good drug. 
Locally.-A saturated solution applied to large granu- 
lations of the acute type will prove curative. 
Dose.-Gr. l-200th to l-100th, every three hours. 
POTASSII BrOMIDUM. 
Bromide of potassium is frequently employed to relieve 
headache due to eye-strain. This drug has, from long 
continued use, produced recurrent corneal ulceration. 
Dose.-Gr. x to xv, every two or three hours. 
POTASSII CHLORAS. 
Small epithelial growths of the eyelids have been re- 
ported cured by the daily application of powdered chlo- 
rate of potassium. 
POTASSH lODIDUM. 
In specific diseases of the eye, both corneal and of the 
deeper structures, the administration of the iodide of po- 
tassium in doses large enough to get the full effects of the 
drug, will give rapid relief in the majority of cases. In 
periostitis of the orbit and paralysis of the ocular mus- 
cles dependent on syphilitic conditions, and gumma of 
the palpebral conjunctiva, iodide of potassium will prove 
curative. Ophthalmoplegia externa and interna, as well as 
hemianopsia, have been cured or benefited by the use of 
this drug. 
In syphilitic iritis, I have had several cases that re- 597 
THE EYE. 
quired doses of from thirty to sixty grains repeated every 
three hours, before relief was obtained. 
Dose.-Gr. v to xx, every three or four hours. 
Pulsatilla. 
The cases in which I have found the best results from 
the administration of pulsatilla have been in visual dis- 
turbances, as in flashes of light, transitory dimness of 
vision, etc., dependent upon a hysterical condition. Our 
homeopathic friends use the drug in nearly all kinds of 
eye diseases, but I have been unable so far to obtain any 
results unless the hysterical phenomena were present. 
For ulcerative and conjunctival diseases, or diseases of 
the deeper structures, I have been sorely disappointed, 
though I may yet find the secret of homeopathic enthu- 
siasm. 
Dose.-Gtt. i to ii, every two hours. The specific med- 
icine is the most satisfactory to use. 
Quinine Sulphas. 
The internal administration of quinine is of doubtful 
benefit in eye diseases unless there is marked periodicity, 
the disease partaking of the neuralgic character. 
Locally, the sulphate of quinine has been used in tra- 
choma and follicular conjunctivitis. I have had good suc- 
cess with the drug in some cases of trachoma, while in 
others it has failed entirely. The use of the drug has 
been purely empirical. 
Form for Use.-Either in the form of the dry powder or 
in a solution of glycerine gr. iii to x, to ffi. 
Retinol. 
A liquid hydrocarbon, obtained by dry distillation of 
colophony. The color is brown or yellowish; action 
slightly acid from the traces of picric acid present. 
Retinol has been extensively used by some in the treat- 598 
the eye. 
ment of simple and gonorrhoeal affections of the lids, tear 
ducts, etc. 
Form for Use.-Retinol jiiss, lanolini ji, sodii bicarb- 
onatis gr. ii., M., ft. unguent. 
Resorcinum-Resorcin. 
The drug resorcin generally found in the market is 
a synthetical compound. 
Resorcin has been used in non-ulcerative blepharitis 
with good results, the ointment being used. A solution 
of resorcin has been used in acute and chronic conjuncti- 
vitis, also in corneal wounds. 
Forms for Use.-Ointment of vaseline, containing three 
per cent, of resorcin; vaseline containing three per cent, 
each of resorcin and sulphur; a watery solution contain- 
ing one or two per cent, resorcin. 
Rhus Toxicodendron. 
I have obtained good results from rhus in oedema of 
the lids, when associated with intense redness. Pain in 
the eyeball aggravated by motion, will almost invariably 
be relieved by the use of rhus. Neuralgic pains more 
intense when moving about, will also be benefited by the 
use of rhus. Rhus has been recommended after cataract 
operations, for preventing inflammatory action. 
Dose.-Specific medicine, gtt. l-10th to l-5th, every hour. 
Rioini Oleum. 
As a menstruum for the administration of cocaine, 
castor oil has given good satisfaction. Atropine may also 
be used in the same manner. I have used the oil con- 
siderably as a lubricant after the removal of foreign 
bodies from the cornea. The irritation produced by 
diseases of the mucous follicles may be relieved by the 
instillation of castor oil. In corneal ulcers also, relief 
will often follow the use of the oil, and even healing 
quickly result. THE EYE, 
599 
Santoninum. 
Santonin has been recommended in color blindness, 
not congenital, and has been said to benefit the cases 
materially. 
Dose.-Gr. l-20th to l-10th every three hours. 
Sepia. 
In eye diseases the result of reflex uterine disorders, 
sepia will be found especially useful. Asthenopia symp- 
toms dependent upon uterine disorders, have, in my 
experience, yielded quickly to this drug. 
Dose.-Gr. i of the 3x trituration, four times a day. 
SlLICEA. 
In caries of the orbit, this remedy of the homeopathists 
is especially valuable, either alone or alternated with 
calx sulphurata. I have found this drug especially useful 
in caries of the orbit, but have also on several occasions 
found it of service in suppurative diseases of the eyeball. 
Dose.-Gr. i of the 2x or lx trituration. 
Sodii Bicarbonas. 
For softening the crusts that form around the lashes 
and at the edge of the lids in blepharitis marginalis, a 
solution of bicarbonate of sodium will be found beneficial; 
repeating the cleansing every three or four hours seems 
to prevent the rapid formation of pus. 
Form for Use.-Au eight or ten-per-cent, solution. 
Sodii Boras. 
In muco-purulent types of conjunctivitis a solution of 
borax is of more benefit than astringents. In corneal 
ulcers, I have been pleasantly surprised at its curative 
action. For softening the crusts formed in blepharitis 
marginalis, borax is also useful. 
Form for Use.-A solution of gr. v, to aqua f?i. 600 
THE EYE. 
Sodii Chloridum. 
A one-per-cent, solution of this drug has been em- 
ployed in muco-purulent conjunctivitis. The most gen- 
eral use made of salt however is for neutralizing the effects 
of nitrate of silver after its application to the mucous 
membranes. 
Form for Use.-Watery solutions. 
Sodii Salicylas. 
This salt of soda should be made with the salicylic 
acid obtained from the oil of Wintergreen. 
Salicylate of sodium has been used in detachment of 
the retina under the supposition that the trouble was of 
rheumatic origin. I have employed the drug almost 
entirely in cases of rheumatic iritis, and have been well 
pleased with the results. 
Dose.-Gr. x to xv, every three or four hours. 
Sozoiodol. 
This compound is made from a combination of phenol, 
iodine and sulphuric acid. This acid combines with va- 
rious bases to form salts. The sodium salt has been em- 
ployed in ophthalmic practice with fairly satisfactory 
results. 
In acute purulent conjunctivitis and ophthalmia neon- 
atorum, the solution of this drug has been found useful. 
Form for Use.-Collyrium of five per cent., used every 
two or three hours. 
Sparteine Sulphas. 
Sparteine, a volatile liquid alkaloid obtained from sar- 
othamnus scoparius, combined with sulphuric acid, is the 
form generally employed. 
In exophthalmic goitre, the sulphate of sparteine is 
claimed to relieve all the symptoms. 
Dose.-Gr. | to every four hours. the eye. 
601 
, Strophanthus HlSPIDU3. 
Strophanthus has been used in exophthalmic goitre, the 
experimenters claiming marked relief from the distressing 
symptoms. 
Dose.-Tincture (five per cent.), gtt. v to x, every two 
hours. 
Strophanthine. 
Strophanthine, the active principle of strophanthus, pos- 
sesses powerful anaesthetic properties when applied to 
the cornea, but investigations so far have shown the drug 
to be so irritating that it does not at present threaten to 
supplant cocaine. 
Form for Use.-A solution of 1-1000. 
Strychnia. 
The uses of strychnine in eye diseases are identical 
with those of nux vomica. 
Sulphur. 
In non-ulcerative blepharitis marginalis, the use of an 
ointment containing three per cent, each of sulphur and 
resoicin has been found of benefit. 
Terebinthinte Oleum. 
Turpentine has been used in certain classes of eye dis- 
eases with seemingly good results. In iritic adhesions, 
the internal administration of this drug has appeared to 
promote absorption. In rheumatic iritis, choroiditis and 
sclerotitis, turpentine has effected a cure when other rem- 
edies have failed. In corneal opacities, the administra- 
tion of turpentine has caused the disappearance of the 
maculse. 
Dose.-Gtt. iii to v, every two hours. 
Thuja. 
The action of thuja is on the deeper structures of the 
eye. It is especially useful in scleritis, episcleritis, sclero- 602 
THE EYE. 
choroiditis, and in syphilitic iritis with gummata on the 
iris. In tarsal tumors, the use of thuja both internally 
and externally have caused their removal. Thuja has 
been recommended by D. Thomas Long, M. D., of Topeka, 
Kas., for trachoma. He recommends it highly. I have 
not used the drug enough to form an opinion of its ef- 
ficiency, but think it is a remedy that we know, as yet, 
comparatively little about. 
Dose.-Specific medicine, gtt. 1-5th to l-3rd. 
Topically.-Lloyd's non-alcoholic ext. thuja, either full 
strength or as an ointment with vaseline (gr. vtoxv-ji). 
Tonga. 
Tonga has been recommended in asthenopia, rheumatic 
iritis and photophobia, when used as a collyrium. In- 
ternally it has been reported as dilating the pupils. The 
drug has not been used enough to give any very certain 
rule for its use. 
Dose.-Gtt. x to xx of the fl. ext. As a collyrium, fl. 
ext. gtt. xv to fjss., aqua q. s., ffss. Two drops in the 
eye, every three hours. 
Veratrum Viride. 
Veratrum has been recommended in exophthalmic goi- 
tre. I always use this drug after cataract operations, and 
as yet have had no suppuration, and the healing process 
quickly follows the operation. 
Dose.-Gtt. l-5th to l-3rd, every hour. 
Zinci Acetas. 
Acetate of zinc is sometimes used in simple conjuncti- 
vitis, especially when an astringent action is wanted. 
Form for Use.-Collyrium: Gr. ss. to i, to f?i. 
Zinci Sulphas. 
In the chronic forms of conjunctivitis, where an indo- 
lent condition exists, the use of sulphate of zinc will ba THE EYE. 
603 
found especially beneficial. In the acute stages of con- 
junctival diseases, however, the drug is contraindicated. 
Form for Use.-Collyrium: Gr. ii to iv, to f?i; two drops 
in the eye every three or four hours. 
Pyoktanin. 
There are two forms of this aniline used in ophthalmic 
work-auramine and methyl-violet (yellow and blue pyok- 
tanin. 
There is such a diversity of opinion in regard to the 
efficacy of pyoktanin as a remedial agent in eye diseases 
that one is quite bewildered by the writings and expeii- 
ences of the experimenters. Prof. Stilling has conducted 
a series of experiments and suggests caution in its use. 
Some writers decry its use, claiming that it is positively 
harmful. Other writers claim that the drug is really 
inert. The results have been so unsatisfactory that I am 
still inclined to look with suspicion on the products of 
the coal tar series. 
Two ways have been advised for the use of pykotanin: 
in solution or in the form of a powder, the drug being 
mixed with talc or other inert substance. As light decom- 
poses the drug, it should be kept in the dark. 
Pykotanin has been used in nearly all forms of con- 
junctival diseases. I have seen it used in the Manhattan 
Eye and Ear Hospital, sometimes with good results and 
sometimes with no results. 
Form for Use.-In solutions, from 1-1,000 to 1-100; in 
ointment from 1-50 to 1-10; in powder from 1-1,000 to 
1-50. 
Syrupus Acidi Hydriodici. 
In scrofulous cases and where there is syphilitic dis- 
ease and the iodides are not well borne, the administra- 
tion of syrup of hydriodic acid has given good results in 
my practice. I have found it especially useful in inter- 604 
THE EYE. 
stitial keratitis, phlyctenular diseases and iritis, when spe- 
cific. It can be used in all cases where the iodides are 
indicated, and without the disturbance of the stomach 
that frequently follows the use of the alkaline salts. The 
syrup that I prefer is Gardiner's. It has proved stable 
under adverse circumstance, and I have always found it 
reliable. 
Dose.-Gtt. xv to fjii, every two or three hours. 
Eueophen. 
This is a comparatively recent addition to the list of 
drugs which have come into existence since the introduc- 
tion of iodoform. It is placed in the category of anti- 
septics, and like all new preparations is lauded highly. I 
have had no experience with the drug, but will name the 
conditions in which it has been used with reported suc- 
cess: Keratitis marginalis, trumatic conjunctivitis, con- 
junctivitis and traumatism of the lids and eye. 
Form for Use.-Unguent, of one-half to one per cent. THE EAR, 
605 
THE EAR. 
By Kent O. Foltz, M. D. 
Acidum Arseniosum. 
Eczema of the auricle and canal, especially the dry, 
scaly form, will be relieved by the administration of ar- 
senic, in the form of Fowler's solution. In purulent otitis 
media, if a syphilitic taint be present, the use of Donovan's 
solution will be found beneficial. 
If there be an atonic condition of the system combined 
with a scrofulous diathesis, or without this condition, the 
use of Fowler's solution is indicated in purulent otitis 
media. 
Dose.-Liquor potassii arsenitis (Fowler's solution), 
gtt. l-10th to l-6th, every three hours. 
Acidum Boricum. 
Boric acid has been one of the most generally used and 
abused drugs in the entire list of aural therapeutics. The 
indiscriminate use of it has proven as unsatisfactory as 
the same method does in any other class of remedies or 
diseases. 
Boric acid is one of the most useful drugs in ear dis- 
eases of any that I have tried. It is used either alone or 
in combination. In otitis media purulenta, with the mu- 
cous membrane of the middle ear pale, I have found the 
best application to be a combination of boric acid and 
iodoform. When the pus is thin and acrid and moder- 
ately profuse, this acid combined with calendula has given 
the best results. When the discharge is slight and the 
mucous membrane presents a turgid appearance, I have 
had the best success with ergot combined with the acid. 
When granulations appear on the mucous membrane, or 
polypoid growths are found, no matter what the character 606 
THE EAR. 
of the discharge, I employ a combination of boric and 
salicylic acids until this condition is removed. In some 
old, chronic cases, that have resisted any and all forms of 
treatment, the use of boric acid in alcohol has effected a 
cure. In acute cases I have seen no injurious effects from 
the use of boric acid alone, and I nearly always use it in 
such cases. 
In diseases of the external ear I have not had that suc- 
cess that some seem to have had with boric acid. It is 
recommended in papilloma after the removal of the growth 
by operative means, to use an alcoholic solution of the 
acid for promoting healing and for preventing return 
of the growth. In furuncles of the canal, the saturated 
alcoholic solution of boric acid has been recommended for 
aborting the pests. In acute, diffuse otitis, a wash of boric 
acid has been used with reported success, but I have been 
disappointed in my own practice. Some aurists use a 
wash of boric acid in the ear before removing impacted 
cerumen, under the impression that it will prevent the 
formation of furuncles. 
For detecting the presence of minute perforations in the 
membrana tympani, the use of boric acid in impalpable 
powder is sometimes resorted to. The canal and drum 
membrane are thoroughly dried, a little powder blown 
into the ear, and by the Politzer or Valsalva method, the 
ear is inflated; if perforations exist the powder will be 
blown from the canal. A better method, however, in my 
experience, is to hold a mirror close to the ear and inflate 
the ear by the Valsalva method, the dimming of the mir- 
ror or not showing whether perforation exists. 
Contraindications.-Where the use of boric acid is fol- 
lowed by copious serous discharge and intense pain. In 
acute suppurative otitis media, the result of scarlet fever, 
the use of the acid is harmful. 
Caution.-Never pack the powder in the ear. This pro- 607 
THE EAR 
cedure will sooner or later cause trouble that can be 
avoided by simply throwing a little powder in the ear by 
means of an insufflator that does not pack a mass of pow- 
der at the bottom of the canal. I am careful to only 
cover the surfaces lightly, and, since adopting this method, 
I have had no bad results. 
The following formulae suggest some of the successful 
combinations into which this drug enters:- 
B Boric acid, iodoform, aa, q. s. 
B 8. m. calendula boric acid zi. M., ft. chart. 
B Fl. ext. ergot (Squibb's) boric acid M., ft. 
chart. 
B Acid salicylic ji, boric acid jvi. M., ft. chart 
Acidum Carbolicum. 
The range of carbolic acid in aural therapeutics is rap- 
idly lessening. In the earlier days of this branch of 
medicine it was used in nearly all forms of suppurative 
disease, but other and pleasanter methods have super- 
seded the use of this unpleasant smelling drug. 
A wash of one per cent, carbolic acid has been recom- 
mended in purulent otitis media, for the purpose of dis- 
infecting the discharge. The odor of the drug is more 
unpleasant to many than that of the discharge. Burnett 
recommends the application of the full strength acid in 
chronic inflammation of the attic of the tympanum. In 
external otitis, where the canal is swollen, the use of tam- 
pons of cotton soaked in carbolic acid and glycerine (1- 
10), after thorough cleansing of the canal, seems to 
possess an anaesthetic effect, and reduces the swelling 
rapidly. In hyperaemia of the tympanum, without effusion, 
the application of a fifteen-per-cent. carbol-glycerine will 
often relieve the pain. 608 
the EAB. 
Acidum Chloracetic um. 
After operative measures for exuberant growths in the 
middle ear, the use of chloracetic acid for cauterizing the 
mucous surfaces has been made to a limited extent. 
Acidum Chromicum. 
Chromic acid has been used considerably for destroying 
granulating tissue and polypi in the middle ear. The 
method is efficient but I have abandoned it for salicylic 
acid, which in my hands has proved equally as effective 
and is not painful. After operative treatment for choles- 
teatoma of the tympanic cavity, cauterization with chromic 
acid is recommended. 
Acidum Hydriodicum. 
The only place I have found this preparation useful has 
been in syphilitic subjects who had suppurative otitis 
media, and did not bear the iodides well. 
Dose.-Gtt. xxx, every three hours. 
Acidum Hydrobromicum Dilutum. 
In tinnitus aurium the result of cinchonism, hydro- 
bromic acid usually gives prompt relief. 
Dose.-Gtt. x to xx, every two hours. 
Acidum Hydrochloricum. 
In caries of the bony walls of the external auditory 
canal, the walls of the tympanic cavity or of the ossicles, 
the application of hydrochloric acid, by decalcifying the 
bone, will render instrumental removal easier. 
Method of Application.-I use a broom splint for all of 
the liquid corrosive acids. By leaving the splint remain 
in the acid a few moments, enough of the liquid will be held 
by the pith to make the application. By wiping the splint 
with a little cotton the superfluous acid will be removed 
and only such surfaces receive it as may be desired. 609 
THE EAB. 
Acidum Lacticum. 
Lactic acid has been recommended in caries of the bony 
walls of the canals and tympanic cavity. The acid has 
been recommended in suppurative diseases of the middle 
ear, but the mass of evidence does not prove the remedy 
to be all that can be desired. There is too much irrita- 
tion of the external auditory canal following its use in the 
majority of cases. Where there are dense, close granula- 
tions in the tympanic cavity, the use of the acid does not 
destroy the morbid growth. 
Form for Application.-In strengths varying from fif- 
teen per cent, to full strength. 
Acidum Nitricum. 
I have employed nitric acid for destroying polypi and 
large granulations in the tympanic cavity. It may be 
used in the same class of cases as hydrochloric acid. The 
method for use is the same as recommended for hydro- 
chloric acid. 
Acidum Phosphoricum Dilutum. 
I have had some good results follow the administration 
of dilute phosphoric acid in deafness the result of an 
atonic condition of the nervous system. This class of 
cases will show, by tests, inner ear trouble. If there be 
any degenerative changes, either in the nerve or the nerve 
terminals, treatment, so far as now known, is of no avail. 
If the impairment of hearing is simply functional, how- 
ever, I have seldom been disappointed in dilute phos- 
phoric acid. 
Dose.-Gtt. i, every three hours. I frequently associate 
nux with the acid in | gtt. doses. 
Acidum Salicylicum. 
The form of salicylic acid that should be used is re- 
ferred to under this head in the section on eye diseases, 
and the same results are found in treating ear diseases. 610 
THE EAR. 
In the moist form of eczema of the external auditory 
canal, I have had good results follow the use of an oint- 
ment of salicylic acid, especially in old, chronic cases. 
This ointment I have found excellent in treating granu- 
lations, and polypi also. I employed this ointment in two 
cases of epithelioma of the auricle, with complete removal 
of the morbid growth. 
In granulations and polypi of the middle ear. I have 
had good results from the use of the ointment of salicylic 
acid. Where the discharge has ceased, in suppurative 
otitis media, without closure of the membrana tympani, 
the use of the ointment has stimulated healthy action 
sufficiently to cause complete closure of the membrane. 
I have been using for some time past a powder of sal- 
icylic acid and boric acid in suppurative cases in which 
granulations or polypi exist, and with pretty uniform suc- 
cess. 
Forms for Use.-Unguent: R Acid, salicylic, gr. xx, 
vaseline fi. In powder form: B Acid, salicylic, ji, acid, 
boric, jvi. 
In diphtheritic otitis, with exudation in the middle ear 
and perforated membrane, the use of the powder of sali- 
cylic acid, or of a ten-per-cent., alcoholic solution, will be 
especially beneficial. 
Acidum Sulphurosum. 
Sulphurous acid has been tried in caries of the canal, 
tympanum, and of the ossicles, for decalcifying the dis- 
eased structures in order to make operative measures 
easier. 
Acidum Tannicum. 
Tannic acid, both in the form of the powder and the 
glycerite, has been employed in suppurative otitis media. 
I have abandoned the use of tannic acid entirely on ac- 
count of the tendency to form a hard mass that is difficult 611 
THE EAR. 
to remove. For destroying polypi, the acid has been rec- 
ommended (in powder), but I have always been disap- 
pointed in the use of it. 
Forms for Use.-The powder, by insufflation. Glycerite 
of tannin: R Tannin i, glycerine iv. M. Make solution 
by heat. 
Acidum Tartarioum. 
Tartaric acid, in combination with a solution of bichlo- 
ride of mercury has been advocated in suppurative otitis 
media. The solution has not found much favor, however. 
Form for Use.-Tartaric acid, bichloride of mercury, 
alcohol and water (3-5-20-1,000). 
Aconitum. 
In acute catarrh of the middle ear, I have found aconite 
of service in controlling the inflammatory action. The 
use of this drug will not always prevent suppuration, nor 
will it produce any wonderful diminution of pain, but in 
my experience the inflammatory stage was of shorter du- 
ration when aconite was used than when it was not. 
In mastoid disease, the administration of aconite inter- 
nally, and the local application of aconite and veratrum, 
have been serviceable in relieving pain and subduing in- 
flammation. 
Indication.-Frequent, small pulse. 
Dose.-Specific medicine aconite, gtt. 1-5 to 1-3, every 
hour. 
Locally.-Sp. m. aconite, sp. m. veratrum, aa. fjii to fjiv, 
aqua q. s., ffiv. 
Alcohol. 
Absolute alcohol has been used in the unhealthy gran- 
ulations found in the tympanic cavity after long continued 
suppuration. For polypi, the use of alcohol will also be 
found beneficial. In cholesteatoma of the tympanum it 
seems to be a specific. 612 
THE EAR. 
In suppurative otitis media, the use of a saturated so- 
lution of boric acid will sometimes prove beneficial. The 
same solution is also recommended for furuncles. The 
vapor from an alcoholic solution of menthol (20-per-cenr ) 
forced into and through the Eustachian tube, when steno- 
sis of the tube is present, will be found beneficial. 
Care should be exercised in the use of alcohol, as par- 
alysis of the chorda tympani has resulted from its use. 
Alumen. 
Alum, both in the form of a powder and a solution, 
has been used in otitis media. The drug never proved 
satisfactory in my hands, however. 
Form for Use.-In solution, gr. iii to x, to water f?i. 
Aluminii Ace tas. 
In furuncles of the external auditory canal, a solution 
of acetate of aluminium has been used with reported suc- 
cess, the method being to warm the solution and apply 
on cotton, allowing it to remain in contact with the in- 
flamed tissue. 
Form for Use.-A twenty-five-per-cent., aqueous solu- 
tion. 
Aluminii Acetas Tarteas. 
This double salt is prepared by mixing solutions of 
basic acetate of aluminium (5-100) and tartaric acid 
(2-100) and evaporating to dryness. 
This preparation has been used in furuncles, especially 
after they have been opened, for applying to the trau- 
matism. In diffuse inflammation of the external auditory 
canal, the application of a solution of the salt has been 
recommended. 
Forms for Use.-For furuncles, a twenty-per-cent, aque- 
ous solution. For diffuse inflammation, a five-per-cent, 
aqueous solution. THE EAR. 
613 
Ammonii Bromtdum. 
I have found bromide of ammonium especially useful 
in treating tinnitus aurium, the result of cinchonism. In 
nervous deafness, also, this salt has given good satisfac- 
tion in my experience. For relieving pain in aural troub- 
les, however, I have had no results. 
Dose.-Gr. v to x, every three hours. 
Ammonii Iodidum. 
In syphilitic disease of the ear, either of the middle or 
internal ear, when there is a depression of the general 
system, I have found this one of the most useful drugs 
in the entire list. I have employed it in cases of sup- 
purative otitis media with success, in a score of cases 
where syphilitic disease was present. 
Dose.-Gr. ii to v, every three hours. 
Antipyrin. 
This compound has been recommended in the compli- 
cations affecting the ear after scarlet fever. I know noth- 
ing about the efficacy of the drug, as I am not a lover of 
the coal tar series or of proprietary medicines. 
Dose.-Gr. v to xv. 
Argenti Nitras. 
Nitrate of silver is used to a limited extent in ear dis- 
eases. I have had some good results follow its applica- 
tion, but its usefulness is limited. 
After suppuration of the middle ear has ceased and 
the membrana tympani refused to heal, I have used the 
solid nitrate of silver, fused on a fine wire, to touch the 
edge of the perforation. This treatment has often been 
followed by complete closure of the drum head. 
Nitrate of silver has been of service in destroying ex- 
uberant granulations in the tympanum, if they are not 
confluent. In this-not confluent-condition, a solution 614 
THE EAR. 
should be used and the surface touched by means of cot- 
ton on a cotton carrier. The practice of dropping a so- 
lution of nitrate of silver in the ear is an unsafe proced- 
ure, as, if the facial nerve be exposed, there is danger of 
paralysis. This complication has occurred in several in- 
stances, but I have seen no report of such an accident 
where the application was made with cotton. 
After operations in the canal, when there is a tendency 
to the growth of redundant tissue, the application of 
nitrate of silver, either pure or in solution, is advisable. 
Forms for Use.-Solutions of five per cent; pure ni- 
trate of silver. 
Aristol. 
The reports on this drug are varied, some recommend- 
ing it highly while others pronounce it inert. I have had 
some good results from the use of aristol and think highly 
of the drug. 
In suppurative otitis media, in both the subacute and 
ichronic forms, I have had good success with aristol in 
ipowder. One case of chronic suppurative otitis media 
of eighteen year's standing, a stubborn case that I had 
treated for seven years previously, healed promptly under 
aristol, the discharge ceasing and the drum head healing 
entire. In acute suppurative otitis media, I have seen no 
benefit from the use of this drug, healing being no more 
prompt than with simple cleanliness, either with or with- 
out boric acid. 
In moist eczema of the external auditory canal, espe- 
cially where intense itching was present, I have had good 
success with aristol. 
I have had several cases of persistent cough, and one 
of sneezing, that baffled me for a time, being evidently 
reflex, but from what was a question that I could not 
solve. I finally examined the ears and found eczema 
present, used the aristol and stopped the cough and 
sneezing. THE EAR. 
615 
Aristol has been recommended for epithelioma; I have, 
however, had no good result from it in this affection of 
the auricle, having been compelled to return to salicylic 
acid in the only two cases that I have treated. 
I have had no success in treating ear cases with aristol 
■when it was in the form of an ointment. 
Method of Application.-Insufflation of the powder. 
AhtopinzE Sulphas. 
A warm solution of atropine dropped into the ear has 
been recommended for earache, diffuse inflammation of 
the external auditory canal, and for non-suppurative in- 
flammation of the middle ear, for the relief of the pain. 
My own experience is that it is the warm water that 
gives the relief. 
Form for Use.-From a two to a four-per-cent, solu- 
tion. 
Auri et Sodii Chloridum. 
In syphilitic persons, especially hereditary with sup- 
purative otitis media, I have had some brilliant results 
follow the administration of the chloride of gold and so- 
dium. The drug has been of use only when caries of the 
bone existed, but here the morbid process seemed to 
yield readily, and cessation of the destructive breaking 
down of tissue followed in a short time. 
In acquired syphilis, I have not found any beneficial 
results from the use of this drug. 
Form for Use.-The most satisfactory method of giving 
this salt is in solution, using water as the solvent. 
Dose.-Gr. 1-200 to 1-100, every four hours. 
Belladonna. 
In ear complications arising during or immediately fol- 
lowing scarlet fever, the use of belladonna is especially 616 
THE EAR. 
indicated, the use of it generally relieving the unpleasant 
symptoms and preventing sequelae. 
Dose.-Specific medicine, gtt. 1-5 to 1-3, every hour. 
Bismuthi Subcarbonas. 
This drug has been used in suppurative otitis media. 
My experience with it has not been satisfactory, and I 
have abandoned its use. 
Form for Use,-The powder, by insufflation. 
Bismuthi Subnitras. 
The subnitrate of bismuth has been used in a similar 
manner, and for the same purpose as the subcarbonate. 
The results are about the same. 
Cactus Grandiflorus. 
In tinnitus aurium dependent on functional heart trouble 
the use of cactus has, in my hands, given good results. 
In organic disease of the heart the remedy has not given 
as good results as glonoin. 
Dose.-Specific medicine, gtt. | to every two hours. 
Calcis, Liquor. 
I have found lime water useful in acute catarrh of the 
middle ear for preventing the formation of pus. In sup- 
purative otitis media, I use lime water or calx sulphurata 
in nearly all cases, unless there be a syphilitic taint. 
Lime water, in my experience, is preferable to use with 
babies and very young children, where there is an evi- 
dent lack of lime in the tissues. In scrofulous and rick- 
ety children, I prefer administering lime in this form. 
In furuncles, the use of lime will often prevent a crop 
of the boils. 
Dose.-Fji to fjiv, in milk, every three hours. 
Calx Sulphurata. 
The homeopathic preparation is the one I prefer. 
This preparation I use for preventing suppuration in THE EAR. 
617 
acute otitis media, and also give it after the discharge is 
established. For furuncles in the external auditory canal, 
this drug is useful. The calx sulphurata is generally pre- 
ferable in adults to lime water. 
In scrofulous persons the lime seems to be required 
and the result of its administration will usually be 
satisfactory. 
Dose.-Gr. i, of the lx or 2x trituration. 
Calendula. 
The use of calendula in my practice, has been limited 
to those cases of suppurative otitis media where the dis- 
charge is thin and acrid and only moderately profuse. 
It is used in combination with boric acid, and used by 
insufflation. 
Form for Application.-Specific medicine calendula fji, 
boric acid fi, M., ft. chart. 
C AMPHORA. 
Camphor alone is not used in aural practice, or at least 
only to a limited extent. It is used occasionally in com- 
bination with beta-naphthol or salol in purulent otitis 
media. Care should be used in the employment of these 
compounds, that they come in contact only with the 
morbid surfaces. The applications should be made about 
three times a week. Cotton on a cotton carrier is the 
most satisfactory means of application. 
Preparation of Naphthol-Camphor.-U Camphora ii, beta- 
naphthol i. Powder and triturate until the powders 
liquefy; then heat carefully until complete fusion results. 
Salol-Camphor.-$ Camphora ii, salol i. Preparation 
the same as for naphthol-camphor, except that heat is not 
necessary. 
Cantharis. 
Cantharides is not much used in aural practice by the 
majority of aurists, but a few use it in certain cases. 618 
THE EAR. 
In tinnitus aurium, cause unknown, the application of 
cantharidal plaster or collodion finds favor with some. 
In acute catarrh of the middle ear it is also used 
occasionally. I have seen it applied in suppurative otitis 
media, but cannot say I ever saw any good results fol- 
low its use. The place of application is over the mastoid 
process. 
Carbonei Bisulphidum. 
It has been suggested that the vapor of bisulphide of 
carbon be brought in contact with the external auditory 
canal for defective secretion in the ear. I do not know 
whether it has been tried or not, but I should think if 
strength had anything to do with causing activity of the 
ceruminous glands, that bisulphide of carbon possessed 
the requisite power. 
Chloral. 
After the removal of polypi, the application of a solu- 
tion of chloral will often destroy the base of the growth. 
In acute catarrh of the middle ear, the administration of 
chloral internally will sometimes relieve the pain. In 
mastoid disease, the application of chloral-camphor will 
assuage the pain. 
A solution of chloral might be useful in removing gran- 
ulations in the tympanum, when the discharge is excess- 
ively purulent. For this purpose a five-per-cent, solu- 
tion should be used. 
Dose.-Gr. ii to v, every two hours. 
Chlor al-Camphor-Chloral, camphor, aa. q s. Tritu- 
rate until liquid. 
Chloroformum Pctrificatum. 
In acute catarrh of the middle ear the vapor of chlo- 
roform will often relieve the pain, the method employed 
being to use an insufflator and blow the vapor through 
the external auditory canal. 
When it is difficult to inflate the ear by Politzer's THE EAR, 
619 
method, a few drops of chloroform dropped into the nose 
piece of the inflater, and then proceeding in the usual 
manner, will generally be found to have the desired ef- 
fect. 
ClMIOIFUGA. 
In neuralgic pain in the ear accompanied by a feeling 
of stiffness of the muscles of the pharynx and fauces, 
the internal use of cimicifuga will usually give relief. In 
rheumatic affections, when ear symptoms are aggravated, 
the use of this drug will also be advantageous. 
Dose.-Specific medicine cimicifuga, gtt. 1-4 to 1-2, 
every two hours. 
Collinsonia. 
I have used collinsonia in ear diseases where there 
was an increase of secretion without purulency, and have 
found it a useful drug. After suppuration has taken place 
it does not seem to have any action. Collinsonia seems 
to be the most useful in the early stages of middle ear 
disease, especially when associated with follicular phar- 
yngitis and hypertrophy of Luschka's tonsils. 
Dose.-Specific collinsonia gtt. | to iii, every two 
hours. 
Collodium. 
Collodion has been used for forming an artificial drum 
head. The method of use seems to be applicable only 
in those cases where the tympanic membrane is intact, 
but so relaxed as to refuse to vibrate. The middle ear is 
to be inflated, then the collodion applied to the drum 
head. This forms an artificial drum head or covering to 
the relaxed tissue, and in many cases there will be im- 
proved hearing. This application will last for about three 
weeks. 
COCAINJE HYDROCHLORAS. 
Cocaine in two to ten-per-cent, solutions, used in the 
ear in conjunction with a moderate electrical current, pro- 620 
THE EAR. 
duces anaesthesia when the use of the solution alone fails. 
In operations in the middle ear, a four-per-cent, solution 
is useful, both as an anaesthetic and on account of lessen- 
ing the hemorrhage. A five to ten-per-cent, alcoholic 
solution of cocaine has been recommended for relieving 
the pain of furuncles in the external auditory canal. 
A four-per-cent, solution of this drug has been forced 
through the Eustachian tube into the tympanum for the 
relief of tinnitus, and with reported good results. This 
procedure I consider dangerous for two reasons: Cocaine 
poisoning has resulted from the use of the drug in this 
way, and I do not consider it safe practice to force fluids 
into the ear through the Eustachian tube. 
Ceeolinum. 
Creolin has been reported useful in suppurative otitis 
media, on account of its disinfectant properties. The dis- 
charge is lessened and unhealthy granulations held in 
check. For this form of disease creolin is used in solu- 
tion as a wash. 
In eczema of the auditory canal and the auricle, an 
ointment of creolin has been recommended. 
Forms for Use.-For internal administration, a solution 
of 1-1,000; as an ointment, two per cent. 
Cupri Acetas. 
In cases of ear disease, either inner or middle, depend- 
ent upon or associated with chlorosis, I have had splen- 
did results from the use of acetate of copper. In chlo- 
rotic cases, one of the predominating symptoms is tinni- 
tus. Impairment of hearing is, or has been in my prac- 
tice, usually present, though it may not be noticed by the 
patient. This condition is due in my experience to faulty 
nutrition, and copper seems to be the specific for it. 
Dose.-Specific medicine cuprum gtt. 1-5 to 1-3, four 
times a day. THE EAR. 
621 
Cupri Sulphas. 
For destroying fungus growths (thrush) in the ear, sul- 
phate of copper has been highly indorsed in place of 
all other germicides. The method of use is, to wash the 
canal with a solution of the salt. 
The use of the pure sulphate of copper has also been 
recommended for cauterizing purposes after the operation 
for cholesteotoma of the tympanic cavity. 
Form for Use,-A wash; a ten-per-cent, solution. 
Ergota. 
The use of ergot in ear diseases where suppuration 
occurs, has in many cases been very satisfactory, the local 
action being not only astringent, but also promoting 
healthy action of the diseased surfaces. I have had the 
best effects from the use of this drug in purulent otitis 
media, when the discharge was slight and with a turgid 
appearance of the mucous membrane of the tympanum. 
Form for Use.-Combined with boric acid: B Fl. ext. 
ergot (Squibb's) ffss., boric acid fi. M. Triturate until 
dry. Use by insufflation. 
Eucalypti Oleum. 
When excoriation of the external auditory canal or 
auricle results from an acrid discharge, in purulent otitis 
media, I have found no better remedy than an ointment 
of oil of eucalyptus. For diffuse inflammation of the ex- 
ternal auditory canal, the use of this ointment is also 
beneficial. In eczema of the external ear I have had 
good results, especially in the moist form, by the use of 
eucalyptus ointment. 
Form for Use.-B Olei eucalypti gtt. xxx, vaselini 
p. M. 
Ferri Chloridum. 
Chloride of iron has been employed for destroying 
granulations in the tympanic cavity, especially when the 622 
THE EAR. 
morbid growths are dense and confluent. The application 
of chloride of iron is usually less painful than that of 
nitrate of silver. 
Form for Use.-Either in the crystalline form or as a 
saturated solution. 
Feerum. 
The various preparations of iron administered inter- 
nally need not be treated under separate headings, as, 
with the exception of a few, the choice of form will de- 
pend upon individual preference. 
In tinnitus aurium, or any ear disease dependent upon, 
associated with, or. aggravated by an anaemic condition 
of the system, the administration of iron will prove bene- 
ficial and curative, in many cases. 
Ferrocyanide of iron is a favorite of mine where there 
is any disturbance of the digestive apparatus. The sol- 
ution of malate of iron is usually well borne by the pa- 
tient and possesses the advantage of being miscible with 
most drugs that are usually given with iron. 
Reduced iron is also a remedy that is useful when the 
preparation is to be administered in pill form. Tincture 
of chloride of iron is a good preparation to use when an 
acid is wanted in connection with the iron salt. The cit- 
rate of iron and ammonium is one of the elegant pharma- 
ceuticals, and is also a valuable remedy. 
When syphilitic disease is a factor, the best preparation 
of iron is the iodide. This can be given in either pill 
form or as a syrup. The objection to this preparation 
of iron is, that it is not a stable compound, and when 
decomposition has taken place it is so irritating that con- 
siderable mischief may result from its administration. 
Gelsemium. 
In neuralgic pain in the ear, without inflammatory 
changes in the tympanum, the administration of gelsem- 
ium internally will often give prompt relief. THE EAR. 
623 
Dose.-Specific medicine gelsemium, git. one-third to 
two, every two hours. 
Glonoin -Nitro-Glycerine. 
I have had good results follow the internal administra- 
tion of glonoin in tinnitus aurium dependent upon faulty 
heart's action. I have obtained these results only in 
those cases associated with organic disease of the heart; 
in functional disorders no effects of a positive nature were 
obtained. Glonoin has been recommended in tinnitus 
where faulty heart's action was present, no matter what 
form, but my experience has been purely negative unless 
there was disease of the organ itself. This drug has 
been recommended in the weak heart of old people, with 
tinnitus aurium. I have never given it a trial in such 
cases. 
The remedy does not seem to prove beneficial in those 
cases in which there is loss of hearing. 
Glonoin has been reported as a useful drug for promot- 
ing the absorption of haemorrhagic extravasation, or re- 
cently organized lymph, especially in acute processes in 
the labyrinth. 
The drug should be given until the characteristic head- 
ache appears, then discontinued twenty-four hours and 
begun again. If no improvement be found after two or 
three weeks' use of the drug, there is not much gained in 
following it up. 
Dose.-Gr. 1-200 to 1-100 of the triturate, every three 
or four hours. 
Glycerinum. 
Glycerine alone is not used in aural practice, the rule 
being to combine it with other drugs, or use it as a vehicle 
in order that continuous effects may be obtained. 
As a prophylactic in furunculosis, a wash of bichloride 
of mercury, glycerine and water (5-20-30) has been rec- 624 
THE EAR. 
ommended. Some aurists think that the removal of im- 
pacted cerumen is followed by furuncles, and as a pre- 
ventive measure use a wash of boric acid ji, glycerine 
water, aa., 50, in the ear before removing the cerumen. 
When the external auditory canal is much swollen in 
diffuse inflammation, the application, on cotton, of carboi- 
glycerine (1-10) will often give relief from the pain and 
reduce the swelling. 
In acute catarrh of the middle ear, the pain can at 
times be mitigated by the use of warm carbol-gly cerine 
(1-15) dropped into the canal. In diffuse inflammation 
of the drum head, without effusion, good results have 
been obtained from the use of warm carbol-glycerine of 
fifteen per cent. If effusion has occurred, or there is a 
purulent discharge, this treatment is of no avail. 
In the morbid process in which there is a formation of 
tenacious masses of pus and epithelium in the fundus and 
along the canal of the ear, the use of iodine in glycerine 
(1-10) will be found useful. 
Hydrargyri Chloridum. 
My experience with corrosive chloride of mercury has 
been almost entirely with the internal administration. In 
syphilitic disease with suppurative otitis media or internal 
ear disease, the internal use of corrosive sublimate has 
been followed by rapid healing in the majority of cases. 
The drug does not seem to possess any particular curative 
power unless specific taint be present. 
For diffuse external otitis, with abundant secretion, the 
use of a solution of corrosive chloride (1-200) has been 
curative. In suppurative otitis media, a solution of mer- 
curic chloride, 1-4,000, has been recommended. For fur- 
uncles, during the attack, a solution, 1-1,000; and as a 
prophylactic, corrosive sublimate 5, glycerine 20, water, 
30-this to be used as a wash. The use of this drug for 625 
THE EAR, 
furuncles is recommended on account of the supposed 
germ origin, corrosive sublimate being considered a pow- 
erful germicide. Corrosive chloride has also been used 
in an acid solution, under the supposition that the mi- 
crobes infecting the ear in suppurative cases had an espe- 
cial distaste for both or either of the drugs. This solu- 
tion is as follows: Corrosive chloride gr. ii, tartaric 
acid gr. xx, water ?v. M. Use as a wash in the ear. 
After operations for mastoid disease a solution of cor- 
rosive sublimate, 1-3,000, is used for irrigating purposes. 
Dose.-For internal administration, gr. 1-200 to 1-100, 
four times a day. 
Hydrargyri Iodidum Rubrum. 
The use of mercuric iodide is beneficial only in those 
cases of ear disease in which specific disease is also pres- 
ent. In inner ear and middle ear diseases, when syphilis 
is present, I have had good results follow its use. 
Dose.-Gr. 1-1,000, four times a day. 
Hydrargyri Oxidum Flavum. 
For furuncles, an ointment made of yellow oxide of 
mercury and morphine sulphate, used in connection with 
dry heat, has been reported as curative, especially in the 
early stages. The ointment of yellow oxide of mercury 
has been recommended in suppurative otitis media, but 
in my hands the results have been negative. 
I have used the ointment in those cases of suppurative 
otitis media where the discharge had ceased but the tym- 
panic membrane refused to heal over, with good results. 
The ointment seemed to produce sufficient irritation to 
cause healing, even in cases that had been free from dis- 
charge for some time. 
Forms for Use.-Ointment for furuncles: Two per cent 
each of yellow oxide of mercury and morphine. Simple 
ointment: Yellow oxide of mercury gr. xxx, vaseline fi. 626 
THE EAR. 
Hydrastis. 
Hydrastis has been used in suppurative otitis media 
with good results. In those cases where the discharge 
is not profuse and granulations do not exist, hydrastis is 
beneficial. In acute cases it seems to produce the best 
effect, while in chronic cases it will at times cause cessa- 
tion of the discharge when other remedies fail. 
Hydrastis is known to be beneficial in catarrhal affec- 
tions of the mucous membranes in other parts of the body, 
but for some reason it has not been used extensively in 
aural therapeutics, probably on account of the staining 
properties of the drug. This objection has been removed 
through the investigations of Prof. J. U. Lloyd, and we 
now possess a preparation that is all that can be desired. 
The white alkaloid possesses the medical virtues neces- 
sary in treating catarrhal diseases, and this is found in 
Lloyd's hydrastis. 
Form for Use.-Lloyd's hydrastis ffi, water ffii to ffiv. 
M. Use as a wash. 
Hydrogen Peroxidum. 
Peroxide of hydrogen has been extensively used in aural 
practice in those cases in which suppuration occurs. It 
possesses the power of destroying pus, thus cleansing the 
morbid surfaces of unhealthy material. Although this 
remedy has been lauded to the skies, I have never ob- 
tained the brilliant results reported by many aurists. I 
have tried it both in private and hospital practice, and 
have been disappointed in it. In cases in which both 
ears were affected I have used the peroxide in one ear 
and the dry treatment in the other, and I must say that 
the ear in which the so-called dry treatment was used was 
the first to heal. A complete closure of the drum head 
was also secured oftener when the dry treatment was em- 
ployed than when peroxide of hydrogen was used. THE EAR. 
627 
Ignatia. 
Tn those cases in which an atonic condition exists, and 
there is dullness of hearing or tinnitus dependent upon 
the general health, I have found ignatia a valuable rem- 
edy. 
Dose.-Specific medicine ignatia, gtt. 1-5, every three 
hours. 
lODOFORMUM. 
The beneficial effects of iodoform are obtained through 
the decomposition of the drug, iodine being set free when 
in contact with moist surfaces. Iodoform has been es- 
pecially recommended in ear cases of the suppurative 
class, when it is dependent upon or associated with 
syphilis. 
After healing has commenced and the discharge is 
slight, the use of this drug is recommended. I have 
found the best indication for the use of iodoform to be a 
pale mucous membrane. The drug does not seem to be 
of any particular use in any but suppurative diseases of 
the middle ear. 
As a dressing after operative measures in the external 
auditory canal, iodoform has been used either in powder 
form or the iodoform gauze. 
For suppurative otitis media the most satisfactory form 
in which to use iodoform is in combination with boric 
acid. 
Form for Use,-Iodoform, boric acid, aa. q. s., M. Use 
by insufflation. 
Iodol. 
Iodol was expected to supersede iodoform as an anti- 
septic, etc. The effects of iodol are similar to those of 
iodoform, but it is more irritating to traumatic and ulcer- 
ative surfaces. 
In acute suppurative otitis media, good results have 
been obtained by the use of iodol dusted over the mucous 628 
THE EAR. 
surface by insufflation. In purulent inflammation of the 
attic of the tympanum, a solution of iodol has been used 
with fair success. Healthy granulations do not form as 
rapidly under the use of iodol as under other remedies. 
In chronic otitis media purulenta, the use of iodol has 
not been very satisfactory. In fact results tend to show 
that iodol is inferior to boric acid in ear diseases at least. 
Form for Use.-In powder, by insufflation. In solution 
the following is the most satisfactory: Iodol, alcohol, 
glycerine (2-15-34). This solution to be used on cotton. 
lODIDUM. 
In purulent discharge from the attic of the tympanum, 
an application of tincture of iodine has been employed 
with success. Sometimes the tincture has been employed 
as a wash in this trouble. An excellent application for 
curing the morbid process which gives rise to tenacious 
masses of pus and epithelium in the fundus and canal of 
the ear is iodine and glycerine (1-10). 
In haematoma auris, after the sac has been emptied, the 
application of compound tincture of iodine has been rec- 
ommended. 
In non-suppurative otitis media, the vapor of iodine 
forced into the middle ear by Politzer's method is often 
followed by improvement. The vapor seems to act directly 
upon the morbid process and promote healthy action. 
Camphor is usually added to the tincture of iodine in 
using this method. 
In mastoid disease, the tincture of iodine is often used 
by painting the skin over the mastoid process, and some- 
times with relief to the patient. 
Lycopodium. 
Lycopodium has been used for determining the pres- 
ence of minute perforations in the tympanic membrane, THE EAR. 
629 
the method of use being to thoroughly dry the ear, then 
throw in some lycopodium and, by means of Politzer's 
method, inflate the ear. If perforations exist, the powder 
■will be blown from the ear in the form of a small cloud. 
Magnesia. 
Magnesia is used for the same purpose and in a similar 
manner to lycopodium. 
Maltum. 
In those cases of ear disease in which the general con- 
dition of the system is such that it influences the ear 
trouble, especially if digestive disorders are present, the 
use of malt will be found beneficial. 
Menthol. 
Menthol has been used in furunculosis with reported 
good success. The method of use is to saturate cotton 
with a twenty-per-cent, solution of menthol in oil and 
place the cotton on the inflamed tissue, this being left 
for twenty-four hours and then renewed. 
As a stimulating application for the promotion of ceru- 
minous secretion, an ointment containing twenty per cent 
of menthol in vaseline has been recommended. 
The vapor of a twenty-per-cent., alcoholic solution of 
menthol has been used by Politzer's method in stenosis 
of the Eustachian tubes, when the obstruction was the 
result of a thickened condition of the mucous membrane. 
Morphine Sulphas. 
Any of the salts of morphine may be used, but the 
one generally employed is the sulphate. 
Morphine is useful in ear diseases mainly as a narcotic 
in acute catarrh of the middle ear. In this disease it 
will sometimes produce sufficient relief from pain to ena- 
ble the patient to get a little rest. An ointment contain- 
ing two per cent, each of morphine and yellow oxide of 630 
THE EAR. 
mercury, applied to the affected parts in connection with 
dry heat, has been recommended in furuncles of the ex- 
ternal auditory canal. 
A two to four-per-cent, solution of morphine and co- 
caine has been used in acute catarrh of the middle ear. 
The solution is warmed, and ten or twenty drops dropped 
into the external auditory canal. It is a question, how- 
ever, whether the warmth is not really the active agent 
in giving relief. 
Dose.-Gr. 1-8 to 1-3, every three or four hours. 
Oleum. 
In persons having ear disease, who are scrofulous or 
where there is impaired nutrition, the internal adminis- 
tration of codliver-oil will prove especially beneficial. 
Dose.-One to four teaspoonfuls every three or four 
hours. 
Naphthol, Beta. 
In chronic purulent otitis media, the use of a solution 
of beta-naphthol in glycerine and water has been recom- 
mended on account of its antiseptic properties, and also 
its supposed stimulating action on the mucous membrane. 
Naphthol-Camphor is also used in the same class of 
cases as the solution of naphthol. 
Form for Use.-Naphthol gr. i, glycerine ffi, water 
|iii. M. Use as a wash. 
Preparation of Naphthol-Camphor.-Naphthol i, cam- 
phor ii. Powder. Triturate the powders until they liq- 
uefy, then heat until fusion is complete. 
Nux Vomica. 
When ear diseases are present with a debilitated con- 
dition of the system, there is no one drug as useful as 
nux vomica. It has given good results in cases of im- 
paired hearing-inner ear-dependent upon nervous de- 
bility. THE EAR. 
631 
As a nerve tonic it stands nearly on the same ground as 
phosphoric acid. In cases of purulent otitis media, where 
there is a general lack of tone to the entire system, the 
use of nux will promote more rapid healing than any other 
one drug. 
Dose.-Gtt. 1-4 to 1-3, every three hours. 
Papain. 
In chronic suppurative otitis media, with scanty, ill- 
smelling discharge, good results have been reported from 
the use of papain. The solution is allowed to remain in 
the ear for an hour. 
Method of Use.-Bicarbonate of soda gr. v, solution of 
papain (5 per cent.) M. Sig. Warm, and instill 
ten or fifteen drops in the ear. 
Petrolatum. 
The form of petrolatum preferred is that known as 
vaseline. This preparation is not irritating, and I use 
it always as a base for ointments. 
Phosphorus. 
The use of phosphorus in aural diseases is not very 
extensive. It is valuable in some cases of inner ear 
disease in which the disturbance is functional. If there 
is a general neurasthenic condition existing, the internal 
administration of this drug will often be followed by im- 
provement. Hearing will be benefited and in some cases 
I have found tinnitus aurium disappear. 
Dose.-Gr. 1-100, four times a day. 
Phytolacca. 
In hypertrophic non-suppurative otitis media, the in- 
ternal administration of phytolacca has given good results 
in my hands; tinnitus has been relieved, and improved 
hearing has followed. In syphilitic cases also I have had 
good results from the use of this drug. 632 
THE EAR. 
Contraindication.-In proliferous catarrh of the middle 
ear. 
Dose.-Gtt. | to ii, every three hours. 
Pilocarpus. 
In syphilitic diseases of the inner ear, jaborandi, in 
connection with specific treatment, has given good results, 
both in relieving the tinnitus and improving the hearing. 
In nervous deafness, the use of this drug has been very 
satisfactory. In the deafness following diphtheria and 
scarlatina, the use of jaborandi has been beneficial. 
Jaborandi has given the best results, in my hands, in 
treating non-suppurative otitis media of the proliferous 
type, of any drug that I have tried. The tinnitus in a 
large percentage of cases entirely disappeared, and im- 
provement in hearing followed in the majority. Ceru- 
minous secretion has been restored to a healthy condition 
by the use of this drug, even in cases in which there had 
been no secretion for two or three years. 
In chronic labyrinthine disease, the use of jaborandi 
does not have much effect. In middle ear diseases where 
there is ankylosis of the ossicles, little, if any, beneficial 
result can be obtained. 
The benefits arising from the administration of jaborandi 
are produced by the increased secretion in the aural 
cavities. 
The alkaloid pilocarpine has been employed hypoder- 
mically in the most of these diseases, but I prefer the 
oral administration of jaborandi. The dose of the alka- 
loid by hypodermic, is gr. one-third to one-sixth. 
Dose.-Specific medicine jarborandi, gtt. iii to x, every 
three or four hours. 
PlSCIDIA ErYTHRINA. 
Jamaica dogwood has been recommended for relieving 
the pain of acute catarrh of the middle ear. I am not 
prepared to say that it will not do all that is claimed for THE EAR. 
633 
it, but my experience is that it is of little benefit in these 
cases. 
Dose.-Fl. ext., gtt. xx to 
Plumbi Acetas. 
Acetate of lead has been used in purulent otitis media; 
the results, however, were not uniformly satisfactory. 
Form for Use.-Gtt. ii to v, of the saturated solution, 
warmed and dropped into the ear. 
POTASSI lODIDUM. 
In chronic hypertrophic otitis media, iodide of potas- 
sium has given good results, tinnitus aurium being re- 
lieved and hearing improved. In labyrinthine disease 
following scarlet fever, the use of iodide of potassium 
will often give good results. This drug will be found the 
most generally indicated in ear diseases dependent upon 
or complicated with syphilis. In this condition iodism 
must be produced in order to derive beneficial results. 
Dose.-Gr. iii to xxx, every three hours. 
POTASSII PERMANGANAS. 
Permanganate of potassium has been used occasionally 
in purulent otitis media, both as a disinfectant and as 
a preventive for the growth of exuberant granulations. 
Other remedies have, however, supplanted this drug al- 
most entirely. 
Form for Use.-A solution of gr. i to iii, to water fji. 
Use as a wash. 
Pulsatilla. 
In diminution of hearing due to nervous reflex, the ad- 
ministration of pulsatilla will be found beneficial. In 
these cases there is often an annoying tinnitus that will 
yield quicker to pulsatilla than to almost any other drug. 
Dose.-Specific medicine, gtt. £ to ii, every three hours. 634 
the EAR. 
Pyoktanin. 
Violet methyl is one of the new drugs that has been 
lauded to the skies and also consigned to darkest oblivion. 
The results of the use of this remedy have been so varied 
in the hands of different experimenters, and their reports 
so contradictory, that one is tempted to let it severely 
alone. 
It has been used in nearly all the diseases of the ex- 
ternal and middle ear, with a disposition on the part of 
the majority to let it alone in the future. In otitis media 
it has apparently given the best results. Our allopathic 
brethren seem to have a hobby for the coal tar series at 
present and new compounds are evolved nearly every day 
which are supposed to possess miraculous curative powers. 
Form for Use.-A solution of pyoktanin, 1-1,000, drop- 
ped into the ear and allowed to remain ten minutes; 
then dry the ear thoroughly. 
Quinine Sulphas. 
In neuralgic pain in the ear, intermittent in character, 
the internal administration of quinine is indicated. This 
is not an uncommon condition, especially in malarious dis- 
tricts. 
The long continued use of quinine in large doses will 
cause deafness that will often be very stubborn in yield- 
ing to treatment. 
Resorcinum. 
Resorcin has been used considerably in suppurative 
otitis media, and with apparently good results. In solu- 
tion it does not seem to macerate the membrana tympani, 
as most solutions do. In disease of the attic, a three- 
per-cent. solution has been successfully used. Resorcin 
seems to possess the power to cause regeneration of the 
epithelium. 
In combination with boric acid it has been employed THE EAR. 
635 
for destroying unhealthy granulations in the tympanic 
cavity. 
Forms for Use.-Solutions of two or three per cent.; in 
combination with boric acid, 1-20 or 1-10. 
Salol. 
For the use of this drug see camphora. 
Sanguinaria. 
I have had several physicians report cases of suppura- 
tive otitis media cured by the insufflation of powdered 
sanguinaria when all other treatment had failed. I have 
never given the remedy a trial, so I know nothing about 
it from experience. 
Form for Use.-The powdered root. 
Silicon. 
In suppurative otitis media, when caries of the bone 
has occurred, I have had good results from the internal 
administration of silica. The form used is the homeo 
pathic triturate, lx. 
Dose.-Gr. i, every three hours. 
Sodii Bicarbonas. 
Bicarbonate of soda has been used, in solution, in in- 
flammation of the attic, with good success. In acute in- 
flammation of the external ear a solution of bicarbonate 
of sodium, 5-1,000, has been used for relieving the pain 
and inflammation. This solution is warmed, of course, 
before putting it into the ear. The use of soda with pap- 
ain has been referred to under the heading, Papain. 
For softening hardened cerumen, bicarbonate of soda is 
one of the best preparations that can be used. 
Sodii Boras. 
For cleansing the canal and middle ear of pus, there is 
no other drug that will give greater satisfaction than bo- 636 
THE EAR 
rate of sodium. I have used it in place of boric acid in 
washing the ear, and I think it does the work better. For 
softening ceruminous masses it is also valuable. 
Sodii Chloridum. 
Chloride of sodium, in solution, has been used in cases 
of inflammation of the attic. In scarlatinous otitis media, 
when the discharge has commenced, a solution of this salt 
will often prove beneficial. 
A solution of chloride of sodium has also been employed 
for irrigating the mastoid after operative measures upon 
this process. 
Form for Use.-A solution of ji to a pint of water. 
Sodii Iodidum. 
This drug is sometimes better borne than iodide of po- 
tassium, and will be indicated in those syphilitic cases 
that require soda as well as iodine. Iodide of sodium is 
used for the same class of cases as those referred to 
under the article on iodide of potassium. The form for 
use is also similar. * 
Dose.-Gr. v to xx, every three hours. 
Styrone. 
Styrone is a constituent of Peruvian balsam, and pos- 
sesses antiseptic and deodorant properties. This drug 
has been recommended in suppurative otitis media. The 
results, however, are no better than with other remedies. 
Form for Use.-Liquid styrone gtt. xx, spts. vini rect. 
ffi. M. Sig. One or two teaspoonfuls to a tumbler of 
water. Syringe the ear. 
Veratrum Viride. 
In mastoid disease I have used veratrum in combina- 
tion with aconite with good results as a local application. 
Form for Application.-Specific medicine veratrum, ac- 
onite, aa. fjii to fjiv, aqua q. s., ffiv. 637 
RECENT ADVANCES IN EYE AND EAR THERAPEUTICS. 
Verbascum. 
The so-called oil of mullein has been recommended in 
acute catarrh of the middle ear, and for the improvement 
of hearing. I have tried a number of preparations of 
this oil (?) with uniformly no results. 
Form for Use.-The oil, dropped into the ear. 
Zinci Sulphas. 
On account of its astringent properties, sulphate of 
zinc has been used to a limited extent in suppurative oti- 
tis media. The results, however, have not been success- 
ful enough to cause it to be very generally used. 
Form for Use.-A solution, containing 1 per cent, sul- 
phate of zinc. 
RECENT ADVANCES IN EYE AND EAR 
THERAPEUTICS. 
Eye. 
Airol.-This is one of the many drugs that have been 
introduced to take the place of iodoform. It is yet too 
early however to judge of its merits. In trachoma, after 
the instillation of cocaine, the powder has been dusted 
over the lids, with beneficial results. I should expect 
the best results however in follicular conjunctivitis. 
Arecoline Hydrobromate.-Arecoline is an alkaloid ob- 
tained from Areca Catechu, L. The salt is a white crys- 
tal, soluble in water. 
The action of the drug is myotic, but whether it is 
superior to myotics already in use the future musi deter- 
mine. The strength of the solution is from 1-2 to 1 
per cent. 638 
RECENT ADVANCES IN EYE AND EAR THERAPEUTICS. 
Ephedrine Hydrobromate.-A salt of the alkaloid obtain- 
ed from Ephedra vulgaris, Rich, or E. helvatica, C. A. 
May. The salt occurs in the form of white needles and 
is soluble in water. Dilatation of the pupil is claimed 
without any irritation, or disturbance of accommodation. 
No particular advantage is gained over other mydriatics 
where simply an examination of the fundus is wanted. 
One or two drops of a 10 per cent solution. 
Eucaine.-This is a synthetic cocaine. This has been 
extolled as a substitute for cocaine, but so far does not 
fulfill the early expectations of its introducers. Though 
it seems to be less toxic and the solutions do not decom- 
pose as rapidly as cocaine, it is still on trial. A later 
product called eucaine B seems to give rather better 
results than the first that was introduced, as it does not 
produce so much irritation and hypersemia. The anaes- 
thetic effects are not followed by dilatation of the pupil 
as is the case with cocaine, and in this respect, it would 
be more useful, other things being equal, than cocaine. 
The drug is used in the same strength as cocaine. 
Holocain.-This is another aspirant for anaesthetic 
honors in the field of opthalmology. The reports so far 
are that it is quicker in its action than cocaine, the cor- 
nea remains clear and smooth, which is an advantage, 
and the solution does not readily decompose. The drug 
however seems to possess strong toxic powers, and it 
should be carefully used. The strength used is 1 per cent. 
Mydxol.-This drug is a white, odorless, bitter powder, 
soluble in water, and has a mydriatic action lasting but a 
short time. The drug does not seem to have any tend- 
ency to increase the tension of the eye-ball, so it will prove 
of value in diagnostic work where an increase of tension 
is to be guarded against. It also seems to possess 
the power of diminishing the quantity of blood in the 
conjunctival and iritic vessels. Should further experi- RECENT ADVANCES IN EYE AND EAR THERAPEUTICS. 
639 
ence confirm this, it will prove a valuable addition in 
many diseases where now the action of atropine or some 
equally active mydriatic is required. 
The solution used is from 5 to 10 per cent. 
Scopolamine Hydrobi ornate.-The salt of an alkaloid 
from the root of Scopolia atropoides. Colorless, hydro- 
scopic crystals. Mydriatic. This drug possesses many 
advantages over atropine, its action being more rapid, 
and the effects passing off sooner. In children, however, 
I do not find the results as satisfactory as atropine for 
refractive work, as where there is considerable spasm of 
the muscle of accommodation scopolamine does not over- 
come the muscle action fully enough to give good results. 
The full action of the drug, in the majority of cases, will 
be obtained in an hour and a half after the first instilla- 
tion. The solution of scopolamine should be used at 
least four times in an hour, if for refractive work, then 
wait half an hour before commencing the tests. The 
average time for the effects of the drug to pass off is 
given as from forty-eight to sixty hours. My observa- 
tions however vary in many particulars. Taking W. B. 
Powell's division of temperaments as a guide, I find where 
the bilious is the base, forty-eight hours is an average; 
but with the sanguine, especially the more blond the type, 
seventy-two and often ninety-six hours must elapse before 
mydriatic effect has become nil. In plastic iritis, corneal 
ulcers, phlyctenular conjunctivitis, and some cases of 
neuralgia of the supraorbital nerve, I have found this 
drug to act well. I have seen no conjunctivitis following 
its use, as sometimes occurs with the use of atropine. I 
have had two cases of slight poisoning from the use of 
scopolamine, and since that time I have endeavored to 
close the puncta of the eye in which the instillation was 
being made so as to prevent the solution passing down 
the nasal duct. The solution does not decompose rap- 640 
RECENT ADVANCES IN EYE AND EAR THERAPEUTICS. 
idly, and this is, in many cases, a gain. From l-10th 
to l-5th per cent may be used. 
Formaline; Formol.-Formalin is a forty-five per cent 
solution of formaldehyde. Formalin has been used and 
recommended in chronic hvpersemia of the conjunctiva, 
catarrhal conjunctivitis, purulent conjunctivitis; in fact 
in all forms of conjunctival diseases. In ulcerative con- 
ditions of the cornea it has been used with fairly good 
results, but whether it will supplant older and approved 
remedies remains to be seen. I do not think at the pres- 
ent state of our knowledge it would be a safe drug in the 
hands of the general practitioner. If used it should be 
only in the weaker solutions. 
Locally a solution of 1 to 2000 seems to be perfectly 
safe. 1 to 60 has been used in some cases of corneal 
ulcers, but this is not a safe strength except in the hands 
of a specialist. 
Ear. 
Airol.-This drug has been used in otitis media, and 
the results claimed were favorable, but as it is as yet one 
of the new remedies it will be well to go slow in its use. 
Bryonia.-In those cases of ear disease, either acute or 
chronic, in which there is pain running from the throat 
to the ear on swallowing, I have found sp. bryonia an 
excellent remedy. It also seems to afford relief in those 
subacute cases in which there is pain in the ear of a ten- 
sive character, as though the drum was distended with 
fluid. In the sharp pains of acute catarrhal otitis media 
the drug has given in my hands no beneficial results. 
The dose employed is the same as usually given in pleu- 
ritic affections. 
The different substitutes for iodoform have all been 
recommended in middle ear troubles but so far do not 
seem to supplant the older remedy. K. o. f. PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
641 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
The object in publishing this department is, to afford 
the student hints as to the character of each remedy re- 
ferred to in the preceding pages. Many of these are not 
included in our authorities on materia medica, and the 
uninitiated might find it difficult, without this aid, to de- 
termine whether a remedy was mineral, vegetable or an- 
imal, in origin. q The geographical sources of remedies 
are also matters of interest, to many students. 
Chemical combinations are here designated by a brief 
resume of the manner of their preparation, usually, no 
attempt at offering details for chemical or pharmaceutical 
manipulation however being contemplated. 
As the remedies will be arranged alphabetically, there 
will be no index to this part, for obvious reasons. The 
first name of each remedy will appear in Italics, and this 
will be with reference to the name that is found in the 
index, without regard to whether it be the technical or 
officinal name, or not. The synonyms will follow in ordi- 
nary type, after which a brief description of the remedy 
will usually be added. 
Abrus; Abrus Precatorius; Jequirity; Wild Liquor- 
ice.-A small plant or shrub, native to India, naturalized 
to other tropical countries. The seeds or beans are em- 
ployed. It is poisonous, when taken internally. An 
infusion is used in ophthalmological practice; it is pre- 
pared as follows; Three seeds are triturated with an 
ounce of cold water, after which an ounce of hot water is 
added; when cold, the solution is filtered. The filtrate 
is employed locally, and should be used with caution, as 
its action is liable to be very violent, when it is intro- 
duced into the eye. This drug enters into some of the 642 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
secret formulae dispensed as suppositories, and hawked 
about as universal cures for uterine diseases. 
Acidurn Aceticum; Acetic Acid.-Dilute acetic acid is 
employed in pharmacy as the basis of various acetous 
preparations, such as "acetous emetic tincture," etc. 
Strong or glacial acetic acid is used locally for the de- 
struction of parasitic skin affections, and other morbid 
growths. It is a clear, colorless liquid, of vinegar-like 
odor. 
Acidum Arseniosum; Arsenious Acid; Arsenic.-One of 
the chemical elements. Used internally in attenuations, 
for the relief of anaemia and malaria. It is employed lo- 
cally as an escharotic, especially for the destruction of 
cancerous growth. It is a powerful poison internally, in 
crude doses. As prepared for commerce, it exists in 
masses with white exterior and transparent interior, with 
vitreous fracture; usually furnished by retail druggists 
in the form of a white powder. It is entirely volatilized 
by heat. 
Acidum Benzoicum; Benzoic Acid.-Prepared from ben- 
zoin, a gum or balsamic resin, which exudes from the 
Styrax Benzoin, a tree of the East Indies. Two other 
sources of supply of benzoic acid are known, viz.: tol- 
uol and hippuric acid, this acid being obtained from the 
urine of horses and cattle. It is used for correcting ab- 
normal conditions due to faulty states of the fluids, as 
manifested by urinary symptoms. It is also prescribed 
in rheumatism, and in hepatic and pulmonary affections. 
It occurs in white, feathery, silky crystals, not pulveru- 
lent. 
Acidum Boricum; Boric Acid; Boracic Acid.-Prepared 
from borax. A local remedy, recommended in this work 
among aural therapeutics. Antiseptic and healing in 
property, it is applicable to the treatment of any dis- 
charging, ulcerated surface, to remove fetor, cleanse the 643 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
part, and promote healing. It is unirritating. It forms 
colorless, transparent six-sided plates, slightly unctious 
to the touch; usually supplied by retail druggists in the 
form of a white powder. 
Acidum Carbolicum; Acidum Phenicum; Carbolic Acid; 
Phenic Acid; Phenol.-A liquid obtained during the dis- 
tillation of coal-tar. The pure article requires, for its 
distillation, a temperature of 356° to 370° P; but a crude 
carbolic acid results when the distillation is carried on at 
a lower temperature. This however is not fit for medic- 
inal purposes, but is employed for cleansing sewers, and 
similar antiseptic uses. Pure carbolic acid crystallizes 
at ordinary atmospheric temperatures but is very soluble, 
5 per cent of water reducing it to a liquid state. It is 
useful locally, to cleanse and heal indolent abraded sur- 
faces, such as cutaneous and aural ulcerations, in a 1 or 
2 per cent solution. Interstitially, in hypodermic injec- 
tion, of from 2 to 20 per cent solutions in glycerine and 
water (1 to 20), it causes the disappearance of hemor- 
rhoids, urethral caruncle, thickened patches of tinea ver- 
sicolor, and other localized excrescences and enlarge- 
ments. The weak solutions are not liable to provoke 
suppuration, and will usually afford satisfaction in the 
relief of the morbid condition. It has a wide field of use 
in surgery and obstetrics, and is useful, in weak solutions, 
as an inhalation in laryngeal and bronchial catarrh. 
Pure carbolic acid crystallizes in minute colorless plates, 
of long, rhomboidal needles. It has an odor resembling 
creosote, and a pungent, sweetish taste. It is a danger- 
ous corrosive poison, internally, unless highly diluted. It 
has been used thus in typhoid conditions of scarlatina, as 
an antiseptic, and for urethral irritation, but with little 
good effect. 
Acidum Cldoraceticum; Chloracetic Acid.-There are 
three forms of chloracetic acid, viz: monochloracetic, di- 644 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
chloracetic and trichloracetic. Monochloracetic and di- 
chloracetic acids are prepared by distilling dry chlorine 
with a mixture of acetic acid 6 parts, and iodine 1 part. 
The portion which distils over between 180° and 188° C. 
is monochloracetic, and that between 189° and 191° C. is 
dichloracetic acid. Trichloracetic acid may be prepared 
by treating hydrate of chloral with three times its volume 
of nitric acid and exposing the mixture to the rays of the 
sun, until the red fumes have ceased; the liquid is now 
distilled, the portion passing over at a temperature of 
195° C. being pure trichloracetic acid. All three forms 
are powerfully caustic. Dichloracetic acid is a clear, 
colorless liquid at ordinary temperatures, with pungent 
odor, crystallizing at 0. C. Mono- and tri- acids are 
solid, crystalline, deliquescent substances. 
Acidum Chromicum ; Chromic Acid; Chromic Anhy- 
dride; Chromic Tetroxide.-Prepared by a reaction be- 
tween bichromate of potassium, sulphuric acid and water. 
It is not a true acid, but an anhydride. It is liquid in 
form, and a powerful poison. An antiseptic, disinfectant 
and escharotic. Used principally for its escharotic ef- 
fects. 
Acidum Fluoricum.-More strictly, Hydrofluoric Acid. 
Prepared by acting upon fluor-spar or barium fluoride 
with sulphuric acid. It is a pungent, fuming acid gas, 
readily soluble in water. It is a dangerous poison, even 
the inhalation of the fumes causing serious results. It 
dissolves glass, and is used in the arts in etching that 
substance; it should be kept in rubber bottles. Only the 
high dilutions should be used in medicine. 
Acidum Gallicum; Gallic Acid.-Obtained from the 
galls or nodes caused by insects, upon the oak tree. It 
exists in commerce in the shape of long, colorless, nee- 
dle-like crystals. A popular astringent. 
Acidum Hydriodicum; Hydriodic Acid.-A gas, pre- 645 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
pared by the action of iodine upon phosphorus in water, 
with gentle heat. Used in medicine in the form of a 
syrup, which contains about 1 per cent of the acid. Its 
constitutional influence is similar to that of iodine, while 
it is devoid of many of the objectionable effects. 
Acidum Hydrobromicum; Hydrobromic Acid.-Prepared 
by distilling the liquid resulting, after a solution of bro- 
mide of potassium and diluted sulphuric acid have been 
combined and allowed to react. The form of hydro- 
bromic acid to be obtained in the market is diluted, so 
that 10 parts of the acid are combined with 90 parts of 
water. This is the Acidum Hydrobromicum Dilutum." 
Acidum Hydrochloricwm; Hydrochloric Acid; Muriatic 
Acid.-Pure hydrochloric acid is a gas, generated by add- 
ing diluted sulphuric acid to chloride of sodium, and ap- 
plying heat. The gas generated is hydrochloric acid, 
which is conducted into distilled water, after passing 
through a wash-bottle. The distilled water becomes 
charged with the gas and constitutes the hydrochloric 
acid of pharmacy. Employed as an antizymotic; indica- 
ted by the beef-steak tongue. Useful in hepatic torpor 
with faulty digestion of proteids. 
Acidum Lacticum; Lactic Acid.-Prepared from whey, 
by a somewhat complicated process. Employed as a 
local remedy, for the removal of thickened patches of 
epidermis, discoloration of the skin, ringworm, etc. Em- 
ployed internally in dyspepsia, for the removal of phos- 
phatic deposits from the urine, in diabetes mellitus, and 
in green diarrhoea of infants. A limpid, syrupy liquid, 
with very sour taste and little odor. 
Acidum Muriaticum.-(See Acidum Hydrochloricum.) 
Acidum Nitricum.-An acid prepared by distilling ni- 
trate of potassium or nitrate of sodium with sulphuric 
acid and water. Locally, an escharotic; employed as 
such in the treatment of capillary hemorrhoids, venereal 646 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
ulcers, warts, etc. Well diluted, a very reliable lotion for 
the removal of venereal warts, when its use is persisted 
in. Applied in full strength by dipping a pine stick in 
the liquid and allowing the moisture on the surface to 
absorb. The stick is then charged with the escharotic. 
Nitric acid is a clear or straw colored, fuming liquid, with 
strong, disagreeable odor. 
Acidum Osmicum; Osmic Acid ; Tetroxide of Osmium.- 
A volatile, poisonous, crystalline compound, produced by 
the action of nitro-hydrochloric acid on osmium or its 
lower oxides. It should be handled with caution, on ac- 
count of danger in breathing its fumes. Recommended 
in neuralgia and epilepsy. For neuralgia, it should be 
injected over the affected nerve with a hypodermic syr- 
inge, in dilution of 1 part of the acid, 40 parts of glycerine, 
and 60 parts of water. It may be combined with kaolin 
and administered internally, in l-60th grain doses three 
or four times a day, in the treatment of epilepsy. It is 
employed in histological research, for staining prepara- 
tions, and also in dental practice. 
Acidum Oxalicum; Oxalic Acid.-An organic acid, ex- 
isting in both animals and vegetables. It exists in the 
sheep sorrel (oxalis acetosella), common sorrel (rumex 
acetosa), etc. In certain urinary wrongs, it is deposited 
in the shape of oxalates. It is prepared for commercial 
purposes by decomposing sugar with nitric acid. It is 
a dangerous poison, and should be handled with caution 
lest it be mistaken for Epsom salt, which it resembles 
very much in appearance. Internally, it should not be 
used stronger than the 5x or 6x decimal trituration. Lo- 
cally, it removes stains from the skin, and has been em- 
ployed as a wash for the complexion, and for the destruc_ 
tion of parasitic skin diseases of vegetable origin. 
Acidum Phosphoricum; Phosphoric Acid.-Prepared 
from phosphorus, nitric acid and distilled water, by the PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
647 
aid of heat It is a colorless, inodorous, sour tasting 
liquid, not corrosive, like the other mineral acids. Di- 
lute Phosphoric Acid consists of 20 parts of strong phos- 
phoric acid, and 30 parts of water. 
Acidum Picricum; Picric Acid; Carbazotic Acid; Tri- 
nitrophenol.-This agent may be obtained by acting on 
certain organic substances, such as indigo, silk, wool, res- 
ins, etc., with nitric acid; but is cheaply prepared for 
commercial purposes by the action of nitric acid on im- 
pure carbolic acid. If the carbolic acid be gradually 
added to nitric acid and the mixture heated, the picric 
acid will crystallize out. In practice, it is prepared by 
dissolving crystallized carbolic acid in strong sulphuric 
acid, and afterward adding nitric acid or nitrate of so- 
dium to the mixture. Picric acid unites with ammonium 
to form Picrate of Ammonium. This has been recom- 
mended in the treatment of intermittents and other ma- 
larial affections, but has proven unreliable in practice. 
It has been used with better success in the treatment of 
whooping cough, in which it is employed in the 3x trit- 
uration, in two or three-grain doses, several times daily. 
Picric acid occurs in pale yellow shining scales, which 
fuse at 122.5° C., and sublime without decomposing. 
Acidum Salicylicum; Salicylic Acid; Ortho-Oxybenzoic 
Acid.-This is a crystalline acid, which may be obtained 
by the combination of carbolic acid with carbonic acid 
gas, with subsequent purification; or, it may be found in 
the natural salicylates found in wintergreen and sweet 
birch. The wintergreen acid is preferred for medicinal 
purposes. Internally, it is a powerful antipyretic, and is 
applicable to the treatment of rheumatism and continued 
fevers. Salicylate of Sodium is preferable, however, be- 
cause less irritating to the stomach, while fully as effect- 
ive. Salicylic acid is an excellent topical agent in chan- 
croid, endocervicitis, endometritis, and other conditions 648 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
requiring a cleansing and stimulating remedy. It con- 
sists of fine white prismatic crystals, with sweetish acrid 
taste, leaving an irritation in the throat. Lloyd's sali- 
cylic acid contains small reddish-brown particles, mixed 
with the white crystals, and possesses the odor of Win- 
tergreen. 
Acidum Sulplturosum; Sulphurous Acid.-Prepared by 
saturating distilled water with sulphurous acid gas. The 
gas is generated by distilling strong sulphuric acid, char- 
coal and water together. Employed as an antiseptic and 
antizymotic when there is dark-red tongue, with brown 
coating, or sordes on the teeth and lips. It is most lia- 
ble to be demanded in the treatment of continued fevers. 
Acidum Tannicum; Tannic Acid.-Prepared from galls, 
by pulverizing them, adding ether, allowing it to macer- 
ate, and evaporating the filtered liquor. A solid, uncrys- 
tallizable substance, usually found in light, yellowish 
scales, permanent in air, having a faint odor, and an as- 
tringent taste. Both internally and locally astringent. 
Acidum Tartaricum; Tartaric Acid.-Prepared from 
the "tartar" (bitartrate of potassium) that accumulates 
on the inside of wine-casks during the fermentation of 
wine. It crystallizes in colorless, transparent prisms, 
but is usually furnished by druggists in the form of a 
white powder. 
Acetanilide ; Phenyl-Acetanide; Antifebrine.-A deriva- 
tive of analine. A slightly pungent, odorless white pow- 
der, sparingly soluble in water, but readily dissolved by 
ether or alcohol. 
Acetate of Potassium; Potassii Acetas.-Prepared by the 
reaction between carbonate of potassium and acetic acid. 
It exists in white, foliaceous or satiny crystalline masses, 
or in white granular powder, and deliquesces rapidly when 
exposed to the air, soon becoming a clear liquid. It has 
a slightly sour, nauseating odor and taste. Applicable to 649 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
the treatment of chronic affections, such as stubborn 
ague, rheumatism, inflammation of the ocular appendages 
and eczema, in connection with specifically indicated veg- 
etable remedies. 
Achillea Millefolium; Milfoil; Yarrow; Wild Tansy.-■ 
A perennial herb, common to both Europe and North 
America. It resembles tansy in general appearance, and 
has been termed "wild tansy," on this account; but it is 
more generally distributed, is scanty of foliage, and has 
a white, instead of a yellow blossom, thus differing in 
prominent points. It grows almost everywhere, prefer- 
ring barren soil, being found all along the Atlantic and 
Pacific coasts, and throughout the intervening country. 
Used internally to arrest hemorrhages and other exhaust- 
ing discharges from mucous membranes. A decoction 
of the herb, drank freely, has cured chronic ague prompt- 
ly and permanently, in numerous instances. 
Aconitum Napellus ; Aconite; Monkshood; Wolfs- 
bane.-A perennial, herbaceous plant, native to Europe, 
but cultivated in this country. The root is the best 
portion of the plant, for medicinal purposes. Aconite is 
sedative, febrifuge, antispasmodic and analgesic. 
Adonis Vernalis; False Hellebore; Pheasant's Eye.-A 
perennial herb, indigenous to Europe, employed princi- 
pally in cardiac affections. The upper portion of the 
plant is the part used. 
AEsculus Hippocastanum ; Horse Chestnut.-A native of 
Europe, but cultivated in this country as an ornamental 
tree. The bark and fruit are used in medicine. It influ- 
ences the pelvic viscera, chiefly. 
AEthusa Cynapium; Garden Hemlock; Fool's Pars- 
ley.-A plant indigenous to Europe, used as a medicine 
by the homeopaths, principally. It is employed in ner- 
vous diseases, and gastro-intestinal affections of infants. 
Agaricus Muscaris; Agaric; Bug Agaric.-A mushroom 650 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
common in Europe. A tincture of the fresh fungus and 
trituration of the dried article are employed. Applicable 
to the treatment of nervous affections, night sweats and 
hectic fever. 
Agnus Castus; Vite; Chaste Tree.-A native of Europe. 
The fruit is employed in medicine. It controls venereal 
excitement. 
Agrimonia Eupatoria; Agrimony.-A perennial plant, 
indigenous to America and Europe. Employed in affec- 
tions of the urinary organs. 
Ailanthus Glandulosa; Tree of Heaven.-A well known 
shade tree, resembling the common sumach somewhat, in 
appearance, but growing larger and having more luxuri- 
ant foliage. The bark of the root is the portion used. 
It has been employed for the removal of tapeworm. 
Alcohol; Spirit of Wine.-A liquid consisting, by 
weight, of 91 per cent of ethylic alcohol, and 9 per 
cent of water. Ethylic alcohol is the alcohol of brandy, 
whisky, wine, and various other spirituous liquors. Em- 
ployed principally for pharmaceutical purposes. 
Aletris Farinosa; Star Grass; False Unicorn.-An in- 
digenous plant, common to many parts of the trans-Mis- 
issippi states, from north to south. The fresh root is the 
part yielding the best medicinal principle Useful in dis- 
eases of the sexual organs. 
Alnus Rubra; Alnus Serrulata; Tag Alder.-An indig- 
enous shrub, found on low grounds, along streams and 
marshes, in many portions of the United States. The 
bark is the part used. It possesses what is known as 
" alterative " properties. 
Alnus Serrulata; ( See Alnus Rubra.) 
Alstonia Constricta ; Australian Fever Tree.-Indige- 
nous to Australia. The bark is a popular remedy there 
for fevers. Its best place seems for the treatment of 
chronic malaria. PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
651 
Althcea Officinalis ; Marsh Mallow.-A plant indigenous 
to this country and Europe. The root affords a mucilag- 
inous principle, which fits it for soothing local applica- 
tions. It possesses little value as an internal remedy. 
Alumen ; Aluminii et Potassii Sulphas; Sulphate of 
Aluminium and Potassium; Alum.-Found deposited in 
the earth, in an impure form known as alum ore. It is 
also prepared artificially, by direct combination of its 
constituents. It appears in large, colorless, octahedral 
crystals, modified by occasional cubes. These crystals 
become covered with a white coating on exposure to air. 
Alum has a sweetish-sour, astringent taste, and acid reac- 
tion. 
Aluminii Acetas; Acetate of Aluminium.-Prepared by 
combining acetic acid with alumina. 
Aluminii Tantras; Tartrate of Aluminium.-Prepared 
by the combination of alumina with tartaric acid. 
Alumina; Oxide of Aluminium.-This occurs in nature, 
nearly pure, as corundrum, emery, etc. 
Ammonium Chloride; Ammonium Chloridum; Chloride 
of Ammonium; Muriate of Ammonium; Sal Ammoniac.- 
Obtained principally from the residue in gas works, and 
in the manufacture of bone black. It comes to us in the 
form of white, tough, fibrous, translucent masses or cakes, 
about two inches in thickness and of varying size, often 
stained on the surface by the iron container used in its 
manufacture. It has an extremely salty, somewhat pun- 
gent taste. A stimulating expectorant. Sometimes em- 
ployed in hepatic torpor with jaundice, and in splenic 
hypertrophy-however, it is less reliable here than the 
vegetable spleen remedies. 
Ammonium Iodide; Ammonii lodidum; Iodide of Am- 
monium.-A chemical combination of iodine and ammo- 
nium, producing a white granular or finely crystalline 
salt, very deliquescent and liable to turn yellow on ex- 652 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
posure to air. It emits a faint odor of iodine when col- 
ored, and has a sharp, salty taste. It is resolvent, both 
internally and externally. Used principally in skin affec- 
tions and glandular enlargements. 
Ammonium Muriate. (See Chloride of Ammonium.) 
Ammonium Salicylicum; Salicylate of Ammonium.- 
Prepared from salicylic acid and carbonate of ammo- 
nium. For method of preparation see page 53. 
Ampelopsis Quinquefolia ; American Ivy; Five-Finger.- 
A woody, climbing plant, indigenous to the United States* 
It is considered alterative, by our old authors. 
Amyl Nitris ; Nitrite of Amyl.-A clear, pale or yellow 
liquid, with fruity, ethereal odor, insoluble in water but 
readily soluble in ether, chloroform or alcohol. May be 
prepared by passing a stream of nitrous acid gas through 
purified amylic alcohol at a temperature of 132° C. It 
should be kept in closely stoppered bottles. 
Anacardium Orientate; Marking-Nut-Tree.-An oriental 
tree, the nut of which furnishes the medicinal principle 
-a dark, oily substance, which exists between the outer 
husk and kernel. This is triturated "with sugar of milk, 
for medical purposes. 
Ananassa Sativa; Pine-Apple.-A tropical fruit and its 
plant, originally found only in tropical America, but now 
naturalized in many tropical countries. The fruit con- 
tains a digestive principle. 
Aniline Sulphate; Sulphate of Aniline.-Aniline.is a de- 
rivative of benzene. It unites with sulphuric acid to 
form sulphate of aniline. 
Antifebrin. (See Acetanilide.) 
Antipyrin ; Di-methyl-oxy-quinizine.-A synthetically 
prepared product of the analine series. 
Apis Meiliffica; The Honey Bee.-A tincture is pre- 
pared with alcohol, from either the virus or the whole 
insect. PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
653 
Aplopappus Laricifolius; Yerba del Pasmo; Spasm- 
Herb.-A woody plant or shrub, indigenous to the Pa- 
cific Coast, recommended for the treatment of spasmodic 
affections. A domestic remedy among the Spanish Cal- 
ifornians for tetanus and eclampsia. A decoction of the 
foliage is the form used thus far. 
Apocynum Androscemifolium; Wandering Milkweed; 
Dogsbane.-A plant indigenous to the trans-Mississippi 
states, resembling Apocynum Cannabinuia, and often 
confounded with it by herbalists, as the two frequently 
grow together, but differing by having more-pointed 
leaves and a larger flower, which is flesh colored while 
that of the A. cannabinum is white. The root is the 
part employed, and is cathartic, cholagogue and altera- 
tive, according to old authorities. It possesses little 
well marked specific property, so far as known. 
Apocynum Cannabinum; American Indian Hemp.-A 
plant related to and resembling A. Androssemifolium, but 
differing markedly in medical properties. It is a spe- 
cific for dropsy without obstruction, and is useful in car- 
diac debility. The root is the part used. 
.Arc/ium Lappa; Burdock.-A plant native to America 
and Europe. The seeds and root are employed. A tinc- 
ture of the fresh ripe seeds is excellent in rheumatism 
and eczema. 
Argenti Nitras; Nitrate of Silver.-Prepared by acting 
on the metal, silver, with nitric acid. It exists in the 
form of flattened rhombic crystals, clear and transparent 
when new and kept in the dark, but becoming blackened 
upon exposure to air and light. Used internally in ner- 
vous and intestinal troubles, occasionally; principally 
used for its local influence. 
Aristol; Dithymol-diodide.-Prepared by adding a so- 
lut ion of iodide of potassium to an aqueous solution 
of hydrate of sodium containing thymol. It forms an 654 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
amorphous, reddish brown precipitate, which is insoln- 
ble in water or glycerine, sparingly soluble in alcohol, 
but freely so in ether. A local stimulant and antiseptic. 
Arnica Montana; Arnica; Leopardsbane.-A plant in- 
digenous to Europe and Asia. The flowers are much 
valued, both among the profession and people, as a rem- 
edy for bruises and contused wounds. The tincture, di- 
luted with two or three parts of water, is the form used. 
Used internally in muscular soreness and pain following 
strain. 
Arsenite of Copper; Cupric Arsenite; Scheele's Green.- 
A preparation of arsenic well known in the arts, which 
has been employed in attenuations in cholera, cholera 
infantum and choreic states, with some success. 
Arseniate of Quinia; Chininum Arsenicum; Quinia Ar- 
senias.-Prepared by boiling a mixture of one and a half 
drachms of arsenious acid and five drachms of sulphate 
of quinia in six ounces of distilled water, in a glass ves- 
sel. After ail is dissolved, filter and allow it to crystal- 
lize. In the third decimal trituration it is a superior 
remedy for malarial affections. 
Arum Tripliyllum; Indian Turnip; Jack in the Pul- 
pit; Dragonroot.-An indigenous plant, common to many 
parts of the United States. Used in laryngeal affections. 
The root is the part used, or the expressed juice of the 
fresh plant, in triturations. 
Asclepias Syriaca; Milkweed; Silk weed.-An indige- 
nous plant from the fresh root of which a tincture is pre- 
pared for medicinal use. Not an agent of great value. 
Asclepias Tuberosa; Pleurisy Root; Butterfly Weed.- 
An indigenous plant, common to many parts of the Uni- 
ted States. The root is the part employed in medicine. 
It selectively influences the lungs and skin-a remedy 
for pneumonia. 
Atropia; Atropina; Atropin.-A belladonna alkaloid PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
655 
Aurum; Gold.-A well known precious metal. It lias 
been used in the form of triturations, for hypochondria 
and syphilis. 
Aurum Arseniosum; I Arsenate of Gold.-A prep- 
aration employed principally in scrofula and syphilis. 
Aurii et Sodii Cldoridum; Chloride of Gold and So- 
dium.-The action of this combination resembles that of 
other preparations of gold. 
Asafoetida.-A gumresin, obtained from a plant grow- 
ing in Persia and neighboring countries. It is antispas- 
modic, soothing to pulmonary irritation, and galactagogue, 
Aspidosperma Quebracho ; Quebracho.-A large tree of 
Brazil, the bark of which affords a principle adapted to 
the relief of dyspnoea arising from lack of cardiac com- 
pensation. 
Avena Sativa ; Common Oats.-A tincture of the whole 
fresh plant in alcohol, while the kernel is in the milk, is 
an excellent remedy for spermatorrhoea, nervous prostra- 
tion, insomnia, and progressive organic change in nervous 
structure. 
Badiaga; Fresh Water Sponge.-This may be regarded 
as a novelty, rather than as an article of particular merit. 
It has been accredited with an affinity for the Meibomian 
glands. 
Baptista Tinctoria ; Wild Indigo.-An indigenous plant, 
found in many parts of the trans-Mississippi states. It 
possesses dynamic antiseptic properties, being adapted 
to typhoid conditions with depravation of the fluids, with 
prune-juice discharges from ulcerating surfaces. 
Barium Carbonate; Baryta Carbonica; Carbonate of Ba- 
rium.-Occurs as an earthy deposit, or may be prepared 
artificially. It improves the plastic power of the tonsil, 
and is excellent to fortify the part against recurring at- 
tacks of follicular, and parenchymatous inflammation. 
Barium Iodide; Iodide of Barium.-A combination of 656 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
iodine and barium, prepared by adding native carbonate 
of barium to a boiling solution of iodide of iron. It in- 
fluences the lymphatic glandular system and tonsils. It 
is adapted to chronic cases. 
Barosma Crenata; Buchu.-A plant, native to the south- 
ern part of Africa. The leaves furnish a principle which 
relieves irritation of the urinary tract. 
Bath, Vapor; Vapor Bath.-May be improvised as fol- 
lows: Spread a woolen blanket over a wood-bottomed 
chair, allowing it to reach to the floor in front; seat the 
patient in it, naked, with feet in a bucket of hot water-• 
as hot as can be borne; spread a woolen blanket around 
and over the patient so that it reaches the floor, sur- 
rounding bucket, chair, and all, to pin behind the neck. 
Now, bring another blanket around from behind, in the 
same manner, and pin in front, seeing that the space 
underneath the chair is inclosed, so as to retain the heat 
to be generated. Now put a shallow tin vessel, contain- 
ing a little water, on the floor, under the chair, in the 
center of this place a common earthen teacup, pour into 
this two tablespoonfuls of alcohol, throw in a lighted 
match, and lower the blanket. If the patient should com- 
plain of too much heat, the blanket might be raised at the 
bottom for a little time, and faintness may be relieved by 
placing a sponge or folded towel wetted with cold water 
on the head; this is a grateful means of relieving cere- 
bral pressure after the effects of the heat begin to appear. 
As soon as the alcohol is consumed, and the fire entirely 
out, another portion should be added and ignited, the 
process being repeated two or three times. A better 
method is, to employ an alcohol stove, over which a ba- 
sin of boiling water is placed, to moisten the air. A still 
better method is by the use of the cabinet bath, when 
this is at hand; but every practitioner should be able to 
utilize simple means, in applying this effective remedy for 657 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
the relief of severe pain, for neither the cabinet nor stove 
will often be at hand in the emergencies of country prac- 
tice. After the patient has been heated until profuse 
perspiration occurs, he should be covered in bed, still 
wrapped in the blankets used in the start, and the excess 
of cover gradually removed after half an hour. Then, if 
the room be warm, the patient can have a sponge bath of 
warm water; but if there be any danger of chilling, the 
bath may be deferred until the following day. The va- 
por bath is excellent for muscular pain, for spasmodic 
cramps, rheumatism, chronic ague,-administered at the 
beginning of each chill,-and for other conditions where 
rapid and powerful capillary stimulation is essential. 
When administered in the early stage of tetanus, it is a 
very reliable aid to proper internal treatment. 
Belladonna; Atropa Belladonna; Deadly Nightshade.- 
A plant, indigenous to Europe, the leaves and root of 
which are employed in medicine. In large doses it is 
a narcotic poison. Atropia is obtained from this source. 
Benzoate of Ammonium; Ammonii Benzoas.-Prepared 
by dissolving benzoic acid in a solution of ammonia, 
and evaporating the product. It occurs in thin white 
crystals or scales. It influences the urinary tract, reliev- 
ing irritation and assisting in the removal of morbific el- 
ements through this channel, which retained, tend to the 
production of gout. 
Benzoate of Lithium; Lithii Benzoas.-Prepared by de- 
composing carbonate of lithium with benzoic acid. It is 
a white powder, or small white shining scales, freely sol- 
uble in water, less so in alcohol. It is employed for about 
the same purposes as the other benzoates. 
Benzoate of Sodium; Sodii Benzoas.-Prepared by add- 
ing benzoic acid to a hot concentrated solution of carbon- 
ate of sodium, until effervescence ceases. A white semi- 
crystalline or amorphous powder. 658 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
Berberis Vulgaris; Barberry.-A shrub, native to Eu- 
rope, but growing wild in some parts of the United 
States, and sometimes cultivated here, on account of the 
berries. These afford an agreeable refrigerant drink 
W'hen added to water, and were formerly in favor in the 
treatment of febrile diseases and diarrhoea. A tincture 
is prepared from the bark, for medicinal purposes. Used 
in hepatic disturbances. 
Berberis Aquifolium ; Oregon Grape.-A shrub, indige- 
nous to the Pacific Slope of the United States. Profes- 
sor J. H. Bundy, M. D. first called the attention of the 
medical profession to its value as a blood corrective in 
Venereal and skin diseases. It is adapted to the relief of 
indigestion, suppuration, anaemia, the periosteal pains of 
syphilis, etc. The bark of the root, tinctured when fresh, 
affords a reliable preparation. 
Beta-Naphthol; Naphthol, Beta.-A derivative of naph- 
thalin. Employed in unguents, for skin and marginal 
affections. Colorless sea,les, or a white crystalline powder. 
Beta Vulgaris; Common Garden Beet.-A succulent 
tuber, cultivated as a table article, and for the sugar it 
contains. In the form of a decoction of the root, perse- 
veringly used, it has cured obstinate urethral irritation 
in female subjects. 
Bismuth; Bismuthum.-A crystalline metal, usually 
impure in its crude state. The Subnitrate-a favorite 
form for medicinal purposes-appears as a white, odor- 
less, tasteless, impalpable powder, with local soothing 
qualities, adapted to chafing of infants and sensitive ad- 
ults, rubbed upon the part. Internally, it relieves vom- 
iting, diarrhoea and other gastro-intestinal irritation. Liq- 
uor Bismuth is a solution of this agent, and is employed 
for similar purposes. 
Boldo; Boldus; Peumus Boldus.-An evergreen tree 
native to the western coast of South America. It re- PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
659 
lieves certain dyspeptic conditions attended by debility 
of the gastric functions. 
Borate of Sodium; Sodii Boras; Borax.-An earthy 
deposit, which exists native and may be prepared artifi- 
cially. It is a plentiful natural product of California. 
Antiseptic, cleansing and healing, when applied locally, 
in aqueous solution. 
Bromine; Bromum.-A brownish-red, non-metallic, liq- 
uid element, obtained from sea-water. It acts upon the 
glandular system and respiratory organs similar to io- 
dine. The vapor of ten drops in a teacup of hot water 
is an excellent inhalation for membranous croup. 
Bromide of Ammonium; Ammonii Bromidum.-May be 
prepared by dissolving bromine in water of ammonia, 
though a more complicated process is usually followed. 
It is a white granular powder, in offcinal form, though it 
may be obtained in colorless crystals. It resembles bro- 
mide of potassium in action, though it is not so depress- 
ing to the arterial muscular supply. 
Bromide of Arsenic. (See page 131, Part II.) 
Bromide of Calcium; Calcii Bromidum; Bromide of 
Lime.-Prepared by combining lime and bromine, by a 
reaction with sulphur. A granular salt of hot, slightly 
saline taste, possessing, therapeutically, the general char- 
acteristics of other bromides. 
Bromide of Iron; Ferri Bromidum.-Prepared by heat- 
ing gently, in 30 parts of water, 2 parts of bromine and 
1 part of iron filings. It is a red, deliquescent salt, with 
highly styptic properties. 
Bromide of Lithium; Lithii Bromidum.-May be pre- 
pared by mixing 37 parts of carbonate of lithium, 200 
parts of distilled water and 80 parts of bromine, and 
passing sulphuretted hydrogen through the mixture un- 
til the color of bromine has disappeared. A white, odor- 
less, granular salt, very deliquescent. 660 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
Bromide of Nickel; Niccoli Bromidum.-Prepared from 
the action of the vapor of bromine on finely divided 
nickel. A greenish-yellow powder, with burning taste, 
soluble in water, and forming a green solution. Recom- 
mended in epilepsy. 
Bromide of Potassium ; Potassii Bromidum.-A combi- 
nation of potassium and bromine. It occurs in colorless 
cubical crystals, which are translucent, permanent on ex- 
posure to air, readily soluble in water. 
Bromide of Sodium; Sodii Bromidum.-Prepared by 
combining bromine and sodium. A colorless crystalline 
powder, permanent in dry air but readily soluble in water. 
Bryonia Alba; Bryonia; Bryony; Wild Hops.-A climb- 
ing plant, native to Europe. The tincture is prepared 
from the root. A remedy for pleurodynia, pleuritis, neu- 
ralgic pains about the liver and stomach, recent bron- 
chial cough, etc. 
Cactus Grandiflorus ; Night Blooming Cereus.-The 
well known flowering cactus, introduced by Dr. Rubini, 
of Naples. Adapted to cardiac troubles, some forms of 
pulmonary hemorrhage, and vesical irritation. 
Caffeine; Caffeina.-A proximate principle obtained 
from the dried leaves of camellia thea, or from the 
dried berries of coffea arabica. It may be obtained also 
from guarana and some other plants. It possesses feebly 
alkaloidal property, occurring in colorless, soft, silky 
crystals, which are generally quite long and flexible. It 
is stable when exposed to air, neutral in reaction, and of 
slightly bitter taste. It is a cardiac stimulant. 
Calcarea Carbonica; Calcarea Ostrearum; Oyster Shell. 
-Prepared from the soft white substance which is found 
between the inner and outer hard layers of the oyster 
shell. Applicable to catarrhal conditions of mucous 
membranes in strumous subjects. 
Calcarea lodata; Calcii lodidum; Iodide of Lime.-Pre- PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
661 
pared by treating a solution of iodide of iron with milk 
of lime. It crystallizes in large plates of pearly white 
luster. Applicable to scrofulous conditions. A dark 
colored iodide of lime (ten grains to four ounces of wa- 
ter, dose a teaspoonful every half-hour or hour) is con- 
sidered almost a specific for membranous croup, in some 
quarters. 
Calcis, Liquor; Liquor Calcis; Lime-Water.-An aque- 
ous solution of quick-lime. 
Calcium Fluoride; Fluoride of Calcium.-Prepared by 
the action of hydrofluoric acid on lime. 
Calcium Sulphate; Calcii Sulphas; Sulphate of Lime; 
Gypsum; Plaster of Paris.-A natural earthy product 
termed "Gypsum," in its crude state. An artificial pro- 
duct resembling this is prepared pharmaceutically, and 
is known as "Calx Sulphurata." Both exert a positive 
influence in preventing and arresting suppuration. 
Calendula; Calendula Officinalis ; Marigold.-A flower- 
ing plant, cultivated for ornamental purposes; quite 
common in flower gardens, in many countries. A remedy 
for lacerated wounds, and superficial inflammation in- 
volving skin and cellular tissue. May be used locally 
and internally. 
Camphora; Camphor.-A stearoptene obtained from 
the wood of cinnamomum camphora, a tree native to dif- 
ferent portions of Asia. 
Camphor-Chloral.-Prepared by rubbing together, in a 
porcelain mortar, equal parts of gum camphor and hy- 
drate of chloral. 
Cannabis Indica; Cannabis Sativa; East Indian Hemp. 
-Cannabis Americana is the Americanized product. A 
plant possessing narcotic properties, employed in neural- 
gia, vesical affections, etc. 
Cantha/ris Vesicatoria; Cantharis; Spanish Fly.-A bee- 
tle, abounding most in Italy, Spain, and the south of 662 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
France. It acts principally on the urinary and sexual 
apparatus. Locally a vesicant, and employed as a coun- 
ter-irritant and derivative. 
Capsicum Annuum; Capsicum; Cayenne; Red Pepper.- 
A plant indigenous to tropical countries of both hemi- 
spheres. A powerful stimulant, locally and internally. 
The fruit is the portion used. 
Carbo Animalis; Animal Charcoal; Bone Black; Ivory 
Black.-Prepared by heating bones to a red heat in close 
vessels after boiling them to separate the fat. 
Carbo Vegetabilis; Carbo Ligni; Wood Charcoal.-Pre- 
pared by burning wood in pits covered with earth. 
Carbon Bisulphide; Carbonei Bisulphidum; Bisulphide 
of Carbon.-Prepared by the combination of carbon and 
sulphur, at a moderately red heat. A clear, diffusive liq- 
uid, of offensive odor, and highly poisonous. It has been 
used as an antiseptic, internally and locally. 
Carduus Marianus Blessed Thistle; St. Mary's This- 
tle.-A wild plant common to various portions of Europe. 
It relieves hypertrophy of the spleen, and fullness of the 
abdominal and renal vessels. The root and hull of the 
seed contain the medicinal principle. 
Carlsbad Salts; Sprudel Salts.-The saline constituents 
of the water from the Carlsbad springs, in Germany. 
These consist of: sulphate of potassium 2 parts, chloride 
of sodium 18 parts, bicarbonate of sodium 16 parts, and 
sulphate of sodium, dried, 44 parts, 36 grains in 6 fluid- 
ounces of water representing an equal volume of Carlsbad 
water. It is laxative and alterative; applicable to splenic 
engorgement with hepatic torpor. The best effects from 
Carlsbad water are derived at the springs. 
Cascara Sagrada; Sacred Bark; Rhamni Purshiani 
Cortex.-The bark from a small tree (rhamnus purshiana 
or rhamnus catharticus) indigenous to the mountains of 
the Pacific slope of the United States. A mild purgative, PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
663 
credited with virtues in rheumatism, and a general tonic 
influence on the alimentary canal. 
Castanea Vesca; Chestnut.-A tree indigenous to the 
United States, the leaves of which furnish an extract ap- 
plicable to the treatment of spasmodic cough, especially 
whooping cough. 
Caulophyllum Thalictroides; Blue Cohosh.-A plant in- 
digenous to many portions of the United States east of 
the Mississippi River. The root is the part used. This 
furnishes the resinoid Caulophyllin, and the principle des- 
ignated by Professor Lloyd as Leontin. Caulophyllum 
and its derivatives are indicated in rheumatism, other 
varieties of muscular pain, and affections of the sexual 
organs. 
Causticum; Acris Tinctura; Potassium Hydrate.-A 
remedy employed by Hahnemann, and formerly prepared 
by digesting caustic potash in alcohol and then saturat- 
ing with alcohol to neutralize the potash. Later, Dr. 
Black had this product analyzed, and found it to be a 
weak solution of caustic potash, of varying strength. It 
is employed in attenuations for chronic laryngeal catarrh. 
Cautery.-This term includes the use of the chemical 
caustics, galvano-cautery, and the actual burning of tis- 
sue with a hot iron. Employed for counter-irritation, 
and for the removal of new growths. 
Ceanothus Americana; New Jersey Tea; Red Root.- 
A small shrub, common to New Jersey and some of the 
adjoining states. It was used as a beverage instead of 
tea during the Revolutionary War, hence the name, "New 
Jersey Tea." Adapted to enlargement of the spleen. 
Cereus Bonplandii.-A species of cactus indigenous to 
Central America, introduced by Bonpland. The tincture 
is employed successfully as a cardiac tonic. 
Cereus Speciosissimus.-A cactus, introduced as a medi- 
cine by Dr. R. A. Kunze. A tincture of the fresh plant 664 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
is employed in cardiac palpitation, valvular insufficiency, 
feeble systole, etc. 
Cerasus Virginiana; Prunus Virginiana; Wild Cherry.- 
A tree common to many parts of the United States. It 
possesses tonic and pulmonary properties. The inner 
bark contains the medicinal principle. 
Chaulmoogra Oil.-A vegetable oil, obtained from an 
East Indian plant-gynocardia odorata. It is of solid 
consistency as found in commerce, of pearly white color, 
insoluble in alcohol but soluble in sulphuric ether. It is 
employed in syphilis and skin affections. 
Chamomilla; Anthemis Nobilis; Matricaria Chamomilla; 
Chamomile.-A well known garden plant, employed in 
many households as a domestic remedy. It is calmative 
and carminative. 
Chelidonium Majus; Great Celandine.-A plant, indige- 
nous to portions of the United States east of the Missis- 
sippi River. The whole plant furnishes the medicinal 
principle. Applicable to acute disturbance of the he- 
patic circulation. 
Chelone; Chelone Glabra; Snake Head; Balmony.-A 
perennial plant, indigenous to the trans-Mississippi states. 
The whole plant is employed. A mild tonic to the stom- 
ach and.liver. 
Chenopodium; Chenopodium Anthelminticum; Ameri- 
can Wormseed.-An American plant possessing proper- 
ties rendering it destructive to the lumbricoid worm. Its 
active property is found in the seeds. 
Chimaphila Umbellata; Princess Pine.-A small ever- 
green plant, with a perennial drooping stem, indigenous 
to the United States. The whole plant is used. It influ- 
ences the urinary apparatus. 
Chionanthus Virginica; Fringe Tree.-A shrub or small 
tree, common to the Middle and Southern States, intro- 
duced to the profession by Professor I. J. M. Goss, M. D. 665 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
It increases the action of the bile-secreting cells, and is 
specific in jaundice without obstruction of the biliary 
ducts. A tincture is prepared from the bark. 
Chloral Hydrate; Hydrate of Chloral.-A drug pre- 
pared by the action of dry chlorine gas on anhydrous 
alcohol, the product being afterward subjected to a puri- 
fying process with water, during which it is precipitated. 
It is vesicant and anodyne locally, and hypnotic and anal- 
gesic internally. Dangerous, in large doses. 
Chloride of Ammonium. (See Ammonium Chloride.) 
Chloroform; Chloroformum.-Prepared by the distilla- 
tion of alcohol or acetone with chlorinated lime. It is 
both a local and general anaesthetic. 
Chrysarobin; Chrysarobinum; Araroba; Goa-Powder.- 
A pale orange yellow crystalline powder, obtained from a 
substance found deposited in the trunk of the andira 
araroba aguiar, a Bolivian tree. Chrysarobin has been 
misnamed, and confounded with, chrysophanic acid. Its 
principal use is that of local application in skin affections. 
Cimicfuga Racemosa; Actaea Racemosa; Macrotys Rac- 
emosa; Black Cohosh; Rattle-Weed; etc.-A plant com- 
mon to many parts of the United States east of the Miss- 
issippi. It is adapted to the relief of muscular pain, 
as well as to affections of the sexual organs. The recent 
root is the part employed in medicine. 
Cinchona; Peruvian Bark.-The bark of any variety of 
cinchona contains the antiperiodic property represented 
by quinine. There are three leading varieties of Peru- 
vian bark designated by commercial characteristics rather 
than by botanical species, viz., the pale, the yellow, and 
the red. 
Cineraria Maritima.-A plant found in Venezuela, the 
fresh juice of which, dropped in the eye three times a 
day for several weeks, is said to have cured cataract. 
Cinnamon; Cinnamomum Zeylanicum.-A tree grown 666 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
in China. The inner bark of the shoots is the portion 
used. It controls uterine hemorrhage, and the oil is a 
local antiseptic much employed in dental surgery. 
Cistus Canadensis; Rock-Rose; Frost-Plant.-A peren- 
nial herb, found growing on sandy plains and in rocky 
places, preferring limestone soil. A tincture of the whole 
plant is used. Applicable to chronic inflammations and 
ulcerations, and disease of the mucous membrane of the 
pharynx, when of strumous complication. 
Clematis; Clematis Erecta; Clematis Virginiana; Vir- 
gin's Bower.-A climbing plant, native to the eastern 
portion of the United States. The leaves, bark and flow- 
ers are used in preparing a tincture. Employed in affec- 
tions of the skin and urinary organs. 
Cocaine; Cocainse Hydrochloras.-A local anaesthetic, 
obtained from coca leaves. By the hypodermic injection 
of a four per cent aqueous solution, into the part to be 
operated upon, one will be enabled to dispense with chlo- 
roform and ether in many minor operations, such as cir- 
cumcision, the opening of abscesses, etc. It is a colorless 
crystalline powder, soluble in water, alcohol and ether. 
Cocculus Indicus; Anamirta Cocculus; Anamirta Panic- 
ulata.-A climbing shrub, native to East India. The 
fruit is the portion used; it is commonly known as "fish 
berries." Cocculus is employed in difficult menstruation, 
especially menstrual headaches. Picrotxin is a principle 
obtained from the berries which is excellent in night 
sweats. It is employed in triturations, the third decimal 
giving good satisfaction. 
Coccus Cacti; Cochineal.-The dried female insect of 
coccus cacti reared on opuntia cochinillifera or nopal, a 
Mexican plant It relieves irritation of the urinary or- 
gans, and spasmodic cough. 
Colchicum; Colchicum Autumnale; Meadow Saffron.-■ 
A plant native to Southern Europe and Northern Africa. PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
667 
The root and seeds are the parts used. It is employed 
in sciatica and rheumatism. Large doses produce hydro- 
gogue action on the bowels, and debilitate the heart. 
The best form for use is the English wine of colchicum 
seed. 
Collinsonia Canadensis; Stone Root; Ox Balm; Heal- 
all.-An American indigenous plant, with perennial, 
knotty root, common to the states lying between the 
great lakes and the Carolinas. The root and plant are 
used in medicine, the fresh plant yielding the best prop- 
erties. A tincture prepared from the recent article with 
pure alcohol represents its virtues successfully. 
Collodium; Collodion.-A solution of gun cotton in 
ether. A transparent colorless liquid, of syrupy consist- 
ence, and ethereal odor. Applied to the surface, the 
ether rapidly evaporates and leaves a firm film, which 
serves as a protection to abraded surfaces. Used princi- 
pally in surgery. 
Colocynth; Cucumis Colocynthis; Bitter Apple.-An 
annual plant, resembling the common watermelon. It is 
native to certain parts of Asia and Africa. The fruit is 
the part used. It possesses powerful drastic purgative 
properties in full doses, and is liable to cause hemor- 
rhoids and other intestinal affections when administered 
incautiously. It acts specifically, in minute doses, in 
relieving intestinal colic. The dose of the tincture may 
vary from the one-hundredth to the one-thousandth of a 
drop. 
Comocladia Dentata; Guao.-A plant native to the West 
India Islands. A tincture prepared from the leaves and 
bark has been suggested in leprosy and other skin 
affections. 
Conium; Conium Maculatum; Poison Hemlock.-A 
plant indigenous to Europe, but naturalized to the United 
States. It bears a fruit which is used in medicine, as 668 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
well as the fresh leaves and young branches. .An oint- 
ment from it is soothing and discutient to irritable ulcers. 
Convadaria Majalis; Lily of the Valley.-A garden plant 
cultivated in Europe and the United States, for its flow- 
ers. It possesses positive virtues in various forms of 
dopsy, especially when this is dependent upon feeble 
cardiac action. A saturated tincture is prepared from 
the fresh root and plant, by bruising and covering with 
alcohol, and allowing maceration to continue for a 
fortnight. 
Cordllium Rubrum; Bed Coral.-A product of the coral 
insect. It is employed in triturations, for spasmodic 
coughs. 
Corallorhiza Odontorhiza; Coral-root.-A plant indige- 
nous to the United States east of the Mississippi. It is 
a small leafless plant, which sends up a rhizome resem- 
bling coral. A valuable astringent, very useful to arrest 
exhausting discharges. Used in the form of a powder of 
the plant, or in decoction. 
Corydalis Formosa; Turkey Pea; Turkey Corn.-A small 
plant indigenous to the Middle and Western States east 
of the Mississippi. The root is the part used, a tincture 
or fluid extract representing its properties. It is a rem- 
edy for syphilis and other affections of the lymphatic 
system. 
Creolln; Creolinum.-A coal-tar product deprived of 
carbolic acid. It is a deodorizer and cleanser. Used in 
aural and ophthalmic practice. 
Cubeba; Cubebs.-The dried unripe fruit of the cubeba 
officinalis or piper cubeba, a tree native to the East 
Indies. Used in urinary difficulties principally. 
Cuprum; Copper.-A metal quite widely diffused in 
nature, existing in the form of native copper, and as an 
arseniate, sulphate, carbonate, and phosphate. A tinc- 
ture is prepared from the acetate or sulphate for medici- PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
669 
iral use. Considered as a blood-maker. It must be used 
in minute doses. It has apparently been somewhat over- 
estimated. 
Cuprum acetate; Acetate of Copper.-Prepared by the 
ction cf acetic acid on copper. 
Cuprum Aluminatum; Aluminate cf Copper.-A prepa- 
ration of equal parts of powdered sulphate of copper, 
powdered nitrate of potassium, and alum, heated, and 
mixed with a small amount of powdered camphor. Used 
locally. 
Cuprum sulphate; Cupri Sulphas; Sulphate of Copper 
Blue Vitrol; Blue Sione.-Is sometimes found in natuie 
and is prepared by chemically uniting sulphuric acid and 
copper. Commonly employed locally in ophthalmic 
p ractice. 
Curare; Woorari; Woorara; South American Arrow-poi- 
son.-A blackish, brittle, resinous compound, prepared; 
from the juices of several poisonous plants whose iden- 
tity is not completely known. Employed, in minute 
doses, in nervous affections. 
Cypripedium Pubescens; Ladies Slipper: Moccasin Plant; 
Nerve Root; American Valerian.-A small plant growing 
in woods in many parts east of the Mississippi in the 
United States. A decoction and alcoholic extract are 
employed in nervous affections. 
Digitalis Purpurea; Digitalis; Foxglove.-An European 
plant employed in cardiac and renal affections. An infu- 
sion and tincture of the leaves are used. 
Dioscorea Villosa; Wild Yam; Colic Root.-An Ameri- 
can plant specifically influencing the abdominal viscera 
in painful states. A decoction or tincture may be 
employed. 
Diuretin; Double Salicylate of Theobromine and 
Sodium.-Employed in acute nephritis, to increase the 
amount of urine secreted. 670 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
Drosera; Drosera Rotundifolia; Sundew.-A plant com- 
mon to northern Europe, employed in spasmodic coughs, 
A tincture of the fresh plant is the the form usually 
employed. 
Duboisia.-An alkaloid is obtained from the duboisia 
myoporoides, called duboisinm hydrobromas vel sulphas, 
which possesses mydriatic properties. 
Dulcamara; Solanum Dulcamara; Bittersweet; Woody 
Night-shade.-A climbing plant indigenous to Europe 
and the eastern portion of the United States. Employed 
as a soothing ointment in irritable ulcers and other pain- 
ful abrasions, and internally for its influence on the skin. 
Echinacea Angustifolia; Black Sampson.-A plant native 
to the western prairie states of America, possessing anti- 
septic properties in high degree. 
Electricity.-For medical purposes this consists of fric- 
tional or static electricity, chemical or galvanic electric- 
ity, induced or faradic electricity, and galvano-cautery. 
Elaterium; Momordica Elaterium; Squirting Cucumber. 
-A plant native to the south of Europe, the fruit of 
which is employed in medicine. It is an active cathartic, 
and has been employed successfully for its hydrogogue 
properties in the removal of dropsical deposits. It also 
possesses specific urinary properties. 
Ephedrin.-An alkaloid prepared from ephedra vulgaris 
helvatica, which produces rapid dilatation of the pupil. 
Epilobium; Epilobium Angustifolium; Willow-herb.- 
An American plant, highly extolled by Prof. Scudder as 
a remedy for chronic intestinal irritation. It was used 
with success in the treatment of the chronic diarrhoea 
which followed the American Civil War. Its action 
resembles that of the Japanese persimmon very much, 
though it is not quite .so reliable in long-standing 
intestinal irritation. However, it is a prime favorite 
with many Eclectic physicians in the treatment of in- 671 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
testinal irritation and urinary disturbance. The leaves 
and root are employed. 
Epigcea Repens; Trailing Arbutus.-A trailing plant, 
indigenous to the New England states. It is employed 
in irritation ot the urinary tract 
Equisetum Hyemale; Scouring Rush.-A plant common 
to many parts of the United States. It influences the 
urinary tract. 
Erectldtes Hieracifolius; Fire-Weed.-A plant common 
in the Mississippi Valley. Useful in controlling hemor- 
rhages. 
Ergot; Ergota.-A fungus growth, occulting upon the 
grain of rye. Used principally to control capillary hem- 
orrhage, and as an oxytocic. Dr. W. H. Thomson IMedi- 
cal Record) recommends ergot highly as a remedy for 
migraine and periodical neuralgia. His report impresses 
the reader very favorably, as it includes a number of in- 
teresting and convincing illustrative cases. However, it 
seems that his cases of neuralgia were really periodical 
attacks of muscular pain, probably rheumatoid. He ad- 
vises a one-drachm dose of the fluid extract, repeated 
every two hours, until relieved. He thinks the effect 
is much enhanced by the assistance of quinine. 
Erigeron Canadense; Fleabane.-A common plant, in- 
digenous to many countries. It is common alike to this 
coast and the eastern part of the country. It is em- 
ployed to arrest capillary hemorrhage, as well as profuse 
watery discharges from the bowels and kidneys. The 
whole plant is the portion used, and a decoction excels 
alcoholic preparations. 
Eryngium Aquaticum; Water Eryngo; Button Snake 
Root.-A plant common to the prairies of the United 
States, growing in damp places. The root is the part 
used. It influences the alimentary canal and urinary 
tract, relieving irritation. 672 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS-. 
Erythrophloeine.-An alkaloid obtained from the bark of 
the erythrophloeine guineense, a large tree growing on 
the coast of Africa. This bark is termed casca, or sassy 
bark. The alkaloid is used in ophthalmic practice. 
Eucalyptus; Australian Blue-Gum Tree.-A large Aus- 
tralian tree cultivated in California. The foliage possess- 
es antimalarial qualities, and it has been cultivated in 
semitropical countries where malarious influence abounds, 
for sanitary purposes. The leaves are used in medicine, 
and are believed to possess tonic and antimalarial prop- 
erties, besides certain specific virtues in croup and other 
affections. It is not of very much account, however. 
Euchlorine.-A preparation introduced to the profession 
by Prof. George C. Pitzer. (See page 76, Part II.) 
Euonymus; Euonymus Atropurpureus; Wahoo.-A 
small tree indigenous to the United States, possessing 
antimalarial and tonic properties. The bark is used in 
medicine. 
Eupatorium Perfoliatum; Boneset; Thorough wort.-An 
herb common to many parts of the United States, pos- 
sessing tonic and antimalarial qualities. It seems to pos- 
sess an affinity for the periosteum, relieving painful states 
of this part, when accompanied by acute febrile action. 
Eupatorium Purpureum; Queen of the Meadow; Grav- 
el-Root.-A plant indigenous to the Mississippi Valley 
and contiguous parts of the country. The root is the 
part used. It influences the urinary tract, soothing irri- 
tation. 
Euphrasia; Euphrasia Officinalis; Eyebright.-A plant 
indigenous to Europe. It influences the eye, and nasal 
mucous membrane. The plant-leaves, blossoms, stems, 
-is the part used. 
Europhen.-An iodine product, used as a substitute for 
iodoform. 
Fabiana Imbricata; Pichi.-A shrub or small tree, in- PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
673 
digenous to South America. The leaves furnish the me- 
dicinal principle, which is valuable in cystic irritation, 
nocturnal enuresis, renal congestion, etc. Lumbago and 
sciatica, associated with the deposition of uric acid, have 
been relieved with it. It has been recommended as a 
hepatic agent, to stimulate the secretion of bile in dys- 
pepsia and jaundice. 
Faradism; Induction Electricity.-A form of electricity 
obtained by the sympathy existing between a wire con- 
veying a current of electricity, and a second, insulated 
wire, running parallel; every time the circuit in the pri- 
mary wire is opened or closed the secondary or faradic 
current being given off by the secondary wire. A far- 
adic machine is so constructed that an automatic ham- 
mer opens and closes the circuit with such rapidity that 
the current seems almost continous. For the therapeu- 
tic uses of faradism the reader is referred to different 
portions of this work suggested by the Index. 
Ferrum; Iron.-A common metal; one of the proximate 
principles of the body. 
Ferri Chloridi Tinctura; Tincture Chloride of Iron. 
Ferric Phosphate; Ferri Phosphas; Phosphate of Iron. 
-Prepared by a reaction between phosphate of sodium 
and citrate of iron, as well as by other reactions. One 
of Schuessler's tissue remedies. 
Ferrocyanuret of Potassium: Potassii Ferrocyanidum; 
Ferrocyanide of Potassium; Prussiate of Potash.-A crys- 
talline salt, prepared by fusing together carbonate of po- 
tassium, scraps of iron, and refuse animal substances 
containing nitrogen, such as old leather, hoofs, dried 
blood, old woolen rags, etc., cooling the pasty mass which 
results, dissolving the cooled mass in water, and evapo- 
rating the solution until crystallization occurs. It is a 
handsome, lemon-yellow prismatic chemical, used princi- 
pally in the arts, recommended in this work in certain 674 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS, 
affections of the circulatory system. It has been used 
in hysteria, with success. 
Fluorescin.-Produced from fluorescein, an amorphous 
anhydride of resorcin. On account of its neutral quality 
and green fluorescence it has been used to study the in- 
traocular fluids. 
Fuchsin; Rosein; Magenta; Aniline Red; Hydrochlo- 
ride of Aniline.-A shining green salt, which imparts an 
intense red to solutions; obtained from coal-tar. Recom- 
mended in albuminuria. 
Fucus Vesiculosus; Seaweed; Sea-Wrack; Bladder- 
Wrack.-A sea alga, abundant on many sea coasts. Em- 
ployed as an antifat, and as an alterative. 
Galium Aparine; Cleavers; Goose-Grass.-A trailing 
succulent plant, indigenous to the United States. Used 
in urinary irritation and strumous affections. 
Gaultheria Procumbens ; Wintergreen; Teaberry; Deer- 
berry.-A small, shrubby plant, with long, creeping root, 
which sends up, at intervals, one or two stems. It is 
found in many places in the East, growing in wooded lo- 
calities. It is adapted to chronic irritation of the urinary 
tract, and rheumatism. 
Gelsemium Sempervirens; Yellow Jasmine.-A woody 
vine common to the Southern States. The root is the 
portion used, and it must be treated with alcohol or 
other extractive when fresh, in order that the medicinal 
principle may be preserved. It is sedative and antispas- 
modic, besides possessing other excellent properties. 
Gentiana Quinquefiora; Five-Flowered Gentian; Ameri- 
can Gentian.-A plant common to the United States, usu- 
ally classed, therapeutically, with the bitter tonics. The 
whole plant is used. 
GenwuMm JfacwZa/wm; Cranesbill.-An herbaceous 
plant, with perennial root, common to many portions of 
the United States. It is an astringent, and has been used PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
675 
for this purpose, though more special uses will be found 
noted in the foregoing pages. The root is the part used. 
Both water and alcohol extract its virtues. 
Glonoin; Nitro-Glycerin; Trinitro-Glycerin.-Prepared 
by treating pure glycerin with strong nitric acid. It is 
a dangerous explosive, and its preparation is attended by 
considerable risk. It is therfore kept in pharmacies 
in one-per-cent alcoholic solution, in which form it is 
non-explosive. Used for disturbances of the circulatory 
system involving the brain, heart, or kidneys. Pure ni- 
tro-glycerin is a clear, colorless, or slightly straw colored 
liquid. 
Glycerin; Glycerinum; Trihydric Alcohol.-Prepared 
from fats. A colorless, syrupy, sweetish liquid, oily to 
the touch, used principally as a solvent and preservative. 
A tampon saturated with glycerine and placed in the va- 
gina against a congested cervix, will produce a copious 
w'atery discharge in a few hours, and reduce the enlarge- 
ment ; but without permanent good effect, usually. An 
ounce or so of glycerine injected into the rectum and re- 
tained, is an effective remedy for the relief of obstinate 
constipation. Parke, Davis & Co. prepare an elastic cap- 
sule filled with this drug, which is convenient and effec- 
tive for the purpose, used as a suppository. 
Gossypium; Gossypium Herbaceum; Cotton-Plant.- 
A tropical plant, cultivated for fabric-producing purposes. 
The fresh root contains a principle which acts powerfully 
on the uterus, as an oxytocic and emmenogogue. Alco- 
hol and water extract it. The old dried root is worthless. 
Graphites; Plumbago; Black Lead.-The material used 
in lead pencils. An allotropic form of carbon, with 
a small admixture of iron and silica. A natural mineral 
product. Used in triturations and dilutions, usually, 
though the crude article has occasionally been employed. 
Used in diseases of the skin and female sexual organs. 676 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
Grindelia Squarrosa.-A perennial California plant, the 
leaves and flowers of which are employed in splenic, gas- 
tric, and malarial affections. Water and alcohol extract 
its virtues. 
Guaiacol; Methyl Pyrocatechin.-This drug constitutes 
from 60 to 90 per cent of beechwood creosote, from which 
it is obtained by fractional distillation. It may also be 
obtained by dry distillation of guaiac resin, and may be 
prepared synthetically from pyrocatechin and methyl 
sulphuric acid. It has been highly recommended, both 
as an internal medicine and for inhalation, in phthisis. 
However, its most positive effects are derived in the 
treatment of pertussis, two or three drops of the guaia- 
col, in petroleum emulsion, at a dose. The odor and 
taste are very objectionable, and, on this account it is ad- 
ministered with considerable difficulty, usually. In a 
stubborn case which defied drosera, magnesium phos. and 
castanea vesca, I found guaiacol to act very favorably. 
Guaiacum ; Lignum-Vitse.-Both the wood and resin 
are employed in medicine. The tree grows in the West 
Indies. Used in rheumatism, pulmonary affections, and 
more specifically in tonsillitis. 
Guarana; Paullinia Sorbilis.-A climbing plant, native 
of Brazil, from the seeds of which, when these are 
crushed, is obtained a paste which is dried for the drug 
market. Used in nervous headache, and for intestinal 
affections of the heated term. A tincture is employed. 
Gymnocladus Canadensis; American Coffee Tree.-A na- 
tive of the United States. A stately tree, growing in 
rich woods, twelve or fifteen inches in diameter and fifty 
or sixty feet high. It bears large pods, containing seeds 
about the size of a walnut. These are employed as med- 
icine, alcohol extracting the medicinal principle. Specif- 
ically influences the pharynx. 
Gynocardia Odorata; Chaulmoogra.-An East Indian PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
677 
plant, the fruit of which yields a fixed oil by expression 
--chaulmoogra oil This is used in leprosy and syphilis. 
Hwmatoxylon Campeachianum; Logwood.-A large tree 
indigenous to Central America and the West Indies. The 
wood is found in the market in the form of chips or rasp- 
ings. A decoction or extract is used, the decoction being 
preferable, if the wood be not too old in the market. 
Used in diarrhoea and internal hemorrhages. 
Hamamelis Virginica ; Witch Hazel; Winter Bloom.- 
A large shrub, indigenous to the United States, the fresh 
bark of which affords an excellent medicinal principle for 
the cure of dilated veins. It is also useful in capillary 
hemorrhage. The distilled extract of the recent bark is 
a good form for use. 
Hecla Lava.-Matter which issues from the volcano of 
Iceland. It consists of silica, alumina, lime and magne- 
sia, with some oxide of iron. Used in affections of the 
jaw-bones and teeth. 
Hedeoma; Hedeoma Pulegioides; American Penny- 
royal.-A small plant, very common in the United States. 
It is used principally on account of its influence on the 
female reproductive organs, usually in the form of a de- 
decoction. Oil of pennyroyal has been used to produce 
abortion. 
Helleborus Niger; Black Hellebore.-A native plant of 
Central and Southern Europe, cultivated in the United 
States for its showy flowers. It influences the circula- 
tion, its active principle, helleborin, acting powerfully on 
the heart. Used in cardiac affections and dropsy. 
Helonias Dioica; Chamselirium Luteum; False Unicorn; 
Starwort; Devil's Bit.-An herbaceous perennial plant, 
indigenous to the United States, valuable principally on 
account of its influence on the female reproductive organs. 
Hoang Nan; Strychnos Gaultheriana.-A plant, native 
of China. Recommended in tobacco amblyopia, chronic 678 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
alcoholism, paralysis, neurasthenia, and various skin 
diseases. 
Homatropine Hydrobromas', Hydrobromate of Homa- 
tropine.-A derivative of atropine, prepared from atropine, 
amygdalic acid, and dilute hydrochloric acid. A rapid 
and speedily transitory mydriatic. 
Hydrangea; Hydrangea Arborescens ; Seven Barks.-- 
An indigenous plant, cultivated for its showy flowers. 
The root possesses a principle adapted to irritation of the 
urinary organs. 
Hydrargyri Chlor. Cor.; Corrosive Chloride of Mercury; 
Corrosive Sublimate; Mercuric Chloride.-A powerful 
corrosive poison, hardly used by Eclectics, except for 
topical purposes. 
Hydrargyri Chlor. Mite; Mild Chloride of Mercury; 
Calomel; Mercurous Chloride.-A mercurial preparation 
recommended in the 3x trituration for tired, drowsy con- 
dition, and as a topical application in certain affections 
of the eyes. Seldom needed internally. 
Hydrargyri Cyanidum; Cyanide of Mercury.-A top- 
ical use of this remedy is simply referred to in Dr. Foltz's 
Eye Remedies. 
Hydrargyri lod. Rub.; Red Iodide of Mercury; Binio- 
dide of Mercury; Mercuric Iodide.-Used in syphilitic 
diseases of the eye and ear, as a topical agent. 
Hydrargyri lod. Vir.; Green Iodide of Mercury; Prot- 
iodide of Mercury.-Recommended in trituration in lar- 
yngeal irritation, and as a topical agent in affections of 
the eye. Not of very much account. 
Hydrargyri Oxidum Flavum ; Yellow Oxide of Mer- 
cury.-Only used externally. 
Hydrastis Canadensis: Golden seal; Yellow Puccoon.- 
An indigenous plant, the root of which is employed in 
uterine hemorrhage, myalgia, irritation of mucous mem- 
branes, and as a topical application in leucorrhcea, etc. 679 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
It has been overestimated as a topical remedy for gonor- 
rhoea-is not entitled to the laudations which have been 
heaped upon it. 
Hydrocotyl Asiatica.-An Asiatic plant, recommended 
for leprosy and other skin affections. 
Hydrogen Peroxidum ; Peroxide of Hydrogen.-A fifteen- 
volume solution of this agent in water is the article found 
in the market, the preparation of Charles Marchand be- 
ing the standard. It readily attacks and destroys pus, 
and is an excellent agent for cleansing all suppurating 
cavities and surfaces. It is valuable as a mouth wash 
where there is decay of the alveoli resulting from tartar 
or mercurial ptyalism. Internally, it is sometimes use- 
ful where there is deficient oxygenation of the blood. 
Hyoscinoe Hydrobromas; Hydrobromate of Hyoscine.- 
A derivative of hyoscyamus, possessing mydriatic prop- 
erties. 
Hosey amince Sulphas; Sulphate of Hyoscyamine.-A neu- 
tral sulphate of an alkaloid prepared from hyoscyamus. 
Possesses mydriatic properties. 
Hyoscyamus Niger; Henbane.-A plant which grows 
wild in this country in great profusion in certain quar- 
ters, but which was originally introduced from Europe. 
A narcotic principle exists in the leaves. It is applicable 
to various nervous and mental affections. 
Hyoscyamines Hydrobromas: Hydrobromate of Hyoscya- 
mine.-A derivative of hyoscyamus, possessing mydriatic 
properties. 
Hypericum Perforatum; St. John's Wort.-A plant, in- 
digenous to the United States. It influences the spinal 
cord, relieving irritation of its meninges. 
Iberis Amara; Bitter Candy Tuft.-A plant cultivated 
in this country, but indigenous to Europe. The seeds are 
tinctured for medicinal use. The remedy exerts a favora- 
ble influence in certain cardiac affections. 680 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
Ichthyol; Ichthyosulphate of Ammonium or Sodium.-• 
A mineral product, found in the Tyrol, of bituminous 
character, yields this substance upon distillation. It has 
a tarry appearance, and is termed ichthyol, from the sup- 
position that it is from the fossil remains of fishes. It 
has a marked, nauseating odor, which is an objection with 
many patients. Used in skin affections, as a topical agent. 
Ictodes Foetidus; Skunk Cabbage.-A plant indigenous 
to the United States, of some value in affections of the 
respiratory apparatus. 
Ignatia; Ignatia Amara; Bean of St. Ignatius.-This 
is the seed of the Strychnos Ignatii, a tree indigenous to 
the Phillipine Islands. A tincture is employed in ner- 
vous affections. 
Ingluvin.-A digestive principle obtained from the giz- 
zard of the domestic fowl. Useful in dyspepsia, obstinate 
vomiting, etc. 
Inula Helenium; Elecampane. -A plant native to Europe, 
but growing wild in many parts of the United States. It 
is valuable as a medicine chiefly on account of its expec- 
torant properties. The root is the portion used. 
Iodoform; lodoformum.-Prepared by dissolving iodine 
and carbonate of potassium in water and alcohol, with 
heat, and allowing the mixture to settle. The precipitate 
is iodoform. It is used locally, to promote healing in ir- 
ritable and indolent ulceration. 
Iodide of Arsenic; Arsenii lodidum.-A combination 
of arsenic and iodine. Used in attenuations in the treat- 
ment of affections of the mucous membrane of the bowels 
and respiratory passages, also in cutaneous affections. 
Iodide of Baryta; Iodide of Barium; Baric Iodide.- 
Prepared by the double decomposition which follows the 
combination of native carbonate of barium with a boiling 
solution of iodide of iron, with subsequent exposure to 
air. Used in enlagment of the tonsils, testes and ovaries. PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
681 
Iodide of Iron', Ferri lodidum; Ferrous Iodide.-A com- 
bination of iodine and iron. It possesses tonic and alter- 
ative properties. 
Iodide of Potash; Potassii lodidum.-A combination of 
iodine and potassium. Employed as an alterative in 
chronic rheumatism, syphilis and struma. 
Iodide of Sulphur; Sulphuris lodidum.-A combination 
of iodine and sulphur. Employed in cutaneous affec- 
tions. 
Iodine; lodium.-A bluish-gray, non-metallic element, 
obtained from the ashes of sea-weeds. It is a popular 
remedy with the profession, but is often prescribed with- 
out good results. Its principal uses are in the treatment 
of scrofula, syphilis, and irritation of the pulmonary mu- 
cous membrane. 
Iodol; Tetraiodopyrrol.-Prepared by treating pyrrol 
with a solution of iodine in iodide of potassium. Pyrrol 
is found in bone and mineral oil-oil of Dippel. Iodol 
is used to dust over wounds and ulcers, to promote heal- 
ing and lessen suppuration. 
Ipecacuanha; Ipecac.-The root of Cephaelis Ipecacu- 
anha, a small shrub of Brazil. Used as an emetic, and, 
in smaller doses, for gastro-intestinal irritation attending 
cholera infantum. 
Iris Versicolor; Blue Flag.-An herbaceous plant, com- 
mon to the borders of ponds and marshes in many parts 
of the United States. The root is the part used. It in- 
fluences the digestive organs and glandular system. 
Jaborandi; Pilocarpus Pinnatifolius.-A plant indige- 
nous to Brazil. "Jaborandi" seems to be a term applied 
in a general way, in Brazil, to several plants possessing 
pungent sudorific properties. However, we here intend 
to designate that particularly known as pilocarpus pinnat- 
ifolius. Jaborandi was introduced by the author of this 
work as a " special sedative," several years ago. It ranks 682 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
with the best remedies of its class, in its influence on the 
circulatory system, and power to promote secretion. It 
lowers elevated temperature, lessens rapidity of febrile 
pulse, moistens the skin, and induces a sensation of cool- 
ness over the surface, very agreeable after a febrile at- 
tack. In effusion attending inflammatory action, as in 
acute rheumatism and pneumonia, it fulfills a valuable 
purpose. It is the remedy for all febrile conditions 
attended by severe pain and dry skin, in sthenic patients. 
Jacaranda Procera ; Caroba; Garobinha.-A vegetable 
growth found in Brazil, recommended for epilepsy and 
syphilis. 
Jambdl; Syzygium Jambolanum.-A tree indigenous to 
tropical America, and the West and East Indies. The 
fruit has been used with considerable success in diabetes. 
Jequirity. (See Abrus.) 
Juglans Cinerea; Butternut; White Walnut.-A tree in- 
digenous to the United States. An extract from the 
bark is used for skin affections, and as a mild laxative. 
Juniperus Communis ; Juniper.-An evergreen tree of 
Northern Europe, the berries of which are employed in 
urinary irritation. 
Kaki; Japanese Persimmon.-A tree indigenous to 
Japan, the bark of which is employed in intestinal irrita- 
tion and diarrhoea. 
Kalmia Latifdlia ; Laurel; Broad-Leafed Laurel; Cal- 
ico Bush.-An evergreen shrub, indigenous to mountain- 
ous districts of the United States. Employed in cardiac 
and rheumatic affections. 
Lachesis; Viper Poison.-The poison of the lance- 
headed viper. Used in attenuations as a cardiac stimu- 
lant, to correct depraved conditions of the system in 
diphtheria, typhoid states, etc., and in irritable condi- 
tions of the larynx and pharynx. 
| Lanolin; Lanolinum; Wool Fat.-A fat obtained from PTIAR'IACOLOGIC AL EXCERPTS. 
683 
sheep's wool, which does not become rancid nor saponify, 
while it readily combines with water and penetrates the 
skin, thus constituting an excellent excipient for oint- 
ments. Its pliability is improved by the addition of one 
or two per cent of vaseline. 
Ledum Palustre ; Rosmarinus Sylvestris; Marsh Tea.- 
A small evergreen shrub, growing in marshes in the 
northern part of America, Europe and Asia. Used in 
rheumatic and cutaneous affections. 
Leptandra Virginica; Culver's Physic.-An herbaceous 
plant, indigenous to the United States. It was a great 
favorite remedy with old Eclectics, when it was the cus- 
tom to ascribe so many ills to hepatic torpor. The root 
is the part employed. It is not a remedy of much con- 
sequence. 
Lilium Tigrinum; Tiger Lily.-A flowering plant, na- 
tive of China and Japan, but cultivated in flower gardens 
in this country. A tincture is prepared from the flowers 
and pollen, which is employed in certain uterine affec- 
tions. 
Limonis Succus; Lemon Juice.-Recommended as a lo- 
cal application in trachoma. 
Lobelia Inflata ; Indian Tobacco.-A small plant, indig- 
nous to the United States. It is a favorite with many 
Eclectics as a pulmonary remedy, and is used as an 
emetic and relaxant. 
Lycopodium; Lycopodium Clavatum; Club-Moss.-A 
trailing plant, indigenous to America and Europe. Its 
capsules contain a fine dust or powder, wherein resides 
its medicinal properties. Used in gastric, urinary and 
cutaneous affections. 
Lycopus Virginicus; Bugle Weed; Water Horehound.- 
An indigenous plant, common to many parts of the 
United States, in moist, shady situations. It is used 
principally in cardiac and pulmonary affections. The 684 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
plant is the portion used-not the root. This furnishes 
the best tincture if covered with alcohol when fresh. 
Macrotys. (See Cimicifuga.) 
Magnesia ; Calcined Magnesia.-Prepared by subjecting 
carbonate of magnesia to red heat, in a crucible. Used 
for diagnostic purposes, in aural practice. 
Magnesium Phosphate; Phosphate of Magnesium.-Ex- 
ists in the human body,.in association with calcium phos- 
phate. Triple phosphate of magnesium is produced 
when an alkaline phosphate and ammonium hydrate are 
added to a solution containing magnesium. Used in ner- 
vous affections, in attenuations. 
Magnesium Sulphate; Sulphate of Magnesium; Epsom 
Salt.-A natural constituent of many mineral springs. 
It posseses a specific affinity for the alimentary canal and 
skin, curing dysentery and warts. 
Mdltum; Maltum Hordei; Barley Malt.-The seed of 
hordeum distichum-barley-is caused to enter the in- 
cipient stage of germination, and then dried. The prod- 
uct is malt, which contains a digestive principle, adapt- 
ing it to the needs of patients who require nutriment in 
readily digestible form. 
Manaca; Brunfelsia Hopeana; Mercurial Vegetal.-A 
Brazilian shrub, the root of which possesses medicinal 
properties. Principally used in the treatment of rheum- 
atism. 
Manganese; Manganesium; Manganum.-A metal, used 
in triturations, for periosteal pain. 
Mangifera Indica; Mango Tree.-A tall tree native to 
the East Indies, but cultivated in many tropical coun- 
tries on account of its edible fruit. The inner bark of 
the root and trunk is used in medicine. It was intro- 
duced by Dr. M. F. Linquist, an Eclectic physician. It 
is adapted to the controlling of profuse hemorrhages and 
mucous discharges from the female genital organs, to 685 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
dysmenorrhoea, uterine neuralgia, and other pelvic pain. 
It is also valuable in diarrhoea, and is not constipating in 
its effects, being truly, like kaki, a dynamical restorative 
to the relaxed capillaries of the alimentary canal, instead 
of a mere astringent. 
Melilotus; Melilotus Officinalis; Sweet Clover.-This 
plant is indigenous to Europe, and grows wild in this 
country. There seem to be two varieties, one bearing a 
■white and the other a yellow flower. The fresh plant fur- 
nishes a principle which is employed in nervous head- 
aches with remarkable effect, in some cases. It may bo 
used by olfaction or internally. 
Menispermum CWaden.se; Yellow Parilla; Vine Maple.- 
An indigenous plant, common to many parts of the East- 
ern and Middle States. It ppssesses tonic and alterative 
properties, and specifically influences the spleen. 
Mentha Piperita; Peppermint.-An aromatic herb, na- 
tive to Great Britain but cultivated in America and Eu- 
rope for the oil it contains. It also grows wild in this 
country in many places. It possesses aromatic, carmin- 
ative, analgesic and antiseptic properties. The oil, dilu- 
ted with alcohol,-the essence,-is the form used. 
Menthol.-A stearopten or camphor of peppermint oil. 
It has been used locally usually for the relief of pruritus 
and pain, though five-grain doses have been administered 
successfully for the relief of neuralgia. 
Mezereum ; Daphne Mezereum.-A hardy shrub native 
to great Britain, cultivated both for ornamental and me- 
dicinal purposes. The properties reside in the bark. 
Mitchella Repens: Partridge-Berry; Squaw-Vine; One- 
Berry; Winter Clover.-An indigenous evergreen herb, 
with perennial root, from which issues a smooth creeping 
stem, bearing small heart-shaped, dark shining leaves. 
It is common in the Eastern and Middle States, and was 
used by the aborigines, as a partus preparator and anti- 686 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
abortient. These are the properties recognized in th© 
present day, and it is a very useful agent in such direc- 
tions. The plant is tinctured when fresh; thus treated, 
it is a valuable preparation. A decoction, in tablespoon- 
ful doses, answers an excellent purpose, where the plant 
can be gathered for early use. 
Monobromate of Camphor; Camphora Monobromata.-■ 
This is prepared by adding water to camphor and bromine 
in a retort, and boiling the mixture until the water is 
evaporated; then the contents are poured into a dish and 
treated with warm alcohol and allowed to crystallize, the 
mother liquor drained off and recrystallized from hot al- 
cohol. It consists of colorless prismatic needles or 
scales, permanent in air or light, and possessing an odor 
suggestive of camphor. It is used as a nervous sedative 
in convulsive affections, and in spermatorrhoea. 
Morphince Sulphas: Morphia© Sulphas ; Sulphate of Mor- 
phia.-Commonly called "morphine." Prepared by treat- 
ing morphia, an alkaloid of opium, with dilute sulphuric 
acid. Used to relieve pain and produce sleep. A well 
known narcotic, consisting of white, minute feathery 
crystals, readily soluble in water. 
Mutisia Viscioefolia.-A South American plant, the seeds 
of which are reputed to possess cardiac and pulmonary 
properties. 
Myrica Cerf er a; Bayberry; Wax-Myrtle; Wax-Berry.- 
A branching, half-evergreen shrub, indigenous to this 
country. The bark is employed in medicine. It pos- 
sesses stimulating diaphoretic properties, and is useful 
in diarrhoea and other relaxed states of the alimentary 
canal. 
Naphtalinum ; Naphtaline; Coal-Tar Camphor.-A ben- 
zine derivative, separated from coal-tar by distillation. 
It occurs in the form of white crystals, which may be 
compressed into cakes> like camphor. It is an antiseptic. PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
687 
Naphtol, Alpha and Beta.-When naphtalin is heated 
several hours with sulphuric acid, at 80° C., two new 
acids are formed, viz., alpha-naphtalin-sulphonic, and be- 
ta-naphtalin-sulphonic acid. If the temperature be kept 
up to 160° C., the alpha passes over into the beta vari- 
ety. These acids are separated by the use of lead car- 
bonate, and are then treated with an alkali, this resulting 
in alpha-naphtol and beta-naphtol, respectively. The 
therapeutic properties of these drugs are nearly identi- 
cal. They occur in small white shiny scales, which are in- 
soluble in cold water, sparingly soluble in hot water, and 
freely so in ether and alcohol Both are used locally in 
parasitic skin affections, and in intestinal fermentation 
(in from |-gr. to 3-gr. doses) in typhoid fever, typhoid 
dysentery and other intestinal affections, and beta-naph- 
tol has been used with reputed success in cystitis and 
articular rheumatism. 
Nitro- Glycerine. (See Glonoin.) 
Nuphar Lutea; Small-Flowered Yellow Pond Lily.- 
An aquatic plant, indigenous to the Middle States. A 
tincture is prepared from the root, which is employed in 
the treatment of spermatorrhoea and impotency. 
. Nux Vomica; Poison-Nut; Dog-Button.-The seed of 
strychnos nux vomica, a tree which is indigenous to In- 
dia. The seeds yield the alkaloid, strychnia. A tinc- 
ture and solid extract are prepared from nux. For me- 
dicinal uses, consult index. 
(Enanthe Crocata; Water-Hemlock.-A plant indige- 
nous to the northern countries of Europe, recommended 
in epilepsy. A tincture is prepared from the root. 
(Enothera Biennis; Tree Primrose.-An indigenous bi- 
ennial plant, the upper part of which is tinctured. It is 
recommended for acute gastro-intestinal affections. 
Oleum Cajeputi; Oil of cajeput.-A volatile oil, ob- 
tained from the leaves of the melaleuca cajuputi, a small 688 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
tree of the Molucca Islands. It is used in cholera and 
cholera morbus, to relieve spasmodic action and equalize 
the circulation. It is also a powerful diffusive stimulant. 
Oleum Jecoris Aselli; Oleum Morrhuae; Cod-Liver Oil. 
-Obtained from the liver of the gadus morrhua, and 
other species of gadus. A fixed oil which, in addition to 
its nutritive properties, exerts therapeutic influences in 
phthisis, scrofula and rheumatism, due probably to the 
minute quantity of iodine it contains. 
Oleum Olivce; Olive Oil; Sweet Oil.-A fixed oil, ex- 
pressed from the fruit of olea europea, a tree indigenous 
to Europe and Asia. Olive oil exerts a valuable influ- 
ence in preventing the formation of biliary calculi, and 
in indigestion arising from pancreatic disturbance. It 
is a useful laxative for small children. 
Oleum Ricini; Castor Oil.-A fixed oil, obtained from 
the castor oil bean, the fruit of the ricinus communis, a 
plant indigenous to India, but cultivated in this coun- 
try. The oil is obtained by expression. It is used as a 
lubricant, and in the treatment of colic and diarrhoea. 
A disagreeable remedy to administer, and not much in 
use by Eclectics. 
Oleum Santalum; Oil of Sandal-Wood.-An oil obtained 
from the santalum album, a small tree native to India. 
The oil is obtained by distillation of the wood. It influ- 
ences the urinary apparatus, being useful in irritation of 
the bladder, urethra and prostate. 
Oleum Terebinthince; Oil of Turpentine.-A volatile oil, 
distilled from the oleo-resin obtained from various spe- 
cies of pine. Dr. Foltz recommends it as a useful rem- 
edy in ocular therapeutics. 
Opium.-A gum which exudes from the poppy (pa paver 
somniferum), a plant indigenous to Asia, but cultivated 
in many places, for its showy flowers. A milky juice ex- 
udes from the unripe capsule, when this is wounded, PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
689 
which is scraped off and allowed to dry spontaneously, in 
mass, when a black gummy substance-gum opium-is 
the result. It is a narcotic poison in large doses, reliev- 
ing pain and producing sleep when therapeutic doses are 
administered. Opium yields morphia and codeia. 
Oubain.-The active principle of a plant found on the 
eastern coast of Africa. It possesses little therapeutic 
property worthy of mention. 
Oxalate of Cerium; Cerii Oxalas.-A white granular 
powder, insoluble in water or alcohol, but soluble in hy- 
drochloric acid. Prepared by adding a solution of oxa- 
late of ammonium io a soluble salt of cerium. Used to 
allay vomiting, especially that of pregnancy, and for the 
cough of phthisis and bronchitis. It has been extolled 
as a remedy for nervous affections, such as chorea, epi- 
lepsy, and neuralgic dysmenorrhoea. 
Oxydendron Arboreum; Sour-Wood; Elk-Wood; Sorrel- 
Tree.-A tree indigenous to Kentucky and neighboring 
states, the leaves of which furnish an extract which has 
been used with considerable success in dropsical condi- 
tions depending on debility of the capillaries. 
Oxygen.-One of the elements. A colorless, odorless, 
tasteless gas, constituting an important portion of earth, 
air and water, as well as of all organized bodies. Admin- 
istered in pulmonary, renal and gastro-intestinal diseases, 
by inhalation. 
Ozone.-An allotropic form of oxygen possessing pow- 
erful antiseptic and restorative properties. 
Panax Quinquefolium; Ginseng.-An indigenous plant, 
possessing valuable properties in dyspepsia. The root is 
the portion used. 
Pancreatin.-The juice of the pancreas. It contains 
several digestive ferments, and emulsifies fats in alkaline 
solutions. Saccharated pancreatin appears as a white 
powder. 690 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
Papain; Papayotin.-A digestive ferment prepared 
from the milky juice of the pawpaw-tree,-carica papaya, 
-an herbaceous tree, cultivated in tropical countries on 
account of its fruit. Papain is a white powder used for 
dyspepsia, vomiting, gastric catarrh, and to dissolve the 
diphtheritic membrane. 
Paraldehyde.-A derivative of aldehyde, prepared from 
alcohol A colorless, mobile fluid with ether-like odor, 
which crystallizes at a low temperature. It is a hyp- 
notic agent which is believed to produce sleep without 
objectionable after effects. 
Passiflora Incarnata; "White Passion Flower; May-Pop. 
--A climbing plant, indigenous to the Southern States, 
bearing large white flowers and fruit the size of a hen's 
egg, which, when crushed, makes a sharp report, hence 
the name, "May-pop." The leaves are tinctured when 
fresh. A remedy for various nervous conditions, notably 
for tetanus. Dr. A. J. Swem (American Medical Journal, 
June 1894,) used it in a case of delirium tremens with 
excellent results, where it seemed difficult to induce sleep 
with other means. The same writer used it in a case of 
senile dementia with good effect, many of the vagaries 
of the patient being banished by it. 
Paullinia Sorbilis. (See Guarana.) 
Pelletierine; Punicine.-An alkaloid from pomegranate 
bark possessed of taenicidal properties. It is used in the 
form of a tannate or sulphate. 
Penthorum Sedoides; Virginia St one-Crop.-A perennial 
herb, found in wet places in many parts of the United 
States. A tincture prepared from the fresh plant is em- 
ployed in pharyngeal and gastric affections. 
Pepsin.-A digestive principle obtained from the stom- 
achs of hogs, used to promote digestion. A grayish gran- 
ular powder. 
Petroselinnm ; Apium Petroselinum; Parsley.-A plant PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
691 
native to Europe, but cultivated everywhere in gardens. 
The leaves, seeds and root contain an oily substance 
(apiol) which is used as a remedy for dysmenorrhcea. 
Parsley influences the urinary tract, soothing irritation. 
Petroleum; Rock-Oil; Coal-Oil.-A complex substance 
found in wells, in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, and other 
states of the Union. It is a watery fluid, with strong 
pungent odor and greenish tinge. It furnishes several 
products used in medicine, such as vaseline, petroleum 
emulsion, etc. The crude oil is occasionally administered 
in pulmonary irritation, rheumatism, etc. 
Phenacetin; Para-Acetphenitidin.-A white crystalline 
powder, obtained from coal-tar. A remedy for acute and 
chronic phases of muscular pain. Continued in large 
doses too long, it is liable to produce profuse and contin- 
uous perspiration. 
Phoradendron; Phoradendron Flavescens; American 
Mistletoe.-A parasitic plant growing on oak, elm and 
hickory trees, in the north temperate zone. It is oxy- 
tocic and anti-abortient. 
Phosphate of Lime. (See Calcium Phosphate.) 
Phosphate of Magnesium. (See Magnesium Phos.) 
Phosphate of Potassium; Potassii Phosphas.-A white 
amorphous deliquescent salt, prepared by saturating car- 
bonate of potassium with phosphoric acid. It exists 
naturally in the body, and is one of the inorganic proxi- 
imate principles mentioned in this work. 
Phosphate of Sodium; Sodii Phosphas.-A salt occur- 
ring in large crystals which speedily deliquesce into a 
white powder upon exposure to air, prepared by a com- 
plicated process from calcined bone, sulphuric acid and 
carbonate of sodium. One of the inorganic proximate 
principles. 
Phosphide of Zinc; Zinci Phosphidum.-Prepared by 
passing vapor of phosphorus in a current of dry hydro- 692 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
gen, over fused zinc. It exists in the form of minute 
white shiny friable crystals. Suggested as a remedy for 
impotency and other nervous affections. 
Phosphorus.-A non-metallic element obtained from 
bones, by a complicated process. It is a semi-solid 
transparent flexible substance, having a strong garlicky 
odor, and emitting white fumes when exposed to the air; 
as these are poisonous, it should be handled under water, 
whenever its manipulation becomes necessary. It is 
administered in pills, in tincture, in oily solution, in di- 
lutions, and in triturations. 
Physostigma; Calabar Bean.-The fruit of a woody 
vine indigenous to the west coast of Africa, but intro- 
duced into India and Brazil, called physostigma veneno- 
sum. The bean contains the medical properties. It 
influences the spinal cord, and is used in tetanus and 
other nervous affections, as well as in ophthalmic prac- 
tice, to contract the pupil. Eserine (physostigmine) is 
an active principle of calabar bean, extensively employed 
by oculists. 
Phytolacca P ecandr a; Scoke; Poke-Weed; Poke-Root; 
Pigeon-Berry.-An indigenous plant, very common to the 
United States. The root and berries contain medicinal 
properties, both being used successfully in rheumatism 
and neuralgia. The berries contain anti-fat properties, 
and the root favorably influences inflammation about the 
fauces, and mammitis. 
Pilocarpus. (See Jaborandi.) 
Picrotoxine.-An active principle obtained from coccu- 
lus indicus, used to control profuse perspiration. 
Piper Methysticum: Kava-Kava.-A plant indigenous to 
the islands of the Pacific Ocean. The root contains 
properties which relieve irritation of the urinary tract 
and quiet neuralgia, especially of the fifth pair of nerves. 
Piscidia Erythrina; Jamaica Dogwood.-A small tree PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
693 
of the West Indies, the bark of the root of which is 
used as a hypnotic and anodyne. It is said to relieve 
pain in the dental nerves. 
Plantago Major; Plantain.-A well known herb, com- 
mon to America and Europe, the leaves and root of which 
are tinctured while fresh. Its principal use is for neu- 
ralgia of the dental nerves. 
Platina; Platinum.-A well known metal, long in use 
by the homeopaths, as a remedy for affections of the fe- 
male generative organs. 
Plurnbi Acetas; Acetate of Lead; Sugar of Lead.-A 
crystalline salt, used principally for its local effect. It 
is useful in erysipelas, trachoma and other affections of 
the conjunctiva, leucorrhoea, pruritus vulvse, and for skin 
affections attended by much itching. It is readily solu- 
ble in water, and is used in solutions of varying strength 
for different purposes (1 to 20 grains to the ounce). 
Plurnbi lodidum; Iodide of Lead.-Prepared by a reac- 
tion between nitrate of lead and iodide of potassium. 
It is used locally, in the form of an ointment, for enlarged 
glands and other indurations. 
Plurnbi Subacetas Liquor; Solution of Subacetate of 
lead; Goulard's Extract.-A solution employed princi- 
pally by oculists, for trachoma. 
Podophyllin.-A resinoid obtained from podophyllum 
peltatum, employed in triturations in cholera infantum 
and other affections involving the gastro-intestinal mu- 
cous membrane. In large doses it is a drastic cathartic. 
Podophyllum Peltatum; Mandrake; May-Apple.-A plant 
well known in the eastern part of this country, and indig- 
enous, growing in clusters, having a round fleshy stalk 
and a single set of umberella-like bright green shiny 
leaves, bearing a handsome white flower early in the sea- 
son, soon replaced by a showy yellow fruit, the size of a 
small apple. The plant grows about a foot high. The 694 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
root is the portion used; it is tinctured, and a solid ex- 
tract is prepared, while it also yields podophyllin. It is 
a drastic nauseating agent, purported io possess hepatic 
properties, but much overestimated, generally. 
Polygonum Punctatum ; Polygonum Hydropiperoides; 
Water-Pepper; Smartweed.-A well known acrid plant 
common to many parts of America, growing in ditches 
and wet places. A tincture should be prepared from the 
fresh plant, as age impairs its virtues, as also does heat. 
A remedy for flatulent colic, retention of urine from lack 
of expulsive power, suppression of the menstrual dis- 
charge, and dysmenorrhoea. 
Polyporus; Polyporus Officinalis; Larch Agaric.-A 
fungus growing on the abies excelsa tree, formerly called 
"boletus." Employed as a hepatic and antiperiodic. 
Pdlytrichum Juniperinum; Hair-Cap Moss; Bear's Bed; 
Bobin's Bye.-A moss, indigenous to the United States, 
possessing active diuretic properties. 
Polymnia TJvedalia; Bearsioot.-An indigenous plant 
found in Arkansas and neighboring states. The root is 
the part used. It is employed for enlargement of the 
uterus and spleen, applied locally, in the form of an oint- 
ment, and administered internally in tincture of the re- 
cent root, or specific medicine form. 
Populus Tremuloides; American Aspen; Trembling Pop- 
lar; White Poplar.-A tree indigenous to North America, 
the inner bark and leaves of which possess medicinal 
properties. Used in tincture or decoction for digestive 
troubles and for chronic affections of the kidneys. 
Potassa; Caustic Potash.-Found in the market in the 
form of white sticks, manufactured from the lye of hick- 
ory ashes. An active, penetrating caustic. 
Potassium Bichromate; Potassii Bichromas; Kali Bi- 
chromicum; Bichromate of Potassium.-Prepared from 
chromate of potassium. Used in triturations for its in- PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
695 
fluence on the respiratory and intestinal mucous mem- 
branes. 
Potassium Chlorate ; Potassii Chloras; Chlorate of Pot- 
ash.-A colorless crystalline salt, prepared from chlorine 
and potassium. Antiseptic and detergent. 
Potassium Chloride; Sal Digestivum Sylvii.-Exists in 
nature, either pure or combined wiih other chlorides. It 
occurs as colorless anhydrous permanent cubical crystals, 
recommended to arrest plastic exudation. One of the in- 
inorganic proximate principles. 
Potassium Hypophosphite; Potassii Hypophosphis; Hy- 
pophosphite of Potassium.-Formed by double decom- 
position occurring when solutions of hypophosphite of 
calcium and carbonate of potassium are combined. A 
white opaque granular deliquescent powder, used in 
painful muscular affections. 
Potassium Iodide. (See Iodide of Potash.) 
Potassium Permanganate; Potassii Permanganas; Per- 
manganate of Potassium.-Prepared from black oxide of 
manganese and potassium salts. It consists of black 
needle-shaped crystals, which dissolve readily in water, 
coloring it a reddish purple. It is used in amenorrhoea, 
and as a local disinfectant. 
Potassium Phoshpate. (See Phosphate of Potash.) 
Potassium Sulphate; Sulphate of Potassium; Potassii 
Sulphas.-Occurs native. One of the inorganic proxi- 
mate principles. 
Protiodide of Mercury. (See Hydrargyri lod. Vir.) 
Prunus Virginiana. (See Cerasus Virginiana.) 
Ptelea; Ptelea Trifoliata; Wafer-Ash; Shrubby Tre- 
foil; Hop-Tree; Wingseed.-An indigenous shrub, grow- 
ing from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin, and southward. It 
has been used in the treatment of digestive troubles at- 
tended by debility, and has been recommended in asthma. 
The bark of the root is the part used. 696 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
Pulsatilla Nigricans; German Pulsatilla.-A plant na- 
tive to Europe, used in nervous affections, and in disturb- 
ances of the generative organs in both sexes. 
Pulsatilla Nuttalliana; Anemona Nemorosa; "Wind-Flow- 
er; American Pulsatilla.-A plant indigenous to the 
United States, possessing properties similar to those of 
pulsatilla nigricans, but being better adapted to relaxa- 
tion of the veins. 
Punkama.-A combination of the active taenicide prin- 
ciples of pomegranate, male fern and kameela, suggested 
by Prof. Lyman Watkins, M. D., for the removal of tape- 
worm. It is a pleasant liquid, not disagreeable to taste, 
and readily retained by the stomach. The dose is one 
ounce, and a single dose is usually sufficient to remove 
the parasite. It should be given after a light breakfast, 
and followed in a few hours by a brisk cathartic, like the 
antibilious physic ( E. M. Journal). 
Punicine. (See Pelletierine.) 
Pyoktanin; Methyl-Violet.-An analine dye which oc- 
curs in the form of a paste, and in crystals. A pus 
destroyer and germicide. 
Quinia Sulphas; Sulphate of Quinia; Quinine.-Pre- 
pared from quinia, an alkaloid of Peruvian bark, by treat- 
ment with sulphuric acid. Antiperiodic. 
Ranunculus; Ranunculus Bulbosus; Crowfoot; Butter- 
cup.-An indigenous herb, common to the meadows and 
pastures of the eastern portion of the United States, dur- 
ing May and June. The whole plant furnishes a princi- 
ple useful in cutaneous affections. An alcoholic tincture 
of the fresh herb. 
Resorcin; Resorcinum.-Obtained by fusing certain 
gum-resins with caustic potash. It crystallizes in small 
colorless prisms, possessing an odor suggestive of car- 
bolic acid. It is destructive of vegetable parasitic skin 
diseases, and possesses antiseptic properties when ap- 697 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
plied to suppurating surfaces. Internally, it has been 
used for antipyretic purposes. 
Retinol; Rosinol.-A liquid hydrocarbon, obtained by 
the distillation of colophony. A remedy in use by ocu- 
lists for local application in inflammatory conditions of 
the ocular appendages. 
Rhododendron; Rhododendron Chrysanthum; Siberian 
Rose; Yellow-Flowered Rhododendron.-Indigenous to 
Siberia. The dried leaves and flower buds are used me- 
dicinally. Employed in affections of the sexual organs, 
and in rheumatism. 
Rhus Aromatica; Fragrant Sumach.-A shrub intro- 
duced by Dr. McClanahan, an Eclectic physician of Mis- 
souri, to which state it is indigenous. The bark of the 
root is employed. It relieves irritation of the urinary 
tract, curing incontinence, dysuria, etc., and also control- 
ling capillary hemorrhage from the uterus and kidneys. 
Rhus Glabrum: Common Sumach.-A Shrub indigenous 
to the United States, the bark and leaves of which are 
employed in stomatitis ulcerata, sponginess of the gums, 
diarrhoea, etc. 
Rhus Toxicodendron; Poison Oak.-A shrub indigenous 
to many parts of this country, possessing powerfully poi- 
sonous properties, to which certain persons seem partic- 
ularly suceptible, even the emanations from the leaves 
causing severe irritation of the skin. The leaves are used 
in medicine, and should be tinctured when fresh. A sed- 
ative to the general circulation, acting particularly on 
the gastric mucous membrane to relieve irritation, and on 
the tissues of the face and conjunctiva, to control suba- 
cute inflammatory action attended by redness, puffiness 
and itching. 
Rumex Crispus; Yellow Dock.-An herb common to 
many parts of the United States, possessing antiscorbutic 
and alterative properties. The root is the part used. 698 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
Sabal Serrulata; Serenoa Serrulata; Saw Palmetto.-A 
palm indigenous to Florida and neighboring states, the 
berries of which rejuvenate the sexual apparatus, in both 
sexes. 
Salicylate of Sodium; Sodii Salicylas.-Prepared by 
combining salicylic acid and carbonate of sodium. It is 
a white crystalline powder, soluble in water and alcohol. 
Used principally in rheumatic affections. 
Salix Nigra; Black Willow; Pussy-Willow.-The cat- 
kins of this tree are employed successfully to control ex- 
cessive venerea] excitement. 
Salol.-A combination of salicylic acid and phenol. It 
is reputed to possess chologogue and antirheumatic prop- 
erties, but has not become very popular with Eclectics. 
Used in the preparation of salol-camphor. 
Salophen; Acet-Para-Amidosalol.-A preparation com- 
posed largely of salicylic acid, recommended for the 
treatment of rheumatism. 
Sambucus Canadensis; Common Elder.-A shrub indig- 
enous to this country, the inner bark and flowers of 
which possess medicinal properties, chiefly directed to 
the respiratory organs and skin. 
Sandalwood Oil. (See Oleum Santali.) 
Sanguinaria Canadensis; Bloodroot; Red Puccoon.-A. 
plant indigenous to the eastern portion of the United 
States. The root furnishes three alkaloids, the most im- 
portant of which is sanguinarina. Sanguinarin is a res- 
inoid obtained from the same source. Nitrate of san- 
guinarina is prepared by treating a saturated solution 
of the alkaloid with equal parts of nitric acid and ether. 
Sanguinaria and its derivatives are expectorant and em- 
menogogue. 
Santonine; Santoninum; Santoninic Acid.-A white 
crystalline principle obtained from santonica, or German 
wormseed. It relieves urinary irritation, and is destruc- PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
699 
five of the lumbricoid worm. Its principal use is that 
of an anthelmintic. 
Saponaria; Saponaria Officinalis; Soapwort; Bouncing 
Bet.-A plant growing in the United States, but proba- 
bly introduced from Europe. The root and leaves yield 
a principle called "saponin." Used as an emmenogogue. 
Sarsaparilla; Smilax. Officinalis.-The root of a plant, 
or species of plants, most common in Mexico and Central 
America. It seems that several kinds are gathered for 
the market, and that some confusion exists as to the 
identity of the most reliable one; some of the imported 
product possesses little value. 
Saw Palmetto. (See Sabal Serrulata.) 
Scilla Maritima; Squill.-A plant native to the north- 
ern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, growing in wet sit- 
uations. It influences the respiratory and circulatory 
organs. 
Scoparius Summitates; Broom-Tops.-The tops of sar- 
othamnus scoparius, a plant native to Europe but culti- 
vated in the United States. The tops are diuretic and 
cathartic. They furnish scoparin and sparteine, the for- 
mer a neutral crystal and the latter a volatile liquid 
alkaloid. Both influence the heart. 
Scutellaria Lateriflora; Scullcap; Bloodwort; Madweed. 
-Indigenous to the United States. The whole plant is 
used, treated with alcohol w'hile fresh. It possesses car- 
diac and antispasmodic properties. 
Secale Cornutum; Ergot of Rye; Ergot; Spurred Rye.-- 
A fungus growth replacing the grain of rye. It stimu- 
lates powerful and persistent labor pains, being a typical 
oxytocic when administered in full doses during labor. 
It lowers blood pressure by contracting the arteries, aud 
is a favorite with many practitioners as a remedy in pul- 
monary and uterine hemorrhage, though rather overesti- 
mated, I think. 700 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
Senecio; Senecio Aureus; Ragwort.-A plant indige- 
nous to the United States, possessing emmenogogue and 
other properties directed to correct performance of the 
uterine functions. The herb, gathered when in blossom, 
should be tinctured when fresh. 
Senna;-The leaflets of the cassia acutifolia (Alexan- 
dria senna) and cassia elongata (India senna). Princi- 
pally used as a cathartic. It is a mild and efficient pur- 
gative. Combined with jalap (2 parts of powdered senna 
to 1 of powdered jalap, by weight, with a minute quanitity 
of powdered cloves) it constitutes the well known Anti- 
bilious Physic of the American Dispensatory, a favorite 
prescription with Eclectics when evacuation of the intes- 
tinal canal is desired. The dose of this may vary from 
half a drachm to a drachm. 
Sepia.-The black-brown secretion obtained from the 
pouch of the cuttle-fish or squid, a mollusc (sepia offici- 
nalis) found in the Mediterranean Sea. In India and 
some neighboring countries the common writing ink is 
prepared from it, and it is used by artists as a water- 
color. In attenuations it constitutes a superior remedy 
in certain female affections. 
Silica; Silecia; Silicon; Elint.-Triturated in sugar of 
milk, it is used for its influence on bone and cartilage. 
Silpliium Gumuiferum; Silphium Laciniatum; Rosin 
Weed; Compass Plant.-A plant indigenous to the Unit- 
ed States, employed in affections of the respiratory and 
urinary mucous membranes. 
Sodii Bicarbonas; Bicarbonate of Sodium.-Prepared by 
saturating carbonate of sodium with carbonic acid. Used 
as an antacid. 
Sodii Boras; Borate of Sodium; Borax.-A substance 
which exists native, and which may be prepared artifi- 
cially. Used principally for its local cleansing effects. 
Internally, it influences the female generative apparatus. 701 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
Sodii Chloridum; Chloride of Sodium; Sea Salt; Com- 
mon Salt.-Obtained native. One of the inorganic prox- 
imate principles. Used for cleansing purposes in 
ophthalmic practice. 
Sodii lodidum; Iodide of Sodium.-Prepared from io- 
dine and soda. Used for purposes similar to those for 
which iodide of potassium is prescribed. 
Sodii Phosphas. (See Phosphate of Sodium.) 
Sodii Sulphas; Sulphate of Sodium; Glauber's Salt.- 
Exists in nature, and may be prepared artificially. It is 
a crystallizable salt, occurring in large colorless trans- 
parent monoclinic prisms, which effloresce upon exposure 
to air. A specific in dysentery, and a valuable remedy 
in lead poisoning. Cathartic, in large doses. 
Solanum Carolinense; Horse-Nettle.-A plant indige- 
nous to South Carolina and neighboring states. The 
berries are used for epilepsy and other nervous affec- 
tions. 
Solanum Dulcamara; Bittersweet; Woody Nightshade. 
-A plant indigenous to the eastern portion of this coun- 
try. The young shoots are used in medicine, both in 
the form of an ointment locally, and tincture internally. 
Solanum Nigrum; Black Nightshade; Garden Night- 
shade.-An indigenous plant, the leaves of which are em- 
ployed in nervous affections. 
Sozoiodol; Di-Iodo-Phenol-Sulphuric Acid.-Derived 
from a combination of phenol, iodine and sulphuric acid* 
A local remedy possessing astringent and antiseptic prop- 
erties. Combined with sodium, it forms a white odorless 
salt, used in ophthalmic practice. 
Sparteine Sulphas ; Sulphate of Sparteine.-A greenish 
crystal, freely soluble in water, prepared by treating sul- 
phuric acid with sparteine, used in cardiac affections and 
exophthalmic goitre. 
Spigelia Marilandica ; Pinkroot; Carolina Pink.-An 702 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
indigenous plant, common to the Southern States. It is 
anthelmintic, and has been used succesefully in cardiac 
affections. 
Spongia Tosta; Boasted Sponge.-A remedy in use by 
the homeopaths, for its influence upon the respiratory 
organs and thyroid gland. The sponge should be roasted, 
not burnt. 
SquiU. (See Scilla Maritima.) 
Stannum; Tin.-A metal, well known in the arts. The 
tin-foil is triturated with sugar of milk for medicinal pur- 
poses. Used in nervous affections. 
Staphisagria; Delphinium Staphisagria; Stavesacre.- 
A plant indigenous to the south of Europe. It is used 
for prostatic and vesical irritation, especially that about 
the base of the bladder involving the vesiculse seminales. 
Sterculia; Sterculia Acuminata.-A tree native to Af- 
rica, which bears the kola nut. Employed in affections 
of the heart-the nut. 
Sticta Pulmonaria; Lungwort.-A lichen common to 
New England, New York and Pennsylvania. It is used 
in laryngeal and tracheal coughs, and in pain arising 
therefrom and involving the posterior thoracic muscles. 
Stillingia Sylvatica; Qeen's-Root; Qeen's Delight; Yaw 
Boot; Silver-Leaf.-A plant indigenous to the southeast- 
ern portion of the United States. It is alterative in its 
effects, being adapted to the treatment of syphilis and 
scrofula, and to pulmonary affections, especially of stru- 
mous character. 
Stramonium; Datura Stramonium; Thornapple; Jimp- 
son Weed.-A common plant in this country, but sup- 
posed to have been transported at some time, as it is 
common in Europe and other countries. The seeds and 
leaves are used in medicine, for a variety of purposes. 
An ointment is prepared from the leaves, which is sooth- 
ing and healing for external hemorrhoids and other pain- 703 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
ful affections. The tincture is used internally in nervous 
diseases, such as asthma, delirium tremens, etc. 
Strontium Lactate; Strontii Lactas; Lactate of Stron- 
tium. A salt of strontium, valued for its action on the 
kidneys. 
Strophanthine. (See Strophanthus.) 
Strophanthus; Strophanthus Kombe; Arrow Poison.-• 
A plant native to Africa, possessing valuable cardiac 
properties. Strophanthine is a crystallizable glucoside 
obtained from strophanthus, to which its properties are 
similar. 
Strychnia.-An alkaloid obtained from nux vomica. 
Sty rone.-A derivative of styrax, a balsam obtained 
from the liquidambar orientalis, a tree growing in Asia 
Minor. It possesses antiseptic properties. 
Sulphur; Brimstone.-A non-metallic solid element, 
found in the neighborhood of volcanoes. It is widely 
distributed, in connection with metals, as in sulphides of 
iron, copper, etc. Used in the treatment of cutaneous, 
muscular and nervous affections, and as a laxative. 
Sulphate of Nickel; Niccoli Sulphas.-A green crystalline 
salt, prepared by dissolving carbonate of nickel in sul- 
phuric acid. It is recommended in the treatment of epi- 
lepsy. 
Sumbul; Musk-Root.-The root of ferula sumbul, a 
plant growing in Asia. It is adapted to the treatment 
of nervous affections of women. 
Tanacetum; Tanacetum Vulgare; Tansy.-A plant in- 
digenous to Europe, but growing in the United States, in 
many places. The upper portion of the plant is used as 
an emmenogogue. 
Tamarindus; Egyptian Tamarind.-The flowers of this 
plant have been recommended in hemorrhoids. The 
pulp of the fruit of Tamarindus Indica is dissolved in 
water to prepare a refrigerant drink to be used in fevers. 704 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS'. 
Tartar Emetic; Antimonii et Potassii Tartras; Tartar- 
us Emeticus.-Prepared from the oxide of antimony and 
acid tartrate of potassium. It consists of small transpar- 
ent colorless crystals, which are often reduced to a white 
powder, for the market. It is a powerful emetic and 
depressant, when administered in large doses. In mi- 
nute doses it dynamically influences the restoration ol 
the mucous membrane of the small bronchial tubes in 
bronchitis. 
Tela Arauece; Cobweb; Spider's Web.-Used in certain 
nervous affections. 
Thuja Occidentalis; Arbor Vita?.-A tree indigenous to 
the United States, the foliage of which is used for medic- 
inal purposes. It is used for its influence upon the skin, 
and as a remedy for injection in hydrocele and hemor- 
rhoids. 
Thymol.-A stearoptene obtained from the volatile oil 
of thymus vulgaris. Used for the expulsion of tape- 
worm. 
Tonga.-A composition of unkown barks compounded 
by the natives of the Feejee Islands. Recommended in 
neuralgia, and ophthalmic affections. 
Trillium Pendulum; White Beth Root.-A plant com- 
mon to the Middle, and Western States of the Missippi 
Valley. The root is the part employed. It yields tril- 
lin, an active principle of the part. Used in relaxation 
of the capillaries, to control profuse mucous and san- 
guineous discharges. 
Triticum Repens; Couch-Grass.-A plant indigenous to 
Europe, but abundant in this country. The root is the 
part used. Recommended in irritation of the bladder 
and urethra. 
Trinitrin. (See Nitro-Glycerine.) 
Triosteum; Triosteum Perfoliatum; Fever Root.-A 
plant indigenous to the United States. The root and 705 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
berries are used. Employed in derangement of the di- 
gestive organs. 
Turnera Aphrodisiaca; Damiana.-A tropical American 
plant, possessing aphrodisiac properties. The upper 
portion of the plant is used. 
Uranic Nitrate; Nitrate of Uranium.-Prepared by 
treating uranium, a metal, with nitric acid. Used in gly- 
cosuria and relaxation of the renal capillaries. 
Urtica Dioica; Urtica Urens; Stinging Nettle.-A plant 
indigenous to Europe and America, used in glandular 
and cutaneous affections. The upper portion is the part 
used. 
Ustilago Maidis ; Corn-Smut; Maize-Smut.-A fungus 
growing on Indian corn(zea maize), containing ergotin 
and possessing properties somewhat similar to those of 
ergot, though differing essentially. 
Uva Ursi; Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi; Bearberry.-An 
evergreen shrub, indigenous with the northern flora of 
America, Europe and Asia. The leaves are employed in 
medicine, principally on account of their influence on the 
urinary organs. 
FaZerian; Valeriana Officinalis.-An herbaceous plant 
indigenous to Europe, employed for its influence in ner- 
vous affections. The root is the part used. 
Valerianate of Ammonium; Ammonii Valerianas.-Pre- 
pared by saturating valerianic acid with gaseous ammonia 
which has first been caused to pass through a bottle con- 
taining pieces of lime. It is a snow-white crystalline 
salt, possessing the odor of valerian, and a sharp, sweet- 
ish taste. Employed in nervous affections. 
Veratrum Album; White Hellebore.-A plant indige- 
nous to the mountainous portions of Europe, used to ar- 
rest watery evacuations from the bowels. 
Veratrum Viride; American Hellebore; Swamp Helle- 
bore.^-An American plant, common to many parts of the 706 
PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
eastern portion of this country, growing in swamps and 
moist localities along the banks of streams. The root 
is the part used. It is a sedative to excited conditions 
of the general circulation-what Professor Scudder 
termed a "special sedative." 
Verbascum Thapsus; Mullein.-A weed common almost 
everywhere in America and Europe, the leaves of which 
are valuable in irritation of the larynx, trachea and bron- 
chi. A decoction of the recent leaves is best. An ex- 
tract is prepared from the fresh blossoms by filling a 
bottle with them and hanging it in the sun for a fort- 
night. This has been extolled as a topical remedy to the 
ear for deafness and earache, and internally, in dilutions, 
for incontinence of urine and vesical irritation. It has 
been known as "the oil of mullein." 
Vesicaria Communis ; Gemine Blasen Kraut.-An herb 
common to Germany and other parts of Europe, specific- 
ally influencing the urinary tract. 
Viburnum Opulus; High Cranberry; Cramp Bark.-A 
shrub commmon to the United States east of the Missis- 
sippi, the bark of which influences the female reproduc- 
tive organs. 
Viburnum Prunifolium; B'ack Haw.-A small tree in- 
digenous to the eastern and southeastern portions of the 
United States, which possesses a reputation as a remedy 
to prevent abortion. The bark is the part used. 
Vinca Minor; Lesser Periwinkle.-A plant indigenous 
to Europe, recommended for passive uterine hemorrhage. 
The whole plant is used. 
Viola Tricolor; Pansy; Heart's-Ease; Johnny Jump- 
up.-Garden pansy is a native of Europe, but cultivated 
in the southern portion of the United States and in Cali- 
fornia. The whole plant is tinctured for medicinal use. 
Recommended in cutaneous affections. 
Xanthoxylum Fraxineum; Prickly Ash.-An indigenous SUPPLEMENT TO PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
707 
shrub, common to many parts of the United States. It 
is a stimulating tonic, possessing special properties in 
intestinal and uterine affections. The bark and berries 
are used. 
Zincum; Zinc.-A well known metal. Used in tritura- 
tions in nervous affections. 
Zincum Acetate; Acetate of Zinc; Zinci Acetas.-Pre- 
pared by acting upon carbonate of zinc with acetic acid. 
Used principally for its local effects in ophthalmic prac- 
tice. It forms in soft pearly scales. 
Zincum Sulphate; Sulphate of Zinc; Zinci Sulphas; 
White Vitrol.-Prepared by acting upon zinc with sul- 
phuric acid. A white crystalline salt, freely soluble in 
water, used almost exclusively as a topical remedy. 
Supplement to Pharmacological Excerpts. 
Cratcegus Oxyacantha ; English Hawthorn.-A thorny 
shrub indigenous to the British Isles, the fruit of which 
contains specific virtues as a cardiac agent. A saturated 
tincture is prepared from the fruit (haw), the dose of 
which varies from three to twenty drops, to be repeated 
three or four times daily, the smaller dose proving 
most efficacious. The United States Dispensatory men- 
tions cratsegus as a possible source of amygdalin. The 
tincture is obtainable at homeopathic pharmacies. 
Eudoxine.-A German secret preparation recommended 
by Prof. Gere in the fermentation of chronic gastro-intes- 
tinal diseases. The dose is five or six grains. Kept in 
stock by most enterprising druggists in large cities. 
Hydrozone; Glycozone.-Water and glycerine charged 
with a large amount of oxygen. Prepared by Charles 
Marchand. 
Negundium Americanum; Negundo Aceroides; Box- 708 
SUPPLEMENT TO PHARMACOLOGICAL EXCERPTS. 
Elder.-A tree indigenous to the United States, some- 
times cultivated as a shade-tree. The bark of the root 
is highly recommended by Dr O. S. Laws, of Los Angeles 
Cal., as a specific for hemorrhoids. It is a native of 
Kansas and contiguous states. The powdered root has 
thus far been employed. 
Piperazin; Piperazinum.-A colorless crystalline sub- 
stance, prepared by treating ethylene bromide or chlorido 
with ammonium. It possesses the specific property of 
dissolving uric acid, and is highly commended in the 
treatment of lithsemia. The dose varies from 3 to 8 
grains four or five times daily. It should be adminis- 
tered in carbonated water. 
Rhamnus Californica; California Coffee-tree; Bearberry. 
-A shrub growing from ten to fifteen feet in height, 
indigenous to California and Eastern Oregon. The bark 
of the trunk and branches and the leaves possess medic- 
inal properties. It is one of the sources of cascara 
sagrada bark, and in common with other species of rham- 
nus it possesses cathartic properties in a marked degree. 
Its specific use is in the treatment of rheumatism. A 
fluid extract is now prepared by several manufacturing 
drug houses in the United States, which possesses the 
qualities of the crude product to a moderate extent. 
The dose of the decoction varies from a tablespoonful to 
five or six ounces; of the fluid extract, from fifteen drops 
to a drachm. Introduced by the author as a specific for 
rheumatism in the July number of the Eclectic Medical 
Journal, for 1895. 
Sulpho-Carbol ate of Zinc; Zinci Sulphocarbolas.-Pre- 
pared by heating equal parts of carbolic and sulphuric 
acids, saturating the mixture with oxide of zinc, and after- 
ward evaporating and crystalizing. Employed as an 
intestinal antiseptic in summer complaints and other 
acute and subacute gastro-intestinal affections. NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
709 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR 
OLD ONES. 
Antitoxins. 
It is now generally supposed that most if not all conta- 
gious and infectious diseases are the result of bacterial 
influence, and that the acute constitutional symptoms 
which attend such diseases are due to the influence upon 
the blood of bacterial secretions termed ptomains or 
"toxins." These toxins seem to vary in their virulence, 
both in different diseases and in different individuals, the 
latter fact suggesting that some individuals possess more 
inherent resistive power than others-in other words, 
that a natural immunity of varying degree exists in all 
bodies against this class of diseases-and suggesting the 
presence in the blood of a natural antitoxin. Many dis- 
eases to which man is liable are also liable to infect cer- 
tain animals, while other diseases of infective nature to 
which animals are liable do not affect humans, and vice 
versa. It is claimed that the immunity that exists natu- 
rally in some species can be cultivated in lower animals 
to a certain extent, so that virulent infectious diseases 
lose their fatality, in great measure, in an individual who 
has been treated for immunization, if they impress him 
at all. Such, at least, are the claims of bacteriologists, 
and they furthermore assert that the immunizing agents 
possess therapeutic qualities also, after inoculation or 
infection has once taken place. 
The antitoxins are asserted to consist of first, a nor- 
mal product from animal tissues termed nuclein; second, 
of cultures of bacteria (each species being antidotal to 
itself, usually); and third, of the serum from the blood 
of animals which have been rendered immune or 710 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES- 
of infected animals which has undergone attenuation 
through dilution, heat, etc. To "attenuate" a virulent 
culture or fluid, various methods are employed, such as 
straining or filtering the bacteria from the fluid and 
employing the ptomaius, these usually being heated 
still further to lessen their virulence, and further weak- 
ened with diluted carbolic acid or other fluid. Another 
method of attenuation is that of passing cultures through 
the systems of animals naturally immune. 
The general proposition in the treatment of an individ- 
ual to protect him against an infectious disease is to 
begin with a highly attenuated virus of the disease in 
question, and gradually increase the quantity and strength 
until his system is thoroughly brought under its influ- 
ence without severely toxic effects. The theory is beau- 
tiful, but unfortunately results have not been flattering, 
in many cases. When the accidents attending inoculation 
are taken into consideration, the failures leave no flatter- 
ing margin of advantage. Still, the doctrine probably 
contains enough truth to entitle it to a little attention at 
our hands. 
Nucleins.-The nucleins are nature's antitoxins. They 
represent the vital principle or formative force of cells. 
By virtue of their action, the protoplasm assumes definite 
shape, and becomes active, living material. Each class 
of cells is represented by its own nuclein. The nuclein 
from the cells of thyroid gland differs from that of the 
spleen and other organs. There are as many nucleins as 
there are varieties of cells. 
While nuclein may exist in other situations, it is 
most abundant in that part of the cell known as the nu- 
cleus, constituting the chromatin. The chromatin of a cell 
is its nuclein. Nucleins are complex bodies, chemically, 
containing proportionately a large amount of phosphorus, 
which exists as a nucleinic acid combined with a highly NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
711 
complex base. The basic substance varies, and this vari- 
ation constitutes the difference between different nucleins. 
Nucleins resist peptic digestion, and are insoluble in 
dilute acids, while soluble in dilute alkalies. 
The most fruitful source of supply is the leucocytes. 
These are observed to multiply rapidly in infectious dis- 
eases, and the alkalinity of the blood also increases, sug- 
gesting a vital effort toward overcoming the infection. 
The theory of phagocytosis, first advanced by Sternberg, 
and elaborated by Metchnikoff, involves the action of 
nuclein, though Metchnikoff lays much stress upon the 
mechanical action of the leucocytes. The clinical expe- 
rience of those who have employed nuclein largely in cer- 
tain infectious diseases, however, sustains the theory that 
the action is more a vital than a mechanical or chemical 
one. Nucleins, however, are not antitoxins alone. They 
possess other valuable properties. They seem to estab- 
lish a new effort upon the part of the blood-forming func- 
tions, and have proven one of the most reliable of agents 
in pernicious anaemia. The enthusiam of some of those 
practitioners who have labored under the incubus of an 
old-school education therapeutically for it, is almost 
unbounded. As for myself, I have failed to reap the 
extreme benefit from nuclein that I have expected, though 
I am ready to admit that it is worthy of frequent trial 
as a remedial agent. 
For the benefit of my readers I will reproduce a bit of 
the laudatory literature upon the subject quite common 
in these times. It is an article from the Alkaloidal Clinic 
of June 1898, by H. C. Martin, M. D.:- 
"You ask subscribers their opinion of nuclein as tested 
in actual practice. In my experience it is the greatest 
curative agent that I ever used. 
"I first tried Reed & Carnrick's protonuclein on myself. 
In health it increased my appetite. I used protonuclein 712 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
with the alkaloids in a case of facial erysipelas, and 
nessed it dry up the eruption in a very surprising man- 
ner. My boy, aged six years, was taken with a very vio- 
lent tonsillitis, so bad that I couldn't open his mouth 
enough to make an examination. It acted like diphthe- 
ritic tonsillitis, and my ordinary treatment would not 
touch it. I had some nuclein (Aulde), which I gave him. 
In one-half hour I could see he was better. He recov- 
ered in two or three days. I delivered a primipara with 
the forceps, and as she was lacerated in the vagina I put 
her on Aulde's nuclein. She recovered surprisingly well. 
I have had all the septicaemia I want, and now use nuclein 
after every confinement, as a prophylactic. 
"Last winter I was taken suddenly with hematuria. I 
was out of nuclein at the time, and kept about the same 
till I received some. A few days after taking it I was 
much better, and recovered promptly. 
"I had a patient seventy-seven years of age with a 
severe cold. As I had but little nuclein left I decided 
that he could get along without it, and would save it for 
an emergency. About three days later he sent for me, 
said he was going to die, he knew he was. Then I trotted 
out my nuclein and left him some. Next day they said 
he was a little better. When he was out of nuclein I 
couldn't build him up; when he had plenty he built up. 
The last I heard from him he had been out to cut some 
wood and his nurse said that he could eat as much as 
she could. I am satisfied that nuclein has saved the sev- 
enty-seven-year-old man from, not a premature grave, 
but a pretty certain death by the old style of treatment. 
"Nuclein, in this Rocky Mountain region (Wyoming), 
in my practice, will plant the hue of health on the pallid 
cheek; it will fire the eye, put hope in the hopeless heart, 
put courage in the soul, and make the man who has given 
up the battle of life get up and hustle to keep up with NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
713 
the procession. He who was instrumental in introduc- 
ing this grand therapeutic agent to the notice of the med- 
ical profession, is certainly a benefactor to the race." 
Aulde's nuclein has been highly recommended as a 
remedy in scarlatina, and here it is probably its anti- 
toxic qualities which prove efficacious. It is taken per 
mouth, while antitoxins are injected subcutaneously. 
Antitoxin of Cholera.-It is now generally understood 
that the active principle of cholera is the spirillum 
of Koch (the comma bacillus), and that this organ- 
ism generates a toxin in the alimentary canal, which 
is absorbed into the general circulation and gives rise 
to the severe symptoms which characterize the disease. 
The virulence of cholera and its rapid spread during an 
epidemic has rendered it very important that a protective 
treatment should be discovered; and since the develop- 
ment of bacteriology, considerable experimentation has 
been carried on in different quarters, looking to this end. 
On animals, it seems to be pretty well demonstrated 
that immunity can be established by the use of attenuated 
cultures, injected into the circulation, so that inoculations 
of virus, which ordinarily prove fatal to life in a few 
hours, can afterward be tolerated without great danger. 
Extensive experiments were crrried on by Ferran, in 
Spain, in 1885, during the epidemic of cholera there, upon 
humans, and statistics seem to prove that much benefit 
was derived from inoculations of attenuated cultures, 
though it did not prove nearly as successful as expected. 
English physicians have experimented in India on simi- 
lar lines, and the conclusion was arrived at that a certain 
amount of temporary benefit was derived from the anti- 
toxin, though no very permanent immunity was conferred. 
The serum of immune animals has been employed as a 
preventative, and it has been found to contain an anti- 714 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
toxin which protects to a certain extent, for a limited 
time, against the disease. 
After all, it is doubtful whether inoculations with anti- 
toxin in this disease are comparable as a preventative 
measure with proper quarantine, boiling the drinking 
water, and other sanitary precautions. 
Antitoxin of Diphtheria.-Behring was the pioneer in 
the series of investigations which led up to the attempt 
to immunize against diphtheria, and neutralize its effects 
when established. Aftei* much experimentation he fixed 
a standard for what he termed a "normal toxic unit.'7 
This is a strength of serum which, when injected into 
a guinea-pig in the proportion of 1 to 5000 of the weight 
of the animal protects it from the fatal effect of ten times 
the minimum amount of culture two days old required to 
kill an unprotected animal. To produce immunity in 
man, 150 of these "normal units" are said to be required, 
though the first announcement was that 60 were 
sufficient. 
The immunizing and therapeutic serum usually em- 
ployed in the antitoxic treatment of diphtheria is ob- 
tained from the horse, which animal is selected because 
of its slight susceptibility and the ease with which a 
high grade of immunity can be established. To prepare 
an animal properly it is subjected to gradually increas- 
ing doses of a filtered culture of diphtheria bacilli, suffi- 
ciently virulent to kill a guinea-pig in small quantity 
within forty-eight hours, the injections of this into the 
horse being repeated first every seven days, then every 
six days, then every five, and so on until about the fifti- 
eth day is reached, when the intervals are gradually 
increased until, about the eighty-eighth day, a week is 
allowed to intervene. After three months of such treat- 
ment the blood of the prepared animal is considered pro- NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES 
715 
tective, and is to be withdrawn from the jugular vein, in 
quantities of from three to eight liters at a time, through 
a sterilized canula, and received in open-mouthed vials 
of two and a half liter capacity. These are placed in an 
ice-chest for twenty-four hours to allow the serum to sep- 
arate, and the serum is afterward transferred to smaller 
receptacles and sealed for preservation. Pronounced 
local and general reaction follows the first injections of 
the poison into the horse, cedema, with inflammatory 
action marking the point of puncture, and systemic dis- 
turbance being manifested by two or three degrees of 
rise of temperature, loss of appetite, and occasional 
cramps. Between periods of injection time must be 
allowed for complete recovery from general and local 
effects. As the quantity of toxins increases, the general 
effects usually decrease, and by the sixtieth day there 
are no systemic symptoms, the only casualty following 
inoculation being oedema at the site of puncture, which 
disappears within from twenty-four to forty-eight hours. 
Rats, goats, and dogs have been employed for similar 
purposes, though the diphtheria antitoxin of commerce 
is usually, if not uniformly, horse-serum. 
As to the results of horse-serum treatment, much dis- 
pute exists. It has its advocates and it has its oppo- 
nents. Enthusiasts are prone to employ it in all cases 
of exudative throat disease; and follicular tonsillitis, a 
mild affair, as well as other forms of pseudo-diphtheria, 
are liable to be included among their cases reported 
cured with it, to swell the percentage of successful results. 
In some instances sudden death has followed the injec- 
tion of the agent for protective purposes, so that it is 
well to remember that its use is not without danger. 
Some of our prominent Eclectics, however, have written 
very favorably of it in true cases of malignant diphtheria, 
so its use would be justifiable in desperate straits. It is 716 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
well, however, to recollect that we possess an excellent 
and harmless antitoxin in echinacea; and whether any 
other remedy can equal it is yet to be proven. Full 
directions accompany each package of antitoxin, which is 
now in the stock of most well-appointed drug stores. 
Recently the claim has been made that nuclein is as 
reliable as antitoxin in diphtheria, and it has been sug- 
gested that the curative effect of antitoxin in this disease 
is due to the nuclein it contains. 
Antitoxin of Glanders.-The bacillus malleus is the 
microbe of glanders. By concentration of the toxins of 
cultures of this organism in glycerine, or by making an 
alcoholic precipitate, a substance called "inellein" is 
obtained, which is used for diagnostic purposes, this, as 
in the case of tuberculin in tuberculosis, causing a rise 
in the temperature of animals affected with glanders 
when injected into the circulation. The use of this 
agent is claimed to result in immunizing those treated 
against the disease, and also in effecting a_cure in those 
recently affected with it. 
Bonome published a paper in 1894, in which he 
claimed to have had favorable results in the treatment of 
chronic glanders in a man by the use of doses of mallein 
varying from a fifteenth to a twentieth of a cubic centi- 
meter. It at first caused elevation of temperature, head- 
ache, polyuria, etc., but after two or three days these 
symptoms ceased to appear. In animals, the serum from 
the blood of the ox, which possesses an immunity for 
glanders, has been used with curative effect. 
Antitoxin of Hydrophobia.-In spite of the thorough 
search that has been made for years, the etiological fac- 
tor in the causation of hydrophobia remains yet to be 
discovered. The virus is undoubtedly a toxalbumin, NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
717 
however, and its origin must necessarily be an organism. 
Principles regarding the cure and prevention which ap- 
ply to other infectious diseases, therefore apply to this. 
The virus of hydrophobia seems to be located princi- 
pally in the salivary glands and nervous structure. The 
brain and spinal cord from an animal dead from hydro- 
phobia possesses the toxic principle in fully as great 
degree as the virus with which it was first inoculated. 
The method of preparing the antitoxin of this disease 
so that immunity can be conferred with it is to success- 
ively inoculate a different species with it until it becomes 
so attenuated that a susceptible species no longer pro- 
duces fatal rabies. It can then be employed to confer 
immunity. Pasteur inoculated monkeys successively with 
the virus until it became so attenuated that it was 
no longer fatal to dogs, and dogs treated with the virus 
from the monkeys were afterward proof against inocula- 
tions of the stronger virus. The serum from the blood 
of immune dogs is said to also possess immunizing prop- 
erties. Rabbits, sheep, and goats have been employed. 
Pasteur found that the spinal cord of a rabbit dead from 
hydrophobia gradually loses its virulence and finally 
becomes lost, when hanging in a dry atmosphere. A 
recent emulsion of this injected into dogs proved protec- 
tive by conferring immunity. 
Emulsions of the spinal cord of rabbits have been 
used by Pasteur and other physicians in the treatment 
of persons bitten by rabid dogs with completely satis- 
factory results, the death-rate for the large number 
treated averaging less than one per cent, of all cases. 
Probably this plan deserves more credit in hydrophobia 
than any other unless echinacea shall prove, upon ex- 
tended trial, a perfect antidote. The emulsion is in- 
jected into the tissues with a hypodermic syringe, re- 
peated doses being employed, until the system is 718 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
thoroughly brought under its influence. Recent investi- 
gators assert that a precipitate from the serum of immun- 
ized sheep can be prepared which possesses advantages 
over the emulsion used by the followers of Pasteur, in 
that it is easy of preservation in a dry condition for an 
indefinite time, and is therefore always on hand for emer- 
gencies, convenient for the general practitioner, while 
Pasteur's method necessitates the establishing of "insti- 
tutes," where material must be frequently created to pre- 
vent complete loss of the virus from the effects of age, 
and be in continual preparation for emergencies. 
Apropos to the subject in hand, the following commu- 
nication to the editor of the Eclectic Medical Journal is 
interesting reading. It suggests that many of the re- 
ported cures are hypothecated, and that favorable statis- 
tics are manufactured to bolster up the claims of serum- 
therapy in this disease, though it is well to remember 
that the best means may sometimes fail to cure such a 
desperate disease as hydrophobia.:- 
Editor E. M. Journal.-Dear Sir: In the Journal le 
Medicine, of Brussels, of the 15th inst., quoting the 
JburwaZ de Medicine, of Paris, is given an account of a 
policeman of that city having been badly bitten by a 
mad dog. The next day he went to the Pasteur Institute, 
where he was treated for eighteen days, during all of 
which time he rigorously followed the prescribed treat- 
ment and was discharged cured. 
"Last week," says the Paris Medical Journal, "he felt 
certain pains, which excited the suspicions of the doctor 
whom he consulted. The doctor telephoned to the di- 
rector of the Pasteur Institute, who replied that his 
trouble must be attributed to some other cause than 
hydrophobia, because he had left their Institute com- 
pletely cured. At the end of two or three days, doubt was 
no longer possible; the case was clearly one of hydro- 
phobia. He was taken to the hospital where he died last 
last Sunday morning in frightful convulsions." NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
719 
It is quite likely that this case will appear in the an- 
nals of the Pasteur Institute as one of their cures. 
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 
E. 0 Townsend, 
New York, June 29, 1898. 19 Broadway. 
Antitoxin of Tetanus.-Kitasato, the Japanese bacteri- 
oloist, and others have demonstrated that when cultures 
of the tetanus bacillus are injected into mice, rabbits, 
and guinea-pigs, tetanic convulsions and death must soon 
follow, thus demonstrating the identity of this bacterium 
as the exciting factor. Furthermore, when the cultures 
are filtered through porcelain so as to completely sterilize 
the filtrate, it still contains the former virulence, indi- 
cating that the toxic principle exists in the secretion of 
the microbe. From cultures of the bacillus a crystaliza- 
ble substance has been separated (tetanin) which con- 
tains identical properties. 
By employing attenuated preparations of such cultures 
immunity has been established in a variety of animals 
and the serum from their blood has proven antitoxic in 
other animals. In goats which have been immunized the 
milk has proven antitoxic. 
The blood-serum from a human cadaver dead from 
tetanus has been employed by Kitasato to induce tetanus 
in mice, and the result was successful, convulsions and 
death following in from one to three days. 
The blood-serum from immune animals has been em- 
ployed (according to certain reports) in the treatment of 
quite a large number of cases of tetanus, with almost 
universal success. As this disease is very stubborn to 
treatment with ordinary means, it might be well to give 
the subject of serum-therapy attention. As most of the 
reports come from that region of therapeutic uncertainty 
and exaggeration, Europe, the question may yet be con- 
sidered in a condition of development. 720 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES EOR OLD ONES. 
Antitoxin of Tuberculosis-Tuberculin.-It is now gener- 
ally admitted that tuberculosis is caused by the activity, 
within the body of the persons affected, of the tubercle 
bacillus, first described by Koch, of Berlin. Cultures 
of this bacillus, injected into the bodies of various ani- 
mals, cause marked rise of temperature and other febrile 
symptoms. This toxin, which is soluble in glycerine and 
water, but insoluble in alcohol, was first used by Koch 
to cure tuberculosis, and with this eminent quack as a 
leading example other "regular" fakirs have victimized 
the public as badly as the most pronounced charlatans, 
for several years past. 
The use of tuberculin to detect the presence of tuber- 
culosis in milch cows, and thus protect the public against 
tuberculosis from milk, has been extensive. So much 
credit has been given the test that many cows have been 
killed upon the strength of it. It fails, however, and can- 
not be considered entirely reliable. 
In the treatment of human subjects of tuberculosis, it 
has been very well established that injections of tubercu- 
lin will not cure phthisis. The best that they will do, ac- 
cording to the most favorable statistics, is to prolong life 
for a brief time-retard the activity of the disease, and 
improve the general constitution. Though the patient 
may gain flesh and strength temporarily under the treat- 
ment, and the cough and hectic flush become ameliorated, 
a relapse will soon occur. The claim that cases of only 
a few months' progress may be arrested is not of much 
importance, as other measures, such as change of climate 
and certain drugs, accomplish as much. That tubercu- 
lous joints and other surgical cases recover more suc- 
cessfully when surgical measures are supplemented by a 
tuberculin treatment, may or may not be the case, though, 
such claims are made by enthusiastic believers in the 
questionable doctrines of bacteriology and serum-therapy NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
721 
Antitoxin of Yellow Fever.-The specific germ of yellow 
fever, according to reliable authority, has not yet been 
demonstrated, nor has any of the methods of treatment 
with various antitoxins been successful in protecting per- 
sons against it or assisting in a cure when attacked. 
Boracic Acid in Urinary Affections. 
Boracic acid has come to the front lately as a remedy 
in various abnormal conditions of the urinary organs, and 
it promises to become a remedy of great importance. In 
painful states of the bladder in old men, and in certain 
nervous affections where there is excessive alkalinity of 
the urine with extreme sensitiveness and pain upon mic- 
turition, it has afforded prompt relief in several cases 
which have come to my knowledge. 
Its most positive effects however, are afforded in poly- 
uria. Frequent and excessive urination, even of long 
standing and stubborn against the action of other reme- 
dies, yields to the influence of boracic acid. My atten- 
tion was called to this fact by an article published in a 
recent number of the California Medical Journal, from the 
pen of O. S. Laws, M. D., of Los Angeles. I have had 
occasion to verify all that he claims in several instances. 
If it will not cure diabetes mellitus it will come very 
near it. It arrested a case of protracted diabetes insipi- 
dus of more than two years' standing within two weeks' 
time, and the patient has since remained well. I have 
never seen a more satisfactory action in urinary thera- 
peutics. Dr. Law's article is worthy of preservation, and 
I will reprint as much of it as refers to this remedy:- 
"My attention was first called to it in 1886, in the 
Eclectic Medical Journal, page 230, by F. A. Moncton, 
M. D., of Australia, who 'successfully treated a case of 
diabetes mellitus' with it. 'Seven grains of the acid 722 
new remedies and new uses for old ones. 
were given three times a day.' I recorded this in my 
note-book, and in 1890 I had use for it. An old man of 
sixty had been treated for six months for diabetes melli- 
tus by a noted young Eclectic, and growing worse, he paid 
his doctor and consulted me. The case had not a hope- 
ful prognosis, for I was sure that he had received the 
best of Eclectic treatment for the six months; but I con- 
cluded that if the boracic acid would cure a case of dia- 
betes mellitus it would possibly cure the other form. 
"I at once put him on boracic acid, gr. vii, three times 
a day, before meals. Except a few daily doses of podo- 
phyllin, this was the only medicine used in his case. 
He lived fifteen miles away, but reported in ten days, 
with decided improvement. The acid was continued for 
three weeks longer, when he said he was well. No re- 
turn of the trouble was ever reported. 
" Two cases have been treated since my coming to 
California. A married lady who declared that she voided 
two gallons of urine in twenty-four hours was 'all right' 
in ten days, and got nothing but gr. vii of boracic acid 
three times a day. A school-girl a hundred miles away 
was treated by mail in like manner, and cured in three 
weeks." 
Bryonia in Retinal Affections. 
Bryonia is not a new eye remedy. It has been em- 
ployed for years by the homoepathists in painful eye af- 
fections, in choroiditis, iritis, etc.; and Burt mentions 
it in rheumatic affections of the retina and optic nerve. 
I wish to call attention to its marked restorative influence 
in serious retinal disease, where structural changes have 
occurred. This I can best do by describing some cases 
where its effects have been observed. 
In 1890, the wife of a near relative of the writer, who 
is himself a physician, began to lose her eyesight, imme- NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES 
723 
diately after an attack of la grippe. Objects appeared 
dark, green plants looked black, and sight gradually faded 
out, until within a few weeks she was totally blind. 
She was taken to one of the best Eclectic oculists in 
the United States, and remained under his care for about 
three months, though he pronounced an unfavorable 
prognosis from the start, asserting that there was retinal 
hemorrhage, and that total blindness would probably be 
the result. Finally, more for satisfaction than from ex- 
pectation of any relief, another oculist was consulted, one 
who has a national allopathic reputation, and his diag- 
nosis in every way coincided with that of the first ocu- 
list, and this without any knowledge of what had already 
been done. The verdict was, that the patient would 
never be able to see again. 
But the patient herself was not ready to submit to 
such a prospect, and insisted that her husband try what 
he could do with remedies. Accordingly, more to satisfy 
than with expectation of much benefit, bryonia was pre- 
scribed, twenty drops being added to half a glass of 
water, from which a teaspoonful was ordered to be given 
four or five times daily. The patient could do nothing 
but attend to the medicine, and she took it faithfully. 
The result was surprising. Within a few weeks her sight 
was completely restored, and now she can see as well as 
ever. 
After an attack of la grippe in February, 1890, I found 
my own eyesight failing. Light caused me great dis- 
comfort, and my eyes tired soon after attempting to read, 
even coarse print. Partly on account of this I went 
East, and spent a few months abroad, thinking that the 
change might prove beneficial. The sunlight proved 
worse in Ohio and New York than in California, and I 
found photophobia so distressing that I applied to Prof. 
Foltz, who was then in New York City, to be fitted with 724 
new remedies and new uses for old ones. 
giasses. This having been done I found much relief, and 
could read without discomfort, though reading without 
the glasses soon became out of the question. For four 
years I used my glasses steadily, but in 1894, while on 
another visit to the East, I was very strongly urged by 
this patient to try bryonia in my own case. Without 
much faith, I filled a two-drachm vial with specific bry- 
onia, put it in my vest pocket, and touched it to my 
tongue several times a day. Within a month I found that 
I was dispensing with my glasses almost all the time, and 
I finally laid them away, with my household treasures, 
and have not worn them since, now about four years or 
more. My eyes are as strong as ever, and I abuse them 
by reading in all kinds of light, just as I did when a 
boy. Occasionally, I take a small dose of bryonia, but I 
did not take it regularly more than two months in all. 
Within the past few months a graduate of the Cali- 
fornia Medical College has related to me the particulars 
of a case very similar to the one first mentioned. The 
patient was totally blind, and was restored with bryonia. 
In this case there was no record of an ophthalmoscopic 
examination, but the probabililities are that it was an- 
other case of retinal hemorrhage. 
Calcium Fluoride in Cardiac Affections. 
Attention is called to this subject in the first edition, 
but it seems to me that too little stress has been placed 
upon so important a remedy. A few years ago, I knew 
it to promptly cure a case of acute endocarditis, in which 
there were marked rasping sounds, dyspnoea, cyanotic 
countenance, and faintness upon slight exertion; and the 
case had been given up as hopeless by several physicians 
of good repute. Five grains of the 3x trituration were 
added to half a glass 4) of water, and from this a tea- NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
725 
spoonful was given every two hours during the day. 
This may seem incredible to some, but it is nevertheless 
true. 
Recently I was consulted about a severe card'ac pain 
in a female patient who had long been prone to occasional 
attacks of cardiac congestion, with cyanosis and dyspnoea- 
She was active, and inclined to overexertion. The pain was 
dull and aching, but full and distressing, and attended 
by difficult breathing, and the heart-sounds were labored 
and the pulse feeble and oppressed. It had already con- 
tinued two weeks when my attention was called to it. I 
prescribed cimicifuga at first, with every confidence that 
it would relieve, as such cases are usually rheumatoid in 
nature; but four days of its use found the patient as bad 
as ever, if not worse. Arnica, rhamnus cal., cactus grand., 
and glonoin all failed. At last, after I had begun to 
think I had reached my limit, I happened to think of 
calcium fluor., prescribed it, and the discomfort and un- 
pleasant symptoms were banished within twelve hours. 
Of course it is often prescribed when it fails, like many 
another remedy I believe it of little use in functional 
troubles. Organic changes, even when already estab- 
lished, but especially when impending, are conditions de- 
manding it. Whether it be endocarditis with threatened 
valvular thickening, or pericarditis, or other disease 
bordering on effusion, this remedy is the best resort. It 
may be employed as an intercurrent with other indicated 
remedies, but it will often furnish the prescriber a pleas- 
ant surprise alone, when his case presents a very .gloomy 
outlook in the beginning. 
I usually rely upon the 3x trituration, adding five or 
ten grains to four ounces of water, and ordering a teas- 
poonful of the mixture from every one to every four 
hours, according to urgency of symptoms or character of 
the disease. 726 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
Cratjlgus Oxyacantha in Cardiac Affections. 
Several months ago, Dr. John Albert Born, of San 
Francisco, called my attention to this agent as a cardiac 
remedy of great value. He informed me that it had re- 
lieved his wife of a long-standing cardiac disturbance, 
which had resisted many other remedies. He prized it 
not only for its effects in this case, but for the reason 
that he had found it effective in so many other in- 
stances of cardiac disease. I obtained some of the tinct- 
ure and tried it with satisfaction in feeble action, palpita- 
tion, and other functional disturbance. Like many other 
remedies it may have been overlauded in the start, but I 
believe it will repay close acquaintance. In one 
long-standing case now under treatment, attended by 
pain, attacks of vertigo, indigestion, and great fear of 
dissolution, I have seen excellent results. The patient 
now considers himself w'ell, though he still takes the 
remedy. There is rectal disease in his case, however, 
which demands attention, and the added irritation of pros- 
tatic erythism due to marital abuses, which must be 
overcome; but the remedy has proven excellent, and 
braced him up to consent to an operation, which he at 
first resolutely refused, as he feared his heart would not 
tolerate the action of an anaesthetic. 
Oxyacantha was introduced to the profession in 1896, 
but has not attracted much attention. It was employed 
as a secret remedy for diseases of the heart for many 
years by Dr. Greene, of Ennis, County Clare, Ireland, 
who was well known for his success in these diseases all 
over Ireland, and in many parts of England and Scotland. 
People flocked to him from many parts to be treated for 
cardiac diseases. He lost caste with the profession for 
keeping his remedy secret, but accumulated wealth, and 
never divulged it. After his death, about 1894, his NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
727 
daughter, a Mrs. Graham, who was the sole beneficiary 
of his will, directed the executor to publish the name of 
the remedy. 
In October, 1896, the New York Medical Journal pub- 
lished the gist of what is known of cratsegus, in an article 
by Dr. M C. Jennings. Dr. Jennings had experimented 
with it, and his article furnishes information which is 
worth reproducing, though I would suggest that the 
"hydrargyrum cum creta" and other unnecessary ap- 
pendages be dispensed with in making use of it. It is 
capable, without doubt, of acquitting itself creditably, 
without any such adjuvants. Following are reports of 
cases treated by him with it:- 
"Case I was that of a Mr. B., aged seventy-three years. 
I found him gasping for breath when I entered the room, 
with a pulse-rate of 158 and very feeble; great oedema of 
lower limbs and abdomen. A more desperate case could 
hardly be found. I gave him fifteen drops of cratsegus 
in half a wineglass of water. In fifteen minutes the pulse 
beat was 126 and stronger, and breathing was not so 
labored. In twenty-five minutes pulse beat 110 and the 
force was still increasing; breathing much easier. He 
now got ten drops in same quantity of water, and in one 
hour from the time I entered the house he was, for the 
first time in ten days, able to lie horizontally on the bed. 
I made an examination of the heart and found mitral re- 
gurgitation from valvular deficiency, with great enlarge- 
ment. For the oedema I prescribed hydrargyrum cum 
creta, squill, and digitalis. He received ten drops four 
times a day of the cratsegus and was permitted to use 
some light beer, to which he had been accustomed, at 
meal time. 
"He made a rapid, and apparently full, recovery until, 
in three months, he felt as well as any man of his age in 
Chicago. He occasionally, particularly in changes of 728 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
weather, takes some of the cratsegus which, he says, 
quickly stops shortness of breath, or pain in the heart. 
His father and a brother died of heart disease. 
" Case II was that of a young woman. I was met in 
the hallway of her home, as I entered, with the announce- 
ment that she was dead. 
"I went in and found that she was not quite dead, 
though apparently so. I put five or six drops of nitrite 
of amyl to her nose, and alternately pressing and relax- 
ing the chest, so as to imitate natural breathing, I soon 
had her able to open her eyes and speak. I gave her 
hypodermically ten drops, and in less than half an hour 
she was able to talk and describe her feelings. An ex- 
amination revealed a painfully anaemic condition of the 
patient, but without any discoverable lesion of the heart, 
except functional. 
" The pulse was hardly perceptible for twenty minutes 
after she received the hypodermic injection; after that 
lapse of time it grew slowly strong and less numerous, 
and at the end of half an hour was fairly good. 
"A chronic dysentery and indigestion, which were re- 
sponsible for her trouble, having been cured, the heart 
trouble and nervous state gradually responded to the gen- 
eral improvement until, at the end of ten weeks, the girl 
was in a perfect state of health. 
"She received ten drops of cratsegus after meals, three 
times a day for one month-after that only occasionally. 
Her heart trouble, though very dangerous, was only func- 
tional, and resulted from the want of proper assimila- 
tion of the food, due chiefly to the dyspeptic state and 
dysentery. 
"Case HI was that of a lady from Louisville. She 
had come hither and put herself under the care of a 
faith-cure man, and had grown worse daily, until she was 
taken with dyspnoea at the time I was called to her. She 729 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
could have lived but a short time if relief had not been 
promptly given her. She was suffering from compensa- 
tory enlargement of the heart from mitral insufficiency. 
A married sister and her father had similar trouble, she 
said. Her treatment was ten drops of cratsegus in half 
a wineglass of water, four times a day after eating, with 
a pill consisting of hydrargyrum cum creta, digitalis, and 
squill. When any indication of salivation became evi- 
dent the pill was omitted until the gums or mouth had 
become normal. After one month all active treatment, 
except a tonic, had been succeeded by an occasional 
treatment only for the next succeeding two months, and 
which consisted in giving the patient the medicine once 
or twice daily and only increasing the frequency of the 
dose when a lowering barometer or heavy atmosphere 
indicated possible heart trouble. This patient returned 
to Louisville in three months apparently well, or at least 
with neither subjective nor objective signs of disease of 
the heart. 
In a letter from her, three months afterward, she said 
she was feeling well, but that she would not feel fully 
secure without some of the cratsegus. 
" The forty other cases ran courses somewhat similar 
to the three cited-all having been apparently cured. 
Yet I am not satisfied, beyond a doubt, that any of these 
patients were completely cured, except those whose 
troubles of the heart were functional, like the second case 
cited. And it is possible and even probable that in 
weather of a heavy atmosphere or when it is surcharged 
with electricity, or if the patient be subjected to great 
excitement or sudden and violent commotion or exercise, 
he may suffer again therewith. That the medicine has a 
remarkable influence on the diseased heart must, I think, 
be admitted. From experiments on cats and dogs made 
by myself, it appears to influence the vagi and cardio-in- 730 
new remedies and new uses for old ones; 
hibitory centers and diminishes the pulse rate, increases 
the intraventricular pressure, and thus filling the heart 
with blood causes retardation of the beat and an equilib- 
rium between the general blood pressure and force of the 
beat. Cardiac impulse, after a few days' use of the Cra- 
taegus, is greatly strengthened, and yields that low, soft 
tone, so characteristic of the first sound, as shown by 
the cardiograph. The entire central nervous system 
seems to be influenced favorably by its use; the appetite 
increases and assimilation and nutrition improve, show- 
ing an influence over the sympathetic and solar plexus. 
Also a sense of quietude and well-being rests on the 
patient, and he who before its use was cross, melancholic 
and irritable, after a few days of its use shows marked 
signs of improvement in his mental state. I doubt if it 
is indicated in fatty enlargement. The dose which I have 
found to be the most available is from ten to fifteen drops 
after meals or food. If taken before food it may, in very 
susceptible patients, cause nausea. I find also that after 
its use for a month it may be well to discontinue for a 
week or two, when it should be renewed for another 
month or so. Usually three months seem to be the 
proper time for actual treatment, and after that only at 
such times as a warning pain of the heart or dyspnoea 
may point out. Digitalis in some form should be used 
as an adjunct to the crataegus." 
Euxodine in Intestinal Affections. 
I have observed the action of this agent in the intes- 
tinal fermentation and discomfort of chronic muco-enter- 
itis, and believe it a very superior agent. Prof. Gere pre- 
scribes it frequently at the Maclean Hospital, and its 
prompt effects in relieving intestinal colic and discomfort 
arising from the mucous irritation is decided. I do not 
know what the remedy really is, as the label simply bears NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
731 
the name of the remedy (a trade name) and the name of 
a German manufacturing house. However, it does good 
work, and may be used with circumspection, until it is 
proven that it is ultimately harmful. We had to learn 
by experience to let antipyrin alone, and we may learn 
the same lesson of eudoxine, though thus far I have seen 
no ill effects from it. The dose is five or six grains. It 
comes as a light brown powder. 
Glycozone and Hydrozone. 
These are concentrated preparations of oxygen, one 
being in water (hydrozone) and the other in glycerine 
(glycozone). 
The uses for these preparations are almost innumerable 
in surgical practice, but in medicine they are principally 
employed as antisepties. In both acute and chronic in- 
testinal disease and gastric catarrh they have almost revo- 
lutionized medical practice. In some long-standing gas- 
tric troubles I have seen remarkable results follow their 
use. The dose is a drachm in four ounces of water, taken 
when the stomach is empty. In gastric catarrh, I usually, 
unless the case is a very bad one, order a single dose each 
day, to be taken before rising in the morning, the patient 
lying on the left side a few moments to obtain its local 
effects before it leaves the stomach. In intestinal disease 
it would be better for the patient to take it in the upright 
position, so that it might leave the stomach as soon as 
possible. 
Grindelia .Robusta as a Topical Agent in Malignant 
Ulceration. 
This is the classical topical remedy in dermatitis from 
rhus poisoning, but it has lately come to the front for a 
much more important function, namely, the healing of 
malignant ulceration. 732 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
The credit of introducing the agent to the profession 
for this purpose belongs to Geo. D. Coe, M. D. of Car- 
thage, Mo., in an article contributed to the May 
1898, of the California Medical Journal. From this arti- 
cle I will quote quite extensively: - 
"I have for some time been thinking I would send you 
something on grindelia robusta as a local remedy for 
epithelial sores and ulcers, and some forms of disease of 
the mucous membrane, as I have been using it in such 
cases for several years. I cannot now recall how I came 
to use it first. My first case of importance was that of 
Mr. R-, who called with a sore tongue. The greater 
part of the surface looked as if it had been scalded, and 
was slightly indurated, but not swollen. The mucous 
membrane over the diseased part was slightly paler than 
that surrounding it, with line of demarkation well defined. 
"There was continuous burning pain, aggravated by 
talking, and the taking of solid food could not be endured. 
The distress was so great as to interfere materially with 
his rest at night. As a consequence, he had lost flesh 
and strength, and was in a bad condition generally. He 
had been to two or three physicians without benefit, but 
rather had gradually grown worse, the diseased area 
slowly increasing. He had finally come to the conclusion 
that he had a cancer. I did not so diagnose it. 
" In treating him I gave, as a tonic:- 
9 Tinct. nux vom. gtt. xx 
Fowler's solution gtt. xxx 
Tinct. podophyllum gtt. x 
Water, ziv. 
M. Sig. Teaspoonful before each meal. 
"As a mouth-wash I tried several things without bene- 
fit, after which I gave : - 
51 Fl. ext. grindelia robusta jii 
Water fiv. 
M. Apply by saturating a piece of old muslin with NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
733 
the solution and laying it on the tongue, keeping it wet 
as near continually as possible. 
"Improvement began with the first application, but 
it was over two months before the cure was completed. 
"Case 2d.-Mr. I- came to my office to consult me 
about a sore on his cheek which I diagnosed as epithe- 
lioma, and told him it was known as skin cancer. He 
then told me a cancer doctor wanted seventy-five dollars 
for curing it, and wanted to know what I thought about 
it. I told him I could remove it for a good deal less 
money, but that at his age, 86 years, and in feeble health, 
a palliative treatment would be best, and there would be 
no danger of his dying of cancer. 
"He gave me charge of his case, and in connection 
with a general tonic treatment I gave him locally: - 
B Grindelia ji 
Water M. 
"I directed him to keep a compress wet with the solu- 
tion on it as much of the time as possible. 
"In about two months the cancer was well, leaving the 
skin smooth and soft, and about a year afterward he died 
from the effects of a cold. 
"Case 3.-Mrs. K- called with the same kind of a 
tongue as Mr. R-, except that it was not so extensive a 
sore, and in this as in the first case, grindelia brought 
about a cure. 
"Case 4.-Mrs. W- applied for relief from vulval 
pruritus. Examination revealed nothing abnormal. She 
was cleanly in her habits and person, and there was no 
obvious reason for the distressing itching. She had been 
to two other physicians before consulting me, so of 
course, I was more than anxious to afford relief. After 
trying several remedies with no benefit, I gave her a di- 
lution of grindelia, jss to fii, and directed her to apply 
it on a piece of soft muslin. Improvement began at 734 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES'. 
once, and you may be sure she was very grateful. I 
have used grindelia in other cases, some with and others 
without perceptible benefit. Try it brother practitioner 
and report." 
Dr. Coe's report was so convincing, and the place sup- 
plied by grindelia in these cases was otherwise such a 
vacuum, that I soon found an opportunity to try it. Or 
rather, I may say, I soon needed it badly; and found it 
to more than fnlfill expectations. 
An ex-lieutenant of the German army started for the 
Klondike, and on the voyage across the Atlantic devel- 
oped a tumor in his groin, which became such a source 
of discomfort upon his arrival in San Francisco that he 
applied to Dr. Fuchs, one of our enterprising young 
Eclectic practitioners, for relief. After a careful examin- 
ation the Doctor diagnosed it as sarcoma, a diagnosis 
which Prof. Gere afterward confirmed, and the tumor was 
removed. After three weeks or more, it became apparent 
that the opening made by the operation was not healing. 
Upon the removal of the sutures the wound had gaped 
open and assumed malignant characteristics. His physi- 
cian, desiring to move him from too many convival asso- 
ciates at his hotel, ordered him to Maclean Hospital, and 
invited me to take charge of the case. 
Upon examination, I found a deep boat-shaped cavity 
in the right groin, three inches in length, and about an 
inch in depth. The bottom of this was sodden, and 
leaden in hue; not phagedenic, but indolent in appear- 
ance. The edges were raised and thickened, and the sur- 
rounding tissues were hardened, for two inches or more. 
The sites of the stitches with which the cavity had been 
closed at the time of operation were marked by smooth 
sloughy fistulas, as large as crow-quills. The patient was 
a man about twenty-seven, of full habit, inclining to the 
lymphatic temperament, and appeared robust. The part NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
735 
was sensitive to motion, and he remained in bed con- 
stantly. 
The cavity had previously been packed with iodoform, 
but I substituted a packing of gauze saturated with echi- 
nacea, cleansing the ulcer every day with peroxide of 
hydrogen. Internally, I ordered berberis aquifolium 
fifteen drops, four times daily. After continuing this 
treatment for a week I was convineed that it was making 
no impression on the case, and as I had just read Dr. 
Coe's article, I decided to give grindelia a trial. The 
berberis was therefore continued, and a local application, 
consisting of two drachms of specific grindelia to two 
ounces of water, was substituted for the echinacea. After 
a week of this treatment there were marked evidences 
of improvement, and the patient departed after four weeks, 
with the opening nearly healed. He could not be in- 
duced to remain longer, as he was anxious to get on his 
way. 
The next was also a case of sarcoma, and a pronounced 
one. The patient applied for treatment at the College 
clinic, and Prof. Gere diagnosed it as sarcoma. He went 
there at my advice, as I felt that an extensive opera- 
tion was all that offered any prospect of relief, and even 
that I expected would be temporary. There was a nodu- 
lated tumor the size of a man's fist in the left gluteal re- 
gion, which was painful, and which was rapidly increasing 
in size. A few days before I saw it a gathering had oc- 
curred in the part, and a watery purulent discharge is- 
sued from a small fistulous opening on the surface, and 
still continued. The patient was determined that I should 
remove the tumor. He believed in "impressions," and 
insisted that I should do the operation. Accordingly, 
with proper assistance, I made an elliptical incision around 
the tumor and removed it, taking away a large part of the 
gluteus maximus muscle, and its entire thickness. Heavy 736 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
silk sutures were used to bring the opposing edges of th® 
chasm left in apposition, and these were removed about 
the tenth day. Healing was now complete, but the tissue 
over the point of union was red and irritable, and red- 
dened areas surrounded the stitch openings, which dis- 
charged more or less thin watery pus at the time of re- 
moval. 
I soon found that improvement had now ceased, and 
and that the tracks of the stitches and the central line of 
apposition were excavated, so that an injection of hydro- 
gen peroxide made into one opening would froth at half 
a dozen or more different openings; and the excavating 
process continued, so that in a few days the entire sur- 
face was undermined with a branching fistula. Peroxide 
was tried for more than a week, and no benefit attended 
its use. The first case was now improving so well that 
every inducement was held out to try grindelia here. 
Accordingly, its use w.as begun, the dilution being injected 
into the openings, and slow but perceptible improvement 
set in. The patient was able to walk about without much 
discomfort and come for treatment, and in less than three 
months a complete cure resulted. Rather a slow cure 
one might think, but still a remarkable one, considering 
the character of the disease. 
Iodide of Potassium in Actinomycosis. 
It is only until very recently that the proposition has 
been advanced that the fungus of actinomycosis can be 
destroyed by internal medication; and it really seems 
as though that much lauded drug iodide of potassium 
may come to some good after all. An English physician, 
not long ago, reported a case of this disease cured with 
full doses of iodide of potassium; and Germany, the land 
of fables and goblins, soon followed suit by reporting NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
737 
two cases cured by the same treatment. The only rem- 
edy employed was the iodide, assisted by free opening 
and drainage of all purulent material. As it is the only 
remedy, it is worth while to try it carefully when such a 
case is encountered; for, though the treatment may fail, 
nothing better can now be offered. 
Iris Versicolor. 
This old Eclectic remedy evidently possesses many 
valuable properties not usually made avail of, and merits 
a little more notice than is commonly accorded it. Dr. 
O. S. Laws, who has recently written so many excellent 
articles on single remedies for the California Medical 
Journal, contributed a valuable one on iris versicolor in 
skin diseases and syphilis to the July number. While 
these uses are not new ones, Dr. Laws has presented the 
matter in a very convincing light, and I have seen fit to 
reproduce the article in these pages: - 
"Previous to 1886 I had never used iris as a single 
remedy. Since that date it has been much used and care- 
fully studied, and only as a single remedy. Previous to 
that date I had prescribed many a pound of comp. syr. 
stillingia, to which was added zj of iodide of potash. 
Iris is one of the ingredients of that old abomination. 
But either the poor quality of the drug or the counter 
influence of bad company prevented any marked beneficial 
effect. Month after month patients were doped with the 
comp., and I verily believe in many cases they were more 
harmed than benefited. 
"In the spring of '86 I was called to tieat a case of 
ezema in a woman who had been treated for nine years 
and by as many doctors, and grew steadily worse each 
year. It came in waves or cycles, each one covering 
about six months, to be quickly followed by another. She 
was nearly fifty years old, and near the middle of one of 738 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
these cycles when I was called. As she 'had taken every- 
thing' internally and externally, without any noticeable 
relief, the case seemed hopeless. Her garments would 
literally be glued to her entire person, and the itching 
would be agonizing. A noted Boston Eclectic was in 
town, and I invited him to see her and offer suggestions, 
as nothing so far had given her any relief. But his sug- 
gestions were only similar to what I was doing. About 
that time the April number of the Eclectic Medical Jour- 
nal came to hand, and on page 188, from the pen of the 
immortal Scudder, I read: 'Let me say again that iris is 
the best internal remedy I have ever employed in chrome 
diseases of the skin.' That was a ray of light in a dark 
place, and the physical salvation of that wretched woman. 
A fluid extract was all I could find in town, but it proved 
to be a very good article. I commenced with gtt. v every 
two hours interna ly and a twenty-five per cent mixture 
of the same in warm water to the surface. It relieved 
the itching as nothing else had done before. The dose 
was gradually increased to ten drops. The tormenting 
eruption at once began to wane, and in a few weeks was 
gone. But as there was a tendency to return, the lady 
kept the remedy in the house, and used it three times a 
day occasionally. She is still living, and fairly well, in 
Oklahoma. 
"In the same editorial mentioned above, Scudder 
wrote: 'I use Iris as an anti-syphilitic more than 
all other remedies.' From that day to this I have used 
no other remedy internally for syphilis. It will do in 
three weeks what old comp, often failed to do in three 
months. Most of my cases have been in the secondary 
stage, and the rash vanishes in two or three weeks. A 
young man stepped into my office one morning, soon after 
my reading Scudder's words last quoted, with distress on 
his countenance, and his face and neck freely sprinkled NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
739 
with the red and bronze pigments peculiar to syphilis. 
Dr. W. had discouraged him by saying it would take six 
months to get rid of that rash, and 'to be honest,' he 
said, 'it would go about as quickly if left alone as from 
anything he could do.' But the young man would lose 
his place unless something was done to hide his condi- 
tion. Perhaps I hypnotized him, for with iris in ten- 
drop doses, six times a day, and a strong solution of 
'asepsin' to his face and neck, the rash rapidly faded, and 
was not noticeable at the end of three weeks. He was 
happy, but continued the iris three time a day for about 
three months. No tertiary symptoms developed in that 
or any other case thus treated. Therefore, I conclude, 
after long and careful observation, that iris is nature's 
antidote for syphilis. 
"Of the specific medicine I add to of water as 
the maximum strength, giving it from two to three hours 
apart in teaspoonful doses. That was far too strong for 
a robust man recently, acting as a brisk catharic. Gtt. x 
to sjv of water is enough in many cases." 
The use of iris in intestinal irritation is not new, as 
will be observed by reference to our Clinical Index; 
but a multitude of witnesses is often encouraging, and 
the experience of several with the same remedy enables 
the practitioner to draw more correct conclusions as to 
the proper application of it than that of only one. The 
testimony of Dr. Gosh, a homoepathic physician of Ben- 
gal, India, is therefore copied here, from the Homoepathic 
Recorder. Dr. Gosh's experience with it in eczema tallies 
with that of Dr. Laws : - 
"An infant, nine months old, had an attack of diarrhoea, 
or muco-enteritis, as nosologists call it. The child had 
also a patch of eczematous eruption on the left cheek, 
originally of the size of a rupee, and freely discharging 
(on scratching) sticky, watery matter. The patch of ec- 740 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES DOR OLD ONES. 
zema commenced on the twenty-eighth clay of the birth 
of the child. Allopathic treatment was adopted for the 
eczema, but without benefit. The patch (in spite of the 
treatment) spread on the right side as far as the nose, 
and on the left side as far as the left ear. The child was 
under allopathic treatment for diarrhoea for fifteen days. 
On the sixteenth day the child had an attack of serous 
diarrhoea, with vomiting of similar matter. The allo- 
pathic physicians were attending the child. One of them 
candidly told the father of the child that allopathic medi- 
cines would 'kill the patient,' and that a homoeopathic 
physician should be called. I was sent for at 2 p. M. I 
found that the stools, and matter vomited were of a ser- 
ous-acid nature; the urine was suppressed; there were 
cramps in the hands and legs; the extremities were icy- 
cold; there were cold sweats over the forehead; the eyes 
were sunken in their sockets; there was a sharp pain in 
the abdomen, on account of which the child attempted 
to press her abdomen often with her bent knees and cried 
bitterly; pulse was not perceptible at the wrist; the 
patient was very restless and wanted to drink every min- 
ute. 
I prescribed iris versicolor lx, in half-drop doses, a 
dose every hour. The first dose of iris was given at 3 
p. M. At 5 P. M. the patient passed a stool which con- 
sisted of mucus, faecal matter, mixed with bile, and with 
acid smell. There was no vomiting since iris had been 
taken. I saw her at 5:30 p. m. I found the pulse was 
rising; the extremities, which had been very cold in the 
beginning, had begun to be warm; the eyes looked a 
little more natural than at first. No urine had been 
passed lately. At 9:30 p. m. a consistent faecal, bilious 
stool was passed, having much acid smell, and with about 
four ounces of urine. I saw the child at 10 P. m.; I 
found the pulse was fairly perceptible at the wrist and NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES EOR OLD ONES. 
741 
had become steady; her whole body had become warm 
and she seemed to be comfortable. I prescribed no 
medicine and came away. The next morning I was sent 
for again. When I saw the child I found the pulse 
steadier than the previous day. I prescribed iris versi- 
color again, but the third potency, three doses daily. 
Next morning I was again sent for, and found the child 
doing well. She had passed three stools, consisting of 
faecal matter, bilious, and with some traces of mucus in 
them. She had also passed along with the stools large 
quantities of urine. Her pulse was natural, and also her 
countenance. I prescribed iris versicolor 3x again, three 
doses only daily. Next morning, when examining her, I 
found the patch of eczema on the face, of which I have 
made mention before, was scaling off here and there. 
The eczema was evidently declining; but I did not under- 
stand how it could be. The grandfather of the child 
said he had heard such eruptions disappeared on taking 
homoeopathic medicines internally, and so he thought the 
medicine which had been prescribed for the cholera 
must have had some virtue by which it cured the eczema- 
tous eruptions. Coming home I referred to Hale's New 
Remedies, 5th edition, volumne II (Therapeutics), article 
Iris Versicolor, where, on page 401, in paragraphs 2 and 
3, the following remarks occur: 'It has been found very 
useful in pustular eruptions on the had and face (tinea, 
prurigo, crusta lactea, eczema, etc.), especially in chil- 
dren.' I now prescribed iris versicolor 3x in half-drop 
doses, three doses daily for a week, and the patch of ec- 
zema scaled off, leaving a brown spot in the affected parts. 
This occurred July, 1892. I saw the child in September 
last, when I learned there had been no recurrence of the 
eczema. 
"For the last three years I have been trying iris versi- 
color in cholera infantum and eczema, and with great sue- 742 
new remedies and new uses for old ones. 
cess. I have kept clinical records of the cases which I 
have treated with versicolor, records which I shall pub- 
lish as soon as circumstances permit. 
Negundium Amebic anum in Rectal Affections. 
This agent comes to us recommended by Dr. O. S. 
Laws, for hemorrhoids. To the December number of the 
California Medical Journal, for 1897, he contributed an 
article on the subject, which attracted considerable atten- 
tion at the time, and which led me to procure a sample 
of the bark and give it a trial. I can indorse all that 
Dr. Laws has written commendatory of the new medi- 
cine, though I must still regard collinsonia as a valuable 
member of our materia medica, for reason of its special 
virtues in certain rectal troubles. 
I will quote what Dr. Laws has written of negundium: - 
"I suggest.that we have a symposium in our Journal 
on single remedies. They are the backbone of whatever 
science there is in therapeutics, and should be kept in 
view. As a starter I offer one I believe entirely new to 
the medical fraternity, as I cannot find it in any medical 
work. 
"In botanical language, it is known as Negundium 
Americanum. The common name is box-elder. It is a 
native of Kansas and a distant relative of the Acer fam- 
ily. I had just begun to test its value when I left Kan- 
sas for California, and not finding it here except as a 
shade-tree on the sidewalks, I cannot get any of the root- 
bark, which is the part used. From the short experience 
I had with it, I conclude that it is the best internal rem- 
edy we have for hemorrhoids. 
"I have used collinsonia and sesculus, without ever 
being impressed with their prompt action; but negundium 
goes at it as colocynth does in its specialty, so that the 
victim who has been writhing with an engorged rectum 743 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
'will rise up and called you blessed.' So you see this 
is is not only a single remedy, but a 'fundamental' one. 
The bark of the roots of the yearling plants is what I 
prefer. Just pull them up in the spring, as the frost goes 
out of the ground, and beat them into a pulp at once. 
This can be dried and bottled for use. Either give ten 
or fifteen grains of the powder every three hours, or in- 
fuse a drachm in a teacup of boiling water, and drink the 
infusion within a day. Recent cases of hemorrhoids 
can be completely cured in this way, and the old, hard 
cases, temporarily relieved. 
"So, gentlemen of the medical profession, I hereby in- 
troduce to you my friend, Negundium Americanum." 
I was able to obtain a small quantity of the bark of 
this tree last spring, and have witnessed its action in 
two severe cases of hemorrhoids. I think it is more 
speedy than collinsonia, and think it will become one of 
our standard remedies for rectal affections. However, 
collinsonia has served me so many good turns in severe 
rectal congestion and neuralgic pain that I should be 
loth to part with it as a remedy. In my own case, 
it relieves me almost instantly of a most excruciating 
rectal pain which is undoubtedly purely a neurosis, as it 
has troubled me off and on for years, waking me sometimes 
out of sound slumber and causing the most agonizing 
suffering imaginable until I have taken a few drops of 
collinsonia, when, within from one to three minutes I am 
completely at ease. 
I have never tried negundium for this, but know that 
in the hemorrhoidal condition it is very effective. 
Olive Oil in Hemorrhage, Rheumatism, Etc. 
Prof. M. H. Logan,, M. D., has given olive oil quite ex- 
tensive use for years past, and has developed some rather 
novel uses for it. I believe his discoveries impor- 744 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES EOR OLD ONES. 
tant enough to merit a place in this work. At my solici- 
tation he has written a short sketch of what he thinks 
of it for publication: - 
"For ten years past I have parted company with cod- 
liver oil and its preparations and have given preference 
to olive oil. As an alterative and tonic it is equally as 
good; as a reconstructor and tissue-builder it is superior; 
and to delicate stomachs it is much more acceptable. 
Patients taking a course of treatment with olive oil gain 
flesh at the rate of from a few ounces to a pound a week. 
After a long experience with it in a great variety of cases, 
I find it one of the most reliable remedies in hemorrhage. 
" Haematemesis and haemoptysis will come under control 
through its influence as rapidly and more permanently 
than from the action of astringents, and without danger 
from overdose or contraindication. When a student, my 
preceptor taught me to dip my cutting instruments into 
olive oil to prevent surgical hemorrhage, and this led up 
to its use in the prevention and cure of other kinds of 
hemorrhage, both local and systemic. 
"Rheumatism, both acute and chronic, is speedily re- 
lieved with a few large doses of olive oil taken at fre- 
quent intervals. The amount taken should be large; 
enough to provide for a rapid action on the liver and 
bowels. 
" Its use in gall-stones and obstruction of the bile-duct 
is a common one, and too well known to merit more than 
passing mention. It will be found a splendid adjunct in 
the treatment of liver affections. 
"In phthisis tuberculosis pulmonalis, bronchitis, and 
all other chronic as well as acute pulmonary affections, 
both of the lungs and respiratory passages, olive oil will 
assist other indicated remedies very materially. 
"I have found it very useful in catarrhal gastritis, in- 
testinal consumption, intestinal hemorrhage (enterorrha- 745 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
gia), indigestion, constipation, proctitis, hemorrhoidal 
tendency, and almost all other intestinal diseases, sub- 
acute or chronic. I sometimes employ it alone, and 
sometimes in alternation or combination with properly 
selected specifics. 
"The dose and method of administration will vary, accord- 
ing to the case. A single tablespoonful after meals 
is sufficient for all chronic cases. In acute cases with- 
out urgent symptoms the same dose will be sufficient, 
though it may be better, in certain instances, to re- 
peat every two or three hours. For active hemorrhage 
or acute rheumatism give half a teacupful every two or 
three hours. Some patients object to the taste of the 
drug at first, and in such cases I have it put into a wine- 
glass partly filled with water. Before taking this the 
patient should rinse the mouth with cold water and then 
place a pinch of salt on the tongue, drinking the oil and 
water immediately afterward. The mouth should then 
be rinsed again with cold water, the pinch of salt being 
repeated. An after-flavor resembling that of peanuts 
will follow this procedure, and the remedy thus adminis- 
tered will offer no objections to the most fastidious 
palate. 
"Sometimes the oil passes through the alimentary 
canal undigested, requiring the aid of pancreatin, in com- 
bination with it or administered simultaneously. 
"To derive the best effect, use only the pure virgin oil. 
It is transparent, light yellowish-green in color, and 
more fluid than the ordinary oil of commerce. The Cali- 
fornia virgin oil is the best." 
Oxalic Acid in Vesical Irritation. 
Oxalic acid irritates the bladder and urethra, in excess- 
ive doses, thus indicating a specific affinity for those 
parts. In smaller doses, it frequently proves curative of 746 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
painful micturition, relieving vesical tenemus at the same 
time. 
Painful micturition, with frequent desire, and ability 
to void only a few drops at a time, suggest its use. The 
dose may vary, from two to three grains of the 2x tritu- 
ration to half a grain of the crude drug in syrup or 
other vehicle. 
The following prescription has been recommended by 
competent authority as a proper form of its administra- 
tion. The dose seems to me a little extravagant, though 
there are those who employ it and recommend grain doses 
instead:- 
Oxalic acid gr. xvi 
Syr. aurantii cortex fi 
Aqua dest. ad 
Sig. Teaspoonful every four hours. 
Of course there are other remedies, and this one need 
not be used in every-day practice. It is suggested where 
stubborn cases defy other means. 
Rhamnus Californica. 
Since I introduced this remedy to the profession as a 
specific for rheumatism it has proven every claim then 
made for it, and has been demonstrated the most reliable 
agent for the relief of acute rheumatism known to the 
profession. 
Within the past year, a patient who had been six 
weeks at the French Hospital of San Francisco, was 
brought into Maclean Hospital on a stretcher from an 
ambulance, unable to walk or assist himself in any way. 
Hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, and knees were enor- 
mously swollen, and excessively sensitive and painful. 
It was necessary to prop the right foot into such a posi- 
tion as to prevent pressure upon the heel, and the hands 
were so helpless that it was necessary to feed him. He NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
747 
had not slept for many nights, on account of severe and 
protracted pain, had became very much discouraged, and 
expressed much doubt when I told him I would relieve 
him in a few days. 
He was put at once upon jaborandi, jii to water |iv, 
dose a teaspoonful every hour until the elevation of 
temperature was controlled, which required two or three 
days, and two ounces of a strong decoction of rhamnus 
cal. every three hours until a laxative effect was produced, 
when the doses were lessened to a teaspoonful, four or 
five times a day. 
These were the only medicines administered, and the 
patient was dressed and up at the end of the first week, 
with the swelling and pain all gone. He wanted to walk 
about but I forbade it, as I thought a relapse possible 
so soon after relief of inflammatory conditions. How- 
ever, he made an uneventful recovery, and was cured in 
ten days. 
As he had suffered much with inflammatory rheuma- 
tism previously, being a miner and having paid the pen- 
alty for laboring in wet places several times before, he 
realized fully what had been done for him, and was 
correspondingly grateful. 
The rhamnus would have probably done as well alone, 
as it had many other times for me, though jaborandi it- 
self is no mean remedy in rheumatism, when properly 
employed. 
I have now used rhamnus cal. for five years, and have 
come to regard it as almost indispensable in the treatment 
of all forms of rheumatic and muscular pain. Chronic 
cases and acute ones are alike benefited by it. Three 
months ago I was consulted about the case of a woman 
who had suffered excruciating headaches and muscular 
pain generally for five years. She was a robust person 
to all appearance, but was a complete invalid on ac- 748 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
count of the excruciating myalgia which never ceased, 
In a few weeks all this was banished, and she is now able 
to attend her household duties without the aid of a do- 
mestic, something she had not done before for years. Pre- 
vious to the time she consulted me she had submitted to 
rectal and uterine surgery at the hands of a competent 
practitioner, who assured her that all her distress was 
caused from local conditions which required attention. 
Contrary to expectation, she did not derive any benefit 
at all, and continued to suffer until rhamnus cal. relieved 
her permanently. 
Eclectics have always possessed excellent remedies for 
muscular pain in cimicifuga and caulophyllum; but I 
now realize that neither of them compare with rhamnus. 
In actual rheumatism neither of them will accomplish 
much, though they are excellent in muscular pain due 
to weather changes and other morbid conditions. But 
rhamnus will cover every indication met with in any 
other anti-rheumatic we possess, and excel them in all, 
while in actual rheumatism, whether acute or chronic, it 
far excels them. 
There are instances where massive doses of rhamnus 
cal. will afford almost immediate relief from excruciating 
pain. Severe cardiac pain is thus controlled, and sharp 
attacks of pleurodynia, in which the usual resort of the 
average practitioner is the hypodermic syringe with mor- 
phine, will yield speedily to a teacupful of a strong de- 
coction of this remedy taken at once. Intense hemicrania 
or temporal pain in nervous women affected with men- 
strual disorders is sometimes almost distracting, and can 
be relieved with a full dose of rhamnus. Perspiration 
breaks out over the surface, and slumber soon follows, 
the patient waking in the morning-if taken at night- 
completely relieved; and such relief brings the patient a 
little nearer a permanent cure, while an opiate reduces NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
749 
her resistance each time a little more, and invites an 
earlier and more severe return of a paroxysm. 
The dose of the decoction varies widely. A teacupful 
of a strong decoction is harmless, though a cathartic effect 
will follow in ten or twelve hours. This is short, how- 
ever, and not severe. In chronic cases, one or two table- 
spoonfuls may be taken four times a day, according to 
toleration. It promotes digestion in small doses, and has 
a reputation for relieving dyspepsia. It influences the 
menses, and has increased them where they were scanty 
in women after child-bearing, to the normal amount. It 
has relieved and cured dysmenorrhoea, though I do not 
think it has a general application here. I have used a 
fluid extract, and have seen good results follow its use, 
though where the recent bark can be obtained, I am con- 
fident that the decoction will afford the best satisfaction. 
It is one of the agents which pharmaceutical juggling 
embarrasses. 
To prepare a decoction, add a tablespoonful of the 
coarsely ground or finely broken bark to a pint of hot or 
cold water, and boil ten or fifteen minutes. Fifteen or 
twenty drops of the saturated tincture or fluid extract in 
water constitute an average dose of the alcholic extract. 
Sulpho-Carbolates as Intestinal Antiseptics. 
A combination of the sulpho-carbolates of lime, soda, 
and zinc is employed by a progressive class of physicians 
who style themselves "alkaloidal medicationists " with 
good results in various forms of intestinal fermentation, 
notably acute troubles. The sulpho-carbolate of zinc 
alone seems to possess excellent properties of this nat- 
ure, and is frequently employed. The Alkaloidal Com- 
pany of Chicago put it up in granules of appropriate 
dosage. Eclectic physicians have been so eminently suc- 
cessful in this class of cases, however, that the sulpho- 750 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
carbolates will not be any great boon, though it is well 
to remember them in stubborn cases. The alkaloidal 
medicationists can still sit at the feet of the Eclectics to 
their own therapeutic advantage. The dose of sulpho- 
carbolate of sodium, or the combination of the sulpho- 
carbolates should be small, the first or second decimal 
triturations being good forms for use, from half a grain 
to a grain being the quantity for each time. It is em- 
ployed to relieve griping, and heal the irritated intesti- 
nal mucous membrane in cholera infantum, dysentery, 
diarrhoea, and other severe forms of summer bowel dis- 
ease. Echinacea, baptisia, and sulphite of sodium were 
used by Eclectics successfully for similar purposes, 
before alkaloid al medication was born. 
Tela in Clilliness and Numbness. 
Dr. O. S Laws contributed an article to the April, 
1898, number of the California Medical Journal on this 
subject which is impressive, like most of his communica- 
tions, and I will reproduce it for the benefit of my 
readers. Tela is a striking remedy in some of its effects, 
though not one which will come into frequent use. How- 
ever, when indicated, it is as reliable as any we have: - 
"There are cases which need 'simply that and nothing 
more.' I treat many 'charity cases,' and use them-in a 
lawful way of course-for my experiments with single 
remedies. One of that class, in 1894, came under my 
care for sundry ailments of the sexual organs. But the 
most annoying symptom she complained of was chilliness, 
aid 'cold clammy sweat,' as she termed it She was 
constantly going about, but could not get on wraps enough 
to prevent the chilliness. 
"From what I had read in Dynamical Therapeutics 
concerning tela, and from my own use of it in a variety 
of cases, I prescribed it for her. I put ji to |iv of water, NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
751 
and she took one teasponful of the dilution four times a 
day. Relief began in a few days, and before the second 
bottle was gone no extra wraps were needed, and she 
was benefited in other ways. She has not complained 
of the chilliness since. 
"I use tela-specific medicine of course-in all cases 
where numbness is complained of, and the results are so 
prompt and surprising that it seems like fiction to speak 
of them. But it has not yet cured a case of sciatica, in 
which numbness is the most prominent symptom, even to 
complete loss of feeling down the posterior part of the 
thigh. The patient has been afflicted five months, but I 
have not been treating her more than three weeks. Tela 
alone was used the first week. Since then it has been 
alternated with Dr. Fearn's prescription of colchicum. 
She is much improved except the numbness. I shall 
to-day begin the use of electricity, and will report results 
next month. I think tela would have cured the case 
if it had been used when she first felt the pain and prick- 
ling, which came on suddenly. The history of tela is, 
that what it is able to do it does quickly. 
The Brown Iodide of Lime. 
This is an excellent remedy, and one to which I have 
frequently, in the past few years, referred in my lectures 
on practice, especially when considering the treatment of 
pseudo-membranous croup. It has been recominended 
as a specific here by numerous physicians, and doubtless 
comes very near being one. In the February, 1898, 
number of the American Medical Journal, Prof. Younkin, 
in an editorial, contributes a large amount of valuable 
information upon it, which the readers of this work can- 
not afford to lose, and which I take the liberty of tran- 
scribing complete: - 
"A subscriber writes us: 'Seeing your mention of the 752 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
brown iodide of lime in the January number for membran- 
ous croup, I would like to know what it is, and how we 
can obtain it? ' 
"As we have had an extensive experience with this 
drug, we will occupy some space in its behalf. 
"The brown iodide of lime is a non-officinal prepara- 
tion, and the word 'brown' should be used to designate 
it from the officinal drug designated iodide of calcium. 
I believe it was manufactured by Jas. B. Nicholas & Co., 
Boston, and more recently by Billings, Clapp & Co., and 
by Mallincrodt; perhaps some others. 
"I am not familiar with its mode of manufacture, but 
I believe it is no more than a triturate of lime and iodine. 
When one ounce of the drug is dissolved in two pints of 
of boiling water it forms a colorless solution holding all 
the iodine. A precipitate of the superfluous lime takes 
place, in the form of a carbonate, which may be removed 
by filtration. A fluid ounce contains two grains of iodine, 
the dose of which is one or two teaspoonfuls, two or three 
times a day. It has proven to be superior to iodide of 
potassium as an alterative, never disagreeing with the 
patient, and is almost tasteless. A drop or two of acid 
added to the solution decomposes it and sets free the 
iodine. 
"Over thirty years ago, while purchasing some drugs 
in Davenport, Iowa, I discovered the druggist was filter- 
ing a liquid, and upon inquiry he told me that it was a 
new preparation called iodide of lime. After description 
of its properties I purchased a bottle of the powder, and 
from that time have employed it ever since, and I must 
say that as an alterative it has surpassed any drug I ever 
used. In nearly every instance where my prescription 
has gone to the druggist to be filled for the above drug 
or the solution of iodide of lime, notwithstanding the 
directions are placed upon the bottle how to make the NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
753 
solution, and, though I wrote the name of the manufactu- 
rer, I would be called upon to know what was meant. By 
this I learned that other physicians had never prescribed 
it, and therefore the druggist knew nothing about it. In 
prescribing it now, I take the precaution, in sending the 
prescription to a druggist, to have the difference between 
the brown iodide of lime and iodide of calcium under- 
stood. The difference between these two drugs seems also 
to be quite marked in their effects. As a blood altera- 
tive, especially with children, it is the remedy. First, 
because it brings the answer, and, secondly, because 
there is no trouble to get them to take it, it being clear 
as water and almost as tasteless. The only taste is that 
of the lime, which renders it sweetish. 
"Children who have boils-'blood boils'-so often seen 
in summer time, especially those who are bathing in dirty 
pools or who do not bathe at all, the solution of iodide < f 
lime will cure as if by magic. A case: A gentleman 
brought in his boy of twelve years of age. He was 
covered with boils. Said he: ' What will you charge to 
cure this boy? He has been treated by two or three 
doctors; and I have paid out a good deal of money, and 
no benefit. Now I am willing to pay you if you cure 
him of these boils, but if you don't I feel that I ought 
not to pay anything.' Said I, 'That is not the way I do 
business, but I can cure him.' However, I set a good price, 
on the principle of no cure no pay, which was preferred 
and accepted. I gave him the iodide of lime. In two 
or three days the father came back and remarked that 
he would just pay me for that prescription and risk the 
curing. Said I, ' No, sir. I made a contract with you 
reluctantly, but now I shall hold you to it.' Said he, 
'Why, the boy is nearly well already.' 
"It can be given to the most delicate infant, of course 
in doses of from five drops upward, according to age. 754 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
"In children afflicted with enlarged glands, strumous, 
rachitic, anaemic, it does well. 
"In syphilis, especially where the digestive functions 
are easily disturbed, the solution of the brown iodide of 
lime is the remedy. With it I can use a certain propor- 
tion of Fowler's solution of arsenic or King's solution of 
strychnine, and still hold in suspension the iodine. I 
meet at times delicate females where the vegetable alter- 
atives and iodide of potassium cannot be taken. The 
solution of the iodide of lime is the remedy. It is taken 
without horror while it agrees with digestion, and still 
does the work. If more of this kind of treatment 
was used in such cases rather than preparations of mer- 
cury, our patients would get well sooner and be much 
better off when cured. 
"Iodide of potassium is a tissue breaker; iodide of lime 
is a tissue builder as well as an alterative, and patients 
will improve in general health upon its use. 
"It was my recommending this drug for croup that 
gave the incentive to this article. Some recent writers 
speak more enthusiastically than I can do. In the Alka- 
loidal Clinic, Dr. V. E. Lawrence, of Ottawa, Kansas, says: 
' There it not the least doubt that dark iodide of lime is 
a specific in membranous croup (non-diphtheritic), and if 
doctors who have been reading medical journal articles 
relative to its universal success in the treatment of this 
most dreadful disease could be made to believe that this 
statement is true, it would put an end to deaths from 
this disease.' He says: 'When you have a case of croup 
put ten grains of the powder in four ounces of water, and 
shake. Allow it to settle and give one or two teaspoonfuls 
every thirty to sixty minutes, until the tight, dry cough 
becomes moist; then less frequently. Do not shake up 
the deposit of lime in the bottom of the bottle.' 
"I think the solution we have described is to be pre- NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
755 
ferred, as it is filtered, and is uniform in strength. It is 
not at all poisonous, and may be used freely without un- 
pleasant symptoms. 
"Again, in the absence of this preparation I have pre- 
scribed lime water and tincture of iodine, which seems 
equally as efficacious, and forms a colorless solution. 
The tincture of iodine can be graded in dose, according 
to age. I have just cured two children with aphthous 
sore mouth with the tincture of lime water, and they re- 
covered quickly upon its use. 
" I believe all our readers will feel well satisfied with 
the suggestions in this article, when they put them in 
practice. Let us know how you succeed." 
Viscum Album in Chorea. 
The following article was contributed to the March, 
1898, number of the California Medical Journal, by Dr. O. 
S. Laws, of Los Angeles: - 
"Doubtless, many Eclectics have regarded this as I 
have colchicum; never used it, because of some prejudice 
which led me to prefer things supposed to be more hope- 
ful and less harmful. But Dr. John Fearn's article on 
colchicum in the January number of our Journal has put 
it in a new and attractive light, and I shall use it when in- 
dicated, in the future. I have had some very interesting 
experience with viscum album in the form of fluid ext. 
I knew it was recommended for chorea, and many other 
nervous and sexual troubles. In 1886 a young girl aged 
sixteen years was brought to me, who had for three years 
been afflicted with chorea. 
"The right side was most affected, and in constant, and 
often, violent motion. No cause could be discovered for 
such a condition. She had been treated in Kansas City 
after the 'regular' fashion all the three years with but 
little benefit. The bromides had been used in abundance. 756 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
With great solicitude of success, I began with the reme- 
dies recommended by our school, such as macrotys, cypri- 
pedium, gelsemium, etc.; but the benefit was so little in 
two weeks' trial that I began to grow weary, and sent to 
Kansas City for siv of fl. ext. of viscum album; but in- 
stead of giving it in the large doses recommended, I put 
it up so that each teaspoonful would contain five drops of 
the medicine, to be given four times daily. By the time fiv 
had been used there was a great improvement, and an- 
other bottle settled the case completely for four years. 
"Meantime, she was married, and in 1890 an angry 
husband came to me and said his wife had a return of 
her old trouble, which he knew nothing of, and she had 
failed to tell him before marriage. So I, thinking to set- 
tle the trouble in short order, put her on fifteen-drop doses 
instead of five, as formerly; but to my great astonish- 
ment a few days later I was aroused at night and in- 
formed that his wife was getting worse, and that every 
dose of medicine seemed to increase her agitation. 
"He lived far in the country, and wanted me to go. 
'No,' said I, 'she has the right medicine, but the dose is 
too large. Cut it down to five drops, three times a day.' 
They obeyed orders, and a cure was complete in a few 
days. The point of interest is the difference between 
the large and small dose. The former made the case 
worse, and the latter cured it. Is it not possible that 
other drugs may work thus? These are both what we 
may call the physiological dose, and it has no bearing, 
that I can see, on the homoeopathic theory. Here is a 
remedy that acts promptly, and I think it is good in ner- 
vous troubles generally; but its specific indication is 
in chorea, as I have proven in later use of it." 
This is a use for a remedy which I have never verified, 
but I have no doubt of its complete reliability. NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
757 
Aplopappus-Bigleovia. 
According to the United States Agricultural Depart- 
ment, this agent should be called Bigleovia Arborescens. 
Probably both names-Aplopappus and Bigleovia-are 
correct, both having been employed by different botanists. 
Any one wishing to test the agent or experiment with it 
should address Mr. G. S. Crosby, Pacific Grove, California, 
for samples of the plant. 
Bigelovia is a remedy which interests me, though I 
have been puzzled to describe its properties. One spe- 
cific property, however, is it action in cardiac dyspnoea. 
It is excellent for this disease combined with convallaria 
in cardiac dropsy, but it is more prompt in dyspnoea with- 
out cardiac effusion when this depends, apparently, upon 
oppression of the cardiac nerves alone. In the condition 
described as "prsecordial oppression" by Scudder, and for 
which he recommends minute doses of lobelia, this rem- 
edy, singly, is prompt and reliable. It may be due to an 
excessively full meal, or to "muggy" weather, but in 
either case the remedy acts, in this climate, with speed 
and precision. Asthmatic conditions of this character 
yield readily to its action. 
Cardiac disturbances complicated with indigestion are 
usually quickly relieved by it. The distribution of the 
pneumogastric nerve seems the proper field for it, though 
whether it affects the center of the par vagum or sym- 
pathetic branches accompanying its distribution, is a 
question. 
I have been gratified by the action of a combination of 
bigleovia and convallaria in hydrops pericardii not due 
to inflammatory action, the condition being usually at- 
tended by anasarca. I combine an ounce each of tinct- 
ure of aplopappus (bigleovia) and convallaria with twelve 
ounces or a pint of simple elixir, and give a teaspoonful 758 
NEW REMEDIES AND NEW USES FOR OLD ONES. 
every three hours. Even when the kidneys are acting 
inefficiently their functions are aroused, though I ascribe 
much of this effect to convallaria. However, the difficult 
breathing is soon corrected, and I give the credit of this 
to bigleovia, believing it possesses specific properties as 
a depurant besides-and something confirms the belief, 
for such effects are usually permanent. I have treated 
two cases of the kind within the past three years, one of 
which was pronounced hopeless, and a fatal termina- 
tion within six months prognosticated by an old practi- 
tioner and teacher of medicine in our school, and the 
patient is now enjoying fairly good health, and she toils 
regularly every day of the year. When I saw her last, 
she was as well apparently as she has been at any time 
for ten years past. 
Two individuals, who have taken the drug (tincture of 
bigleovia) in rather large doses, pronounce it a marked 
aphrodisiac, while one gentleman, who took it in rather 
small dose-fraction of a drop-called attention to this 
without prompting. In fact, this was the first case in 
which my attention was attracted by the property, and 
and the statement was doubted until confirmed by later 
experiment. 
In large doses, it produces heaviness of the eyelids 
and dull pain in the frontal region, sometimes quite 
severe. One, who took it in quite large doses, stated that 
it produced double vision, this suggesting a place for it 
in ocular therapeutics. Its hypnotic properties are 
marked, it usually producing heavy slumber when taken 
in full doses. INDEXES TO SPECIFIC THERAPEUTICS. 
INDEX OF REMEDIES. 
Abrns, 561 
Acidum aceticum, 537 
Acidum arseniosum, 561, 605 
Acidum benzoicum, 40, 423 
Acidum boricum, 662, 605 
Acidum carbolicum, 541, 563, 607 
Acidum chloraceticum. 608 
Acidum chromicum, 608 
Acidum fluoricum, 92 
Acidum gallicum, 438, 564 
Acidum hydriod.cu.i., 40, 52:2, 603, 608 
Acidum hydrobromicum, 45, 134, 698 
Acidum hydrochloricum, 46, 608 
Acidum lacticum, 362, 550, 609 
Acidum muriaticum, 4', 638 
Acidum nitricum, 47' 449, 551, 609 
Acidum osmicum, 169 
Acidum oxalicum, 173 
Acidum phosphoricum, 451, 564 609 
Acidum picricum, 59 
Acidum salicylicum. 48, 531. 564, 609 
Acidum sulphurosum, 610 
Acidum tannicum, 565. 610 
Acidum tartaricum, 6il 
Acetanilide, 224, 114, 510 
Acetate of potassium, 417, 537. 
Achillea millefolium, 417, 488 
Aconitum napellus, 109, 220, 322: 388, 510, 
538, 565, 611 
Adonis vernalis, 222 
.lEsculus hippocastanum, 223, 323, 463 
jEthusa cynapium, 112, 324 
Agaricus muscaris, 112, 538 
Agnus castus, 463 
Agrimonia eupatoria, 418 
Ailanthus glandulosa, 51, 325 
Alcohol, 611 
Aletris farinosa, 325, 464 
Alnus rubra, 299, 389 
Alnus serrulata, 538 
Alstonia constricts, 59, 326 
Althea officinalis, 418 
Alumen, 566, 612 
Aluminii acetas, 612 
Aluminii tartras, 612 
Alumina, 326, 465 
Ammonium chloride, 326, 395, 566 
Ammonium iodide. 567, 613 
Ammonium muriate, 326. 395, 566 
Ammoniium salicylicum, 52 
Ampelopsis quinquefolia. 300, 465 
Amyl nitris. 122, 277, 465, 567 
Anacardium urientale. 114 
Arian; ssa sativa, 327 
Aniline sulphate, 118 
Antifebrin, 114, 224, 510 
Antipyrine, 115, 225, 4'9 567. 613 
Apis mellifica, 327, 418, 466, 539 
Aplopappus laricifolius, 120 
Apocynum androssemifolium, 511 
Apocynum cannabinum, 119, 225, 327, 420, 
466 
Arctium lappa, 301, 420, 511, 539 
Argenti nitras, 328. 567, 613 
Aristol. 568 614, 
Arnica montana, 225, 512 
Arsenicum, 29, 59, 117. 329, 540 
Arsenite of copper. 226 
Arseniate of quinia, 58 
Arum triphyllum, 123, 330, 390 
'sclepias syriaca, 513 
asclepias tuberosa, 226, 390 
Atropia, 123, 541, 569. 615 
Aurum, 59, 93, 123, 466 
Aurum 97 
Auri et sodii chloridum, 331, 421. 615, 570 
Asafoetida, 92, 416, 466 
Aspidosperma quebracho, 227, 409 
Avena sativa, 124, 467, 513 
Badiaga 302 
Baptisia tinctoria, 60, 126, 331 
Barium iodide, 302 
Barosma crenata, 422, 468 
Baryta carbonate, 332 
Baryta iodide. 333 
Bath, vapor, 535 
Belladonna, 127, 231, 423, 615 
Benzoate of ammonium, 424, 513 
Benzoate of lithium, 62. 333, 424 
Benzoate of sodium, 424, 
Berberis vulgaris, 334, 425 
Berberis aquifolium, 62, 97, 302, 333, 514, 
541 II 
INDEX OF REMEDIES. 
Beta naphthol, 542 
Beta vulgaris, 425 
Bismuth, 336. 616 
Boldo, 337 
Borate of soda, 468. 599, 635 
Bromine, 303 
Bromides, 130 
Bromide of ammonium, 130, 566, 613 
Bromide of arsenic, 131, 425 
Bromide of calcium, 132 
Bromide of gold, 132 
Bromide of iron, 133 
Bromide of lithium, 132, 514 
Bromide of nickel, 133 
Bromide of potash, 132, 232, 337, 468, 542, 
596 
Bromide of sodium, 133 
Bryonia alba, 103, 135. 232. 338, 392, 469, 
514, 570 
Cactus grandiflorus, 234, 393, 515, 571, 616 
Caffeine, 235, 426 
Oalcarea carbonica, 303, 316, 393, 470 
Calcarea iodata. 306 
Calcarea ostrearum, 303, 316, 393, 470 
Calcis, liquor, 571, 616 
Calcium fluoride, 14, 236, 305, 546 
Calcium phosphate, 4, 94,192, 470 
Calcium sulphate, 6 
Calcium sulphide. I See calx sulpburata. ) 
Calendula, 042, 617 
Calx sulpburata, 65, 306. 557, 571. 616 
Camphora. 617 
Camphor chloral, 572 
Cannabis indica, 135, 237, 426. 471 
Cantharis, 426, 617, 
Capsicum annuum, 136, 237 
Carbo animalis, 308 
Carbo vegetabilis, 329, 471 
Carbon bisulphide, 618 
Carduus marianus, 238, 316, 339 
Carlsbad salts, 316 
Cascara sagrada, 515 
Castanea vesca, 394 
Caulophyllum, 103, 472, 516 
Causticum, 395, 427, 
Cautery, 572 
Ceanothus Americanus, 241, 317 
Cercus bonplandii, 248 
Cereus speciocissimus, 244 
Cerasus virginiana, 243 
Chaulmcogra oil, 31, 77 
Chamomilla, 137, 340, 473 
Chelidonium majus, 144, 249,340, 474 
Chelone, 341 
Chenopodium, 341, 
Chimaphilla umbellata, 427, 476 
vhionauthus virginicus. 342 
Chloral hydrate, 138, 428, 618 
Chloride of ammonium, 326, 395, 56® 
Chloroform, 140, 474, 572, 618 
Chrysarobin, 544 
vimicifuga racemosa, 141, 250. 343. 475, 
518, 572 619 
Cinchona, 142 
Cineraria maritima, 573 
Cinnamon, 477 
Cistus canadensis, 104, 308, 343 
Clematis, 430, 477, 544 
Cocaine, 573, 619 
Cocculus indicus, 478, 554 
Coccus cacti, 437 
Colchicum, 520 
Gollinsonia canadensis, 251, 344, 39% 
431, 478, 619 
Collodium, 619 
Colocynth, 345, 478 
Comocladia dentata, 545 
Conium,478 
Convallaria majalis, 253 
Coral Hum rubrum, 396 
Corallorhiza o.lontorhiza, 317. 398 
Corydalis fonnosa, 67, 100, 309, 545, 
Creolin, 574, 620 
Cubeba, 575 
Cuprum, 32, 144, 398 
Cuprum acetate, 620 
Cuprum aluminatum, 576 
Cuprum sulphate, 575, 621 
Curare, 347 
Cypripedium pubescens, 145 
Digitalis purpurea, 253, 432, 576 
Dioscorea villosa, 347 
Diuretin, 432 
Drosera, 398 
Dubo sia, 576 
Dulcamara, i32, 479 
Echinacea angustifolia, 69, 146, 255, 399, 
479, 545 
Electricity, 33, 217, 259, 576 
E'aterium. 433 
Ephedrin, 577 
Epilobium, 348 
Epigaea repens, 433 
Equisetum hyemale, 433 
Erecthites hieracifolius, 434. 480 
Ergot, 256, 454, 577, 621 
Erigeron canadense. 258, 349, 434, 48© 
Eryngium aquaticum, 350, 434 
Erythrophlceine, 578 
Eucalyptus, 147, 435, 621 INDEX OF REMEDIES. 
III 
Eu chlorine, 76 
Euonymus, 350 
Eupatorium perfoliatum, 97 
Eupatorium purpureum, 435 
Euphrasia, 400 
Europhen, 604 
Fabiana imbricata, 436 
Faradism, 33, 217, 259, 576 
Ferrum, 35, 578, 622 
Ferri chloridi tinct., 559, 621 
Ferric phosphate, 8, 260 
Ferrocyanuret of potassium, 261 
Fluorescin, 578 
Fuchsin, 437 
Fucus vesiculosus, 77, 437 
Galium aparine, 437 
Gaultheria procumbens, 438, 521 
Gelsemium sempervirens, 148, 262,400,438 
Geranium maculatum, 351 
Gentiana quinqueflora, 351 
Glonoine, 165, 278, 489, 623 
Glycerine, 579, 623 
Gossypium, 152, 481 
Graphites, 482, 546 
Grmdelia squarrosa, 264, 318 
Guaiacum, 352, 521 
Guarana, 180, 526, 580 
Gy nnocladus canadensis, 352 
Gynocardia odorata, 31, 77 
Haematoxylon campeachianum, 353 
Hainamelis virginica, 265, 439, 482, 580 
Hecla lava, 95 
Hedeoma, 483 
Helleborus niger, 266 
Helonias dioica, 353, 439, 483 
Hoang nan, 580 
Homatropinae hydrobromas, 580 
Hydrangea, 439 
Hydrargyri chlor, cor., 364, 580, 624 
Hydrargyri chlcr. mite, 163, 582 
Hydrargyri cyanidum, 582 
Hydrargyri iod. rub.,582, 625 
Hydrargyri iod. vir., 407, 583 
Hydra'gyri oxidum flavum, 583, 625 
Hydrastis canadensis, 266, 354, 440, 484, 
522, 547, 584, 626 
Hydrocotyl asiatica, 485, 548 
Hydro-therapeutics of the Eye, 585 
Hydrogen peroxidum, 584, 626 
Hyoscinae hydrobromas, 586 
Hyoscyaminae sulphas, 586 
Hyoscyamus niger, 154 
Hyoscyamines hydrobromas, 586 
Hypericum perforatum, r.57 
Iberia amara, 268 
Ichthyol, 548 
Ictodes fcetidus, 401 
Ignatia, 158, 587, 627 
Ingluvin, 355 
Inula helenlum, 401 
Iodoform, 587, 627 
Iodide of arsenic, 355, 402, 548 
Iodide of baryta, 485 
Iodide of iron, 309 
Iodide of potash, 99, 311, 356, 408, 529, 549, 
596, 633 
Iodide of sulphur, 549 
Iodine, 310, 485, 628 
Io lol, 587,627 
Ipecacuanha, 269, 356, 403, 588 
Iris versicolor, 318, 358, 523, 549 
Jaborandi, 79, 104, 271, 358, 404, 440, 486; 
523, 549, 594, 632 
Jacarandi procera, 219 
Jambul, 441 
Jequirity, 561 
Juglans cinerea, 359, 550 
J uniperus communis, 445 
Kaki, 359 
Kalmia latifolia, 272, 524 
Lachesis, 79, 159, 273, 360, 404. 
Lanolin, 588 
Ledum palustre, 105 
Leptandra 362 
Lilium tigrinum, 487 
Limonis succus, 588 
Lobelia inflata, 160, 274, 405, 487 
Lycopodium, 363, 446, 551, 628 
Lycopus virginicus, 274, 406, 447 
Macrotys, (See cimicifuga.) 
Magnesia, 629 
Magnesium phosphate, 11, 192, 363, 447 
Magnesium sulphate, 363, 556 
Maltum, 629 
Manaca, 525 
Manganese, 99 
Mangifera indica, 488 
Massage of Eye, 588 
Melilotus alba, 161, 364 
Menispermum canadense, 310, 319 
Mentha piperita, 80 
Menthol, 629 IV 
INDEX OF REMEDIES. 
Mezereum, 98 
Mitchella repens, 448 
Monobromide of camphor, 134 
Morphine sulphas, 589, 629 
Mutisia viciaefolia, 165 
Myrica cerifera, 365, 489 
Naphthalinum, 589 
Naphthol, alpha, 589 
Naphthol, beta, 589, 639 
Nitro-Glycerine, (See Glonoine.) 
Nuphar lutea, 489 
Nux vomica, 166, 278, 365. 449, 590, 630 
CEnanthe crocata, 175 
CEnothera biennis, 366 
Oleum cajeputi, 367 
Oleum jecoris aselli, 95, 519, 589,630 
Oleum morrhue, 519, 589, 630 
Oleum olive, 367 
Oleum ricini, 598 
Oleum santalum, 453, 5O2 
Oleum'terebinthine, 601 
Opium, 168 
Oubaine, 591 
Oxydendron arboreum, 450 
Oxygen, 38, 450 
Oxylate of cerium, 490 
Ozone, 38. 450 
Panax quinquef olium, 368 
Pancreatin, 368 
Papain, 369, 631 
Paraldehyde, 185 
Passiflora incarnata, 180 
Paullinia sorbilis, 180, 526, 580 
Pelletierine, 371 
Penthorum sedoides, 370 
Pepsin, 370 
Petroselinum, 490 
Petroleum, 552, 591, 631 
Phenacetin, 526 
Phoradendron, 491 
Phosphate of lime, 4, 94, 192,430, 470 
Phosphate of magnesia, 11, 192, 363, 447 
Phosphate of potash. 16,195 
Phosphate of soda, 24 
Phosphide of zinc, 491 
Phosphorus, 190, 371, 406, 591, 631 
Physostigma, 592 
Phytolacca decandra, 81, 99, 279, 312. 319, 
372, 491, 527, 553, 593, 631 
Pilocarpus, 79, 104, 271, 358, 404, 440, 486, 
523, 549, 594, 632 
Picrotoxin, 553 
Piper methysticum, 186, 373,491 
Piscidia erythrina, 187, 595, 632 
Plantago major, 188, 374,451 
Platina, 494 
Plumbi acetas, 595, 633 
Plumbi iodidum, 595 
Plumbi subacetas liquor, 595 
Podophyllin, 493 
Podophyllum, 374 
Polygonum punctatum, 376, 452, 493 
Polyporus, 376 
Polytrichum juniperinum, 452, 
Polymnia uvedalia, 281, 319, 370, 376 
Populus tremuloides, 377, 451, 494 
Potassa, 595 
596, 633 
Potassium bichromate, 335, 391, 528, 596 
Potassium chlorate, 82, 377, 596 
Potassium chloride, 13, 83. 377, 407, 543 
Potossium hypophosphite, 528 
Potassium iodide, 99, 311, 356, 408,529,549, 
Potassium permanganate, 633 
Potassium phosphate, 16, 195 
Potassium sulphate, 20, 529 
Protoiodide of mercury, 407 
Prunus virginiana, 378. 408 
Ptelea, 378, 530 
Pulsatilla nigricans, 105,189, 285, 494, 597, 
633 
Pullsatilla nuttailiana, 286, 379, 495 
Punkama, 379 
Punicine, 371 
Pyoktauin, 603, 634 
Quinia sulphas, 496, 530, 597, 634 
Ranunculus, 554 
Resorcin. 598, 634 
Retinol, 597 
Rhododendron, 496, 530 
Rhus aromatica, 379, 452, 496 
Rhus glabrum, 380 
Rhus toxicodendron, 87, 196, 287, 381, 409, 
497, 531, 555, '.98 
Rumex crispus, 314, 382, 410, 555 
Sabal serrulata, 453, 498 
Salicylate of sodium, 531, 600, 
Salix nigra, 500 
Salol, 635 
Salophen, 532 
Sambucus canadensis, 410, 556 
Sandalwood oil, 453, 502 
Sanguinaria canadensis, 411, 501, 533, 635 
Santa!i oleum, 453, 502 
Santonine, 382,454, 599 INDEX OF 
REMEDIES. 
V 
Saponaria, 502 
Sarsaparilla, 454 
Saw palmetto, 453, 498 
Scilla maritime, 411 
Scoparlus summitates, 289, 454 
Scutellaria lateriflora, 198, 290 
Secale cornutum, 256, 454, 577, 621 
Senecio, 455, 503 
Senna, 455 
Sepia, 503, 556, 599 
Silicla, 27, 105, 203, 455, 599, 635 
Silphium gumniferum, 456, 505 
Sodii bicarbonas, 599, 635 
Sodii boras, 468, 599, 635 
Sodii chloridum, 22, 600, 636 
Sodii iodidum, 636 
Sodii phosphas, 24 
Sodii sulphas, 26, 88, 383, 411 
Solanum carolinense, 203 
Solanum dulcamara, 556 
Solanum nigrum, 203 
Sozoiodol, GOO 
Sparteine sulphas, 600 
Spigelia marilandica, 293, 383 
Spongia tosta. 320, 412, 505 
Squill, 411 
Stannum, 206, 384, 505 
Staphysagria, 456, 505 
Sterculia, 293 
Sticta pulmonaria, 412, 534 
Stillingia sylvatica, 89, 96, 100, 413 
Stramonium, 207 
Strontium lactate, 361, 445 
Strophanthine, 601 
Sfrophanthus. 294, 321, 601 
Strychnia, 296, 601 
Styrona, 636 
Sulphur, 39, 208, 534, 557, 661 
Sulphate of nickel, 309 
Sumbul, 384 
Tanacetum, 505 
Tamarindus, 385 
Tartar emetic, 414 
Tela araneae, 210 
Thuja occidentalis, 456, 506, 558, 601 
Thymol, 385 
Tonga, 602 
Trillium pendulum, 414, 459, 506 
Triticum repens, 459 
Trinitrin, 165, 278, 489, 623 
Triosteum, 385 
Turuera aphrodisiaca, 459, 507 
Uranium nitrate, 386 
Urtica dioica, 321, 559 
Urtica urens, 459, 507 
Ustilago maidis, 507, 559 
Uva ursi, 460 
Valerian, 214 
Valerianate of ammonium, 214 
Veratrum album, 386 
Veratrum viride, 215, 297, 415, 535, C02, 636 
Verbascum thapsus, 90, 415, 460 
Vesicaria communis, 460, 508 
Viburnm opulus, 508 
Viburnum prunifolium, 509 
Vinca minol.i 509, 560 
Viola tricolor> 5c0 
Xanthoxylum fraxineum, 216, 387, 509 
Zincum, 216 
Zincum acetate, 602 
Zincum sulphate, 602 VI 
SUPPLEMENT TO INDEX OF REMEDIES. 
Supplement to Index of Remedies. 
Airol, 637, 640 
A.ntitoxin of Cholera, 713 
Antitoxin of Diphtheria, 714 
Antitoxin of Glanders, 716 
Antitoxin of Hydrophobia, 716 
Antitoxin of Tetanus, 719 
Antitoxin of Tuberculosis, 720 
Antitoxin of Yellow Fever, 721 
Aplopappus-Bigleovia, 757 
Arecoline Hydrobromate, 638 
Bearberry, 708 
Boracic Acid, 721 
Brown Iodide of Lime, 751 
Ca lifornia Coffee Tree, 708 
Crataegus Oxyacantha, 707, 726 
English Hawthorn, 707 
Ephedrine Hydrobromate, 638 
Eucaine, 638 
Eudoxine, 707, 730 
(formaline, 640 
Formalin, 640 
Glycozone, 731 
Holocain, 638 
Hydrozone, 731 
Mydrol, 638 
Nuclein, 710 
Negundium Americanum, 707, 74® 
Negundo Aceroides, 707 
Piperazin, 708 
Piperazinum, 708 
Rhamnus Californica, 708, 746 
Sulphocarbolates, 749 
Sulphocarbolate of Zinc, 708,749* 
Viscum Album, 755 GLIEIGAL IGDEX, 
Abortion. (See Miscarriage.) 
Abscess. 
Calc, sulphate, 2 
Calc, sulphide, 66 
Echinacea, 74 
Ferric phos., 8 
Potas. chloride, 85 
Abscess, alveolar. 
Calc, fluor., 2 
Potas. chloride, 13 
Silica. 27 
Acidity. 
Carbo veg., 339 
Sod. phos., 25 
Sod. sulphite, 88 
Lycopodium, 363 
Acne. 
Berberis aqui 541 
Brom, potas., 542 
Calc, sulphide 67,557 
Calend., 542 
Chrysarobin, 544 
Hydiocot. asiat. 543 
lod. sulph., 549 
Jug. cin., 550 
Potas. chloride, 13 
Adenitis. 
Barium mur., 302 
Calearea sulph., 307 
Ferric Phos., 9 
Iodine, 310 
lod. of iron. 309 
lod. of pot., 311 
Phytolacca, 312 
Sod. chi., 23 
Adhesions. 
Ferric Phos., 8 
Potass, chloride, 14 
Adiposis. (See Obesity.) 
After-pains. 
Amyl nit,, 465 
Calc, fluor., 2 
Cannabis, 471 
Chamomilla, 473 
Cuprum, 145 
Magn. phos., 11 
Potas. phos,, 17 
Agalactia. 
Agnus castus, 463 
Ampelopsis, 465 
Asafoetida, 466 
Jaborandi, 507 
Urtica urens, 507 
Ague. (See Malaria.) 
Ague-cake. (See Spleen.) 
Albuminuria. 
Auri et sodii chlor., 421 
Benzoate sod., 425 
Calc, phos,, 4 
Digitalis, 432 
Per. phos., 8 
Fuchsin, 437 
Helonias dio., 354 
Jaborandi, 440 
Nitric acid, 449 
Nitro-glyc,, 422 
Pot. chloride, 14 
Pot. phos., 17 
Senecio, 455 
Stront, lact., 361 
Vesicaria com., 461 
Alkalinity. 
Acid mur., 46 
Alopecia. 
Corydal. for., 68 
Graphites, 547 
Phosph, acid, 552 
Pot. sulphate, 21 
Ust'lagomai,, 560 
Amaurosis. 
Solanum nig., 203 
Amblyopia. 
Antipyrin, 567 
Gelsemium, 579, 
Hoang nan, 580 
Jaborandi, 594 
Phosphorus, 592 
Phosphoric acid, 564 
Nux, 590 VIII 
CLINICAL INDEX. 
Amenorrhoea. 
Apocynum can., 466 
Borax, 468 
Calc, phos., 4 
Cimicifuga, 475 
CoBinsonia, 478 
Farad ism, 259 
Gossypium, 483 
Hcdeoma, 483 
Iodine, 486 
Macrotys, 141 
Polygonum, 493 
Potas.,chloride, 14 
Potae. phos., 17 
Potas. sulph., 20 
Pulsatilla nig., 494 
Pulsatilla nut., 495 
Sanguinaria, 501 
Saponaria, 502 
Senecio, 503 
Tanacetum, 500 
Aneurism. 
Calc, fluor., 236 
Ergot, 256 
Anaemia. 
Arsenic, 29 
Calc, phos., 470 
Cuprum, 32 
Faradism, 33, 218 
Ferric phos., 8 
Ferrum, 35 
Oxygen, 38 
Picric acid, 59 
Sod. chlor., 22 
Sulphur, 39 
Anaemia, cerebral 
Guarana, 180 
Phosphorus, 191 
Anaemia, pernicious. 
Arsenic, 29 
Calc, phos., 30 
Picric acid, 60 
Angina faucium. 
Aconite, 322 
Gymnoclacus can., 352 
Angina pectoris. 
Amyl nitris, 123 
Antipyrin, 116 
Cactus grand., 235 
Lobelia, 160 
Magnesium phos,, 11 
Nitro-glyc., 278 
Potas. phos., 17 
Spigelia, 293 
Sumbul, 210 
Valerianate zinc, 21® 
Angina. 
Calc, fluor., 2 
Anorexia. 
. Calc, phos., 4 
Sod. pbos., 25 
Paullina, 370 
Anteflexion, congenital, 
Hydrastis, 268 
Anthrax. 
Calc, sulph., 6 
Echinacea, 69 
Kerrie phos., 9 
Potas. chloride, 543 
Potas. phos. 17 
Silica, 27 
Anus, fissure of. (See Fissure.) 
Aphasia. 
Phosphide zinc, 21S 
Aphonia. 
Arum tri ph., 390 
Causticum, 395 
Potas. bichrom., 391 
Aphthae. (See Stomatitis.) 
Aconite, 322 
Arsenic, 329 
Brom, potas., 338 
Hydrastis, 354 
Jaborandi, 358 
Myrica cerifera, 365 
Phytolacca, 280 
Plsntago maj., 374 
Potas. chloride, 14 
Potas. phos., 17 
Sod. chlo., 22 
Apoplexy. 
Calc, fluor.. 2 31 
Belladonna, 129 
Ergot, 256 t 
Arthritis. 
Bryonia, 103 
Caulophyllum, 103 
Ferric phos., 8 
Jaborandi, 104 
Potas. iod,, 529 
Potas. sulph., 21 
Pulsatilla, 105 
Silica, 105 
Sod. sulphate, 26 
Asthma. ' 
JSsculus hip., 223 
Amyl nit., 123 CLINICAL INDEX. 
IX 
Antifebrine, 114 
Antipyrin, 116 
Aspidos. quebrach., 409 
Brom, ars., 131 
Calc, fluor., 2 
Collinson., 396 
Eucalyptol, 147 
Guarana, 180 
Ictodes foetidus, 401 
Magn. phos., 11 
Ptelea, 378 
Potas. chloride, 14 
Stramonium, 207 
Sulphur, 208 
Sumbul, 210 
Asthma, cardiac. 
Adonis ver., 222 
Aspidosperma que., 227 
Digitalis pnr., 254 
Ibens amara, 268 
Scopai ius, 289 
Strophanthus, 294 
Asthma, hay. (See Hayfever.) 
Asthenopia. 
Cactus, 571 
Electricity, 576 
Ferrum, 578 
Ignatia, 587 
Nux, 591 
Sepia, 599 
Tonga, 602 
Atheroma. 
Calc, fluor., 236 
Back-ache. 
Calc, fluor., 2 
Calc, phos., 4 
Ferric phos., 8 
Magn. phos, 12 
Pot. chloride, 14 
Pot. phos., 17 
Pot. sulphate, 20 
Bite, tarantula. 
Echinacea, 73 
Bladder, irritable. 
Agrimonia, 418 
Apis, 418 
Belladonna, 423 
Benzoic acid, 40 
Benzoate lithium, 424 
Beta vulg., 425 
Cannabis ind., 237 
Clematis, 431 
Epigwa repens, 433 
Equisetum bye., 433 
Eupatorium pur., 435 
Eryngium, 350 
Fucus ves., 437 
Galium aparine, 437 
Gaultheria, 438 
Gel semium, 438 
Hamamelis, 439 
Hydrange, 440 
Magn. phos , 447 
Populus, 451 
Rhus aromat.,453 
Sabal serrnlata, 453 
Santali oleum, 502 
Santonlne, 454 
Sarsaparilla, 454 
Senecio, 455 
Staphysagria, 456 
Triticuni rep., 459 
Urtica urens, 459 
Uva ursi, 460 
Verbascum thap., 460 
Bladder, spasmodic action of. 
Ferric phos., 8 
Magn. phos., 12 
Blepharitis. 
Aristol, 568 
Boric acid, 563 
Carbolic acid, 563 
Calx, sulphrata, 571 
Cod oil, 589 
Graphites, 547 
Hydrarg. oxid. flav., 583 
Hydrastis, 584 
Iodoform, 587 
Resorcin, 598 
Salicylic acid, 565 
Sodii bicarb.. 599 
Sodii boras, 599 
Sulphur, 601 
Syr. calcii lactophos., 571 
Bleeding. (SeeHemorrhage.) 
Blisters. 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Sod. chlor., 22 
Sod. phos., 25 
Sod. sulph., 26 
Sllicia,28 
Blood-vessels, dilated. 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Hamamelis, 265 
Boils. (See Furuncle.) 
Bones, broken. 
Calc, phos., 4 
Potas. chloride, 14 X 
CLINICAL INDEX. 
Bowels, ulceration of. 
Calc, sulphate, 7 
Kaki, 359 
Brain, concussion of. 
Ferric phos., 9 
Potas. phos., 17 
Brain fag. 
JEthu. cynap., 112 
Brom, lith.,132 
Phosphorus, 191 
Phos. lime, 192 
Phos. zinc, 216 
Potas. phos., 195 
Zincum, 216 
Brain, softening. 
Cal. phos., 5 
Potas. phos., 19 
Phos. zinc, 216 
Breath, offensive. 
Potas. phos., 17 
Bright's disease. 
Caffeine, 235, 
Achillea, 417 
Calc, phos., 4 
Chlor, gold and sod., 421 
Chloral, 428 
Digitalis, 432 
Erectbites, 434 
Fuchsin, 437 
Helonias, 439 
Jaborandi, 440 
Lact. stront., 445 
Nitric acid, 449 
Poipulus, 451 
Potas. phos., 17 
Senecio, 455 
Silica, 456 
Bronchitis. 
Aconite, 388 
Asufoetida, 416 
Ascleplas, 390 
Aspidos. quebrach., 229 
Berberis aqui., 303 
Bry. alba, 135 
Calc, phos., 4 
Calc, sulphide, 6 
Chlor, ammon., 395 
Corall. odon., 398 
Ferric phos., 9 
Gelsemium, 401 
Ictodes feet., 401 
Inula hel., 401 
Ipecac, 270 
Lob. inf., 406 
Nit. sang., 411 
Potas. chloride, 14 
Rhus tox., 88, 409 
Sod. chi., 22 
Stillin. sylv., 413 
Potas. sulph. 20 
Syr. hydriod. acid, 44 
Tar. em., 414 
Tril. pend., 414 
Bronchocele. 
Oalc. carb., 304, 316 
Calc. phos. 4 
Coral, odon., 317 
Iris ver., 318 
Phytolacca, 319 ' 
Spongia, 320 
Strophanthus, 321 
Urtica dioica, 321 
Bronchorrhoea. 
Berberis aqui., 303 
Calc, carb., 305, 393 
Bubo. (See Lymph, glands 
enlarged, and Adenitis.) 
Bunions. 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Ferric phos., 9 
Burns. 
Calc, sulph., 6 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Urtica dioica, 559 
Caecum, inflammation of. 
Lachesis, 361 
Calculus. 
Berberis vulg., 425 
Calc, phos., 5 
Eryngium aquat., 435 
Eupatorium purp„ 435 
Fabiana imbricata, 436 
Hydrangea, 439 
Polytrichum jump., 452 
Verbascum thap., 460 
Cancer. (See Carcinoma.) 
Cancer, pain of. 
Calc, phos,, 5 
Echinacea, 147 
Ferric phos., 10 
Magn. phos., 12 
Silica, 456 
Cancrum oris. (See Stoma- 
titis also ) 
Potas. phos., 17 
Arsenic, 329 CLINICAL INDEX 
XI 
Carbuncle. (See Anthrax.) 
Carditis. 
Oonvallaria maj,, 253 
Ferric phos., 9 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Potas, phos., 17 
Caries. 
Asafoetida, 92 
Aurum, 93 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Calc, phos,, 94 
Fluoric acid, 92 
Hecla lava, 95, 
Silica, 28 
Caries of ear. 
Auri et sodii chloridum, 615 
Hydrochi. acid, 608 
Nit. acid, 609 
Sulphuric acid, 610 
Caries of orbit. 
Calx sulphurate, 599 
Silica, 599 
Carcinoma. 
Calc, phos., 4 
Calc, sulph., 6 
Echinacea, 147 
Ferric phos.. 10 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Potas. phos., 71 
Potas. sulph., 20 
Silica, 456 
Catalepsy. 
Cannabis indica, 135 
Scutellaria, 201 
Catarrh, nasal. 
Calc, phos., 4 
Calc, sulph,, 6 
Ferric phos., 9 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Potas. sulph , 20 
Sod. chlor., 22 
Oistus can., 309 
Euphr., 400 
Iodide arsenic, 402 
Bambucus can., 410 
Sticta, 413 
Catarrh of biliary ducts. 
Ammon, mur., 326 
Chclidon., 340 
Hydrastis, 354 
Catarrh, gastric. 
Argenti ultras, 328 
Ferric phos., 9 
Hydrastis, 354 
Kaki, 360 
Mur. ammon., 326 
Potas. bichrom.,335 
Catarrh, intestinal. 
Ammon, mur., 326 
Geranium mac., 351 
Catarrh, laryngotracheal 
Causticum, 395 
Catarrh, pharyngeal.. 
Geranium mac., 351 
Hydrastis, 354' 
Penthorum, 371 
Catarrh, uterine. (See Leu- 
corrhoea.) 
Catarrh, vesical. 
Chimaphilla, 474 
Dulcamara, 432 
Eryngium and gelsemium, 438 
Eucalytus, 435 
Hydrastis, 440 
Lycopodium, 446 
Santonine, 454 
Sarsaparilla, 454 
Silphium, 456 
Vesicaria, 461 
Catarrh, tympanum. 
Aconite, 611 
Calais liquor, 616 
Cantharis, 618 
Chloral, 618 
Chloroform, 618 
Morphine, 629 
Piscldla erythrina, 632 
Cataract. 
Atropine, 569 
Boric acid, 562 
Cineraria, 573 
Cellulitis. 
1'erric phos., 261 
Potas. chlor., 86 
Cephalalgia. 
Adonis ver., 223 
JEsculus hip., 228 
Antipyrln, 115 
Arseni ate gold, 97 
Belladonna, 128 
Bryonia, 233 
Caffeine, 235 
Calc, phos., 5 XII 
CLINICAL INDEX. 
Cannabis, 185 
Chslidon. maj., 249 
Chloral, 139 
Cimicifuga, 572 
Ferric phos. 10 
Glonoine, 166 
Gnarana, 180 
Hydrastis, 522 
Hyoscyamus, 155 
Iris ver.,* 358 
Magn. phos., 12 
Melilotus, 161 
Monobrom, camph., 135 
Nitro-glyc., 278 
Nux v„ 167 
Passiflora, 181 
Paullinia, 370 
Piscidia ery., 187 
Potas. brom,, 596 
Potas. chloride, 14 
Pctas. phos.. 18 
Potas. sulph., 21 
Rhus, 197 
Sod. sulph., 27 
Solanum nig., 203 
Stannum, 384 
Sulphur, 209 
Sulph. nickel, 209 
Triosteum, 385 
Valerian, 214 
Valerianate zinc, 216 
Veratrum, 215, 297 
Zinc, 216 
Cephalhaematoma. 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Cerebritis. (SeeEncephalitis.) 
Cerumen, deficient. 
Carbon bisulph., 618 
Jaborandi. 632 
Menthol, 629 
Cerumen, hardened. 
Sodii bicarb., 635 
Sodii bor.. 636 
Cervicitis. (See Uterus.) 
Chafing. (See Intertrigo.) 
Chancre. 
Potas., chloride, 14 
Potas. phos., 17 
Chilblains. 
Calc.sulch, 7 
Potas. chloride, 543 
Chloasma. 
Lactic acid, 551 
Chlorosis. 
Arsenic, 29 
Calc. phos., 4 
Faradism, 33, 262 
Ferric phos., 9 
Ferrocyanuret pot., 262 
Helonias, 484 
Potas. phos., 17 
Senecio, 503 
Sod. chlor., 22 
Chloroform narcosis. 
Amyl nit., 278 
Inversion, 278 
Cholesteatoma. 
Alcohol, 611 
Chromic acil, 608 
Oupri. sulph., 621 
Chorea. 
Agaricus muse., 112 
Aplopappus laric., 120 
Arsenic, 117 
Arsenite copper, 226 
Atropia, 569 
Belladonna, 127 
Brom, arsenic, 131 
Brom, iron, 133 
Cuprum, 145 
Cannabis, 135 
Caulophyllum, 472 
Cimicifuga, 475 
Eucalyptol, 147 
Faradism, 217 
Gelsemium, 149 
Magn. phos., 12 
Osmic acid, 171 
Scutellaria, 198 
Solanum nig., 208 
Stramonium, 207 
Sumbul, 210 
Valerian, 214 
Choroiditis. 
Gelsemium, 579 
Hydrarg. iod. rub., 582 
Jaborandi, 594 
Nux, 59 0_ 
Phosphorus, 591 
Phosphoric acid. 564 
Turpentine, 601 
Choroi do-retinitis. 
Hydrarg. iod. rub., 582 
Cholera. 
Arsenite copper, 329 
Cuprum, 145 
Erigeron, 259 OUNICAL INDEX. 
XIII 
Strychnia, 299 
Veratrum alb., 388 
Xanthoxylum, 387 
Cholera infantum. 
Aconite, 220, 322 
2Ethusa cynap., 112, 324 
Argenti nit., 328 
Arsenic, 329 
Arsenite cop., 330 
Bismuth, 337 
Collinson!*, 251 
Colocynth, 346 
Dioscorea, 348 
Echinacea, 69 
Erigeron, 259, 349 
Guarana, 180 
lod. arsenic, 355 
Ipecac, 270 
Iris, 358 
Kaki, (?) 359 
CEnothera biennis, 368 
Mercur. cor,, 364 
Paullinia, 370 
Plantago maj., 374 
Podophyllum, 374 
Rhus tox„ 382 
Veratrum alb., 387 
Cholera morbus. 
Aconite, 322 
Cajeput, 367 
Echinacea, 69 
Rhus tex., 381 
Veratrum album, 386 
Xanthoxylum, 387 
Cholera nostras. 
Cajeput, 367 
Cholerine. 
Xanthoxylum, 387 
Chromatopsia. 
Magu. phos., 12 
Cilia, perverted. 
Electrolysis, 577 
Climacteric disturbance. 
Cimicifuga, 142 
Cypripedium pub., 145 
Graphites, 482 
Hydrastis, 267 
Lachesis, 160 
Nitro-glyc., 489 
Passiflora, 180 
Tela araneae, 211 
Valerian,214 
Coccygodynia. 
Passiflora, 182 
Colds. 
Aconite, 383 
Calc. sulph., 7 
Ipecac, 403 
Potas. chloride, 14 
Verbascum thap., 415 
Colic. (See Enteralgia.) 
Colic, bilious. 
Dioscorea, 348 
Triosteum, 385 
Colic, hepatic. 
Benzoate lithium, 92 
Oleum olivas, 367 
Colic, menstrual. 
Cocculus ind., 478 
ferric phos., 10 
Magn. phos., 12 
Potas. phos., 18 
Colic, renal. 
Coccus cacti, 431 
Eryngium, 435 
Piper meth.. 186 
Colic, uterine. (See Uterus.) 
Colic, worm. 
Stannum, 384 
Color blindness. 
Santonin, 599 
Condyloma. 
Nit. ac., 551 
Conjunctivitis. 
Alumen, 566 
Boiic acid, 562 
Ergot, 577 
Europhen, 604 
Hydrastis, 584 
Resorcin, 598 
Rhus tor., 289 
Zinci acetas, 602 
Zinci sulphas, 602 
Conjunctivitis, catarrhal 
Alumen, 566 
Aqua, 585 
Creolin, 574 
Hydrarg. chi. cor., 581 
Ignatia, 587 
Iodol, 588 
Conjunctivitis, diphtheritic. 
Salicylic acid, 564 
Potas. bichrom., 596 XIV 
CLINICAL INDEX. 
Conjunctivitis, follicular. 
Hydrastis, 584 
Quin, sulph., 597 
Conjunctivitis, phlyctenular. 
Aqua, 585 
Boric acid, 562 
Calcium, 571 
Calomel, 582 
Creolin, 574 
Hydrarg. chi. cor, 581 
Jaborandi, 594 
Nux vom., 590 
Conjunctivitis, purulent. 
Alpha-naphthol, 590 
Beta-naphthol, 590 
Calcium, 571 
Gallic acid, 564 
Ice, 585 
Peroxide hydrogen, 584 
Sodii chlor., 600 
Sozoiodol. 600 
Convulsions. 
Aconite, 221 
.ZEthusa cynapium, 112 
Arsenite copper, 330 
Belladonna, 127 
Brom, ammon., 131 
Calc, phos., 4 
Chamomilla, 138 
Ferric phos., 9 
Gelsemium, 148 
Lobelia, 160 
Magn. phos,, 12 
Mono-brom, camphor, 134 
Passiflora, 181 
Rhus tox., 197 
Scutellaria 198 
Solanum nig., 203 
Sulphate aniline, 118 
Sumbul, 210 
Valerian, 214 
Veratrum, 215 
Zincum, 216 
Constipation. 
Alumina, 326 
Berberis aqui., 334 
Brom, potas., 338 
Bryonia, 338 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Colocynth, 346 
Euonymus, 350 
Ferric phos., 9 
Hydrastis, 354 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Sod. chlor., 22 
Lycopodium, 363 
Consumption. (See Phthisis) 
Convalescence. 
Avena sativa, 124 
Calc, phos., 4 
Pass! flora, 180 
Stramonium, 207 
Cornea, conicaL 
Cautery, 572 
Electricity, 577 
Cornea, opacity of. 
Calomel, 582 
Hydrarg. oxid. flav., 583 
Massage, 588 
Terebinthin®, 601 
Coryza. 
Aconite, 222 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Euphrasia, 400 
Ferric phos,, 9 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Potas, phos., 17 
Potas. sulph., 20 
Sod. chlor., 22 
Sod. phos., 25 
Coughs. 
Alumina, 326 
Asafoetida, 416 
Bryonia, 233, 392 
Calc, carb., 393 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Calc, phos., 5 
Castanea ves., 394 
Cerasus vir.. 243 
Chlor, amnion., 395 
Chelidon. maj., 249 
Cistus can., 343 
Coccus cacti, 431 
Corail, odont., 398 
Cuprum, 398 
Drosera, 398 
Ferric phos,, 9 
Gelsemium, 400 
HyoscyamiiH, 155 
Ipecac, 27o, 403 
Inula hel., 401 
Lycopus, 406 
Magn. phos., 12 
Mentha pip., 81 
Mutisia vici., 165 
Phosphorus, 407 
Potas. bichrom., 391 
Potas, chlor., 407 CLINICAL INDEX. 
XV 
Potas. hypophosphis, 529 
Potas. sulph., 21 
Rhus tox., 4C9 
Rumex, 410 
Sanguinarina nit., 411 
Sod. chlor., 22 
Spongia, 412 
Squill, 411 
Sticta pulm., 412 
Stillingia, 413 
Tela aran., 210 
Verbascum thap., 415 
Cramps. 
Calc, phos., 4 
Cuprum, 145 
Mzgn. phcs., 12 
Potas. phos., 17 
Sulphur, 53 4 
Cramp, writers'. 
Belladonna, 127 
Croup. 
Aconite, 220 
Cale, phos., 4 
Ferric phos., 9 
Ipecac, 403 
Lobelia, 405 
Mutisia vic., 165 
Potas. bichro., 412 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Protoiodide mere., 407 
Spongia, 412 
Crusta lactea. 
Alnus, 538 
Arctium lappa, 539 
Calc, phos., 4 
Calc, sulph., 7 
Solan, dul., 556 
Viola tricolor, 560 
Cynanche. 
Aconite, 322 
Apis, 327 
Apocynum, 327 
Echinacea, 69 
Ferric phos., 10 
Gymnocladus, 352 
Silica, 28 
Phytolacca, 280 
Potas. chlor., 15 
Cynanche maligna. 
Allan,thus, 325 
Baptisia, 61, 331 
Cystitis. 
Agrimonia, 418 
Benzoic acid, 423 
Buchu, 422 
Calc, sulph., 7 
Can that , 427 
Chimaphilla, 427 
Collinsonia, 431 
Elaterium, 433 
Fabiana imbri., 438 
Ferric phos., 8 
Fucus ves., 437 
Hydrastis, 440 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Sarsaparilla, 454 
Trltlcum rep., 459 
Vesicaria com., 461 
Verbascum, 460 
Dacryo-cystitis. 
Calx, sulph., 571 
Hydrogen peroxidum, 584 
Pulsatilla, 236 
Dandruff. 
Potas. sulph., 20 
Deglutition, difficult 
Curare, 347 
Lachesis, 360 
Delirium. 
Arum, 123 
Belladonna, 127, 231 
Cypripedium, 146 
Ferric phos, 9 
Hyoscyamus, 155 
Potas, phos., 17 
Rhus tox., 197 
Delirium tremens. 
Brom, potas., 232 
Cannabis ind., 135 
Capsicum, 136 
Chloral, 138 
Hyoscyamus, 157 
Mono-brom. camphor, 133 
Paraldehyde, 185 
Potas. phos., 17 
Scutellaria, 198 
Stramonium, 207 
Dementia. 
Anacardium, 114 
Baptisia, 127 
Cypripedium pub., 145 
Hyosciamus, 156 
Dermatitis. 
Syr. hydriodic acid, 45 
Diabetes insipidus. 
Apocynum can., 328 
Ergot, 454 
Erigeron, 259 XVI 
CLINICAL INDEX. 
Eupatorium pur., 485 
Gallic acid, 438 
Hamamelis, 439 
Jaborandi, 440 
Rhus aromat., 452 
Sod. chlor., 23 
Trillium pend., 459 
Diabetes mellitus. 
Antipyrin, 419 
Brom, arsenic, 425 
Chloral, 428 
Helonias, 439 
Jaborandi, 441 
Jambol, 441 
Lycopus, 447 
Phosphoric acid, 451 
Potas. phos., 17 
Potas. sulph., 20 
Rhus aromat., 452 
Silica, 456 
Sod. sulph,, 26 
Trillium pend,, 459 
Uranium nit., 386 
Diarrhoea. 
Aconite, 110, 322 
ASthusa, 324 
Argenti nit., 328 
Arsenite strych., 330 
Bichromate potas., 335 
Bismuth, 336 
Calc, phos., 4 
Cale, sulph., 7 
Oistus can., 343 
Dioscorea, 348 
Epilobium, 348 
Erigeron, 350 
Eryngium, 350 
Ferric phos., 9 
Geranium mac., 351 
HiBmatoxylon, 353 
lod. arsenic, 355 
Ipecac,356 
Iris, 358 
Juglans, 359 
Kaki, 359 
Lactic acid, 362 
Magn. phos., 12 
Melilotus, 364 
Myrica cer., 365 
CEnothera biennis, 366 
Oleum caj., 367 
Pancreatin, 369 
Paullinia, 370 
Plantago maj., 374 
Polyporus, 376 
Potas. chlor,, 14 
Potas. phos., 17 
Pulsatilla nut., 379 
Rhus aromat., 380 
Rhus glao., 381 
Sod. chlor,, 22 
Sod. phos., 25 
Sod. sulph,, 383 
Sumbul,384 
Triosteum, 386 
Veratrum alb., 386 
Xanthoxylum, 387 
Diphtheria. 
Calc, phos., 4 
Echinacea, 70 
Euchlorine, 76 
Ferric phos., 9 
Lachesis, 159 
Mentha pip., 81 
Pancreatin, 368 
Papain, 369 
Pepsin 370 
Potas. chlorate, 82 
Pctas. chloride, 86 
Potas. phos., 17 
Sod. chlor., 22 
Sod. phos., 95 
Dolores osteocopL 
Aurum, 124 
Manganese, 99 
Mezereum, 98 
Dropsy. 
Benzoate ammonium, 424 
Calc, phos., 4 
Chimaphilla, 428 
Diuretin, 432 
Ferric phos., 9 
Juniperus com., 446 
Oxydendron arb., 450 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Scoparius sum.. 454 
Sod. chlor., 22 
Sod. sulph , 26 
Dropsy, cardiac. 
Adonis, 222 
Cactus, 234 
Caffeine. '26 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Cereus bonplandii, 248 
Convallaria maj., 253 
Digitalis purp., 254 
Polytrichum junip., 452 
Scoparius, 290 
Strophanthus, 294 CLINICAL INDEX. 
XVII 
Dropsy, renal 
Arctium lappa, 420 
Apia mellifica, 419 
Apocynum can., 225 
Belladonna, 423 
Eupatorium purp., 435 
Duodenitis. 
Arsenic, 329 
Dysentery. 
Aconite, 322 
Arsenic, 329 
Bichromate potas., 335 
Ci st us can., 343 
Collinsonia, 251 
Colcynth, 346 
Dioscorea, 347 
Echinacea, 256 
Epilobium, 348 
Ferric phcs„ 9 
Geranium, 351 
Ignatia, 158 
Ipecac, 357 
J uglans, 359 
Kaki, 359 
Magn. sulph,, 364 
Melilotus alb., 163 
Mercurxus cor., 364 
Muriatic acid, 46 
Nitric acid, 48 
CEnothera biennis, 366 
Plantago maj., 374 
Podophyllum, 374 
Polyporus, 376 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Potas, phos., 17 
Bhus aromat,, 380 
Bhus glab., 381 
Bhus tox., 88 
Sumbul, 384 
Triosteum, 388 
Xanthoxylum, 387 
Dysentery, typhoid. 
Baptisia, 61 
Myrica cerifera, 365 
Bhus, 382 
Dysmenorrhoea. 
Aletris, 464 
Borax, 468 
Cannabis Ind., 471 
Caulophyllum, 472 
Chaniomilla, 473 
Cimicifuga, 475 
Cocculus ind., 478 
Collinsonia, 478 
Faradism, 219 
Ferric phos., • 
Gelsemium, 481 
Gossypium, 482 
Graphites, 482 
Lilium tig., 487 
Nitro-glyc., 489 
Oxalate cerium, 490 
Passiflora, 181 
Petroselinum, 490 
Piper methyst., 493 
Piscidia ery., 188 
Polygonum, 494 
Potas. chloride, 14 
Potas. phos., 18 
Pulsatilla nig., 494 
Pulsatilla nut., 495 
Sanguinaria, 501 
Senecio, 503 
Sepia, 504 
Tanace turn, 506 
Viburnum, 508 
Xanthoxylum, 509 
Dyspepsia. 
TEsculus hippo., 223 
Aletris, 325 
Alstonia, 326 
Alumina, 326 
Ananassa sat., 327 
Argenti nitras, 323 
Arsenic, 829 
Berberis aqui., 333 
Berberis vulg., 334 
Bichrom. potas., 33* 
Bismuth., 336 
Boldo, 337 
Bryonia, 338 
Carduus mar., 238 
Caulophyllum, 51* 
Cerasus virg., 244 
Chelidonium, 340 
Chelone, :.41 
Collinsonia, 344 
Eryngium, 350 
Euonymus, 350 
Ferric phos., 9 
Gentiana quin., 351 
Griudelia squar., 318 
Helonias dio., 353 
Hydrastis, 354 
Ingluvin, 355 
Juglans, 359 
Lachesis, 160 
Lactic acid. 862 
Lycopodium, 363 
Nux, 167, 279,366 
(Enothera biennis, 368 XVIII 
CLINICAL INDEX. 
Oleum ollvae, 367 
Oxide zinc, 216 
Magn. phos., 12 
Menispermum can., 810 
Panax quinq., 368 
Pancreatin, 369 
Papain, 369 
Penthorum, 371 
Piper methyst., 373 
Podophyllum, 374 
Polymnia, 282 
Populus, 377 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Potas. sulph., 21 
Prunus virg,, 378 
Ptelea, 378 
Pulsatilla nut., 379 
Sod. chlor., 23 
Sod. phos., 25 
Sterculia, 294 
Strontium lact., 361 
Dyspnoea. 
Aspidosperma que„ 227, 409 
Ferric phos., 9 
Iberis amara, 268 
Ipecac, 403 
Potas. phos., 17 
Ptelea, 378 
Strophanthus, 294 
Dyspareunia. 
Sepia, 503 
Dysuria. 
Arctium lappa, 420 
Belladonna, 423 
Benzoic acid, 424 
Cantharis, 42*8 
Chimaphilla, 428 
Clematis erecta, 430 
Epigaea repens, 433 
Equisetum hyemale, 434 
Eupatorium purp., 436 
Fabiana imb., 436 
Galium aparine, 437 
Gelsemium, 438 
Melilotus alba., 163 
Mitchella repens, 448 
Santonine, 454 
Triticum repens, 459 
Ear-ache. 
Atropia, 615 
Cbamomilla, 137 
Ferric phos,, 9 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Potas. sulph., 20 
Plantago maj., 189 
Pulsatilla, 285 
Ear, fungus growths of, 
Cupri sulph., 621 
Ear, syphilitic diseases of. 
Arsenious acid, 605 
Ammon. iod., 618 
Aurum, gl6 
Ferrum 
Hydrarg. chi. cor., 624 
Hydrarg. iod, rub., 625 
Potas. iod., <6 88 
Syr. acid hydriod., 608 
Ecthyma. 
Juglans cin., 550 
Eczema. 
Alnus ser., 538 
Arctium lap., 539 
Arsenic, 540 
Berberis aqni., 541 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Calc, phos,, 4 
Cale, sulphide, 557 
Chrysarobin, 544 
* Clematis, 544 
Graphites, 546 
Hydrocotyl asiat., 548 
Ichthyol, 548 
Juglans, 550 
Ilrtica dioica, 559 
Potas. acetas, 537 
Potas. chlor. 543 
Potas. phos., 17 
Ranunculus, 554 
Bhus tox,, 555 
Silica, 27 
Sod. chlor., 22 
Sod. phos., 25 
Sod. sulph., 27 
Solanum dulc., 556 
Syr. hydrodic acid, 44 
Eczema of auditory canaL 
Arsenious acid, 605|j 
Aristol, 614 
Creolin, 620 
Eucalyptus oil, 621 
Salicylic acid, 610 
Eczema of auricle. 
Arsenious acid. 605 
Creolin, 620 
Eczema of eyelids. 
Arsenious acid, 561 
Salyicyiic acid, 565 CLINICAL INDEX 
XIX 
Ecchymosis. 
Lachesis, 79 
Puls, nuttalliana, 286 
Eclampsia. 
Aplopappus laricif., 121 
Belladonna, 127 
Gelsemium, 148 
Veratrum, 215 
Embolus. 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Digitalis, 576 
Jaborandi, 576 
Emphysema. 
Aspidosperma que., 229, 409 
Strophanthus, 295 
Empyema. 
Calc, sulph., 7 
Silica, 27 
Endocarditis. 
Calc, fluor., 236 
Cerasus virg., 243 
Splgelia, 293 
Endometritis. 
Calc, sulph., 66 
Hydrastis, 267 
Enteralgia. 
Antifebrin, 114 
Bromide potas., 337 
Bryonia, 338 
Caulophyllum, 516 
Chamomilla, 340 
Collinsonia, 345 
Colocynth, 345 
Dioscorea, 347 
Epilobium, 348 
Ignatia, 158 
Iris, 358 
Magn. phos,, 12 
Melilotus alb., 163, 364 
Nux, 365 
Paullinia, 370 
Plantago maj., 374 
Polygonum, 376 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Potas. sulph., 21 
Sod. phos., 25 
Sod. sulph., 26 
Stannum, 384 
Enuresis- 
Belladonna, 423 
Benzoic acid, 423 
Cannabis ind., 426 
Chimaphilla, 428 
Equlsetum hyemale, 434 
Ergot, 454 
Eupatorium purp,, 435 
Fabiana imb., 436 
Ferric phos., 9 
Nux, 449 
Plantago maj., 451 
Potas. phos., 18 
Rhusaromat., 452 
Santonine, 454 
Sol. chlor., 23 
Sod. phos., 25 
Sod. sulph., 26 
Staphysagria, 456 
Strychnia, 296 
Thuja, 458 
Verbascum thap., 46# 
Epididymitis. 
Podophyllin, 493 
Spongia, 505 
Ephelides. 
Lactic acid, 551 
Epilepsy. 
Amyl nitris, 122 
Antifebrin, 114 
Belladonna, 127 
Brcmides, 130 
Bromide ammon., 131 
Bromide arsen., 131 
Bromide calc., 132 
Bromide gold, 132 
Bromide lithium, 132 
Bromide nickel, 133 
Bromide potas., 132 
Cannabis ind., 135 
Cimcifuga, 141 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Potas. phos., 196 
Jacarandi procera, 21# 
Mutisia vici., 165 
OEnanthe croc., 175 
Osmic acid, 169 
Silica, 203 
Solanum carol., 203 
Stramonium, 207 
Sulphate aniline, 118 
Sumbul, 210 
Episcleritis. 
Antipyrin, 567 
Ergot, 578 • 
Hydrarg. oxid. flav., 583 
Physostigma, 592 
Jaborandi, 594 
Thuja, 601 XX 
CLINICAL INDEX. 
Epithelioma. 
Ferrum arsenicum, 88 
Biniodide mercury, 38 
Hydrastis, 547 
Erotomania. 
Agnus castus, 463 
Aurum, 466 
Eruptions. (See Skin.) 
Erysipelas. 
Aconite, 538 
Apis, 539 
Arctium lappa, 539 
Belladonna, 231 
Berberis aqui., 62 
Echinacea, 69 
Ferric phos., 9 
Ferrum, 559 J 
Jaborandi, 79 
Muriatic acid, 46 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Potas. sulph,, 2® 
Bhus tox., 88 
Sod. sulph., 26 
Veratrum, 297 
Erythema. 
Aconite, 538 
Echinacea, 545 
Excoriation. (See Intertrigo.) 
Exophthalmic goitre. 
Amyl nltris. 567 
Cactus. 571 
Lycopus. 275 
Scoparius, 289 
Sparteine, 600 
Strophanthus, 321, 601 
Veratrum vir., 602 
Exostosis. 
Oalc. fluor., 94 
Hecla lava, 95 
Stillingia, 96 
Eyelids contused. 
Hamamelis, 580 
Eyelids ecchymosed. 
Ammonii chloridum, 566 
Pulsatilla nut., 286 
Eyelids, oedema of. 
Bryonia, 570 
Rhus tox, 598 
Eyelids, twitching of. 
Aconite, 566 
Ammonii brom., 566 
Magn. phos., 12 
Phosphoric acid, 564 
Potas. phos., 18 
Felon. r 
Calc, sulph., ¥ 
Hecla lava, 95 
Potas. chlorw 14 
Fever. 
Aconite, 220 
Asclepias, 227 
Belladonna, 231 
Bryonia, 232 
Digitalis, 254 
Ferric phos., 260 
Gelsemium, 262 * 
Hydrochloric acid, 40 
Jvborandi, 271 
Potas. phos., 18 
Potas. sulph., 21 
Rhus tox., 237, 381 
Veratrum, 297 
Fever, brain. 
Calc, phos.,i 
Ferric, phos., 9 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Fever, congestive. 
Echinacea, 69 
Fever, continued. 
Bryonia, 135 
Echinacea, 69 
Lachesis, 159 
Muriatic acid, 46 
Phosphorus, 190 
Rhus tox., 287 
Sod. sulph., 83 
Fever, gastric. 
Ferric phos., 9 
Pots, phos., 18 
Potas. sulph., 21 
Fever, hay. (See Hay Fever.) 
Fever, intermittent. (See 
Malaria.) 
Fever, mountain. 
Echinacea, 71 
Fever, puerperal. 
Potas. chloride, 14 
Potas. chlorate, 82 
Salicylic acid, 48 
Fever, remittent (See Ma- 
laria.) 
Fever, rheumatic. 
Aconite, 221 
Ferric phos., 10 
Magn. phos., 12 
Potas. chlor., 15 CLINICAL INDEX. 
XXI 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Aconite, 221 
Fever, scarlet. (See Scarla- 
tina.) 
Fever, teething. 
Ferric phos., 10 
Fever, typhoid. 
Agaricus muse., 113 
Baptisia, 61 
Calcium phos., 6 
Calc, sulph., 7 
Echinacea, 69 
Epilobium, 349 
Ferric phos., 9 
Iodide potas., 356 
Kaki., 359 
Lachesis, 80 
Muriatic acid, 46 
<Enothera biennis, 361 
Phosphorus, 191 
Podophyllum, 375 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Potas. phos., 196 
Potas. sulph., 21 
Rhus tox, 87 
Salicylate ammon., 52 
Sod. chlor., 23 
Solanum nig., 203 ' . 
Sumbul, 384 
Thymol, 385 # 
Xanthoxylum, 387 
Fever, typhus. 
Ailanthus, 51 
Echinacea, 71 
Lachesis, 79 , 
Sod. chlor., 24 J 
Potas. phos., 18 > 
Fever, yellow. 
Potas. chlor., 16 
Potas. phos., 19 
Strychnia, 296 
Sod. sulph., 26 
Fissure, anal. 
JEsculus hippo., 224 
Calc, fluor., 546 
Graphites, 547 
Nitric acid, 551 
Sod. phos., 25 
Fistula. 
Silica, 27 
Fits. (See Convulsions.) 
Flatulence. 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Carbo veg., 339 
Ferric phos., 9 
Lycopodium.363 
Magn. pbos., 12 
Polygonum, 376 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Potas, phos., 18 
Potas. sulph., 21 
Sod. phos., 25 
Freckles. 
Calc, phos., 5 
Furunculus. 
Calc, sulph., 557 
Echinacea, 69 
Ferric phos., 9 
Potas. chlor., 543 
Silica, 27 
Furuncles of auditory canal. 
Alumina acetas, 612 
Alumina tartras, 612 
Alcohol, and boric acid, 612 
Boric acid, 606 
Calx sulph., 616 
Cocaine, 620 
Hydrargyri chlor., 624 
Hydrarg. oxid. flav., 625 
Menthol, 629 
Morphia, 630 
Galactorrhoea. 
Iodine, 486 
Gall-stones. 
Benzoate lithium, 333 
Berberis vulg., 335 
Calc, phos., 5 
Oarduus mar., 339 
Chelidonium, 340 
Magn. phos., 12 
Oleum olivas, 367 
Sod. sulph., 26 
Ganglion. 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Gangrene. 
Baptisia, 61 
Echinacea, 399 
Lachesis, 79 
Potas. phos'» XXII 
CLINICAL INDEX. 
Gastralgia. 
Argenti nitras, 323 
Atropia, 123 
Boldo, 337 
Bryonia, 338 
Chamomilla, 137 
Cimicifuga, 343 
Colocynth, 346 
Ferric phos., 10 
Ignatia, 158 
Iris, 358 
Magn. phos., 12 
Melilotus alba, 1621 
Nux, 365 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Potas. sulph., 20 
Sod. chlor,, 23 
Sod. phos., 25 
Gastritis. 
Arsenic, 329 
Ferric phos., 9 
Myrica cerifera, 365 
Potas. phos,, 18 
Glands, lymphatic, enlarged, 
Alnus rubra, 299 
Ampelopsis quinq., 300 
Badiaga, 302 
Barium iod., 302 
Bromine, 303 
Calc, iod., 306 
Calc, phos., 5 
Calc, fluor., 305 
Carbo animalis, 308 
Cistus can., 308 
Ferric phos.. 9 
Iod. potas., 311 
Polymnia, 282 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Rumex, 314 
Silica, 28 
Sulphide calc., 307 
Glands, sebaceous, suppu- 
rating. 
Silica, 28 
Glaucoma. 
J aborandi, 594 
Physostigma, 592 
Gleet, 
Clematis, 477 
Silphium gum., 505 
Sod. chlor., 23 
Globus hystericus. 
Potas. brom., 337 
Glossitis. 
Ferric phos., 10 
Potas. chlor., 16 
Glottis, spasm of. 
Magn, sulph., 13 
Goitre. (See Bronchocele.) 
Gonorrhoea. 
Almumina. 465 
Calc, sulph., 7 
Cannabis, 237 
Clematis, 477 
Echinacea, 268 
Erigeron,481 
Erynginm, 434 
Hydrastis, 268 
Petroselinum, 490 
Piper methyst., 491 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Potas. phos., 18 
Potas. sulph., 21 
Santali oleum, 453 
Sepia, 504 
Silphium gumn., 505 
Sod. chlor., 23 
Thuja, 456 
Vesicaria com., 461 
Gout. 
Benzoate ammon., 424 
Benzoate lith., 62 
Caulophyllum, 103 
Ferric phos., 9 
lod. potas., 529 
Ledum palustre, 105 
Pulsatilla, 105 
Silica, 107 
Sod. sulph., 26 
Granulations, redundant, 
Acohol, 611 
Argenti nitras, 613 
Boric acid, 605 
Chloral, 618 
Chromic acid, 603 
Ferri chlor., 621 
Nitric acid, 609 
Potas, chlor., 15 
Resorcin, 634 
Salicylic acid, 610 
Tartaric acid, 611 
Gravel. 
Benzoic acid, 40 
Calc, phos., 5 
Sod. sulph., 26 
Gravel. XXIII 
CLINICAL INDEX. 
Gums, affections of. 
Cistus can., 309, 344 
Ferric phos., 9 
Magn. phos., 12 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Rhus glab., 380 
Gum-boils. 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Calc, sulph., 7 
Hecla lava, 95 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Silica, 27 
Gumma. 
Iodoform, 587 
Hsematocele. 
Potas. sulph., 20 
Haematemesis. 
Ferric phos., 9 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Haematoma auris. 
Iodine, 628 
Haematuria. 
Erecthites hier., 434 
Ergot, 454 
Erigeron, 259, 434 
Hamamelis, 439 
Lycopus, 447 
Pancreatin, 369 
Haemianopsia. 
Potas. lod.; 596 
Haemoptysis. 
Digitalis, 255 
Ferric phos., 9 
Lycopus virg., 275 
Hay fever. 
Alnus rub., 389 
Ferric phos., 9 
lod. arsenic, 4C2 
Potas. phos., 18 
Rum ex, 410 
Sod. chlor., 23 
Sticta, 412 
Syr. hydriodic acid., 43 
Headache.(See Cephalalgia.) 
Heart affections. 
Adonis, 222 
Apocynum, 225 
Arnica, 225 
Arsenite copper, 226 
Aspidosperma que., 227 
Avena sativa, 125 
Cactus, 234 
Caffein, 235 
Cannabis ind., 237 
Cereus bon., 248 
Cereus specios,, 244 
Cerasus virg., 243 ; 
Colli nsonia, 251 
Cimicifuga rac., 250 
Convallaria, 253 
Digitalis, 254 
Faradism, 260 
Ferric phos., 18 
Ferrocyanuret potas., 261 
Helleborus nig., 266 
Iberis amara, 268 
Kalmia lat., 272 , 
Lachesis, 273 
Lycopus, 275 
Mutisia vic,, 165 
Passiflora, 181 
Potas. phos., 19 
Pulsatilla, 190 
Scoparius, 289 
Scutellaria, 198, 290 
Strophauthus, 294 
Sumbul, 210 
Heartburn. (See Cardialgia.) 
Hemorrhage in general. 
Calc, fluoride, 3 
Digitalis, 254 
Ergot, 256 
Er i ger on, 258 
Ferric phos., 9 
Hamamelis, 265 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Potas. phos., 17 
Sod. chlor., 23 
Hemorrhage, pulmonary. 
Cactus grand., 393 
Trillium pend., 414 
Ipecac, 270 
Lycopus, 406 
Hemorrhage, uterine. 
Capsicum, 238 
Cinnamon, 477 
Ereathites, 480 
Erigeron, 480 
Hamamelis, 477 
Hydrastis, 484 
Mangifera, 488 
Millefolium, 488 V . 
Myrica, 489 
Rhus aromat., 453, 496 
Trillium, 506 
Vinca minor, 509 XXIV 
CLINICAL INDEX. 
Hemorrhage, endometrium. 
Hydrastis, 267 
Hemorrhage from uterine 
fibroids. 
Hydrastis, 267 
Hemorrhoids. 
JEsculus hip., 223 
Calc, fluor., 236 
Capsicum, 237 
Chelidonium maj., 249 
Collinsonia 251 
Echinacea,, «9 
Ferric phos., 9 
Hamamelis, 265 
Hydrastis, 355 
Magn. phos., 12 
Nux, 279 
Potas. chlor., 86 
Tamarindus. 385 
Hepatitis. 
Achillea, 417 
Bryonia, 233 
Chelidonium. 249, 340 
Potas, chlor., 377 
Herpes. 
Berberia aqui., 62 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Calc, phos., 5 
Ferric phos., 9 
Graphites, 546 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Ranunculus, 554 
Rhus tox, 555 
Sod. chlor., 23 
Hiccough. (See Singultus.) 
Hip disease. (See Morbus 
coxarius.) 
Hoarseness. 
Aconite, 388 
Bichrom. potas., 391 
Ferric phos., 10 
Potas. chlor., 16 
Potas. phos., 18 
Potas. sulph., 20 
Protoiodide mer., 407 
Hordeolum. 
Boric acid, 563 
Calx sulph,, 571 
Rhus tcx„ 289 
Sulph. calc., 557 
Hyd rocele. 
Calc, phos., 5 
Chelidonium, 474 
Graphites, 482 
Rhododendron, 496 
Hydrocephalus. 
Calc, phos., 5 
Hydrops genu. 
Calc, phos., 5 
Hydrophobia. 
Curare, 347 
Echinacea, 70 
Scutellaria, 199 
Stramonium, 207 
Hyperaesthesia. 
Aconite, 110 
Belladonna, 127 
Faradism, 219 
Hyperhidrosis. 
Agaricus, 538 
Atropia, 541 
Calc, phos., 5 
Jaborandi, 550 
Potas. phos., 19 
Picrotoxine, 55A 
Sambucus, 556 
Silica, 28 
Hypochondriasis. 
Aurum, 124 
Potas. phos., 18 
Sod. sulph., 26 
Stannum, 384 
Sterculia, 293 
Valerian, 214 
Zinc, 216 
Hypopyon keratitis. 
Creolin, 575| 
Hydrarg chi. cor., 581 
Iodoform, 587 
Hysteria. 
Chamomilla, 138 
Cimicifuga, 141 
Cypripedium, 145 
Eucalyptol, 147 
Gossypium, 152 
Hydrobromic acid, 134 
Hypericum per., 157 
Ignatia, 158 
Mono-brom. camphor, 134 
Mutisia vis., 165 
Paraldehyde. 185 
Phosphorus, 191 
Potas. phos., 196 
Stramonium, 207 
Sumbwl, 210 
Valerian, 214 
Valerian, ammon., 214 CLINICAL INDEX. 
XXV 
Viburnum op., 508 
Zlncum, 216 
Impetigo. 
Iod,arsenic, 548 
Juglans, 550 
Impotency. 
Agnus castus, 463 
Aurum, 466 
Cannabis, 471 
Dulcamara, 479 
Gossypium, 482 
Nuphar lutea, 489 
Nux, 490 
Phos. zinc, 491 
Piper meth., 491 
Strychina, 296 
Turners, 459, 507 
Indurations. 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Silica, 27 
Influenza. 
Bryonia, 392 
Calc, phos., 5 
Ferric phos., 10 
Iod. arsenic, 402 
Phenacetin, 527 
Potas, sulph., 21 
Rhus, 409 
Sod. chlor., 23 
Stannum, 206 
Sticta, 412 
Insanity. 
Arsenic, 118 
Aurum, 124 
Baptisia, 126 
Belladonna, 128 
Chloral, 138 
Hyoscyamus, 156 
Ignatia, 158 
Macrotys, 142 
Paraldehyde, 185 
Phosphorus, 191 
Potas. phos,, 18 
Solanum nig., 203 
Zincum, 216 
Insomnia. 
Aconite, 110 
Avena sat., 125 
Belladonna, 128 
Cannabis, 135 
Chloral, 138 
Cypripedium, 146 
Paradigm, 219 
Ferric phos., 10 
Hydrobromic acid, 134 
Hyoscyamus, 155 
Macrotys, 142 
Scutellaria, 201 
Sumbul, 210 
Paraldehyde, 185 
Passiflora, 180 
Phosphorus, 191 
Piscldia, 187 
Potas. phos., 18 
Insufficiency of internal rec- 
tus. 
Phosphorus, 592 
Intertrigo. 
Calc, phos., 5 
Carbolic acid, 543 
Echinacea, 545 
Lycopodium, 551 
Potas. phos., 18 
Sod. chlor., 23 
Sod. phos., 18 
Iridoclioroiditis. 
Antipyrin, 567 
Gelsemium, 579 
Iris, adhesions of. 
Terebinthin® oleum, 601 
Iritis. 
Antipyrin, 567 
Atropia, 569 
Auri et sod. chlor., 570 
Aqua, 585 
Hydrarg. iod. rub., 582 
Ice, 585 
Jaborandi, 594 
Potas. iod., 596 
Syr. hydriod. acid, 604 
Thuja, 602 
Iritis, rheumatic. 
Bryonia, 570 
Jaborandi, 594 f 
Terebinthin® oleum, 601 
Tonga, 602 
Ischuria renalis. 
Achillea, 417 
Apis, 418 
Ferric phos., 10 
Galium, 437 
Ischuria vesicalis. 
Apis, 418 
Clematis, 430 
Coc. cacti, 431 XXVI 
CLINICAL INDEX. 
Ferric phos., 10 
Gelsemium, 438 
Lycopodium, 446 
Magn. phos., 12 
Polygonum, 452 
Potas. chi,, 14 
Jaundice. 
Berberis vulg., 334 
Bryonia, 338 
Carduus mar., 339 
Chionanthus, 342 
Chelidonium, 249,340 
Myrica, 365 
Potas. chlor., 15 
Polyporus, 376 
Keratitis. 
Antipyrin, 567 
Aqua, 585 
Creolin, 575 
Ergot, 577 
Ferrum, 578 
Hydrarg. chlor, cor,, 581 
Hydrarg. iod. rub,, 582 
Jaborandi, 594 
Nux, 590 
Phosphoric acid, 564 
Keratitis, interstitial 
Aristol, 568 
Atropia, 568 
Chloroform, 572 
Creolin, 575 
Duboisia, 576 
Cod oil, 589 
Syr. hydrobromic acid, 603 
Keratitis, phlyctenular. 
Calcium, 571 
Calomel, 582 
Hydrarg. oxid. ha-r., 583 
Kidney affections. 
Cactus,234 
Carduus mar., 238 
Erigeron, 258 
Ferric phos., 10 
Kalmia lat., 272 
Nitro-glyc., 278 
Potas. chlor., 15 
Labor, deficient pains. 
Caulophyllum, 472 
Cimicifuga, 475 
Gossypium, 482 
J aborandi, 487 
Lobelia, 488 
Phoradendron, 491 
Piper methyet., 493 
Pulsatilla nig., 494 
Quinia, 496 
Labor, false pains. 
Caulophyllum, 472 
Chamomile, 473 
Cimicifuga, 475 
Gelsemium, 481 
Mitchella, 489 
Viburnum opulus, 508 
Labor, rigid os uteri. 
Amyl nit., 466 
Chloroform, 474 
Gelsemium, 152, 481 
Jaborandi, 487 
Lobelia, 487 
La grippe. (See Influenza.) 
Laryngismus stridulus. 
Magn, phos,, 12 
Calc, phos., 5 
Laryngitis. 
Aconite, 222 
Arum triph., 390 
Gelsemium, 4pj, 
Larynx, affections of. 
Aconite, 388 
Bichrom. potas., 391 
Causticum, 395 
Lachesis, 361 
Protoiod. mere., 407 
Spongia, 412 
Lead colic. 
Calc, phos., 5 
Sod. phos., 25 
Sod. sulph., 26 
Lepra. 
Arsenic, 540 
lod. arsenic, 548 
Leprosy. 
Comocladia dent., 545 
Hydroctyl asia., 548 
Leu co cy thsemia. 
Ampelopsis, 301 
Carduus mar., 316 
Menispermum can., 319 
Picric acid, 60 
Polymnia, 320 
Leucorrhoea. 
Alumina, 465 
Calc, carb., 305 
Calc. phos.. 6 
Lepra. CLINICAL INDEX. 
XXVII 
Graphites, 482 
Hydrastis, 268 
J Hydriodic acid, 44 
Iodine, 486 
Myrica, 489 
Potas, ehlor., 15 
Potas, phos., 18 
Pulsatilla, 495 
Sepia, 504 
Sod. chlor., 23 
Sod. phos., 25 
Trillium 506 
Lichen. 
Juglans, 550 
Liver affections. 
Alstonia, 51 
Ammon, mur., 326 
Arsenite quinia, 37 
Berb. aqui., 334 
B«ib. vulg,, 334 
Bryonia, 338 
Carduus mar., 238 
Chelidonium, 249 
Euonymus, 35 0 
Leptandra, 362 
Nit, uranium, 386 
Nux, 366 
Podoph., 375 
Potas. chlor., 377 
Sod. sulph., 383 
Liver spots. (See Chloasma.) 
Lithuria. 
Benz, lith., 424 
Epigsea, 433 
Fabriana imb., 436 
Lycopodium, 447 
Verbascum thap., 460 
Locomotor ataxy. 
Antifebrin, 115 
Potas. phos J 96 
Phosphide zinc, 216 
Lochia, offensive. 
Carbo ani., 472 
Potas. chlor,, 83 
Lochia, prolonged. 
Ustilago mai., 508 
Lochia, suppressed. 
Hedeoma, 483 
Myrica, 489 
Lumbago. 
I Calc, phos., 5 
Ferric phos., 10 
, Guarana, 180 
Jaborandi, 524 
Paullinia sorb., 526 
Hydriodic acid, 44 
Lungs, congestion of. 
Caffein, 235 
Ferric phos., 10 
Lupus. 
Calc, phos., 5 
Potas. chlor., 15 
Chrysarobin, 54* 
Hydrastis, 547 
Hydroctyl asia., 548 
Phytolacca, 553 
Lymphadenoma. 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Malaria. 
Acet, pot., 417 
Alst. const., 49 
Amyl, nit., 122 
Arsen, quin., 57 
Chionanth., 342 
Capsicum, 237 
Echinacea, 69 
Eucalyp., 148 
Euonymus, 350 
Paradigm, 260 
Gelsemium, 263 
Gentiana quin., 351 
Polyporus, 376 
Potas. sulph., 20 
Rhus tox., 287 
Scutellaria, 198 
Sod. sulphate, 26 
Sod. sulphite, 88 
Ver at.. 297 
Verbas. thap., 90 
Mammae, undeveloped. 
Saw palm., 498 
Mammae, indurated. 
Carbo animalis, 472 
Mama. 
Aurum, 123 
Arsenic, 118 
Baptisia, 126 
Belladon ,128 
Chloral, 138 
Stramon., 207 
Mania, puerperal 
Brom, pot., 23? 
Chloral, 138 
Stramonium (Principlw), 83 
Potas. phos., 19 XXVIII 
CLINICAL INDEX 
Marasmus. 
Paradigm, 34, 218 
Mastitis. 
Bryonia, 469 
Calc, sulph., 7 
Echinacea, 480 
Ferric phos., 9 
Phytolacca, 281,491 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Silica, 27 
Mastoid disease. 
Aconite, 611 
Chloral camph,, 618 
Hydrarg. chlor., 624 
lodidum, 628 
Verat. vir.,'636 
Meibomian glands, affections 
of. 
Barium lod., 302 
Badiaga, 302 
Melancholia. 
Arsenic, 117 
Aurum, 59, 124 
Baptisia, 127 
Chlor, gold and sod., 331 
Phos., 191 
Sterculia, 294 
Valerian, 214 
Membrana tympani, perfora- 
tion of. 
Argenti nitras, 613 
Boric acid, 605 
Lycopodium. 628 
Magnesia, 629 
Memory, loss of. 
ATiac.irdium orientals, 114 
Calc, phos., 5 
Potas. phos., 18 
Meningitis. 
Cannabis. 237 
Copper, 145 
Echinacea, 146 
Ferric phos., 10 
Lachesis, 79 
Potas, chloride, 15 
Rhus tox., 87 
Solanum nig., 203 
Menorrhagia. 
Apocynum, 466 
Calc, fluor,, 3 
Cannabis, 471 
Collinsonia, 478 
Digitalis, 254 
Erecthites, 480 
Erigeron, 259 
Gossypium, 482 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Potas. phos., 17 
Seuecio, 503 
Trillium, 506 
Ustilago maidis, 508 
Menstruation vicarious. 
Collinsonia, 478 
Mentagra. 
Beta-naph., 542 
Graphites, 546 
lod. sulpb., 549 
Calc, phos., 5 
Sod. chi., 6 
Mental disturbances. 
Aconite, 109 
Baptisia, 126 
Calc, phos., 192 
Hyoscyamus, 156 
Ignatia, 159 
Sulphur, 209 
Metritis. 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Metrorrhagia. 
Cannabis, 471 
Digitalis, 254 
Erigeron, 259 
Trillium, 506 
Ustilago maidis, 508 
Migraine. 
Antifebrin, 114 
Amyl nit., 122 
Brom. pot. 23 2 
Cannabis, l.li 
Chelidouium, 144 
Guarana, ISO 
Piscidi i erythrina, 187 
Triosteum, 385 
Minister's sore throat 
Arum triph., 390 
Collinsonia, 396 
Miscarriage. 
Aletris farinosa, 464 
Caulophyllum, 472 
Collinsonia, 478 
Helonias dio., 484 CLINICAL INDEX. 
XXIX 
Mitch'S Ila, 488 
Sanguinaria, 501 
Viburnum op., 508 
Viburnum prun., 464 
Molluscum. 
Juglans cinerea, 550 
Morbus coxarius. 
Calc, phos., 96 
Cistus can., 104 
Cod oil, 95 
Ferric phos., 10 
Silica, 27 
Morning sickness. 
Aletris, 325, 464 
Ferric phos., 10 
Sod. chlor., 23 
Sod. phos., 25 
Mucoenteritis. 
Aconite, 322 
Bichronate pot., 335 
Epilobium,318 
Myrica cer„ 365 
Potas, chlor., 14 
Mucous discharges. 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Potas. sulph., 21 
Nails, abnormalities. 
Graphites, 547 
Potas. sulph., 21 
Nasal duct, stricture of. 
Electricity, 577 
Necrosis. 
Aurum, 93,124 
Calc, phos., 94 
Mezereum, 98 
Nephritis. 
Agrimon. eup., 418 
Apocyn. can., 420 
Belladonna, 423 
Benz, sod., 424 
Calc, phos., 5 
Diuretin, 432 
Elaterium, 433 
Eucalyptus, 435 
Fucus ves., 437 
Gaulth. proc., 438 
Lact. stront., 446 
Nitro-glyc., 449 
Oxygen, 450 
Potas. phos., 18 
Santonin, 454 
Scoparius, 289 ... 
Nervousness. 
Avena sat., 124 
Cypriped. pub., 146 
Passiflora. 180 
Potas. phcs., 196 
Pulsatilla, 189 
Scutellaria, 198 
Suinbul, 210- 
Valerian, 214 
Valer. amnion., 216 
Neuralgia. 
Aconite, 110, 221 
Agar, muse., 113 
Amyl nit., 122 
Antifebrin, 11 6 
Antipyrin, 116 
Apocyn., 119 
Arsen., 117 
Arsen, acid, 561 
Arsen, gold, 124 
Arsen, quin,, 117 
Asclep. tub., 227 
Atropia, 123 
Aurum, 123 
Bellad., 129 
Brom, arsen., 131 
Calc. phos„ 5 
Camph, chloral, 572 
Cannabis, 135 
Chamomile, 137 
Chelidon., 144 
Chloral, 138 
Cimiciftiga, 476, 619 
Cinchona, 143 
Cuprum, 330 
Cypripedium pub., 146 
Diosc., 348 
Eucalyp., 148 
Faradism, 218 
Ferric phos., 10 
Gelsemium, 151, 622 
Glon., 166 
Gufirana, 180 
Iris, 158 
Kalmia lat., 272 
Magn. phos., 12, 192 
Melilotus, 161 
Phosph., 191 
Physostig., 593 
Piper meth., 186 
Piscid. ery., 187, 595 
Potas, chlor., 14 
Potas. phos., 195 
Quinia, 634 
Shus tox., 598 XXX 
CLINICAL INDEX. 
ScuteH., 198 
Silica, 28 
Sod. chlor., 23 
Stannum, 206 
Sulph., 208 
Sumbul, 210 
Valer. ammon., 214 
Verat., 215 
Xanthox,, 216 
Zincum, 216 
Neuralgia, ovarian. 
Cimicifuga, 476 
Colocynth, 478 
Ferric phos., 10 
Magn. phos., 12 
Osmlc acid, 169 
Potas. phos., 19 
Tiger lily, 487 
Valerianate zinc, 216 " / • 
Nictitation. 
Magn. phos., 13 
Night sweats. 
Agaricus, 538 
Atropia, 541 
Jaborandi, 550 
Picrotoxine, 553 
Night terrors. 
Brom, gold, 132 
Brom, potas., 232 
Chloral, 138 
Scutellaria, 202 
Nocturnal emissions. 
Aurum, 466 
Avena sat., 467 
Salix nigra, 500 
Staphisag., 505 
Nodes. 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Corydal., 100 
Mezereum, 98 
Numbness. 
Calc, phos., 5 
Potas. phos., 18 
Tela araneaa, 210 
Nymphomania. 
Dulcamara, 479 
Hydrobrom. acid, 134 
Platina, 494 
Salix nig., 501 
Obesity. (See Adiposis.) 
Ocular muscles, atony of. 
Mux, 564 
Phosph, acid, 564 
Ocular muscles, paralysis of. 
Gelsemium, 579 
Guarana, 580 
Phosph., 592 
Physostig.. 593 
Potas. Iod„ 598 
Ocular muscles, twitching of. 
Ammon, brom., 566 
Phosph, acid, 564 
Odontalgia. 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Calc, phos., 5 
Eucalypt., 148 
Ferric phos., 11 
Gelsemium, 151 
Magn. phos., 13 
Piper meth., 373 
Piscid. ery., 188 
Plant, major, 188 
Potas. chi., 16 
Potas. phos., 19 
Silica, 28 
Sod. chi., 23 
Zincum, 216 
(Esophagus, spasm of. 
Brom, potas. 337 
Orgasm, nocturnal. 
Tela aran., 211 
Ophthalmia. 
Acid salicylic, 532 
Baryta iod. 302 
Calc, carb., 304 
Calc, sulph., 7 
Cistus can,, 308 
Ferric phos., 10 
Rhododendron, 531 
Rhus tox., 289 
Sod. sal., 531 
Sol. nig,, 203 
Ophthalmia neonatorum. 
Argenti nitras, 568 
Atropia, 569 
Boric acid, 562 
Calcium, 571 
Carbolic acid, 563 
Ergot, 577 
Hydrarg. chi. cor., 580 
Iodoform, 587 
Tannic acid, 565 
Soziodol, 600 
Ophthalmia, gonorrhoeal. 
Aqua, 585 
Argenti nit. 568 
Cubebs, 575 CLINICAL INDEX. 
XXXI 
Osteosarcoma. 
Hecla lava, 95 
Optic nerve, atrophy of. 
Jaborandi, 594 
Nux, 590 
Optic neuritis. 
Jaborandi, 594 
Orchialgia. 
Cauloph,, 473 
Cimicifuga, 476 
Colocynth, 478 
Siica, 28 
Orchitis. 
Bar. iod., 302 
Calc, phos., 5 
Clematis, 477 
Erecthites, 480 
Ferric puos., 10 
Rhododendron, 496 
Phytolacca, 281 
Piper meth., 492 
Potas. chlor., 15 
Pulstil. nig,, 285 
Spongia, 506 
Ostitis. 
Calc, phos., 5 
Calc, sulph., 7 
Ferric phos., 10 
Hecla lava, 95 
Silica, 28 
Otitis. 
Boric acid, 606 
Colocynth, 478 
Ferric phos., 10 
lodidum, 630 
Jaborandi, t%?2 
Phytolacca, 631 
Potas. chlor., 15 
Potas. iod., 633 
Silica, 27 
Sod. bicarb., 635 
Sod. chlor., 636 
Pulsatil, nig., 285 
Otitis diphtheritica. 
Acid salicyl., 610 
Otitis externus. 
Alumin, ac. tart. 612 
Atropia, 615 
Carbol, acid, 607 
Eucalyptus, i>21 
Hydrarg. chlor., 624 
Otitis media purulenta. 
Acid arsen., 60a 
Acid boric, 605 
Acid carbol., 607 
Acid bydriod., 608 
Acid salicyl., 610 
Acid tannic, 610 
Acid tartaric, 611 
Amnion, iod. 613 
Aristol, 614 
Bismuth, 616 
Calx sulph. 616 
Camphor, 617 
Cantharis, 618 
Chi. gold and sod. 615 
Creolin, 620 
Ergot, 621 
Eucalyp. 621 
Hydrarg. chi. 624 
Hydrarg, ox. flav., 625 
Hydrastis, 625 
Iodoform, 627 
Iodol, 627 
Liq. calc., 616 
Naphthol, beta, 628 
Nux, 631 
Papain, 631 
Plumb, acet., 633 
Potas. perman., 633 
Resorcin, 634 
Sauguin., 635 
Silica, 635 
Styrone, 636 
Otorrhoea. 
Calcarea carb., 304 
Silica, 27 
Ovaritis. 
Phytolacca, 281 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Puls, nig., 285 
Puls, nut., 495 
Spongia, 505 
Ovarian cysts. 
Graphites, 482 
Potas. brom., 469 
Ovary, neuralgia of. (See 
Neuralgia.) 
Ovary, indurated. 
Iodide baryta., 486 
Plantina, 494 
Oxaluria. 
Senna, 455 
Turnera aph., 459 XXXII 
CLINICAL INDEX. 
Ozaeua. 
Aurum, 12* < 
Calc, sulph., 7 
Potas. phos., 18 
Silica, 28 
Ozone, deficiency of. 
Cuprum, 33 
Pain of bone. (See Pain, per- 
iosteal, and Dolores osteo- 
copi.) 
Pain of cancer. 
Calc, phos,, 5 
Echinacea, 147 
Ferric phos., 10 
Magn. phos., 12 
Silica, 45S 
Pains, false.(See Labor.) 
Pains, mammary. 
Echinacea, 480 
Oimicifuga, 476 
Pain, pericardial. 
Asclepias tub., 227 
Pain, periosteal. 
Berb. aquifol., 97 
Chlor, gold and sod., 124 
Corydalis, 101. 
Eupator. per., 97 
Iod. potas., 99 
Mangan., 99 
Mezereum, 98 
Phytolacca, 99 
Stillingia, 96, 100 
Pain, sacral. 
2Esculus hip. 223 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Palsy. 
Calc, phos,, 5 
Magn. phos., 12 
Potas. phos., 18 
Paralysis. 
Avena sativa, 125 
Belladonna,'127 
Calc, phos., 5 
Causticum, 395 
Cupr., 145 
Ergot, 454 
Lachesis, 273 
Magn, phos., 12 
Nux, 167 
Potas. phos., 196 
Rhus, 198 
Zinc, 216 
Pancreatic duct, catarrh of. 
Olive oil, 367 
Pannus. 
Ergot, 577 
Hydr. oxid. flav., 583 
Panophthalmitis. 
Hydrarg. cyan., 582 
Phytolacca rad., 593 
Paralysis, cardiac. 
Caffeine, 235 
Lachesis, 273 
Parotitis. 
i 
Ferric phos., 10 
Jaborandi, ? 
Potas, chlor., 15 
Sod. chlor., 23 
Pediculus capitis. 
Cocculus ind,t 5J4 
Pemphigus. 
Arsenic, 540 
Jaborandi, 358 
Jug. cin., 550 
Rhus tox., 555 
Sod. chlor., 22 J 
Solanum dulc,, 55® 
Periostitis. 
Ferric phos., 10 
Fluoric acid, 92 
Manganes, 99 
Mezereum, 98 ; 
Potas. iod., 99 
Peritonitis. 
Ferric phos., 10 
Potas. chlor,, 15 
Lachesis 79 
Perspiration, foul. 
Petroleum, 552 
Pertussis. 
Antifebrin, 114 
Cast, ves., 394 
Coccus cacti, 431 
Corail, rub., £96 
Cuprum, 145 
Dioscorea, 398 
Ferric phos., 10 . 
Magn. phos., 195 
Nitric acid, 48 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Potas. sulph., 'jl 
Strophanthus, 294 CLINICAL INDEX. 
XXXIII 
Pharyngitis, 
Alum! a, J 
Apocynum can., 827 
x rom. potas.,_337 
1 Calc, carb., 898" 
Clstus can., 843 
Echinacea, 2*5 
Eryngium, 350 
Ferric phos,, 10 
Gelsem., 521 
Penthor. sed., 371 
Phytolacca, 372 
Pota . chlor., 15 
Pharynx, diseases of. 
Collinsonia, 396 
Lachesis 361 
Potas. bichrom., 335 
Potas. brom., 337 
Spongia, 412 
Stillingia, 313 
Phlebitis. 
Ferric phos., 10 
Hamamelis, 4'3 
Potas. chlor., 15 
Phlegmasia alba dolens. 
Hamamelis, 483 
Puls, nig., 2t5 
Puls, nut., 495 
Phlegmon, erysipelatous. 
Echinacea, 147 
Phosphnria. 
Acid, benzoic., 423 
Acid. phos. 451 
Turners aph., 459 
Photophobia. 
Chloroform, 572 
Cocaine, 574 
Ipecac, 588 
Magn. phos., 12 
To: ga, 602 
Phthisis. 
Aspider. quebrach., 230 
Cactus grand., 393 
Calc, phos , 4 
Calc, sulph., 7 
Erigeron, 258 
Ftr. arsen., 37 
Geran. mac., 351 
Lycorus, 275 
Menth. pip., 80 
Phosphorus, 407 
1 otas. ph s., 17 
Prun. vlr., 408 
Rhus, 196 
Trillium, 414 
Pinguecula. 
Ergot, 577 
Pityriasis. 
lod. ar en. 548 
Phytolacca, 553 
Pleurodynia. 
Asclep. tub., 227 
Arsen., 512 
Caulophyllum, 517 
Cimicifuga, 518 
Hypohos. potas., 528 
Jaborandi, .4 
Pleuritis. 
Bryonia, 
Ferr c phos., 10 
Plica poloi ica. 
Lycopod., 551 
Pneumonia. 
Aconite, 388 1 
Ascle. tub., 396 
Baptist a, 61 
Bryonia, 1.' 5 
Oact. grand., 393 
Caffeine, 235 
Calc, sulph,, 7 
Calc, sulphide, 6 
Chlor, ammon.. 895 
Echinacea, 899 
Ferric phos,, ,0 
Gelsemium, 401 
Ipecac, 269 
Lobelia, 274 
Muriatic acid, 46 
Nitric acid, 48 
Phosphorus, 407 
Potas. chlor., 84 
Potas. sulph., 21 
Prun. virg., 408 
Rhus tox„ 88 
Veratrum, 415 
Poisoning, arsenical, chronic. ' 
Syr. hyciriod. acid, 44 
Poisoning, lead. 
Syr. hydriod. acid, 44 
Poisoning, rhus 
Echinacea, 75 
Polypi of tympanum. 
Acid chromic, 608 
Acid nitric, 609 
Acid salicylic, 610 
Alchohol, 611 
Chloral, 618 XXXIV 
CLINICAL INDEX. 
Porrigo. 
Calc, phos., 5 
Calc, suiph., 7 
Hydriod, acid, 44 
Lycopodium, 551 
Potas. chlor., 15 
Proctalgia. 
JEscu. hippo., 224 
Caulophyllum, 516 
Collinsonia, 344 
Discorea, 348 
Magn. phos., 363 
Proctitis. 
■dUscn. hippo., 224 
Collinsonia, 251 
Phosphorus, 371 
Podophyllum, 375 
Prolapsus ani. 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Hydrastis, 355 
Podophyllin, 374 
Potas.[phos., 19 
Prolapsus uteri. (See 
Uterus.) 
Prostate, enlarged. 
Barosma, 4(18 
Populus, 494 
Sabal ser., 498 
Thuja, 506 
Prostate, indurated. 
Baryta iod., 485 
Prostate, irritation of. 
Ohimaphilla, 4'4 
Galium ap.,437 
Oleum santali, 502 
Sabal ser., 453 
Staph. 456, 505 
Thuja, 506 
Vesicarla, 508 
Prostatitis. 
Iodine, 486 
Puls, nig., 285 
Thuja, 506 
Prostatorrhoea. 
Staphisagria, 505 
Prurigo. 
Calc, phos., 5 
Juglans cin., 550 
Potas. phos., 19 
Sod. chlor., 23 
Puritus. 
Apis, 539 
Carbolic acid, 543 
Calc, phos., 5 
Potas. phos., 19 
Sepia, 555 
Solanum dulc,, 558 
Pruritus ani. 
Carbolic acid, 543 
Collinsonia, 478 
Lycopodium, 551 
Nitr c acid, 552 
Sepia, 556 
Sod. phos,, 25 
Solanum dnlc., 556 
Pruritus puderUi. 
Carbolic acid, 543' 
Carbo, veg., 471 
Dulcamara, 479, 556 
Nitric acid, 552 
Sepia, 556 
Pruritus vaginae. 
Hydrocotyl asia,, 485 
Sepia, 504 
Psoriasis. 
.Aret. lap.. 539 
Arsen., 540 
Ber, aqui., 541 
Carb, acid, 543 
Chrysarobin, 544 
Icthyol, 548 
lod. arsen., 548 
Iris vers., 549 
Phytolacca, 553 
Psoriasis palmaris. 
Graphites, 546 
Ichtyol, 548 
Pterygium. 
Acid carbol., 563 
Ptynlism. 
Sod. chlor., 22 
Jaborandi, 358 
Puerperal convulsions. 
Calc, phos., 5 
Chloroform, 140 
Magn. phos., 12 
Potas. phos., 19 
Solanum nig., 203 
Vera rum, 215 
Purpura. 
Lachesis, 79 
Potas. phos., 19 
Purpura hemorrhagica. 
Digitalis, 255 
Puls, nut., 286 
Pyelitis. 
Santali oleum, 453 CLINICAL INbEX. 
XXXV 
Pyelonephritis. 
Eucalyptus, 435 
Pyosalpinx. 
Hydrastis, 268 
Pyrosis. 
Bismuth, 336 
Carbo, veg,, 339 
Lycopodium, 363 
Sod. chlor., 22 
Quinsy. 
Calc, sulpb., 7 
Ferric phos., 11 
Potas. chlor., 15 
Rachitis. (Rickets.) 
Calc, phos., 94 
Calcarea carb., 3J4 
Potas. phos., 17 
Ranula. 
Calc, phos., 5 
Sol. chlor., 23 
Retention of urine. (See 
churia vesicalis.) 
Retinochoroiditis. 
Phosphorus, 592 
Retina, detachment of. 
Gelsemium, 579 
Jaborandi, 594 
Sod. sal., 600 
Retina, hyperaemia. 
Ergot 578 
Phosphorus, 592 
Retinitis. 
Ferric phes., 10 
Phosphorus, 592 
Retinitis pigmentosa.. 
Electricity, 577 
Rhagades. 
Hydrastis, 5/7 
Calc, fluor., 546 
Rheumatism. 
Aconite, 510 
Alst. const., 51 
Antifebrin, 510 
Aniipyrin, 116 
Apocy. andros, 511 
. Arct. lap., 512 
Asc. tub., 227 
Asc. syr., 513 
Aven, sat., 513 
Benz, lith., 424 
Ber., ague., 514 
Brom, lith., 514 
Bryonia, 514 
Cactus, 515 
Calc, phos., 5 
Case, sag., 515 
Caulopbyllum, 517 
Cereus bon., 515 
Cereus, spe., 515 
Cimicifuga, 142, 343 
Cod oil, 519 f 
Colchicum, 520 
Ferric phos., 7, 10 
Gaultheria, 521 
Gelsemium, 521 
Guaiacum, 521 
Guarana, 180 
Hydrastis, 522 
Hydriod. acid, 522 
Jaborandi, 523 
Kalmia, 525 ; ' 
Leontin, 104 
Manaca, 525 , ., 
Melilotus alb., 163 
Muriatic acid, 47 
Paullinia sorb,, 526 ■ . , ■ 
Phenacetin, 527 
Phytolacca, 527 
Podophyllum, 375 
Potas. bich., 528 
Potas. chlor,, 14 
Potas. iod., 529 
Potas. phos., 19 
Potas. sulph., 529 , 
Ptelea, 530 
Puls, nut., 286 
Khododen., 531 
Bhus tox., 531 
Salicyl, acid, 531 
Salicyl, sod., 531 
Salophen, 532 _ ... 
Sanguinaria, 533 
Silica, 28 
Sticta, 534 
Sulphur, 534 ' ._ 
Veratrum, 536 
Vapor bath, 535 
Quin, sulph., 530 
Ringworm. 
Acid acetic, 537 
Acid carbol., 543 
Jug. cin., 550 XXXVI 
CLINICAL INDEX. 
Rubeola. 
Drosera, 399 
Echinacea, 69 
Euphrasia, 400 
Ferric phoa., 10 
Potas. chlor., 15 
Rupia. 
Jug. cin., 550 
Sod, chlor., 23 
Satyriasis. 
Brom, arsen., 181 
Dulcamara, 479 
Salix nig., 500 
Salivation. 
Jaborandi, (?) 
Sod. chlor., 23 
Salpingitis. 
Ferric phos., 261 
Saw palm., *198 
Spongia, 505 
Sarcocele. 
Aurum, 466 
Scabies. 
Sulphur, 588 
Scalds. 
Calc, sulph., 7 
Potas. chlor., 15 
Scaldhead. (See Porrigo.) 
Scarlatina. 
Allan, gland., 51 
Apis, 327 
Arum tri., 123 
Belladonna, 423 
Benz, ammon., 424 
Digitalis, 432 
Ferric phos., 10 
Lachesis, f-0 
Potas. chlor., 15 
Sod. chlor., 23 
Sciatica. 
Antifebrln, 115 
Apocymum, 119 • 
Dios., 340 
Hydriod. acid, 523 
Magn. phos,, 12 192 
Osarnie acid, 169 
Sulphur, 34 
Sumbul, 210 
Potas. phos., 19 
Valerian zinc, 216 
Sclerotitis 
Thuja, 60. 
Turpentine. <5al 
Sclerochoroiditis, 
Antipyrin, 567 
Thuja, 601 
Sclerosis. 
Cuprum, 145 
Ferric phos., 261 
Scrofula. 
Alnus, 299 
Ampelop. quin., 301 
Arct. lap., 301 
Badiago, 302 
Bar. iod., 299 
Bar. mur.. 302 
Ber. aqui., 2 
Calc, carb., 303 
Calc, phos., 5 
Cist, can,, 104 
Cod oil, 95 
Corydal. for,, 68 
Ferrum, 38 
Hydriod. acid, 44 
Iod. iron, 309 
Menisp. can., 310 
Botas, chlor., 15 
Botas, phos., 19 
Rhus glab , 380 
Stilling!a, 89 
Sulphur, 39 
Scrophulides. 
Alnus, 338 
Ber. aqui., 541 
Clematis, 544 
Corydalis, 45 
Iod. potas., 549 
Phytolacca, 553 
Septicaemia. 
Echinacea, 72 
Potas, color., 83 
Potas. phos., 17 
Salicyl, acid, 48 
Sexual indifference. 
Gossypium, 482 
Helonias, 484 
Nux, 167 
Saw palm., 498 
Turners, 507 
Singultus. 
Chloroform, 140 
Magn. phos., 192 CLINICAL INDEX. 
XXXVII 
Skin disease, parasitic. 
Acetic acid, 537 
Beta-naph., 542 
Chrysarobin, 544 
Juglans nig,, 550 
Sulphur, 558 
Snake bites. 
Ecnmacea, 70 
Somnolence. 
Merc, dulc., 164 
Sod. chlor., 23 
Sod. sulph., 27 
Somnambulism. 
-ar arm bro., 132 
Brom, potas,, 232 
Potas. phos., 19 
Spasm of orbicularis. 
Electricity, 576 
Spermatorrhoea. 
Avena sat., 467 
Brom, iron, 133 
Brom, potas., 468 
Cannabis. 471 
Cimicifuga, 476 
Cypriped. pub., 146 
Dulcamara, 479 
Gelsemium, 264 
Helonias, 484 
Nuphar lut., 489 
Salix nig., 500 
Spinal disease. 
Ber. aqui., 514 
Calc, phos., 5 
Potas. chlor., 15 
Potas. phos., 19 
Spina ventosa. 
Afafp. phos., 13 
Spinal cord, congestion of. 
Acid oxalic, 175 
Spinal cord, irritation of. 
Agaricus muse., 113 
Hypericum per,. 157 
Spinal cord, softening of. 
Calc, phos., 5 
Potas. chlor., 15 
Potas. phos., 19 
Spleen, affections of. 
Alst. const., 51 
Arsen, quin., 58 
Card, mar., 23s, 316 
Carlsbad salts, 316 
Ceanoth. amer., 240, 317 
Grindella squ., 264, 318 
Polymnia uve., 281 319 
Menisper. can., 319 
Splenitis. •> 
Ceanoth. am er., 240 1 
Ferric phos , 10 /' 
Polymnia, 281 tl< 
Potas. chlor., 15 
Sprains. 
Arnica, 512 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Ferric phos., 10 
Potas. chlor,, 15 
Sterility. 
Aletris, 464 
Borax, 468 
Cimicifuga, 476 
Conium, 478 
Mitchella, 488 
Platina, 494 
Senecio, 503 
Sod. phos., 26 
Stillicidium iachrymarium. 
Sod. chlor., 22 
Graphites, 547 
Stings, insect. 
Echinacea, 70 
Sod. chlor., 23 
Stomach, irritation of. 
Aconite, 322 
Bismuth, 336 
Ipecac, .t56 
Rhus, 88 
Stomach, ulceration. 
Arg. nit., 328 
Ber. aqui., 62 
Bich., potas,, 33 
Ferric phos., 10 
Kaki, 360 
Sod. chlor., 23 
Sod. phos., 25 
Uran. nit, 386 
Stomatitis. 
Aconite, 322 
Arum tri., 330 
Iris, 358 
Jaborandi,353 
Phytolacca, 372 
Potas. chlor., 15 
Rhus glab., 380 
Stools bloody. 
Calc, fluor., 3 .i XXXVIII 
CLINICAL INDEX. 
Stools green. 
Lactic acid, 362 
Sod. sulph., 383 
Sod. phcs., 25 
Stool muco-purulent. 
Calc, sulph., 6 
Stools offensive. 
Potas. phos., 19 
Strabismus 
Atropia, 569 
Potas. phos., 19 
Physostigma, 593 
Strangury. 
Achillea mil., 417 
Epigea rep., 433 
Galiun ap„ 437 
Junip. com., 445 
Santoninum, 454 
Urtica ureas, 459 
Stricture. 
Clematis, 477 
Stricture, spasmodic. 
.ZEsculus hip,, 224 
Ferric phos., 10 
Gelsemium, 481 
Magn. phos., 18 
Stricture of anus. 
Collinsonia, 345 
Phosphorus ? 
Subinvolution. (SeeUterus.) 
Subsultus tendinum. 
Scutellaria, 201 
Potas. phos., 19 
Sunstroke. 
Glonoine, 165 
Potas, phos., 19 
Scutellaria, 202 
Silica, 203 
Sod. chlor.,.,23 
Suppuration. 
Alnus rub., 299 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Calc, sulphate, 7 
Calc, sulphide, 65 
Potas. chlor., 15 
Silica, 456 
Sweating. (See Night sweat.) 
Sycosis. (See Mentagra.) 
Synovitis. 
Bryonia, 103 
Ferric phos., 10 
Jaborandi, 104 
Potas. chlor,, 16 
Silica, 106 
Syphilis. 
A nus rub,, 300 
Arct. lap., 301 
Arsen., 38 
Aurum, 59 
Ber. aqui., 62 
Biniod. mere,. 38 
Carbo, anl., 308 
Chaulmoogra oil, 31 
Corydal. for., 6<£ 
Echinacea, 74 
lod. iron, 309 
lod. potas., 311 
Iron, 38 
Kalmia lat., 272 
Menispermum can., 318 
Phytolacca, 528 
Podophyllum, 374 
Potas, chloride, 16 
Stillingia, '9 
Hydriod. acid,, 41 
Syphilides. 
Alnus ser., 538 
Ber. aqui., 511 
Clema'is, 544 
Corydal., 545 
lod. potas., 549 
Menisp. can., 311 
Phytolacca, 553 
Tabes mesenterica. 
Calc, carb., 3J4 
Ingluvin, 355 
Tsenia. 
Anan assa sat., 327 
Pelletierine, 371 
J unkaiua, 379 
Thymol, 385 
Teeth, Premature decay. 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Calc. phos.. 5 
Ustilago mai., 560 
Teething troubles. 
Calc, phos., 5 
Chamomilla, 137 
Ferric phos., 10 
Hydrobrom, acid, 134 
Ipecac, 357 
Magn. phos., 13 
Paullinia, 370 
Potas. chlor,, 16 
Scutellaria, 198 
Sod. chlor., 23 
Sod, sulph., 383 
Sumbul, 210 CLINICAL INDEX. 
XXXIX 
Tenesmus, cystic and ure- 
thral. 
Apis, 418 
Belladonna, 423 
Cannabis, 426 
Cantharis, 423 
Cimicifugi, 518 
Coccus cacti., 431 
Epigaea rep., 433 
Eq isetum hye., 434 
Eryng. aquat., 434 
Fabiana imb., 436 
Gelsemium, >38 
Hamamelis, 439 
Populus, 451 
Sabal ser., 453 
Santonin. 454 
Sarsaparilla, 454 
Thuja, 506 
Tenesmus, rectal. 
Bichro. potas., 335 
Coll insonia, 251 
Magn. phos., 363 
Xanthoxrum, 387 
Testicles, atrophy of. 
Anrum, 466 
Testicles, induration of. 
Alumina, 465 
Iod. baryta , 4s5 
Tetanus. 
Aploplap. lar., 120 
Gelsemium, 148 
Lobelia, 160 
Magn. phos., 13 
Passiflora, 180 
Scutellaria, 202 
Tetter, (See Psoriasis.) 
Throat sore. See Cynanciie.) 
Throat ulcerated. 
Calc, sulphide, 7 
Chlor, gold and sod., 331 
Potas., chlor., 16 
Thrush. (See Aphthae.) 
Tic douloureux. 
Aconite, 110 
Antifebriu, 115 
Axropia, 123 
Chamomilla, 137 
Fvrric phos., 10 
Gelsemium, 151 
Passiflora, 181 
Piper meth., 186 
Piscid, ery., 188 
Plan, maj., 189 
Sumbul, 210 
Valerian, zinc, 216 
Tinea tonsurans. 
Beta-nai h., o42 
Chrysarobin, 544 
Kerosine. 552 
Tinea versicolor. 
Acetic acid, 537 
Lactic acid, otl 
Tinnitus aurium. 
Ammon, brom., 566 
Cactus grand. 616 
Cantharis, 617 
Capri acetas, 620 
Ferric phos., 10 
Ferrum, 622 
Glonoin, 623 
Graphites, 547 
Hydrob. acid, 608 
Ignatia, 627 
lod. potas,, 633 
Jaborandi, 532 
Phosphorus, 631 
Phytolacca. 631 
Potas. phos., 17 
Pulatilla, 533 
Sulphur., 209 
Tiredness, chronic 
Merc dulc., 164 
Sulph,, '.09 
Tonsils, affections of. 
Ailanthus, 325 
Baryta, carb., 332 
baryta, iod., 333 
Tonsillitis. 
Aconite, 322 
Baryta, carb., 332 
Echinacea, 74 
Ferric phos., 10 
Gelsemium, 521 
Guaiacum, 352 
Phenacetin, 527 
Phytolacca., 3.2 
Potas. chlor., 16 
Silica, 28 
Tonsils enlarged. 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Calc, phos., 5 
Iod. bar., £02 
Toothache. (See Odontalgia.) 
Trachoma. 
Alum., £66 
Aqua., 585 XL 
CLINICAL INDEX. 
Argenti nit., 568 
Beta-naph., 590 
Boric acid., 566 
Car. acid, 563 
Cautery, 572 
Creolin, 575 
Cupr. alum., 576 
Cupr. sulph., 575 
Frgot, 577 
Gallic acid, 564 
Glycerine, 579 
Hydrarg. chlor, coe 581 
Hydrastis, 584 
Lemon juice, 588 
Jequirity, 561 
Phytolacca rad., 593 
Potassa, 595 
Potas. bich., 596 
Quin, sulph., 597 
Sod. chlor., 23 
Tannic acid, 565 
Thuja, 602 
Vaseline, 591 
Tumor of breast. 
Co dum, 478 
Echinacea, 18J 
Hydrastis, 48.5 
Iodine, 486 
Tumors, ovarian. 
Bar um iod., 302 
Iodine, 4d> 
Tumors, uterine fibroid. 
Hydrastis, 484 
Silica, 156 
Iodine, 186 
Tumors, vascular. 
Eucalyptus, 435 
Typhlitis. 
bod. sulphate, 383 
Lachesis 361 
Ulcers, corneal. 
Argent, nit., 068 
Aristol, 568 
Atropia, 569 
Aqua, 585 
Boracic acid, 562 
calc, sulph., 7 
Carbolic acid, 563 
Cautery, 572 
Cod oil, 589 
Creolin, 575 
Duboisia, 576 
Hydrarg. ox. flav., 583 
Iodoform, 587 
Jequirity, 161 
i Massage, 588 •* i 
Oleum ricini, 598 
Physostigma, 592 
Potas. chlor., 14 
Potas. biohro., 596 
Silica, 2? 
Sod. bor., 599 
Ulcers, varicose. 
Oalc. sulph., 7 
Echinacea, 69 
I Potas. phos., 19 
Ulcus rodens. 
Argenti nit., 5C8 
Ulceration. 
Alnus rub,, 299 
Ber. aqui., 302 
Bich. pot., 335 
Calc sulph., 7 . ! 
Corydalis, 68 
Echinacea, 69 
Ferric phos., 11 
Kaki, 360 I 
Petroleum, 552 < 
Phytolacca, 372 
Podophyllln, 37l> 
Potas. chlor., 15 
Potas. iod., 403 
Rumex, 314 
Urethra, irritable. 
Apis, 418 , 
Ber. vulg., 425 
Cannabis ind., 426 
Eryng., 34 
Gaultheria, 438 
Petroseli' um, 490 
Staphysagria, 456 
Urtica ur., 459 
Vesicaria com., 461 
Urine, alkaline. 
Acid benz., 40 
Urine, retention of See Is- 
churia vesicalis.) 
Urine, suppression t (See 
Ischuria renalis.; 
Urine, strong odor. 
Benz, acid, 40 
Benz, ammou., 424 
Urticaria. 
Apis, 539 
Potas. phos,, 18 
Solanum dulc., 556 
Urtica dio., 559 
Ustiiago mai., 560 CLINICAL INDEX. 
XLI 
Uterus, colic of. 
Apiol., 490 
Dioscorea, 348 
Ignatia, 158 
Pulsatilla, 494 
Uterine hemorrhage. (See 
Hemorrhage.) 
Uterine hyperplasia. 
Hydrastis, 267, 485 
Sabal ser., 498 
Hstilago mai., 508 
Uterus, ligaments relaxed. 
Aletris far., 464 
Uterus, prolapsus of. 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Collinsonia, 478 
Ferric phos. 10 
Hamamelis, 483 
Lil. tig., 487 
Potas. phos., 19 
Sepia, 503 
Stannum, 505 . 
Uterus, rheumatism of. 
Caulophyllum, 473 
Cimicifuga, 475 
Uterine cervix, ulceration of. 
jEsc. hip., 485 
Hydrocotyle. asla.,485 
Uterus, inflammation of cer- 
vix. 
zEsc. hip., 463 
Uterus, os relaxed. 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Ferric phos., 10 
Uterus, os rigid. (See Labor.) 
Uterine os, spasmodic con- 
traction of. 
Magn. phos,, 12 
Vaginitis. 
Echinacea, 479 
Sepia, 504 
Vaginismus. 
Ferric phos., 11 
Magn, phos., 13 
Varicocele. 
Collinsonia, 478 
Hamamelis, 439, 483 
Puls, nig., 285 
Puls, nut,, 496 
Trillium, 507 
Variola. 
Calo, sulph., T 
Echinacea. 69 
Lachesis, 79 
Potas, chlor,, 543 
Potas. sulph., 21 
Vaso-motor ataxy. 
Lachesis. 160 
Veins varicose. 
Calc, fluor,, 236, 306 
Hamamelis, 265 
Puls, nig., 285 
Puls, nut., 286 
Vertigo. 
Amyl nit., 122 
Can. ind., 136 
Phosph, zinc, 216 
Potas. chlor., 16 
Potas. phos„ 19 
Silica, 203 
Bod. sulph., 26 
Verruca. 
Arsenic, 552 
Lactic acid, 551 
Magn. sulph., 556 
Nitric acid, 552 
Potas. chlor., 16 
Solan. dulc„ 556 
Thuja, 558 
Vomiting. 
Bismuth, 336 
Ingluvin, 355 
Ipecac, 356 
Lobelia. 161 
Nux. 365 
Potas. chlor., 16 
Puls, nut,, 379 
Rhus tox., 381 
Sod. chlor., 24 
Sod. phos., 26 
Sod. sulph., 27 
Vomiting of pregnancy. 
Card, mar., 339 
Helonias, 484 
Ingluvin, 355 
Lil. tig., 487 
Pancreatin, 369 
Puls, nut., 379 
Stannum, 384 
Vulvitis. 
Apis, 466 
Echinacea, 479 
Bhus tox., 497 984 
SUPPLEMENT TO CLINICAL INDEX. 
Warts. (See Verrucca.) 
Warts, venereal. 
Nitric acid, 552 
Thuja, 458 
Whitlow. 
Calc, fluor., 3 
Calc, sulph., 7 
Fluoric acid, 92 
Silica, 28 
White swelling. 
Cistus can.., 104 
Worms. 
Chenopod., 341 
Spigel. mar,, 383 
Papain, 369 
Populus, 377 
Santonin, 382 
Sod. chlor., 23 
Sod. phos , 25 
Stannum, 37a 
Sumbul, -184 
Worms, tape. (See TseniaJ 
Xerosis. 
Boric acid, 562 
Hydrarg chi. cor. 581 
Hydrarg. ox. flav. 583 
Yawning, hysterical. 
Gossypium. 152 
Potas. phos. 19 
Supplement to Clinical Index. 
Actinomycosis. 
Iod. potas., 736 
Ague. 
Achillea millefolium. 649 
Anaemia. 
Nuclein, 712 
Blindness. 
Bryonia, 722 
Boils. 
Brown iodide of lime, 753 
Cerebro-spinal meningitis. 
Echinacea, 146 
Chilliness. 
Tela aran., 750 
Chorea, 
Viscum album, 755 
Croup, membranous. 
Brown iodide of lime, 753 
Bromine, 659 
Diabetes. 
Boracic acid, 721 
Diphtheria. 
Antitoxin, 715 
Dyspnoea, cardiac, 
Aplopappus, 757 
Gale, fluor., 725 
Crataegus, 727 
Eczema. 
Iris ver., 737, 739 
Enchondroma. 
Silica, 108 
Endocarditis. 
Calc, fluor,, 724 
Epilepsy. 
Agaricus. 113 
Epithelioma, 
Grindelia rob,, 733 
Gastritis, catarrhal. 
Olive oil, 744 
Glycozone, 731 
Hydrozone, 731 
Heematemesis, 
Olive oil, 744 
Haemoptysis, 
Olive oil, 744 
Hsematuria. 
Nuclein, 712 
Hemorrhoids. 
Negundium, 742 
Hydrops pericardii. 
Aplonappus, 757 
Intestinal fermentation. 
Eudoxine, 730 
Hydrozone,731 
Glycozone, 731 
Sulphocarbolates, 750 
Impot.ncy. 
Aplopappus, 758 
Mitral regurgitation. 
Crataegus, 727 
Mucoenteritis. 
Iris ver., 739 
Numbness. 
Tela, 750 
Pain, cardiac. 
Calc fluor., 725 
Crataegus, 728 
Bhamnus, 748 
Pain, hemicranial. 
Rhamnus, 748 
Pain, muscular. 
Rhamnus, 748 
Pain, rectal. 
Collinsonia, 743 
Negur.dium 742 
Palpitation, cardiac. 
Crataegus, 726 
Pleurodynia. 
Rhamnus, 748 
Polyuria. 
Boracic ac., 721 
Retinal hemorrhage, 
Bryonia, 723 
Rheumatism. 
Olive oil. 744 
Rhamnus. 746 
Sarcoma. 
Grindelia rob., 734 
Scarlatina. 
Nuclein, 713 
Syphilis 
Iris ver., 738 
Brown iod. lime, 754 
Tachycardia. 
Crataegus, 727 
Tuberculosis, 
Olive oil, 744 
Valvular thickening. 
Calc, fluor., 725 
Vesical irritation. 
Boracic acid, 721 
Oxalic acid, 746 
Whooping cough. 
Guaiacol, 676