LJf J- \ YL_J S \ J_Jf , MATERIA MEDICA. VOL. IT. ( / NEW AND COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM /' 1 OF MATERIA MED THERAPEUTICS,^/^ *fty^ AKKAKGED UrOS A PHYSIOLOGICO-PATHOLOGICAL BASIS, FOK THE USE OF PRACTITIONERS AND STUDENTS OF MEDICINE. CHARLES J. HEMPEL, M.D., late professor of materia medica and therapeutics in the homojopathic medical college op Pennsylvania; first president of the western institute of homeopathy and surgery ; honorary member of several medical societies in europe and america, etc. SECOND EIDITIOnST. REVISED AND CONSIDERABLY ENLARGED. Vol. II. NEW YORK : WILLIAM RADDE, 550 PEARL ST. Philadelphia : F. E. Boxricke, 635 Arch Street. Boston : Otis Clapp. St. Louis: H. C. G. Ltjyties. Chicago: C S. Halsey. Cincinnati: Smith & Worthington. Cleveland : John B. Hall. Detroit : E. A. Lodge, M.D. Pittsburgh, Pa. : J. G. Backofen & Sox. Manchester, England: H. Turner & Co., 41 Piccadilly and 15 Market St. London, England : H. Turner & Co., 77 Fleet Street. 1865. ptX'>^ a/# . S\ Lib 'tic . J Entered according to Act of Congress in the year one thousand ciglit hundred and sixty-four, by WILLIAM RADDE in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Southern District of New York. Kino J: Baibd, Printers, linr Sanfom Street, Philadelphia. LIST OF MEDICINAL AGENTS TREATED OF IN THIS WORK, AND ARRAXGED IX ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Latin. English. Abbreviations Page. Acidum aceticum, Acetic acid, Acet. ac II. 1 Acidum benzoic um. Benzoic acid, Benz. ac, II. 5 Acidum citricum, Citric acid. Cit. ac. II. 6 Acidum gallicum, Gallic acid. Gall, ac, II. 9 Acidum fluoricum. Fluoric acid, Fluor, ac, II. 7 Acidum hydrocyanicum. Hydrocyanic acid. Hydroc. ac, II. 10 Acidum nmriaticum, Muriatic acid, Mur. ac, II. 24 Acidum nitricum, Nitric acid, Nitr. ac, II. 30 Acidum oxalicum, Oxalic acid, Oxal. ac, 11. 41 Acidum phosplioricum, Phosphoric acid. Phosph. ac, II. 44 Acidum sulphuricum, Sulphuric acid, Sulph. ac, II. 50 Acidum tannicum, Tannic acid, Tann. ac, II. Gl Aconitum napellus, Wolf's bane, monk's hood, Aeon., 97 Aethusa cynapium, Fool's parsley, Aeth. cyn., II. 470 A.garicus muscarius, Bug agaric, Agar, muse, II. 431 Agnus castus, Chaste-tree. Agn. cast., II. 62 Aloe soceotrina, Aloes, Aloes, IT. 03 Alumen, Alum, Aluml, II. 64 Alumina, Hydratod oxydo oralnmon. Alumin., II. 64 Ambra grisea, Ambergris, Ambra, II. 608 Ammoniacum, Gum ammoniac, Ammoniac, II. 463 Ammonium aceticum, Acetate of Ammonia. Amm. acet., II. 69 Ammonium carbonicum, Carbonate of Ammoiia. Aram, carb., II. 65 Ammonium muriaticum. M uriate of Ammonia. Amm. mur., Anacardium orientale, .Malacca bean, Anac or., II. 70 Angustura vera, Angustura bark, Aug. ver., II. 464 Antimonium crudum, Crude Antimony. Ant. car., 207 Antimonium tartaricum, Tartar emetic, Ant. tart., 219 Apis mellifica, Honey-bee, Ap. mel., II. 71 Argentum metallicum, Silver, Arg. met., II. 74 Argentum nitricum, Nitrate of Silver. Arg. nitr.. II. 76 Aristolochia virginiana. Virginian Snake-roo1, Arist. virg., II. 495 Arnica montana, Leopards-bane. Arn. mont., 237 Arsenicum album, Arsenic, Ars., 259 Artemisia vulgaris, Mug-wort, Artem. vulg., II. 496 Asa foetid a, Assafccdita, Asa f. II. 120 Asarum europamm/ Asarabacca, Asar. eur., 11. 465 Aurum foliatum, Gold, Aur. fol. II. 112 Aurum muriaticum, Muriate of Gold, Aur. mur., II. 114 Baryta carbonica. Carbonate of Baryta. Bar. carb.. II. 474 Baryta muriatica, Muriate of Baryta. Bar. Mur.. 11 475 Belladonna, Deadly nightshade. Bell., 339 Berberis vulgaris, Barberry, Ber. vulg., II. 477 Bismutlium, Nitrate of Bismuth. Bism., II. 116 Borax, Borax, Bor., 11. US Bromium, Bromine, Brom., II. 719 Bryonia alba, Bryony, Bry.. 397 VI LIST OF MEDICINAL AGENTS. Latin. Calcaria acetica. Calcaria carbonica, Calcaria chlorata, Calcaria fiuorica, Calcaria phosphorica, Calcaria sulphurata, Calendula officinalis, Camphora, Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa, Cantharis, Capsicum annuum, Carbo animalis, Carbo vegetabilis, Castoreum, Cedron, Chamomilla matricaria, Chelidonium majus, Chininum sulphuricum, Cimicifuga racemosa Cinchona officinalis. Cicuta virosa, Cina, Cinuabaris, Clematis erecta. Coccionella septempuiictata, Cocculus indicus. Coccus cacti, Coffea cruda, Colchicum autumnale, Colocynthis, Conium maculatum. Copaivas balsamuin. Crocus sativus, Croton tiglium, Cubebas, Cuprum metallicum, Cuprum oxydatum, Cuprum aceticum. Cuprum carbonicum. Cuprum sulphuricum. Cyclamen europajum. Daphne mezereum, Digitalis purpurea, Drosera rotundifolia. Dulcamara, Eupatorium perfoliatum. Euphorbium officinale, Euphrasia officinalis, Ferrum metallicum, Ferrum aceticum, Ferrum carbonicum, Ferrum citricum, cum Quiuiaa sulphate, Ferrum jodatum, Ferrum muriaticum, Ferrum oxydatum, Ferrum sulphuricum, Filix mas, Gummi Guttae, English. Abbreviations Acetate of lime, Calc. acet. Carbonate of lime, Calc. Carb., Chloride of lime, Calc. chlor., Fliioride of lime, Calc. fiuor., Phosphate of lime, Calc phosp.. Sulphuret of lime, Calc. sulph., Marigold, Cal. off., Camphor, Camph., Indian hemp, Cann. ind., Hemp, Cann. sat., Spanish-fly, Canth., Cayenne pepper, Caps. ann„ Animal charcoal, Carb. an., Vegetable charcoal, Carb. veg., Castor, Castor, Cedron, Cedron, Chamomile, Cham, mat., Great Celandine, Chelid. maj., Quinine, Chin, sulph., Black Snake-root, Cim. racem., Peruvian bark, Cinch, off., Water-hemlock, Cic vir., Worm-seed, Cina, Cinnabar, Cinnabar., Virgin's bower, Clem, erec, Lady-bug, Coccion. sep tem, Cocculus, Cocc. Cochineal, Cocc. cact.. Coffee, Coff., Meadow saffron, Colch. ant., Colocynth, Coloc, Spotted hemlock, Con. mac, Copaiva, Copaiv., Saffron, Croc, Croton-oil, 01. crot., Cubebs, Cubeb., Copper, Cupr. met., Oxyde of Copper, Cupr. ox., Acetate of Copper, Cupr. acet., Carbonate of Copper, Cupr. carb., Sulphate of Copper, Cupr. sulph., Lowbread, Cycl. eur., Spurge4and, Mez., Fox-glove, Dig., Sundew, Dros., Bittersweet, Dulc, Bone-set, Eup. pert'., Wolf's milk, Euph. off.. Eye-bright, Euphr. off., Iron, Ferr. met., Acetate of iron, Ferr. acet., Carbonate of iron, Ferr. carb.', Citrate of iron and Quinine, Iodide of iron, Muriate of iron, Oxyde of iron, Sulphate of iron. Male fern Gamboge, Page. II. 123 II. 124 II. 130 II. 132 II. 128 11. 131 II. 146 II. 132 II. 151 II. 147 II. 153 II. 160 U. 167 11. 169 II. 501 II. 502 411 II. 503 435 II. 505 421 II. 182 II. 187 638 II. 510 II. 524 II. 195 II. 517 II. 201 II. 209 444 II. 218 II. 224 II. 237 II. 586 II. 244 II. 246 II. 247 II. 247, 258 II. 247 II. 258 II. 308 467 II. 259 II. 259 II. 481 II. 482 II. 263 488 II. 489 500 Ferr. citr. cum. Quin. sulph., 501 Ferr. jod., 501 Ferr. mur., 500 Ferr. oxyd., 488 Ferr. sulph., 490 FiL m., II. 526 Gum. Gut., II. 527 LIST OF MEDICINAL AGENTS. vii Latin. Graphites, Guajacum officinale, Hamamelis virginiana, Helleborus niger, Hepar sulphuris, see Calcaria sulphurata, Hyoscyamus niger, Hypericum perfoliatum, Ignatia amara, Indigo, Ipecacuanha, Jalapa, Jodium, Kali bichromicum, Kali bromatum, Kali carbonicum, Kali chloricum. Kali hydriodicum, Kali nitricum, Kali sulphuratum, Kousso, Kreasotum, Lachesis, Laurocerasus. Ledum palustre, Lobelia inflata, Lycopodium clavatum, Magnesia carbonica, Magnesia muriatica, Magnesia sulphurica, Manganum hyperoxydatuiu, Menyanthes trifoliata, Mercurius vivus, Mercurius solubilis Hahne- manni, Mercurius jodatus, Mercurius acetatus, Mercurius bromatus, Mercurius ruber, Mercurius albus, Mercurius dulcis, Mercurius corrosivus, Mezereum, see Daphne me- zereum, Millefolium, Morphium aceticum, Moschus, Natrum carbonicum, Natrum muriaticum, Natrum sulphuricum, Nitro-glycerine, Nux moschata, Nux juglans, Nux vomica, Oleander, Oleum animale, Oleum crotonis, see Oroton, Oleum jatrophae curcadis, Oleum jecoris, Oleum petra?, Oleum ricini, Oliuni succini, English. Black lead, Guajac, Witch-hazel, Christmas-rose, Black henbane, John's wort, St. Ignatius' bean. Indigo, Ipecac, Jalap, Iodine, Bichromate of Potash. Bromide of Potassium. Carbonate of Potash, Chlorate of Potash, Hydriodate of Potash, Nitrate of Potash, Sulphuret of Potash, Kousso, Kreasote, Lachesis, Cherry-laurel, Marsh-trefoil, Indian tobacco, Wolf's-foot, Carbonate of Magnesia, Muriate of Magnesia, Sulphate of Magnesia, Manganese, Marsh-trefoil, Quicksilver, Soluble Mercury, Iodide of Mercury, Acetate of Mercury, Bromide of Mercury, Red precipitate, White precipitate, Chloride -of Mercury, Corrosive sublimate, Abbreviations. Page. Graph., II. 268 Guaj. off., II. 270 Ham. virg. II. 272 Hell, nig., 501 Hyosc. nig., 508 Hyper, pert'., II. 52 b Ignat., 525 Indigo, II. 528 Ipec, 534 Jalap., II. 274 Jod., 547 Kal.bich. ll. 279 Kali brom., II. 292 Kali carb., 11. 27* Kal. chlor., II. 280 Kal. hyd., II. 285 Kal. nitr.. II. 281 Kal. sulph., II. 294 Koussa, II. 535 Kreasot., II. 295 Laches., II. 535 Lauroc, II. 543 Led. pal., II. 545 Lob. infla., II. 299 Lycop., II. 306 Magnes. carb., II. 551 Magnes. mur., II. 557 Magnes. sulph. 11.555 Mangan. hy- peroxyd., II. 557 Manyan., II. 569 Merc, viv., 567 Merc, sol., 567 Merc, jod., 633 Merc. acet.,: Merc, brom., 645 Merc, rub., Merc alb., 637 Merc dulc, 638 Merc, corr., 612 Yarrow, Millef., II. 574 Acetate of Morphia, Morph. acet.. 714 Musk, Mosch., II. 310 Carbonate of Soda, Nat. carb., II. 313 Muriate of Soda, Natr. mur., II. 318 Sulphate of Soda, Natr. sulph., II. 321 Nitro-glyc, II. 484 Nutmeg, Nux mosch., II. 578 Walnut-shell, Nux jugl., II. 576 Vomic nut, Nux vom., 648 Oleander, Oleand., II. 580 Animal oil, 01. an., II. 597 Jatropha-oil, Jatroph., II. 592 God-liver oil, 01. jec, II. 594 Stone-oil, 01. petr., II. 598 Castor oil, 01. ric, II. 563 Oil of amber, 01. succ.,' 11. 908 Vlll LIST OF MEDICINAL AHENTS. Latin. Oleum Terebinthinoe, Opium, Petroleum, see Oleum Petrae, Phosphorus, Plantago major, Platina, Platina chlorata, Plumbum metallicum, Plumbum aceticum, Plumbum tannicum, Podophyllum peltatum. Polygonum punctatum. Primus spinosa, Pulsatilla, Punica granatum, Ranunculus bulbosus, Ranunculus sceleratus, Ratania, Rheum, Rhododendron chrysanthum. Rhus toxicodendron, Ruta graveolens, Sabadilla, Sabina, Sambucus nigra, Sanguiuaria canadensis, Scammonia, Secale cornutum, Senega, Sepia, Silicea, Spigelia, Spongia tosta, Squilla maritima, St annum foliatum, Stannum chloratum, Staphysagria, Sumbul, Stramonium, Sulphur, Tabacum, Taraxacum, Tartarus emeticus, see Anti- monium tartaricum, Terebinthina, see Oleum Tere- binthinae. Thea sinensis, Thuja occidentalis, Urtica urens, I'va ursi, Valeriana officinalis, Veratrum album, Verbascum Thapsus, Vinca minor, Viola tricolor, Viola odorata, Zincum ferrocyanicum. Zincum metallicum, Zincum oxydatum, Zincum sulphuricum, Zincum aceticum, Zincum muriaticum, Zincum valerianatum. Knglish. Turpentine, Laudanum, Phosphorus, Plantan, Platina, Chloride of Platina, Lead, Acetate of lead. Tannate of lead. May-apple, Water-pepper, Sloe-tree, Wind-flower, Pomegranate, Buttercups, Marsh Crowfoot. Rhatany, Rhubarb, vSiberian rose. Poison-sumach, Rue, Indian barley, Savin, Elder-tree, Blood-root, Scammony, Spurred rye, Senega-root, Cuttle-fish juice, Silex, Pink-root, Burnt sponge, Squills, Tin, Chloride of tin, Stave's-acre, Sumbul, Thorn-apple, Sulphur, Tobacco, Dandelion, Tea, Tree of life, Nettle-wort, Boar-berry, Valerian, White Hellebore. Mullein, Periwinkle, Pansy, Violet, Ferrocyanide of Zinc, Zinc, Oxyde of Zinc Sulphate of Zinc, Acetate of Zinc. Muriate of Zinc Valerianate of Zinc. Abbreviations. Page. -01. Terek, Op., 608 Phosph., Plant, maj., Platin., Plat, chlor., Plumb., Plumb, acet., Plumb, tann., Pod. pelt., Polyg. punct, Prun. spin., Puis., Pun. gran., Ran. bulb., Ran. seel., Ratan., Rheum., llhod. chrys., Rhus tox., Rut. grav., Sabad., Sabin.. Samb. nig., Sang, can., Scamm., Sec. corn., Senega, Sep., Sil., Spig., Spong., Squil. mar., Stann., Stann. chlor. Staphys., Sumb. Stam., Sulph., Tabac , Tar ax., 716 II. 609 II. 609 11. 610 II. 323 II. 323 II. 334 II. 612 II. 613 II. 613 741 II. 614 II. 614 II. 622 II. 636 II. 334 II. 641 755 IK 649 II. 655 II. 338 II. 343 II. 666 II. 667 II. 347 II. 358 II. 370 II. 371 II. 375 II. 381 II. 385 II. 389 II. 396 II. 396 II. 668 766 78-1 II. 673 II. 688 Thea sin., JI. 694 Thuj.. II. 401 Urt. ur.. II. 697 Uva ur.. II. 698 Valer. off.. 11. 699 Verat. alb., 827 Verb. Thaps. ,11. 708 Vine, rain., II. 711 Viol, trie, TI. 712 Viol, odor., IT. 711 Zinc ferr., 11. 429 Zinc met.. 11. 415 Zinc ox.. 11. 419 Zinc sulph., If. 427 Zinc acet., IT. 421; Zinc mur., II. 429 Zinc valer., 11 431 LECTURE LVIII. Yeeatrum closes the list of our polychrests. We now enter upon an investigation of the therapeutic properties of the drugs which constitute the second series in the classification that we have adopted. These drugs have a limited range of action, although their properties are well known, and their relations to certain diseases have been established with tolerable certainty both by reasoning and observa- tion. We have ranged in this series some drugs that have been regarded as polychrests by most physicians, but which are not * deserving of the name. Calcarea, Spongia and a- few other drugs come under this category. Homoeopathic practitioners have been in the habit, in accordance with various speculative theories, of employ- ing these drugs in a variety of chronic and even acute affections. In regard to these semi-polychrests I shall adopt the same plan that I have pursued with the polychrests: to leave out all that is not strictly conformable to scientific truth, and to present to you a series of phy siologico-pathological tableaux of a reliable and clearly-defined character. We will initiate the list with the vegetable and mineral acids. There are some among these acids which as yet occupy an inferior rank as therapeutic agents and which might very properly be ranged in the third class adopted in this work. I have taken the liberty of associating them with the more important acids in one group. ACIDUM ACETICUM, (Acetic acid.) A case of poisoning by this acid is reported in Frank's Magazine. A man of thirty-six years, with a phthisicky habit of body, and who was recovering from an attack of pleuro-pneumonia, swallowed by mistake a dessert-spoonful of acetic acid. He jumped out of bed as if in a fit of frenzy, arrd rolled on the floor in the most excruciating agony of pain. After swallowing a quantity of water, the patient complained of a violent, burning pain in the thorax and region of the stomach, as if the bowels were on fire; frightful anguish, oppression on the chest and disposition to vomit; he was scarcely able to speak; the whole body was covered with perspiration as from anguish; pulse very much accelerated, small, contracted; the epithelium of the buccal mucous membrane looked whitish. The effects of the acid were antidoted with milk and Magnesia, and an oleaginous mixture. Copious vomiting and diarrhoea took place, after which the patient felt relieved without suffering from any other untoward symptoms. This case of poisoning may suggest the use of acetic acid in Ga-ilrodijiua, with burning pain in the stomach, and where the VOL. II.—1 2 LECTURE LVIH. paroxysm terminates in coldness of the skin, and breaking out of a cold sweat on the forehead or over the whole body. Five drops ot the acid in a spoonful of water may be taken during the paroxysm, to be repeated in an hour if necessary. The following case of poisoning by acetic acid likewise indicates its use in peculiar and violent forms of gastrodynia. We find this case related by Professor Mitchell in his Materia Medica, who extracted it from the British American Medical Journal. The sub- ject was a widow with four children, who took, as nearly as could be ascertained, over a pint of common vinegar. The reporter states that she had been low-spirited»for two or three days, in consequence of a sore disappointment, and then adds as follows: _ , " When I saw her, about three hours after she had taken the vine- gar, she was in bed, covered with a cold perspiration, and trembling from head to foot, and apparently alarmed at every body and every thing about her. Her breathing was very laborious and hurried; her countenance perfectly wild, and the pupils dilated; the tongue was dry and cold; pulse ninety-six and full; the abdomen much dis- tended, with extremely acute pains at the scrobiculus cordis, so much so that the slightest pressure there caused her to shriek out. She did not know any one about her, not even her own children, nor had she any recollection of any thing that had happened from the time of taking the vinegar, which was about eleven at night, not even of her having gone to bed, which she was the last in the house to do. About one o'clock, the inmates were all awakened by her shrieking for cold water, of which she had drank an enormous quantity before I was called to see her. There was not any pain, heat or constriction of the throat or fauces, but there were slight efforts to vomit. Having procured some sulphate of zinc, I gave her two scruples in a cup of water, which soon produced full vomiting, with great straining. I had then to leave her, but ordered full and repeated doses of carbon- ate of magnesia, till I could see her again, which I did about six hours after, and found her much relieved, and only complaining of headache, which left her after the operation of a dose of castor-oil. Two days after, she was taken ill with a slight attack of continued fever, but is doing well." An attack of this kind may very properly be considered as an attack of Cardialgia or Gastrodynia, excited by the use of improper food, or occurring paroxysmally during the course of an habitual gastric weakness. It is a well-known fact that the continued use of quantities of vinegar may cause emaciation. In some forms of # Dyspepsia, where, emaciation, aphthous degeneration of the buccal lining membrane, redness, soreness and burning of the tono-ue acidity of the stomach, dryness of the skin, are leading symptoms! acetic acid, taken in two or three drop-doses in water, morning and evening, may prove of great value. This property of vinegar, of causing emaciation when taken in ACIDUM ACETICUM. 3 large quantities and for a length of time, has been improved by many individuals for the purpose of getting rid of their superfluous fat. Obesity being considered a serious disfigurement of beauty, young girls who are afflicted with what seems to them an excessive rotun- dity of person, have swallowed quantities of vinegar for the purpose of removing this defect. This abuse is said to have occasioned serious results in many cases. In the second volume of the London Medical Gazette, 1838-39, the following case is reported, which seems to show that this excessive use of vinegar may develop tuber- cular consumption, most probably, however, only in such individuals as are affected with a constitutional predisposition to this disease. " A few years since, a young lady, in easy circumstances, enjoying good health, was very plump, had a good appetite, and a complexion blooming with roses and lilies. She began to look upon her plump- ness with suspicion, her mother being very fat, and she afraid of becoming like her. Accordingly she consulted a woman who advised her to drink a small glass of vinegar daily; the counsel was followed, and the plumpness soon diminished. She was delighted with the success of the remedy and continued it for more than a month. She began to have a cough, but it was at first dry, and regarded as a cold that would subside. But from being dry, it was presently moist. A slow fever came on, with difficulty of breathing; her body became lean, and wasted away; night-sweats, with swelling of the feet suc- ceeded ; and a diarrhoea terminated her life. On examination, all the lobes of the lungs were found filled with tubercles, and some- what resembled a bunch of grapes." This case leads us to infer that moderate doses of vinegar may prove an excellent palliative in cases of tubercular consumption with fatiguing, titillating cough, profuse expectoration of purulent mucus, oppression of breathing, hectic fever, night sweats, extreme emaciation. In Acidity of the stomach, this acid has been found a valuable cor- rective, even by leading Old-School practitioners. In obstinate cases, where the alkalies had been tried without the least benefit, acetic acid has either effected a cure, or has proved the best palliative. Acetic acid has been extensively used as a palliative by Old- School practitioners in a variety of diseases, more especially in haemoptysis, in the diarrhoea supervening in the latter stages of typhus, or in hectic fever; it has likewise been used more or less effectually to check the night-sweats with which phthisicky patients are often troubled. The astringent virtues of this acid have been successfully em- ployed in the treatment of Spermatorrhea, several cases of which are reported in Frank's Magazine. Compresses saturated with a decoction of the root of pomegranate in concentrated vinegar were applied to the perineum. In some cases the vinegar was used without the addition of any astringent whatsoever. A cure is said to have been effected in from ten to thirteen days. 4 LECTURE LVIII. It should be remarked, however, that this treatment is only appli- cable to recent ca^es. In inveterate cases it may prove insufficient, or may, at any rate, have to be accompanied by the use of internal medicines. If the perineal region should become sore, the acid Las to be discontinued for a time. This palliative use of acetic acid is not by any means contrary to our law of cure. Palliative means within proper limits, and fulfilling the legitimate purpose of palliation, viz.: palliation from suffering without subsequent aggravation of the pain, are admissible under any form of treatment. In many cases, palliation may not only be equivalent to, but may constitute a cure. Another palliative, or, if you prefer, physiologico-therapeutic effect of concentrated vinegar is witnessed in the successful treat- ment of Ascites and Anasarca, several cases of which are reported in Hufe- land's Journal. The dropsical effusion set in in consequence of suppression of fever and ague and acute eruption. The patients took the vinegar in teaspoonful doses every hour or every two hours; copious diuresis and diaphoresis set in after the acid had been taken for a couple of days, and a complete cure was the result in a number of cases. The appetite, so far from being impaired by this treatment, had on the contrary to be checked. We have already alluded to the palliative uses of acetic acid in typhus. Dr. Parrot, of Dorpat, Eussia, instituted a number of ex- periments with vinegar in the treatment of the epidemic typhus of 1812. He gave to adults four tablespoonfuls a day, mixed with two parts of water. It was given indiscriminately in cases with or with- out diarrhoea. In one case an exhausting diarrhoea set in on the seventeenth day, which was very speedily modified by the internal use of vinegar. In another case, typhus with violent delirium, pains in the abdo- men, rumbling and diarrhoea, soon yielded to vinegar, except the pain, which continued for some time. A boy of two years had typhus with stupor, delirium, distention of the abdomen, obstinate constipation. Vinegar soon produced large, soft, but by no means diarrhoeic stools, and the child was convalescent in twenty-four hours. A man who had been suffering for years with pains in the liver was attacked with the following symptoms: violent local pains| difficult respiration, frightful paroxysms of anguish ; sleeplessness ■ vomiting after every meal; weakness of sight, extreme irritability of temper. After using vinegar for two days, he had twenty-seven soft, not diarrhceic stools; on the eleventh day he was a°-ain able to attend to his business, but the sight remained weak. In the month of September, 1854, Dr. Coeur, of Caen (France) published the following treatment of the itch in the French medical journals. " One of the inconveniences of hunting and walking in the fields is, very frequently, the insertion beneath the epidermis of a little bug of the genus acarus which causes little vesicles upon the skin some ACIDUM BENZOICUM. 5 times surrounded by inflamed areolae and causing the most furious itching. The most effectual means of arresting and, indeed, com- pletely removing this trouble, is to rub the skin with concentrated vinegar. Applying this remedy to the itch-mite, I have so far suc- ceeded in radically curing ten cases. By means of a somewhat rough sponge which is saturated with good vinegar, I cause friction to be made, three times a day, upon the skin by which means the vesicles are torn. At an average, a cure was effected in less than five days. This mode of treatment has this advantage over the ordinary method, that it is cheap and free from all unpleasant odors; that it operates speedily, can be kept secret and is easily applicable." It is well to be acquainted with such simple experi- ments which you may have many opportunities of repeating. ACIDUM BENZOICUM, (Benzoic Acid.) Flowers of Benzoin ; it derives its name from the gum benzoin or benjamin, which is the concrete juice of a tree, the Styrax benzoin a native of Sumatra, Java, Siam. In 1840, Dr. Ure recommended benzoic acid as a remedy likely to prevent the formation of tophous secretions, in gouty subjects. He prescribed it in doses of one scruple, to be taken an hour after a meal. JBy_adding to the urine voided,, one twelfth part of muriatic- acid, beautiful rose-pink acicular crystals were obtained, to which Liebig has assigned the name of hj.j^uric__acid- In the urine the hippuric acid was thus found to have taken the place of the uric acid, none of which was discoverable in the urine. As the salts formed by the combination of the hippuric acid with the alkaline bases are much more soluble than the corresponding compounds of uric acid, Dr. Ure supposes that the substitution of the former for the latter may be the means of preventing tophaceous secretions, etc. He remarks that " the application of the above principle has proved of material benefit in the treatment of certain unhealthy conditions of the urine, occurring in subjects of a cal- culous or gouty diathesis, since it enables the practitioner to obviate entirely the various depositions resulting from the excess of uric acid, the fruitful source of that most distressing malady, stone in the bladder ; as also to'control and prevent the formation of the so-called tophaceous concretions or chalk stones, which occasion so much inconvenience, deformity and pain to individuals laboring under gout." On the other hand W. Keller states that " so early as 1831, Pro- fessor Wcehler had expressed the opinion that benzoic acid, during digestion, was probably converted into hippuric acid. W. Keller took thirty-two grains of pure benzoic acid, in syrup. Perspired profusely; he next took the same dose three times. The urine voided the next morning, when treated with muriatic acid, yielded considerable hippuric acid, but it also contained its normal propor- 6 LECTURE LV1II. tions of urea and uric acid. Keller remarks that " this observation is opposed to the statement of Dr. Ure, and that he is certainly too hasty in recommending benzoic acid as a remedy for the gouty and calculous concretions of uric acid." Dr. Jeanes of this city, who has furnished an interesting mono- graph on this agent in the first volume of the Transactions of the American Institute, recommends benzoic acid for Concretions in the joints, when resulting from rheumatism or gout with red urine having a strong odor. It is likewise recommended for syphilitic rheumatism of the joints, where this peculiar character of the urine is present. I am somewhat inclined to regard this recommendation as theoretical; however, it may be substantiated by subsequent experience. ACIDUM CITRICUM, (Citric acid) Also designated as salt of lemons. Pure citric acid is a semi-trans- parent, slightly deliquescent body, and should therefore be kept in closely-stoppered vessels. Its taste is intensely sour, and even some- what caustic. Citric acid has been used for years past as a preventive and as a remedy against. Scurvy; instead of using the acid, the pure juice of the lemon is preferred by most physicians. The mucilage which is a normal con- stituent of the lemon-juice, is no longer found in the chemically- prepared acid. _ Professor Thomas D. Mitchell, of Jefferson College, recommends citric acid for Acidity of the stomach; he writes in his Materia Medica and Therapeutics : " I name another use of citric acid or lemon-juice, which may seem paradoxical to some persons, viz.: for the cure of acidity of the stomach. I have proved its efficacy in my own person, and also in the cases of others. After having tried all kinds of ant- acids in vain, I have found strong lemon acid to give prompt relief. The explanation is thus: a depraved state of the mucous membrane lining the stomach, dependent on loss of tone, is one of the sources of acidity._ The atony must be subdued and overcome by an appro- priate tonic. This is often found in the lemon acid or juice Since the preceding remarks were written, I have met with a simi- lar statement from the pen of Dr. Tracy, of Ohio, in the American Journal of Medical Sciences. Like myself, he was long troubled with gastric acidity, and after vainly trying all ordinary means was cured by lemon juice I stated the practice in my lectures several years ago, and noticed the fact, also, that persons with stomach and bowel-derangements depending on excess of acid were sometimes accidently cured by draughts of sour buttermilk." The professor's mode of explaining the curative action of lemon juice in acidity of the stomach, is the argument of a pettifogging ACIDUM FLUORICUM. 7 therapeutist. Why will not Quinine or Iron fulfil the office of tonics in this disease? Why does the Professor persist in ignoring the law of homoeopathic affinity which underlies the curative action of lemon-juice in gastric acidity ? In the October number of the London Lancet (American reprint) we are informed that hospital-gangrene has been successfully treated by lemon-juice and chlorine. The writer states that " in the hospi- tals of Paris, hospital gangrene was formerly very frequent, particu- larly in the Hotel Dieu, but now it very rarely occurs, except in the hospital St. Louis,' where, under the influence of the miasmatic emanations of Montfaucon, it occasionally appears. Mr. Jobert (de Lamballe) was the first to find the juice of lemon salutary. An instance of this disease has recently occurred in the Hotel Dieu. Mr. Eoux ordered lemon-juice to be dropped into the wound, and the latter to be covered afterwards with lint, steeped in a solution of chlorine. Some days afterwards the wound was cleansed, and covered with healthy granulations." ACIDUM FLUORICUM, (Fluoric Acid) This acid was first procured in a pure state by Gay-Lussac and Theuard in the year 1810. It has been supposed that fluoric acid is contained in the gastric juice of birds. This hypothesis has been weakened, if not overthrown, by Tiedeman and Gmelin as well as by Lehmann. They caused. the gastric juice and chyle of recently-killed animals to act upon glass, without being able to discover the least trace of corrosion on this substance. It is very possible, according to Lehmann, that Brugnatelli and Treviranus who were led to adopt the former view in consequence of having found pieces of agate and rock-crystal which they had introduced into the stomach of common fowls and turkey, apparently corroded, after having remained there for ten days, mistook a purely mechanical attrition of the fine granules of sand which are always found in the stomachs of these animals, for the corrosive effects of fluoric acid. This acid occurs in the animal organism in combination with Calcium, although in small quantities. Lehmann says that "the fluoride of Calcium forms so integral a part of the enamel of the teeth, that we are inclined to ascribe to its presence (at least in part) the polish and the extraordinary hardness of that substance." Leh- mann further remarks that the presence of fluoride of calcium has been determined with certainty in the bones of almost all animals. It is said to vbe found in larger quantities in the skeletons of fossil animals than in those of our time. According to Liebig, human bones found at Pompeii, contained more fluoride of calcium than recent human bones. Lehmann thinks that the small quantities of fluoride of calcium s LECTURE LVIII. which are found in the animal body, may be conveyed into the system with the food; "we need only remember," says tins great physiologist, "that many mineral waters contain traces of fluorides, and that plants take up a little fluoride of calcium from micacious soils." Fluoric acid is a powerful solvent, and destroys animal_ matter more readily than any other known acid. This property is illus- trated in the most marked manner by the following case of poison- ing which we find related in Frank's Magazine: Francis- Pschick, assistant in the Chemical Institute, had exposed his hand, unprotected by a glove, for one minute to the fumes of fluoric acid whilst Jacquin was engaged in making some experiments before the class. An hour after, while he was washing some por- tions of the chemical apparatus in warm water, he experienced a troublesome prickling in the tips of the fingers which was speedily followed by acute pains, obliging him to discontinue his work. The pains being accompanied with a chilliness in the left arm, and soon after in the rest of the body, he mistook the attack for a violent cold. It was not until evening that his suspicions became excited. He was seized with a violent chill, the pains became intolerable and the hand swelled very much, Early next morning, (December 24th,) all the fingers of the left hand, more particularly the thumb, were very much inflamed; the tips of the fingers began to look discolored, the first phalanges were almost immovable, the remaining joints and even the hand itself could only be moved with aggravation of the pains which were of a drawing nature and extended up the arms as far as the shoulder; the tense swelling of the fingers gradually disappeared as it approached the wrist; the patient felt feverish. Dipping the hand in the white of eggs and poultices of raw potatoes afforded relief. Towards evening the pains again increased, became throbbing; the tips of the fingers swelled still more. On December 25th, the tips of all the fingers were white; the thumb seemed to be transformed into a Avhite blister upon which the nail seemed to rest; the throbbing pains continued. Every blister discharged a thick, brown, fetid fluid, having a very acid reaction. Beneath the detached epidermis of the four fingers, the corion was found uninjured. Upon opening the blister on the thumb, the suppurative process was found to have penetrated through the whole of the integumentary tissues. The pains subsided very speedily after the blisters had been opened. In four weeks, the parts were entirely restored. It is evident, from this case of poisoning, that fluoric acid is capa- ble of inducing a most acute suppurative process. I would recom- mend a trial of this agent in Whitlow, using it both internally and externally; internally from the 6th to the 18th potency, and externally a solution of one-eighth of a gram in an ounce of water, with which compresses to be applied to the sore finger, may be moistened. ■ Dr. Kreiner has made some experiments with fluoric acid upon his own person. Thirty drops of a mixture of one drachm of the acid prepared according to Thenard's method, in two ounces of ACIDUM GALLICUM. 9 water, caused violent burning and constriction in the fauces, rum- bling in the abdomen, pressure at the stomach, eructations, retching, and, four minutes after taking the drug, several attacks of vomiting of a clear fluid containing pieces of a white, coagulated substance. The whole day he was affected with nausea, eructations and lassi- tude. Ten drops of this mixture occasioned the same symptoms, except the vomiting. These symptoms may be the result of a purely chemical action of the acid upon the mucous membrane of the oesophagus and stomach. To some extent they delineate the physiological action of the acid upon the organism, and may indicate its use in Chronic Gastritis, where similar symptoms occur. Extensive provings with the middle and higher potencies of this agent have been instituted under the direction of Dr. Constantine Hiring, and published in the first volume of the Transactions of the American Institute of Homoeopathy. These provings are not suf- ficiently definite to afford reliable therapeutic indications. The Fluoride of Calcium may prove useful in organic affections of the teeth, such as softening of the enamel and dentine. ACIDUM GALLICUM, (Gallic acid) Gallic and tannic acids constitute the active soluble ingredients of nut-galls, which are caused by a small insect that deposits its egg in the tender shoots of the tree. Gallic acid may be obtained by- exposing a watery infusion of nut-galls to the air for some six weeks. The sediment which is an impure gallic acid, is purified by boiling it in distilled water; it is afterwards decolorized by animal charcoal and crystallized. Gallic acid is considered by many Old-School practitioners as the best internal styptic, superior even to tannin. Christison desig- nates gallic acid as an internal astringent which may be advan- tageously used for the relief of mucous discharges from the bowels or urinary bladder. He has seen menorrhagia very promptly sub- side under its use. Dr. Todd writes in the London Medical Gazette, Jan. 19th, 1849, that " in all cases of haemorrhage, whether haemop- tysis, haematemesis, hsematuria, or any other form dependent on hsemorrhagic tendency, he considers it to be the best styptic we possess." The styptic character of the acid has caused it to be tried in albu- minuria, in ten-grain doses, every three, four or six hours. The excessive expectorations of phthisis and bronchitis are much lessened by gallic acid. Dr. Marcy informs us in the first number of the North-American Journal of Homoeopathy, that "in the cure of a young lady who had a cavity in the left lung, with copious expectoration of pus, night-sweats, frequent haemorrhages from the lungs and bowels, evening-fever, and pulse one hundred and thirty 10 LECTURE LIX. to the minute, the prolonged use of gallic acid, first trituration, dried up the cavity, stopped the expectoration, the sweats, the haemor- rhages, and the fever, and enabled the patient to regain her flesh and strength. Eight months have now elapsed since the cessation of these serious symptoms, and the lady experiences no _ difficulty except great shortness of breath upon the slighest exertion. Her flesh, strength and general appearance are the same as when she enjoyed perfect health; but the sound of the left lung on percussion is dull." It may be supposed that in certain forms of Pyrosis, with rising of an acrid-sour fluid, gallic acid will act favorably. Dr. Bayles remarks that it not only checks the secretion with more certainty and rapidity than he has ever seen to follow the administration of any other remedy, but it gives general tone to the stomach, increases the appetite, and even removes Constipation in many cases. These few remarks show that homoeopathic practitioners can use gallic acid only as a palliative agent, to which they have an undoubted right, provided the palliation is effectual and not illu- sory. LECTURE LIX. ACIDUM HYDROCYANICUM (Hydrocyanic acid, prussic acid) A compound of hydrogen and cyanogen. This acid, although a most formidable poison, may nevertheless prove a most useful thera- peutic agent in the hands of cautious and enlightened practitioners. This acid should be kept in dark, closely-stoppered vials. It is only fit for use as long as the preparation is perfectly colorless, and has the pungent odor which is peculiar to this agent. Attenuations are made with strong alcohol. They have to be renewed every now and then, as this acid is very apt to spoil by decomposition. In a case of poisoning, we resort to ammonia, cold affusions and electricity as reliable antidotes. Artificial respiration is another most admirable means of saving life. Chlorine was proposed by Riauz in 1822, and subsequently strongly recommended by Buchner Simeon and Orfila. It should be given both internally and exter- nally. Pereira recommends chlorine-water in doses of one or two teaspoonfuls properly diluted with water. If no chlorine-water is at' hand, weak solutions of the chloride of lime or the chloride of soda may be administered. An atmosphere of chlorine gas may be developed by the action of dilute hydrochloric gas on chloride of lime, which the patient may be cautiously allowed to inhale Pe- reira considers Chlorine superior to ammonia as an antidote. According to Orfila, ammonia is of no use when introduced into ACIDUM HYDROCYANICUM. 11 the stomach; the inhalation of the vapor of ammonia may rouse the sinking nervous power, and preserve life. If the patient is able to swallow, liquid ammonia, diluted with eight or ten parts of water, should be administered in teaspoonful doses. Great caution is required in the employment of this agent. Cold affusions have been strongly recommended by Herbst, and confirmed, by Christison and Orfila. Herbst says that cold affusions will save life before the convulsive stage is over, and even after the patient has already become insensible and paralyzed. These state- ments have been confirmed by experiments upon animals. Pereira has great faith in artificial respiration. He once recovered a rabbit by this means only, after the convulsions had ceased and the animal was apparently dead. Artificial respiration may be employed at the same time as the inhalation of chlorine or ammonia is resorted to. In order to induce artificial respiration, we compress the anterior wall of the chest with both hands, raising at the same, time the diaphragm, and by suddenly removing the hands, the air is enabled to rush into the lungs. In the shops, hydrocyanic acid is made with variable degrees of strength. Anhydrous hydrocyanic acid is never used in medicine. This article undergoes speedy decomposition. Dr. Christison has kept it unchanged for a fortnight in icy-cold water. Diluted or medicinal hydrocyanic acid has the taste and smell of the strong acid, but in a lesser degree. Acid prepared according to the London Pharmacopoeia, contains two per cent, of real hydrocy- anic acid ; that which is prepared according to the Edinburg Phar- macopoeia, contains three per cent, and a little more than one-fifth; acid prepared according to the Dublin Pharmacopoeia, contains rather more than two per cent.; and the officinal acid prepared in the United States, has a little more strength than the London acid. A medicinal dose, according to the Old School standard, necessa- rily varies with the kind of acid employed. A dose of the London acid is from ^wo to_seven drops.; of the Edinburgh acid, from one to four; of the Dublin acid, from ojie to five, and of the United States acid, from one^to s_ix drops. In homoeopathic practice, we never give such large doses. From the 1st to the 6th and even 12th potency, prepared according to the centesimal scale, answers every therapeutic purpose to be obtained by a homoeopathic physician. According to Wibmer, hydrocyanic acid decomposes the blood, destroys its coagulability, annihilates the process of oxygenation, and has a specific action upon the spinal marrow, more particularly upon that portion which presides over the functions of the lungs and heart; it affects, however, every portion of the spinal cord and the brain likewise. It disturbs and paralyzes the functional power of these organs; hence the impeded labored breathing, the retarded circulation, the lassitude, stupefaction, the dilatation of the pupils, insensibility, paralysis, death. In most cases, especially in cases where death does not set in sud- denly, as in the case of warm-blooded animals, this paralysis of the 12 LECTURE LIX. spinal marrow and brain, is either preceded or accompanied by- violent excitation of these organs, which accounts for the co - vulsions, distortion and rigidity of the limbs, the trembling ana eve Pereira thus sums up the post-mortem appearances m cases o inning by this acid: "Glistening and staring expression ot tne „ which, however, is not a constant phenomenon; nor is it peculiar to this poison, for the same is observed after death by car- bonic acid, and in other cases (Christison); the odor of the acid is oftentimes very obvious in the blood, brain, chest or stomach; tne venous system is. usually, gorged with blood, while the arteries are empty; the blood is, in many cases, florid, dark, or bluish-black, and viscid or oily; the vessels of the brain and spinal marrow are fre- quently gorged with blood; and the cerebral ventricles sometimes contain a serous or sanguineous liquor; the lungs are, in some instances, natural, in others turgid with blood; the internal lining of the stomach is sometimes red. These post-mortem phenomena show that AVibmer's account of the action of prussic acid is in accordance with pathological facts. Wedemeyer made the following experiment, which shows the in- dependent action of the acid on the spinal marrow: He divided the spinal cord between the last dorsal and the first lumbar vertebrae, so that the hind legs were completely paralyzed and insensible to mechanical irritants; hydrocyanic acid was then introduced into one of the hind legs; in one minute symptoms of poisoning com- menced ; the hind as well as the fore-legs were violently convulsed, and in twelve minutes the animal was dead. According to Professor Joerg of Leipzig, hydrocyanic acid may destroy life in two ways, first: by prostrating at one blow the func- tional power of the brain and nervous system, and extinguishing the sensibility; and, secondly, by gradually arresting the process of oxygenation. In the former case, the animal dies suddenly, without the poison having had time to develop visible effects in the body; in the latter case, the above-mentioned pathological appearances will be met with more or less. In consequence of the extreme violence with which this poison acts, we have very few cases of poisoning which can be rendered available for therapeutic purposes. If the poison is taken inten- tionally as a means of self-destruction, death generally overtakes the victim before help can be of any avail. The following case of poisoning reported by Dr. Letheby in the London Lancet, °gives a fair view of the effects which a poisonous dose of prussic acid usually produces. A girl, aged twenty-two years, swallowed by mistake a dose of prussic acid, equivalent to a little less than one grain of the pure poison. At the time when this was taken she was sitting in a chair ■ but she instantly jumped up, ran for a short distance, holding up her arms, and gasping, as it were, for breath ; she then fell, became insensible, and was violently convulsed, the muscles of her face undergoing great distortion, her limbs becoming spasmodically ex- ACIDUM HYDROCYANICUM. 13 tended and her head drawn down upon her shoulders. In this state she was removed to her bed and was seen directly afterwards by Mr. Watson, who found her lying on her back, with the body drawn a little forward; the limbs fixed and extended in tetanic spasm; the whole face swollen, turgid, and almost purple from congestion; the jaws clenched, the mouth covered with foam, the eyes half closed, but prominent and glistening, with their pupils widely dilated, and quite insensible to the stimulus of light. She was breathing slowly, with deep, prolonged inspirations, and uttering a low, moaning noise; the pulse at her wrist could not be felt, although the heart still continued to beat with a feeble, fluttering effort. At this time, which was ten minutes before her death, the medical gentlemen had discovered that khe was suffering from the action of hydrocyanic acid, and they instantly adopted means for her recovery, but with- out the least avail, for the breathing became slower and slower, the limbs at this time remaining fixed and immovable, and she died in from fifteen to twenty minutes after the administration of the poison. The post-mortem appearances in this case were as usual in cases of poisoning, by hydrocyanic acid; the cerebral vessels, both upon the surface and in the substance of the brain, full of black, fluid blood ; the lungs highly congested, but free from tubercle or other disease; the cavities of the heart full of black, uncoagulated blood. Beside the interesting provings of hydrocyanic acid by Professor Joerg, we have some heroic provings by other experimenters. Coullon says that the accidental inhalation of the vapors of prussic acid caused a person to fall down, with anxiety, fainting, vomiting, loss of mobility. Ittner, while preparing the acid and inhaling the vapors, expe- rienced constriction of the chest, difficulty of breathing, vertigo, weariness, shivering. Coullon says in his " Eecherches sur l'acide hydrocyanique," that he gradually swallowed twenty, thirty, forty, fifty, sixty, eighty, and eighty-six drops of prussic acid in the same quantity of water ; the taste was intolerably bitter. The first doses had no effect. The last mentioned doses caused the following symptoms: Increased secre- tion of saliva for a few minutes, and two or three attacks of nausea; the pulse rose from fifty-seven to seventy-seven or seventy-eight beats; in an hour and a half it resumed its normal frequency. For some minutes the experimenter complained of heaviness of the head and some headache which seemed to be localized beneath the hairy scalp on the anterior portion of the head. For upwards of six hours, Coullon experienced a marked anxiety in the region of the heart, alternating with a slight, throbbing pain in the same region, which did not increase by pressure. In this proving we would point out to your attention the special action of the poison upon the heart and brain. In the " lievue medicale," the following bold proving is reported, which was instituted by a physician of Eennes in France. 14 LECTURE LIX. Having on two previous occasions swallowed a teaspoonful of the medicinal acid (which was probably very much diluted), without experiencing any ill-effects from the poison, he swallowed another dose of the same size on the third of September, 1824, about seven o'clock in the evening. This acid had been prepared in one of the best pharmacies in Paris. He swallowed a teaspoonful of it in two doses, at an interval of a few seconds. Immediately after swallow- ing the acid, he felt a sort of concussion in the head which caused him to apprehend mischief; he then fell suddenly as if struck by lightning. The first effects of the poison were: sudden loss of con- sciousness and sensation; lockjaw; recumbent position ; increasing dyspnoea ; coldness of the limbs; wheezing, rattling breathing; dis- tortion of the mouth ; small pulse, which was scarcely perceptible at the left wrist; wild-looking and bloated countenance; bloating of the neck; immobility and dilatation of the pupil; the breath smelled of bitter almonds. At this stage frictions were made with the spirits of cantharides, ammonia, and mustard-poultices were applied. The lockjaw increased; soon after, the trunk was spasmodically bent for- wards. After the lapse of an hour a violent spasm took place, during which the body became rigid, the arms were twisted around and more particularly the region of the stomach, became distended. The jaws were opened by means of an iron-spoon, and the fauces tickled with a feather. The patient vomited a blackish mucus. Some coffee was administered, together with oil of turpentine. Ice was applied to the head. Two hours and a half after swallowing the poison, the patient manifested signs of sensibility. He recognized his friends, his mind gradually resumed its activity; the breathing, however, remained oppressed, with a good deal of rattling; from time to time he had an attack of cough, with discharge of pale- yellow mucus. An injection brought away five or six stools, and he belched up wind strongly smelling of prussic acid. He felt no symptom of paralysis, and left his bed with perfect ease. About six o'clock in the evening (next day), the difficult and rattling breathing had subsided, the patient was carried home, and ascended two flights of stairs without any difficulty. On the fourth of September, the stomach was somewhat bloated, but painless, the head embarrassed, skin rather hot, pulse full. The patient complained of pain at the tongue and in the back part of the mouth, where the parts were found inflamed and ulcerated. On the fifth of September, twelve leeches were applied to the pit of the stomach, where the patient experienced some pain In the evening the head again felt embarrassed, with fever, sleeplessness pain in the throat. All the symptoms of a violent pulmonary catarrh showed themselves. J On the ninth of September, the difficulty of breathing continued, the cough troubled him very much and the fever continued. On the eleventh, the fever decreased. Cm the thirteenth day after the poison- in| he went out for the first time The general prostration and the difficulty of breathing continued for upwards of a fortnight After wards he recovered his health perfectly. ACIDUM HYDROCYANTCUM. 15 From this exceedingly instructive case we learn, that prussic acid affects the brain similarly to what we see in cerebral epilepsy; that it causes an inflammatory catarrhal irritation of the larynx and bronchial ramifications; that it causes long lasting irritations, pains and swelling of the epigastrium, and general prostration with fever. Sandras reports in the December number of the Gazette Medicale, 1829, that hydrocyanic acid, if taken in small doses, causes formica- tion, prickling, sleep or else sleeplessness, frequently headache, shiver- ing. Larger doses cause vertigo, buzzing in the ears, a sort of de- lirium, intoxication. In the stomach it causes a feeling of warmth, which soon spreads through the bowels and extremities; five minutes after, sweat breaks out in some cases. Let us now examine the effects of hydrocyanic acid upon the organism under their respective groups. CEREBKO-SPINAL GROUP. We have learned from post-mortem examinations in cases of poisoning, that the cerebral vessels are gorged with blood. This must have been the condition of the cerebral vessels during the life- time of the patient. Joerg's instructive provings with this acid con- firm the specific action of prussic acid upon the brain. These prov- ings were instituted with the acid prepared according to Vauquelin's, and also with the acid prepared according to Ittner's and Brande's method, the latter acid being stronger than the former. -The dose employed was from half a drop to three drops. The results of their provings show that prussic acid acts chiefly upon the cerebral centers, upon the respiratory organs, the heart, and likewise upon the bowels and bladder. Evidently the alvine and urinary functions are influenced secondarily through the ganglionic system. Joerg's provers have recorded the following cerebral symptoms developed by the acid: . One of them experienced: Dulness in the frontal region, cloudi- ness like intoxication, dimness of sight. Another prover felt a pressure from the occiput to the forehead; • transient vertigo, followed by violent pressure in the occiput and foreh^id, especially in the right side; from three drops this prover experienced stupefaction and vertigo, wavering of surrounding ob- jects, dimness of sight, he was scarcely able to stand; these symp- toms were followed by great dulness in the forehead and occiput. Another prover has recorded the following symptoms: pressure extending from the top of the head to each orbit, where it became fixed, and from the top of the head to the occiput, followed by drow- siness and lassitude. These symptoms were caused by one drop of the acid. Three drops caused a sudden paroxysm of vertigo; the air seemed to move slowly around the prover; there was no stagger- ing' the sensation was'attended with slight pressure from the occi- put to the left side of the forehead; during this attack the eyes seemed immovable, the pupils were at first dilated, afterwards per- manently contracted; the pulse varied, at times it was strong, at 16 LECTURE LIX. others feeble; the attack which the prover describes as a sort ^ intoxication, lasted ten or fifteen minutes; it was *?. . -f^be scraping sensation in the throat, dyspnoea, difficult breathing, as lungs could not expand; drowsiness, loss of strength. Professor Jcerg himself took two drops; they caused a scraping at the root of the tongue and in the throat; slight shivering* 101 lowed by dimness of sight, and a weary feeling m the brain; 10 some days the prover complained of aching pains now in one, men in another part of the head, a want of clearness of perception, irrita- ble temper,, inability to perform mental labor. m . . Three drops of Ittner's acid caused: obscuration of sight,_ intoxi- cation with pressing pain in the head, changing to a stitching and boring pain in the frontal and orbital regions. _ These symptoms indicate hydrocyanic acid in Congestive Headaches of a peculiar character. The headache may be preceded by dizziness resembling intoxication. _ The patient complains of a dull, heavy pain which may be seated in the forepart of the head, involving the sight which is obscured, or it may first be felt in the occiput, whence the pain may extend to the forehead; or the pain may be felt in various parts of the head. It is accom- panied by extreme prostration, slowness* of the pulse; there may be oppression of breathing and a feeling of embarrassment or weight in the region of the heart; the patient may likewise complain of- feeling cold, with shivering. I recommend the 1st or 2d potency of Hahnmann. It is very probable that in Vertigo which occurs paroxysmally, with unequal and slow pulse during the attack, and perhaps some irritation about the stomach, nausea and pain, obscuration of sight, this drug may be useful. Almost every one of Joerg's pro vers experienced a feeling of dizzi- ness as if he had been intoxicated. Hydrocyanic acid is particularly indicated, if there is 'danger that these paroxysms of vertigo may be the precursors of epileptic spasms. | Hydrocyanic acid may certainly prove useful in Epilepsy of the kind which Schcenlein designates as cerebral or idiopathic epilepsy. In many cases of poisoning, the patient is said , to have fallen down as if he had had an epileptic fit. You recollect that the bold experimenter of Rennes experienced a shock in the brain, after which he fell down like an epileptic patient. Dr. Letheby informs us that, in the above mentioned case of poisoning, " the symptoms so closely resembled an epileptic fit, that dhe medical gentlemen who were called in, actually supposed at first that the patient was laboring under such an attack." A number of interesting cures of this disease are reported in Frank's Magazine. The dose employed is rather large, but the cures are none the less cures, and may encourage other physicians to try hydrocyanic acid in this distressing malady. A girl of fifteen years had had epileptic fits for six years, They ,came on every eight days, in the afternoon. She took five drops of the acid three times a day, augmenting the dose gradually, until it ACIDUM HYDROCYAXICUM. 17 In the other cases the disease had lasted for years, in spite of which a cure was effected in every case; the acid was given in doses of six to eight drops three times a day. In one case the par- oxysms were accompanied with menstrual suppression, chronic vomi- ting and pains in the bowels; these symptoms likewise disappeared. Cataleptic Spasms may yield to Prussic acid. A middle-aged lady was suffering with the chronic consequences of acute carditis, for which she took the acid in ordinary doses. The acid caused great muscular debility, especially on the left side, which culminated in a sort of cataleptic spasm, during which she lay motionless and speechless, without a sign of life, with scarcely perceptible respira- tion, but with the pulse easier, fuller and more regular. The spasm lasted for several hours, when the power of speech and motion re- turned. She asserted that she had been fully conscious all this time, that she had heard and noticed every thing. The spasm terminated in profuse perspiration and was followed by recovery. Hydrocyanic acid may manifest curative virtues in Apoplexy, although this attack differs from the paroxysms caused by Hydrocyanic acid in this, that after the return of consciousness in a case of poisoning by tMs acid, the nervous energies generally become fully restored, without a trace of paralytic weakness being left behind, whereas in apoplexy, the limbs remain either partially or totally paralyzed after consciousness is restored. Nevertheless, Sandras shows that Hydrocyanic acid produces all the essential pre- cursory symptoms of apoplexy, viz.: formication, pricking in the extremities, vertigo, buzzing in the ears, drowsiness, excessive weak- ness, etc. Speaking of apoplexy, we may as well mention in this place that prussic acid may prove specifically curative in some forms of Pulmonary Apoplexy for we find the lungs gorged with a blackish, fluid blood, and the respiration is altered as it is in apoplexy of the lungs, short, gasping, unequal inspirations, in cases where death took place suddenly, as by a stroke of lightning. This recommendation, however, is purely theoretical; I am not aware of a single case of this disease where prussic acid has been exhibited with success. Hydrocyanic acid causes, and may therefore cure, Tetanic Spasms, with lockjaw, bloating of the face and neck, pro- trusion and glistening of the eyes, immobility and dilatation of the pupils, bluish-red color of the face, collapse of pulse, rigidity of the limbs; the trunk is either bent forwards or backwards. These con- vulsions are accompanied by, and in a measure depend upon, a con- gested condition of the cerebral vessels. SPECIAL SENSES. The alteration of sight which this acid causes, are of a sympa- thetic character, depending upon a primary irritation of the brain which it is necessary to consider, if the ophthalmic weakness, such as dimness of sight, with abnormal dilatation or contraction of the pupils, is to be cured. VOL. II.—r2 18 LECTURE LIX. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. Some of Joerg's provers have recorded a few characteristic symp- toms in this direction. All experienced a scraping at the root of the tongue and m the throat, followed in one case by a sensation of foul air at the root of the nose, and by pricking. Another prover experienced a sensation as of a lump in the stomach. After eating some bread and butter, he complained of malaise, heartburn, water-brash, followed by an increase of hunger, in spite of which he felt an aversion to food ; violent hiccough troubled him afterwards, accompanied with a disposition to heat and sweat. One prover who took two drops of Ittner's acid, experienced a scraping in the larynx, which the other provers likewise complained of, with secretiou of mucus, tightness and pain in the chest. The symptoms in the throat and chest suddenly disappeared, and were succeeded by rumbling in the bowels, followed by pain in the right kidney, thence shifting to the stomach and spreading all over the bowels, without any urging to stool, with a more copious discharge of cloudy urine, general malaise, cold shiverings, occasional return of the pain in the head, drowsiness, weariness, diminished frequency of the pulse. In view of this specific relation of hydrocyanic acid to the nerves of the stomach, it is not astonishing that this agent should have manifested remarkable curative powers in Cardialgia, characterized by a crampy or gnawing pain in the pit of the stomach. In the cardialgia of pregnant females, with a burning distress in the epigastrium, extreme sensitiveness of this region to contact, ex- haustion in consequence of the pain and vomiting, prussic acid has done eminent service. If the potencies remain inoperative, two or three drops of the medicinal acid may have to be administered three times a day. Kopp relates the following interesting and instructive cure A m-E? 0tH ^y"four years had been suffering for two years and a half with the following symptoms: Confluence of saliva in the mouth, frequent spitting up of a frothy saliva, especially in the morning- painful drawing from the pit of the stomach towards the back especially the left side, frequently accompanied by spasmodic con- striction; a pressure was felt in the abdomen, extending to the chest and more particularly to the left scapula. In the forenoon and sometimes at night, he felt a cutting, spasmodic distress proceeding from the lower part of the chest to the stomach and back; he com° plained of flatulence, nausea, vomiting of phlegm, a watery fluid and bile. He had no appetite and was costive. Oppression on the chest without cough, with a feeling of repletion and malaise in the abdomen. Occasional attacks of vertigo, ill-humor irritable ACIDUM HYDROCYAXICUM. 19 temper. He felt languid, exhausted, grew thin and looked sallow. For two years he had been trying every possible remedy, without the least success. He then was put on the use of ten drops of Yau- quelin's acid in six ounces of cherry-water, of which he took a tablespoonful every two hours, continuing this preparation with occasional intervals for ten weeks, during which period he took in all three hundred drops. His recovery was perfect; his fretful and irritable temper was likewise entirely changed. Pereira recommends Prussic acid in Gastrodynia as a sort of specific remedy. He writes: "Some time since I prescribed the acid for a lady who had suffered for months with gastrodynia, and who was persuaded, from her sensa- tions, that she had some organic disease. The remedy acted in the most surprising manner; in a few hours, to the astonishment of her- self and friends, she was apparently quite well, and has since had no return of her complaint." To this report Pereira adds: " It can hardly be imagined that irritation of the stomach can be rapidly removed by a substance which is itself an irritant." If Pereira had had the remotest idea of the homoeopathic law of cure, he would have had no difficulty in comprehending, that irritation of the stomach can only be removed by a substance which is itself an irritant. Pereira mentions another case of Uneasiness in the Stomach, for which the patient gradually took the enormous dose of two drachms of the acid prepared according to the Dublin Pharmacopoea. He was seized with tetanic convulsions, but his life was saved, and the complaint had left him entirely after re- covery. If prussic acid was the remedy in this case, the probability is that the potentized acid would have done what drop-doses of the original acid were unable to accomplish. Pereira recommends the acid in Enterodynia in the following paragraph: "I have found hydro- cyanic acid useful in a painful affection of the bowels analogous to that of the stomach, and which, therefore, might with propriety be termed enterodynia. The most remarkable case of this kind which I have met with, was that of a gentleman, a relative of one of my pupils. He had suffered for several months excruciating pain in the bowels, commencing daily about two o'clock, and only ceasing at night. It was apparently a consequence of an ague. He had been under the care of several country-practitioners, and had tried a number of remedies (including opium and quinine) without the least benefit. I advised the employment of the Hydrocyanic acid, and accordingly five minims were administered at the commence- ment of a paroxysm. The remedy acted like a charm; all the unpleasant symptoms immediately disappeared. Several doses of the acid were given before the period of the succeeding paroxysm, but the disease never returned; and after employing the acid for a few days longer, he went back to the country completely cured." 20 LECTURE LIX. Joerg's provers have shown that Hydrocyanic acid may powerfully and painfully affect the bowels. A delicate, sensitive lady was attacked with violent cramp-pains in the bowels depending upon irregularities in the portal system; the pain involved the rectum, causing retention of stool, Every means of relief remained fruitless, except Hydrocyanic acid which helped in a few hours. Pereira commends this acid in English cholera; he says that he has often seen it cure severe forms of this disease after Opium had failed. Our provings do not point to Hydrocyanic acid as a remedy for cholera. This agent may cause vomiting and cramp-pain in the bowels, but, in the case of Joerg's provers, this pain was not asso- ciated with any urging to stool. On the contrary, the tendency of Hydrocyanic acid seems to be to limit the alvine secretions; if diar- rhoea does occur as one of the effects of this agent, it is most proba- bly in consequence of some peculiar idiosyncrasy in the patient's constitution. In Pereira's cases, the acid was most probably used upon the principle of palliative antagonism. Homoeopathic physicians have used this agent in Asiatic Cholera in the very last stage, when the patient seemed threatened with death from asphyxia, with excessive orthopnoea, apoplectic conditions of the brain ;• the patient is cold, vomiting, diarrhoea and cramps have ceased; innervation seems universally threatened with annihilation. The 2d or 3d potency is said to have saved life under these circumstances. URINARY ORGANS. Our provings show that the acid has a tendency to increase the secretion of urine during the period of organic reaction. A watery urine was secreted by most of Joerg's provers in increased quantity some time after the cerebral and respiratory functions had been affected by the acid. This symptom seems to indicate its employ- ment in spasmodic paroxysms, provided the other symptoms cor- respond. The primary effect of the acid indicates its use in Paralytic Retention of Urine, with which old people are sometimes afflicted. In one prover, the acid caused an increased flow of urine with burning m the urethra. This symptom may lead us to think of the acid m Catarrh of the Bladder, provided the constitutional symptoms cor- respond. J r SEXUAL GROUP. In a case of poisoning by Hydrocyanic acid, the scrotum was found blue and partially deprived of the epidermis ; the penis was in a state of semi-erection, and there seemed to have been a discharge of seminal or prostatic fluid. 6 ACIDUM HYDROCYAXICUM. 21 The acid seems to be possessed of some power to affect the sexual nervous system. Hence it has been advantageously employed in spasmodic affections of the female organs. An unmarried lady who was attacked with the most agonizing cramps previous to the appearance of the catamenia, was radically cured by Hydrocyanic acid, after having used every known anti- spasmodic remedy for eighteen months without the least benefit. In this case, the cure must have been effected in virtue of the law " similia similibus." Hydrocyanic acid may produce venous con- gestion of the uterus, with the violent cramp-pains, such as existed in this case. In view of this mode of reasoning, it cannot appear strange that this acid should have proved an efficient remedy for violent Afterpains, as may appear from the following case, which we have extracted from Frank's Magazine. A slender woman had miscarried at three months without any apparent cause. Two hours after the accident, she was seized with convulsions, during which she was unconscious, with her eyes half open. All the muscles of her body were in constant motion, a sort of drawing which was increased by making pressure above the pubic arch, during which the features became distorted. The pulse was small, contracted; there was an involuntary discharge of urine during the paroxysm. The patient was put upon the use of Hydro- cyanic acid, one drop in one ounce and a half of mucilage, of which a small spoonful was given every hour and a half. After using half of the mixture, the convulsions stopped entirely, and the drawing pains likewise disappeared soon after. THORACIC GROUP. One of Joerg's provers experienced this symptom: "Scraping at the root of the tongue and in the throat, followed \jy sensation of foul air at the root of the nose, and prickling sensation." This symptom may indicate the use of Hydrocyanic acid in Chronic Catarrh of the nose, with foul smell, stinging high up in the nose, discharge of disorganized, greenish, brown-looking fetid pieces of hardened mucus. Joerg's provers uniformly complained of a scraping sensation in the throat, followed by secretion of mucus in the bronchia. From two drops, Otto experienced a scraping in the throat, with prickling down the larynx, hacking cough as from little hairs in the throat. Another prover experienced a tickling and scraping in the larynx, with hacking cough. In the formidable proving of the French physician, which I related above, Hydrocyanic acid developed symptoms of an inflam- matory bronchial catarrh, with expectoration of yellow mucus and oppression of breathing. Guided by these indications, we feel justified in recommending Hydrocyanic acid in 22 LECTURE LIX. Chronic Bronchial Catarrh, with tickling, scraping and Prick^g in the larynx and bronchial tubes, with expectoration ot } enow or whitish mucus, chilly creepings followed by fever, Prostratlo°: In Catarrhus Senilis, with rattling breathing, paralytic _ oppressio on the chest, sinking pulse, shiverings, excessive prostration, nyar - cvanic acid may do good service. -. " In Whooping-cough, this agent has been used as a leading remeuv by alloeopathic physicians. It is used as a palliating anti-spasmoaic. Homaeopathically it can only be used, if the pulmonary affection is accompanied by great prostration, oppression on the chest, ana symptoms of violent cerebral congestion during the paroxysm, it will be found particularly adapted, to the latter stages of the disease, although it may likewise be homoeopathic to the inflammatory stage, with fever, flushed face and glistening eyes, irritating pulse,_vomiting anxiety, palpitation of the heart. All these pathognomonic signs ot the first stage of whooping-cough are legitimate effects of Hydro- cyanic acid. This acid has been recommended by many Old-School practi- tioners as a remedy for Phthisis Pulmonalis; others, on the contrary, reject it as a dan- gerous and mischievous drug in this disease. Joerg's provers have recorded the following effects of the acid upon the lungs: Constriction across the chest; Shooting stitches in the region of the fifth and sixth rib near the sternum; Tightness of the chest, with stitches when taking a long breath; Pressure and tightness in the chest; Aching pain in both sides of the chest, changing to stitching; labored and deep breathing. These symptoms certainly point to congestions of the pulmonary parenchyma, and may justify the use of prussic acid in the prelimi- nary stages of tubercular phthisis, where these congestions occur. There is no reason why this agent should not do good in ulcerative processes which spring from such a pathological basis. Harless con- siders prussic acid, if given in tolerably large doses, a most unreliable and even hurtful _ drug in cases of fully developed catarrhal and tubercular phthisis, with profuse suppuration, hectic fever, colli- quative sweats, prostration; he thinks that it only palliates these symptoms for awhile, and afterwards hastens the fatal termination of the disease. If the acid is at all indicated in phthisis, it should be given in the higher potencies; they have no such effect as Harless describes. One of Joerg's provers has recorded this symptom: " Sensation as if the larynx were more spacious, with a scraping feeling." We have met with this symptom in Laryngeal Phthisis, where Hydrocyanic acid may be of service in every stage of the disease, using the first six potencies. Prussic acid has moderated attacks of spasmodic ACIDUM HYDROCYAXICUM. 23 Asthma, with suffocative paroxysms. Its action upon the heart is undeniable. It has caused " palpita- tion of the heart, with flying stitches in the region of the heart," and "oppression of the heart." We may therefore use this agent in Chronic Congestion of the Heart, when remaining after acute carditis, either permanently or paroxysmally, with anxiety, weight, pressure, stitches in the region of the heart. The pulse is slow and feeble during the paroxysm, or feeble, unequal and somewhat accelerated. In Angina Pectoris, if the paroxysms seem to depend upon the existence of organic disease of the heart, prussic acid may afford either partial or permanent relief. In incurable Heart-disease it may palliate the agonizing oppres- sion, fainting spells and violent palpitation which are often present in organic disorders of the heart. FEYER-GROUP. The first effect of the acid seems to be to retard the pulse. In one of Joerg's provers, the pulse became excited, which must be accounted for upon the ground of an extreme reactive irritability of the sen- tient nervous system. Creeping chills and shiverings are frequently experienced from large doses of the acid. The following group of symptoms exhibits the character of the Hydrocyanic-acid fever in its totality. It shows that the chill has a marked nervous character, that it indicates a deep inroad upon the nervous system; it is not, properly speaking, a fever-chill, but a chill denoting a prostration of innervation characterized by debility, anorexia, irregular and feeble pulse, etc. A girl of eighteen years was treated for a chronic spasmodic cough with Hydrocyanic acid. Her health otherwise was perfect. After having taken four doses of five drops each, she was suddenly seized with colic and diarrhoea; next day her appetite was entirely gone, and she felt so weak that she had to keep her bed. Her pulse was accelerated and unequal, both as regards rhythm and strength. She was attacked with periodical paroxysms of violent chills (without feeling cold,) which were accompanied by some headache, came on every day, lasted several hours and on one occasion a whole day, deprived her of sleep, and shook the whole body, even every muscle except the muscles of the face. The breathing was labored, and the pulse frequent and small. These attacks continued more or less for a fortnight. This case, and the provings instituted by Joerg and others, show that the fevers to which Hydrocyanic acid is homoeopathic, partake of the character of ataxia, Nervous fevers, the principal feature of which constitutes debility, deficiency of animal temperature; states of Debility rather than fever; or Hectic fevers, with tendency to sudden and exhausting flashes of heat, followed by perspiration. In phthisis, if these hectic symptoms become exceedingly troublesome, prussic acid may act as a good palliative. 24 LECTURE LX. MENTAL GROUP. The symptoms of mental derangement which Hydrocyanic causes seem to me worthy of note only in so far as the> belong to some other superior derangement, such as . , . ., Hysteria, Hypochondriasis ; it may cause dullness of mind, irrita- bility of temper, a gloomy mood, gay delirium. The following case shows that it may prove useful in cerebral hysteria, with dei aug- ment of the mental faculties: . .-■ o A girl of seventeen years was treated with Hydrocyanic acid. lor epilepsy, which had been brought on by fright. Four-drop closes of the diluted acid caused sleeplessness, feverish heat, thirst, exces- sive lassitude, pulse one hundred and twenty. On repeating the dose, she was attacked with merry delirium ; although naturally ot a timid and quiet disposition, the effects of the acid induced a con- trary state, singing and warbling, jumping about in the room with a stick in her hand; she felt like a person intoxicated, her pulse was very much accelerated. This state lasted three days, although the medicine was discontinued. LECTURE LX. ACIDUM MURIATICUM, (Muriatic or Hydrochloric acid) A compouxd of hydrogen and chlorine. Serres relates a case of poisoning by this acid, which exhibits its exceedingly irritating properties in a most marked manner. It is found in Orfila's Toxi- cology. A man swallowed an ounce and a half of the acid, after which he experienced great restlessness, his skin became burning hot, the tongue looked fiery-red, the lips became blackish, singultus, a desire to vomit and violent pains in the stomach set in. During the night, he vomited a yellow substance. On the day following, the skin became clammy and cold, the pains in the stomach very violent, the pulse small, delirium set in, and death took place at three in the afternoon. Post-mortem appearances : black lips, brown, swollen, hard and dry tongue; purple-redness of the fauces and oesophagus, and erosions in these parts here and there ; thickening of the stomach, and inflammation of the external coat; the mucous coat came off in pieces, and revealed gangrenous spots; the duo- denum was likewise somewhat thickened. Wibmer thus sums up the effects of dilute Muriatic acid: Small quantities of it, taken internally, cause an agreeable warmth in the stomach, generally an acceleration of the pulse, a feeling of ease and liveliness, animated complexion, diminished secretion of urine- larger doses cause vertigo and stupefaction. Larger quantities of ACIDUM MURIATICUM. 25 the concentrated acid cause pain; inflammation, a blackish-brown color, thickening, corrosion, perforation and gangrene of the part touched by the poison. The internal use is succeeded by nausea, retching, vomiting, violent pains in the buccal cavity, fauces, oeso- phagus, stomach and intestinal canal, with diarrhoea, tenesmus, etc. Death is frquently preceded by violent convulsions of the neck and spine. If transmitted into the veins, muriatic acid destroys life very speedily by causing the blood in the heart and lungs to coagulate. Gue'rard reports a case in the Annales d' Hygiene, vol. 48, p. 415, where a woman of twenty-four years swallowed fifty-three grains of concentrated hydrochloric acid. Immediately upon swallowing it, she experienced a burning sensation from the mouth to the stomach, but especially in the throat, attended with a feeling of suffocation and succeeded by uncontrollable vomiting. She was unable to swal low; the least attempt at swallowing brought on vomiting. Her voice was low and the respiration frequent and labored. The tongue and fauces were at first covered with a whitish pellicle, which after- wards became detached, exhibiting corroded spots underneath. Death took place two months after the poison had been swallowed; some time previous, portions of corroded mucous membrane had been passed both by vomiting and by stool. We have extracted these notes from Wharton's Medical Jurisprudence. In a case of poisoning by hydrochloric acid, we administer chalk, whiting, magnesia or its carbonate, and soap; in the absence of these articles, oil, the bicarbonated alkalies, milk, white of egg, or demulcents of any kind may be used. Old-School physicians employ muriatic acid as a detergent in diphtheria, cancrum oris, malignant scarlatina. It is applied locally to the diseased surfaces. The idea undoubtedly is that it corrects the morbid action. This, however is hypothetical; we have no evi- dence, so far, that it causes a diphtheritic disorganization of the mucous lining of the mouth and throat by any other than chemical action. Hahnemann has furnished a few short provings of this agent, which indicate its use in the following affections. CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. It causes: tearing pains in the right parietal bone; tensive pain in the right temple; boring pain in the vertex; feeling as if the brain were loose ; burning sensation in the head. Dr. Marcy has successfully used Muriatic acid in Hc-tnlnrli.ps ac- companying chronic hepatitis, and in the dull and stupefying head- aches occurring in the progress of typhoid and scarlet-fevers. Muriatic acid has been recommended in Convulsions by Old-School practitioners. In the case reported by Frank, the attack was caused by exposure to severe.cold, and pre- ceded by buzzing in the ears and vertigo. The patient fell down, with loss of consciousness. When he recovered his senses, he was 26 LECTURE LX. unable to swallow or talk; the pulse was scarcely perceptible. The patient swallowed thirty drops of the acid in water, and in fifteen minutes another dose of forty drops. This was followed by shiver- ing and gritting of the teeth lasting half an hour. After this, the patient felt hot and complained of headache. Next night he had another, but milder attack, which was checked by twenty-five drops of the acid. I should not have alluded to this case but for the fact that it is occasionally referred to by homoeopathic physicians as illustrative of the power of Muriatic acid to control convulsions. This case is a very poor test of the anti-spasmodic virtues of the acid. The con- vulsions in this case were of a purely rheumatic character, a violent irritation of the ganglionic system induced by continued exposure to severe cold, which would have yielded to a few small doses of Aconite or Belladonna as the homoeopathic specific. ORBITAL AND AURICULAR GROUPS. This acid has caused : itching of the eyes; slight inflammation of the eyes; burning in the eyes on washing them; one half of every object appears to be cut off from the other half in a perpendicular line; twinkling before the eyes. _ Hardness of hearing; tingling and humming in the ears; sensi- tiveness to noise; itching pimples on the ears; heat and dryness in the ears; ulcerative pains in the left ear, aggravated by boring with the finder. These symptoms point to Muriatic acid as a good remedy for Chronic Sore Eyes, when of a scrofulous nature, with alteration of the visual power. Chronic Otalgia of a scrofulous character, such as may be devel- oped by the scarlet-fever miasm. Dr. Marcy informs us that he has seen good effects from this acid in the Deafness and ringing in the ears accompanying typhoid fevers Muriatic acid has been of use in Herpetic and Pustulous Eruptions upon the ears of scrofulous persons, more particularly when breaking out as sequelae of scarlet- lever. Ihe higher potencies.will be found preferable. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. Muriatic acid causes: inflammation and swelling of the gums- scurvy of the gums; diphtheritic disorganization^ the nfucous membrane; red and dry tongue- smarti™ k,,™ j mucous of the throat. ° ' smartm& burning and ulceration fo/the0001^1106 '^ theSe SJmVt0ms> {t has teen used as a remedy Diphtheritis in scarlatina or malignant fevers; and for Chrome Sore Throat, with malignant ulceration of the lining mem- ACIDUM MURIATICUM. 27 brane, discharge of a foul, ichorous pus. The drug may be used internally and as a weak gargle. Other symptoms belonging to this group are: ptyalism, bitter, acrid and putrid taste; aversion to meat; hiccough before and after eating; frequent eructations; efforts to vomit; vomiting of yellowish fluids, and of shreds of disorganized mucous membrane. These symptoms indicate Muriatic acid in Dyspepsia characterized by similar marked symptoms, foul taste after eating, brown-looking tongue, putrid eructations, waterbrash. This form of dyspepsia may occur in impoverished constitutions, or among persons who are afflicted with liver complaint which they contracted by a residence in tropical climates, where severe bilious derangements are endemic. This form of dyspepsia may also develop itself in consequence of the habitual use of heavy, indigestible food; rich pastry or half-fermented flour. It is well known that Muriatic and Lactic acid constitute two important ingredients of the gastric juice, not in a free state, but discovered by chemical analysis subsequently to the destruction of the gastric juice as a vital fluid. Christison justly repudiates this doctrine of free hydrochloric acid in the stomach in the following language: " The most important fallacy of all is, that free hydro- chloric acid constitutes an essential part of the gastric juice, and an ingredient of the secretions of the stomach in various states of dis- ordered digestion." I allude to this fact, because it is my duty, Gentlemen, to warn you against the mischievous tendencies of the chemico-physiolo- gical School of the day, whose teachings have poisoned even the minds of homoeopathic physicians. " In some forms of dyspepsia," writes Dr. Peters in the North American Journal of Homoeopathy, " Muriatic acid will have to be assisted or alternated with Lactic acid; this acid has been incontestably proven to be an important ingre- dient of the healthy gastric juice; it is a colorless, syrupy liquid having a very sour taste ; it coagulates albumen, and dissolves a large quantity of freshly precipitated phosphate of lime, properties which render it of great importance to the'animal economy. It has been proposed by Magendie as a remedy in certain forms of dys- pepsia, and for the removal of phosphatic deposits in the urine." It may seem very attractive to some minds to serve up a dish of chemio-physiological learning from the table of Lehmann and other chief-cooks of the chemical kitchen of this age; but how does this benefit the cause of therapeutic truth ? How does it benefit the students of Homoeopathy, when they are led to infer from such am- biguous teachings as I have quoted, that a deficiency of gastric juice may be remedied by pouring into the stomach alternate quan- tities of Muriatic and Lactic acid ? Gentlemen, all such doctrines are subversive of rational progress. Muriatic acid is sometimes discharged in large quantities in the fluid of waterbrash. Dr. Prout once discovered between four and five grains of the pure acid in sixteen ounces of the fluid. Toxicology 28 LECTURE LX. acquaints vou with the appropriate method of discovering the p_ sence of this acid in the ejected fluid. That element in the ora ^ whose business it is to employ the muriatic acid of the gastric j <^ as a solvent of the organic matters introduced into the stomac , deficient in power. My belief is that some inimical principle, souk, principle specifically adverse to the vital uses of the munatic-aci element in the gastric-juice, renders the assimilative power oi brain inoperative in this direction. It does not seem to me a base- less theory to suppose, that the Muriatic acid suitably dynamized, may be enabled to neutralize this inimical influence. 1 apply a similar mode of reasoning to diseases of the osseous sys- tem, where a deficiency of the calcareous element constitutes a chiet feature, as in ramollissement of bones. In this disease, the calcareous phosphates, instead of nourishing the bones, are often expelled with the urine in enormous quantities. That element in the brain, which. is entrusted with their assimilation to the osseous tissue as elements of growth, is deficient in power, chained perhaps by an mimical force or agent which it may suit us to term the scrofulous element. Will massive doses of lime help the matter ? No, indeed, they may make the matter worse. Potentize your Calcarea; the highly- dynamized agent may be able to disembarrass and consequently stimulate the action of the brain, whereas the crude drug might have proved ineffectual. Muriatic acid causes a burning tension in the right hypochon- drium. The liver looks congested after death by this acid. It has been employed in Chronic Hepatitis, especially in tropical climates. In the East- Indies, English physicians have employed Nitro-muriatic acid for this affection both internally and in the shape of baths. Muriatic acid causes heat and burning in the stomach, with afeeling of repletion, violent pains in the epigastric region. AYe may there- fore use this acid in Chronic Gastritis, with heat in the stomach, feeling of weight, full- ness and oppression in the stomach, soreness to pressure, nausea, retching, vomiting of food, water, mucus, blood and bile. This acid causes diarrhoea with burning at the anus, discharge of blood with stool, itching at the perineum. Small doses cause inac- tivity of the rectum, the stool comes away in small pieces. Marcy recommends this acid in Chronic Diarrhea, with tenesmus, colicky pains before stool, burning at the anus, stools occasionally bloody, prolapsus of the rectum after stool. It has cured several cases of diarrhoea, with soft clay-colored stools, alternating with hard and difficult stools. Diarrhoea occur- ring in typhoid fevers and in scarlatina, scanty, loose and bloody stools, with rumbling m the bowels, colicky pains before and during the discharges, tenesmus, burning at the anus, chilliness and pros& tration after each stool, constitute leading indications for Muriatic acid. ACIDUM MURIATICUM. 29 URINARY GROUP. Muriatic acid causes frequent desire to urinate, followed by inef- fectual urging or complete paralytic inability to void urine. This condition of the bladder may occur in typhoid fever. Orfila has proposed Muriatic acid as a means of counteracting the formation of phosphates in the urine. In the phosphatic lithiasis, Muriatic acid generally acts as a chemical dissolvant; in the uric acid lithia- sis, it may act as a therapeutic agent, if the disease can be traced to disorders of the biliary and gastric functions, for which Muriatic acid is specifically adapted. RESPIRATORY GROUP. Muriatic acid causes catarrhal feelings in the nose, sneezing, sting- ing pains, stoppage of the nose, acrid discharges. If these symptoms are ingrafted upon a scrofulous diathesis, with other scrofulous symptoms, sore eyes and ears, foul, purulent dis- charges from the nose and ears ; more especially, if these symptoms show themselves after measles or scarlet fever, with ulcerated sore throat: Muriatic acid may prove of immense benefit. The vapors of this acid, when inhaled, have caused obstinate hoarseness, moaning inspirations, bloody cough. Symptoms thus obtained are of not much practical value. In Frank's Magazine, this agent is recommended for Whooping Cough, when the paroxysms terminate in vomiting, expulsion of a quantity of disorganized mucus. Small doses of Ipecacuanha are likewise recommended. Kopp warns against the use of Muriatic acid in this disease, and in other affections of childhood. In order to use it effectually, it has to be used in tolerably large doses, too large not to become dangerous to the vegetative life of the childish organism. In the last stage of Bronchitis, with constrictive oppression, hoarseness, bloody and purulent expectoration, inhalations of Muriatic acid carefully ad- ministered may palliate the sufferings of the patient. FEYER-GROUP. This acid has been used with great advantage in Typhus, paralytic stage, when the patient shows a constant ten- dency to settle down in bed ; depression of the lower jaw, the eye- balls" are turned up ; boring with the head into-the pillow ; slavering, parchment-like dryness, and clammy coldness of the skin; hurried, compressible pulse, muttering delirium. A few drops of the diluted acid in ten tablespoonfuls of water have effected a permanent reac- tion in such a critical moment. 30 LECTURE LX. EXANTHEMATOUS GROUP. We have employed Muriatic acid with some advantage in Malignant Scarlatina, when the eruption assumes a faint, dark-red petechial appearance, with foul, greyish ulcerations in the throat; the patient is delirious, lethargic, prostrated ; the breath veiy foul, with involuntary discharges from the bowels, black sordes on the teeth, tongue dark-red, dry or covered with viscid phlegm, lips dry, blackish and cracked, purple spots on the cheeks; ichorous, fetid discharges from the nose, cold extremities, rapid and compressible pulse. Likewise in Malignant Small-pox, when the pustules assume a dark, dubious color, with tendency to collapse, foul discharges from the bowels, cold and clammy skin. A mild lotion of Muriatic acid has been applied with good effect to Ulcers with burning pain and secreting, a fetid ichor ; they become covered with a dark scurf. For Scurvy Tetter on the eyelids and ears, this agent has sometimes been used with benefit. ACIDUM NITRICUM, (Nitric Acid, Azotic Acid) This acid was already known to the Arabian physicians in the seventh century. It is a compound of nitrogen and oxygen. It makes a permanent yellow stain upon the skin which is distin- guished from the yellow stain made by Iodine and Bromine in this, that the latter, if recent, can be readily removed by-the application of strong alcohol or caustic potash. Wibmer sums up the poisonous effects of concentrated nitric acid in the following comprehensive statement: "Immediately after swallowing the acid, an intense burnino- pain is experienced in the parts having come in direct contact with the acid (mouth, fauces, oesophagus, stomach); there follows a develop- ment of gas; eructations; frequent vomiting of an acrid, burning substance; feeling of coldness externally; anxiety; shivering- a small contracted, hurried pulse; restlessness; sleeplessness ; inability to keep any thing on the stomach; symptoms of a fully developed gastritis; difficulty of swallowing, costiveness. The inner mouth tongue, etc., look whitish, sometimes yellowish, furrowed • if the patient does not soon die, this layer becomes detached, leaving for sometime a raw surface. Even if the patient recovers, the stomach remains sensitive and even disorganized in consequence of which the patient wi 1 die sooner or later. After death, the border of the lips generally looks yellow, the inner mouth white and sometimes lemon- colored; the teeth are loose, with yellow crowns; the pharynx oesophagus, stomach, and frequently the duodenum and ileum are ACIDUM XITRICUM. 31 inflamed, in most cases lined with a whitish-yellow, granular, fatty and frequently chalk-like layer of flocks, representing the disor- ganized mucous membrane. The other coats of these viscera are inflamed, injected, sometimes exhibiting gangrenous spots; these coats are at times found thickened, and at other times much thinner than before the poisoning, they tear quite readily and are sometimes found perforated. The pylorus is generally contracted. The other organs are healthy, except if the stomach should have become perfo- rated, in which case the abdominal organs may become injured by the acid. Similar disorganizations take place in the rectum, if it should be touched by the poison. If applied externally, the concentrated acid acts as a corrosive irritant, changing the animal tissue to a fatty, yellow-colored mass, followed by inflammation of the surrounding parts. In small quantities, the diluted acid excites the appetite, increases the secretion of a lightly-colored urine, causes a whitish coating on the tongue, dryness of the mouth; about the fifth day after commencing the use of the acid, the teeth begin to become loose, the gums bleed; in some cases ptyalism sets in; the continued use of the acid is followed by digestive derangements, colic, fetid breath, headache, languor, constipation or diarrhoea." In a case of poisoning, we first administer an emetic, from twenty to forty grains of the sulphate of zinc; or even three grains of tartar emetic dissolved in tepid water and to be repeated in a quarter of an hour, if the emetic have not operated. After the emetic has operated, we administer the chemical antidotes, viz.: chalk, whiting or magnesia suspended in water. In the absence of these, soap-suds, an infusion of wood-ashes, weak solutions of the alkaline carbo- nates, white of eggs, gelatine, milk, oil, or in fact any mild diluent, should be immediately administered. External parts burnt with Nitric acid should be washed with a solution of soap or simple water (Pereira). This drug has been extensively used in Old-School practice, and is likewise extensively used by homoeopathic physicians who had been for years attached to the alloeopathic flag. It is not an easy business for some of these gentlemen to divest themselves of the habits and predilections of an inveterate empirical routine. Nitric acid will be found principally adapted to diseases depending upon the presence of some virulent miasm, especially the scrofulous, syphilitic and mercurial miasms. According to our usual classifica- tion, we obtain the following categories. CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. Nitric acid is useful in headaches arising from mercurial or syphi- litic poisoning; it is likewise adapted to chronic headaches depending upon liver-complaint; the pains are thus indicated by our provings: pressure and heat in the head; painful tension in the interior of the head; the head feels as if it were surrounded by a tight bandage; throbbing pains in the temples. 32 LECTURE LX. ORBITAL AND AURICULAR GROUPS. It is particularly in syphilitic and mercurial ophthalmia that JSitric acid has been found useful. . . . Purulent Ophthalmia, when caused by the gonorrhoeal or syphilitic virus ; Ulceration of the Cornea, arising from similar causes or having a strumous origin; opacity and other degenerations of the cornea, have been cured by means of the middle or higher potencies of Nitric acid. Deafness and Purulent Otorrhea, of a syphilito-scrofulous character, have yielded to this acid. NASAL GROUP. In Syphilitic Ozena, nitric acid is eminently serviceable. Caries of the Zygomatic Process has been arrested by means of this agent. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. AYe use this acid with advantage in Mercurial and Syphilitic Angina, with ulcerous disorganization of the mucous lining which has a whitish appearance as if the throat were lined with chalk or flour; with intense burning and stinging pains, and occasional bleeding; foul odor from the mouth; copious ptyalism. In Diphtheritic Ulceration of the Throat, such as is frequently present in malignant scarlet-fever, with foulness of breath, viscid ptyalism, suffocative and burning dryness and swelling of the throat, Nitric acid has proved very useful. Common and obstinate Sore Throat of a scrofulous nature has been cured with it. It is likewise homoeopathic to Mercurial Ptyalism, with ulceration and sloughing of the mucous membrane, spongy swelling and bleeding of the gums, looseness of the teeth, etc. Nitric acid causes dull pains in the stomach, very much aggravated by pressure; nausea and vomiting; vomiting of a dark and o-lairy liquid; vomiting of a lemon-colored liquid; vomiting of dark blood- burning pains m the stomach; sour eructations ' In accordance with these indications we may prescribe Nitric acid Dyspepsia with pain and tenderness in the epigastric region, sour eructations burning distress m the stomach, occasional retching and vomiting of yellow mucus. v,uxug <«ju Chronic Hsernatemesis or vomiting of black, fluid blood and mucus with pain and burning m the stomach. ^ub, Pyrosis or heatburn, with sour eructations • Cardialgia, with dull pains in the stomach,' excessive sensitiveness to pressure vomiting of yellow mucus and blood; the attacks set in paroxysmally. ' u ACIDUM NITRICUM. 33 Frank has extracted a case of poisoning by Nitric acid, where the patient lived several months after the acid had been swallowed. The opening of the pylorus was found very much contracted, not ex- ceeding one line in diameter; the walls of the pylorus and upper part of the duodenum were quite hard, and half an inch thicker than in their natural state; upon cutting through this indurated and hypertrophied portion of the duodenum, the surface presented a greyish-white and somewhat bluish appearance; its tissue looked like lard and creaked under the knife. This disorganization pre- sented all the characteristics of scirrhus of the stomach, according to Andral's description of this disease. Upon the strength of these post-mortem appearances, Nitric acid is recommended by Dr. Peters "as the only known, absolute homoeo- pathic remedy for hard cancer of the stomach, especially of the pylorus." This recommendation is too hasty. Every member of the French Academy, before whom this case was read, rejected the conclusions of the reporter, Dr. Bouillaud, viz.: that the cancerous disorganiza- tion was the result of chronic gastritis caused by an irritant poison. Delens and Yelpeau suppose that the cancer existed previous to the poisoning: Gualtier de Claubry, who had some previous acquaint- ance with the patient, thought that the dietetic excesses and the abuse of spirits to which the patient was addicted, might have been the first cause of the disease. I make these statements in order to show how much caution is required in making post-mortem appear- ances the standard by which the homoeopathicity of drugs to given diseases should be determined. In the present case, the patient, after having been relieved of the first effects of the irritant poison by means of magnesia, presented himself for admission in the hospital with the following symptoms: the inner cheeks, uvula, velum, fauces as far down the throat as one could see, were covered with ulcers exhibiting slightly yellowish- grey crusts ; the parts were swollen and painful, with fetor from the mouth; roughness of voice, pain in the oesophagus when swal- lowing; features somewhat sunken, pulse contracted, ninety-two to ninety-six. After some treatment, the patient only complained of a feeling of embarrassment at the lower and in the middle portion of the oesophagus, and left the hospital for some three weeks, when he returned. The pains in the oesophagus and stomach, the nausea, vomiting, colic and constipation had re-appeared, He was emaciated; the features very much altered; nausea, vomiting, fetid eructations, bloating of the epigastrium with constipation; tongue pale, rather moist; breath fetid, pulse sixty-six to sixty-eight; temperature of the skin almost natural; swelling in the left hypochondrium. The patient sank very suddenly. In Chronic Gastritis, where these symptoms occur, and which may lead us to suspect the gradual supervention of scirrhus, more par- ticularly in the case of inveterate topers, Nitric acid, in the middle potencies, may do us much good. vol. n.—3 34 LECTURE LX. In a case of chronic poisoning by Nitric acid which occurred in my practice, one of the most troublesome symptoms was diarrhoea, with soreness of the bowels. We may prescribe this agent success- fully in Chronic Diarrhea, with soreness of the intestines, discharges of a, serous liquid, loss of appetite, emaciation, symptoms of intestinal phthisis. Indeed in fully developed hdestinal Phthisis, this agent may still be of great use. Also in Cholerine or Cholera Diarrheica, diarrhoea remaining after an at- tack of Asiactic cholera. In chronic Dysentery, or Dysenteric Diarrhea, with tenesmus, dis- charges of blood, serum and disorganized mucus, Nitric acid may afford relief. In Prolapsus of the Anus, Dr. Marcy has effected a cure with Nitric acid, 30, given every night for six weeks. Also in a case _ of Fistula in ano of two years' standing, given in alternation with Ignatia 30, one dose every night, in alternate weeks Torpid Hemorrhoidal Tumors of long standing, when the vascular tissue seems to have lost all elasticity or natural contractility, may be diminished by the external application of dilute Nitric acid. In Chronic Hepatitis, with enlargement of the gland, alternate watery diarrhoea and constipation, sallow complexion, Nitric acid is useful. ' In organic Liver-complaint, with ascites, the acid has effected cures. The following interesting cure by Dr. AA'ilkinson is reported in the London Lancet for 1845, where the dilute acid was used in large doses; smaller quantities might perhaps have effected the same result; the usual alloeopathic accompaniment of calomel and jalap was undoubtedly unnecessary in this case. " E. D----, aged thirty-nine, carrying on the business of a coach- maker in London Wall, in the city, was brought to me in the month of October, 1839, laboring under dropsy of the abdomen, with diseased liver. When he entered my room, he was supported by his friend, Mr. Lester, who came with him. His countenance was sallow and shrunken, his abdomen and legs swelled to an enormous size, the latter resembling in shape the limbs of an elephant. His scrotum hung half way down his thighs, and the skin of the penis was distended to the thickness of a man's arm. His pulse was small and weak, and beat not more than thirty strokes in a minute. His history was soon told. He had been a constant frequenter of a public house, had been ill about two years with diseased liver, and then dropsy had supervened about ten months before paying me his first visit. He had been under medical treatment, and taken mercury in small doses, with other remedies; but was now considered by his medical attendant as past cure, and unable, for his weak state, to undergo the operation of paracentesis. His bowels at this time were costive; he passed his urine in small quantities, not more than a tablespoonful at a time. I ordered him six grains of calomel and ten of colocynth, in three pills, to be taken at bed-time. I visited ACIDUM NITRICUM. 35 him at his own residence two days afterwards. He had passed two motions, both as black as, and of the consistence of, melted pitch. I desired him to repeat the dose, and saw him again in two days; he had passed three motions, the first two in color and consistence as the last, but the third was more of a brownish cast, and looser. From his uneasy state and difficulty of breathing, in the presence of Mr. Hunt, apothecary to the Provident Dispensary, I passed a trocar below the umbilicus, and drew off a pail and a half of water. The fluid, on being placed in an iron spoon over a candle, was found to be highly albuminous. I did not examine his urine. Took six grains of hyd. cum creta at night, a drachm of supertartrate of potash with eight grains of jalap, on the following morning. The evacua- tion was watery, and contained yellow bile. This was repeated in four days with a similar result; pulse continued the same in frequency, but fuller. Ordered friction over the region of the liver with the palm of the hand three times a-day, an hour at a time. I now determined to give the nitric acid, beginning with thirty drops of the dilute every four hours, in a glass of decoction of cinchona. This was increased ten drops per diem till he took two hundred and fifty daily, and continued it for two months. The dropsy had entirely disappeared, and his pulse risen to ninety in a minute, and full. The secretion of bile and urine had returned; he could eat a beefsteak for breakfast, and was ready for another before his accus- tomed hour of dining, which was one o'clock. In less than six months, he was as fat and as well as ever he had been during his life. The most singular part of this case is that my patient after- wards returned to his old habits of drinking, but, I believe, not to his former excess. I saw this person three years afterwards; he had no return of his complaint whatever. He took the nitric acid nearly three months." In the following case reported by Dr. Wilkinson, Nitric acid likewise showed great curative powers in what was supposed to be a case of Fungoid Disorganization of the Liver, " Thomas P----, aged fifty-two, butler to Mrs. C----, of Montague Square, consulted me in the month of October, 1840, about a large tumor in the throat. The apothecary who attended him told him that it was an enlarged tonsil gland. On making-an examination, I found a large tumor, occupying the left side of the fauces, descending down the pharynx, but its extent in that direction could neither be seen nor felt. It ascended behind the bony palate, and continued its course along the roof of the mouth; below, it pressed down the tongue, and pushed the velum palati diagonally forwards as far as the teeth. On one side it was connected to the pharynx by a base as broad as the tumor itself, whilst the other surface came nearly in contact with the opposite side of the throat. The tonsil on the diseased side seemed involved in the disease, but whether it com- menced in that gland or lower down does not appear, as he never suspected the existence of such a companion till it had assumed the frightful size of a turkey's egg. The mucous membrane covering 36 LECTURE LX. the tumor was tense, and somewhat glistening, of a dullish-red color. It had not the least doughy feel, but was semi-elastic in some parts, whilst other portions of the swelling had a firm, fleshy feel. His countenance was rather sallow, but from his general good health, 1 proposed the operation of removing it piecemeal by ligature, as it was evidently too vascular and in too awkward a situation for the knife. His mistress had sent him to Air. Lawrence, of Bartholomew's Hospital, who pronounced it malignant, and would not interfere with it. I then proposed that Mr. Liston should see him, when it was agreed to pass a bistoury straight into the tumor, and evacuate any fluid that it might contain. A small quantity of straw-colored fluid was evacuated from a superficial puncture, but on the instrument being continued further downwards, a rush of arterial blood took place, and he lost nearly a pint in less than two minutes. Cold vinegar and water and syncope fortunately put a stop to the haemor- rhage, and I accompanied him home from the hospital in a coach. In a day or two he had a great deal of irritative fever, the lips of the wound opened, and an excrescence, having a yellowish-white cauli- flower appearance, protruded. This kept on increasing in size for six weeks, was hard to the touch, and now of a magnitude between a shilling and a half-crown. His appetite entirely failed him, and he could scarcely swallow fluids of the consistence of arrowroot. The debility of body was now much increased; he had lost all his flesh, his countenance very sallow, and his features much attenuated. The glands of his neck on the side of the tumor formed a chain along the sterno-mastoid muscle, as hard as marbles ; he was literally skin and bone. Mr. Liston and myself, who daily attended him, now thought that death would soon terminate his existence, and my friend took his final leave. Mr. Aston Key, of Guy's Hospital, was now sent for, and I met him. He pronounced it at once a fungus, that in all probability he had another in his liver, and that the patient would not live four days. Though all hopes seemed now at an end, I observed that he would constantly call for the nitric acid gargle which I had ordered him. I was, therefore, determined to give large doses of it internally, which I did eveiy four hours, beginnino- with thirty drops, thrice a day, in a glass of water; increasing fivedrops each dose per diem. In less than a week the excrescence sloughed and came out; the nitric acid was continued, and he got rapidly well in six weeks. T. P. is still in his situation, in good health, and has been so ever since his recovery, four years and a half ago. ' "In justice to that well-known and accomplished surgeon Mr. Liston, I must confess that without that gentleman's operation the patient would in all probability long ago have been either choked or starved. Without the nitric acid, he would most inevitably have sunk." J In Chronic Jaundice, depending upon enlargement and induration of the liver, with obstinate constipation, fetid, dark-colored urine ulcerative pains in the epigastrium, Nitric acid has afforded much relief. ACIDUM NITRICUM. 37 URINARY GROUP. Nitric acid in small doses causes an increased flow of urine; in larger doses it causes frequent and ineffectual attempts to urinate; it also causes fetid urine. Dr. Marcy states upon the authority of Reil, that " after taking Nitric acid, pain in the lumbar region and kidneys is observed, and from there to the bladder, attended with great urging to pass urine, followed by diminution, even suppression of the secretion of urine ' for some days, and enuresis. The urine burns when passing the urethra, is very turbid, has a bad smell and is very dark, even brown in color, depositing fibrous nubecula, and much brown-red, greasy sediment. The mucous membrane of the urethra is likewise affected as in the first stage of blennorrhoea; pains in the orifice of the urethra commence very soon after the use of the remedy, as in case of stone in the bladder. It is not known whether albumen in the urine is produced by Nitric acid." In Enuresis, with fetid urine, discharge of a purulent sediment, especially at night, this agent has proved very useful. Also for Ulcers in the Urethra, with stinging and burning, profuse suppura- tion, dry skin, loss of flesh. Give from 3d to 6th potency, or lower, if necessary. In Diabetes, it may diminish the secretion of urine and moderate the thirst and heat. SEXUAL GROUP. In syphilitic affections of the sexual organs, Nitric acid is emi- nently useful. In Syphilitic Ulcers of the breasts, it has effected a cure. We read in Hufeland's Journal that a nurse of thirty two years was infected by a baby. Ulcers with red and inflamed edges broke out on the breasts ; they discharged a thick, yellow pus; shooting pains in the throat which is sometimes red and swollen, but without a trace of suppura- tion. Nitric acid was given in doses of one to two drachms a day. The patient was completely cured without experiencing any medi- cinal symptoms. Chancrous Ulcers on the labia, penis, nose, hairy scalp, etc., have likewise yielded to the internal and external use of the acid, after caustics and mercurials had failed. Condylomata at the anus and on the sexual organs have disap- peared by the internal and external use of Nitric acid. In Leucorrhea, especially when syphilitic infection may be sus- pected, or in scrofulous leucorrhoea, with greenish or pinkish dis- charges, having a foul smell and corroding the parts, Nitric acid is serviceable. 38 LECTURE LX. RESPIRATORY GROUP. This acid causes hoarseness ; dry and barking cougK with puru- lent and bloody expectoration, difficult respiration. It is therelore useful in , . Chronic Laryngitis, when depending upon a scrofulous or sypni- litic element; also in Laryngeal Phthisis, when similar causes prevail; and in Pneumonia of old, emaciated individuals, when the disease speedily threatens to terminate fatally by paralysis, with dry cough ; copious green, blood-streaked expectoration; violent stitches, mostly on the left side, excessive difficulty of breathing, soft and intermittent pulse, profuse sweat, rapid failing of strength. The lower potencies may be required. FEYER-GROUP. Nitric acid has been used with success in Fever and Ague, and likewise in Typhus Abdominalis, last stage, with haemorrhage from the bowels, and hemorrhagic petechiae. Mercurial and Scorbutic fever, or hydrargyrosis when assuming the form of a scorbutic diathesis. EXANTHEMATOUS GROUP. Nitric acid is particularly adapted to Syphilitic Eruptions, rubeola, herpes, condylomata, ulcers, tuber- cles, etc. Dr. Cooke has employed this acid successfully in desperate cases of Elephantiasis or Lepra Leonina, the patients being emaciated and covered with sores, secreting a foul and offensive pus. The acid was given in doses of ten to sixty drops in six ounces of water, repeating this quantity twice every day, and augmenting the dose every two or three days by six drops, and, gradually decreasing again in the same ratio. Four patients were discharged cured in four weeks ; the other two had to be treated somewhat longer, on account of a syphilitic infection, but they too were ultimately cured. In Malignant Scarlatina, the acid has been employed by Diirr, if the following group of symptoms developed itself at the onset: Small and hurried pulse, stupor and sopor; occasional discharge of a fetid, glutinous,_ corrosive ichor, which at first looked whitish and afterwards brownish ; delirium only at night; they escape from the bed, and can only be brought back with great difficulty; breathing short, tongue dry, and looking like smoked beef; eyes violently inflamed and glassy. Glandular swellings, especially parotitis, were always present. Exhausting nocturnal emissions, itching of the scrotum and root of the penis, were likewise of frequent occurrence among the precursory signs of scarlatina. ACIDUM NITRICUM. 39 Nitric acid has been found an excellent means of arresting Hemorrhage from Varices, or of reducing and even removing Varicose Veins, by applying a mild form of the dilute acid. 1 raricose Ulcers can likewise be made to disappear by this means. Common Ulcers, painless, readily bleeding and emitting an ichor- ous pus, may likewise heal under the internal and external use of Nitric acid. The following fine cure of an ulcer on the upper part of the wing of the nose is reported in the London Lancet for 1845, by Dr. Wil- kinson : " I was consulted, in the year 1839, by Mr. W----, an ironmonger, in Crawford street, about thirty years of age, for an ulcer on the upper part of the ala of the nose. It was first observed about three years before, in the shape of a small pimple, which discharged a watery humor. He had been under half a dozen surgeons, but none of them could succeed in getting it to heal. I advised him to take five grains of Plummer's pill every night, and Hudson's syrup of sarsaparilla during the day, for a month. At the end of the first week I applied the lunar caustic, which I repeated at convenient intervals, which checked the discharge; and I was in hopes, when the black eschar had separated, that cicatrization would have been completed. I was, however, disappointed. A very thin skin cer- tainly had come over it, but I saw it was soon to be absorbed, which was the case in a week afterwards. Its base being very hard, and his friends alarmed lest it should turn out cancerous, I proposed to dissect it out, The thoughts of the operation frightened him, and he went to Mr. C----, a well-known surgeon in the borough, who advised him to continue what I had before prescribed, probably thinking I had not pushed the medicine far enough. This gentle- man applied the caustic more freely; the result was, however, the same. When about six months had elapsed, he sent for me, and I removed the hardened base and ulcerated surface, which was a little larger than the section of a large pea. I had some difficulty in getting the wound to heal, the granulations being glassy and ash- colored. A little diluted nitric acid was applied to the wound with a camel-hair brush, for four or five successive mornings. In a fort- night it assumed a more healthy appearance, and it was healed in a month after the operation. It caused little or no scar, the part resembling a pit from the small-pox. It has never again returned. The patient took the nitric internally during the healing process." We have alluded to the curative virtues of Nitric acid in fungoid growths of the liver. Here is another case illustrative of these cura- tive properties in other fungoid diseases. The case is likewise reported by Wilkinson, in the Lancet. " Mr. S----, aged sixty, a tobacconist, an old inhabitant of the Edge ware road, long subject to erysipelas, observed, in the month of September last, a small tumor on the middle of his right eyelid, of a dark-red color. It increased in a month to the size of a horse-bean, when he pricked it with a needle, and says he lost about a gill of blood. The puncture soon increased in size, and an excrescence 40 LECTURE LX. made its appearance, which had grown by the middle of November, to the size of an old English strawberry. In this state I first saw it, he had then a poultice to his eye, which from its pressure and tne tumor together on the globe, had produced considerable inflamma- tion of the conjuctiva. As he was under medical treatment, 1 refused to interfere, but considered a poultice, from its weight, at an times a most inapplicable thing for the eye This was changed lor something worse—namely, a zinc lotion, which produced considera- ble inflammation both of the eye and eyelid. As the surgeon thougnt an operation useless, believing it to be the true carcinoma I was con- sulted professionally. The tumor was hard to the touch and bled easily and profusely, considering its size. It was composed of one sac within another, so that when its surface appeared to be about to suppurate, it would come off; and the sac underneath made its appear- ance. The eyelid was swollen, of a dark-red color, and could not be raised by the patient. On opening the eye, there was chemosis of the conjunctiva, the cornea sunken and dull, and two large patches of lymph thrown out. I ordered him a constant application of warm water, three grains of calomel, and a quarter of a grain of tartar emetic directly, with a black draught two hours afterwards. I saw him again at night; medicine had operated ; put a blister behind his ear. He afterwards took small doses of blue pill for three or four days, and applied another blister. The inflammation had sufficiently subsided for the Nitric acid and bark, which he took a week previous to the operation. " I performed the operation as follows : The patient being seated in a chair opposite a window, I stood behind him, and he reclined the back of his head on my breast. Mr. Blizard Power, a student of Bartholomew's, who assisted me, stood in front, and fixed the prongs of a hook I use in the squinting operation just above the tarsus, and put the eyelid on the stretch. With a small scalpel I made a circular incision around the base of the tumor, having only just room for the blade of the knife between it and the cartilage. It was very vascular, and I was obliged to pause more than once that I might see my way clear. As the sac was incorporated into the lid, I took in a little skin with its circumference, and behind, a few of the fibres of the orbicularis palpebrarum. I got it clean out, but the haemorrhage, considering the small size of the tumor, was almost incredible. The patient lost more than half a pint of blood, and I had great difficulty in stopping it, as I could not use pressure in so delicate a situation, and it was desirable for the oozing to cease, as I dressed the wound simply with a piece of gold-beater's skin. My patient continued the Nitric acid for a fortnight afterwards, and he got well in three weeks. " It would require the eye of a very acute person to see where this operation had been performed. There is not the least shorten- ing of the lid, nor even stiffness in it. He says his sight is better than it has been for years, and I am sure his general health is, if a most excellent appetite is any criterion. I think it will be some time before he has another attack of erysipelas." ACIDUM OXALICUM. 41 ACIDUM OXALICUM, (Oxalic Acid) This acid was first discovered by Sheele in 1783 by decomposing sugar and strong Nitric acid. It is found in wood-sorrel. It is another irritant poison which may destroy life in ten minutes to one or more hours. In one case of poisoning half an ounce of the acid which was swallowed by mistake for Cheltenham-salt, caused the following symptoms: Burning pain in the stomach ; Swelling of the tongue which was thickly lined with a white coating; Difficult respiration; Feeling of icy coldness throughout the body; Clammy sweat over the whole body ; The pulse at the wrist and temples was scarcely perceptible; Cold extremities ; The nails look brown; Haematemesis; Shaking of the whole body ; Increasing prostration, as if the end were approaching; Feverish condition, with profuse perspiration; Itching of the fingers, with remarkable keenness of the under- standing ; Fainting and vomiting of a pint of fluid ; Yiolent eructations, spasms and extraordinary hiccough ; Pulse one hundred, feeble ; numbness of the right arm, with shiverings on the feet; Swelling of the face; Hoarseness; Dryness of the throat and tongue which was covered with spots, and looked reddish-brown; Emaciation, increase of debility and anxiety, restless sleep; Delirium; Wart-shaped, itching eruption, followed by the breaking out of a general redness; Death. I have enumerated the symptoms in the order in which they developed themselves in this case. A post-mortem examination revealed symptoms of inflammation on the inner surface of the stomach and in a small portion of the intestinal canal: the stomach contained a small quantity of a dark fluid; the villous ,coat was com- pletely destroyed, even high up in the oesophagus. In some parts it seemed intact, but might easily be detached with the finger or with a sponge. The muscular coat of the stomach and of the oesophagus very much thickened, injected, of a dark, gangrenous appearance; the circular and longitudinal fibres very distinct and 42 LECTURE LX. readily detached ; the cardiac portion was more inflamed than the pyloric portion. The small intestines presented a similar appea - ance, but much less marked. In another case of poisoning, where the patient, a girl of twelve years, recovered, the pains in the stomach and bowels were speedi y counteracted by antidotal treatment; next morning the patient leit well, except an intense feeling of debility in the lower extremities. A number of other cases of poisoning by this acid which is frequently taken for magnesia, are reported in English periodicals. A girl of fourteen years swallowed an ounce of the acid and died soon after in convulsions. The stomach contained a substance resembling coffee grounds; the vessels were distended with black blood, but the coats intact. In a case related by Johnson, where death took place a quarter ot an hour after the poison had been swallowed, the mucous coat was detached, the blood vessels were filled with black blood, the stomach was perforated in several places, friable, pultaceous; the spleen disorganized. In another case, the bowels were found inflamed and distended with gas; the stomach was inflamed externally, shrunk, the inner coat flocculent, destroyed and filled with tenacious masses. These are the effects of large, corrosive doses of the poison. The dilute acid, when acting by absorption, not by its local corrosive effects, causes the following symptoms in animals: rigidity of the hind-legs, sadness, general debility, drowsiness without loss of sensi- bility, without spasms; from these effects the animal soon recovers. If larger Aoses are introduced into the stomach, the breathing be- comes embarrassed, with paroxysms of tetanic convulsions which arrest the respiratory process entirely for the time being. The heart and respiratory organs act more and more feebly, and the animal finally dies convulsed. If death does not take place too suddenly, the lungs are found marked with red spots, without any signs of effusion. If death takes place previous to the stage of insensibility, the right ventricle is filled with dark, the left with a more bright- colored blood; if death takes place during a tetanic convulsion, the heart continues to beat for a time, although the breathing may have ceased; the blood in both ventricles looks black. Dr. John Mollan, in a case of poisoning related by him in the Dublin Hospital Reports, says, "one circumstance deserves notice from its infrequency, namely, the discovery of air in the right cavi- ties of the heart. I am not aware that any thing similar has been observed in cases of sudden death, produced by any deleterious sub- stance, and I am at a loss to account for its production." ANTIDOTAL TREATMENT. In cases of poisoning, Thompson recommends large quantities of chalk with which the acid forms an insoluble oxalate of lime. Chris- tison considers magnesia the best of all chemical antidotes. Ammo- ACIDUM OXALICUM. 43 nia and Ether may likewise be tried, though the former antidotes seem to deserve a preference. This acid has undoubtedly a powerful action upon the brain and spinal cord. This is its constitutional effect which it produces by absorption. It then annihilates the functional power of the cere- brospinal axis, and sometimes destroys life with extraordinary suddeness. We Ifave as yet very little clinical experience with this agent, and for the present I shall content myself with suggesting its use in the following affections where it is indicated by its toxicological as well as by its physiological effects. CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. Tremor of the Limbs, more particularly when symptomatic of irritation of the motor portion of the spinal system. Paralytic Numbness throughout the limbs, with coldness and a feeling of rigidity as if the blood would become congealed, the pulse being small, rapid, tremulous and intermittent. Spinal Neuralgia, with acute pain in the back, extending down to the thighs, numbness, tingling and pricking in the lower portion of the spine. INFLAMMATORY GROUP. Chronic Sore throat, with burning dryness and aching pain, has been relieved by means of this acid. It may prove useful in chronic Geislro-enteritis, with burning pain in the epigastric region, and sensitiveness to pressure; thirst, dryness, redness and swelling of the tongue. Pyrosis, with rising of a sour and burning fluid every evening or otherwise periodically. In Gastralgia, with extreme sensitiveness of the stomach to the touch, pains, disposition to costiveness, the acid may prove useful. Likewise in Colica Umbilicalis and Colicodynia, with distressing feeling in the abdomen and umbilical region, frequent inclination to stool. The therapeutic properties of this agent will undoubtedly be investigated as they deserve to be; at present I should have to indulge in speculation more than would be useful to you, if I were to extend my remarks on this subject much farther. 44 LECTURE LXI. LECTURE LXI. ACIDUM PHOSPHORICUM, (Phosphoric Acid) Phosphoric acid occurs both in the organized and inorganized kingdoms. It is obtained by distilling together phosphorus and nitric acid in distilled water. The United States Pharmapopoea gives the exact proportions and describes the mode of operating. In cases of poisoning the antidotes are chalk, whiting or magnesia suspended in water. In the absence of these, we may resort to soap- suds, weak solutions of the alkaline carbonate, infusion of wood- ashes, white of eggs, milk, oil, or any mild diluents. Symptoms of gastro-enteritis are afterwards combated with Aconite, etc. We have some excellent provings of this agent furnished by Hahnemann. Krumsieg experimented with it in heroic doses. He took forty grains of dilute Phosphoric acid at one dose, gradually increasing to two drachms, after which he was attacked with a painful cough, and had to discontinue his provings. The stool became more fluid and scanty; from the nose issued a peculiar odor like that of Phosphoric acid. CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. This acid has caused a dull headache, with buzzing in the head ; crampy pains in both parietal bones as if the sides of the head were pressed together; tearing, drawing and stitching pains in the head or in one side of the head ; painful shocks in the head. These pains are of the nature of Nervous Headache or hemicrania, where, however, we have very little clinical experience to show with this acid. It has caused peculiar attacks of Vertigo; objects seem to turn; the table seemed to fall over ■ on looking down on the floor, he felt like tumbling down on the face and had to hold on to something. ; Phosphoric acid also causes a peculiar Dullness of Mind, heterogeneous ideas crowd upon him, confusing his intellect; he is unable to call past things to mind without a great effort. 6 Phosphoric acid is particularly adapted to states of Debility^ caused by sexual excesses. We are told by Bertrand and Pelletier, that a man who had exhausted his strength by sexual debauch until he was threatened with complete marasmus, speedily recovered his vigor by the use of a lemonade prepared with honey and Phosphoric acid. -1 ACIDUM PHOSPHORICUM. 45 Trinks looks upon Phosphoric acid, iron and Peruvian bark as the three leading restorers of the sinking vital energies in the hands of a homoeopathic physician. Sundelin recommends this acid for "Hysteric Affections of young women with irritable fibre. It is particularly indicated, if an excess of sensibility and irritability is accompanied by extreme delicacy and sponginess of the organic tissue, and if this condition is moreover characterized by vascular orgasm or atonic debility." These indications are sufficiently homoeopathic to deserve our attention. Phosphoric acid causes an abnormal sensibility and irri- tability of the organic fibre, with tendency to vascular erethism. ORBITAL AND AURICULAR GROUPS. Phosphoric acid acts powerfully upon the eyes. It causes : pain as if the eyeballs were compressed, and pressed into the head ; burn- ing of the eyes, and stye on the upper lid ; smarting lachrymation of both eyes ; heaviness of the lids ; dilatation of the pupils, especially of that of the right eye; dimness of sight; black streaks before the eyes; the eyes are dazzled by looking at bright objects. These symptoms indicate the use of this acid in conditions of the eye characterized by weakness and nervous irritation, such as may be induced by straining the eyes in reading, sewing, or by self-abuse. It will be found useful in Chronic Scrofulous Ophthalmia, with burning lachrymation, dim- ness of the cornea ; also in Amblyopia caused by onanism or nightly abuse of the eyes by reading or writing. Phosphoric acid has caused whizzing, ringing and roaring in the ears; musical sounds are disagreeable. It may, therefore, prove useful in Hardness of Hearing, where these abnormal conditions occur, par- ticularly among scrofulous children and old people. These weaknesses of sight and hearing may occur during the course of typhoid fever, where Phosphoric acid may happen to be the most appropriate homoeopathic agent. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. It causes bleeding of the gums from the slightest contact. This symptom indicates Phosphoric acid as a remedy for Scurvy of the Gums or Stomacace, with tendency to bleed, where it may be applied locally beside being used internally. It causes a putrid, flat taste; violent thirst; nausea, vomiting, oppression at the stomach, acute distress in the region of the stomach. Hence we use the acid successfully in Cardialgia, where it is recommended even by alloeopathic practi- tioners. 46 LECTURE LXI. It causes, and therefore cures, . . Diarrhea, the discharges having a whitish-grey appearance; it is also beneficial in Cholerine, as a sequela or precursor of Asiatic cholera. In Asiatic cholera, it is considered by Altschul inferior to Phos- phorus. Drysdale gave it in the progress of this disease when there was " much tossing of the head, fullness and rapidity of the pulse, frequent sighing, semi-stupor with contraction of the pupils, moist and furred tongue, some delirium and yellowish diarrhoea; also when there were whitish, watery motions, vomiting every hour, white tongue, quick pulse, pale face, sunken eyes, and warm skin; also when there was restless tossing, semi-stupor, sunken features, frequent sighing and yellowish diarrhoea." URINARY GROUP. Phosphoric acid causes a desire to urinate, with scanty emission; frequent micturition, the urine being either watery or cloudy; painful, spasmodic constriction of the bladder, without urging. This acid is recommended as a remedy for phosphatic deposits in the urine. It dissolves these deposits in the kidneys and bladder, but whether it will cure the phosphatic diathesis, is not quite so certain. It has been used with good effect in the strangury of old people. Aegidi has used it with advantage in Diabetes Mellitus, and Dr. Hering in the so-called Milky Urine, the urine looking as if it had been stirred with lime, mixed with coagula of blood and gelatine and a white, cheesy sub- stance, having the odor of raw flesh, attended with pains in the back and kidneys, emaciation, frequent involuntary emissions, succeeded by nervous debility. Chapman has used it in the milky urine of children with good effect; the children who had a cachectic appearance, soon recovered flesh and health. In a case of Albuminuria of six months' standing which gradually developed chorea-like spasms of the extremities, trunk, head, spasms of the trachea and oesophagus, and occasional attacks of paralysis of these parts, we effected a perfect and lasting cure by the persistent use of Phosphoric acid during six weeks. We commenced the treatment with five drops of the acid m the course of twenty-four hours which dose was gradually increased to fifty drops. The patient was a fine girl twelve years old; for the last two years she has enjoyed perfect neaitn. SEXUAL GROUP. Phosphoric acid is an important remedy in affections of the sexual sphere Sundelm informs us that "many experienced practitioners especially Berends, recommend this acid for ' Lmpotence, especially when the sensibility of the parts is excessive ACIDUM PHOSPHORICUM. 47 and the semen is discharged shortly after an erection or even before the erection is completed." Kopp relates in his Alemorabilia that he cured a case of impotence brought on by sexual excesses, by giving three times a day twelve drops of the diluted acid. The night-sweats with which the patient had been troubled, soon disappeared, and the patient's virility was entirely restored. The attenuated acid had entirely failed in this case. i According to Kopp, Phosphoric acid acts specifically upon the sexual organs, especially upon those of the male, prostate gland, seminal vesicles, testicles, urethra, urinary bladder, kidneys, spinal nerves. It increases the tone of these organs, diminishes their morbid irritability, exalts their virile power. If, after an affection of the testicles, the patient should still complain of a sensation as if the testicles were pulled at; and if the hanging of these organs causes pain, a suspensory should be used, and the Phosphoric acid in doses of from twelve to sixteen drops four times a day. This acid has been employed for involuntary Seminal Emissions by physicians of both Schools, especially if these emissions are the results of onanism. As a general rule, large doses of the diluted acid, from ten to twenty drops three times a day, are much more efficient in this disease than the potentized drug. Phosphoric acid causes leucorrhoea and passive haemorrhages from the womb. Ruster arrested by means of it Metrorrhagia, in the case of a lady of sixty years ; the haemorrhage had returned from time to time, and was accompanied with spasmodic attacks. Lutzelberger cured with it haemorrhages from the womb, mouth, nose, rectum, attended with deep prostration of the vital forces. A case of metrorrhagia is reported by Frank, in a small and deli- cate woman after confinement, after other remedies had failed to relieve. The flooding had been going on for a week, in consequence of which the patient had become reduced to a very low condition. The cure was promptly achieved with a few doses of the second potency. Sundelin has seen good effects from Phosphoric acid in Leucorrhea when the discharge consisted of a thin and acrid mucus. RESPIRATORY GROUP. It causes great dryness of the nostrils and suppression of all dis- charge from them; expulsion of bitter phlegm from the posterior nares into the mouth and fauces ; purulent discharge from the nose; fetid odor from the nose; catarrhal fever, with pains in all the limbs; violent coryza, with redness and soreness of the margin of the nostrils. Dr. Marcy has removed with the first potency of the acid a puru- lent and fetid catarrhal discharge from the nose. / 48 LECTURE LXI. It causes: Pressure and burning, tingling pain in the chest, with desire to cough; violent pressure over the whole chest, in the nignt, shifting to the abdomen, and disappearing after the emission of flatu- lence ; violent hoarseness; cough with expectoration smelling like herbs. A"ogt recommends this agent in Phthisis Pulmonalis, if colliquative sweats and a copious, fetid expectoration are present. In Chronic Bronchitis, with burning pain in the chest, oppression over the whole chest, bloody and purulent expectoration, Phosphoric acid may be found very useful. Altschul recommends it in Haemoptysis, with burning, piercing pains in the chest, oppression of the lungs, fever and night-sweats. Dr. Hartmann recommends Phosphoric acid in Pneumonia of a slow and torpid character, especially when weak- ness with profuse sweats are predominant, or when diarrhoea, insen- sibility, strong, irregular and often-intermitting pulse, with swelling of the veins are present. In Typhoid Pneumonia, when the patient's face is pale and sunken; the patient feels about with his hands; with hardness of hearing, dryness and blackness of the nostrils; bad taste in the mouth, diarrhoea, dry cough, hot skin, excessive weakness, oppression and shortness of breath; also in pneumonia scorbutica. The most appropriate dose in these different chest-affections seems to be from the third to the twelfth potency. FEYER-GROUP. Phosphoric acid has been found principally useful in Typhoid_ Fevers, and more particularly in abdominal typhus, where Altschul limits its employment to the milder forms of the disease, characterized by arterial erethism, sopor, flushed cheeks, heat and dryness of the skin, or else profuse sweat which does not afford any rehef. In severer forms of typhus, with painfulness of the ileo-coecal region, copious and exhausting diarrhoea; Rhus tox., Arsenic, Phos- phorus, etc., will have to be resorted to. In Hectic Fever, with debilitating night-sweats, profuse suppuration, the sweat, loss of matter,_ and fever are, if not cured, at least modified by the use of Phosphoric acid. This agent is not adapted to gastric fever, but may be serviceable according to Trinks, in Gastric Conditions, where the following symptoms prevail • white coating on the tongue; foul odor from the mouth, putrid taste, incli- nation to diarrhoea, prostration, restless and unrefreshino- 'sleep exhausting morning-sweats, thick urine which deposits a good deal of mucus. In Hemorrhagic or Scorbutic Fever, Phosphoric acid has been found very useful. Frank reports a case of this disease, a form of Morbus Maculosus Werlhofii, which yielded to the greatly diluted acid in doses of ten, fifteen, twenty drops every half hour The ACIDUM PHOSPHORICUM. 49 patient was a delicate boy of eight years, who, after having had measles and scarlet-fever, was repeatedly attacked with cough and feverish motions. During summer, the patient improved, but in the fall the symptoms re-appeared, and, in the winter following, he was attacked with haemorrhage from the nose, whereby he lost several pounds of blood. Shortly after, all the symptoms of morbus macu- losus developed themselves, petechiae upon the skin and mucous membranes, haemorrhage from the bowels, nose, mouth, eyes, skin; extreme prostration, sunken countenance, dimness of sight; low tone of voice. After trying a number of drugs in vain, the disease yielded rapidly to Phosphoric acid. AYe recently treated a remarkable case of Purpura caused by a heavy fall upon the back. The patient, a boy of twelve years, lost pounds of blood from the nose, mouth, bowels, and seemed to bleed from every pore of the skin; frightful convulsions supervened; he was rapidly cured by the alternate use of tolerably large doses of the acid and Hyoscyamus. EXANTHEMATIC GROUP. Phosphoric acid causes formication of. the whole body; rash over the whole body, more burning than itching ; itching pustules on the nates and toes; red blotches in the face, on the arms and legs, shoulders, abdomen, hips and knees, such as may occur at the age of pubescence. It also causes burning and efflorescence of the skin, somewhat resembling scarlet-spots. The symptoms may suggest the use of this acid in the Acne Rosacea of young people; in Malignant Scarlatina and Erysipelas. It is also used in Inveterate Ulcers, with flat edges, indented bases, and secreting a foul and offensive pus. In Scrofulous Caries of Bones, Curvatures of the Spine, Phosphoric acid has proved an excellent remedy. In a case quoted by Frank, a large portion of the tibia, the upper part of the fibula, the patella, and the lower part of the femur were almost entirely destroyed. The soft parts were correspondingly injured. The patient was- very much emaciated; every evening and noon, a paroxysm of hectic fever set in; pulse always irritated; night-sweats and hacking cough; the patient complains of violent seated pains in the other limb, and in other parts of his body. He was put on the use of Phosphoric acid, two drachms to half an ounce of the concentrated acid in ten ounces of water, a tablespoonful every three hours. This solution was likewise injected into the carious parts. He commenced to improve very soon after he began to use the acid, and was en- tirely restored in eight months. Lentin speaks very highly of the curative virtues of Phosphoric acid in caries of bones. It has cured caries of the ribs, articulations of the arms, femur, etc., and is used both internally and externally, provided the absence of acute inflammatory action in the sore admits of the external application of the acid. ________ vol. 11.-4 y^^^SfStPs ( 3 7 J £*&& 50 LECTURE LXI. In Caries as a symptom of mercurial cachexia, Phosphoric acid likewise acts as a specific neutralizer of the poison. Frank reports a case of . Sphacelus Senilis, where this acid effected a cure. Owing to ex- posure and bad diet, the fingers became cold, livid, cadaverous, witn intense pain in the fingers, especially in bed. They felt numb, ^ere painful to pressure which left pits, the roots of the nails became tuberous: friction was more agreeable than external warmtn. _ ine toes having likewise become invaded, the patient sought professional aid. Nothing seemed of any avail except Phosphoric acid; alter using it perseveringly, the mortified joints became detached, and the patient's health, which was declining, became restored. MENTAL GROUP. It is adapted to Hypochondria arising from sexual abuse, and to the chronic con- sequences of grief, chagrin, care, anxiety, disappointed love, etc. ACIDUM SULPHURICUM. (Sulphuric acid) Afr. Tartra, in his treatise on poisoning by Nitric acid, has given the'first systematic description of the poisonous effects of Sulphuric acid. AVe transfer the following summary of these effects from Christison's work on Poisons to our pages : " M. Tartra considers that four varieties may be observed in the effects of the mineral acids: 1. Speedy death from violent corrosion and inflammation; 2. Slow death from a peculiar organic disease of the stomach and intestines; 3. Imperfect recovery, the person re- maining liable ever after to irritability of the stomach; 4. Perfect recovery. " 1. The most ordinary symptoms are those of the first variety— namely, all the symptoms that characterize the most violent gastritis, accompanied likewise with burning in the throat, which is increased by pressure, swallowing or coughing; eructations proceeding from the gases evolved in the stomach by its chemical decomposition ; and an excruciating pain in the stomach, such as no natural inflam- mation can excite. The lips are commonly shrivelled, at first whitish, but afterwards brownish in the case of Sulphuric acid. Occasion- ally there are also excoriations, more rarely little blisters. Similar marks appear on other parts of the skin with which the acid may have come in contact, such as the cheeks, neck, breast or fino-ers • and these marks undergo the same change of color as the marks on the lips. I had an opportunity of witnessing this in the case of the man who was disfigured by the Macmillans with Sulphuric acid. He was cruelly burnt in the face, as well as on the hands, which he had raised to protect his face; and the marks were at first white but in sixteen hours became brownish. The inside of the mouth is'also ACIDUM SULPHURICUM. 51 generally shrivelled, white, and often more or less corroded; and as the poisoning advances, the teeth become loose and yellowish-brown about the coronae. The teeth sometimes become brown in so short a time as three hours. Occasionally the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks are white, and as it were polished, like ivory. There is almost always great difficulty, and sometimes complete impossibility, of swallowing. In the case of a child, related by Dr. Sinclair, of Manchester, fluids taken by the mouth were returned by the nose ; and the reason was obvious after death ; for even then the pharynx was so much contracted as to admit a probe with difficulty. On the same account, substances taken by the mouth have been discharged by an opening in the larynx which had been made to relieve impend- ing suffocation. The matter vomited, if no fluids be swallowed, is generally brownish or black, and at first causes effervescence, if it falls on a pavement containing any lime. Afterwards this matter is mixed with shreds of membrane, which resemble the coats of the stomach, and sometimes actually consists of the disorganized coats, but are generally nothing more than coagulated mucus. The bowels are obstinately costive, the urine scanty or suppressed; and the patient is frequently harassed by distressing tenesmus and desire to pass water. The pulse all along is very weak, sometimes intermit- ting, and towards the close imperceptible. It is not always frequent; on the contrary, it has been observed of natural frequency, small and feeble, in a patient who survived fifteen days. The countenance be- comes at an early period glazed and ghastly, and the extremities cold and clammy. The breathing is often laborious, owing to the movements of the chest increasing the pain in the stomach,—or because pulmonary inflammation is also at times present,—or because the admission of air into the lungs is impeded by the injury done to the epiglottis and entrance of the larynx. To these symptoms are added occasional fits of suffocation from shreds of thick mucus stick- ing in the throat, and sometimes croupy respiration, with sense of impending choking. "Such is the ordinary train of symptoms in cases of the first variety. But sometimes, especially when a large dose has been swallowed, instead of these excruciating tortures, there is a deceitful tranquillity and absence of all uneasiness. Thus, in the case of a woman who was poisoned by her companions making her swallow, while intoxicated, aqua fortis mixed with wine, although she had at first a good deal of pain and vomiting, there were subsequently none of the usual violent symptoms; and she died within twenty hours, complaining chiefly of tenesmus and excessive debility. Occasion- ally eruptions break out over the body; but their nature has not been described. "Death is seldom owing to the mere local mischief, more generally to sympathy of the circulation and nervous system with that injury. According to Bouchardat, death arises from the acid entering the blood in sufficient quantity to cause coagulation. But although this certainly happens sometimes to the blood in the vessels of the sto- mach and adjacent organs, as will be proved under the head of the morbid appearances, there is no evidence that the same takes place 52 LECTURE LXI. throughout the blood-vessels generally, or in the great veins and heart in particular. Bouchardat s proofs of the detection ot Sul- phuric acid in the blood are not satisfactory. "The duration of this variety of poisoning with the acids is com- monly between twelve hours and three days. But sometimes lite is prolonged for a week or a fortnight; and sometimes, too, death takes place in a very few hours. The shortest duration among the numer- ous cases of adults mentioned by Tartra is six hours; but Dr. Sin- clair, of Alanchester, has related a case which lasted only four hours and a half; a man lately died in the Edinburgh Infirmary within four hours; and Professor Remer, of Breslau, once met with a case fatal in two hours. "The quantity required to produce these effects has not been ascertained, and must be liable to the same uncertainty here as in other kinds of poisoning. The smallest fatal dose of Sulphuric acid I have hitherto found recorded was one drachm. It was taken with sugar by mistake for stomachic drops by a stout young man, and killed him in seven days. An infant of twelve months has been killed in twenty-four hours by half a teaspoonful, or about thirty minims. A man has recovered after taking six drachms. " 2. The second variety of symptoms belong to a peculiar modifi- cation of disease, which is described by Tartra in rather strong lan- guage. It begins with the symptoms already noticed; but these gradually abate. The patient then becomes affected with general fever, dry skin, spasms and pains of the limbs, difficult breathing, tension of the belly, salivation, and occasional vomiting, particularly of food and drink. Afterwards membranous flakes are discharged by vomiting, and the salivation is accompanied with fetor. These flakes are often very like the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines; and such they have often been described to be. Alore probably, however, they are of adventitious formation; for the mere mucous coat of the alimentary canal cannot supply the vast quantity that is evacuated. There is no doubt, however, that the lining membrane of the alimentary canal is occasionally discharged. Dr. AV~ilson has mentioned an instance of the ejection by coughing of about nine inches of the cylindrical lining of the pharynx and gullet, six days after Sulphuric acid was taken. Sometimes worms are dis- charged dead, and evidently corroded by the poison. Digestion is at the same time deranged, the whole functions of the body are lan- guid, and the patient falls into a state of marasmus, which reduces him to a mere skeleton, and in the end brings him to the grave. Death may take place in a fortnight, or not for months. In one of Tartra's cases the patient lived eight months. The vomitino- of mem- branous flakes continues to the last. " 3. The third variety includes cases of imperfect recovery. These are characterized by nothing but the greater mildness of the primary symptoms, and by the patient continuing for life liable to attacks of pain m the stomach, vomiting of food, and general disorder of the digestive function 4. The last variety comprehends cases of perfect recovery, which are sufficiently numerous, even under unpromising appearances. ACIDUM SULPHURICUM. 53 From the average of fifty-five cases recorded by Tartra, it appears that the chances of death and recovery are nearly equal. Twenty- six died, nineteen of the primary, seven of the seeondary disorder. Twenty-nine recovered, and of these twenty-one perfectly. Suicidal are for obvious reasons more frequently fatal than accidental cases. " Tartra has not taken notice in his treatise of another form of poisoning with the strong acids, in which the injury is confined to the gullet and neighboring parts. In Corvisart's Journal there is the case of a man, who began to drink Sulphuric acid for water while intoxicated, but suddenly found out his error before he had swal- lowed above a few drops; and consequently the chief symptoms were confined to the throat. After his physician saw him he was able to take one dose of a chalk mixture; but from that time he was unable to swallow at all for a fortnight. Martini likewise met with a similar instance of complete dysphagia from stricture in the gullet caused by Sulphuric acid. His patient recovered. " It also appears exceedingly probable, that the strong acids may cause death without reaching the stomach or even the gullet, by exciting inflammation and spasm of the glottis and larynx. Such an effect may very well be anticipated from an attempt to commit murder with these poisons; as the person, ifi he retains conscious- ness at the time, may become aware of their nature before he has swallowed enough to injure the stomach. "Thus, Dr. A. T. Thompson, says, in 1837, that he once met with the case of a child, who, while attempting to swallow strong Sul- phuric acid by mistake for water, died almost immediately, to all appearance from suffocation caused by contraction of the glottis ; and it was ascertained after death that none of the poison had reached the stomach. Professor Quain describes a similar case, occurring also in a child, where impending death was prevented by artificial respiration, and acute bronchitis ensued, which proved fatal in three days. In this instance, thickening of the epiglottis and great con- traction of the upper opening of the larynx showed the violent local injury inflicted there, inflammation could be traced down the trachea into the bronchial tubes, but no trace of injury could be detected in the gullet and stomach. In a very interesting and carefully detailed case by Air. Arnott, where the poison taken was the Nitric acid, the injury was confined in a great measure to the gullet and larynx, the stomach, which was distended with food at the time, being very little affected. The chief symptoms at first, besides great general depres- sion, were croupy respiration and much dyspnoea, which became so urgent, that laryngotomy was performed, and with complete relief to the breathing. But the patient nevertheless rapidly sunk under the symptoms of general exhaustion, and died in thirty-six hours, without presenting any particular signs of the operation of the poison on the stomach; and the traces of action found there after death were trifling. " The importance of the fact established by these cases will appear from the following medico-legal inquiries: A Prussian medical col- lege was consulted in the case of a new-born child, in which the stomach and intestines were healthy, and did not contain poison, 54 LECTURE LXI. but in which the cuticle of the lips was easily scraped off, the gums, tongue and mouth yellowish-green, as if burnt, the velum and uvula in the same state, the rima glottidis contracted, and the epiglottis, larynx and fauces violently inflamed. The College declared that a concentrated acid had been given, and that death had been occasioned by suffocation. Sulphuric acid was found in the house; and the mother subsequently confessed the crime. A case was formerly quoted, where MM. Oliver and Chevallier found traces of the action of Nitric acid on the lips, mouth, throat and upper fourth of the gullet, but not lower. In this instance, the reporters came to the opinion from the absence of injury in the more important parts of the alimentary canal, as well as from the marks of nail-scratches on the neck, and the gorged state of the lungs, that death had been produced by strangling, after an unsuccessful attempt by the forcible administration of Nitric acid. It is quite possible, however, that death might quickly ensue from the effects of the poison on the throat and gullet. In the course of the judicial inquiries, AL Alibert stated that he had known repeated instances of death from swallowing Nitric acid, although none of it reached lower down than the pharynx. Ollivier, in his paper, doubts the accuracy of this statement; but the cases quoted above show clearly that such injury may be done to the glottis as will be adequate of itself to occasion death. " It seems farther not improbable, that among the terminations of poisoning with the strong mineral acids, scirrhous pylorus must also be enumerated. This is a very rare effect of the action of corrosive poisons. But M. Bouillaud has related an instance of death from scirrhous pylorus in its most aggravated shape, which supervened on the chronic form of the effects of Nitric acid, and which proved fatal in three months.* " In some circumstances, the stomach seems to acquire a degree of insensibility to the action of strong acids. Tartra, in alluding to what is said of certain whisky-drinkers acquiring the power of swal- lowing with impunity small quantities of the concentrated acids, has related the case of a woman at Paris, who, after passing successively from wine to brandy and from that to alcohol, at last found nothing could titillate her stomach except aqua-fortis, of which she was seen to partake by several druggists of veracity. The fire-eating mounte- banks, too, are said to acquire the same power of endurance: but much of their apparent capability is really legerdemain. On the other hand, a very extraordinary sensibility to the action of the diluted mineral acids has been supposed to exist in the case of infants at the breast—so great a sensibility, that serious symptoms and even death itself have been ascribed to the nurse's milk becoming im- pregnated with Sulphuric acid, in consequence of her havino- taken it m medicinal doses. By two writers in the London Aledfcal Re- pository, griping pains, tremors and spasms have been imputed to this cause; and a writer m the Medical Gazette says he has seen continued griping, green diarrhoea and fatal marasmus ensue appa rently, he thinks, from ulceration of the gastro-intestinal mucous *Tliis case has been referred to, p. 33, Vol. II., of this work. ACIDUM SULPHURICUM. 55 membrane. Without questioning the great delicacy and tenderness of that membrane in infants, I must nevertheless express my doubts whether so small a quantity taken by a nurse, amounting in the cases in question only to four or six drops a day, could really pro- duce fatal or even severe effects on her child. " Sulphuric acid is not less deadly when admitted into the body through other channels besides the mouth. Thus, it may prove fatal when introduced into the rectum. A woman at Bruges, in Belgium, had an injection administered, in which, being prepared hastily in the middle of the night, Sulphuric acid had been substituted by mis- take for linseed-oil. The patient immediately uttered piercing cries, and passed the remainder of the night in excessive torture. In the morning the bed-clothes were found corroded, and a portion of intestine had apparently come away; and she expired not long afterwards. " Death may also be occasioned by the introduction of this acid into the ear. Dr. Morrison relates a case of the kind, where Nitric acid, which is analogous in action, was poured by a man into his wife's ear, while she lay insensible from intoxication. She awoke in great pain, which continued for two or three days. In six days an eschar detached itself from the external passage of the ear; and this was followed by profuse haemorrhage, which recurred daily more or less for a month. On the day after the eschar came away, and with- out any precursory symptom referrible to the head, she was attacked with complete palsy of the right arm, and in eight days more with tremors and incomplete palsy of the rest of that side of the body. These symptoms subsequently abated; but they again increased after an imprudent exertion, and she died in a state of exhaustion seven weeks after the injury. The whole petrous portion of the temporal bone was found carious, but without any distinct disease of the brain or its membranes. " Sulphuric acid and the other mineral acids are equally poisonous when inhaled in the form of gas or vapor; and they then act chiefly by irritating or inflaming the mucous membrane of the air-passages and lungs." The Post-mortem appearances, in cases of poisoning by Sulphuric acid, are contained in the following resumd from a number of cases reported in Frank's Magazine and AYibmer's Toxicology. We avail ourselves of the translation contained in the American Journal of Homoeopathy: Brain • Softening of the cortical substance of the brain. Dura mater, sinuses and pia-mater distended with blood. Pia-mater covered with lymph; cerebrum covered with red blood-spots. Lateral ventricles contained about a drachm of liquid. Choroid plexus very dark. Under the tentorium and in the vertebral canal were found about three ounces of watery exudation. Membranes of the brain very much thickened and opaque; and here and there firmly adhering to the brain. Sinuses filled with black blood. * Mouth, Pharynx, (Esophagus: Tongue very much swollen. Alem- brane of the mouth uncommonly white and indurated, and in some 56 LECTURE LXI. places corroded. Tunica villosa of the oesophagus and stomach detached. Tonsils and soft palate of a yellowish-white color and shrivelled. The whole mucous membrane of the oesophagus cor- roded. Behind the larynx a stricture, so that the oesophagus pre- sented an opening not larger than a feather-quill. Pharynx very much constricted, and denuded of epithelium. Stomach: Tunica villosa detached. Muscular coat of the stomach and duodenum much inflamed. Posterior parts and pyloric orifice of the stomach much disorganized. Stomach diminished in size, with several cicatrices, and some ulcers in process of healing. Mucous membrane of the pylorus very much thickened. Puckered, shrivelled appearance of the stomach. Stomach perforated. Intestines: Inner surface of the intestines covered with a brownish- black thick fluid. The lower part of the spleen blackish-brown and as if corroded by the acid. Mesentery mostly destroyed. Spleen dark-red. Liver bloodless. Liver very much enlarged. Small intestines distended with gas and inflamed. Omentum, liver, intes- tines and peritoneum highly inflamed. Mucous membrane of the duodenum thickened. Gastro epiploic artery, on the right and left side, and its branches, also the superior mesenteric, filled with dark coagula. Larynx and Trachea: Mucous membrane of the trachea and bronchial tubes much inflamed. Epiglottis covered with a thick layer like false membrane; epiglottis of a deep scarlet-red color, intensely inflamed, but not corroded; ulceration of the larynx and trachea. Thorax: Lungs paler than natural. Yery much collapsed and bloodless. Pericardium filled with a quantity of yellowish fluid. Right auricle and ventricle filled with blood. Left ventricle and aorta empty. Areins very much distended with blood. Both pleurae inflamed. Both lungs very much inflamed and hepatized. Coronary artery distended with thick, coagulated blood. Right side of the thorax containing much bloody serum. Heart atrophied; auricles empty. Blood-vessels and Extremities: The blood in all the vessels was found coagulated. Lower extremities rigid, upper extremities limber. The chemical effects of Sulphuric acid are regarded by a few homoeopathic practitioners, and more particularly by Dr. Peters of the North-American Journal of Homoeopathy, as therapeutic indi- cations upon which the selection of a homoeopathic remedial a°-ent may be made to depend. Gentlemen, let me caution you against the fallacious analogies suggested by this species of materialism It is recommended m the North-American Journal as " one of the most homoeopathic remedies against true membranous croup • also ulcera- tion and stricture of the larynx." This pretended homoeopathicity is inferred from the fact that Sulphuric acid, when comma- in contact with the mucous lining of the larynx, inflames it; but°would any man in his senses undertake to assert that, if this mucous lining has become inflamed or corroded, and the physiological life of the organism sets up a formative process for the purpose of restoring ACIDUM SULPHURICUM. 57 the integrity of the disorganized membrane: this physiological product is similar, in a therapeutic view, to the pathological product formed in membranous croup ? One of the most effectual methods of utterly perverting and destroying the truths of Homoeopathy, is the application of chemico-physiological doctrines to the law " similia similibus." AYe can comprehend that a burn, which is a purely external injury as it were, should be successfully treated by the application of some corrosive acid which is capable of producing a similar injury; but we are utterly unable to see any similarity between gangrene as the final termination of inflammation, and gangrene resulting from the destructive action of a corrosive poison. Pereira's remarks on the chemical action of mineral acids upon the blood, are well worthy an attentive perusal. Although no believer in Homoeopathy or small doses, yet he opposes the baseless absurdities of chemical therapeutics with conclusive good sense. According to Pereira mineral acids may act both locally and consti- tutionally. I will quote his very comprehensive statements bearing upon this point, in his own words: " As the acids become neutralized by combination with bases before their absorption into the blood, it follows that, as free acids, they operate topically only. They are useful as such for the following purposes: " 1. As escharotics. " 2. As antalkalines in poisoning by the alkalies and their carbo- nates and in some forms of pyrosis which are attended with an alkaline condition of the gastric secretion. "3. As astringents and styptics in hemorrhage from the stomach and bowels. They constringe the blood-vessels of the mucous mem- brane of the alimentary canal, and coagulate mucus and blood. " 4. As lithontriptics. Yery dilute solutions of the mineral acids (hydrochloric and nitric) have been injected into the bladder as solvents for phosphatic calculi. They have proved useful in chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bladder, accompanied by a deposition of the phosphates. They are serviceable in two ways —by their solvent action on the concretions, which they assist in disintegrating; and by benefiting the condition of the mucous mem- brane of the bladder. The acids are also efficacious, as remote or general agents, in several cases in which their chemical influence is not very obvious. Thus they are used— "5. To check profuse sweating in hectic fever. " 6. To allay the distressing itching and irritation of the skin in prurigo and lichen. " 7. To lessen preternatural heat and reduce the frequency and force of the pulse ; as in febrile complaints and haemorrhages (pulmonary, uterine, &c.) " 8. To relieve narcotism after the poison has been evacuated from the stomach and bowels. " 9. In dyscrasias or diseases which have been supposed to depend on, or be connected with a depraved condition of the animal fluids; as scorbutus, secondary syphilis, and mercurial cachexia. 58 LECTURE LXI. "The efficacy of vegetable acids (especially citric acid) and fresh vegetables and fruits in the treatment of scurvy is too well_estab- lished by experience to be affected by the hypothetical objections ot Dr. Stevens to the use of acids in this malady._ A satisfactory explanation of their methodus medendi is still wanting; for through the assumption that non-nitrogenous food in scurvy is useful by acting, in the oxidizing processes of the system, as a substitute for the animal tissues which are thereby preserved, accounts for the fact that the pure acids are less efficacious than acid vegetable juices, yet it fails to account for various circumstances (such as the inefficacy of the fatty substances, and the occasional failure of even lemon- juice to prevent or to check scurvy,) and, therefore, cannot be con- sidered as a satisfactory explanation. "10. In the so-called putrid fevers, the mineral acids have fre- quently proved serviceable. They were originally employed under the idea that they checked the supposed putrescent tendency of the fluids. Alay they not be useful by abstracting from the system basic matter ? "11. In phosphatic deposits in the urine, the acids, both mineral and vegetable, are often resorted to, and occasionally with relief. They are, however, very uncertain, and at best, are but palliative. " 12. As tonics, the diluted mineral acids (especially the sulphuric) are frequently employed in conjunction with the vegetable bitters ; as cinchona and quinine." I would add to this very logical and comprehensive enumeration of the therapeutic uses of mineral acids, which may, in many respects, be accepted by a homoeopathic physician, that if Pereira or his fol- lowers will turn for light to the Homoeopathic School, they may per- haps find it. It is certainly no more difficult to understand, why the vegetable acids should cure scurvy, than it is why any other drug should cure any disease. A principle of homoeopathicity, or homoe- opathic affinity underlies the whole. "The diluted mineral and vegetable acids," says Pereira, " when swallowed in moderate doses, at first allay thirst, sharpen the appetite, and promote digestion. They check preternatural heat, reduce the frequency and force of the pulse, lessen cutaneous perspiration, allay the troublesome itch- ing of prurigo, sometimes prove diuretic, and occasionally render the urine unusually acid. Under this use, the milk often acquires a griping quality, and the bowels become slightly relaxed. By their long-continued _ employment, the tongue becomes coated with a whitish but moist fur, the appetite and digestion are impaired ; while griping and relaxation of the bowels, with febrile disorder, frequently occur. If their use be still persevered in, they more deeply inj ure the assimilative processes, and a kind of a scorbutic cachexy is established:' _ Sulphuric acid has been successfully used in the following affec- tions : CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. ^ Dr. Alarcy says that " the sixth dilution of this acid has several times afforded permanent relief in obstinate constitutional headaches ACIDUM SULPHURICUM. 59 occurring in cachectic individuals. It has proved particularly use- ful in those cases which have been accompanied by profuse and debilitating leucorrhoeal discharges. Frank reports a case of Chorea, which yielded to this acid. A woman who had become exceedingly debilitated by a continued lochial discharge, in conse- quence of which the whole body had become oedematous, and a most frightful chorea had set in, was cured in the course of six weeks by Sulphuric acid. A boy who had become subject to attacks of Convulsions, probably in consequence of self-abuse, was likewise cured. Epilepsy, in the case of a female who had tried every known remedy in vain, was speedily relieved, and, at the end of three weeks, completely cured by nothing but Sulphuric acid; she took from two drachms to half an ounce of the acid, much diluted, every day. PHARYNGEAL GROUP. In Aphthae of children and nursing females, Sulphuric acid will sometimes help, when every other remedy fails. It may be used internally and as a mild gargle. Dr. Peters and others recommend it for Croupous Lnflammation of the pharynx, larynx, trachea and oeso- phagus ; also for gangrenous or putrid inflammation or ulceration of the throat; in syphilitic angina; in the malignant angina of scarlet- fever ; stricture of the oesophagus. In Mercurial Ptyalism, Air. Pearson found great benefit from this acid. AYe read in the British Journal of Homoeopathy that Dr. Schneider uses Sulphuric acid in obstinate Hiccough occurring in both sexes and in all ages, and occasioning great suffering and exhaustion. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. A case of Haematemesis, where the vomiting returned about a dozen times within eight days, causing complete exhaustion and deathlike pallor, was completely arrested by means of large doses of Sulphuric acid. Individuals who have weakened their digestive powers by exces- sive drinking, mental exertions, excessive sexual intercourse, etc., frequently complain of an acrid, foul, almost stercoraceous taste in the mouth, accompanied with a burning and smarting sensation in the throat, and an offensive odor from the mouth, particularly early in the morning, and sometimes waking them at night by an acridity and prickling in the throat. This trouble is relieved by means of Sulphuric acid, from fifteen to twenty drops in water, before retiring 60 LECTURE LXI. at night. The foul taste yields even to the first dose, and the offen- sive breath is removed by two or three doses. I mention this upon the authority of Hufeland's Journal; bui- phuric acid may not always act as a curative in such cases ; it cer- tainly palliates these symptoms. In Acidity of the Stomach, Sulphuric acid has effected permanent cures. In a case of Polydipsia, quoted by Frank, which came on after an attack of gout, causing prostration and emaciation, Sulphuric acid in doses often drops in a cupful of gruel every three hours, effected a cure. The only perceptible symptom in this case was "an exces- sive dryness of the tongue." In Diarrhea, this acid has been successfully used by both alloeo- pathic and homoeopathic physicians. It is particularly in the cho- leraic forms that it has been found useful, when, according to Dr. North, as reported in the American Journal of Homoeopathy, "the symptoms are severe, with a tendency to lapse into low fever; when the attack arises without any error in diet, the diarrhoea being pro- fuse, soon becoming like dirty water, with nausea and vomiting of a large quantity of fluid, severe spasmodic pains in the stomach and bowels, cramps in the limbs, often violent; pulse small and frequent, skin cold and clammy, countenance anxious; these symptoms being followed by a continued fever for a few days or a week or two." URINARY AND SEXUAL GROUPS. In Lead-colic, the acid has been used with excellent effect, a perfect cure having been effected in three to five days. The acid is given in full medicinal doses of thirty to forty drops each, or smaller doses frequently repeated. Dr. Alarcy has prescribed the higher dilutions, for the most part with benefit, in those derangements of the system which give rise to alkaline conditions of the urine, provided the totality of the symp- toms corresponded with the pathognomonic phenomena of Sulphuric or some other acid. Under these circumstances, it is generally pre- scribed in large doses by practitioners who adhere to the chemico- physological view of diseases, more particularly if the alkaline state of the urine is attended with the formation of phosphatic calculi. Frank reports several cases of Metrorrhagia which were promptly arrested by the internal use of full medicinal doses of Sulphuric acid. The flooding occurred during miscarriage occasioned by a fall, or after the violent detach- ment of a portion of the placenta. Sulphuric acid has lono- been a favorite remedy of Old-School practitioners in this disease.0 AVhen the flooding arises from atony of the uterus, this acid, in conjunc- tion with the external use of ice-water, very frequently induces a speedy arrest of the loss of blood. ACIDUM TANNICUM. 61 FEYER AND EXTERNAL GROUPS. In Purpura Hvemorrhagica Werlhofii, Sulphuric acid has been found useful; likewise in Petechial Typhus, where it was used by Rademacher, the chief of the empirical school in Germany, with great success, but in very large doses, which speedily arrested the dangerous haemorrhagic tendency. Night-sweats which so frequently drain the strength of consump- tive patients, are either arrested or modified by means of water acid- ulated with Sulphuric acid, more speedily, perhaps, than by any other palliative. Dilute Sulphuric acid is an excellent application to Burns, and common Bed-sores or Flesh-ivounds which threaten to become gangrenous ; they assume a more healthy appearance and are often made to heal under the use of compresses moistened with a solution of this acid. Sulphuric acid has been recommended as a specific remedy for the Brandy-mania; in some cases it has undoubtedly effected a radical cure; in other cases, on the contrary, it has failed. Frank reports the case of a man who had been addicted to drinking for eight years. He took twenty drops of the dilute acid three times a day, gradually increasing the dose to thirty drops. The man did not drink a single drop of brandy during the period that he took the acid, and has remained cured ever since. Generally the acid is given in combination with some bitter medi- cine. The commercial acid is generally sold under the name of oil of vitriol; it should be purified by distillation before it is used as a medicinal agent. The antidotal treatment, in a case of poisoning, is the same as that which has been indicated for Phosphoric acid. ACIDUM TAMIClffl, (Tannic Acid) This agent is dissolved out of nutgalls by means of ether, the solution being afterwards evaporated to dryness by exposure to an oven-heat of about 212° F. Tannic acid is a white or commonly yellowish, odorless, spongy, brilliant substance which dissolves very readily in water. In the dry state it is not altered by exposure to the air; but the watery solution absorbs oxygen, by which it is converted into carbonic acid and gallic acid ; the former escapes and the latter remains behind in solution. Tannic acid is a powerful astringent, and is, therefore, used by 62 LECTURE LXII. alloeopathic physicians whenever astringent effects are desired to be produced. It is mainly employed to arrest haemorrhages, and to diminish the secretions from suppurating surfaces. It is used, m the Old-School as a local astringent in gleet; it has been used in albu- minuria to diminish the secretion of albumen: in leucorrhcea when depending upon a simple irritation of the vaginal mucous mem- brane : in atonic menorrhagia, etc. AYe have no experience of the therapeutic virtues of Tannic acid as a homoeopathic agent. _ Cararra states in the London Medical Gazette that two and a half grains taken three days successively produced constipation. It is very probable, therefore, that in Constipation, Tannic acid may be serviceable, more particularly in constipation resulting from abuse of cathartic drugs, or attended^ with acidity of the stomach. In the present state of our knowledge of the therapeutic proper- ties of this agent, homoeopathic physicians can only use it as a palli- ative in recent cases of haemorrhage, suppuration, secretions from the urethra, vagina and other parts. In inveterate cases, where the discharge is a symptom of a general scrofulous dyscrasia, this agent will be found unavailable as a curative agent. I would recall to your minds the fact that an infusion of galls is resorted to as an antidote in cases of poisoning by Ipecacuanha and Nux Yomica, with whose alkaloids it forms an insoluble tannate. LECTUEE LXII. AGNUS CASTUS. (Chaste-tree—Natural Order:—Labiate.) This bush grows in the south of Europe ; we use the seeds of it. It is very common all along the coast of the Mediterranean, and is cultivated in some gardens on account of its beautiful lanceolate leaves and clusters of beautiful violet-blue flowers. The fruit of this tree consists of small blackish .berries which, by their shape, consistence and smarting taste, resemble cayenne pepper, whence the French name "petit-pbivre," " poivre de moine," etc. The seeds, when fresh, have a fragrant smell, and an acrid aromatic taste, and were formerly celebrated for their anaphrodisiac powers. The Germans call this bush Keuschlamm, which means chaste lamb; the term agnus or lamb is given to it on account of the down which is found upon the surface of the plant, and the term castus (chaste), because the chaste matrons at the feast of Ceres strewed it upon their beds in order to repress carnal desires. To prevent getting children, a man took for three months morn- ing and evening, twelve grains of the Agnus castus, by which the sexual parts were weakened to such an extent that not only did the ALOES. 63 erections become deficient, but he lost his semen as he intended, and never begat children. Hence we recommend Agnus castus for Impotence, with utter absence of erections, and watery or deficient semen. It causes a kind of yellowish gonorrhoea. Dr. Landerer of Athens uses the- seeds of the Agnus castus with the greatest success in Gonorrhea, curing cases in which even Cubebs had failed. Dioscorides says that it will thin the spermatic fluid and cause pain in the testicles ; nevertheless an ointment of this drug is used for the purpose of removing such a pain. This drug is used with good effect for Agalactia in the case of young women, when the milk does not make its appearance in sufficient quantity. AIOES. (Natural Order:—LiliIce^;.) This resin is obtained from a tree which grows at the Cape of Good Hope, on the island of Barbadoes and on the island of Soco- trina on the south coast of Africa. The leaf of the tree is cut off by a clean incision, when the resin flows out and is collected in appropriate vessels, dried in the sun and afterwards enclosed in pouches of goat's skin and shipped off. At the Cape the resin is collected in pits covered with goats' skins, and the evaporation is effected by exposure to a flame; on the island of Socotrina the resin is exposed to the sun's heat and thus evaporated, and, on the island of Barbadoes, the resin is boiled to a suitable con- sistence. The Socotrina aloes is considered the best for medicinal uses. Aloes acts specifically upon the liver; it causes congestions in the portal system, and hence it excites haemorrhoids, causes bilious stools, scanty and hot urine, and a more copious secretion of menstrual blood. Hence we give Aloes with great success 1. In Dysentery with, tenesmus, violent burning and cutting in the rectum, burning and heat in the bowels, rush of blood to the head. 2. Piles, with flow of hot, blackish blood, heat in the bowels, heat and painful pressure in the liver, flushes in the face, and heat about the head. 3. In Bilious Diarrhea, having a peculiar putrid smell, the whole body feeling hot during an evacuation, and with a feeling of distress or uncomfortableness in the region of the liver. 4. Excessive Menstruation, when the blood is hot and dark, and the abdomen feels full, hot and distended. For the dysentery which Aloes often causes, when given in alloeopathic doses, Aconite is the best antidote. 64 LECTURE LXII. ALUMEX. (Common Alum,) Alumina is the Oxide of aluminum, argilla, albuminous earth. It is a dazzling white powder; an antipsoric of which we have exten- sive provings, which I consider unreliable. The Alum of commerce is the sulphate of alumina and potash or aluminous sulphate of potash, from which the pure Alum is obtained by repeated wash- ings and crystallization. Alum acts as an astrigent; if taken internally, it causes dryness of the mouth and throat, thirst, diminishes the frequency and in creases the consistency of the alvine evacuations. These are the immediate or primary effects of Alum. But, if the action ox Alum be continued for a longer period, a violent organic reaction may be excited characterized by nausea, vomiting, griping, purging and even an inflammatory condition of the intestinal canal. Actual and dangerous gastro-enteritis was produced in one case by a solution containing between ten and twenty grains of the burnt Alum. The late Professor Barton, of the University of Pennsylvania, was in the habit of saying to his class, that however strange it might seem, " some astringents do actually purge." He named Alum especially, as in point, if taken in doses of from thirty to sixty grains. Wibmer experimented with the pulverized Alum upon himself; he took it in repeated doses of three to five grains, but perceived no other effect from it than a diminution of the alvine secretions. A diarrhoea, with which he was troubled during the time of the prov- ing, ceased entirely, but returned as soon as the Alum was discon- tinued. Barthez swallowed from thirty to one hundred and eighty grains of Alum in the smallest possible quantity of water before breakfast, allowing a few days to elapse between two successive doses. The effects of the large doses simply were: desire to vomit which lasted about fifteen minutes, and an increased torpor of the bowels. _ Considering its peculiar action upon the lining membrane of the digestive canal, we may prescribe Alum with good effect in 1. Sub-acute Gastro-enteritis, with vomiting, purging, watery and even bloody diarrhoea, heat and tenderness of the bowels • 2. Gastric Derangements characterized by a flow of water from the mouth having an alkaline reaction, sense of fulness and oppression in the stomach, and sensation of dullness and torpor as if the stomach did not act; 3. Constipation, the faeces being dry, hard and pale ■ 4. Lead-colic, for which Opium is frequently given, but not always with success. Alumina, m massive doses, has effected beautiful cures in some instances. In one case, reported by Frank Opium had been given for three days in tolerably large doses, together with injections. No relief or evacuation could be obtained. Alum was now administered in powder-form at the rate of twenty-grains at a AMMONIUM CARBONICUM. 65 dose every four hours. After the fifth powder, the pain disappeared. several copious evacuations took place, accompanied with a con- tinual tearing in the right knee; the sixteenth powder was the last medicine which the patient took, who has continued well for the last eighteen months. In another case, Alum effected a cure with equally distinguished, but much more rapid effect. A detailed account of the pathognomonic symptoms of this species of colic will be given in the chapter on Lead and its Salts. 5. As an astringent palliative, it has been used by alloeopathic physicians in a number of affections characterized by discharges of mucus or blood from various organs, air-passages, stomach, womb, bladder, urethra. Alloeopathic authors report a number of cures of diarrhoea, metrorrhagia, incontinence of urine, gleet, which were effected by means of very large doses of Alum. This species of therapeutic experience cannot possibly be incorporated in a work on Alateria Medica and Therapeutics from the standing-point of Homoeopathy without converting such a production into a slough of empiricism. Externally a solution of Alum is used by many physicians as a means of cleansing foul ulcers. The provings which Hahnemann has furnished, have been insti- tuted with the oxyde of aluminum or pure clay, (argilla). These provings do not furnish any very definite therapeutic indications, different from those of burnt Alum. Alumina has been employed in the same morbid conditions that we have recommended Alum for, constipation, lead-colic, water-brash, and as a palliative in diarrhoea, more particularly in the sour diarrhoea of children, where chalk or lime is generally resorted to by practitioners of the Old-School. The existing clinical records of our own School are too vague and scanty to enable me to extend my remarks on this subject any farther. AMMONIUM CARBONICUM, Carbonate of Ammonia; also Sesquicarbonate of Ammonia, or Subcarbonate of Ammonia, volatile or smelling salt; also baker's salt, so called from the fact that bakers sometimes resort to it as a substitute for yeast in the manufacture of the finer kinds of bread. If the Sesquicarbonate is exposed to the air, it changes to the Bicarbonate, which is not near as pungent as the Carbonate. The Carbonate of Ammonia is a hard, translucent, striated mass, having a sharp, urinous taste; unless well kept in bottles provided with ground glass-stoppers, it becomes opaque, loses its pungency and likewise its medicinal properties. Wibmer, the distinguished toxicologist, experimented with this salt upon himself. He found that a grain and a half produced on himself no remarkable effect; three grains increased the frequency of the pulse from sixty-eight to seventy-two beats per minute, with throbbing headache. In other experiments, in which he took from VOL. n.—5 66 LECTURE LXII. six to twelve grains (in some repeating the dose at short intervals), the effects were usually, but not constantly: increased frequency of the pulse, with disorder of the brain, manifested by pain, heaviness, throbbing, etc. In one instance, he says, disposition to cough and increased secretion of bronchial mucus were remarkable. Huxham mentions the following case illustrative of the ill-effects resulting from the long-continued use of Ammonia: "I had lately under my care," he observes, " a gentleman of fortune and family, who so habituated himself to the use of vast quantities of volatile salts, that at length he could eat them in a very astonishing manner, as other people eat sugar and caraway seeds. The consequence was that he brought on a hectic fever, vast haemorrhages from the intes- tines, nose and gums; every one of his teeth dropped out, and he could eat nothing solid ; he wasted vastly in his flesh, and his mus- cles became as soft and flabby as those of a new-born infant, and he broke out all over his body in pustules. His urine was always ex- cessively high-colored, turbid and very fetid. He was at last per- suaded to leave off this pernicious custom ; but he had so effectually ruined his constitution, that, though he lived on in a miserable manner for several months, he died, and in the highest degree, of marasmus. And I am persuaded he would have died much sooner, had he not constantly drank very freely of the most fine and gener- ous wines, and daily used large quantities of asses' milk, and anti- scorbutic juices, acidulated with juice of lemon." Large doses of this salt, thirty grains or more, may cause vomit- ing, abdominal pains and other symptoms of inflammation, convul- sions and other phenomena indicative of its action on the nervous system. The known action of this drug upon the organism leads us to use it in 1. Irritations of the Air-passages, with oppression, racking cough, expectoration of mucus and soreness; the pulse may be somewhat irritated, the temperature of the body rather increased, and there may be slight tendency to perspire. 2. In Inflammatory Irritations of the Bowels, with pains in the bowels, feverishness, bloody and mucous discharges, colored urine which has a strong ammoniacal odor; 3. In Dysmenorrhea or painful menstruation, with chilliness and feverish erethism of the circulation; the blood is dark and has a strong smell owing to the presence of ammonium, which is evolved in unusual quantities during painful menstruation • 4. In Scorbutic Conditions of the system, in putrid fevers when characterized by symptoms of decomposition of the vital 'fluids haemorrhage from the intestines nose and gums; wasting away of the muscles; hurried feeble pulse, loss of strength, habitual diar- rhoea consisting of foul mucus and blood; fetid urine 5. In Putrid Typhus where the symptoms of decomposition of the blood and general marasmus constitute the chief indications from the outset, although not fully developed; fever, heat and dryness of AMMONIUM MURIATICUM. 67 the skin, throbbing pains in the head, foul breath, foul discharges from the bowels, fetid urine may be present at the first invasion of the disease. 6. Carbonate of Ammonia may be an useful remedy in Convul- sions, Tetanic or Epileptic Spasms, arising from cerebral irritation, violent cerebral congestions. It is doubtful whether we can do more, in many cases of this kind, than simply palliate the attack for the time being. It may be used to rouse the patient in Hysteria, Syncope, Eclampsia, preparing the way for constitutional treatment. 7. It is used in Scarlet-fever, when this disease assumes a danger- ous, putrid form, like putrid typhus. As regards the dose, I am confident that Hahnemann's direction, to use the 30th potency in all diseases, is impracticable. In acute attacks, when the symptoms of organic reaction are prominently developed, we may use a few drops of the 1st or 2d attenuation in a tumblerful of water, in tablespoonful doses every hour or two; but in conditions of the system setting in after the organic reaction has become exhausted, and where the symptoms correspond with the primary action of the drug intensified as it were, a larger dose may be necessary; I do not mean scruple doses of the salt, but a few drops of a strong solution in a tumblerful of water. A strong solution is prepared b^ dissolving ten grains in an ounce of water. The best antidote of poisonous doses of Carbonate of Ammonia is diluted vinegar, or diluted lemon-juice. AMMONIUM MURIATICUM. (Ilydrochlorate of Ammonia, Muriate of Ammonium) A compound of hydrochloric acid and ammoniacal gas. It may be obtained artificially by the double decomposition of sulphate of ammonia and muriate of soda. It is the old sal ammoniac, on a large scale. Sal ammoniac is obtained from coals and bones; in Egypt it is obtained by sublimation from the soot afforded by the combustion of camel's dung. The Muriate of Ammonia is a white and volatile salt, and dissolves in three parts of cold water and in one part of boiling water. Wibmer experimented with this salt upon himself; he took from ten to thirty grains for a dose, which he repeated at the end of an hour. The effects were a sensation of warmth and oppression in the stomach, headache, and increased desire of passing the urine. Sundelin says: " In large doses it purges like other salts, but in small ones rather constipates." It is wonderful that even a consum- mate therapeutist like Sundelin, does not seem to be aware of the cause of this apparently contradictory phenomenon. A homoeopathic physician would consider it strange indeed, if small doses and large doses of a drug did not produce opposite effects. To develop the direct or primary action of the drug, we have to give large doses; small doses develop the manner in which the organism reacts against the drug, and the symptoms of organic reaction must neces- 68 LECTURE LXII. sarily be directly opposed to the primary action of the drug. An inherent defect of our own Alateria Aledica, such as it has been pub- lished by Hahnemann and his disciples, is this: that the symptoms are all huddled up together in one confused mass, so that the symp- toms of the primary action of drugs, and those of the organic reac- tion, cannot be distinguished from each other, and we are led to believe that a drug is capable of developing two opposite series of phenomena, which is impossible, except upon the principle of primary drug-action and secondary or organic reaction. The Muriate of Ammonia may be useful 1. In chronic Catarrhal Irritation of the bronchial lining membrane; 2. In Catarrhal Irritation of the Stomach and bowels, with heat in these parts, nausea, loss of appetite, costiveness or diarrhoea, and increased urging to urinate ; 3. In chronic Catarrh of the Bladder, with burning and stinging in the urethra, discharge of mucus, increased desire to urinate; 4. In Balanitis, the Muriate of Ammonia has effected brilliant cures. Canstatt recommends it for profuse suppuration generally, saying: " why this salt has such marvellous effects in cases of pro- fuse suppuration, is as inexplicable to me as the effects of our best known specifics; in the place of learned theories I can assure my colleagues with perfect confidence, that it is so !" A healthy man, aged fifty, and habitually cheerful, had become desperate in consequence of a balanitis which had been treated without any success for the last six weeks. The prepuce on the glans was fissured and ulcerated, fistulous canals reached as far as the mons veneris, discharging pus which seemed to proceed even from behind the abdominal integuments. Other symptoms were: general exhaustion, evening-fever, oedema of the feet, loss of appetite. He took every day two drachms in some mucilaginous vehicle, and, after having consumed three ounces of the muriate, the cure was completed. Many other similar cases might be reported. I have mentioned this case in detail, for the reason that the treatment of balanitis with infinitesimal doses of our antipsorics is sometimes a very hard matter. A much smaller dose of the muriate than was used in this and similar cases, may prove sufficient for a cure. 5. In Premature Menstruation, with pain in the bowels, it may be useful as a regulating agent; also in Dysmenorrhea, if the menses occur too frequently. 6. In incipient Phthisis Pulmonalis, with profuse expectoration of a glassy or even purulent mucus, the Muriate of Ammonia is pre- scribed, more particularly by German practitioners, with good success m many cases. It is given in unnecessarily large doses, from ten to twenty grains every few hours. If this pulmonary disease is accompanied by colliquative diarrhea or even if this diarrhoea is the main indication, as a symptom of phthisis of the bowels, the Muriate may prove so much more useful. Poisonous doses are antidoted by exciting vomiting with warm water, and afterwards giving mucilaginous and demulcent liquids Gastro-enteritic symptoms have to be combated with Aconite AMMONIUM ACETICUM. 69 AMMONIUM ACETICUM, (Acetate of Ammonia, Spirits of Mindererus) A saturated mixture of Carbonate of Ammonia and acetic acid. To the acid we add Ammonia as long as the acid will decompose it; this is what we mean by saturation. Pereira states that this salt was first introduced into the Materia Medica by Boerhaave in 1732, and was afterwards employed by Mindererus, a Scotch physician. Dr. Peters shows that this is a mistake. The salt was first made known to the medical public by Raymond Minderer, a physician in the city of Augsburg, Bavaria, in 1621, but it did not receive much attention until Boerhaave noticed it in his Elements of Chemistry, in 1732. It was first noticed in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoea in 1756. It is supposed to be a cooling medicine which has a slight ten- dency to increase the cutaneous exhalation and the urinary secretions. AYibmer experimented with it, but experienced neither increase of the cutaneous exhalations, nor of the urinary secretions. It caused headache and disturbed his digestion. Dr. Cullen says: " I have known four ounces of it taken at once, and soon after, four ounces more, without any sensible effect." It is used by Old-School physicians as a cooling mixture in fevers and inflammatory conditions of the system generally, and it has been introduced by the editors of the American Journal of Homoeopathy in the Materia Medica part of their publication, but I am utterly unable to say what therapeutic principle it represents there. All the cases which are related in this article as illustrating the action of the Acetate of Ammonia, are cases extracted from alloeopathic works, where the drug was given in enormous doses in accordance with the peculiar theory or notion of the prescribing physician, and where one of our many specific remedies for inflammation or nervous irritation is much more clearly indicated than the spirits of Mindererus. LIQUID AMMONIA. Before parting with Ammonia, I have to mention an article which we do not use in our practice, but which, being a very poisonons agent, may sometimes place you in a position to prescribe for the bad effects of this substance. The word ammonia is taken from Jupiter Ammon, near whose temple in Asia Minor, sal ammoniac was first found. Liquid Ammonia is water by which ammoniacal gas has been absorbed. Liquid Ammonia is often used by German physicians in mania-a- potu instead of Opium; it seems to have a tendency to tranquillize the brain, and is undoubtedly preferable to the former opiate prac- tice of the Old-School. In some forms of mania-a-potu it may even 70 LECTURE LXII. be said to be homoeopathic to this disease. Several cases are men- tioned by Frank ; in two, the brain was excited ; in one, the patient was insensible. All recovered speedily by the use of twelve or fifteen drops at a dose every five, ten, twelve minutes, in a tew ounces of water and sugar. The poisonous action of liquid Ammonia merits a few remarks. Arinegar or vegetable acids of any kind, diluted lemon-juice, or a solution of tartaric acid are the best antidotes in a case of poisoning A very interesting case is given in detail, in the Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal for 1841. "A young man who usually slept in a chemical laboratory, was poisoned by the fracture of a vessel containing nearly fifty pints of volatile alkali (liquid ammonia.) The accident occurred in the night, without his knowledge, and he was exposed to the vapors nearly an hour. He was aroused by violent constriction of the throat and dyspnoea. He arose, but felt suffocated, and would have perished, if a woman, who heard his feeble cries, had not come to his rescue, and at the risk of her own life, dragged him out. "When seen by the physician, the patient's countenance was extremely anxious. His face was covered with livid streaks, espe- cially about the nostrils. The mucous membrane of the mouth and nostrils appeared to be destroyed ; and bloody, frothy matter flowed from the mouth and nose. The tongue was of a bright red color, and had lost most of its cuticular covering. The voice was very feeble, and the man complained of a sharp pain in the throat, which soon extended to the breast. The dyspnoea was extreme, and fits of suffocation frequent. He had great thirst, and deglutition was almost impossible. The pulse was feeble, irregular and quick. " Bleeding was resorted to liberally, and water acidulated with vinegar injected in large quantities. At the end of two hours the symptoms abated in severity, excepting the difficulty of swallowing, which increased. By frequent frictions and leeches to the throat, gargles, injections and baths, he was declared to be out of danger at the end of forty-eight hours. Loss of voice continued for six days, but after this he recovered rapidly." Instead of resorting to vene- section, we would have to use Aconite; the acidulated drinks and injections to be used as stated. ANACARDIUM ORIENTALE. (Malacca bean—Natural Order :—Terebinthace^e.) The seed of the Semecarpus Anacardium orientale, a heart-shaped bean, flattened, from three-quarters to one inch long; the outer shell is rather hard and of a greyish-white color; the almond-like kernel is enclosed in a thin, red shell from which it is separated by an oily, dark and very acrid juice that seems to be the active principle of the bean. Great precaution is necessary in pounding the kernel for the juice, if coming in contact with an irritable skin, often causes a pustulous eruption which is very painful and difficult to cure. APIS MELLIFICA. 71 From this bean we prepare a tincture which has a deep-brown color, and an acrid, burning taste. This medicine is considered a powerful remedy against Weakness of Mind, Memory, and the Senses. A preparation of it was kept in the shops, under the name of: "Confectio Anacardina seu sapientium." Nevertheless, Yogel, in his history of Alateria Medica remarks, that " Casper Hoffmann has called this confection of the wise a confection of fools, because many had lost their memory and had become mad on account of using it too often and inconsiderately." It was only the improper and too frequent use of Anacardium that made it hurtful; if used correctly, in small doses, and in accordance with the law "similia similibus," it proves a curative agent; for its primary effect upon the sensorium is to depress the intellectual activity, to weaken the memory, and to blunt the percipient power of the senses. Anacardium is spoken of by some practitioners as a good remedy in organic affections of the heart; I confess that without straining the meaning of the apparent symptoms, I am unable to discover the homoeopathicity of this drug to such disorganizations. APIS MELLIFICA. The honey-bee not only yields us honey, but the poison of the bee is likewise used as a drug by homoeopathic physicians. Dr. Marcy, in his Theory and Practice of Homoeopathy, mentions a case of dropsy which was cured with Apis. He writes: " In 1847, the attention of the writer was first directed to Apis mellifica as a remedial agent by the following unique cure. A lad, aged about twelve years, had been afflicted for several months with ascites and hydrothorax. He had been treated for some three months by alloeopathic physicians first for dysentery, followed by ascites, and afterwards for several months by a homoeopathic physician. No permanent benefit resulted from either mode of medication, and the symptoms finally became so urgent that I was callecl in consultation, and tapping was at once resorted to, in order to save the patient from imminent danger. Appropriate homoeo- pathic remedies were again prescribed, but without arresting the onward course of the malady. The patient commenced to fill' up again with great rapidity. The secretion of urine was nearly sus- pended, the skin was dry and hot, pulse rapid and weak, respiration short and difficult, great tenderness of the abdomen, dryness of the mouth and throat, thirst, excessive restlessness and anxiety, short, irritating cough, and an almost entire inability to sleep. At this stage of the case a strolling Indian woman, one of the few survivors of the Narragansett tribe, suggested to the family the use of the honey bee every night and morning. She enclosed the bees in a covered tin pail, and placed them in a heated oven until they were killed, and then after powdering them,, administered one in syrup every night and morning. After the lapse of about twenty- four hours the skin became less hot and softer, the respiration less 72 LECTURE LXII. difficult and more free, the pulse slower and more developed, and there was a decided increase in the quantity of urine, hrom _ 1 time the symptoms continued steadily to improve, the dropsical effusion diminished day by day, until at the expiration ot a lew weeks the patient was entirely cured." Since this case was published, the symptoms of a number ot cases of poisoning have been collected by various physicians, and Ur. Hering, of this city, has mixed them up with provings of his own, and has published the whole in pamphlet form under the title ot " American Provings.': It is not quite fair to put forth such provings as the product of American industry and American medical science. No man in his senses can accept the mass of unmeaning rubbish, which Dr. Hering has incorporated in his provings of the honey-bee poison, as a genuine exhibition of the medicinal power of this inter- esting and probably useful agent. Gentlemen, if you are desirous of using the honey-bee poison with scientific precision and correspond- ing success, take the symptoms which the little prover himself has furnished us in copious abundance, as your guides, and they will reveal to you the whole range of therapeutic uses where the honey- bee poison may become a valuable remedial means in the hands of a careful and observing physician. Guided by the physiological effects of the poison we may suggest the use of this drug in A. Inflammatory Diseases, such as f/1. Ophthalmia, whether rheumatic, catarrhal, erysipelatous, in which disease it may sometimes compete with Aconite, if the symp- toms are those commonly present in acute ophthalmia, such as: burning and redness of the eyeball and lids; aching, boring or stinging pains; lachrymation, suppuration, swelling of the lids, sen- sation as if the eyes were full of sand. 2. Inflammation of the Tongue, Mouth and Throat, when the parts look red, the tongue is dry and swollen, the fauces feel as if con- stricted, with burning heat, and lined with a glassy mucus; secretion of ropy and tenacious phlegm, stinging pains when swallowing, red- ness and swelling of the tonsils, etc. 3. Vesicular Erysipelas, where Apis competes with Aconite and Rhus toxicodendron; 4; Acute Eruptive Diseases, such as measles, scarlatina, urticaria, acute pemphigus. In these diseases the use of Apis is more or less hypothetical, although deserving of our attentive consideration, more particularly in scarlet-fever. 5. In Meningitis, Apis may prove valuable, if effusion into the ven- tricles has set in, more particularly if the remedy is indicated by a group of symptoms like the following: convulsions, sopor, delirium, loss of consciousness interrupted by sudden cries, sweat about the head with which the patient seeks to dig into the pillow, squinting alternate contraction and dilatation of the pupils, retching and vomit- ing, collapse of the abdominal walls, tremor of the extremities turn- ing of the feet inward, intermittent, irregular, jerking, thin but hard pulse. APIS MELLIFICA. 73 B. Dropsical Effusions, hydrothorax, ascites and even general anasarca, when the general character of the disease is inflammatory, with heat and dryness of the skin, thirst and suppression of urine. C. In Typhoid Inflammation of the abdominal mucous mem- brane, with tenderness of the abdomen, constipation or diarrhoea, strangury, Apis has been suggested by Dr. Wolf of Berlin; in my judgment this recommendation is based upon a fanciful theory, and without any practical value. D. Apis is supposed to have a specific action upon the mucous membrane of urinary organs; to cause inflammation of this mem- N brane, with burning, constant urging but inability to urinate, red and hot urine, and even bloody urine;, hence in cystitis, ischuria, strangury, Apis may prove a most valuable remedy. In all inflam- \ matory diseases to which Apis is supposed to be homoeopathic, the .' presence of urinary difficulties, such as retention of urine with in- flammatory irritation of the bladder, would be strong confirmatory \ evidence of the homoeopathicity of Apis to the existing disease. E. Even in Uterine Affections, such as engorgements and resulting disorganizations of the neck of the womb, Apis has been recommended as useful. In dysmenorrhea and menstrual irregu- larities generally, when accompanied by urinary difficulties, Apis may be tried. Whether Apis will prove as efficient in the diseases which I have named as some of its present admirers prognosticate, remains to be tested by further experience. Some German enthusiasts, on the other side of the Atlantic, would fain seat the honey-bee upon the highest throne in our Materia Medica. If these gentlemen had things their own way, they would soon run this beautiful agent into the ground. " Prove all things and hold fast that which is good." We fear that Apis will disappoint you in many cases. The patho- genesis which has been published of this agent, must be pronounced by all impartial and unprejudiced students and practitioners of our humane Art an aggregation of unreliable statements having, gene- rally speaking, no better foundation than the untutored fancy of the writer. Leaving out these supposed pathogenetic symptoms, the toxicological effects of the poison remain for our use and observation. An examination of these effects shows that they result primarily from a toxication of the blood, and that the capacity of the honey- bee poison to reach the organism when introduced by the mouth, is fairly open to doubt. Even in cases where the ganglionic system seems to have been struck primarily at the very outset, close obser- vation will show that the sudden and almost instantaneous absorp- tion of the poison had something to do with the suddenness of the effects. These cases are so rare that the existence of some idiosyn- cratic susceptibility and the magic influence of sudden fright, will necessarily present themselves to our minds as determining circum- stances upon which the suddenness of the operation of the poison depended. At any rate in order to determine the curative sphere of Apis by physiological experimentation, we shall require far different provings from those which Dr. Hering has furnished. 74 lecture lxiii. LECTURE LXIII. ARGEXTDI METALLICUM, (Metallic Silver.) Of the finest silver-foil we make triturations, either in the decimal or centesimal scale, running them up to the fourth or, better still, to the sixth potency, from which the alcholic preparations are obtained in the usual manner. We have interesting provings of this agent by Hahnemann, and subsequently by Huber, of Yienna. According to this experimenter, metallic silver acts upon 1. Articulations; 2. Bones; 3. Cartilages, particularly cartilaginous surfaces, cartilages of the ears, Eustachian trumpet, tarsal cartilages, cartilages of the nose, false ribs; 4. Muscles, tendons and ligaments, particularly those in the neigh- borhood of joints; 5. Certain glandular organs (salivary glands, testicles); 6. Heart. Arranging the symptoms under our usual categories, we have CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. Pressure and tearing pain in the region of the right and left tem- poral bone, increased by contact. Giddiness and stupefaction of the head. Spasmodic jerking of the right temporal muscle, the occipito- frontalis muscle, also the muscles of the side of the neck and cervical region. Dr. Peters thinks that "it may prove homoeopathic to some of the head-affections which attend epilepsy; at least Huber noticed com- plete dizziness on entering a room after a walk ; while slumbering, he was seized with dizziness, so that it seemed as if his head was falling out of bed; also while dozing in the afternoon, a violent electric shock, which proceeded first from the left, then from the right hip, disturbing his sleep; another shock, more violent was afterwards felt in the left arm." INFLAALMATORY GROUP. Dr. Huber recommends metallic Silver in Arthritis Articularis, as described under the various ' forms of Arthralgia, Coxalgia, Gonagra, etc. It causes laming and tearing pams in the lesser joints; pams as if sprained, or pulsative stitches in the hip-jomt; bruising and throbbing pains in the smaller ioints argentum metallicum. 75 2. In Congestive and Inflammatory Affections of the bones and car- tilages, and of their membranes, periosteum, synovial membranes, etc. These affections are described under various names, as: ostal- gia, ostitis, periostitis, perichondritis. It causes sticking and cutting pains in the region of the costal cartilages; intense drawing pain in the long bones; sense of painful lameness in the marrow of the bones. The following symptom seems to point to Silver as a medicine which may prove of use in combating some of the chronic effects of Mercury or of the strumous miasm upon the throat: " The region of the submaxillary glands is swollen; this causes a rigidity of the neck, and produces a tension in the parts when moved.; deglutition is, at the same time, rendered difficult, as if there were an internal swelling of the throat: he is obliged to force every mouthful of food down his throat." This condition may be described as Mercurial Rheumatism. NASAL GROUP. Silver causes fluent coryza, with sneezing; also a beating and titillating prickling in the left nasal cavity, with sneezing. These symptoms speak for themselves; they show that Silver may prove serviceable in such forms of Chronic Coryza, or even chronic ulceration of the Schneideriah membrane, more particularly perhaps in the case of scrofulous and mercurialized individuals. AUDITORY GROUP. Here we have: violent itching of the lobules; sensation as if an insect with many feet were digging those feet into the depressions of the concha. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. In this range, the symptoms are not very numerous or marked. Provers have experienced a painful sense of hunger, a sort of Bulimia, for which Silver may be recommended. URINARY GROUP. Silver causes a frequent urging to urinate, with copious emissions of urine. Guided by this symptom, Trinks has recommended Silver for Diabetes, where, however, frequent failures must be expected. I think that Silver is rather homoeopathic to simple Irritability of the Bladder, than to diabetes. 76 LECTURE lxiii. SEXUAL GROUP. Silver causes a contusive and digging pain in the testicles; hence it is recommended by Huber for Chronic Orchitis. THORACIC GROUP. Silver causes a creaking noise in the larynx, with metallic reson- nance, resembling the creaking of the ice. It causes rawness and soreness of the throat when coughing, and cutting pains in the region of the false ribs. These symptoms may make silver a desirable remedy in Chronic Laryngitis, with tendency to phthisis of the larynx. The following symptom deserves our attention: "Spasmodic startings of the heart, not painful, but giving rise to the idea of apoplexy." This condition may be described as Irritable Heart. A1ENTAL GROUP. In some forms of Hysteria and Hypochondria, Silver may rouse the depressed spirits, acting similarly to gold. ARGENTUM NITRICUM, (Nitrate of Silver) This agent is also known by the terms: lunar caustic, lapis infer- nalis; it is a compound of nitric acid and the oxide of silver. The crystals are perfectly pure, transparent; exposure to light causes their discoloration. In Old-School practice the solid Nitrate is used in the form of sticks. OlcLSchool practitioners use it externally as an escharotic, dry or in solution, five grains or one drachm to an ounce of water; it is applied to sores, injected into fistulous ulcers; or it is used as a wash in cases of aphthae in the mouth, or for scorbutic gums. One-fourth to one-half of a grain in an ounce of rose-water is applied to the eye in subacute ophthalmia. The Nitrate of Silver has been extensively used by alloeopathic physicians in the following affections: Croup; Chronic Laryngitis (follicular ulceration and inflammation) from two to four scruples in an ounce of water; ARGENTUM NITRICUM. 77 Erysipelas; Burns; Bed-sores (first washing the parts with chloride of soda or soap- suds) ; Gonorrhoea and leucorrhoea; Chronic cystitis; Typhus abdominalis; Inflammation, ulceration or induration of os tincae; Fissured nipples; Fissure of the rectum ; Incontinence of urine; Scald-head; Small-pox; it is also used as an ingredient of hair-dye, and has caused meningitis and terrible headache. Internally the nitrate has been used for epilepsy, one-eighth of a grain at a dose and increasing gradually. It causes discoloration of the skin, not in every instance, for in Yol. XA7., of the Edinburg Aledical and Surgical Journal, we find the case of a patient who took one hundred and eighty-six grains in twenty-six days, with no discoloration at all. The rete mucosum becomes sometimes tinged permanently. The Medico-Chirurgical Review for 1837 has the case of a man known in London as the blue man, because of the exten- sive and long-continued discoloration of his skin ; this man swal- lowed several pounds of the medicine. We do not know precisely how this decomposition is effected, but it is known that the nitrate of silver is decomposable in the human body. In the London Medical Gazette it is stated that an epileptic was cured by the con- tinued use of the nitrate of silver, but finally died of diseased liver and dropsy. A thorough post-mortem examination being made, it was ascertained that all the viscera were marked by a blue tint; and, in the plexus choroideus and pancreas, Mr. Brande detected particles of metallic silver. This fact proves quite conclusively the agency of the vital forces to decompose the most perfect salts, and that this power is far more potent than the merely chemical agencies of the animal economy. AVhy such enormous doses should be given in order to cure epi- lepsy is a mystery to me. If the salts of silver are homoeopathic to the disease, a small dose will prove sufficient for a cure. The following case of epilepsy is reported in the third volume of the Transactions of the London College of Physicians: A man, aged forty-six, had epileptic fits from his infancy, and, to save his tongue from severe injury, carried a silver crown-piece in his pocket, to be placed between his teeth so soon as a fit was about to come on. On Afarch 12th, 1771, he accidentally swallowed the piece of silver. In September, 1772, he was seized with fever, for which emetics were ordered; active vomiting caused the ejection of the coin, nearly twenty months after it had been swallowed, and down to July 6th, 1773, the date of the published article, he had no return of fits. The coin was blackened and corroded on the edge, and there can be no doubt that a portion of the coin had acted dynami- cally upon the abnormal condition of the nervous system, and had 78 LECTURE LXIII. effected a cure not only in accordance with our law similia simihbus, but likewise by means of a very small, yea, infinitesimal dose. Yery few drugs have been abused by Old-School physicians more than the nitrate of silver. . Alercury, Opium and the Nitrate of Silver are the three grand poisons with which our alloeopathic brethren would have poisoned the very life-springs of humanity, if it had been in their power to effect such a result. In Asiatic cholera the nitrate has been given in doses of ten, twenty, thirty and more grains to arrest the vomiting and purging; and even in other dis- eases, where a high state of irritability of the stomach was present enormous doses of the nitrate of silver have been resorted to, to blunt the excessive sensitiveness of this viscus. Another more recent abuse is perpetrated by Dr. Green of New York and many other physicians, in the application of a solution of the nitrate of silver to the mucous surface of the throat and larynx. The difficulty is not in introducing a sponge below the epiglottis; it is the treatment itself that is objectionable. Dr. Green uses a solu- tion of from sixty to one hundred and twenty grains of the nitrate to an ounce of water, and with this powerful solution he cauterizes the mucous membrane of the larynx. The fluid being pressed out of the sponge by the spasmodic closure of the glottis, not only touches the diseased portion, but is sent broadcast and indiscrimi- nately throughout the entire pulmonary mucous membrane. The first sensation after the immediate strangling is a sense of numbness, which is quickly followed by a heat and smarting throughout the entire ramifications of the air-cells; this is soon followed by an expectoration of deep-yellow, or even reddish-yellow mucus which an ignorant patient may mistake for a salutary action of the medicine, but which is, in reality, a manifestation of the irri- tating action of the poison upon the lining membrane. Will the counter-irritation, thus set up, absorb the natural morbid irritation of the part? It may in those cases where a little Aconite, Spongia or Hepar would have cured the disease in our hands speedily and thoroughly; or where the Nitrate itself was homoeopathic to the dis- ease ; for, as I shall show you by and by, the Nitrate of Silver if taken internally, develops a group of symptoms in the bronchial tubes which clearly indicate some specific inflammatory action. Moreover we have the statement of Schloepfer who experimented with it by introducing it into the healthy trachea of animals, and who found that the nitrate causes inflammation of the windpipe and pneumonia passing rapidly on to hepatization of the lungs. Even in the strength of ten grains to the ounce, it causes inflammation swelling and abundant discharge of a thick, deep-yellow mucus in a very few hours; this gradually grows lighter, until it has recovered the bland and transparent aspect of mucus which is secreted by the mucous follicles in their normal state. If the application is too often repeated, the epithelium is destroyed, the mucous membrane pre- sents an attenuated and shining appearance, or else the mucous glands, in a state of hypertrophy, project like small pea-like eleva- tions studding the entire mucous surface. Dr. Green designates our practice as the "fabric of a vision;" it can only appear so to those ARGENTUM NITRICUM. 79 who are infatuated with the illusion that a natural irritation can be counter-irritated; that is: neutralized or absorbed by an artificial irritation, whereas this result can only be achieved provided the artificial irritation is specifically similar to, or in homoeopathic rap- port with, the natural disease. Whenever this specific relation or rapport exists between the medicinal agent and the natural dis- ease, a very small quantity of the medicine, given internally, will reach the affected tissue more certainly through the conducting power of the sympathetic system than by means of any local appli- cation whatever. And even, if it should be deemed advisable to make a local application, the application can be made to the skin, or under the cuticle, whence the drug will be absorbed and con- ducted to the part upon which it is designed to act. This whole question has been ably discussed by the late Dr. Cook of New York in the last edition of my large Symptomen-Codex. In the hands of wise and skilful practitioners, the nitrate of silver may sometimes prove an available and even necessary means of local treatment. A fungus may shoot up from a wound while the process of healing is going on, the growth of which may not only be arrested, but which may be effectually removed by the cauterizing action of lunar caustic. Or a salutary reaction may be excited in a torpid ulcer in otherwise healthy conditions of the organism. AVarts have been removed by the local application of the nitrate, without any inconvenience to the constitution. But the indiscriminate applica- tion of the nitrate of silver to the inflamed mucous membrane of the urethra, bladder, nose, eyes, throat or larynx must result in serious and often irreparable injury to the patient. Dr. Aluller has favored us with the provings of this powerful agent. They are brilliant results of laborious investigations. Dr. Miiller is one of that excellent band of physicians who may be looked upon as the vanguard of our great and noble army. It is a great mistake to suppose that the old fire, which burnt so brightly in Hahnemann's time, is extinguished. We have a host of practitioners in Germany who are ever ready to impose upon themselves all need- ful privations in the business of proving the medicinal virtues of drugs; and in our own country, which every true-hearted philan- thropist cherishes as the day-star of a new and nobler humanity, can we not number scores of physicians who would deem it a privilege to co-operate with the friends of Homoeopathy throughout the world in her great and sacred cause ? Gentlemen, let me lay before you my heart's most fervent hope and highest aspiration; it is this, that we may never allow a day to pass by without renewing to our inmost consciences, in the very presence of the Father of all Love and Truth, the sacred pledge of loyalty to suffering man who appeals to us for aid; to the glorious banner which we have unfurled in the proud consciousness of truth, and last, though not least, to this our infant College! To Dr. L. Krahmer we are likewise indebted for an admirable treatise entitled: " Das Silber als Arzneimittel betrachtet," (Silver 80 LECTURE LXIII. considered as a remedial agent), to which we shall refer whenever such references may seem useful and appropriate. AVe have several cases of poisoning by this acid which, in view of the decisive provings that we possess of this drug, it seems hardly necessary to expatiate upon. The following is a summary of the post-mortem appearances produced by a long-continued use of large medicinal, or by poisonous doses of this agent. " The plexus choroideus and the veins of the fourth ventricle pre- sented a lead-colored appearance. (In the case of a female of thirty years, who died in the Salpetriere, and who had taken for a long while the nitrate of silver against epilepsy, and finally died of tuber- culous phthisis.) AVhat is remarkable in her case is the fact, that her skin had a lead-colored appearance during her life, and that this discoloration disappeared after her death in every part of her body except around her mouth. Partial erosion of the mucous membrane of the fauces and the oesophagus; slight detachment of the mem- brane. The stomach was deprived of its mucous membrane in that portion of it which is turned towards the oesophagus and in the region of the curvature, the space being from four to five inches; the other membranes in the above-mentioned parts of the stomach offered so slight a resistance, that they were torn by the mere weight of the contents of the stomach. More or less intense redness of the mucous membrane of the stomach ; here, and there grayish-white or blackish-dark crusts were discovered in it. The mucous membrane having been destroyed, the muscular coat of the stomach became inflamed, and exhibited a vivid redness, and here and there a crusty appearance. The stomach was perforated where the poison acted intensely. The mucous membrane of the intestines, especially of the stomach, was covered with a whitish coagulum, or was red and congested, or parts of it were cauterized and transformed into white- gray or brownish-black scurfs; those parts were sometimes seen perforated. The liver was softened, large and flabby. The kidneys exhibited a lead-color. The lungs and the veins of the body looked black-green, the veins looked as if they had been injected with black-green blood. (A portion of the vena cava became white by dipping it into muriatic acid.) The lungs were congested, infiltrated with serum, or parts of the lungs looked ecchymozed and were of a black-red color ; the heart looked dark-red and livid; the ventri- cles, and the trunks of the large veins were turgid with black blood." In a case of poisoning we administer large doses of kitchen salt in solution; the chlorine of the salt unites with the silver, forming a neutral chloride of silver; and the nitric acid unites with the soda of the salt, forming an innocuous nitrate of soda. Nitrate of Silver is so readily decomposed that it is not safe to make triturations of it; a watery solution is preferred, first in the proportion of five to ninety-five, and preparing a second attenuation from this first solution in the proportion of twenty to eighty in ARGENTUM NITRICUM. 81 order to obtain the decimal scale of potencies. The original salt, as well as the potencies, should be kept in dark vials provided with ground-glass stoppers. Let us now review Dr. Miiller's splendid provings of this drug under their respective categories. CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. Under this head we have the following very characteristic symp- toms : Yiolent pains in every part of the head; Excessive congestion of blood to the head, with throbbing of the carotid arteries, heaviness, stupefying dullness of the head, melan- choly, inability to express himself suitably and coherently. The head feels large. Generally the headache is attended with chilliness, and sometimes with a general increase of the temperature of the body ; Extremely troublesome itching, creeping and crawling of the hairy scalp, with sensation as if the roots of the hairs were pulled up ; she had to scratch all the time; This kind of Congestive Headache may result from various causes ; from the action of the mercurial or syphilitic poison; from rheu- matic exposure, but principally from these causes combined. Dr. Krahmer •experimented with the Nitrate of Silver upon his own person. He commenced his experiments in October, with one- tenth of a grain, and gradually increased his doses to one-three-fifth grains. When he began to take the Nitrate, he was in robust health; but these experiments impaired it somewhat; his stomach remained weak even for several days after he had discontinued the Nitrate ; he had heartburn of which he had never felt a trace before. Gradually these effects disappeared again, but in their place a neu- ralgic pain in the left infra-orbital region set in, which lasted during the whole of the following winter almost uninterruptedly, although it did not incommode him much, and very rarely acquired any intensity, and then only for a few moments. It is to this Neuralgia in the infra-orbital region that we desire to invite attention. The Nitrate of Silver may prove homoeopathic to it, more especially if the indication is completed by the presence of the following symptoms which the Doctor experienced at the same time that he complained of the neuralgia. "The action of the heart became somewhat irregular; at times the beats of the heart would intermit, and were accompanied with a peculiarly disagreeable sensation in the chest; when directing his attention to it more intently, he experienced the irregularity more fully, but scarcely any during exercise in the open air. Together with these functional irregularities of the heart, he complained of a continual sensation of fullness in the pit of the stomach; but there was no alteration in his spirits, no attacks of precordial anguish, no impediment to his movements. The palpitation was worse only when he indulged in unusual muscular exertions, such as jumping, ascending the stairs vol. n.—6 62 LECTURE LXIII. without interruption; violent emotions likewise increased it; ma horizontal position, for instance in the evening when in bed, tue above-mentioned disagreeable sensations in the chest were most marked. His sleep was scarcely ever interrupted by palpitation ot the heart." These symptoms all diminished in intensity about the end of winter, and ceased entirely after the summer had set 1m A professional friend was unable to discover any of the physical signs In spite of the most rigid diet and the continued use of the Nitrate during a period of two weeks, the Doctor was unable to dis- cover any alteration in the quality of the pulse, nor did a ther- mometer applied to the back part of the tongue show any signs of a change in the functions of the assimilative sphere of the organism. In Epilepsy the Nitrate of Silver has effected permanent cures. A great deal of speculative reasoning has been indulged in, regard- ing the manner in which this salt developes its curative effects in°this disease. According to Mueller, the Nitrate is particularly adapted to that form of epilepsy which Schoenlein has described as the ganglionic form; Dr. Gray, of New York, holds that it is mainly efficacious in the idiopathic or cerebral form, where the attacks are determined by a primary derangement of the brain, and the gastric or ganglionic symptoms develope themselves incidentally to the cerebral disease. According to Dr. Gray's observations the Nitrate of Silver is in- dicated in disturbances of the brain, and the consequent derangements in the system generally, which have arisen from moral causes. "Epilepsies produced by moral causes (such as very impassioned lay-preaching) are promptly and durably cured by a few small doses of this drug, whilst those proceeding from abdominal irritation, in- dependently of moral causes, are at best but poorly palliated by very large and frequently repeated doses. The same observation must, I am persuaded, hold good with respect to gastric disturbances; those only will be really cured by it which have arisen during too great or too long-continued mental exertion. " The bodily symptoms being similar to those produced by this drug, I should regard it as an indispensable remedy when there are the following moral conditions : "1. A crowd of impulses, to wit: to move, to be busy, which, without any distinct purpose to effect, keeps the patient in continued motion; a state of unrest which gives the appearance of hurry and discontent to all his conduct. "2. The opposite of the foregoing condition; not the calmness of deportment which occurs when the mind is in healthful contempla- tion, but an apathy indicative of a privation of motive or purpose • a state verging upon, and often ending in, perfect imbecility. Or, "3. Errors and defects of perception. The erroneous perceptions in which I have seen Nitrate useful, have been: 1. As to time • the patient constantly fearing he should be too late, and supposing'that one or two hours had elapsed, when not more than a quarter or an eighth of the supposed time had passed, and this all the while, nicrht ARGENTUM NITRICUM. 83 and day, for many weeks together ; and 2. Errors as to the velocity of gait, the patient supposing that he was walking very rapidly when he was in fact moving but very slowly indeed. "Aloreover, I should regard the Nitrate as the remedy (other indi- cations existing for its use) in all severe commotions of the system arising from too great acuteness of the perceptive organs; e. g. certain forms of Epilepsia and Chorea. "It is, I think, probable, that silver will be found as strictly adapted to the cure of morbid perceptions, and their concomitant disturbances in the digestive, motor and genital apparatus, as gold is to the removal of morbid affections, and their consensual motory and genital diseases. However the reader may regard the foregoing speculations of Miiller, he cannot, if he be a thorough student of Hahnemann, permit them to have the slightest weight with him in the choice or rejection of the Nitrate of Silver as a remedy for a case in hand; they are beyond the limits of possible testimony, and for all known purposes of the homoeopathic art would be useless, even if demonstrably true, because'we have no possible means of knowing when the pneumo-gastric nerve or the abdominal ganglia are the essential seat of disease." In addition to these indications we should not overlook the sthenic character of the epilepsy to which the Nitrate is homoeopa- thic. Our provings show that it causes engorgements of the cere- bral vessels and that, for this reason, it is adapted to the cure of those forms of epilepsy where Kriiger resorts to cupping and cold effu- sions, (see Horn's Archive, 1823,) and Kopp (see Memorabilia, Yol. 3,) observes that it is only useful in cases where the attacks seem to depend upon irregularities in the circulation through the cerebral vessels. Krahmerhas a theory on the subject which shows how utterly the phenomena and functions of the vital reaction are disregarded by the chemico-physiological therapeutists. He denies that the Nitrate of Silver acts upon the nervous system and the cerebral functions, and asserts that "in his numerous experiments and investigations of this subject, he has never met with a single fact which places this in- fluence beyond doubt. The preparations of Silver enter into the circulation and the substance of organs as albuminates, oppose the organic metamorphosis with more energy than the normal constitu- ents of the organs, diminish the receptivity of the blood for oxygen, and, in this way, diminish the mass of the material required for the process of decomposition; in one word, these preparations depress the vegetative functions." For this reason Dr. Krahmer ranks the Nitrate of Silver on a level with sanguineous depletions, and only recommends it for epilepsy of an inflammatory type, in the case of robust individuals with active congestions about the brain, and where the attacks are excited by violent commotions of the nervous system. The chemico-physiological therapeutists study the phenomena of disease and drug-action in the sphere of matter exclusively. The effects of drugs are determined solely by miscroscopic examination, 84 LECTURE LXIII. bv the thermometer, by measurement and by chemical analysis. The manner in which the vital forces react against the physical and chemical changes which drugs seek to impress upon the tissues, and the characteristic signs by which this reaction is made manifest to the senses, and by which the contemplating reason is enabled to interpret its essential nature, and its bearing upon pathological disturbances of the functions and correspondingly abnormal meta- morphoses of tissue, seems to be utterly ignored by these otherwise useful and industrious workmen in the great laboratory of nature. A truly rational study of the effects of the Nitrate or other salts of silver would show that, if the vegetative activity of the organism is primarily depressed by their chemical or physical agency, the living brain at once comes to the rescue, endeavoring to counter-balance this depression by exciting the circulatory system to an increased activity which will be more strikingly perceived in robust and plethoric individuals, and, in the case of silver, happens to take place more prominently in the cerebral vessels. From these phenomena of sanguineous reaction in the brain we draw the con- clusion, which indeed seems irresistible, that the salts of silver act upon the brain either directly or indirectly by a process of reflex- action from the ganglionic centres. Practically the relation is immaterial, for the Nitrate of Silver will not cure epilepsy unless the indications for its use are embraced in their integrality, in the sphere of the brain as well as in that of the abdominal ganglia. The symptomatic appearances and their dependence upon each other under the physiological unity of the organism, have to determine our selection of the appropriate remedial agent in this, as well as in all other instances. Krahmer gives some interesting details regarding the form in which the Nitrate of Silver has been prescribed by Old-School practitioners; their experience is highly interesting even to the student and practitioner of Homoeopathy. Wilson exhibited it in the form of pills, prepared with the crumbs of wheaten bread. This "commendable simplicity," as Krahmer terms it, was very soon abandoned in Germany. Reil combined the Nitrate with Opium and the extract of Gentian ; Heim combined it with Opium and the extract of Conium; others with Musk, Camphor, Asafoetida, Yalerian, Guajac, etc. Kahleis used the Nitrate of Silver precipitated in a concentrated decoction of the root of Artemisia. Others, again, have given it dissolved in Malaga- wine, or some other white wine of the finer sort. Those who first prescribed the Nitrate of Silver, only gave from i to I or one whole grain at a dose ; but Nord, Magennis, Kinklake and others, already gave as many as 10, 12 to 18 grains in the course of the day. Experience showed that these rapidly increased doses had scarcely ever a favorable effect, for it is precisely those who were m the habit of exhibiting the Nitrate in such enormous quantities, that have uniformly complained of its inefficiency in the treatment of epilepsy. The consequence is that physicians generall y have returned to the small doses which they increase very gradually ARGENTUM NITRICUM. 85 The majority of the physicians who have been successful in their treatment of epilepsy, have continued the use of the Nitrate for months and years. This course might be recommended as the most appropriate, if it were not attended with the danger of discoloration of the skin. For this reason Johnson proposed never to continue the exhibition of the Nitrate beyond several months, and never to give more than half an ounce in all. Homoeopathic physicians have found 7^ to Toe abnormally excited, and this abnormal excitement may ASAFCETIDA. 109 arise from continued and unnatural abstemiousness. The spirits are depressed or fitful. As detached members of this series we may be called upon to prescribe for Hysteric Hemicrania, with flushed face, heat in the head, dryness of the eyes and consensual gastric derangements such as rancid taste in the mouth, distension of the bowels, rumbling, diarrhoea or constipation. Globus Hystericus or the Hysteric Ball, as if the peristaltic emotions of the intestinal canal were carried on in the reverse order. Diarrhea or Constipation, with watery discharges, or soft papescent and fetid stools or costiveness with continual urging, and scanty dis- charge of hard, dark-colored and badly-smelling faeces; the urine is likewise darker than usual, and has a strong, ammoniacal odor. This condition of the bowels is accompanied by distension of the abdomen, rumbling of the bowels, cutting or crampy pains either preceding or succeeding the alvine discharges. Cardialgia or Gastrodynia when the attack is characterized by cutting pains in the umbilical region, crampy pains in the stomach, burning and soreness in the stomach, and epigastrium increased by pressure being made upon the part, nausea and inclination to vomit, without any vomiting taking place. We have seen that Asafoetida, in the case of our female prover, induced premature menstruation. We may therefore commend it for Premature Menstruation with severe bearing-down and cutting pains in the uterine region, febrile irritation, congestion of blood to the head. These symptoms may likewise characterize a group of Dysmenorrhea, where Asa may therefore prove useful. The action of Asafoetida upon the sexual organs of both the male and female, is remarkably illustrated. In No. 51 of Casper's Journal the following important facts are stated by Dr. Boas: "In consequence of the application of Asafcetida-plasters to the abdomen, I have seen the testes swell considerably, and the pudendum likewise become inflamed and swollen; some time ago, this inflammation became so violent in one case that I had to resort to antiphlogistic treatment. Although the patient was a lady of fifty, and had ceased to men- struate long since, yet the mammae became turgid and secreted a milky fluid, as during the ninth month of pregnancy." Kallenbach, who is a homoeopathic practitioner, guided by this experience, has employed Asafoetida in several cases for the purpose of restoring the milky secretion. These cases have been reported in the Homoeopathic Gazette of 1844, and are likewise quoted by Frank in his instructive Magazine. A woman of thirty-four years, remarkably healthy, and of an athletic frame, who had had six children without being able to nurse one of them, on account of loss of milk which took place soon after each confinement, again gave birth to a child in the month of April, 1843. On the fourth day after her confinement, the milk began to 110 LECTURE LXIV. decrease, so that in a fortnight thereafter only a few drops could be squeezed out of the nipple. Kallenbach mixed a drop of the tinc- ture of Asafoetida in one drachm of alcohol, and gave her three doses of this mixture every day, of five drops each. The second day- after using this mixture, the milk again flowed abundantly, and, on the third, the passages of the infant smelled very strongly of Asafoetida. The preparation was continued for eight days. The milk flowed regularly for three weeks and a half, when it again began to flag. The patient, who complained of the bad taste of the drug, now was put on the third Hahnemannian. potency, which still revealed the taste and odor of the drug. The milk again began to be secreted for eight and thirteen weeks, at which periods it stopped, but was each time restored by the third potency of the drug. In the eighteenth week the woman had a violent fit of anger, in conse- quence of which the milk remained suppressed permanently, in spite of all treatment. In another case the flow of milk was likewise restored whenever it ceased in the case of a primipara, the milk began to vanish in the sixth week, but the flow was permanently restored by the same agent. To these cases Frank adds the following comment: " In these cases we are struck by the efficacy of the small doses, given in accordance with the law 'contraria contrariis.' Both the Old and the New School may profit by this lesson; the Old School may learn from it, that very small doses may become efficient therapeutic agents; and the New School, that not every drug, when exhibited in a very small dose, must necessarily act in accordance with the homoeopathic law." This comment is evidently based upon a misapprehension of the true action of drugs. Every drug produces a double series of phenomena which are in direct or polaric opposition to each other ; one series corresponding with the primary .action of the drug ; the other, opposite to the former, corresponding with the reaction of the antagonizing organism. There is no difficulty in understanding that Asafoetida may be in homoeopathic rapport with Galactorrhoea as well as with Agalactia. Some principle, inimical to the legiti- mate functional life of the sexual system, fastens upon the brain, endeavoring to extinguish its organizing power in this direction; this principle is overcome by the living organism which sets up an opposite condition, thus aiming at a restoration of the suspended equilibrium. Our provings have shown that Asafoetida causes a spasmodic constriction and oppression of the chest, with occasional stitches in the chest, and a burning sensation under the sternum in the middle region; these symptoms are accompanied by slight alteration in the pulse which is rather more accelerated and smaller than usual. This condition of the pulse would seem to show that the character of these symptoms is that of spasm and congestion. An attack of this ASAFCETIDA. Ill kind may occur more or less paroxysmally as a form of hysteria. The symptoms may represent a case of Hysteric Asthma or Hysteric Pulmonary Congestion which may terminate in loose cough with expectoration of mucus. AVe have seen that this drug may likewise cause a tickling in the windpipe and great inclination to cough, with expectoration of mucus. This group of symptoms may likewise occur as a form of hysteria, and might be described as Hysteric Cough, to which women of a florid complexion and ner- vous temperament are sometimes subject and which Asafoetida may either arrest entirely, or at least palliate. In a case of Suppressed Expectoration, in females who are habitually subject to hawking up mucus in the morning or after eating, and who are of an hysteric habit of body and temperament, Asafoetida may sometimes counteract the unpleasant consequences of such a sup- pression, more particularly if it is owing to violent and unpleasant excitement or exposure, and gives rise to fluttering of the heart, oppression and constriction of the chest, burning and dryness in the air-passages, creeping chills. If the suppression is owing to rheu- matic exposure, Aconite may have to be given in alternation with Asafoetida. This agent has been exhibited in some dangerous forms of Whooping-cough, not as a remedy for the cough, but for the pur- pose of palliating the dangerous complications and more especially the suffocating spasm which seems to threaten the life of the little patient. In such cases the drug has to be given in sufficiently large doses to produce a palliating effect. It may be administered in a solution of Gum Arabic flavored with the essence of orange-blossom. A teaspoonful every hour or two hours of the following preparation may be administered : Ten grains of Asa in half an ounce of liquid Gum Arabic, mixed with half an ounce of the syrup of orange- blossom and one ounce of an infusion of linden-blossoms. The spasm being arrested, the cough* afterwards runs a mild course. A small dose of Ipecac, or Belladonna, or sometimes of Aconite may often be preferable to Asafoetida. We have seen that Asafoetida produces rheumatic pains which seem to be of a nervous character. Hence in Nexiralgic Rheumatism, or rather in nervous pains of a rheumatic character without any apparent signs of congestion, Asa may prove useful. The pains are drawing and tearing and affect the articula- tions of the jaws, and may invade the posterior cervical muscles as far as the arms, or they may be felt in both the upper and lower extremities. Asafoetida has been used by alloeopathic physicians in the treat- ment of Scrofulous Caries, Rhachitis, and likewise for Mercurial and Scrofu- lous Ulcers; I am not prepared to affirm that it is of much use in these affections. You will recollect that our provers generally found relief from 112 LECTURE LXV. their pains by a walk in the open air; in determining the homoeo- pathicity of our drug to a given pathological group, this fact may be of importance. Regarding the dose we may use the tincture up to the 6th or 18th potency; the triturated gum-resin may likewise be employed, either in the form of powder or made into little pills by means of Gum Arabic. LECTURE LXV. AURUM METALLICUM. (Metallic Gold.) Of the finest gold-beater's leaf we make triturations in the pro' portion of 1:10 or 1: 100, continuing this potentizing process according to the rules laid down for silver. Hahnemann has furnished some interesting provings of this agent, which, however, do not reveal any very extensive, although in some respects important, therapeutic virtues. The curative virtues of gold have been doubted, and, in fact, denied by a great many practitioners of former times, for no other reason than the theoretical one: that gold is not soluble in the gas- tric fluid. We know that this objection is untenable since many other medicinal substances of extraordinary power are not chemi- cally acted upon by the acids secreted by the stomach. Gold, how- ever, and any other substance, can be made soluble by first destroying the cohesion of its constituent particles, by means of the process of trituration adopted in our School and first invented by Hahnemann. In his brief but interesting introduction to the provings of gold, Hahnemann mentions several authors who have recommended this agent as a medicine for conditions to which it is eminently homoeo- pathic, as is shown by the results of the experiments instituted by Hahnemann and his disciples. Geber, an alchymist of the eighth century, extols gold as a " mate- ria laetificans et in juventute corpus conservans," (a substance which cheers up the mind and preserves the youthfulness of the body.) Serapion the younger, who practised towards the end of the tenth century, says: " Pulverized gold is useful against melancholy and weakness of the heart." Avicenna, at the commencement of the eleventh century, says of it: Pulverized gold is one of the medicines against melancholy, removes fetid breath, is a remedy against baldness, (even when taken internally,) strengthens the eyes, is good for cardialgia and palpita- tion of the heart, and is eminently useful in dyspnoea." Hahnemann states that he has cured several cases of melancholy AURUM METALLICUM. 113 with inclination to suicide by means of a few doses of gold of the one-hundredth of a grain each. He thinks that the one ten-thousandth of a grain will likewise prove efficient. Indeed, caries of the palatine and nasal bones, caused by abuse of Alercury, has been cured by this very small dose. The following series presents a complete list of the affections where Gold has been used as a specific homoeopathic agent with undoubted success: 1. Headache of a congestive character. By our provings, Gold causes: rush of blood to the head; pain in the head as if the brain felt sore, and had been bruised ; semi-lateral, acutely-throbbing, headache; pain in the skull-bones, when lying down, as if they were broken. These symptoms show that Gold may be of great use in Hysteric Hemicrania with rush of blood to the brain, and in Mercurial-syphilitic headaches, with excessive pain in the skull- bones, as if they should be crushed, a violent hard-aching bruising pain. 2. Hypochondriasis, with suicidal mania; our provings show that Gold depresses the spirits, causes melancholy, a longing for death. 3. Hysteria, attended with profuse menstruation. 4. Scrofulous Affections, more particularly when complicated with mercurial and even syphilitic poisoning, such as Ozena, with caries of the nasal bones. Among our provings we note: painfulness of the right nasal bone and of the superior maxilla; swelling of the nose after a walk in the open air; ulceration of the nostrils. • Caries of bones, nasal, palatine, mastoid. Otorrhea, with caries of the ossicula. Exostosis of skull and pelvic bones. Our provings have: osseous tumor on the right side of the vertex, with boring pain which is made worse by contact; small osseous tumor on the left side of the forehead. Orchitis of a chronic nature. Our provings show: swelling of the lower portion of the right testicle, with aching pain when touching or rubbing the parts, commencing at six o'clock for several even- ings in succession, and disappearing again about eleven. Chronic Catarrh, with purulent discharge from the nose. Fetid Breath. Palpitation of the Heart, especially when arising from a rheumatic or arthritic diathesis, or from excessive loss of blood. Dierbach mentions the following interesting case illustrative of the curative virtues of Gold in this affection : A lady was attacked with haemorrhage from the womb in conse- quence of the expulsion of a mole. Palpitation of the heart, anxiety and violent congestion to the upper organs, which are the usual results of the increased efforts of the heart to keep up the equili- brium of the circulation, set in with great violence alter the arrest of the haemorrhage. Nothing seemed to be of any avail to counteract this weakness but Gold, of which one-sixth of a grain was prescribed vol. n.—8 114 LECTURE LXV. three times a day. After taking a few doses, the patient began to improve, the improvement being attended with a violent itching of the soles of the feet which spread thence over the whole body, but gradually disappeared in a few days. The patient took in all two grains of Gold. Similar results were observed in other cases where violent palpitation, rush of blood, oppressive anxiety even unto fainting, were the consequences of metrorrhagia after confinement. Aurum proved the best restorer of the vital energies. In syphilitico-mercurial affections, where Gold is indicated, the Muriate of Gold will be found to act with much more intensity than metallic gold, and, as a general rule, is preferred by homoeopathic physicians in all such affections. According to Chrestien, the Muriate of Gold acts similarly to cor- rosive sublimate, except that it does not irritate the salivary glands as powerfully as the bichloride of mercury. Taken to the extent of one-tenth of a grain daily, it has occasioned violent fever. This fever, according to Chrestien, if restrained within proper limits, is not accompanied with any remarkable or even sensible lesion of the functions. The mouth is good, the tongue moist, the appetite con- tinues, the bowels are not disordered, and there is ordinarily only augmentation of urine and transpiration; but, if carried too far, we incur the risk of producing general erethism, inflammation of this or that organ, according to the predisposition of the patient, which will not only check the treatment, but may even induce a new disease often more troublesome than the original one. One-fifteenth of a grain has occasioned gastric irritation, dryness of the tongue, redness of the throat, colic and diarrhoea*. Alagendie has seen it cause gastritis, accompanied by cramps and pains in the limbs, agitation, loss of sleep, and afterwards great heat of the skin, obstinate sleeplessness and fatiguing erections. These physiological effects of the Chloride of Gold may occur as elements of a group of mercurial and syphilitic poisoning. As an antidote to Mercury, mercurial stomatitis, ptyalism, ulcers, this agent deserves our highest regard. The fact that it abnormally increases the flow of urine, has led to its employment in Albuminuria, where a cure has been effected with the 6th potency of the drug even after the full development of ascites. A case of this kind, successfully treated, is related by Dr. Wurmb of the Yienna Hospital. Frank reports a case of Incontinence of Urine which was cured by the Muriate of Gold. The patient was an old man who had had the dropsy ; the inconti- nence was most probably owing to a paralytic condition of the uri- nary bladder, and was particularly troublesome at night. Yet the diuretic property of the Aluriate is a well-established°fact, so much so, that Dr. Delafield, of New York, recommends this drug, alloeopa- thically, in diseases which depend upon a suppression or considerable decrease of the urinary secretions. Syphilitic Inflammation of internal organs, heart, luno-s, stomach ■ AURUM METALLICUM. 115 or rheumatic inflammation of these organs in persons whose consti- tutions are undermined by the syphilitic virus, may be materially benefited and often cured by the use of the Muriate of Gold. Condylomata at the anus and on the prepuce, have yielded to the internal and external use of this agent. Chancres which failed to yield to mercurial treatment; more par- ticularly flat chancrous ulcerations on the scrotum and prepuce, have been cured by the Muriate of Gold. Nocturnal Erections, which remain after mercurial treatment, and drive the patient to despair, may be subdued by this drug. A mismanaged Gonorrhea with inability to retain the urine, con- tinual urging to urinate, stricture of the urethra, has been thoroughly cured with the Muriate of Gold. In these syphilitic affections, it may be necessary to give this agent in doses of Tti0 to T'g of a grain. Alloeopathic practitioners give much larger doses. In some of these cases, this drug may have to be continued for several months. A man who was affected with constitutional syphilis, and who had been thoroughly saturated with mercurials, had obstinate nodes on each tibia with violent bone-pains. The Muriate of Gold restored him perfectly after using it for eight months. Another syphilitic patient was covered all over with sores, and carious ulcerations of the articulations of the extremities. He was emaciated and had hectic fever. All treatment had been unavailing. The Muriate of Gold cured him gradually but perfectly, after a per- severing use of this agent for ten months. The right elbow-joint remained anchylosed, but painless. The scrofulous element may often be extinguished by this agent. Ascites depending upon diseased liver, has been cured with the Muriate of Gold, when every other remedy failed. Anasarca, after fever and ague, and likewise after scarlatina, has yielded to this drug, when other well-tried remedies had failed. Blepharophthalmia, with swelling and inflammation, and scurfy incrustations on the lids, has yielded to the internal and external employment of the Muriate of Gold; for external use, a solution of two grains in six ounces was prepared. Herpetic Ulcerations and scrofulous sores on the extremities have been cured with the Muriate of Gold. Dr. Keil states in the " Zeitschrift fur Homoeop. Klinik," Yol. Ill, No. 24, that a robust female was attacked with a stitching pain in the left side of the forehead, and a similar pain in a decayed tooth of the same side, whenever she took a dose of the Aluriate of Gold. This peculiar effect of the drug certainly shows that in Hemicrania, where this stitching pain constitutes a leading symptom, the Muriate of Gold may manifest curative powers. It 116 LECTURE LXV. matters not whether the pain is of a scrofulous, arthritic or syphili- tico-mercurial nature. Poisonous effects of the Chloride of Gold are antidoted by the same means which we use in cases of poisoning with Corrosive Sub- limate. Our principal antidote is the white of eggs. BISMUTHUM, (Nitrate of Bismuth) This is a compound of Bismuth and Nitric acid. Christison re- ports a case of poisoning with Bismuth which is more fully stated in AVibmer's Toxicology, and seems to be the only case of poisoning on record: A man took two drachms by mistake, and died therefrom on the ninth day. In addition to the usual symptoms of gastro-enteritis, there was a disordered condition of the nervous system, indicated by cramps of the hands and feet, disordered vision and delirium. It is deserving also of remark that there were difficulty of breathing and salivation. A post-mortem examination showed inflammation throughout the alimentary canal, accompanied here and there by gangrenous spots; the spinal vessels were gorged with blood, par- ticularly towards the cauda equina ; there was fluid in the cerebral ventricles; and the-inner surface of both ventricles of the heart was very red. This case shows that Bismuth exerts a most powerful specific action upon the cerebro-spinal axis, more particularly upon the spinal marrow, and through it, upon the various parts of the diges- tive tube. Hahnemann has left us a few interesting provings of this agent confirmatory of the toxicological results. These provings are more particularly distinguished by the following symptoms of gastric derangement. " Slight nausea, pressure at the stomach passing into a burning pressure in the frontal region, vertigo with humming in the ears, redness of the conjunctiva, and quick, rather hard, small pulse. "Yomiting with oppressive anxiety, small pulse, vertigo and prostration. " Yomiting and diarrhoea, with retching and burning in the throat. " Spasmodic retching and pain in the stomach. " Burning pain and oppression in the stomach, with frontal head- ache, vertigo, contracted, hard and frequent pulse, warm skin, coated tongue, flatulence, bilious stools. " Frequent emissions of watery urine." A few instructive provings with massive doses of the dru^ are reported by AYibmer. AYerneck gave six grains of the Nitrate of Bismuth to four young BISMUTHUM. 117 ladies from eighteen to twenty-one years old, on an empty stomach, and to six robust men between the ages of twenty and thirty. Eight of these persons experienced no symptoms whatsoever. Two of the girls experienced, one hour after taking the drug, some degree of heat and dulness of the head; the pulse became somewhat accele- rated, small and tense. One of these girls ate her dinner and supper with an appetite, slept well; her tongue was moist and red; the urine remained normal; next morning, early, she had some griping in the bowels, followed by two liquid, somewhat bilious stools. The other girl, an hour after taking the drug, complained of a pain in the frontal region, and some dizziness when moving about; in two hours, heat in the whole body; the pulse was some-. what accelerated, contracted, the temperature of the skin not increased, no perspiration. Three hours after: frequent empty eructations, feeling of malaise in. the stomach ; soon after, a liquid stool, which was, however, not bilious. A boy of six years complained of nausea, followed by inodorous eructations, without the least symptom of pain. Eight robust men took respectively six, eight, ten and twelve grains ; they experienced headache, vertigo, and the pulse was con- tracted. This was followed by pressure in the region of the stomach, and empty eructations. A robust man of twenty-eight years swallowed fifteen and next day twenty grains. He was attacked with headache, vertigo, pres- sure in the forehead, heat all over the body. The conjunctiva was considerably reddened, the pulse tense and contracted, the tongue somewhat coated. Three hours and a half after taking the drug, he experienced a troublesome pressure and burning in the stomach; half an hour after, he belched up a good deal of wind. Another man took fifteen grains; he had the same symptoms, but more slightly, eructations followed by thin bilious stools. A robust man of forty, swallowed forty grains at one dose. In half an hour, he had pressure at the stomach, vertigo, headache, especially in the frontal region, red eyes, dimness of sight. Tongue slightly coated, taste bitter, thirst increased, appetite gone, pulse small, tense and jerking. In one hour: burning at the stomach, violent eructations, griping in the bowels, slight vomiting of bile, and afterwards a liquid, bilious stool. Werneck himself took twenty grains, from which he experienced pressure at. the stomach, rumbling in the bowels, frontal headache, vertigo, redness of the conjunctiva, eructations, burning at the stomach, bilious vomiting, oppression of breathing, increased fre- quency and volume of the pulse. These symptoms show a great deal of uniformity in the action of Bismuth, and reveal, to some extent, the curative range of this agent with remarkable distinctness. In Gastrodynia and even Gastritis characterized by the above-men- tioned symptoms, and accompanied by symptoms of crebral derange- ment, such as : frontal headache, vertigo, humming in the ears, and 118 LECTURE LXV. perhaps by inflammatory irritation of the conjunctiva, Bismuth is a most valuable agent. AAre know from the post-mortem examination in the above-men- tioned case of poisoning, that Bismuth has a specific inflammatory action upon the internal surface of the ventricles; and we know from our provings, that it causes violent beating of the heart. In Endocarditis accompanied by inflammatory irritation of the stomach and by cerebral symptoms analogous to those which I have described before, Bismuth may be thought of as a useful agent, in connection with Aconite, Pulsatilla, and other drugs. In a case of poisoning we have to evacuate the poison from the stomach, and afterwards use albuminous and emollient drinks, such as milk. If inflammation has set in, we resort to Aconite. This drug has been woefully abused by Old-School practitioners. More recently, a French physician, Dr. Alonneret, has been in the habit of giving it in such incredible quantities that the apothecaries hesitated to put up his prescriptions. " From whatever cause pain manifest itself during digestion," writes this humane genius in the Gazette Medicale for June, 1849, " we may relieve it by mixing the subnitrate freely with the articles of food." He has never given less than two or three drachms daily, nor more than twenty. He declares that he never saw any inconvenience to follow these doses, and that he gives it to the children in his hospital by tablespoonfuls, so innoc uous does he regard it. Commenting upon these facts, Professor Mitchell of Jefferson College, writes: " We are not prepared to deny the truth of these statements, but really it does seem to us, that such wholesale admi- nistration looks very much like an argument in favor of the poetry of Homoeopathy." May the Professor feel disposed to listen to the argument, and turn homoeopathic poet! BORAX. The term borax comes originally from the Arabian baurach, a name which the Arabians applied to the nitrum of the Greeks. Subsequently, after the difference between nitrum and borax became known, the term borax was exclusively applied to the latter article. Borax or the Biborate of Soda is found in a lake in Thibet, Asia, the water of which contains common salt and borax in solution. The latter crystallizes on the edges and shallows of the lake, and is taken up in large masses, which are broken and dried. It is im- ported from Calcutta under the name of Tinkar (Persian for borax) or Tincana (Hindoo name for borax,) in the form of flattened, six- sided prisms. Borax of a superior quality is found in China. Refined Borax is obtained from the commercial Borax by destroy- BROMIUM. 119 ing the fatty matter which coats the crystals of tincal; various pro- cesses are resorted to for this purpose which we cannot detail here. In homoeopathic practice we use this drug chiefly for the Aphthae of nursing infants. A few grains of the salt may be dissolved in half a cupful of tepid water, with which solution the mouth may be washed every time the infant has nursed. It is likewise recommended as a good remedy for a flow of the Menses during the period of nursing. For Hepatic Spots ; and for the Acne with which plethoric young females are sometimes troubled, Ilufeland recommends a wash consisting of a solution of Borax in rose-water, half a drachm of the former to an ounce of the latter. The solution is applied three or four times daily, and left to dry. In all recent cases, a few drops are sufficient to remove the difficulty. This proceeding is likewise resorted to by many homoeopathic physicians, and seems to be harmless as far as the general constitution is con- cerned. If these eruptions are of long standing, and symptomatic of chronic liver-complaint, internal treatment has to be resorted to. BROMIUM. (Bromine) Discovered by Ballard of Montpelier in 1826. He at first termed it muride (from muria, brine,) in allusion to the substance from which he projcured it; but at the suggestion of Gay Lussac, he altered this name to that of brome or bromine (from bromos, a stink,) on account of its unpleasant odor. Bromine is obtained from bittern, the mother-liquor of sea-water, from which chloride of sodium has been separated by crystallization; from kelp, or from the mother-ley of the salt-springs near Kreuz- nach in Germany. We have some very excellent provings of this agent and of some of its salts, instituted by Hcering, Butzke, Wernek and Heimer- dinger with small and large doses. Hoering belongs to the progressive men in the great School of Aledicine who are not ashamed of admitting, that the true action of drugs must be studied by experimentation upon the healthy. He shows that " the morbific or disease-begetting properties of drugs constitute, on the other hand, their therapeutic powers, whence we have a right to infer, from the effect of drugs upon the healthy body, what are their curative virtues against certain diseases; all we require to know, in order to cure most cases of sickness, are the effects which medicines are capable of producing in healthy persons by administering them in quantities just large enough to affect them." Dr. Hoering prepared a solution of six drops of Bromine to half an ounce of alcohol; of this solution he swallowed six and eight drops, and experienced the following symptoms: nauseous taste of the 120 LECTURE LXV. liquid; rough, disagreeable sensation in the pharynx and slight pinching in the bowels. There was an increased flow of saliva. After having taken seventy-two drops in all, the evacuations became papescent. In the evening he was attacked with an oppressive anxiety, oppression about the heart, and some headache. The pulse remained unaltered. After swallowing about one hundred and eighty drops in the course of a fortnight, the pulse became rather slow and hard. Forty drops caused diarrhoea, acrid burning from the throaty to the stomach, excessive nausea, with desire to vomit, ptyalism, diffi- cult and painful inspirations ; a few hours after swallowing this dose, he was attacked with headache, violent stitches in the lungs; when attempting to draw a long breath, he had to cough several times; his pulse was full, rather hard, at first a little slower than usual, but afterwards rising to eighty or eighty-five beats in the minute. The urinary secretion seemed somewhat increased. Butzke obtained the same symptoms, except the alterations in the alvine secretions; these remained natural even after swallowing thirty drops of a solution of thirty drops of Bromine in four ounces of water. Five drops of Bromine in half an ounce of distilled water, swal- lowed before breakfast, caused an immediate paroxysm of suffocative cough, the breathing was somewhat embarrassed, he had to gasp for air; in the fauces he experienced a disagreeable, astringent sensation followed by burning and soreness, ptyalism, increased secretion of mucus in the mouth and nose, frequent eructations, vomiturition, with rising of a quantity of phlegm in the oesophagus. Disagreeable sensation of warmth in the abdomen, pulse seventy (ordinarily sixty- four;) a few minutes after, slight attack of giddiness, accompanied with loathing; tongue remained moist. Eight drops caused all these symptoms, and a natural evacuation from the bowels, attended with some tenesmus. Inhalations of the vapors of Bromine have caused violent oppres- sion on the chest, cough, troublesome burning in the eyes with spas- modic contraction of the orbicularis palpebrarum muscle, increased flow of tears and dullness of the head. In twelve minutes, bleeding at the nose, which afforded relief; pulse somewhat accelerated. These effects are recorded by Heimerdinger. Several weeks previous to the conclusion of these experiments, Hoering broke out with boils on various parts of his body, particu- larly in the left axilla and on the left arm where the Bromide of Potassium, the provings of which will be mentioned in the chapter on the preparations of Kali, had been applied endermatically. These boils were attributed by Hoering to the influence of the Bromine, since he had never .before been afflicted with them. If one of them healed, two others broke out in its place. He had no rest day or night, and had finally to cure himself by resorting to the springs at Wildbad. Andral has instituted a number of experiments with Bromine on BROMIUM. 121 arthritic patients in the Hospital la Pitie. The result of large doses of the tincture and salts of Bromine in chronic arthritis was to deaden perfectly and rapidly the pain in the joints. This treatment cannot be imitated by a practitioner who acknowledges the law "Similia Similibus" as the true principle of Therapeutics; but we may take cognizance and avail ourselves of the medicinal effects which these massive doses have produced, as therapeutic indications. Two drops of the tincture produced no other sensation than that which is experienced in the mouth and throat when swallowing a spoonful of brandy. From six to eight drops produced a quarter of an hour after taking; the drug, a tingling sensation in the fingers, twitchings in the feet and in the neighborhood of the knees. These symptoms occurred from time to time during the night, and were even felt on the following morning. A quarter of an hour after these first effects of the drug were felt, the patient likewise complained of colic and rumbling in the bowels. Ten drops induced in a quarter of an hour a feeling of weight on the stomach, drowsiness, eructations, colic, hawking. One hour after swallowing the drug, the patient experienced from the wrist as far as a little below the elbow, a sensation of tightness as if these parts had been in a vice; soon after lancinating pains darted through the fingers and flashed through the whole head; afterwards these symp- toms disappeared, and the patient enjoyed a remarkable feeling of quiet. The same group of symptoms occurred every day after each similar dose. The doses were gradually increased to 45 drops. This quantity produced such a violent sensation of burning and acridity, that the patient's face and limbs seemed for some moments convulsed. After this he experienced a desire to vomit and violent retching, but he never vomited. In about five minutes these symptoms disappeared, and the patient was not further inconvenienced by the drug. His appetite was excellent, and his digestive functions were in perfect order. Andral's disciple, Dr. Four net, who relates these experiments, informs'us that under the use of Bromine the appetite and digestive functions of their patients, and their general health improved more and more. Bromine tinges the skin yellow and gradually deadens it. Homoeopathic physicians make alcoholic attenuations of the tinc- ture of Bromine, but they are used less frequently than watery attenuations prepared at the time when they are required. A drop of the tincture in ten tablespoonfuls of distilled water, makes a pretty strong solution. A tablespoonful of this solution may again be mixed with ten tablespoonfuls of water. This second solution is strong enough for all practical purposes. In chronic affections the alcoholic potencies have been'employed as high as the 12th and 30th. An alcoholic solution of the pure Bromine has a beautiful deep-red color, a strong and unpleasant odor, and an acrid taste. It is ex- 122 LECTURE LXV. ceedingly volatile, and should be kept in a dark vial provided with a glass stopper, and to be kept in a cool place. Bromine has a range of action similar to that of Jodine, more par- ticularly in affections of the respiratory organs. It may be employed in Bronchial Catarrh, with a sensation as if the air-passages were full of smoke, a rough and scraping feeling, with oppression of breathing. Bromine may be of use in Pulmonary Affections, more particu- larly when partaking of the nature of Tubercular Disease, with sudden paroxysms of suffocative cough, embarrassed respiration, violent stitches through the lungs, headache, pulse somewhat accelerated, full and soft; tendency to diarrhoea. Bromine has been used by homoeopathic practitioners in Membranous Croup, more particularly in the last stage of the disease, with variable and rather doubtful success. In Diarrhea depending upon a scrofulous element, watery or slimy, with irritation of the mesenteric ganglia, this agent may prove of great use. Some homoeopathic physicians have recommended Bromine for Hypertrophy of the heart; it causes a few marked symptoms in the region of the heart, such as oppression and anxiety; but we have as yet no clinical experience to adduce corroborative of the homoeopathicity of Bromine to hypertrophy of the heart. This agent seems homoeopathic to the Furuncular Diathesis; Hoering's experiments have shown this very satisfactorily. Bromine may possibly be of use to us in the treatment of Neuralgic Rheumatism; the symptoms experienced by one of Andral's patients seems to point to this affection: colicky pains and rumbling in the bowels, a feeling of constriction in the lower arms, tingling in the fingers succeeded by lancinating pains in the fingers and around the head. In cases of poisoning we resort to the same antidotal treatment which has been recommended for Iodine. The first thing to be done is to remove the poison from the stomach by means of emetics, after which we administer tepid demulcents, more especially such as con- tain a good deal of amylaceous matter, such as starch, wheaten flour, potatoes, sago, arrow-root; these should be boiled in water and ad- ministered _ without stint. The Bromine combining with the amy- laceous principles, a compound is obtained which has very little local action. If nothing else is within reach, milk, eggs beat up with water, or even tepid water merely, may be given to produce vomiting. Barthey recommends Magnesia. The effect of Bromine-inhalations can be neutralized by the vapors of Ammonia. Hoering found in his experiments that the water of Ammonia antidotes the pure Bromine as well as the Bromine diluted with water. CALCARIA. 123 LECTURE LXVI. CALCARIA, (Lime) The salts of lime are important constituents of the human frame. They are found in large proportion in the bones, and, indeed, in every animal tissue. They not only fulfil important physiological uses in the development and support of the animal frame, but they are like- wise useful therapeutic agents when these uses are interfered with by inimical principles of disease. In the homoeopathic school, we employ the following salts of lime as medicinal agents: CALCARIA CARBONICA. ( Carbonate of Lime) This preparation is made of oyster-shells. Brush off the dirt, boil them for half an hour in water feebly acidulated with muriatic acid; put a layer of them in a wind-furnace upon a layer of glowing char- coal, then alternate layers of common charcoal and shells; fan to a glow until the shells are perfectly white and can easily be pulverized; take them cautiously out of the fire, and expose them to the air until the lime has imbibed sufficient carbonic acid. After a while, pour diluted acid upon a little powder, to see whether all the caustic lime has disappeared ; reduce the mass to powder, which, if sifted, should be of a dazzling white and loose. We make triturations. CALCARIA ACETICA. (Acetate of Lime) Made of the former by boiling it in acetic acid ; dilute the neu- tral liquid a little; then filter, evaporate by a gentle heat; make the first decimal solution by means of one part of strong alcohol and three parts of distilled water; next attenuate with dilute alcohol, and after that with strong alcohol. Preserve the acetate in a well- stopped bottle, with a little alcohol floating over it. 124 LECTURE LXVI. CALCARIA CAUSTICA, (Oxide of Calcium) Roast oyster-shells to a red heat, longer than is required for the Carbonate of Lime; then triturate in a mortar, sift through linen, and preserve in air tight vials; we make a tincture of this substance with dilute spirits of wine, of a straw-yellow color, caustic taste and calcareous odor. CALCARIA PHOSPHORICA, (Phosphate of Lime) Prepared by mixing together watery solutions of the acetate ^ of lime and phosphate of soda. Wash the phosphate of lime (which goes down as a crystalline powder), collect upon a filter and dry it; it is a white, loose powder, having a chalky taste. AYe make tritu- rations. CALCARIA SULPHURATA, (Sulphuret of Lime, Hepar sulphuris, Liver of Sulphur) Mix equal parts of caustic lime and pure sulphur, pound to a lump in an earthen crucible, cover this with a layer of moist pow- dered chalk from half an inch to one inch thick; then cover it with a lid; expose the mass to a gentle fire, increasing rapidly as soon as it begins to glow; keep it for half an hour at a red heat; take it out, cool slowly; remove the covering layer of chalk; the yellowish- white contents are preserved in well stoppered, dark vials. AYe make triturations, and also a tincture with dilute spirits of wine. CALCARIA CARBONICA, Calcaria carbonica is found in Nature, in form of chalk, marble, marie, plaster, crustaceae, mother-of-pearl, red and white corals, snail-shells, egg-shells, oyster-shells, and crab's eyes and claws of crabs. Crab's eyes are two hard pale-red bodies on the sides of the stomach. Physicians of the dominant school use: chalk, conchae praeparatae and crab's eyes. The uses of Calcaria not being under- stood by Old-School physicians, it is therefore recommended empiri- cally for opposite diseases. Goelis cured with pulverized snail-shells scrofulosis and rhachitis; according to Richter, it developes a dispo- CALCARIA. 125 sition to these diseases; Richter teaches that lime is a diaphoretic, and Pringle and Camper recommend it for the colliquative sweats of consumptive persons; Yogt tells us that lime causes dyspepsia; Blanc gives it for troubles arising from deficient digestion. Calcaria acts upon definite systems, enveloping membranes; upon the fibrous, mucous, serous, osseous, cutaneous, and abdominal ner- vous systems; it is adapted to abnormal conditions of reproduction ; hence it is useful in scrofulosis and rhachitis; it is suitable for lymphatic constitutions, venous-haemorrhoidal, plethoric individuals, and for such as are subject to blennorrhoea, glandular swellings, enlargement of the abdomen, profuse menstruation, hysteria, melan- cholia. It is more adapted to children and females than to males. I am disposed to think that Calcaria, although an'agent of import- ance and undoubted efficacy, yet has been overrated as regards the extent of its curative powers. Old-School practitioners use it prin- cipally for its antacid and astringent qualities. In the hands of homoeopathic physicians, this agent is used much more extensively and likewise more correctly than it is in the hands of their opponents. Ranging the pathogenesis of this drug under our usual categories, we obtain the following results: CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. Dr. Schreter has cured a chronic headache in the case of a scrofu- lous patient; the headache was worse during exercise in the open air, by a change of weather and by some violent emotion. Hysteric Hemicrania, with eructations, nausea and feeling of cold- ness in the head. ORBITAL GROUP. Calcaria has caused a pressure and burning in the eyes, with redness and sensation as of a foreign body in the eyes. Swelling and redness of the eyelids, with ulceration and suppurative aggluti- nation over night. Profuse lachrymation in the open air (epiphora.) Photophobia, dimness and specks of the cornea (leucoma.) In accordance with these effects of Calcaria, this agent has been used in Scrofulous Ophthalmia, with lachrymation, eruptions around the eyes, photophobia, agglutination of the lids, stinging pains, twitch- ing of the lids. It has also been used for Scrofulous Blepharophthalmia, with redness, swelling and scurfi- ness of the lids. Leucoma of the cornea, specks of the cornea, photophobia. Epiphora, profuse lachrymation in the open air. In these affections, Old-School oculists have used lime-water on account of its astringent properties. On this account, Richter re- commends it for Hypopyon (purulent eye), and Beer used injections of lime-water in Fistula lachrymal is. Calcaria has likewise been useful in 126 LECTURE LXVI. Amblyopia, or amaurotic weakness, with dimness of vision, sparks, presbyopia. Frank reports that a woman of sixty-six years, who had been troubled with weakness of sight for some years past, accidentally got some lime-water into her eye. Yery soon after this accidental medication she fancied she saw more light; she, therefore, continued the use of the lime-water, and her sight improved so that she was able to use her eyes without experiencing the blurs which had troubled her so much. AURICULAR AND FACIAL GROUPS. iEgidi has used Calcaria in Scrofulous Otorrhea, and for Deafness, setting in after suppression of fever and ague. Calcaria is recommended for a variety of affections of the nose, where it has effected total or partial cures. Scrofulous Nasitis, with swelling, redness and painfulness of the nose. Ozena, with discharge of green and yellowish pus from the nose. Anosmia, loss of smell, with dryness of the Schneiderian membrane. DENTAL AND BUCCAL GROUPS. We use Calcaria for Toothache of pregnant females. Difficult Dentition; it causes heat and swelling of the gums, with throbbing and sensitiveness to contact, ptyalism. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. Ricter, Yogt and Hufeland testify to the fact that the use of the carbonate of lime causes loss of appetite, and from my own experi- ence I can assert that it causes a rising of an acrid alkaline fluid off the stomach. It also causes distension of the bowels; large doses cause constipation ; small doses may loosen the bowels as a sign of organic reaction. In accordance with these indications we give Calcaria for Anorexia, as a sign of scrofulosis, particularly in the case of young girls; they manifest a perfect indifference to food, a complete atony of the mucous membrane of the stomach, with depression of spirits, loss of flesh, debility. Pyrosis, acrid rising off the stomach, of an alkaline character. Cardialgia, with pressure at the stomach, vomitin°- of food, burn- ing at the stomach. Vomiting of Milk, in the case of little infants; the milk comes up again curdled. r Status Gastricus, with slimy mouth, slimy coating on the tongue insipid taste in the mouth. ° ' Chronic Constipation, with swelling of the bowels. CALCARIA. 127 Diarrhea, slimy, badly-smelling, particularly in the case of chil- dren, during dentition. Colliquative Diarrhea in consumption, gastromalacia; here it may act as a palliative. Ascarides, for which Hufeland gave lime-water with mucilaginous substances, and Richter used injections of lime-water into the vagina, if the ascarides were lodged in this passage. In Fistula of the Rectum, a scrofulous suppuration and ulceration of the rectum, Calcaria may be used. Calcaria may be employed with some show of reason in Chronic Ascites, when the patient complains of aching, stinging and sore pains in the region of the liver. URINARY AND SEXUAL GROUPS. Calcaria has been recommended for diabetes, unfortunately with very little benefit. It seems to excite the sexual desire, cause erections, nocturnal emissions; hence we use it for such weaknesses. We have also treated with it Burning Ulcers on the glans, stitches in the glans, inflammation of the prepuce, with heat and pain. It causes profuse and premature menses and a burning and itching leucorrhea. AVe use it both in- ternally and as an injection. Chlorosis, with pallid countenance, anorexia, costive bowels or diarrhoea, may yield to Calcaria. RESPIRATORY GROUP. Calcaria causes a feeling of roughness of the larynx; in phthisicky patients, large doses of Calcaria tighten the cough and cause oppres- sion. This agent causes a painful sensitiveness of the chest, oppres- sion, dyspnoea, cough with yellow or green fetid pus, hoemoptysis, a tuberculous and purulent condition of the lungs. Gmelin says, in his History of Mineral Poisons: workers in lime have pleurisy, spitting of blood, slow phthisis and ulceration of the lungs; and Stenzel writes: women who were employed in scratching lime from walls, were attacked with chlorosis, pulmonary phthisis and indura- tion of the intestines. Frank says that in 1795, a quantity of white cloth for uniforms was ordered, which had to be furnished in a very short time. The wool-carders who had to inhale the pulverized chalk, complained of loss of appetite, shortness of breath, spasmodic cough and occasion- ally spitting of blood. It is well-known that this class of mechanics is subject to cough, asthma, haemoptysis and tubercular phthisis. We have become convinced by abundant experience that, if Cal- caria is indicated in these affections, the middle and higher potencies are much more suitable than the lower. 128 LECTURE LXVI. EXANTHEMATIC GROUP. Calcaria may be found useful in Chronic Urticaria; Tinea Capitis, with falling off of the hair; Chronic Rash and Eczema, with burning, which Hufeland cured with an ointment consisting of equal parts of lime-water and almond oil; Gutta Rosacea in the face, complicated with dyspepsia; Crusta Lactea, having assumed a chronic form; Humid Scurfy Eruptions and herpes, with burning distress, exu- dation of a sero-albuminous fluid; Eczema Impetiginosum and Pemphigus, when accompanied by derangements in the urinary system; according to Schcenlein and Fuchs, the contents of the pemphigus-vesicles react acid, have a urinous smell, and a urinous fluid is discharged from under the crusts. Calcaria has likewise been given for Panaritia, soreness of children, boils, scrofulous ulcers, scrofulous ulceration of the hip and knee-joints, steatomata, encysted tumors, and glandular enlargements. FEYER-GROUP. In Hectic fever, with night-sweats ; more particularly as an accom- panying symptom of phthisis, Calcaria may diminish the exhausting sweats. In the affections to which Calcaria is homoeopathic, the presence of a depressed condition of the mind is an additional indication for Calcaria. CALCARIA PHOSPHORATA. The Phosphate of Lime is more particularly adapted to scrofulous affections of bones, ramollissement, curvatures of the vertebral column, spina bifida. Lehmann says of this salt that " it is the most important of all the mineral substances which, by their physical properties, are of service in the animal body. The use of its presence in the bones, where it gives solidity and strength to the osseous skeleton, is at once apparent. Bones, deficient in this salt, are at once deficient in firm- ness ; thus we observe that softening of the bones occurs in those conditions when the animal organism does not receive a sufficient supply of Phosphate of lime, or when certain physiological processes require an increased consumption of this salt, as in pregnancy and during the dentition of children. We need hardly remark that rhachitis frequently, if not always, occurs simultaneously with the period of dentition, that the consumption of the Phosphate of lime during pregnancy is often so great that scarcely any traces of it can be found in the urine, and that, during this period of woman's life,' CALCARIA PHOSPHORATA. 129 fractures unite with extreme difficulty, and sometimes do not unite at all." AVhat now is to be done to remedy an existing deficiency of this salt in the bones or tissues generally ? According to the theory of chemists, if we may regard Lehmann as an exponent of their views, "the Phosphate of Lime, and the earths generally, are only mechanically deposited in the bones; this is obvious from the circumstances that we can so thoroughly deprive them of all mineral constituents by dilute hydrochloric acid, that they leave scarcely a trace of ash." It may be legitimately inferred from this statement, that all we have to do in order to furnish the tissues with a sufficient supply of the Phosphate of Lime, is to introduce this salt into the organism ready made. In this business, chemists seem to overlook the fact that the organism, or rather the organizing life-force in the brain, has to assimilate this salt to the tissues; that a deficiency of this salt occurs simply from the fact that the assimilative element in the brain is deficient in normal strength, and that this deficiency on the part of the brain, is depending upon the presence of some inimical principle which Hahnemann designates as the psoric miasm, and which modern pathologists describe as a scrofulous or strumous dyscrasia. What is required is to neutralize this element which embarrasses or strikes down the functional activity of the brain. The chemist says: Introduce quantities of the Phosphate of Lime into the stomach, that it may be mechanically absorbed and deposited in the tissues. The physiological vitalist wants to see the Phosphate introduced as a modifier of the abnormal action of the tissue. The homoeopathist who adopts my own mode of reasoning, believes that the Phosphate may neutralize the inimical power which prevents the brain from fulfilling its assimilative functions. Some practitioners of our school imagine that this object is best attained by means of the middle and higher potencies of the Phosphate, others incline to the lower preparations. Frank mentions a number of cases in his Alagazines, where large quantities of the Phosphate of lime effected cures in these affections; particularly Craniomalacia (softening of the skull-bones); spinal Curvatures ; Spina bifida. A case of this last-named disease is suffi- ciently interesting to be related more in detail: The child was eleven days old. At the lower extremity of the vertebral column, a little above the os sacrum, a blue-red, fluctu- ating tumor was seated on the vertebral column; it had a broad base and two hard elevations on each side. Pressure on the tumor caused violent manifestations of pain, and twitchings of the cold extremities which were excoriated by the acrid urine and the diarrhoeic stools. Shortly after, the tumor discharged a bloody ichor, and the fissure, which was about an inch wide, became distinctly visible. Under the internal use of the Phosphate of Lime, the child began to nurse and the stools became less frequent and assumed a bilious tinge. On the third day, the opening of the tumor closed, the skin became normal, except that it still looked bright-red; it was pain- VOL. II.—9 130 LECTURE LXVI. less and the tumor had entirely disappeared. Gradually the fissure closed, and the child got perfectly well without the least trace ot convulsions or paralysis of the lower extremities. The preparation which was used in this case, and in all the other cases of rhachitis reported by Frank, consisted of pulverized calcined bone, of which a teaspoonful was given three or four times a day, mixed with a similar quantity of loaf-sugar. Scrofulous Ulcers, with considerable loss of substance, on the legs, in the parotideal region, on the scalp, even on the cornea, have yielded to the Phosphate of Lime, administered three times, in doses of half a grain or even one grain. Psoas-abscesses have been cured by means of the internal use of the Phosphate of Lime in half-grain doses, three times a day. Arthrocace, scrofulous ulceration of joints, has been very advan- tageously treated with this agent. Alany successful experiments have shown that Phosphate of Lime facilitates the reunion of bones in cases of fractures, by promoting the deposition of callus. CALCARIA CHLORATA. The Chloride of Lime, Calcaria chlorata, is not much used by homoeopathic practitioners : yet it has therapeutic properties of ac- knowledged usefulness. This substance has an undoubted action upon the pulmonary apparatus. It causes a tightness in the chest, with occasional turns of tight, tearing cough. The long-continued use of this substance would occasion pulmonary derangements resembling phthisis. In the report of the Board of Health for the province of Posen, Prussia, Dr. Schlesier relates a case of purulent phthisis pul- monalis which was cured by the Chloride of Lime. The patient took cold while laid up with an attack of varioloid. He was attacked with laryngitis; continual barking, dry cough; stinging-burning pains in the larynx and trachea, suffocative paroxysms, hoarseness, wheezing breathing. After the inflammatory symptoms had been subdued, the cough gradually loosened; but the fever assumed a hectic form, accompanied with several daily paroxysms of a dis- tressing, suffocative, spasmodic cough. He had lost his voice, he became emaciated, discharged an enormous quantity of a fetid pus, was attacked with large, ichorous variolous abscesses in the axillae, and gangrenous bedsores; his digestion was utterly prostrated. After having tried_ every known remedy in vain, the patient was put upon the Chloride of Lime, half a drachm, and afterwards two drachms, daily, in a decoction of althea. The bedsores were like- wise bandaged with compresses saturated with a solution of the same agent. In three weeks every trace of the pulmonary affection had disappeared. Dierbach relates a case of Pulmonary Fistula, with cough and dis- charge of fetid pus from the fistulous abscess; the right side of the thorax had caved in quite considerably; the patient had become CALCARIA SULPHURATA. 131 emaciated by hectic fever. Three or four times a day, a solution of Chloride of Lime, of the temperature of water in the summer- season, was injected into the lungs through the fistulous opening, and the patient had to drink every day two glassfuls of water, in which half a teaspoonful of the Chloride had been dissolved. The saturated liquid is poured off, and about two ounces of it are drank at a dose. The result of this treatment was as follows: The fetid odor disappeared first; afterwards the discharge of pus decreased, and the pus assumed a healthy appearance: the hectic fever ceased, the patient, who was a trumpeter, regained his flesh and strength, and was able to resume his business. Dr. Froehlich has employed the Chloride of Lime with perfect success in the treatment of Lupus of the face. Dierbach states, that in the case of a middle-aged lady, who was afflicted with a destruc^ tive lupus, against which the whole anti-carcinomatous apparatus of the Old-School had been employed without success, the Doctor effected a perfect cure by application of a solution of the Chloride of Lime, consisting of one part of the Chloride in sixteen parts of water. The ulcer first became cleansed of all foul matter; in one month healthy granulations began to spring up, and gradually a perfect cicatrization took place. Applications of a graduated solution of the Chloride of Lime to foul ulcers on the legs, have been used by many physicians with much benefit; they remove the foul odor, and very often bring about a cure. CALCARIA SULPHURATA. The Sulphuret of Lime has been employed by homoeopathic practitioners for periodical attacks of chronic hemicrania, with boring pain. It has likewise been found useful for Blepharophthalmia and Scrofulous Ophthalmia, when disorganizations, and more particularly ulcerations of the cornea had to be removed. In Scrofulous Otorrhea, it has effected much good; likewise in scrofulous Ozena, illusions of smell accompanied or occasioned by ulcerations of the Schneiderian membrane. It antidotes to some extent mercurial ptyalism, and has been used with good effect for chancrous ulcerations on the prepuce, especially when mercurial complications existed. Its principal range of action has been found to be affections of the respiratory organs, more particularly Croup, when the false membrane has begun to form, with excessive wheezing, hoarseness, agonizing distress for breath, and occasional' expulsion of strings of tenacious, ropy mucus. The third trituration may perhaps be found the most useful. Chronic Bronchitis, with tickling in the terminal ramifications of the air-passages, paroxysms of a violent cough; dyspnoea, retching, stinging pains in the chest, sensation as if hot water were trickling through the bronchia, expectoration of bloody froth and sometimes of hard little tuberculous masses. 132 LECTURE LXVII. In exanthematous diseases, we may recommend this agent for Herpes of the prepuce and scrotum; Chronic Erysipelas ; Tinea Capitis mellijiua, groups of pustules secreting a quantity of humor, accompanied with glandular swellings; Chronic glandular abscesses, as a symptom of general scrofulosis. CALCARIA FLUORATA. (Fluoride of Calcium) We suggest the use of the Fluoride of Calcium in an affection of the dentine of the teeth, which seems to lose its consistency and firmness, and becomes very brittle. The 6th potency of this agent may prove useful in this affection. LECTURE LXVII. LAURUS CAMPHORA. This volatile resin is obtained in China and Japan from the leaves, branches and trunks of different trees by evaporation. In the Laurus Camphora it is said to exist in its genuine form. The Camphor which is shipped from Japan and China is refined by sub- limation. Refined Comphor is met with in the form of large hemi- spherical or convex-concave cakes perforated in the middle. It is translucent, has a crystalline granular texture, a strong, peculiar and aromatic odor, and an aromatic, bitter and afterwards cooling taste. Camphor is readily dissolved in alcohol; we use such a tincture in our practice. According to Hahnemann, the alcoholic tincture of Camphor, if used in frequently-repeated doses, will not only shorten the course, but take down the violence of an attack of inflammatory influenza, provided the drug is taken at the very onset of the attack. In excessive doses, Camphor acts as a powerful poison. One of the best related cases of poisoning is that of Air. Alexander, who swallowed two scruples in syrup of roses. In about twenty minutes he experienced lassitude and depression of spirits, with frequent yawnings: at the end of three-quarters of an hour, his pulse had fallen from seventy-seven to sixty-seven. Soon after, he felt giddy, confused, and almost incapable of walking across the room. He became gradually insensible, and, in this condition was attacked with violent convulsions, frothing at the mouth, wild and staring looks, desire to grasp at things and draw them towards him. From LAURUS CAMPHORA. 1 OQ this state he awoke as from a profound sleep ; his pulse was one hundred, and he was able to reply to interrogatories, though he had not completely recovered his recollection. Warm water being administered, he vomited up the greater part of the Camphor, which had been swallowed three hours previously; from this time he gradually recovered. We learn from this case that Camphor has a powerful action upon the sensorium, and likewise upon the circulation: and that these primary effects of Camphor are characterized by depression, followed by an opposite reaction of the organic vitality. In another case, which is reported in the London Medical Gazette, a man swallowed four ounces of the spirits of Camphor, containing in all one hundred and forty grains of the crude drug. The symp- toms were: burning heat of the skin; frequent, full and hard pulse, brilliancy of the eyes, redness of the face, heaviness of the head, anxiety, agitation, violent feeling of heat in the stomach; then intense headache, giddiness, scintillations, indistinctness of sight, and ocular hallucinations. The patient complained particularly of the heat, which he said was intolerable. In the night, copious sweat- ing came on, followed by sleep. The pulse continued full and frequent, and the voiding of urine difficult. In this case the symptoms of vascular congestion and cerebral irritation are well marked. The irritating action of Camphor upon the bladder is likewise a prominent symptom. The patient was troubled with strangury. In some other well reported cases of poisoning, the depressing action of Camphor upon the circulation constitutes a prominent symptom. This depressing action is manifested by a languid, small and slower pulse, coldness of the surface and pallid countenance; in some cases, cold sweat was present. In some of these cases, symp- toms of vascular excitement followed those of depression. The pulse became more frequent and fuller than natural, and the heat of the surface augmented, The primary action of Camphor seems com- pletely masked in some persons by the suddenness with which it is succeeded by the reaction of the organism. Dr. Eickhorn reports a case where one hundred and twenty grains of Camphor were swal- lowed ; this enormous dose was followed by great heat, rapid but small pulse, copious sweating and agreeable exhilaration. There are many other cases of a similar character. Siemerling reports the case of a man of sixty-nine years who swallowed 120 grains of Camphor at five o'clock in the morning in order to cure himself of an inveterate rheumatism. In three hours he was attacked with the following symptoms: cerebral ex- citement resembling a mild form of intoxication ; afterwards burn- ing in the mouth, pharynx and stomach; throbbing in the cerebel- lum, painful drawing along the medulla spinalis, buzzing in the ears, vibratory movements before the eyes, praecordial anxiety, subsultus tcndinum of the right thigh and leg, loss of recollection. This con- 134 LECTURE LXVII. dition lasted an hour and a half, and terminated in the breaking out of a profuse perspiration. Several cases of poisoning recorded in Frank's Alagazine, show that Camphor has a powerful action upon the pneumogastric nerve which is characterized by spasm. In one case a child came very near dying of asphyxia in consequence of inhaling the vapors of Camphor which the mother had applied to her breast in order to suppress the secretion of milk. In the case of an unmarried female near the critical age, and who had been for years subject to occasional paroxysms of asthma, the application of the spirits of Camphor in consequence of a fall caused a most distressing dyspnoea and orthopnoea which had lasted a whole month when she applied for relief. The breathing was exceedingly hurried, in consequence of which her chest felt dry. She had no pain, but felt exceedingly weak and had no sleep. She had likewise lost her voice; the radial pulse of the right side was fifty, small and soft; on the left side the radial and brachial pulse were imper- ceptible. She derived instantaneous relief from smelling opium, and taking the drug internally; her respiration became more and more disembarrassed, and she was entirely restored in eight days, during which period she took an occasional dose of Opium. Many cases show the extraordinary power inherent in Camphor, of producing cerebral congestions of a peculiar order. A robust and plethoric female, for instance, swallowed several large doses of Camphor for a supposed strain from lifting a heavy weight. Shortly after she was attacked with violent congestions of the head, delirium, and at a later period by a comatose stupor, frequent startings of the extremities. Her tongue was of a deep-red color, the buccal cavity entirely dry and hot, without thirst; pulse feverish, hard, tense; skin hot, dry, like parchment. Emetics and injections quieted her considerably, but for six days she had a fever which had all the characteristics of a genuine typhoid; about this period the obstinate constipation of the bowels was superseded by copious diarrhoeic stools ; on the twenty-second day after the poisoning critical sweats broke out which smelled strongly of Camphor. Bergonsi instituted a number of experiments upon his own person regarding the effects of Camphor, in reference to which the Academy of Aledicine appointed a committee of investigation which through their reporter, Dr. Delondre, offered the following statement: " As a general rule, these experiments have been conducted with a spirit of candor, and the symptoms are described with great truth- fulness. _ Although the experimenter has failed to determine the peculiarities of the action of Camphor, yet we may infer the follow- ing corollaries from his last experiments, viz.: 1. Nitre combined with Camphor, does not weaken the stimulating action of this agent; 2. Camphor is an efficient stimulant against the stupor produced by opium. LAURUS CAMPHORA. 135 Twelve grains of Camphor produced in a few minutes : Increase of the pulse from 70 to 79 and more, ptyalism, beating of the temporal artery, distension of the jugular veins, ringing in the ears, increase of muscular power; all these symptoms ceased in two hours. Sixteen grains caused ptyalism, increase of the pulse from 75 to 81, general oppression. Twenty grains caused ptyalism, frequency of the pulse and symp- toms of cerebral congestion. The other provings produced nearly the same results, and were more or less adulterated by the subse* quent or simultaneous use of Nitre and Opium. Professor Joerg and his disciples have favored us with a number of highly interesting and instructive provings of Camphor, which were conducted with the crude drug and with an alcoholic solution containing one grain of Camphor to eight drops of alcohol. Enders experimented with four, eight, twelve, sixteen, twenty, and twenty-eight drops of the tincture. These doses induced, in the order in which the symptoms are here enumerated, a burning sensation in the mouth, confusion of the head, with dull headache occasionally complicated with shooting stitches in the temporal region, and in the orbits; depression of spirits, aversion to any kind of occupation, increased activity of the skin, continued thirst; the sleep was very sound. Meurer experimented with the same quantities and similar results. The drug induced a feeling of warmth in the oesophagus and stomach which thence spread throughout the whole body; this sensation was soon followed by a slight headache which gradually increased in intensity and was accompanied with stitches that seemed to start from the temples and were felt every five minutes; this con- dition of the brain was attended with dryness of the mouth and increasing thirst. Contrary to his usual habit, the prover slept very soundly. The pulse was considerably accelerated. Heisterbergk swallowed four, eight, ten and twelve grains of the crude drug. The drug caused heat and increased redness of the face, dullness of the head amounting for some moments almost to vertigo, bleeding at the nose and trembling of the hands. Lippert experimented with half a grain, and with one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight and ten grains. The symptoms were nearly the same as in the case of the former provers; the pulse was large, strong, hard, occasionally unequal, and continuing in this way for several hours. The urine likewise exhibited unusual changes. At first it was clear, but afterwards became turbid, and after a while became again clear by depositing a whitish, thick, flocculent sediment which had not the odor of Camphor. Pienitz swallowed half a grain, one, two, three, four and six grains. In his case the Camphor caused a burning and cooling sensation, 136 LECTURE LXVII. and a severe aching pain above and behind both eye-balls, The cutaneous exhalations were considerably increased. Seyffert experimented with one, two, three, five, six and seven grains. In his case the dullness of the head was accompanied with vertigo and bleeding at the nose after stooping for a few minutes. Guentz swallowed half a grain, one grain, one grain and a half, two and three grains. In the case of this prover, the Camphor pro- duced a somewhat striking effect in the epigastric region. _ The prover experienced a sensation of repletion in this region, with a feeling as if the diaphragm were pressing upwards against the lungs, which caused an oppression of breathing; this sensation was accompanied by a sensation of warmth in the epigastrium; the pulse was somewhat accelerated and the cutaneous exhalations increased. Knetschke, Otto and Siebenhaar experimented with the same quantities, from which they all experienced similar results. In Otto's case Camphor had an exhilarating effect, and the urine had a^ darker color than usual, and seemed turbid, although it did not deposit a sediment. In Siebenhaar's case the pulse rose from 80 to 100. The experiments which Professor Joerg instituted upon his own person, illustrate in a most striking manner the action of Camphor upon the abdominal ganglia. Half a grain which was taken at ten o'clock in the morning caused a sensation of warmth in the stomach, frequent emission of fetid flatulence, and in the night between one and two o'clock such a violent aching pain exactly in the region of the cceliac plexus that the prover apprehended the supervention of an inflammation; the pain was accompanied by a feeling of anxiety which caused a pro- fuse sweat to break out for one hour; the pulse in the meanwhile increased five beats ; but was rather softer than usual. The whole tof the following day he was troubled with an oppressive headache at times in the forehead, at other times in the sides of the head. The urine had a dark and saturated appearance. One grain induced similar symptoms, with trembling of the hands; the pain in the region of the cceliac ganglion was less intense. One grain and a half induced a pleasant sensation of warmth pro- ceeding from the stomach and terminating in a general rise of the cutaneous temperature and exhalations; in the afternoon the prover experienced at times on the right and at other times on the left side, sometimes in the anterior and at other times more in the posterior region of the abdomen an acrid sensation somewhat like a burning, periodically going and coming, and passing about half-past six in the evening into the above-mentioned aching pains in the region of the cceliac plexus, which became so intense about eight o'clock that the prover was drenched with perspiration and overcome by a feel- ing of anxiety; at the same time he experienced slight creeping LAURUS CAMPHORA. 137 chills, and it seemed to him that an inflammation of the abdominal viscera was developing from the region where the pain was felt. During the height of this paroxysm, he had several turns of cough, with a painful sensation on the inner surface of the vertebral column from the diaphragm upwards; the pulse was soft and small, but increased ten beats, and accompanied by a buzzing sensation in the head; the night was tolerable, but next morning a dull distress in the region of the coeliac plexus reminded him of his previous suffer- ing ; the stool was torpid, scanty, the urine rather dark-colored, but of the normal quantity. Two grains which were comminuted with the teeth and kept in the mouth for some time, induced the above-mentioned sensation of warmth; slight cutting pains in the umbilical region, and a simulta- . neous urging to evacuate the bowels, bladder and seminal vesicles. This sensation was accompanied by a sensation of trembling in the bowels; after this ceased, he experienced a pressure upwards and downwards below the diaphragm, followed by the troublesome pain in the region of the coeliac plexus; afterwards fetid flatulence, and dark-brown, thin, scanty stool; urine saturated and pungent; next morning the head felt dull, and a passing burning was experienced in the eyelids; the sleep in the following night was restless and in- terrupted by constant thirst. These cases of poisoning, and more particularly the beautiful and instructive provings of Professor Joerg, show that Camphor affects the organism very rapidly, and that its action, although intense, is comparatively evanescent. Camphor may therefore disappoint us in the treatment of chronic affections, but it seems admirably adapted to palliate a violent paroxysm, or to avert the imminent danger which may arise from a suddenly and intensely acting cause, a violent fright, the sudden suppression of a rash, the sudden stoppage of the perspiration, of an habitual expectoration in the morning in the case of asthmatic or phthisicky persons. The poisonous effects of Camphor are readily antidoted by opium; Camphor itself anti- dotes the action of Cantharides upon the urinary organs. 9 Ranging the effects of Camphor upon the healthy organism under our usual categories, we find it homoeopathically indicated in the following affections: CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. Experiments have shown that Camphor induces vertigo, marked signs of congestion, and that it deranges the intellectual faculties. In some of our provers these symptoms were developed prior to the symptoms in the abdominal range, and in cases where Camphor is swallowed in poisonous doses, the cerebral symptoms seem to com- pletely overshadow all the rest. We feel therefore justified in re- commending Camphor in Vertigo, more particularly when arising from some sudden cause, such as exposure to the sun's rays; it may be accompanied with a 138 LECTURE LXVII. sensation of warmth and tightness in the head, sickness at the sto- mach, depression and thinness of the pulse, feeling of extreme languor and weariness. Sun-stroke may require the exhibition of Camphor, more particu- larly at the commencement ot the attack ; the patient experiences a violent distress in the head, complains of vertigo, or is suddenly deprived of his consciousness, with great depression of the pulse, paleness of the face; these symptoms may be speedily followed by opposite signs of reaction, flushed face, glistening eyes, hot and dry skin, and a full, strong, and somewhat accelerated pulse. In Meningitis or acute cerebral irritation arising from the sudden retrocession of some acute rash, Camphor may be of great use, and indeed eminently necessary. AYe have seen that Camphor causes a painful feeling of dullness and . oppression in the forepart of the head and occasionally in the tem- ples ; in the case of Professor Joerg these symptoms were accom- panied with a burning sensation in the eyelids and a buzzing noise in the head. This group of symptoms may arise from the sudden Suppression of Catarrh, in which case we may find the pulse slightly accelerated, although soft. Or the pulse may be strong and full, and the cutaneous temperature may be higher than in the normal state; the patient may likewise complain of feeling giddy, and of an un- natural heat in the head. In Epilepsy, when resulting from a sudden emotion, Camphor is recommended by Dr. Gray, of New York, as an efficient palliative. Camphor is capable of producing convulsions. In Professor Alexander's case the following paroxysm occurred while one of his students was in the same room with him; A. had fallen backwards upon his bed, where he laid quietly for a few minutes; he then jumped up, laid on one side and attempted to vomit without being able to raise any thing, after which he again threw himself backwards on the bed, had violent spasms, frothed at the mouth, looked about with wild and staring eyes, and attempted to catch and draw objects to him. An attack of Convulsions embodying all the characteristic symptoms of this group, may occur among children in consequence of some acute gastric irritation or an irritation occasioned by worms. Camphor affects the sensorium and the intellectual faculties in a manner that may prove serviceable in the treatment of various forms of mental derangement. It causes a loss of recollection and a loss of memory which assumed an exceedingly striking character in Pro- fessor Alexander's case. Upon recoveriug his consciousness, the recollection of his previous actions, and a knowledge of every object present in the room returned to him, but the impression was that his present occupations had never been performed by him previously; he knew every member of his family, but he did not know what the different pieces of furniture in his room were used for, and it seemed to him that every thing about him was strange and novel, and had never been there before. These symptoms may characterize some forms of LAURUS CAMPHORA. 139 Insanity, or they may develope themselves as the sequelae of Sun-stroke, or some other form of acute cerebral irritation. Cam- phor may be of use to us in treating such cases. Purkinje, the distinguished Professor of Physiology in the Univer- sity of Breslau, swallowed 12 grains of Camphor, from which he experienced a pleasant warmth of the skin and an agreeable exhila- ration of the skin, especially in the muscular and dermoid tissues, an urging to move about, a slight tingling in the skin, and a very peculiar, ecstatic exultation of the spirits, somewhat bordering upon intoxication; the future spread itself out before him in the brightest hues, and he was moved by the most beautiful impulses and aspira- tions. The respiration was uncommonly easy. Here we have a group of symptoms which points to Camphor as an important intercurrent remedy in those forms of mania which are described as Ecnoia ecstatica, where the patient lives in an imaginary world, and the operations of the mind are carried on in subjection to these imaginary relations. On another occasion Purkinje swallowed 40 grains at four o'clock in the morning. This dose acted very similarly to the effects ex- perienced by Professor Alexander. Yery soon after swallowing the drug he felt impelled to leave his bed. All his motions were executed with more ease; in walking, his legs were raised beyond the ordinary height, without their inherent vigor being either in- creased or diminished. The dermoid and muscular tissues were less sensible to external impressions; he was unable to perform any literary labors; a crowd of ideas was rushing upon him; one thought quickly followed the other, but he was unable to fix his attention upon any of them; he lost the consciousness of his per- sonality, the thoughts chased each other more and more furiously; after vomiting, his consciousness returned, but the distracted condi- tion of his intellect, his forgetfulness and the crowding of his ideas continued. Time seemed very long to him and full of events which he was unable to recollect. This continued three hours, during which period he was not sick, but had his senses whenever he made an effort. The impressions received by the sense of vision, were evanescent; those received by the sense of hearing were more lasting; finally an oppressive warmth spread through the head and body, he lost his consciousness and fell down, his face was flushed and he showed signs of spasms; for half an hour he breathed slowly and remained unconscious. On waking he had to make a persistent effort to recover the consciousness of his personality and a knowledge of his surroundings. In spite of these violent effects, he felt well, was not weak or tired, walked about, and there were no after- symptoms. It matters not by what name this group of symptoms is designated as a pathological unit. There are cases of Insanity, where this remarkable action of Camphor upon the sen- 140 LECTURE LXVII. sorium and the intellect may suit the general character of the de- rangement or the nature of its paroxysmal exacerbations. In sudden attacks of Acute Mania, Camphor may do good service ; the patient is of a disputative mood, howls and screams, hides him- self in a corner, fancies that every thing is said in an imperious man- ner, feels insulted; the eyes sparkle, the face looks flushed, the skin is hot, pulse full, strong; the number of beats rather above the nor- mal standard. The following case of poisoning for which we have the authority of Dr. Toothaker, of Philadelphia, shows that Camphor is possessed of powers which eminently fit it as a remedy for some forms of Acute Mania, and even for chronic mania characterized by paroxysmal fits of violence. The patient was a man who generally enjoyed good health; he swallowed half a wine-glassful of a saturated solution of the spirits of Camphor which he supposed to be the well-known preservative against cholera. After having laid in bed for half an hour, he sud- denly shrieked, jumped out of bed, and in great anguish and despair bent double. A physician was sent for who administered an emetic, after which he felt easier and was able to resume his business on the following day. At night another violent paroxysm took place; he fancied that he was able to fly about, and that, in spite of his opposi- tion, he was carried away through the air; he felt a drawing around the whole head, as though the nerves were drawn up, with short remissions; attended with chilly creepings, an indescribable feeling of malaise, an exceedingly timorous disposition, whereas he had never known before what fear was; he was more especially tor- mented by a dread of being alone in the dark, a dread of the looking- glasses in his room, and of the thoughts of seeing himself in them ; his sleep was restless, disturbed by frightful visions of ghosts, etc., frequent tossing about and startings; even when waking he fre- quently started as in affright, with palpitation of the heart, disposi- tion to scream even during work and in the street, without any apparent reason; he felt impelled to attack people in the street and to kill them. These sensations which always became more intense in the darkness and at night, and likewise in the cold, but which did not interfere with his pursuits in the day-time, continued for nearly two years in spite of every thing which he had tried to obtain relief; even five years after the poisoning occurred, these feelings still troubled him somewhat, especially in the night and after taking cold. Nor had he entirely overcome his fearfulness, although he had never known fear previous to the accident. ORBITAL GROUP. Our cases of poisoning show that Camphor causes spectra, scintil- lations, amaurotic obscuration of sight, eontraction of the pupils, a staring look, burning of the eyelids and an inflammatory irritation of the eyeballs. LAURUS CAMPHORA. 141 These symptoms are of a consensual nature, characterizing an attack of cerebral irritation. In determining the homoeopathicity of Camphor to these eye-symptoms, we have to consider the group of cerebral symptoms of which the eye-symptoms may help us to com- plete the delineation. Some persons are afflicted with an unpleasant dryness and burning of the eyeballs and lids; a very weak, watery solution of Camphor applied to the organ from time to time may prove an exceedingly pleasant means of relief. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. Our provings have shown that Camphor causes a feeling of warmth and even burning in the region of the stomach, whence the sensa- tion may spread over the abdomen, and terminate in a general rise of the cutaneous temperature and exhalations, the pulse being more or less involved in this apparent increase of physiological action. These symptoms may be considered typical of an attack of Cardialgia, or slight indigestion ; the brain may be involved in the attack, the patient complaining of a feeling of dullness in the forehead and temples. The beautiful proving of Professor Joerg. shows that Camphor may be of eminent service in an attack of Colicodynia, the outlines of which are so fully and coherently given in his several provings that we should have to repeat them in attempting to give a description of the pathological group; we therefore refer the reader to the Professor's own statement. The remarkable correlation existing in this case between the abdominal and spinal ganglia and the brain, will not be overlooked. The abdominal turgescence which preceded the attack in one of his experiments, and which was characterized by a simultaneous urg- ing to evacuate the bowels, the bladder, and the seminal vesicles, will likewise be borne in mind. What shall we say of the use of Camphor in Asiatic Cholera, or even in common diarrhoea ? If provings upon the healthy are reliable indications of the curative sphere of a drug, it must be admitted that Camphor is not homoeopathic to cholera. It has scarcely any of the symptoms of cholera. If Camphor is homoeopathic to cholera, then fifty other drugs are likewise homoeopathic to it. The best that can be said of Camphor is, that if used in time, before the attack has actually broken out, Camphor may avert the full attack. The premonitory symptoms which indicate the use of Camphor, are : a feeling of dullness and heat in the head, vertigo, vanishing of sight, sensation of warmth or burning in the epigastric region, accompanied with an anxious feeling of repletion, and perhaps nausea, suffocative oppression on the chest, tremulous feeling in the extremities, weak pulse, tendency to coldness. If these symptoms make their appearance during a cholera epidemic, either wholly or in part, the Spirits of Camphor may be administered in five-drop doses every five minutes, until the patient feels easier and the danger of an attack seems past. If 142 LECTURE LXVII. the attack should break out in spite of our exhibition of Camphor, it would be folly to continue its use, and we shall have to resort to Yeratrum, Cuprum, Arsenicum and other agents. URINARY GROUP. Camphor has induced strangury, tenesmus of the bladder, burning urine. It will be found to antidote the strangury caused by canthar- ides, and to cure these affections homoeopathically, when occurring as natural diseases. SEXUAL GROUP. It is commonly supposed that Camphor has anaphrodisiacal prop- erties. This is true of large doses; small doses may have an oppo- site effect, as is abundantly shown by the beautiful provings of Professor Joerg. Hence we may avail ourselves of the curative vir- tues of Camphor in the treatment of apparently opposite conditions of the sexual system. We may use Camphor as a remedy for Impotence. The anaphrodisiac properties of Camphor have been celebrated for centuries; even the smell of Camphor is said to be capable of depressing .and extinguishing the sexual powers; hence the verse of the School of Salernum: " Camphora per nares castrat odore mares." Trousseau and Pidoux took thirty grains of Cam- phor into the stomach, and experienced the anaphrodisiac effects of the drug from this dose. Kopp, in the second volume of his Memorabilia, reports a case of cure of sexual weakness which was effected with one-eighth of a grain doses of Camphor. A major in the army, forty-two years old, a married man and very much prostrated by previous excesses, had been incapacitated from all sexual intercourse for upwards of a year in consequence of an utter absence of erections. At the same time he was afflicted with urinary difficulties. Being consulted by this patient, Kopp advised Camphor in doses of one-eighth of a grain. The major was not only freed from his urinary troubles, but the erections likewise reappeared the very next day. Professor Joerg's experiments have shown that Camphor may assist us in the restoration of the sexual instinct, from a condition of excessive excitement to that of a normal state. Abnormal Sexual Excitement may be the prominent symptom in a group of abdominal turgescence, characterized by inclination to stool, pres- sure upon the bladder, and a fullness and unnatural sensation of warmth in the abdomen. Consensual symptoms, such as dullness and heaviness in the head, drowsiness, a feeling of lassitude and listlessness may be present. CATARRHAL GROUP. We have seen that Camphor may cause a state of asphyxia or apncea. In Professor Joerg's case Camphor caused cough and a painful sensation along the internal surface of the vertebral column LAURUS CAMPHORA. 143 from the diaphragm upwards. It is evident that Camphor acts very powerfully upon the pneumogastric nerve, causing suffocative spasms. We may avail ourselves of these indications in a case of Apnea from suppressed catarrh, or the symptoms might be described as a case of Suppressed Catarrh with apnoea, coldness of the extremities, feeble and hurried pulse. Orfila, in his Toxicology, reports a case by Edwards, where a man who was afflicted with stricture of the anus, took an injection containing 18 grains of Camphor. In a few minutes he experienced a strong smell of Camphor in his mouth; fifteen minutes after taking the injection, he still retained its contents, and experienced a feeling of restlessness and general malaise. These symptoms increasing in intensity, he jumped from bed and felt much lighter than usual; he imagined he was flying and did not touch the ground; his gait, however, was unsteady and vascillating; his features seemed altered and he vehemently called for a glass of wine; his face was pale, the eyes looked sombre, the features were distorted; the skin felt cold, and he experienced a feeling of rigor in the hairy parts; the pulse was feeble and contracted; it seemed to him that he was on the point of fainting. His mind was strangely affected; he felt uneasy and yet he did not feel himself in danger. He was moved to tears, but did not know why he was crying, nor was he able to stop his tears. This condition lasted half an hour and then gradually disappeared. Wine greatly promoted his recovery. Here we have a group of symptoms which shows the extraordinary action of Camphor upon the sensorium. These symptoms, when viewed in their totality, may be described as a case of Suppressed Catarrh or Nervous Catarrh, where the usual signs of catarrhal irritation are wanting, and where the ganglionic system and brain seem to be the exclusive centres of morbid action. Against Spasms of the Chest caused by the inhalation of the vapors of Arsenic or Copper, Camphor may act as an antidote. Influenza may be cut short by Camphor, if the drug is administered during the preliminary stage before the attack has broken out. The patient feels a dull pain in the forehead, complains of giddiness, a burning dryness of the eyeballs and lids, dryness of the throat, lassi- tude, loss of appetite, creeping chills; the pulse is weak and soft. Camphor may be administered in five drop-doses of the alcoholic tincture every half hour. FEYER-GROUP. Camphor may be administered in violent attacks of Intermittent Fever, with long chills and sopor, the so-called Apoplectic Intermittent of Hufeland; if administered during the chill, it may hasten the reaction. Camphor may be used as an in- tercurrent palliative in 144 LECTURE LXVII. Asthenic fevers, with tremulous pulse, coldness, prostration ; it may likewise be instrumental in restoring the vital reaction after the retrocession of an acute rash. Our cases of poisoning furnish a group of symptoms simulating in all respects a case of Typhoid Fever. You recollect the case of the female who swallowed a quantity of Camphor for a supposed strain. She was attacked with violent cerebral congestions, delirium, stupor, subsultus of the ex- tremities. The tongue had a deep-red color, the mouth was dry and hot, pulse feverish, hard and tense, skin hot and dry as parchment. During the first six days her bowels were constipated; after the lapse of six days she was seized with diarrhoea, and the attack ter- minated on the twenty-second day amid the breaking out of copious sweats. A typhoid fever of this character may occur as an epidemic dis- ease simultaneously with, or subsequently to an epidemic influenza, or independently of it. Or a vitiated state of the body in consequence of improper or deficient nourishment, want of pure air, absence of cleanliness, and similar causes may give rise to it. Sporadic cases of typhus to which Camphor is homoeopathic, are not very frequent. EXANTHEMATIC GROUP. Camphor has caused a violent Itching and burning of the skin, which may therefore be relieved by this agent; it may be necessary to wash the skin with a weak, watery solution of the drug. The external application of Camphor to the skin has caused an erysipelatous inflammation of this organ. We may avail ourselves of this indication in a case of Rhuspoisoning, where the inflamed parts may be bathed with an alcoholic solution of Camphor; the drug may at the same time be administered internally. DOSE. It is maintained by a number of homoeopathic practitioners that Camphor cannot be attenuated, and that the undiluted spirits of Camphor or the crude drug have to be used. Physicians of our school seldom use the crude drug, and the action of the alcoholic tincture is so evanescent that there does not seem to be any necessity for resorting to the process of dynamization in prescribing Camphor. Nevertheless the bare assertion of practitioners does not solve this question, and it may be both proper and judicious to institute ex- periments upon thesick, in appropriate cases, with carefully-prepared attenuations. If triturations are to be used, they should be prepared at the very moment when they are required. Of the alcoholic tinc- ture we may use from one to five drops on a little sugar or in a tea- spoonful of water, and repeat the dose according to the intensity and dangerous character of the symptoms, every five minutes, or every LAURUS CAMPHORA. 145 quarter of an hour, or every half hour, until a decided improvement is obtained. Gentlemen, we should never be afraid of studying the question of doses in its most universal aspect. A physician who treats this question carelessly, or in the gross, can never become a philosophical student of Homoeopathy. Her genius does not overshadow him. Small doses are undoubtedly abused by some practitioners of our School. I do not believe that those who use the high potencies on every occasion meet with as much success in practice as do those wiser men who are not bound by quantities but who are guided in the graduation of the dose by the qualitative relation of the dose to the diseased organism. On the other hand I have no sympathy with men who make it their boast, that they peddle out their powders and tinctures under the black flag of materialism. To them Nature, robed in her garments of beauty, reveals nothing of the spirit-world hidden in her magic hues and perfumes. What thinking homceopathist can behold the kingdom of drugs without feeling that he stands in the presence of living, though invisible forces ? Is a drug nothing but an aggregation of molecules ? A combination of chemical elements ? I would rather people Nature with the gnomes and sprites of romance than to make it a huge workshop where every thing which cannot be precipitated in a crucible or observed in the focus of a microscope, is decreed to be nothing. To us, drugs are emblematic of power, and it is with this power which the drug hides in its bosom, that we operate cures which sometimes border on the miraculous. Do not get frightened at the little globule. Remember that this globule may meet the very point out of which the series of morbid phenomena which you are called upon to extinguish, have developed themselves in the organism. Stop this fountain-head of disease, and the whole train of symptoms, which have flowed from it, will disappear of them- selves. And then, it is not the unaided globule, or the drop, that is instrumental in effecting a cure. There is a unity in the principles and forces of nature, and the little globule or drop may be the representative of a mighty power sanctioning and intensifying, as it were, the action of its humble minister. The vital force is an unit, from which no individual vitality is separated. As long as the human organism lives, it lives from this, and in this, universal living sphere. The drug-force is another unit of which the various drugs are depositories or visible manifestations, forms. Wheresoever this drug-force exists, it is in rapport with, and maintained by the universal drug-force just as surely as every individualized vitality is in rapport with, and exists from and by the universal life. It is not then with the globule that you operate, but with the globule backed by the force of which it is an atomic embodiment. The difficulty is to operate upon the right point. Archimedes, the great mathematician of Syracuse, is reported to have said : " If I knew where to apply my lever, I could move the universe." So, too, might the homoeopathic physician move the disease, if he knew its precise starting-point in the organism, with a very trifling expendi- VOL. II.—10 146 LECTURE LXVIII. ture of force, for this force is backed by a vis a tergo of which the globule is simply the incipient point as it were. The ambassador of Frederick the Great at the court of London had such a small salary that he had to walk to the diplomatic meetings, To his complaints about his scanty means, the king replied : " Tell your colleagues that every word you utter, is backed by two hundred thousand bayonets." So is the homoeopathic globule backed by an immense power, a vis a tergo, provided it is the accredited representative of this power, perceived and accepted as such by the disease upon which it is to act. Gentlemen, I have no desire to talk to you in parables; but who can address himself to the mystery of a homoeopathic cure without looking into the infinite of law? Let those who believe in the grossness of the common practice, sneer at homoeopathic transcen- dentalism ; no true homosopathist should ever be afraid of being led by the infinitely small into the infinitude of universal principles. LECTURE LXVIII. CALENDULA OFFICINALIS, (Marsh-marigold.—Nat. Order:—Corymbifer^e.) We have a few provings of this drug which have been furnished by Dr. Thorer. This drug has been employed empirically by alloe- opathic physicians for chronic vomiting, cardialgia, scirrhous indu- rations, and even for carcinomatous ulcerations. It seems to be possessed of specific powers to prevent or diminish suppuration in cases of mechanical injuries. As a remedy for wounds, the liquor Calendulae first introduced by Dr. Schneider, of Fulda, deserves special commendations. The fresh yellow flowers are introduced into an apothecary's flask which is loosely filled with them, and then tightly corked. It is suspended from a tree, exposed to the sun, where it is allowed to remain until late in the fall. The sun extracts from the flowers a liquid which collects at the bottom of the flask, and which has to be poured off every now and then, and carefully preserved in a tightly corked vessel. After the flowers have settled at the bottom, they are taken out and pressed in order that the whole of the liquor may be extracted. At first it is turbid, having an astringent, acrid and bitter taste, and the peculiar Calen- dula-odor; it is somewhat viscid and glutinous, deposits a grey sediment, and, if kept in the warmth, is apt to become mouldy. Dierbach relates several instructive cures which the apothecary Flugge, who advises the above-mentioned mode of preparing the liquor, effected by means of it. In order to convince some visiters CANNABIS SATIVA. 147 who doubted the marvellous efficacy of this preparation, of its pow- ers, Fliigge made a deep incision in his hand with a carving knife. He poured some liquor into the wound, tied it up, and, next day, appeared before the company with the wound perfectly healed. A carpenter almost severed his foot by a blow with an axe; in six days the wound had healed perfectly. Dr. Schneider fell out of his carriage, smashing his leg, even the bone; he applied a compress saturated with the liquor, and was healed in a few days. A number of cases related by Thorer, are mentioned in my last edition of the Symptomen-codex. Doctors Beebe, of Chicago, and Franklin, of St. Louis, likewise bear testi- mony to the curative virtues of Calendula in the case of wounds. As medical directors in the armies of the South-west, they had ample opportunities of testing them in the battles of Shiloh, Murfrees- boro', etc. CANNABIS SATIVA, (Hemp.—Natural Order:—Urticble.) This is an annual plant, with a stem from six to eight feet high ; the leaves are composed of five to seven leaflets, digitate, opposite. The male flowers are in small, loose racemes or spikes. We make a deep-green tincture of the leaves. AYibmer made some interesting experiments with this tincture, which he reports as follows: Towards evening, about five o'clock, I swallowed ten drops, and half an hour after, another ten drops. In ten minutes I was seized with slight headache, a slightly-throbbing and aching pain; the mouth, fauces and lips felt dry. At six o'clock, I swallowed twenty drops, with the same results. In half an hour I felt quite well again. I then took forty drops; there was no headache, but on rising I felt tired; this feeling left me after walking a little. The secretions were left unaltered. On the day following, 21st of April, I swallowed fifty drops, at a quarter of twelve in the morning, pulse eighty. In seven minutes, I expe- rienced some drawing through the forehead. In fifteen minutes, I was attacked with frontal headache which gradually disappeared again until one o'clock. For three days, however, I experienced an increasing lassitude in the limbs, more particularly in the lower extremities, with violent backache; after the least exertion, I was obliged to sit down; I felt drowsy and looked pale. On the sixth day, I was taken with a violent throbbing headache which went on increasing, and was accompanied with heat in the head and fever, which obliged me to lie down. The violence of the headache was mitigated by bleeding, leeches and cold applications, but the back- ache, weariness and fever continued. These symptoms were accom- panied by complete loss of appetite, thick coating of the tongue and constipation, although I had been suffering with diarrhoea a few days previous. 148 LECTURE LXVIII. I was confined to my bed for nearly a fortnight, during which period these symptoms gradually decreased. The long-continuing anorexia and the complete atony of the bowels were very remark- able. Even large doses of cathartics were unable to remove the existing infarctions. Injections and bitter medicines gradually re- stored my appetite, but the weariness in the extremities, the impaired digestion, and the remarkable paleness and thinness of the face con- tinued for some time longer. The use of the Ragozy Springs com- pleted my recovery. On the other hand, the experiments of Parent du Chatelet, pub- lished in the Annates de Hygiene publique of 1832, seem to upset all the results which had been obtained by previous experimenters. He macerated ripe male hemp for eight days to a fortnight in water at a moderate heat; the brown-yellow liquid, which had the odor of steeped hemp, was given to birds and rabbits as a beverage. These animals, so far from being made sick by it, on the contrary grew fat under its use. Du Chatelet drank nearly nine drachms of this liquid in one day, and afterwards a cupful, for nearly a fortnight, every day; although he disliked the liquor, yet it produced no un- toward effects. He gave of this liquid to other persons for several days without obtaining the least result. Andral prescribed from five to six ounces daily for several patients for a fortnight, without any change. Unripe hemp was macerated in a similar manner, and the liquid experimented with as before, with the same result. Eight persons swallowed large doses of a concentrated infusion of both fresh and dried leaves for six days in succession, without being at all incommoded by the drug. He swallowed nearly forty grains of the seed with honey, without experiencing any other symptoms than a little nausea. He smoked the leaves without the least inconvenience, whereas smoking a few leaves of tobacco made him sick at once. Upwards of twenty patients swallowed as much as twenty grains each of the extract of hemp, without being affected by this drug in the least. He caused a large quantity of half ripe hemp to macerate in a tubful of water, until the hemp had become thoroughly soaked. This was spread on the floor, along the walls and upon the chairs and tables in a room fifteen feet long, ten feet high and wide, at a temperature of 40° to 50° F. He spent a day and a night in this room without the least inconvenience. His wife and three children, respectively five and three years, and fifteen months old, and a laborer of forty years slept in this room without being in any shape or way affected by the hemp. These apparently contradictory experiments confirm the impor- tant truth that the medicinal virtues of drugs can only be ascer- tained by those who are endowed with specific susceptibilities in this direction. Wibmer had a remarkable sensitiveness to the action of hemp; du Chatelet and his provers do not seem to have been endowed with any. Neuhold says, that the vapors of hemp have caused headache, CANNABIS SATIVA. 149 vertigo, buzzing in the ears, rush of blood, nose-bleed, miscarriage with convulsions, hysteria, etc.; applied to the abdomen, it is said to have hastened the menses. Lindelstolpe writes, that sleeping in a place where he was exposed to the emanations of hemp, has caused weakness of sight, vertigo and intoxication. Hahnemann's own provings confirm Wibmer's experience regard- ing the influence of hemp upon the brain. His provers record more or less violent, throbbing, pressing pain in the head, rush of blood to the head, nose-bleed, dizziness. This remarkable property of exciting cerebral congestions similar to those which alcohol is capa- ble of exciting, may make Cannabis a valuable counter-poison against the chronic effects of intoxication, more especially Congestive Headache, with aching pain in frontal region, pale and sunken face, pulse somewhat excited, general feelings of languor and sickness, anorexia, difficulty of articulating. Cannabis causes weakness of sight, and may prove useful in Amblyopia, from straining the sight too much. It has been re- commended for incipient Cataract, when objects begin to look hazy, with dimness of the cornea, especially when resulting from hard drinking. According to Wibmer's experiments, Cannabis causes complete and lasting anorexia, with atony of the bowels and inveterate consti- pation. Morgagni says, that hemp has caused paroxysms of the most violent cardialgia, with paleness and sweat of the face, collapse of pulse, rattling breathing, as if the person were dying. It also causes vomiting of green bile, and uneasiness in the pit of the stomach, with flashes of heat in the face. These symptoms show that hemp may be used for Anorexia, more particularly when the result of hard drinking, with inveterate constipation. Cardialgia, characterized by the previously-mentioned symptoms, vomiting of green bile, uneasiness, flashes of heat about the head. Drinking may cause such paroxysms. The Constipation of drunkards may be benefited by Cannabis. The action of Cannabis upon the urinary organs is remarkable. AVe have testimony showing that hemp has caused a difficulty of urinating, a sort of paralytic weakness of the bladder. Morgagni states that, in one case, the urine had to be drawn off with the catheter, and that this finally became impossible in consequence of the instrument becoming clogged with pus and mucus. Cannabis developes all the signs of stricture of the urethra, such as: spreading stream, like a fan ; chordeeduring an erection. Com- bining these with such symptoms as: burning in the urethra before and after urination : stinging-smarting pain in the urethra after uri- 150 LECTURE LXVIII. nation; we have a right to infer that this agent may prove a valuable remedy in . . Gonorrhea, during the acute stage, when the following group ot symptoms occurs: Discharge of pus from the urethra; ulcerative soreness of the urethra when touching it; difficulty of urmatmg, with constant urging ; sensation of tearing in the fibres of the ure- thra ; the urethra feels as if drawn up into knots. The glans penis may be sore, swollen, inflamed. These symptoms may be accom- panied by symptoms of vascular erethism, rush of blood to the head, frontal headache, etc. At this stage, I advise you to resort at once to the strong tincture, and to give a good dose of it. From five to ten drops in a small tumblerful of water, in tablespoonful doses every two or three hours, will prove much more effectual than smaller quantities. Homoeopathic practitioners of great experience in the treatment of gonorrhoea give as many as fifteen or twenty drops of the strong tincture in violent cases, where this drug is indi- cated. The gonorrhoeal virus, when making its first onslaught upon the organism, is a very coarse poison, which requires to be neutral- ized by massive doses of the proper antidote. I have cured gonor- rhoea, where Cannabis was required, by means of increasing doses of this drug, giving it exclusively from first to last, until the cure was perfected. In many other cases, after the inflammatory symp- toms are subdued, it may be best to continue the drug in decreasing doses. These distinctions have to be determined by careful obser- vation in each case. We are told that hemp excites the sexual instinct, but that, at the same time, it causes sterility. The menstrual discharge is likewise hastened by the action of this agent. These symptoms may be of use as therapeutic indications. Hemp is said by some observers to have caused asthma, orthopnea, with wheezing inspirations in the trachea; inflammation of the chest and lungs; pneumonia, with vomiting of green bile, delirium. This agent seems likewise to have a marked action upon the heart. Hahnemann has recorded the following symptoms: Shocks in both sides of the thorax, recurring frequently and arresting the breathing, most painful in the region of the heart; Sensation, during exercise and when stooping, like shocks in the region of the heart, as if the heart would start out; accompanied with a feeling of warmth about the heart; Troublesome prickling over the whole body, at night, while covered in bed and perspiring; accompanied with great anxiety in the region of the heart, and sensation as if hot water were repeatedly poured over him. These pulmonary and cardiac symptoms certainly show that Can- nabis must be of great use in functional derangements of the heart and lungs. In a case of poisoning related by Morgagni, suppurat- ing tubercles and pus were discovered in the lungs; the pleura and diaphragm were found inflamed, and polypi in the ventricles of the heart. CANNABIS SATIVA. 151 If these post-mortem appearances are rightfully attributed to hemp, we cannot help believing that this agent must be in homoeo- pathic rapport with organic degenerations of the lungs and heart. AYe shall find Cannabis useful in Bilious Pneumonia, with vomiting of green bile, delirium; also in the Empyema of drunkards, and in Carditis Polyposa, the symptoms of which have been given on page 326 of this work. Hemp affects the sensorium in a very characteristic mannner. It is more particularly from the Indian variety, the Cannabis Indica or haschish, that these effects have been observed. We find them summed up in Teste's Alateria Medica, page 602 of my translation, in the following synopsis, extracted from various authors: " The first effects of haschisch are a vague and full feeling in the brain, without pain or malaise; whizzing in the ears, increasing more or less rapidly to a real boiling sensation, that seems to raise the skull-cap, accompanied with flashes of heat and flushes of color in the face, animation and swelling of the eyes. Soon after, the whizzing and the buzzing cease; now the first paroxysm is on the point of setting in. It breaks out suddenly. The prover wants to speak, but the tongue feels heavy; he forgets what he was going to say; the words and the ideas become confused; a burst of laughter cuts short the phrase which has just been commenced; it is in vain that one tries to complete it; the idea has escaped from the memory. One laughs at every thing, at one's-self, in fact, at nothing, and for some minutes this laughter, which induces those present who had taken haschisch, to laugh likewise, continues for some minutes. It gradually ceases, but breaks out afresh in a few moments, without any apparent cause. After a certain interval the symptoms become still more striking. Unless a very large dose had been taken, the consciousness remains undisturbed, and one's reason beholds, as it were, the dissolution of its own government. Whilst a sweet lan- guor overpowers you, whilst the muscular power grows torpid, the knees give Avay under the weight of the body, it seems impossible to move, and one has taken leave of one's body, as it were; every thing around one looks embellished; the commonest faces look like angels' faces; the ideas come and go so rapidly that all notions of time seem to disappear, as though a century and a minute lasted equally long. These illusions are often followed by real hallucina- tions, and this caps the climax of our bliss. The imagination, however, is no more excited than the other faculties. On the con- trary, it is precisely those faculties which, in a state of perfect health are most active, that are most powerfully affected by the haschisch. Hence the mental effects of haschisch may be very different in different provers, and may give rise to many odd extravagances in company. One becomes talkative and noisy, the other quiet and thoughtful; one makes verses, another one sings, calculates, talks about political economy, philosophy, medicine, etc. But all are, as a general rule, satisfied with themselves. All they hear, say, see, were 152 LECTURE LXVIII. it ever so trifling, seems to them new, marvellous, or exceedingly ludicrous. In a word, they seem as happy as can be, they seem to be absorbed in a fairy dream. In some rare cases, of which not one has come under my notice, the haschisch is said to have produced sadness, despair, and even a furious delirium. " In a few hours the exultation passes off, and drowsiness takes its place. Sometimes a little nausea, borborygmi, cutting colic, are felt, these symptoms pass off after a copious, half-liquid stool; the prover experiences an irresistible desire to lie down. After a single night's rest, all traces of this intoxication, which has none of the conse quences and features of any other intoxication, and which I should call delightful, if my reason did not tell me that the continued use of such an intoxicating agent must finally prove injurious, disap- pear entirely, and without leaving the least unpleasant sensation." In Erlenmeier's " Correspondenzblatt fur Psychiatrie" the follow- ing interesting proving of Haschisch which was instituted by two students A. and D., is reported by Dr. Drosse. Each swallowed about 80 grains of this substance. After the lapse of half an hour, both experienced vertigo and a desire for locomotion. Not long after, they were attacked by a disagreeable shuddering tremor which quivered through all their limbs; by a painful feeling of weight in the occiput, and by tetanic muscular contractions at the nape of the neck which seemed to come and go by turns. After some time D. sank into a condition of voluptuous indolence and erotic delirium. A., who had a dry and irritable constitution, became the prey of a boisterous exaltation and of the strangest hallucinations, strange visions and sensations were followed by a desire for restless and unceasing changes of locality. Raising himself wildly, as if swung aloft by elastic springs, and expanding his chest, A. com- menced to sing and dance in the most extravagant manner. This state of restlessness continued almost without an interruption from one to five o'clock in the afternoon. There was no perspiration, nor any frequency of the pulse ; the consciousness of his condition and of every thing that had taken place around him, had never been disturbed. Mustard foot-baths, ice-water and affusions of water soon roused D. from his torpor, and A. became more quiet. About six o'clock he began to feel weaker, his ideas became confused, the power to move had become extinct, for the extremities seemed paralyzed ; whenever he closed his eyes, he fell into a swoon. He felt like one who had to die and he prepared himself accordingly. These sensations all disappeared after a cool bath. In the nio-ht he had restless dreams, but on the second day all the symptoms had disappeared except a feeling of uncomfortableness and languor. D. slept for fourteen hours in succession calmly and soundly. In the case of a man of twenty-five years, 16 grains of the extract caused, three hours after the drug had been swallowed, narcotic symptoms and sopor. An emetic of kitchen-salt restored him. Some interesting provings of this drug have recently been pub- CANTHARIS VESICATORIA. 153 lished by the American Provers' Union; the bold provings of Dr. Wolf and other members seem to confirm what was heretofore known regarding the therapeutic virtues of this drug. AYe are satisfied that it may prove useful in counteracting the effects of simple Alcoholic Intoxication, especially the dizziness and the sensation as if one were floating about in the air. It may be useful in Chronic Vertigo, coming on in paroxysms, and characterized by a sensation as if one were floating off like a balloon; also in paroxysms of Mania, characterized by spasmodic and incontrollable laughter, or by a desire of locomotion: in Ecstasy of the mind, such as may be induced by Opium, where the fancy is filled with pleasant or soaring images. It may likewise prove useful in Mania where patients are troubled with the hallucination of being kings or other important personages. As yet, we have no clinical experience bearing upon this point. CANTHARIS VESICATORIA, (Blister beetle, Spanish-fly) This fly is supposed to be a native of the southern countries of Europe, especially of Italy and Spain. In the summer, they often migrate to more northern countries, France and Germany. Pereira informs us that, in the summer of 1837, they were abundant in Essex and Suffolk. Pereira describes the mode of catching Cantharides: "In the south of France these animals are caught during the month of A!ay, either in the morning or evening, when they are less active, by spreading large cloths under the trees, which are then strongly shaken or beaten with long poles. The catchers usually cover their faces, and guard their hands by gloves. Yarious methods have been recommended for killing the insects, such as exposing them to the vapor of vinegar, or of hot water, or of spirit of wine, or of the oil of turpentine. Geiger states that by dropping oil of turpentine into the bottle in which they are contained, they are not subject to the attack of mites; but I believe they are more frequently destroyed by immersing the cloths containing them, in hot vinegar and water, and then drying on hurdles covered with paper or cloths." Cantharides are liable to being attacked by mites. If worm-eaten they are no longer fit for use. They should be preserved in well stoppered bottles; the addition of a few drops of acetic acid will prevent them from being attacked by mites. These insects have a greenish-gold yellow color, mingled with a copperj7, bluish tint. We make an alcoholic tincture, having a yellowish-green color and a burning taste. The so-called fly-blister which has been an instrument of torture in the dominant school for so many years, is utterly repudiated by homoeopathic practitioners, 154 LECTURE LXVIII. and what is more, has become utterly useless in the presence of the specific means with which they are able to reduce inflammation, and to either prevent, or bring about the absorption of, effusion of fluids. In a case of poisoning we resort to emetics, mucilaginous drinks, Opium, Aconite, Camphor. The external use has given rise to fatal carbuncles, and in Burt's Magazine we have the case of a boy who had a blister of Cantharides applied to the nape of the neck, and died of a malignant spreading ulcer, which became gangrenous on the third day. We know, from fatal cases of poisoning, that Cantharides act specifically 1. Upon the brain, and more particularly upon the cerebellum, the vessels of which are found turgid with blood, and which is covered with a thick coating of exuded lymph, with a quantity of serum collected at the base of the skull. 2. Upon the mucous membrane of the digestive tube, causing a destruction of the mucous membrane of the mouth and tongue, in- flammation of the oesophagus, stomach, and all the abdominal viscera. 3. Upon the urinary apparatus, causing inflammation, suppuration, ulceration and gangrenous disorganization of the mucous lining, and even of the external parts. AYe may examine the action of Cantharides under the following general heads: CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. Pereira sums up the action of Cantharides upon the cerebro-spinal system in the following general statement: " The affection of this system is proved by the pain in the head, disordered intellect, mani- fested in the form of furious or phrenitic delirium, convulsions of the tetanic kind, and subsequently coma. It is deserving of especial notice that sometimes several days elapse before the nervous symp- toms show themselves: thus, in a case related by Giulio, they appeared on the third day; in another instance, mentioned by Graaf, on the eighth; and in a case noticed by Dr. Ives, they were not observed until the fourteenth day." Post-mortem examinations have shown that the vessels of the brain are turgid with blood, particularly those of the cerebellum, which is covered with a thick coating of exuded lymph, with a quantity of serum collected at the base of the skull. The terminal points of the series of phenomena which marks the action of Cantharides in the human organism, seem to be the genito- urinary system and the cerebellum; the symptoms of cerebral con- gestion seem to occur incidentally to cerebellar irritation. This irritation of the cerebellum and spinal system may culminate in paroxysms of Tetanic Convulsions, with Hydrophobia ; the convulsions abate peri- odically, but soon re-appear as emprosthotonos or opisthotonos, the CANTHARIS VESICATORIA. 155 delirium, rage and frenzy continuing uninterruptedly; they are ac- companied with violent lock-jaw; gritting of the teeth; discharge of a frothy and sometimes blood-streaked saliva; inability to swal- low, and convulsive contraction of the larynx at every attempt to swallow; expression of terror and despair in the face, with the hair standing on end during the convulsions; staring look ; sparkling, fiery, frightfully and convulsively rolling eyes; the convulsions are excited by the least pressure upon the larynx or upon the epigastric region. In an attack of hydrophobic convulsions to which Cantharides are homoeopathic, the co-existing irritation of the urinary and sexual systems will undoubtedly complete the therapeutic picture. Some homoeopathic physicians look upon Cantharides as a rem- edy for phrenitis. This notion is based upon an erroneous and exceedingly superficial apprehension of the post-mortem phenomena and the delirium which characterizes the action of poisonous doses of this agent. Cantharides act upon that element in the cerebellum which is in relation with the genito-urinary apparatus. The phre- nitis which Cantharides excite, refers to this element; the life of the brain generally becomes disturbed in consequence of this specific primary irritation. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. Wibmer sums up the symptoms which Cantharides excite in this direction, in the following series: Nauseous taste and smell, burning of the palate, fauces, stomach and bowels, difficulty of swallowing, sometimes increasing to hydrophobia; loathing, vomiting, sometimes even vomiting of blood, diarrhoea, bloody evacuations with tenes- mus, meteorism, violent colic, and all the signs of gastritis and enteritis. A post-mortem examination shows inflammation, ulceration, extra- vasations, gangrene of the fauces, but more especially of the stomach and bowels; the mucous membrane is found detached. These are, so to say, local symptoms, arising from the direct con tact of the poison. Their presence alone would not justify the use of Cantharides; symptoms of inflammation in the throat, stomach or bowels, for which Cantharides seem specifically adapted, do not occur without the specific inflammation of the genito-urinary appar- atus developing itself more or less in every case. It is the presence of this specific inflammation which imparts a definite meaning to the inflammatory symptoms simultaneously occurring in other organs or tissues. GENITO-URINARY GROUP. " If absorption takes place," writes Wibmer in his unpretending and yet comprehensive manner; "if the absorption of the poison is not prevented by the excessive local inflammation, where the poison was first applied, the following symptoms develop themselves, more especially after the internal exhibition of the drug: increased and 156 LECTURE LXVIII. more frequent desire to urinate, with discharge of only a small quan- tity of dark urine in every case ; difficulty of urinating, retention of urine, strangury, bloody urine, frequent erections, itching and burning of the sexual organs and urethra, increased sexual desire, increased seminal secretion, priapism, satyriasis, nymphomania, mis- carriage, inflammation and swelling of the external sexual organs, which sometimes terminates in fatal gangrene. These symptoms are accompanied by general restlessness, hurried pulse, heat, thirst, flushed face, red and sparkling eyes, pain in the region of the uri- nary bladder, lumbar and renal region; headache, delirium, rage, tetanic convulsions, are frequently present as signs of the cerebellar and spinal irritation. A post-mortem examination reveals inflammation, ecchymosis, and even gangrene of the internal and external sexual parts, uri- nary organs, kidneys, ureters, bladder, uterus, etc. These remarkable symptoms constitute a series of most important therapeutic indications. They point to Cantharides as a remedy for Cystitis of the most dangerous character, with utter inability to pass a drop of urine in spite of a continual and most agonizing desire to do so; discharge of blood from the urethra; swelling and intense painfulness of the region of the bladder; violent fever, flushed face, glistening eyes, delirium; consensual vomiting, retching, etc. Stapf reports a case in the Archiv, where this dangerous condi- tion was at once modified, and gradually cured, by a globule of the 200th potency of Cantharides. In general the 3d to the 6th potency may be found the most suitable. In Ischuria and Stranguria, this agent may be necessary, if the affection remains after mismanaged inflammation of the bladder, or after some acute fever, such as typhus. We find cases of strangury reported in Hufeland's Journal, which were cured with Cantharides after every other effort had failed. How is this ? AVill not such facts open the eyes of our alloeopathic brethren to the great truth that "Similia similibus," the great law of therapeutic affinity, is the law of cure ? On the other hand, if Cantharides cause strangury by their pri- mary action upon the urinary organs, we may rest assured that this primary effect, if kept up for a sufficient length of time, would be ultimately followed by a paralytic inability to retain the urine. The continued use of small doses of Cantharides would produce the same effect, a sort of incontinence of urine. This beautiful physiological truth suggests the use of Cantharides in analogous conditions, such as Incontinence of Urine, or even Diabetes. AVe are not without historical proofs, that Cantharides may, and actually have caused such weaknesses. Frank quotes a case from a medical publication by the physicians of Petersburg, which the reporter Dr. Weisse, published as a case of "artificial diabetes." A child of four years was afflicted with swelling of the cervical glands to which a fly-blister had been applied by mistake in the place of a plaster of cicuta. After the blister had been drawing for eighteen hours, the child began to become delirious; the blister was then removed, and the mistake was discovered, when the large blisters CANTHARIS VESICATORIA. 157 were seen. For some days after, fever was present, and the patient discharged a small quantity of blackish urine amid great distress; this was followed by increased secretion of urine to four times the amount of the liquid the patient drank; at the same time she com- plained of great thirst, and had a ravenous appetite for meat. In a few days the urine lost the blackish color, became inodorous and had a slightly saltish taste. The patient became very thin, the face and feet became oedematous, and she craved animal food exclusively as if impelled by a sort of instinct. Little by little the quantity of the urine decreased, the natural odor returned, and health was com- pletely restored in six weeks. The glandular swellings disappeared in the meanwhile. In that exceedingly annoying form of incontinence, Enuresis Noctui na, Cantharides have effected many beautiful cures. A girl of seventeen years, for instance, of a lymphatic habit of body but otherwise healthy, tall and rather fleshy, had been afflicted with nightly enuresis from her earliest childhood. She took the powder of Cantharides in doses of one-twelfth of a grain morning and nio-ht. After the very first powder the trouble stopped for four nights, then returned once more after which she remained permanently cured. In Ilaematuria, both acute and chronic, Cantharides may be of great use; of course the totality of the accompanying symptoms has to be considered ; excessive burning in the urethra, violent erections amounting even to chordee; urging to urinate with difficulty of passing any urine, may be present. Whether we describe the affec- tion as a case of haematuria, or ischuria or stranguria:- the trouble remains the same in its essential nature, and Cantharides are the remedy for it. These symptoms are so frequently met with in -f Gonorrhea, that Cantharides may prove of great use in many cases M -;'of this disease, even in the chronic form. Frank quotes a case from ', ■ the Edinburg Medical Journal, of twenty years's standing, which was i cured by the tincture of Cantharides. The patient was a man of fifty-five years; there was constant discharge,impotence, pain in the 1 back, seminal losses after the least erection or hard stool. Cantha- rides first produced strangury, chordee-like erections, etc.; the .;, remedy was discontinued, and he remained cured, got married and had children. In Renal Diseases, Cantharides may prove useful. We have shown before that it may stimulate diabetes, and we see no reason why we should not prescribe this agent in Bright's Disease, if the symptoms at all justify such a proceeding. Cantharides act very specifically upon the kidneys, inducing inflam- mation and suppuration of this viscus; an investigation of their therapeutic virtues in this direction seems desirable. As a remedy against the Calculous Diathesis, Cantharides have justified the expectations of physicians in some cases, as may be seen from the following case stated in Frank's Magazine. 158 LECTURE LXVIII. A man of fifty-four years, afflicted with hereditary gout in the lithiatic diathesis, had, for twenty years past, become subject to an affection of the kidneys commencing with aching-tensive, stinging pains in the right lumbar region. A calculous disease was soon diagnosed, which increased from year to year. Beside a quantity of transparent mucus which could be drawn out into long threads, the urine deposited a copious sediment of uric-acid crystals, and occa- sionally a purulent sediment having a strong ammoniacal odor; small calculi having a rough surface and followed by a discharge of bloody coagula, were passed occasionally amid great suffering which sometimes obliged him to sit for days with the trunk bent forward. For some years past, the urine had been turbid, and was occasionally covered with a thin layer of the phosphate of magnesia and ammonia. For years past this patient had had a feverish pulse, very little appetite, night-sweats, and had become very much emaciated. He recovered perfectly under the persistent use of Cantharides of which he took one grain per day. This dose, however, proved much too strong, and had to be considerably lessened. Nephritis, chronic as well as acute, may require Cantharides. We have seen that Cantharides may powerfully affect the sexual system. It causes, and may therefore cure Inflammation of the Penis, with tendency to gangrenous termina- tion. Satyriasis, of the most furious kind, with frightful priapism and insatiable desire for sexual intercourse, with discharge of blood in the place of s&men. Impotence, with coldness of the penis and utter absence of erec- tions, the result of previous lasciviousness ; with loss of the seminal fluid; hence in Spermatorrhea, with impotence, and inability to retain the urine, a sort of paralytic debility of the genito-urinary apparatus, Cantharides may do us much good. Involuntary emissions may be arrested by the use of Cantharides. Nymphomania, in the last stage of the disease, with continual manifestations of sexual frenzy, may call for the exhibition of Can- tharides. What dose may be required in this disease? I have no doubt that a very high potency of this drug will be found sufficient in many cases to manifest curative results; in other cases, on the contrary, very large quantities may be required. A girl of twenty- six years, who had been attending a hat store for years, of exemplary conduct and cheerful temper, had conceived an affection for a gentle- man above her position and whom she could not marry. In conse- quence of this passion she was attacked with furor uterinus, and had to be carried to a hospital, where she indulged in the vilest obsceni- ties without a particle of shame. After the ineffectual use of nervines, antispasmodics, etc., without the least benefit, including the cauteri- zation of the clitoris, social amusements, pleasant work, the attend- ing physician bethought himself of the well-known formula " Similia CAPSICUM ANXUUM, PIPER IXDICUM. 159 similibus," in conformity with which he selected Cantharides as the remedy in this case. He prescribed ten drops three times a day. This dose had no effect; it did not even produce a burning during urination. The dose was gradually increased to ninety drops three times a day. Under the influence of this dose the patient became quiet, and was discharged cured in four weeks. For some time after, she continued to manifest a certain aversion to company, and she had a peculiar staring, searching look, but she lived quietly in the bosom of her family, attending to her domestic duties. Swelling of the Neck of the Uterus, attended with burning in the bladder, pain in the abdomen, constant vomiting and acute fever, are symptoms which Cantharides have caused and may therefore cure. Ovaritis, with burning pain and swelling in the region of the ovaries, may require Cantharides, perhaps in alternation with, or subsequently to the use of Aconite. Sterility may be successfully treated with Cantharides, the pri- mary effect of these insects being to excite the sexual system of the female; hence Cantharides are in homoeopathic rapport with the organic reaction called forth by this primary effect of the drug. The expulsion of Moles, dead fetuses and even of a retained pla- centa, has been effected by means of Cantharides. This, however, should be looked upon as a proceeding of doubtful propriety. EXANTHEA1ATIC GROUP. Cantharides, if applied to the skin, develop an erysipelatous active inflammation of the skin, with more burning than itching, and exu- dation of a serous liquid raising the epidermis in the shape of blisters. May not this fact justify the application of a weak solution of Cantharides to a burn ? Cantharides have caused carbunculous and gangrenous inflamma- tion of the part to which the drug was applied locally. We may derive good results from the local application of a graduated solu- tion of the tincture to carbunculous or gangrenous sores, if the con- stitutional condition of the patient is in homoeopathic affinity with the constitutional action of Cantharides upon the healthy tissues, more especially upon the brain, the genito-urinary apparatus, and the circulatory fluid. 160 LECTURE LXIX. LECTUEE LXIX. CAPSICUM ANNUUM, PIPER INDICUM, {Spanish or Cayenne Pepper. Natural order : SoLANEJE.) The berries of this plant, which, according to some writers, is a native of the East and West Indies, and, according to others, of South America, are not only used as a condiment, but likewise as a medicine. We prepare a reddish tincture of these berries, which has a burning taste, but is without smell. In the Dominant School, it is used as a mild rubefacient and vesi- cant ; homoeopathic practitioners neither use this nor any other drug for any such purpose. From this drug we obtain an alkaloid, piperine, which was first discovered by Oerstedt in 1819. This substance consists of small, white, prismatic, inodorous, neutral crystals, not having the taste of pepper, insoluble in cold water, but readily soluble in cold, and still more readily in hot alcohol. If the Piperine is yellow and has the taste and odor of pepper, we may conclude that it contains resin- ous ingredients which have to be removed by thoroughly washing the alkaloid in water, and afterwards dissolving it in hot alcohol, from which the crystals are thrown down by gradual evaporation. The washing and crystallizing process may be repeated several times in succession, until a perfectly pure article is obtained. Hahnemann and his disciples have furnished us some excellent provings of black pepper, which we will examine with reference to their corresponding pathological conditions under the following categories: CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. Here we notice the following characteristic symptoms: Arertigo, a sensation of staggering from side to side. Headache as if the skull would fly to pieces, when movino- the head and when walking. Throbbing headache in one temple and in the forehead. Pressing ache in the forehead, the pressure seeming to proceed from the occiput, accompanied with a cutting sensation from the occi- put. This pain was felt immediately after taking the drucr. Sometimes the ache was felt above the root of the nose, and was accompanied by a few stitches through the ear and above the eye. The headache likewise took the form of hemicrania; the pain was a pressing-stitching pain, aggravated by raising the' eyes and head, or by stooping, and accompanied with forgetfulness when stooping. CAPSICUM ANNUUM, PIPER INDICUM. 161 The stitching headache was increased by rest and ameliorated by motion. The scalp was likewise affected by the drug. The prover exp3ri- enced a gnawing itching, and at other times a slight shivering over the scalp, which was followed by a burning sensation; after scratch- ing, the roots of the hairs felt painful as if they had been pulled at. These symptoms lead us to infer that Capsicum is possessed of curative powers in Catarrhal, Gastric, Rheumatic and Nervous Headaches which are characterized by similar symptoms. ORBITAL GROUP. In this range Hahnemann reports the following effects of the drug: A pressing ache in the eyeballs as from a foreign body. Early in the morning, burning in the eyes, they look red and weep. Dimness of sight, early in the morning, as if a foreign substance were floating over the cornea and obscured it. Every thing before his eyes looks black. Dilatation of the pupils. In the case of two young men to whom Professor Chiappa gave Piperine for fever and ague, it produced redness of the eyes; the lids, nose and lips were swollen. These symptoms point to the use of Capsicum in mild forms of Catarrhal Ophthalmia, especially when complicated with amaurotic symptoms; it may perhaps be well to add that this agent may be particularly serviceable in this form of ophthalmia, if the patient is of a strumous habit and liable to attacks of this kind. FACIAL GROUP. The following symptom in Hahnemann's scanty record of the facial range, points to a peculiar form of Neuralgia of the Face, which may be induced by exposure to a keen wind, by cold or some other cause: " Pains in the face like bone-pains which may be excited by external contact; or they are fine pains penetrating the nerves and tormenting the prover when about to fall asleep." CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. The action of Capsicum upon the digestive tube is characterized by a series of instructive and valuable symptoms. Hahnemann reports the following provings: Altered taste in the mouth, which is as of foul water, or insipid and flat, imparting a taste as of clay, (to butter for instance); at times the prover experiences a sour taste in the mouth, and likewise an acrid taste. vol. n.—11 162 LECTURE LXIX. Heartburn, sometimes preceded by a watery, flat taste. Eructations, only when walking ; every eructation is accompanied by a stitch in the side; when sitting down, there is no eructation and consequently no stitch. Coldness in the stomach; sensation as if the stomach contained cold water, followed by a sensation of trembling in the stomach. Anorexia, the food having a natural taste. Frequent yawning after eating. Desire for coffee, but after drinking coffee he feels sick at the stomach, with inclination to vomit. Qualmishness in the pit of the stomach, early in the morning and after dinner, with inclination to vomit. Pressure in the pit of the stomach, with inclination to vomit. «< Fullness and anxiety in the chest, after eating, followed by sour risings, and finally a loose stool. Burning sensation from the stomach to the mouth, after breakfast. A burning-stitching pain deep in the abdomen, on stooping and when walking; the pain puts him out of humor. Oppressive distension between the umbilicus and epigastrium, aggravated by motion. Sensation as if the abdomen were enormously distended. Distension of the abdomen, followed by headache in the occipital region, and copious perspiration. This series of symptoms points to the following pathological affections with which the provings correspond homoeopathically, Pyrosis or Heartburn; the watery and sour risings from the stomach, and the burning from the stomach along the oesophagus, sufficiently indicate the use of our drug in this affection. Dyspepsia and Cardialgia, characterized by oppression after eating, distension of the bowels, feeling of repletion in the pit of the stomach, qualmishness, inclination to vomit, anorexia, burning in the stomach and epigastrium, flushes in the face, tendency to stool. Gastro-ataxia, the stomach feels cold as if full of water, with a sensation of quivering in the organ. The poisonous effects of large doses of pepper upon the coats of the stomach show that this agent may be adapted to the milder forms of Gastritis, or to the severer forms of Cardialgia or Gastrodynia. A boy of 16 years swallowed thirty berries of white pepper in brandy. In a few hours he experienced a painful burning in the stomach, with thirst and feverish chills ; the pain was confined to a circumscribed locality and resisted the exhibition of anodynes; the bowels seemed completely torpid and could not even be moved by large doses of castor-oil. Finally on fche seventh day the bowels were moved, the berries came away, and the patient recovered. Another patient swallowed two ounces of pulverized pepper in a gill of brandy, in order to keep off the attack of fever and ague. Shortly after, he was pale as death, most of the time without con- CAPSICUM ANNUUM, PIPER INDICUM. 163 sciousness, and tormented by the most frightful spasms. During his lucid moments he complained of excessive pain in the oesophagus and stomach, experienced an intense thirst, but had to throw up the liquid he drank. He was restored by strict antiphlogistic treatment. According to Professor Chiappa's experience, Piperine generally causes a burning in the oesophagus and stomach, and very frequently even in the bowels and anus. The provings show that Capsicum may be advantageously employed in Diarrhea, with or without tenesmus. The following effects of the drug characterize its action in this range: Cutting pain in the umbilical region, with discharge of tenacious mucus, which is sometimes mixed with black blood ; after every discharge from the bowels he feels thirsty, and every time he drinks he is attacked with shuddering. Slimy diarrhoea, with tenesmus. Diarrhoea with smarting, stinging pain at the anus. Capsicum may likewise be indicated in Costiveness, for the record reads: " Costiveness as from too much heat in the bowels." Capsicum may prove useful in Haemorrhoids, where its use is indicated by the following symptoms : Discharge of blood from the anus, for four days. Burning and itching pain at the anus. Blind piles, varices at the anus which are very painful during stool. URINARY GROUP. The symptoms which characterize the action of our drug upon the lining membrane of the urinary apparatus, are of considerable pathological importance. We have : Frequent and almost ineffectual urging to urinate. The urine is emitted with great straining, the emission is rather a dribbling of the urine, and takes place by fits and starts. Burning in the urethra during and after micturition. Stinging in the orifice of the urethra immediately after urination. Stinging in the anterior portion of the urethra between the acts of micturition The urethra is painful when touched. The urine deposits a whitish sediment. Discharge of a yellowish and thick mucus from the urethra. These symptoms show that Capsicum may be useful in Catarrh, of the Bladder, and in Chronic Gonorrhea or Gleet, although it is not safe to expect much from our drug in this latter affection. 164 LECTURE LXIX. SEXUAL ORGANS. The action of large doses of Capsicum upon the sexual organs seems to be of a depressing character; small doses produce an oppo- site effect. Hahnemann reports the following symptoms as the result of his provings with a few drops of the tincture : Continual pressure and prickling sensation in the glans, morning and evening. Nocturnal emission. Yiolent erections in the morning. Excessive trembling of the whole body in dallying with a female. Fine stinging itching at the glans, like a mosquito-bite. These symptoms show the character of the organic reaction devel- oped by comparatively small doses. The following group of symptoms is the result of large quantities of the Solanum Capsicum of Egypt, and is communicated by Baron Larrey, Surgeon General to the French Army in Egypt. He writes in his work entitled: " Observations on several Maladies to which our Troops in Egypt were subject:" "Those among our soldiers who drank brandy that had been poisoned with Solanum Capsicum, were afflicted with the following symptoms: 'loss of sensibility in the testicles, softening and gradual dwindling in those parts. At first this was not noticed by the patient, until the testicles were reduced to the size of a bean, insensible, hard, and drawn up' close to the abdominal ring, and suspended by a shriveled spermatic cord.' " This important indication may render the Solanum Capsicum of Egypt an admirable agent for the restoration of the testes, when they have become atrophied by abuse or other causes. RESPIRATORY GROUP. Capsicum is not without importance as a remedy for catarrhal affections of the air-passages; for, among the provings recorded by Hahnemann, we observe a number of symptoms which point to Catarrh and Influenza, as corresponding pathological conditions. Some of the leading symptoms are Tingling in the nose, as in dry coryza. Hoarseness. Frequent barking cough, with tingling in the larynx. Cough, with painful pressure in the throat as if an ulcer would break. The cough is accompanied by a headache as if the skull would fly to pieces. The cough is accompanied by sudden pains in various parts of the body, the ear, thigh, etc. The air which is expelled during a fit of cough, has a fetid smell. The prover complains of various rheumatic pains in the chest, stitching pains between the shoulder-blades during an inspiration, CAPSICUM ANNUUM, PIPER IXDICUM. 165 and similar pains in the side of the abdomen; severe stitches in the region of the heart. Oppression of breathing which is relieved by a deep inspiration. Asthmatic oppression, with flushed face, eructations and sensation as if the chest was distended. Oppressive tightness on the chest, aggravated by the least motion. Throbbing pain in the chest. It is doubtful whether Capsicum is possessed of any marked cura- tive properties in the more dangerous affections to which the bronchial tubes and the pulmonary parenchyma are liable. The action of this drug seems to be confined to the mucous lining of this organ, nor does it seem distinguished by any extraordinary degree of intensity. In connection with this slight irritation of the mucous lining of the respiratory organs, Capsicum superinduces a moderate degree of congestion in the venous capillaries, which accounts for the stitching and aching pains, which it not only causes in the thoracic viscera, but in the muscular tissue of the extrem- ities and of other parts of the body. The curative action of Capsi- cum in the respiratory range, is most probably confined to Catarrhal and Rheumatic affections of a very simple nature, and very fully delineated by the provings furnished by Hahnemann and his disciples. FEY,ER-GROUP. I am not aware that Capsicum is much used in rheumatic affections, yet the results of Hahnemann's experiments show that this agent may be usefully employed in the milder forms of Simple Rheumatism of a congestive and neuralgic order. Some of the more characteristic symptoms recorded by Hahnemann will be sufficient to authenticate our statement: Drawing-tearing pain in the spinal column. Painful stiffness of the nape of the neck when moving the part. Dislocation-pain in the shoulder-joint. Stitching-tearing pain along the whole of the right arm to the tips of the fingers. Painful stitch in the left elbow-joint darting into the hand with a sensation of flashing heat, and causing a feeling in the arm as if it had gone to sleep. Painful twitching in the palm of the left hand. Contractive pain in the left index-finger. Yiolent pain in the right thigh, as if it had been sprained, felt only when turning the thigh outward. Tearing pain on the internal surface of the right thigh. Drawing, stitching, digging pain in the left thigh, posteriorly and in the middle region, passing off by moving the part. Drawing pain in the right hip-joint aggravated by motion. Stitching-tearing pain from the hip-joint to the feet. Tensive pain in the knee. Stitches darting through the tips of the toes. Transient wandering pains in the extremities, back, nape of the 166 LECTURE LXIX. neck, scapulae and hands; they are excited by motion and continue for hours. After lying down he feels stiff, the joints feel lame and as if swollen. Sensation in the skin, here and there, as if a fly were crawling over it. Tingling sensation in the upper and lower extremities. Lassitude, especially during rest. This series of symptoms may not often present itself embodied in a pathological group, and yet they do present states of capillary congestion and alterations of the nervous sensibility that may seem unimportant, superficial, and yet may require the interference of Art for their prompt and thorough removal. And many a patient may feel under obligations to his medical adviser who relieves him of his annoying pains by means of a few doses of Capsicum. For years past Capsicum has been used as a remedy for Fever and Ague, more particularly when characterized by excessive shuddering and chilliness, pain in the small of the back. An infusion of pepper taken shortly previous to the chill, has frequently pre- vented the outbreak of the paroxysm. A characteristic of the Capsicum-fever is a sensation of shuddering and shivering after drinking water ; the patient feels out of humor and depressed ; the attack -is not accompanied by those violent signs of congestion which are so often present during a paroxysm of fever and ague requiring Quinine or Arsenicum as their true specifics ; the heat and chill may be mingled; the chill is accompanied by anxiety, restlessness, intolerance of noise, inability to collect one's thoughts ; the thirst generally occurs during the chill, not so much during the hot stage. MENTAL GROUP. Capsicum has been recommended as a remedy for nostalgia; it may perhaps be efficacious in removing some of the physical ailments incidental to nostalgia, especially in the gastric sphere; but nostalgia, as a real state of the soul, can only be cured in one way, which is to send the patients back again to the scenes and the circle of friends whose absence is the exciting cause of the mental distress and the consequent physical suffering. DOSE. We may exhibit this drug from the tincture up to the 12th potency; of the Piperine we give the first, second and third tritura- tion or the alcoholic attenuations. In the revulsive practice pepper- poultices are often applied to the skin; in sensitive individuals they cause an efflorescence of the skin and often draw blisters. CARBO ANIMALIS. 167 LECTURE LXX. CARBO ANIMALIS, (Animal charcoal) _ We obtain this preparation by roasting lean veal, which has pre- viously to be freed from all fat, and cut in small lumps, in a common coffee-roaster, taking care not to burn it. When sufficiently and uniformly carbonized, we make triturations in the usual propor- tions. After little flames begin to play round the roaster, the roasting is continued fifteen minutes longer. Animal charcoal is not quite as black as vegetable charcoal; it sometimes has a faint metallic gloss, and may be converted into an exceedingly fine powder. Animal charcoal has been principally used as a remedy for gland- ular indurations, scirrhus and cancer. Alloeopathic physicians are divided in opinion concerning its efficacy in these diseases. Some speak of it with great praise, others deny its usefulness. Dierbach mentions a number of authorities both for and against. It is said to have acted with good effect in Scirrhus of the breast; Glandular Indurations; Indurated Goitre; Scirrhous Indurations of the neck of the uterus, and Malignant Ulcerations of the neck of the womb, with foul dis- charges. From four grains of the drug taken four times a day, and gradu- ally rising to twenty-four grains three times a day, Dr. Duplan and others, observed a copper-colored eruption over the whole body, more particularly in the face. Small furuncles, of the size of peas, likewise broke out; when discharging, they smelled like burnt meat; the excrements spread a similar odor. In another case, three grains, taken morning and night, caused gastric derangements, occasional attacks of diarrhoea, difficulty of digestion, loss of appetite. Some of Wibmer's students likewise swallowed large doses of the crude charcoal, five and ten grains, and finally whole pieces of the drug, without experiencing any other result than a more frequent urging to stool; the discharge was of a middle consistence. Wib- mer, in reporting these experiments, remarks, however, that the continued use of animal charcoal will most probably derange the digestive system; for a short while after instituting their experi- ments, the provers were attacked with loss of appetite, and various gastric derangements for the cure of which laxatives had to be taken. 168 LECTURE LXX. Dr. Weise, who has published a pamphlet on the dispersion of scirrhous tumours and polypi, and on the cure of cancerous ulcera- tions by means of animal charcoal, informs his readers that healthy persons who swallow this substance for a sufficient length of time, are attacked with painful indurations in the breasts, swelling and induration of the parotid glands, acne rosacea, etc.; these effects soon, however, disappear again after the charcoal is discontinued. If Weise's observations are correct, we perceive that the homoeo- pathicity of animal charcoal to indurations of glands, nodes in the breast, and perhaps scirrhus, is tolerably well established. In the Acne rosacea of drunkards, and for a dyscrasia characterized by the breaking out of Furuncles, which discharge a foul, fetid blood; in the case of persons whose blood is, according to popular parlance, impure, or who have a cachectic, strumous appearance, Carbo animalis may prove of eminent use. For Dyspepsia, Weakness of digestion, with loss of appetite, unea- siness in the stomach, occasional attacks of watery or papescent diarrhoea, or frequent evacuation of soft faecal matter, we may often prescribe Carbo animalis with benefit. Among the symptoms which constitute Hahnemann's record of the proving of this substance, the symptoms of the gastric sphere are the most marked. Nevertheless they do not show any great therapeutic power, and only justify the use of our drug in gastric affections of an annoying, but not severe nature. The more charac- teristic symptoms of the series are: Bitter and sour, and sometimes foul taste in the mouth. Pressure and fullness in the stomach after eating, also with oppression of breathing, anxious feeling in the back, palpitation of the heart. Eructations. Pressure and rumbling in the stomach. Weight in the abdomen; also distension with soreness under the ribs when touching them, as if ulcerated. Rumbling in the bowels, fetid flatulence, also with urging to stool. In Cancer of the womb, Dr. Rothamel found that animal charcoal improved the ichorous discharge and diminished the haemorrhage. One of Hahnemann's provers reports : " Leucorrhcea staining the linen yellow," affording an indication for Animal Charcoal in this weakness. As regards the dose, the greatest difference prevails among prac- titioners of the dominant school; some giving only half-grain or grain doses ; others, on the contrary, prescribing three, six and even more grains at a time, three or four times a day. Homoeopathic practitioners do not find it necessary to go below the second, or first decimal or centesimal trituration ; the sixth up to the eighteenth potency, and even much higher, are said to have developed satisfactory curative results. CARBO VEGETABILIS. 169 CARBO VEGETABILIS, (Vegetable charcoal) ^ For medicinal purposes we select charcoal derived from beech or birch-wood ; hard pieces evenly carbonized, in which the texture of the wood may still be recognized, are carefully pulverized ; of this pulverized charcoal we afterwards obtain our triturations in the proportions of 1: 10, or 1: 100. Hahnemann has furnished some thirty pages full of symptoms purporting to have been obtained from the third and higher poten- cies of Charcoal. This curious pathogenesis has furnished pabulum for a good deal of merriment to our brethren of the other side. " In the Pennsylvania Hospital," writes Professor Thomas D. Mitchell, of Jefferson College, " forty years ago, the consumptive wards were rendered comparatively pure by the free administration of fine char- coal powder to each patient, in the dose of a teaspoonful in milk or molasses, three times a day. These are advantages, certainly, flowing from the antiseptic power of charcoal, but are nothing in comparison of the real value, as judged by Hahnemann, who has devoted thirty- five pages of one of his works to unfold the effects of less than a millionth of a single grain. What do we not owe to the revelations of Homoeopathy!" The excrescences which the opponents of Homoeopathy have pounced upon for the purpose of breaking down a system of treat- ment that is based upon an eternal and universal law of God, will soon be expunged from our books, there can be no doubt of it. "Will those who now scoff at Homoeopathy good or bad, accept the gold when it shall be presented to them free from dross ? Yegetable charcoal has been employed by Old School physicians as a disinfectant in dysentery, foul ulcers, fetor of the mouth, etc., It removes for a while the unpleasant odor, which soon returns, however, as soon as the chemical effect of the charcoal is exhausted, By triturating charcoal with sugar of milk, the inherent medicinal power which, as Altschul justly remarks, is latent in the crude drug, is excited into action, and may become of incalculable value as a therapeutic agent. Nevertheless I am of opinion that the curative range of charcoal is much less extensive than Hahnemann's provings would seem to imply. We may embrace this range in the following concise series. Charcoal seems to act upon the blood and to restore its vitalizing purity; Upon the nervous system, whose sinking energy it rouses; and upon The mucous membranes, whose secretions it purifies. In accordance with what we may regard as reliable indications in Hahnemann's list of provings, we may prescribe charcoal, and have derived beautiful curative results by means of this agent, in the following series of affections which we will consider under our usual categories. 170 LECTURE LXX. CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. Hahnemann's provings have shown that the vegetable charcoal is capable of producing a certain form of headache which is not dis- tinguished by intensity and yet is sufficiently characteristic to lead us to infer that its origin and development as a pathological state depend upon the presence of some constitutional dyscrasia or miasm. A more careful examination of the symptoms enables us to recom- mend vegetable charcoal in Headache depending upon the existence of a scorbutic or psoric diathesis in the organism. This headache is delineated in Hahne- mann's record by the following symptoms: A'ertigo as if the head was balancing to and fro. Dullness and tightness of the head, as after intoxication, spread- ing from the occiput to the forehead Headache involving the right side of the head and face, (with chilliness, coldness and trembling of the body and jaws); also headache, with pain in one eye as if it should be torn out. Dull and oppressive headache, in the occiputal region. Pressing ache in the forehead, close above the eyes. Pressure in both temples, and at the vertex. Headache, as if the scalp were contracted. Yiolent headache for five days; when stooping, a pressing was felt through the back part and front part of the head. Rush of blood to the head, with heat in the forehead and dullness of the head. Throbbing headache. Pressing and burning headache, in the evening, in bed, especially from the vertex to the forehead. General painfulness of the surface of the brain, here and there with stitches darting from without inwards. Drawing and tearing in the left side of the occiput, also in the forehead. Red, smooth and painless pimples here and there, on the forehead. The hair falls out. Chronic Headache, or that form of it which is described under the name of Hemicrania, is very fully shadowed forth in this series of provings. The headache to which Carbo vegetabilis is homoeopathic, probably never occurs without an accompaniment of such gastric derangements as require the same drug for their removal. In such headaches the patient will probably complain of an altered taste in the mouth, bitter or sour, impaired appetite, tendency to nausea and eructations, heartburn, fullness and repletion of the stomach, bloating of the bowels, costiveness, Caspari has given charcoal with good effect, if the headache was accompanied with determination of blood to the head, and had been caused by overloading the stomach, and drinking wine to excess. CARBO VEGETABILIS. 171 ORBITAL GROUP. An examination of the pathogenetic effects of our drug shows that it is not indicated in acute affections of the eyes, but chiefly in states of Ciironic Weakness of these organs, or such conditions as are desig- nated in common parlance by the term Sore Eyes, more especially if the eyes look inflamed, or if only one eye is affected and looks swollen, red, is painful and the lids are agglutinated in the morning; the patient complains of indis- tinctness of vision and is troubled with muscae volitantes. These are the leading symptoms recorded by Hahnemann as the result of his provings. Charcoal may help to restore the visual power after it had been weakened by an excessive use of the organ in sewing, reading and similar occupations during which the eyes are continually strained. In a case of Haemorrhage from the eyes reported in the Allgem. Horn. Zeitung, with considerable determination of blood to the head, Carbo is said to have effected a cure. Such haemorrhages, and indeed haemorrhages from any organ where vegetable Charcoal manifests curative results, are of a passive order, arising from a general scorbutic tendency of the organism. AVhether this agent may be employed in Amblyopia amaurotica with good effect, will have to be determined by further experiments. The muscae volitantes, the blurred vision and the shortness of sight which this drug is said to produce, indicate its use in the milder forms of amblyopia; but here, too, it will be found that this agent is principally adapted to the scorbutic diathesis. DENTAL GROUP. According to Hahnemann's record, Carbo causes drawing and tearing pains in the upper and lower row of teeth; the gums incline to bleed, feel sore, become detached. These symptoms have led homoeopathic physicians to the employment of Carbo in Scorbutic Affections, such as may be occasioned by the excessive or otherwise improper use of Mercury. This condition of the gums may likewise be a symptom of constitutional scurvy. Vegetable charcoal is extensively used as a tooth-powder; it is said to strengthen the gums, to remove scurvy and the fetid odor which sometimes proceeds from a scorbutic degeneration of the gums. Under homoeopathic treatment it is advisable to use a preparation less endowed with medicinal properties, at least while a person is under homoeopathic treatment. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. Hahnemann has furnished an extensive series of derangements which have been produced by the action of Charcoal upon the healthy organism; we will review these symptoms with reference to the pathological conditions to which they correspond. 172 LECTURE LXX. Dryness and burning in the throat. Painful pressure in the region of the fauces. Scraping sensation in the throat. Inability to swallow food; the throat is closed as by a spasm, but without pain. The throat feels swollen internally, and as if it were closed by a spasm. Sore throat, painful deglutition for four days, as if the uvula were swollen. These symptoms have led homoeopathic physicians to recommend the use of Charcoal in Chronic Sore Throat, especially when accompanied by bronchial and gastric irritations. Owing to the antiseptic properties of this drug, it has likewise been employed in Angina gangrenosa, and in the aphthous form of angina, or the Diphtheritis of Bretonneau when of a chronic nature. Two of the above-mentioned symptoms likewise point to Dysphagia, not so much when consequent upon previous inflam- mation, but as a symptom of general disintegration of the digestive powers. Charcoal developes a variety of symptoms in the functional range of the stomach and intestines which point to its use in several gastric disorders which, if not dangerous, are at least tormenting and require the interference of Art. We find the following record in the Alateria Medica Pura: Saltish or bitter taste in the mouth. Empty, sweetish or also bitter and scraping eructations. Diminished appetite and speedy repletion. Nausea and qualmishness in the stomach, an hour after waking. Painful hiccough after eating. Sour taste in the mouth after eating. Heaviness in the legs, every afternoon after dinner, for eight days. Crampy pains in the stomach, with continual eructations which tasted quite sour. Burning sensation in the stomach. Scraping sensation from the stomach upwards along the oesopha- gus, like heartburn. Throbbing in the pit of the stomach. Oppression and anxiety in the pit of the stomach. Pressure in the stomach as if upon a sore; worse when touching the part. Extreme sensitiveness of the region of the stomach. Contractive or constrictive sensation under the pit of the stomach. We consider this record perfectly reliable, and we therefore avail ourselves _ of this pathogenesis for the purpose of recommending Charcoal in actual derangements of a corresponding nature. Pyrosis or Heartburn, more especially of the chronic order, and when complicated with other gastric symptoms, such as eructations weight and fullness at the stomach after eating. CARBO VEGETABILIS. 173 Waterbrash, the fluid having an insipid, saltish or sour taste. Dyspepsia and Cardialgia, with oppression at the stomach after eating, flatulent distension of the stomach and bowels, soreness of the epigastrium, spitting up of frothy mucus, belching up of wind, crampy pains in the epigastric region, oppressed breathing in con- sequence of the fullness and oppression in this region. Lobethal recommends Charcoal for the cardialgia of cachectic in- dividuals with sallow complexion and acidity in the primae viae. Trinks considers it of great use in the gastralgia of nursing females. Hahnemann's record furnishes a very satisfactory and almost com- plete group of all the symptoms which characterize the pathological derangements described as dyspepsia and gastralgia, and we there- fore refer the student of Homoeopathy to the series of provings which we have communicated. In regard to Cardialgia, Dr. Altschul predicates the employment of Charcoal in this affection upon the light furnished by Pathological Anatomy. Post-mortem examinations having shown that cardial- gia, in a great number of cases, is not a purely nervous affection, but that it is symptomatic of a more deep-seated disease of the stomach, and is occasioned by evasions and ulcerations of the internal coat of this organ, we have a right to expect most satisfactory results in this disease from the exhibition of Charcoal which is so satisfactorily employed by our best practitioners in a variety of exulcerations. The burning pain in the epigastrium and stomach which Charcoal produces, led Hartmann to use this agent in a case of Melaena where Arsenic arrested the vomiting of blood, but where the burning distress only yielded to Charcoal. Charcoal acts very powerfully upon the alvine secretions. For- merly it was asserted by most practitioners of the Dominant School that this agent only affects the nature of the products in the intes- tines, but does not reach the functions of the canal; but this doc- trine is no longer admitted by modern therapeutists such as Yogt and the writers of his School. According to Hahnemann's provings, Charcoal causes Rumbling in the bowels, with emissions of inodorous or hot and fetid flatulence; it also causes Papescent stool with burning at the anus and in the rectum dur- ing the passage of stool. Scanty and hard stool which does not cohere, and is likewise ac- companied with burning at the anus. Pricking in the rectum during stool. During the first week of the proving the alvine evacuations were preceded by mucus, which was followed by hard and afterwards soft faeces, and finally a cutting pain in the bowels. Loss of blood at every evacuation from the bowels. Painful varicose swellings at the anus. Discharge of a smarting dampness from the rectum. Exudations on the perineum from the anus to the scrotum, with itching and soreness. 174 LECTURE LXX. Some of AVibmer's students experimented with large quantities of Charcoal upon themselves. Jail whose bowels were habitually constipated, swallowed 20 grains on the morning of the 22d of July, and again 30 grains on the following morning. On the 24th, he had two liquid stools. On the 25th he swallowed 60 grains which had no further effect. A few days after this experiment he swallowed 60 grains at six o'clock in the morning; at ten o'clock he swallowed the second dose which caused a feeling of loathing. At two o'clock in the afternoon he swallowed another dose of 60 grains with great repugnance, this was followed by exudations and retching, and he came near vomit- ing. On the evening of the same day he had a liquid discharge from the bowels, and on the following morning another papescent stool. Wibmer justly observes: "I am in doubt whether this cathartic effect of Charcoal is mechanical, dynamic, or simply the result of the indigestible nature of this substance." The truth, however, is that charcoal has been employed, and is recommended by alloeopathic physicians both in diarrhoea and con- stipation. Dr. Hayn, of Freiburg, assures us in Hufeland's Journal that in Diarrhea where mucilaginous preparations, opium, sugar of milk, proved unavailable, vegetable Charcoal rendered him excellent ser- vice. It is more particularly in the slimy and faecal diarrhoea of scrofulous children that this agent may prove useful. On the other hand Daniel and Chapman have employed Charcoal in Constipation of an obstinate nature, and even in incipient ileus, where the affection was either rapidly cured, or, in cases where the cure was less speedy, the vomiting and irritability of the stomach were at least arrested. They administered from one to three table- spoonfuls of the pulverized Charcoal every half hour or hour. Such proceedings are undoubtedly very unsatisfactory, and do not shed a clear light upon the action of Charcoal and its true relation to this condition of the bowels. These opposite systems of treatment show that the use of drugs, by alloeopathic practitioners, is but too often based upon empirical routine, and that careful and systematic provings upon a number of persons in perfect health, of all ages and of both sexes, can alone reveal the true therapeutic sphere of drugs. We may add that the constipation to which Charcoal is homoeo- pathic, is symptomatic of a general group of gastric derangements, that may very properly be described as a form of dyspepsia or weak digestion, and where the symptoms elicited by Hahnemann consti- tute leading indications, such as: fullness and weight in the bowels, rumbling, feeble appetite, bad taste in the mouth, coated tongue, etc. In • • Dysentery, Charcoal has been employed at a later stage of the dis- ease, when the discharges had become a mixture of foul blood and mucus; it should be stated, however, that the cases where charcoal is supposed to be indicated,, are most generally the results of mis- management, or ignorance of the remedial agents which are specifi- cally adapted to the case. CARBO VEGETABILIS. 175 Frank, for instance, has transcribed in his Alagazine the case of a robust young soldier who was treated for dysentery with the milk of Sulphur. Gradually the discharges assumed the appearance of blood and pus, and they were attended with burning pains high up in the rectum, which resisted slimy injections, opiates, or any other remedial means. The doctor suspecting the presence of an ulcer in the region where the burning was felt, prescribed Charcoal in increasing doses every two or three hours, beginning with two grains; in a few days the symptoms began to improve, the pains abated, the discharge was less and the patient soon recovered. The probability is that in this and in hundreds of other similar cases, these burning pains and the supposed ulcer might and would have been avoided under the judicious treatment of a homoeopathic physician; nevertheless, if such a group of symptoms does occur, Charcoal may prove eminently serviceable, if administered in the second or third trituration. In Typhoid Dysentery which sometimes occurs in an epidemic form, and where the discharges have a cadaverous smell, Charcoal may not only diminish or remove the odor, but may otherwise manifest curative results. It may be alternated with Arsenicum or Rhus tox., or with any other medicine that may seem demanded by the nature of the case. Alloeopathic physicians generally com- bine the internal use of this agent and its introduction by the rectum with Opium and mucilaginous injections. In our practice the Opium may be omitted, unless we should deem it necessary to use it as a palliative; but the injections may be indispensable adjuncts to the general treatment. I am not able to perceive in what way Carbo is homoeopathic to Asiatic Cholera, where it has been used by some practitioners; the symptomatic similarity is entirely wanting, and the use of this agent can only be accounted for upon the ground of some general theory founded in the ideal rather than in nature and experience. In the last stage of cholera Carbo is said to have saved life after all other remedies had failed. Dr. Fischer imagines that he has saved patients with Carbo 30 after collapse and paralysis had set-in ; the pulse rose again and the patients recovered. Rummel gave Charcoal after specific cholera-symptoms had been subdued and the patients were troubled with congestions of the head and chest, oppression of breathing, slight sopor, flushed cheeks which were covered with a clammy sweat. Our provings show that Charcoal must be possessed of curative virtues in some forms of Haemorrhoids with habitual constipation, loss of blood at stool, protrusion of painful varicose swellings. This agent may likewise prove of use in those annoying Excoriations or Exudations of the perineum and anus which sometimes prove so refractory even under the most careful treat- ment. 176 LECTURE LXX. URINARY AND SEXUAL GROUPS. Hahnemann's record shows that Charcoal affects the sexual apparatus in a sufficiently marked manner to enable us to determine the homoeopathicity of its action to several more or less trouble- some affections. Hahnemann reports Yiolent itching of the prepuce, the inner surface of which was sore, a vesicle had started up. Tingling in the testes and scrotum. Itching and dampness of the thigh, near the scrotum. Soreness of the pudendum, as if excoriated, with leucorrhoeal discharge for two days, followed by the appearance of the catamenia which had been suppressed for months, the discharge looked quite black. Premature appearance of the menses. The menses were accompanied by headache which was so violent that she had to close her eyes, and by cutting pains in the bowels. Discharges of white mucus from the vagina. These s}''mptoms indicate Carbo in Excoriations of the Prepuce when not arising from mechanical irritation, with itching, and perhaps complicated with herpetic eruptions. Carbo may likewise help in similar affections of the scrotum. The burning and itching of the vulva which is described as Pruritus or Prurigo, may find a remedy in Charcoal. Altschul cured an obstinate case of this disorder by exhibiting Charcoal internally at the 6th attenuation, and applying the same preparation externally in the form of an ointment made with fresh butter. The disorder may be complicated with herpetic eruptions on the parts. In Leucorrhea, this agent may do us good service. The discharge may consist of white mucus, or it may be a thin, watery, sanguino- lent discharge causing much itching and burning.and having afoul smell In Dysmenorrhea or Painful menstruation, with premature appearance of the discharge which looks black and has a strong ammoniacal odor, cutting-spasmodic pains in the bowels, Charcoal seems indi- cated by our symptoms; some cases are reported in "Stapf's Archiv." where Charcoal proved highly useful. Passive Metrorrhagia may require Carbo; the blood has the above-described character, looks dark, has a foul smell; the affection is symptomatic of a general scorbutic state of the system. Old- School physicians have used Charcoal in this disease with success; a case is reported in Richter's Chirurg. Bibliothek, vol. 15, page 338, where Odier administered 20 grains of the pulverized Charcoal in syrup and water four times a day, after which the discharge soon ceased without any unpleasant consequences. In cases where Charcoal is in specific homoeopathic relation with the disease, such enormous doses are entirely unnecessary; the second and third, or at most the first trituration will be found amply sufficient. CARBO VEGETABILIS. 177 In Hufeland's Journal Eisenmenger reports an interesting case of Putrescence of the uterus, where a cure was effected by means of the internal use of China, and vaginal injections of Charcoal. In the sixth month of her pregnancy the patient was delivered of a fetus that had been dead for some time. In consequence of the extreme narrowness of the os tincae the placenta could only be partially delivered. Ten days after her confinement the patient was seized with a violent fit of anger, in consequence of which she had a violent haemorrhage from the womb which could only be stopped by mineral acids, Secale and the tampon. On the evening of the third day she had a slight attack of fever and a violent headache. Next day she was seized with violent chills followed by heat and sweat; the fever was intense, pulse small and quick (130 in the minute), the abdomen not painful, the secretion of milk entirely suppressed, lochial discharge scanty and foul, the left lower extremity insensible and as if paralyzed ; the face had an anxious and altered expression and looked pale and sallow; loss of appetite, thirst, tongue coated yellow. China was continued internally and pulverized Charcoal injected into the vagina. On the 20th, violent delirium, frontal headache, disposition to vomit, short and anxious respiration and some cough; pulse 100, feeble and small; diarrhoea in the place of the former constipation. From the evening of the 20th a gradual improvement set in, the breathing became easier, the cutaneous, uterine and urinary secre- tions became more copious, and about the middle of August the patient was quite recovered. Eisenmenger ascribes this cure to the antiseptic virtues of char- coal which he thinks arrested the putrescence. It is more than pro- bable, however, that both the dynamic action of china and the chemico-dynamic action of charcoal were instrumental in effecting this result and thus saving the patient's life. RESPIRATORY GROUP. The action of Carbo upon the respiratory organs is characterized by a variety of symptoms, such as Hoarseness, also sudden hoarseness in the evening, with dyspnoea, so that he was scarcely able to breathe when walking in the open air. Scraping in the throat morning and evening, inducing a dry, hack- ing cough. Irritation in the larynx inducing cough, with gagging. Three or four turns of spasmodic cough every day. Exhausting cough, with oppression of breathing and burning in the chest. Expectoration of mucus from the larynx, after hawking or coughing. Discharge of whole clots of greenish mucus. Painful drawing in the chest, shoulders and arms, more on the left side, with a feeling of heat and rush of blood to the head, she feels cold. VOL. II.—12 173 LECTURE LXX. Yiolent stitches under the left breast, even when sitting, and pre- venting sleep. Yiolent, almost continued burning in the chest as from hot coals. Sensation as if the blood were rushing to the chest, accompanied with a feeling of coldness in the body. Frequent and excessive palpitation. Spasmodic oppression and stricture on the chest. Difficulty of breathing and throbbing in the head, in the evening when lying in bed. AYeak and tired feeling in the chest. Sticking in the chest. These highly interesting provings show that Carbo has a compre- hensive and penetrating action upon the mucous lining of the respiratory apparatus. It is more particularly in chronic affections of these organs that it has evinced curative or palliative virtues of a high order. AAre find it adapted to Chronic Hoarseness or Raucedo, where Carbo has been used by Caspari and others with success; the hoarseness abated on warm days, and was worse in damp and cool weather; it was likewise aggravated by loud or continuous talking, exposure to the least draught of air, and was complicated by a distressing tickling in the throat, loss of appetite, lassitude and a general feeling of malaise. In Laryngeal Phthisis and in Chronic Bronchitis, Carbo may either palliate the distressing cough or prepare the way for a cure. The cough is spasmodic and paroxysmal, and results in the expectoration of foul, greenish pus. Guided by this symptom Caspari resorted to Carbo in a case of laryngeal phthisis, where afterwards a single dose of Zincum was sufficient in order to complete the cure. The patient was a girl of 19 years. In Chronic Hemoptysis, Carbo in the higher potencies has been given by Hartmann with good effect, especially if the raising of blood was attended with a burning in the chest. Haemoptysis as a symptom of tubercular phthisis is beyond the reach of this drug; the raising of blood must depend upon degeneration of the mucous surfaces and scorbutic alteration of the blood in the venous capil- laries. In the Dyspnea of hydrothorax Rtickert was able to palliate the patient's distress by means of Carbo, and Lobethal gave it even with good effect in Suffocative Asthma with icy coldness, bluish color of the skin and violent praecordial anguish. Our symptoms show that Carbo may effect a favorable change in Neglected Pneumonia, when the expectoration has assumed a greenish color and has a foul smell ;• in such a case, even Incipient Gangrene of the lungs may indicate, and perhaps be ar- rested by Carbo; the expectoration may have a liver-colored ap- pearance, with a very fetid smell. In Chronic Pneumonia, with expectoration of black blood, soreness and stitches, or burning distress in the affected portion of the lungs, CARBO VEGETABILIS. 179 dyspnoea, constant hacking, or paroxysms of an exhausting and spasmodic cough, Carbo may render efficient service. In Tubercular Phthisis, Carbo can only act as a palliative. In Phthisis florida or the so-called galloping consumption, Carbo has been used with good effect as a palliative. Piepenbring, who was afflicted with pulmonary phthisis, used it in his own case by in- haling the dust. A flask having a large mouth, was filled with finely pulverized Charcoal, agitated vigorously and then held to the mouth; the inhaled dust diminished and improved the character of the fetid and copious expectoration. If his appetite was failing, he took Charcoal internally with good effect. In Phthisis, Horn prescribed Charcoal made into pills with honey; it acted as an excellent palliative. The consensual states which this disease developes in the organ- ism, have been very generally reproduced by the powers of Carbo, more especially the feeling of weariness and tremor in the joints, disposition to faintness and vertigo, heaviness of the lower extremi- ties, nervousness with tendency to start both when walking and during sleep, disturbed sleep on account of dreams or in consequence of a throbbing in the 'head and an anxious feeling as though apo- plexy were impending, yet the throbbing seemed an illusion, for after waking fully it had disappeared. The increased sensibility of vision or hearing which is such a fre- quent concomitant of phthisis, is referred to in the following record: "In the evening, after going to sleep in bed, the prover wakes several times with a sensation like rush of blood to the head, and as if the hairs were standing on end, feeling of anxiety accompanied bv shuddering, and by a sensation over the body as if a hand were passed over him or like formication; this sensation was experienced whenever he turned in bed, and the hearing was so sensitive and acute that the least noise reverberated in the ear. "Illusion of hearing, in the evening in bed; he fancied that he heard somebody step to his bed; this roused him from sleep, with a feeling of anxiety." In connection with these symptoms, we may observe that Charcoal causes a burning and copious perspiration of the feet. Carbo has proved very efficient in curing Sweaty Feet, the sweat having a bad smell; in this affection Carbo has been used with much success by Minister. FEYER GROUP. According to our proving, Carbo causes cold feet, chilly creep- ings, shuddering; it also causes the opposite condition of heat, especially at night, in bed. These effects of Carbo upon the healthy organism account to some extent for the success with which this agent is said to have been used in Fever and Ague by alloeopathic physicians. Italian physicians, 180 LECTURE LXX. Calcagno, Macadino, ATicosia and others assert that they have de- rived a good deal of advantage from the use of Carbo in fever and ague which is sometimes prevalent along the coast of the Alediter- ranean in Sicily. It is more particularly adapted to fever and ague having a putrid and bilious type. In the so-called T'yphus Putridus, when the ulcerative stage is fully developed, the tongue and lips have a dry and blackish appearance, are cracked, bleed, with frequent diarrhoeic discharges tympanitic distension of the abdomen, sensitiveness of the ileo-coecal region, Charcoal is used with good effect. Carbo vegetabilis is recommended by Platon, Townsend and more especially by Archer in the last stage of Yellow Fever, the stage of black vomit; it is said to diminish the irritability of the stomach, to render the evacuations inodorous and to cause the removal of the morbid matter by the rectum, and to improve the intestinal secretions. EXANTHEMATIC GROUP. Our provings do not point to Carbo as a remedy for acute erup- tions, and Hahnemann was fully justified in ranking this agent among the antipsorics which are particularly adapted to chronic diseases. Charcoal causes a painful sensitiveness of the scalp, and itching and crawling sensation in the scalp, falling off of the hair. These symptoms may lead us to suspect the curative virtues of Charcoal in some forms of Tinea Capitis, more especially in those forms which secrete a foul- smelling ichorous pus, forming crusts and now and then mingled with blood. Carbo may be exhibited internally, and may at the same time be applied externally in the form of -an ointment or fine powder. In Inveterate Herpes, Charcoal prepared in the form of a watery solution, has effected a cure when all other means seemed fruitless. Ebers prepares the water of Charcoal as follows: One pound of pure pulverized Charcoal is made red hot in an iron vessel, and, in this state, is poured into a porcelain vessel containing two or three pounds of distilled water; this mixture is allowed to cool, and then filtered. Ebers recommends the water of Charcoal as an excellent remedy for inveterate dyspepsia and more particularly for inveterate herpes. Many cases of this disease have been cured by causing the patient to use the water of Charcoal as a common beverage through the day, and, at the same time, washing the skin with it. In Scabies, especially the so-called dry itch or Scabies papulosa, Charcoal evinces eminent curative properties. Loh and other Alloeopathic practitioners have used it with excellent effect. Loh makes a trituration of one part of the Charcoal of linden-wood and three parts of loaf-sugar, of which preparation he administers a tablespoonful every three to four hours. At the same time the CARBO VEGETABILIS. 181 patients are washed twice a day with a solution of one part of potash and nine parts of water. Loh asserts that by this means he has cured a large number of itch patients thoroughly and in a short time. The same author relates in the Allgem. Aledic. Ann., that he has cured, by means of Charcoal, intermittent fever, dropsy and severe affections of the respiratory apparatus resulting from the suppres- sion of the itch by ointments or washes. In some cases the itch re- appeared previous to the cure, and was removed together with the secondary complaints. In the treatment of ulcers Charcoal has been extensively used by physicians of both schools. In Ulcers arising from lymphatic degeneration and discharging a foul pus, with tendency to haemorrhage, this agent may prove ser- vicable. The ulcerative process may be complicated with mer- curial action. In Ulcera Pedum and in Varicose Ulcers, characterized by the same properties, Charcoal is likewise eminently useful. In Gangrenous Ulcers, Charcoal is recommended by the surgeons of the Paris hospitals. In all of these various exulcerations Carbo may be used internally and externally; the external use in the shape of a wash or powder is particularly to be commended in order to neutralize the foul emanations which often proceed from the sore. If used externally, a layer of about two lines in thickness, should be spread on the ulcer. AYe may here state that in Gangrena Senilis, when the part feels icy-cold, heavy, and looks livid or purple, Charcoal may be of service. In the case of Burns, whether caused by fat, oil or boiling water, Seidel has used the finest pulverized charcoal with the most admira- ble results. After puncturing and emptying the blisters, he covers the injured part with a layer of charcoal of about a quarter of an inch in thickness, and keeps this in place by means of a light band- age. In half an hour the pain begins to decrease, and in a few hours it is entirely gone; the burn heals without suppuration, and without any cicatrix. If the powder should be found moist, it is removed very gently, and dry powder substituted in its place. ANTIDOTAL POWERS OF CHARCOAL—DOSE. Pulverized charcoal is used as an enveloping agent in cases of poisoning with Arsenic. Bertrand, of Alontpellier, swallowed five grains of pulverized Arsenic mixed with a cupful of Charcoal and sugar made into an emulsion, without experiencing any poisonous symptoms, save a little cramp-pain in the pit of the stomach, which soon passed off. Professor Alitchell mentions a case of poisoning with Arsenic which occurred in Cincinnati, and where the lives of 182 LECTURE LXXI. four persons were saved by administering Charcoal by the mouth, in water and molasses, and water and milk, as fast as it could be taken ; it was also administered by injection. The best medicinal Charcoal is obtained from linden-wood; beach and birch likewise yield an excellent article. The first, second and third triturations, and the middle attenuations are used in homoeo- pathic practice. LECTURE LXXI. CICUTA VIROSA, (Water Hemlock, Poisonous Cowbane. Nat. order:—Umbellifer^e.) The root of this plant is tuberous and may be mistaken for parsnip. A characteristic peculiarity of the Cicuta-root are the cellular hollow spaces, several of which are seen one above the other when cutting the root longitudinally. This root yields a light-yellow, milky juice, becoming darker in the air. From the root we prepare, before the flowering time arrives, a tincture of a saturated yellow color and a nauseous odor and taste. The stem of the plant is from two to four inches long; it grows in ditches, along the margins of rivers and lakes; has a general re- semblance to Conium maculatum; the stem is furrowed,- smooth, sometimes reddish (the stem of Conium is spotted, smooth, has a bluish gloss, and is covered with down); leaves deep-green, ternate; leafless serrate; umbels upright, flowers white; anthers and style reddish. It has been contended by some that it is the Cicuta-poison which Socrates drank; but this is refuted by the fact that Cicuta is not found in Greece, whereas Conium grows abu idantly in the neigh- bourhood of Athens. Cicuta is a violent poison. It poisons both animals and men. Goats, horses and sheep seem to eat it with impunity; to horned cattle, dogs, and other animals, it proves a virulent and fatal poison. Wepfer, in his history of this plant, states that he gave an ounce of the root, cut into small pieces, to a dog; in half an hour the animal foamed at the mouth and vomited; violent convulsive movements ensued, at one time emprosthotonos, at another opisthotonos; in- ability to remain still; when endeavoring to walk, the dog fell over to one side; this state lasted two hours. After death, livid spots were found along the whole of the alimentary canal. The same author made various experiments on dogs, wolves and eagles, both with the root and the juice, and all gave analogous results. On examination after death, the alimentary canal was found inflamed, and in some cases gangrenous; the cavities of the heart were filled with blood which was sometimes fluid, at others coagulated. The CICUTA VIR0SA. 183 lungs, often infiltrated and gorged with blood, seemed inflamed, as was also the liver. The cavities of the brain contained but little serosity; the vessels of the brain were distended with black blood. According to Linnaeus, horned cattle feeding indiscriminately on Cicuta virosa, are seized with swelling of the abdomen, attended with convulsions, and they die, with horrid bellowing, in a few days. Af any fatal accidents have occurred from eating the root of Cicuta for parsnip. The symptoms produced by the root, are: vertigo, dim- ness of sight, headache, and difficult respiration; burning pain at the stomach, vomiting accompanied by heat and dryness of the throat, and, in some cases, convulsions, preceding death. The mucous membranes are found congested, and dark fluid blood in the sinuses of the brain. Wepfer mentions the case of a man who had eaten largely of the root, being found with his face greatly swollen, and his eyes protruding, breathing with great difficulty, and foaming at the mouth. He was seized with a severe epileptic fit, his limbs assumed a tetanic stiffness; there was spasmodic breathing, with perfect un- consciousness, which state was soon terminated by death. The only marked appearances were fluidity of the blood, and patches of redness on the mucous membrane of the stomach. This case shows that Cicuta may cause epilepsy, and may therefore prove curative in this disease. The full homoeopathicity of this drug to an attack of epilepsy requires that there should be burning pain in the epigastric region, foaming at the mouth, protrusion of the eyes, difficult breathing, swelling of the face. In the Montreal Medical Gazette of 1844, another case of poison- ing by Cicuta is reported. Four children, between five and seven 3'rears of age, ate the roots of this plant for parsnip; within half an hour they were all seized with extreme nausea, burning pain at the epigastrium, and colicky pains in the bowels. They all complained, on reaching home, of sickness, for which warm milk was given them. One of the children vomited. In two of the rest, the pains gradually increased, and in about two hours from the time of their eating the roots, they were laboring under complete coma, with tetanic convul- sions, the jaws rigidly fixed, stertorous breathing, and the whole face puffed and bloated, having the appearance of the head of a person who had been drowned; pulse intermitting, sometimes imperceptible. Emetics were given without effect; enemata of castor-oil and oil of turpentine were employed, with great relief; one of the children died in three hours, the others recovered. Dr. Schleiser met with the following case: A girl eight years old, had eaten this plant; she was found quite insensible, her respira- tion was feeble and rattling; pulse soft, small and scarcely percep- tible ; pupils dilated and fixed, face pallid, limbs palsied, abdomen distended, and there was general coldness of the surface, with an entire loss of the power of swallowing. The patient died in about sixteen hours. Another case is reported in Wepfer's history of the water-hem- 184 LECTURE LXXI. lock: A boy, aged six years, ate some of the root of the #water- hemlock which he mistook for parsnip; in a very short time he experienced great anxiety at the pnvcordia, spoke a few words and fell to the ground, A short time afterwards, horrible convulsive movements came on; he lost the use of his senses, and his mouth was firmly closed; he grit his teeth; the eyes were turned up in an extraordinary manner, and blood was discharged from the ears; he tried to vomit without being able to open his mouth; his head was constantly thrown back, and there was severe opisthotonos. The convulsions gradually ceased, and he expired about half an hour after the first invasion of the symptoms. The abdomen and face were swollen after death, and there was some lividity around the eyes. From various cases of poisoning and from experiments made upon animals, Wibmer sums up the action of Cicuta in the following interesting statement: " These observations show that every part of the Cicuta virosa is endowed with poisonous properties, the root, herb and seeds, but more particularly the root, and that the poisonous qff'ects of this plant are more especially marked in the spring of the year. "Its action upon any particular locality is stimulating; hence a small portion taken internally induces increased secretion of saliva, loathing, painful pressure in the stomach; when taken in larger quantities, it induces a violent, burning pain in the stomach and bowels, eructations, violent desire to vomit, vomiting and loose dis- charges from the bowels consisting of a greenish-black substance. The poison of the Cicuta, taken up into the general circulation, mani- fests its noxious effects in remote and important organs. It disturbs and paralyzes the functions of the brain; in small doses it causes a disposition to sleep and langour; in larger doses it causes vertigo, delirium, intoxication, diminished susceptibility of the senses. Symp- toms of an excessive irritation of the spinal cord simultaneously make their appearance similar to those induced by poisonous doses of Strychnine, whence arise tetanic and epileptic paroxysms, tris- mus, spasms of the diaphragm of the pharynx (constriction of the pharynx), of the bowels and abdominal muscles, eyes, extremities; the lips, tongue and nails assume a bluish appearance during these spasms, the respiration, beats of the heart and irritability of the senses seem suppressed for a time, mingled with occasional rigidity and convulsions of the extremities. "These attacks come paroxysmally, so that the patients have sometimes quiet intervals, the functional power of the senses returns, the breathing and the freedom of motion are likewise restored, or the patient falls into a natural sleep. After repeated paroxysms the patient dies from exhaustion or asphyxiated. " The heart and the bowels do not lose their irritability imme- diately after death ; the abdomen and the whole body swell, and blue spots are seen upon the skin. The venous system becomes predominant, the blood is more fluid. The veins of the brain and lungs are turgid with blood. The stomach and bowels are most CICUTA VIR0SA. 185 generally contracted, red, exhibiting brown spots, inflamed, espe- cially on the folds of the stomach, ccecum and rectum, sometimes even ulcerated. The lungs and other organs remain sound." (This last observation is not correct, for in a case' of poisoning reported by Yelten in Casper's Med. Wochenschrift, which ter- minated fatally with several of the boys who had eaten of the root mistaking it for calamus, a post-mortem examination showed that the poison had likewise been absorbed by the respiratory organs; the lungs were dark-blue, with red points scattered over their surface ; they were very much distended, crepitated when an incision was made into the parenchyma, or when it was compressed between the fingers, and they contained a great quantity of dark-red blood ; the larynx, trachea and bronchia were red ; this redness could not be washed off, and spread continuously over the inner surface of the above-mentioned organs ; the internal surface of the bronchia was lined with a reddish mucus. AVepfer reports the case of a young man of twenty, which terminated fatally; the lungs ex- hibited a number of blue and yellow spots.) The interesting and instructive cases of poisoning with Cicuta which we, have reported, show that Cicuta possesses an extraordinary power of causing convulsions : it is very probable that its irritating action upon the solar plexus is one of the chief causes of these con- vulsive paroxysms. It is in the treatment of such paroxysms and of various forms of mental derangement that Cicuta is principally useful. AAre may exhibit this agent in Epilepsy and Epileptiform Spasms, more particularly the ganglionic form of this disorder, according to the pathology of Schcenlein. Some of the cases reported by AVepfer exhibit paroxysms of con- vulsions which simulate epilepsy. In one case the record reads: Horrible epileptic paroxysms, recurring at first at short and after- wards at longer intervals ; the limbs, head and trunk are moved in a very strange manner, the jaws are locked. In another case the paroxysm is recorded in this manner : Epileptic attack with strange distortions of the limbs, trunk and head, with bluish face and suppression of breathing which con- tinued for a few moments, froth at the mouth ; after the convulsions ceased and the respiration was easy, he seemed unconscious, lay like a dead person, and seemed without-sensation, whether spoken to or pinched even. In another case the patient is said to have been attacked with spasmodic distortions of the limbs which threw him to the distance of two feet. How far the power which Cicuta possesses of producing, and therefore arresting spasms, may be made available in the treat- ment of Eclampsia, or convulsions of parturient females, will have to be decided by clinical experimentation. It does not seem safe to depend upon the curative agency of this drug in eclampsia, for the simple reason, at least in my judgment, that the homoeopathicity 186 LECTURE LXXI. of the Cicuta-spasms to puerperal convulsions is not clearly made out as far as their essential nature is concerned. It is not by any means improbable that Cicuta may prove of use to us in some of the more frightful forms of Chorea, characterized by excessive mobility and contortion of the limbs. The remarkable influence which Cicuta seems to possess over the spinal cord, as evinced by the post-mortem signs of san- guineous congestion and effusion into the canal, certainly justifies the inference that it may evince curative powers in the more intense forms of St. Yitus' dance. In Hysteric Convulsions the use of Cicuta may occasionally be called for. Likewise in Catalepsy, which seems shadowed forth by the following symptom recorded in one of AVepfer's cases: " the limbs were hanging perfectly relaxed as in a dead person, with suppression of breathing." Tetanic Canvulsions, opisthotonos as well as emprosthotonos, come most undoubtedly within the curative range of Cicuta. They are distinguished from the convulsions to which Strychnine is homoeopathic, by this : that during the latter, the patient preserves his consciousness to the last, whereas the absence of consciousness is characteristic of the Cicuta-convulsions. Hahnemann furnishes one symptom in his short record of provings which seems to indicate a power inherent in Cicuta of causing muscular spasms; the symptom reads as follows: " A sort of cramp in the cervical muscles ; on looking around, he is unable to at once turn the head back again, the cervical muscles do not yield, and if he were to use force, he would feel pain." This symptom shows that Cicuta affects the upper portion of the cord, and that, if this action were sufficiently intensified, spasms and convulsions might ensue. The following series embodies all the leading symptoms by which the convulsions with which the Cicuta-poison may be said to be in homoeopathic relation, are characterized: Yertigo so violent that the patient falls down ; loss of sense ; red- ness and bloating of the face, with prostrusion of the eyes, staring look, haemorrhage from the ears, swelling of the neck, gritting of the teeth, foam at the mouth, inability to swallow, thirst during the spasm, spasmodic hiccough, vomiting (even of blood), burning and anxiety in the epigastric region, throbbing in the pit of the stomach which had swelled up to the size of a fist, desire for coal which was actually swallowed, retention of urine or sometimes violent, spasmodic spiriting out of the urine, hoarseness, jactitation of the limbs, intermittent breathing, excessive chilliness, perfect immobility and loss of sensation after the cessation of the paroxysm. In certain forms of Mania, Cicuta may prove useful; in one case of poisoning, the patient, after waking from a profound sleep, jumped out of the bed, danced, laughed, and committed all sorts of absurd actions, drank a good deal of wine, jumped about, clapped her hands, and looked very red in the face all night. CINA. 187 Cicuta has also been recommended as a remedy for the cure of a Pustulous Eruption in the face and on the hairy scalp. Upon one of the provers of Cicuta such an eruption was produced. Frederick Hahnemann reports the following effects of Cicuta on his own person: "Blotches in the face and on both hands, of the size of split peas, at first causing a burning pain and afterwards running together, of a dark-red color and continuing nine days, at the lapse of which period desquamation took place lasting three weeks." Hahnemann himself adds in a foot-note: " I have cured long- lasting confluent pustulous eruptions in the face, causing a burning pain, with one or two doses of Cicuta; but I always allowed the first dose to act three or four weeks before I gave the second dose, if a second dose was at all required." Cicuta has proved adapted to a group of symptoms which might be designated as Traumatic Angina. It is said to have saved a man's life who had stuck a splinter in his throat; the throat swelled up and came very near causing suffocation. Cicuta arrested the swelling and prevented suffocation. The symptom which prompted the employment of Cicuta in this affection, is the following, which Hahnemann's brother experienced on himself: "The throat appears to be closed, feels sore when touching it, the pain increasing for several hours." Cicuta affects the sense of vision more or less. In one of the provers of Cicuta, it caused diplopia, or double vision; objects were seen double and they looked black; at times she became hard of hearing. Hence we may derive good effects from the use of this drug in Amaurotic conditions of the eyes, where these symptoms occur; this species of amaurosis will generally be found accompanied by signs of cerebral congestion, dizziness, frontal headache. Regarding the dose, I would observe that this is a medicine which can be exhibited in larger doses than is usual with homoeopathic physicians, without causing any untoward symptoms. The lower potencies will, in most cases, be found the most suitable; a few drops of the tincture in a small tumblerful of water may be required in sudden cases of convulsions. CINA. (Semen Cinae, Semen contra, Artemisia contra, Semen Santonici, common wormseed. Nat. Ord.:—Synanther^e.) The substance which is sold to us in the shops, is a mixture of the seeds, broken peduncles, calices and flower-buds of a species of Arte- misia growing in the Levant. AVe make triturations of these seeds, and likewise a yellowish-green tincture. 188 LECTURE LXXI. Cina is principally used for worms and worm-affections. In Hel- minthiasis characterized by convulsions, epileptic spasms, vomiting, bulimia, diarrhoea, itching at the anus, nocturnal enuresis, we shall find this drug very useful. It has been employed as a domestic remedy for worms in large quantities. If homoeopathic to the exist- ing condition, a comparatively small dose will be found sufficient. The larger quantities are given because the ethereal oil contained in the seeds is unpleasant to the worms; according to Baglivi a saturated watery infusion of Cina destroys lumbrici in five hours, and according to Redi in seven or eight; whereas they are able to live full thirty hours in a decoction of Artemisia abysynthium, which, however, surpasses the former preparation in bitterness. CEPHALIC GROUP. We find this drug mentioned by homoeopathic authors in con- nection with Hydrocephalus. It is probable, however, that the symptoms, which have been interpreted as hydrocephalic symptoms were symptoms arising from the presence of worms; a sympathetic irritation of tne brain super-induced by a primary irritation of the bowels. Nevertheless Cina seems to develop cerebral symptoms of a cer- tain intensity. We find it stated in Frank's Alagazine, that Dr. Hoffman has observed in two cases violent cerebral symptoms from the action of Cina. In the case of a boy of seven years they con- tinued for five days in spite of leeches applied to the head, and cold applications. The doctor states that he has seen similar effects produced by Cina in at least a dozen other cases. A number of other cases are reported in the German periodicals showing the extraordinary power which Cina and its alkaloid possess over the nervous centres. Schmid states in the Deutsche Klinik, that after swallowing a large dose of the seeds, a boy of five years and his father fancied that everything looked yellow, and that the skies and blue cloth looked green; crimson color looked fallow, logwood-red looked like bronze, white like yellow. These symptoms were accompanied by slight vertigo. Next morning all these effects had disappeared. After swallowing two grains of Santonine for taenia, a boy of three years emitted a urine of a deep orange-yellow color which gradually disappeared in layers. Next day, September -8th, after a second dose of the same size, the same kind of urine was secreted with a flocculent sediment; the same took place on the day follow- ing ; on the 10th, after swallowing four grains, the color became still more intense, which was likewise the case on the 11th after a simi- lar dose. These facts are reported in Behrends' Journal for the Diseases of Children. A boy of eight years took two doses of Santonine, of one grain each. They caused considerable trembling of the limbs, slight convulsions of the facial muscles and fingers, inclination to vomit, slight de- lirium, accelerated pulse, yellow appearance of object. After ten CINA. 189 hours, all these symptoms had vanished except the orange-colored urine with a grayish lustre. Another child was attacked with staggering, stupor with staring eyes, violent spasms, pulse 130; questions remained unanswered. A robust boy of four years, had two doses of Santonine of two grains each administered to him. After a meal he was attacked with nausea, pressure at the stomach, colic, vomiting of a tenacious mucus followed by drowsiness, lassitude; the colic continued. Same dose : the distress in the bowels reappeared, the pallor of the face increased, with blue margins around the eyes; giddiness and staggering, until finally the whole body became covered with a cold dampness, the lips and ears looked bluish; distortion of the eye- balls, twitching of the hands and feet; breathing hurried and pant- ing ; the arms and lower extremities hang down relaxed ; the eyes are without expression, the pupils are not dilated, but recur insen- sible to contact; pulse small 135; complete apathy, the boy only desires to drink; afterwards vomiting, stool, frequent starting dur- ing sleep, at night. A boy of four years and a half took one grain, and another grain in three hours. The child enjoyed good health. At seven in the evening the following symptoms were observed: Restlessness, vio- lent trembling of the whole body, convulsions with trismus, profuse sweat over the whole body, pale face, dilatation of the pupils, pulse and respiration accelerated; abdomen distended, without feeling any pain from pressure; desire to vomit; loss of consciousness; urine of an orange color, and passing off involuntarily (antidotal treatment was resorted to: emetics, emulsions, milk). At eight in the morning, there was no consciousness, no answers to questions, pallor of the face, eyes half open, sunken, pupils somewhat dilated, pulse slow and feeble; abdomen soft, death. This case is taken from Hirschel's Archive. Wackerling, Zimmermann and others state that the photopsia here alluded to is a very common consequence of Cina and San- tonine without the least trace of jaundice being observed in the eyes or upon the skin. The urine, however, which is very acid, and less copious than usual, sometimes has a purple color, or is at any rate of an intense orange color. No bile is, however, discover- able by Nitric acid ; but Caustic Ammonia at once changes its color to a cherry or amaranth red, but within thirty hours the color of the secretion becomes quite pale. Other observers speak of dancing, staggering figures which are seen under the influence of large doses of the seeds or of the alkaloid. Hahnemann and his disciples have furnished a few interesting provings of this drug, which show that it is capable of affecting the brain. Among the head-symptoms we notice the following: Yiolent headache. 190 LECTURE LXXI. Stupefying headache during a walk in the open air, deep-seated, first in the forepart of the head, afterwards in the back part. Pressing pain like a fine tearing, in the left temporal region going off" by moving the head. Drawing-tearing pain in the whole left side of the head. One symptom which Hahnemann experienced in his own person, shows that there exists an intimate relation between the pains which Cina causes in the brain, and the pain in the bowels. It reads as follows: « " AVhen the headache passes oft) an aching pain is felt in the bowels, and the headache returns after the pain in the bowels ceases." These symptoms certainly claim for Cina a certain therapeutic value in Headache, also when presenting itself in the form of a semilateral headache, or Hemicrania, or as a nervous headache when the irritation seems to alternate between the abdominal ganglia and the cerebral nerves. The symptoms show that Cina affects the ganglionic system gen- erally, causing boring, drawing and tearing, stinging and lancinat- ing pains in the extremities, and spinal cord, and there is no reason why this drug should not be employed in headache, more particu- larly in the case of persons who are subject to rheumatic pains of a neuralgic character and who either are or have been troubled with gastric irritations denoting the presence of worms. NERYOUS GROUP. Cina causes a variety of nervous pains which partake more or less of a rheumatic or arthritic character. Abner reports: Fine prickings in the left jaw, increased by pressure with the hand; Bruising pain in the small of the back, not aggravated by motion; Stitching pain in the middle of the spinal column, passing off during motion, but returning again during rest; Drawing-tearing pain along the whole of the vertebral column ; Paralytic feeling in the whole of the right arm; the joints feel rigid, so that it was impossible to move the arm ; Boring-crampy pain in the left upper arm, not passing off by motion; Drawing-tearing pain in the right upper arm, which disappears under pressure, but returns again immediately; Tearing pain in the right elbow-joint, during rest, not affected by motion; Drawing-digging pain in the left forearm, from the wrist-joint to the elbow-joint; Pinching-boring pain in the right wrist; Darting-tearing pain in the palm of the left hand, aggravated by extending the fingers; CINA. 191 Single fine darting stitches now in the right and then in the left hand ; Crampy-contractive pain in the middle-finger of the right hand, it was bent inwards; Boring pain below the glutei muscles, while sitting, passing off under pressure and by motion, but soon returning during rest; Drawing-tearing pain on the anterior surface of the right thigh, passing off during rapid motion; Digging pain in the tibia, below the left knee ; Cutting pain in every toe of the left foot, as if cut off with a knife; Tearing-darting pain in the left heel; Painful stitches about the trunk and abdomen, in various parts. Abner is one of the most reliable and sensitive provers who assisted Hahnemann in building up that noble structure, the Materia Medica Pura. I have transcribed the record of Abner's provings, which are fully corroborated by the provings of Riickert, Langham- mer and others, for the purpose of showing that the comprehensive irritations which this drug causes in the peripheral derivations of the ganglionic system of nerves, may be considered typical of a pathological group belonging to the series of Neuralgic or Arthritic Rheumatism. As far as I know, we have no clinical experience with Cina in this disease, and it may only be adapted to a small number of cases; but the symptoms show that it should be ranked among the remedies which may prove useful in rheumatic affections of a neuralgic character. We are too apt to lose sight of the usefulness of a drug in affections to which it had never been applied before, because its specific relation to derange- ments where physicians and laymen had been in the habit of using it empirically for years, absorbs our attention. At the same time that we should constantly endeavor to enrich our Materia Aledica with new drugs, it behooves all true and sober-minded students of Homoeopathy to adhere to the agents which Hahnemann himself has collected, and to render them as efficient as possible for therapeutic purposes. Pelargus states that Cina has caused convulsions and contortions of the extremities; after the attack the child felt exhausted, sick. Hahnemann reports: Epileptiform convulsions, with consciousness. These effects of the drug justify its use in the Convulsions of children, more particularly in convulsions arising from abdominal irritations, or the irritation caused by worms. ORBITAL GROUP. It seems to have been demonstrated by recent experiments that Cina, or more particularly its crystalline alkaloid, Santonine, is capable of affecting the sense of vision in a peculiar manner. It affects that element in the sense of vision which relates to colors. Blue, for instance, seems like green, white looks like a bright yellow. It is, therefore, probable that in 192 LECTURE LXXI. Amaurotic Conditions, where the patients are troubled with these illusions of color, Cina may be of great use. Hahnemann's provings show that Cina has some specific action upon the sense of vision. It acts upon the pupil, which it primarily dilates; this dilatation is afterwards followed by contraction. Lang- hammer reports: Dilatation of the pupils, half an hour after taking the drug; and Contraction of the pupils in three hours and a half. The same effects have been observed by Ruckert. Abner, a very sensitive and conscientious prover, reports: AVhile reading a book his eyes became dim, so that he was unable to continue his reading until he had rubbed them with his fingers. The eyes feel weak, early in the morning; the upper eyelids were so weak that he was scarcely able to open them; this continued the whole forenoon. Ruckert reports a symptom which likewise shows that Cina affects the nervous structure of the eye; his record reads: Feeling of dryness in the eyes, and a drawing, aching pain when- ever he makes the least attempt to use them in reading. Hahnemann and other provers report: Burning in the canthi and lids; and Gross has: Agglutination of the lids in the morning, and Sickly appearance around the eyes and paleness of the face. These provings show that Cina may prove valuable in certain weaknesses of the eyes depending upon, or characterizing a general dyscrasia of the system. Children or even full-grown persons who are said in common parlance to have bad humors, who are troubled with worms and with general symptoms of a disordered condition of the vegetative sphere, very frequently exhibit such irritations about the eyes, and such derangements of the sense of vision as Cina seems capable of producing. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. The action of this drug upon the chylo-poietic system has already been adverted to in speaking of the anthelmintic properties of this agent. The provings recorded by Hahnemann show that the intes- tinal apparatus is powerfully acted upon by Cina. It causes: Thirst; Inclination to vomit, with a feeling of hollowness in the head; Frequent hiccough; Pain in the pit of the stomach which oppresses the breathing; Boring pain above the umbilicus, passing off when pressure is made upon the part; Continual pinching pain in the bowels (produced by a large dose ; this effect is recorded by an old writer, Pelargus). Cutting, pinching pain in the bowels, which continued until they had been evacuated; Yiolent pains at the umbilicus and in the umbilical region, as if the umbilicus were violently drawn in, or as if it had been hurt by CINA. 193 a blow; this pain was aggravated by an inspiration and continued for some time. Unpleasant sensation of warmth in the bowels, terminating in pinching. These and other symptoms confirm the empirical knowledge which we possess of the action of this drug upon the vegetative system, and which seems to be particularly adapted to morbid conditions characterized by the formation of worms. Other symptoms outside of those developed in the alimentary canal, complete to some extent the helminthic group. Pelargus reports: Pale and bluish color around the mouth. Hahnemann has the following: The child bores with the finger in the nose, until it bleeds. We may therefore recommend Cina for Worms and Worm-diseases, Worm-colic, and for the irritation of the bladder which sometimes constitutes an element of the helmin- thic group, and induces the annoying weakness described as Enuresis nocturna, wetting the bed. Langhammer reports this symptom: Frequent urging to urinate with copious emission of urine, the whole day. SEXUAL GROUP. This drug may even cause a powerful irritation in the uterine system, for Bergius reports in his Mat. Med. Stockholmiae, that a girl of ten years had a discharge of blood from the womb as long as she continued the use of Cina, which ceased as soon as the Cina was discontinued; another proof that Cina has a powerful influence upon the abdominal ganglia generally. How far this symptom will justify the use of Cina in Menorrhagia, remains to be determined by experiments; it is doubtful whether curative results ought to be expected from our drug in such an affection, except where it constitutes an element of a more comprehensive irritation of the abdominal lining membrane, including the urinary apparatus and the alimentary canal. RESPIRATORY GROUP. Our provings show that Cina affects the lining membrane of the respiratory organs, and that it may cause a spasmodic irritation of these organs. It causes Yiolent sneezing; Fluent coryza; Discharge of a purulent substance from the nose; Wheezing inspirations; Shortness of breath; Titillation in the trachea, under the sternum, causing cough and expectoration of whitish mucus; Paroxysms of violent cough from time to time; Paroxysm of cough preceded by the following symptoms: the child (a little girl), suddenly straightens herself, stares about; the VOL. II.—13 194 LECTURE LXXI. whole body becomes rigid; she is unconscious as though an epileptic fit were impending; after the cough the child moans, a gurgling is heard in the throat, she is anxious, gasps for air, her face looks quite pale ; these paroxysms last two minutes. A sort of dyspnoea as if the sternum were pressing against the lungs; Crampy, digging pain under the sternum as if the thorax would fly to pieces; Pinching pain, or sudden dartings in the left side of the chest. These symptoms have suggested the use of Cina in Bronchial Catarrh ; Dr. Gray, of New York recommends it in the bronchial catarrhal irritations which sometimes remain after measles, especially if they are accompanied with a sort of hectic fever. Trinks speaks of Cina as a remedy for certain forms of spasmodic cough, even for Whooping-cough, more particularly in the case of scrofulous chil- dren affected with worms; the patients become rigid during the paroxysms which may end in vomiting. Our provings show that Cina may cause a spasmodic cough resembling an attack of whoop- ing-cough. These observations although made by experienced practitioners, have to be received with some caution. Isij own experience leads me to believe that the use of Cina in cough is limited to cases where the irritation of the bronchial lining membrane is symptomatic of a disordered condition of the vegetative system generally. FEYER-GROUP. Cina has been recommended for Intermittent Fever; it strikes me, however, that the febrile condi- tions to which Cina is homoeopathic, do not come within the category of pure fever; they constitute catarrhal or gastric conditions with intermittent paroxysms of feverish symptoms, particularly chilliness with or without thirst, vomiting which may be succeeded by a rave- nous desire for food; during the reaction the patient may complain of headache, with paleness of the face mingled with occasional flushes; bulimia. The bowels incline to be loose. EXANTHEMATIC GROUP. Cina has caused: Yiolent itching in various parts of the skin, at night; Red, itching pimples, disappearing very soon, in the evening. Pelargus states that large doses of Cina have caused a Rash shining through the epidermis. These cutaneous effects only have a symptomatic value, and characterize the irritation which Cina causes in the abdominal ganglia and their peripheral derivations. COCCULUS MENISPERMUM. 195 LECTURE LXXII. COCCULUS MENISPERMUM. (Cocculi indici, Cocculiorientales, Semen cocculi.—Nat.Order:—Menis- PERME.E OF CANDOLE.) This is the fruit of a shrub growing on the island of Ceylon, and on the coasts of Malabar and Amboina in the East-Indies. The seed consists of a nucleus or kernel, and of the outer shell or peri- carp. From the kernel, Boullay obtained an alkaloid in 1812, termed picrotoxin or cocculin ; this is the poisonous principle; the pericarp acts only as an emetic. In commerce the nucleus is often dwindled down to nothing. It is well known that Cocculus is used by brewers to impart intoxicating qualities to the beer. In Alorrice's treatise on brewery, we find these instructions: " Three pounds of Cocculus indicus to be added to ten quarters of malt; it gives an inebriating quality which passes for strength of liquor; it also prevents the second fermentation of beer, and the bursting of the bottles in warm climates." It is used by thieves and other bad characters for the purpose of drugging their victims. The leaves are cordate, ovate, leathery, striped, from ten to twelve inches long. Of the berries we make a tincture of a brownish straw-color. Cocculus is poisonous to most animals. According to Orfila.it acts as an irritant, and imparts its deleterious effects to the flesh of animals or fish poisoned by it, but this depends on the quantity of the poison used. When ten to fifteen grains were used, and the fish afterwards given to animals, the noxious effects were as strongly marked as if they had swallowed the poison. All kinds of fish are killed by it, the barbel taking the longest to die. Fish are fond of the berries, but they become stupefied by eating them, and are then caught quite easily; but the fish have to be taken out of the water as soon as they appear on the surface, and their bellies have to be emptied; otherwise the flesh becomes poisonous. In European countries the use of Cocculus for such purposes is forbidden by law. According to Hill, in his history of the Alateria Aledica, three or four grains of Cocculus cause nausea and faintings. From cases of poisoning, and from experiments made upon ani- mals, we infer that Cocculus acts upon the spinal system of nerves, causing even paralysis of the motor nerves and tetanic convulsions. This is likewise Pereira's opinion, who makes this statement:— " From some accounts I have received from an excise officer, who has been repeatedly subjected to beer adulterated with it, its action appeared to be rather on the voluntary muscles than on the intel- lectual powers." 196 LECTURE LXXII. In Canstatt's Annual of 1844, we find the following case of poison- ing by Cocculus: "A boy, aged twelve years, swallowed two scruples of the composition used for poisoning fish; it contained Cocculus indicus. In a few minutes he perceived an unpleasant taste, with burning pain in the oesophagus and stomach, not relieved by frequent vomiting, as well as pain extending over the whole of the abdomen. In spite of treatment, a violent attack of gastro-enteritis ensued, with much febrile excitement, followed by diarrhoea and delirium, and he died on the nineteenth day after taking the poison. On inspection, the vesicles of the pia-mater were found filled with dark-colored, fluid blood. In the abdomen there were all the marks of peritonitis in an advanced stage. The stomach was discolored, and its parietes thinner and softer than natural." Another case of poisoning which is far more interesting and instructive than the preceding one, is reported by Hahnemann in his Lesser AVritings: "A druggist, of fine sensibility and otherwise healthy, although recently convalescent from an acute disease, some years ago wished to ascertain the taste of Cocculus seed, and as he considered it a powerful substance, he weighed out a single grain of it, but did not take quite half of this into his mouth, rolled it about with his tongue over his palate, and he had not swallowed it two seconds when he was seized with the most dreadful apprehensive- ness. This anxiety increased every moment; he became cold all over; his limbs stiff" as if paralyzed; with drawing pains in the bones and in the back. The symptoms increased from hour to hour, until, after a lapse of six hours, the anxiety, the stupefaction, the senseless stupidity, and the immobility had risen to the greatest height, with fixed, sullen look, ice-cold sweat on the forehead and hands, and great repugnance to all food and drink; at the slightest increase of temperature of the air (75° F.) he expressed his dis- pleasure ; every loud word put him in a passion. All that he could still say was, that his brain felt as if contracted by a ligature, and that he expected speedy dissolution. He gave no indication of in- clination to vomit, of thirst or of any other want. He wished to sleep, as he felt a great inclination to do so; but when he closed his eyes, he immediately started up again; so frightful, he asserted, was the sensation he felt in his brain on going to sleep, like the most hideous dream. The pulse was very small, but the frequency was not altered. " In these frightful circumstances I was called in. A few drops of laudanum appeared not to agree with him; this led me to fix upon a strong camphor emulsion, of which I administered to him a table- spoonful about every minute. I soon observed a happy change in his expression, and after he had thus taken fifteen grains of Camphor, his consciousness was restored, the anxiety gone, the heat natural. In something less than an hour, he perspired a little; during the night he slept pretty well; but the following day he was uncom- monly weak, and all the parts which, during the direct action of the Cocculus, were yesterday painful internally, were to-day uncommonly painful externally to the slightest touch. The bowels remained con- stipated for several days. It is very probable that all these after- COCCULUS MENISPERMUM. 197 sufferings could have been prevented, if, instead of giving fifteen grains of Camphor, I had at once given thirty. During the increase of the effects of Cocculus, he attempted to smoke tobacco, with considerable aggravation; they also increased from taking coffee, though not so strikingly as from the other." This case of poisoning has a twofold value for science. It ex- hibits with a certain completeness the physiological character of Cocculus and the phenomena by which its action upon the healthy organism is characterized; and it teaches us that Camphor is an antidote to this poison. This had been problematical heretofore. Recent therapeutists have proposed Nux vomica and Iodine as anti- dotes to Cocculus. The symptoms which these two cases of poisoning present for our contemplation, are: 1. Burning pain in the oesophagus and stomach, not relieved by frequent vomiting; 2. Pain extending over the whole of the abdomen, increasing to gastro-enteritis, with much febrile excitement, followed by delirium and diarrhoea; 3. Peritonitis, as revealed by a post-mortem examination; 4. Discoloration of the stomach, with unusual thinness and softness of the walls; 5. Dreadful apprehensiveness; 6. Coldness, and paralytic rigidity of all the limbs; 7. Drawing pains in the bones and back; 8. Excessive irritability excited by the least increase of tempera- ture, or by loud talking; 9. Sensation as if the Drain were contracted by a ligature; 10. Desire to sleep; he started up again, as soon as he closed his eyes, roused by a frightful sensation in his brain which was like a most hideous dream; 11. Smallness of the pulse; 12. AVeakness and excessive soreness of the parts which had been affected with pain on the previous day; Keeping these poisonous effects of the drug, and the symptoms furnished by Hahnemann and some of his disciples as the results of careful examination upon the healthy, in view, we may study the action of Cocculus under the following heads: CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. Cocculus may be used in Vertigo resembling intoxication. Hemicrania as if the brain were contracted by a ligature, or as if the eyes should be torn out. Spasmodic shaking of the head. Paralytic rigidity of the extremities, a sort of partial paralysis. Convulsions of the arms, with clenching of the thumbs, a sort of epileptic paroxysm. Dr. Gross, in proving Cocculus, experienced the following attack: 198 LECTURE LXXII. He felt intoxicated, started, fell down without consciousness, with spasmodic shocks of the whole body, and stretching of the hands which were turned inwards at the same time ; during this paroxysm there was an involuntary discharge of urine; there was retching, froth at the mouth; the hands were cold, the face covered with cold sweat and spasmodically distorted; the eyes were protruded and looked glassy; after a while he rose, with his teeth clenched, barked at those who would ask him a question, refused to be touched, and pushed persons away from him; the face was ex- pressive of violent rage; lastly he groaned, and after the lapse of half an hour, he recovered his consciousness, but was indifferent to enjoyments, even such as were dearest to him. Cocculus causes a variety of nervous pains, such as boring, stitch- ing, laming, bruising, drawing, constrictive pains which may either be experienced in the muscles or in the bones. A prominent symptom is a painful stiffness or a creaking of the joints. INFLAAfA1ATORY GROUP. Among the inflammatory symptoms we noticed the fact that Cocculus causes Gastro-enteritis, and even peritoneal inflammation. It is not in purely rheumatic inflammation of the bowels or peri- toneum that Cocculus will be found of any use. The inflammation to which Cocculus is homoeopathic, is of a typhoid character, with a tendency to paralyze and destroy the life of the brain ; diarrhoea with tenesmus and delirium may set in during the progress of the disease. ORBITAL AND AURICULAR GROUPS. Cocculus causes a buzzing in the ears, and may prove useful in incipient Amaurosis, for it causes several characteristic amaurotic symp- toms, such as dimness of sight, muscae volitantes; one prover saw a black figure before her eyes which turned with her as she turned round ; her sight was otherwise undisturbed. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. Among the gastric symptoms which our provers have developed, we note the following : Dryness of the fauces ; Burning in the fauces, down the oesophagus, of an inflammatory character; Burning in the fauces as from fire, with sensation of shuddering about the head; A species of dysphagia; the oesophagus feels semi-paralyzed as if it could not contract; Eructations causing a pain in the pit of the stomach; COCCULUS MENISPERMUM. 199 When feeling cold, the prover experiences a sickness at the stomach, with copious flow of saliva; Sickness at the stomach, with headache, and a feeling as if the bowels were bruised; Nausea after eating or when riding in a carriage; These symptoms point to Cocculus as a remedy for various gas- tric derangements, more particularly for Oesophagitis, with intense burning in the pharynx and oesophagus, preceded or accompanied by shuddering about the head. Dysphagia, arising from a paralytic weakness of the oesophageal fibres. Dyspepsia characterized by eructations which cause a pain in the pit of the stomach. Chronic Nausea, with flow of saliva during the attack, dizziness, headache, sore feeling in the pit of the stomach and in the bowels. For sea-sickness, Cocculus has been considered a useful remedy ; I think it of very little, if any, use in this derangement. Among the symptoms of Cocculus, we find the following record: "Sensation as if the bowels would protrude through the inguinal ring, with dilatation of the ring, and a feeling of soreness in this region." This symptom has suggested the use of Cocculus in Inguinal Hernia when it becomes strangulated. This drug has likewise been given internally in the hernia of little children, in the expectation of healing the weakness by medicinal means. Cocculus causes costiveness, also fetid, diarrhoeic stools, and stools followed by excessive tenesmus in the rectum, causing fainting. These symptoms may occur as elements of a group of gastro- enteritis, or hysteria, and likewise as an attack denoting a violent subacute irritation of the intestinal lining membrane, which may assume the form of a more or less prostrating and malignant Diarrhea or Dysentery. GENITO-URINARY GROUP. Cocculus causes soreness and induration of the testes, and may, therefore, be found useful in this affection. It affects more particu- larly the female sexual organs, causing Premature Menstruation, with cutting-contractive pain in the lower bowels, also with contraction in the rectum, painfulness of the epigastric region when walking, painfulness in the sexual parts as if pressed upon by a sharp stone, and also painfulness to contact. This group of symptoms may suggest the use of Cocculus in Dysmenorrhea, where it is likewise indicated by the following characteristic symptom: "Constrictive sensation in the lower part of the bowels, with bearing down towards the sexual parts, qual- mishness in the pit of the stomach, and disposition to waterbrash. This group of symptoms may likewise be regarded as a case of 200 LECTURE LXXII. Menstrual Colic. In Leucorrhea, this agent may prove useful; for it causes a serous and purulent discharge from the vagina, with great soreness as if the parts were ulcerated with flatulent distension of the bowels. In Uterine Hysteria, Cocculus may do good service; It causes a variety of pains and spasms which characterize this form of hysteria; a profuse discharge of watery urine may be added to the group. RESPIRATORY GROUP. Cocculus may do good service in Spasmodic Asthma ; for it causes dyspnoea, tightness and constric- tion of the right chest, impeding respiration; Wheezing, stertorous breathing, even unto suffocation, especially during an inspiration; at times the breathing is slow and interrupted, and the face looks bloated as if apoplectic. EXANTHEMATOUS GROUP. Cocculus causes an itching, blotches and pustules; it is used in Tinea capitis, where, however, its office seems to be inferior. Old- School physicians employ an ointment composed of one part of the powdered berries, and two parts of lard. This proceeding is not advisable. FEYER-GROUP. Rau has cured with it a case of Bilious fever caused by chagrin, the patient being a lady of sixty; with violent head- and toothache, buzzing in the ears, dry mouth without thirst, eructations, nausea, loathing of food, numbness of one hand or the other, constant, chilliness although the skin felt hot to her, prostration. Hahnemann recommends Cocculus for Lentescent Typhus, especially abdominal typhus, in the first stage of the disease, with headache, dizziness, nausea as if one would faint, nervous prostration, pain and soreness in the bowels, distension of the bowels, costiveness, sopor, small pulse; flushed face with cold feet, creeping, shivering in the back, alternate heat from feet to head, and cold shivering from head to feet, anxiety. MENTAL GROUP. Cocculus causes a depression of spirits, inclination to weep, irri- table mood. In accordance with this indication, we prescribe Coccu- lus in Hysteria, with irritable mood, and profuse discharges of a watery urine. Regarding the dose, the first to the sixth potency may be found appropriate in most cases. C0FFEA. 201 The active principle of Cocculus is termed Picrotoxin, a very feeble acid which was first supposed to be an alkaloid. It is a white, intensely bitter substance, usually crystalizing in needles, but some- times in silky flexible filaments or transparent plates, or in granular crystals. Falck has instituted a number of experiments with this substance upon animals which have no special therapeutic value except in so far as they determine the general anatomical range of the action of Cocculus. From his experiments Falck concludes that the poison acts 1. Upon the central organs of the nervous system, and more especially upon the medulla spinalis; 2j Upon the vasa-motor nerves, upon the heart and respiratory organs; 3. Upon the glands and mucous membranes, and more particu- larly upon the salivary glands which the poison causes to secrete an enormous quantity of fluid. LECTURE LXXIII. COFFEA. (Arabian coffee.—Nat. Order:—Rubiace^e.) For medicinal use we generally select the Mocha bean. After having dried the beans by a moderate heat, we pulverize them and make a tincture, with dilute alcohol, of a yellowish-brown color, which has the peculiar odor of crude coffee. Stapf's Additions to the Afateria Medica contain a tolerably accu- rate proving of crude coffee, which is eminently suggestive of several pathological conditions to which this substance is homoeopathic. The known effects of coffee have, generally, been elicited from the burnt coffee. Although a pleasant and comparatively harmless beverage, yet the abuse thereof may develop poisonous symptoms of a very peculiar nature. In Frank's Magazine, several cases of poisoning with coffee are reported, one of which is the case of a servant-girl, twenty-seven years old, of good constitution, not plethoric, rather thin, and whose main employment consisted in sewing. During the course of an afternoon she emptied thirty-two cups of coffee, containing the essence of four ounces of the beans. After swallowing the larger portion of the coffee, she felt indisposed, threw up some of the liquid, drank a little brandy to settle her stomach, and then finished the remainder of the coffee. Now she began to feel the effects of this beverage; she was attacked with intolerable heat, rush of blood to the head, and perspiration all over her body. She became so dizzy 202 LECTURE lxxiii. that she had to be carried to bed. In the evening, she had a violent fever, felt hot, complained of violent headache, spasmodic contraction in the throat, rattling breathing, inability to articulate. The distress was somewhat moderated by a few spoonfuls of vinegar and cold water; but she spent a sleepless and restless night. Next morning she had violent vertigo and stinging pains in the bowels; great urging to urinate, with inability to void the urine. She was bled. The headache and colic abated somewhat, but the urinary difficulty remained unaltered, the hypogastric region was distended and painful. On the fifth day after the poisoning, the belly was still hard and distended, especially in the region of the bladder, which was painful when touched. She felt a pain in the left superior region of the abdomen, near the spleen. The appetite was gone, the stomach was irritated, for pressure upon the stomach caused pain, and food excited nausea; she was weak and had no inclination to work, but was with- out fever. The ischuria still continued, the patient was only able to pass a drop of urine at a time, she had to make several attempts before succeeding, and experienced a burning and pressing pain in the region of the bladder during urination; the urine caused a burn- ing in the urethra and vulva. In the course of a week, the patient recovered her health.* This exceedingly interesting case of poisoning shows that coffee may be an excellent remedy in various annoying and even danger- ous conditions. The main features in this case are Arertigo; Headache with fever; Spasmodic contraction of the throat; Inability to articulate; Irritability of the stomach; Ischuria; Languor. * Note.—In a publication entitled " Beitr'age zur Kenntniss der Wirkungen des Koffeins" (Contributions to a knowledge of the effects of Coffeine), Dr. Johannes Stuhlmann communicates a number of experiments which place the poisonous properties of Coffee beyond doubt. Five cats swallowed from 0.1, to 0.7 grammes (about 2 to 14 grains), and died in eight minutes to five hours and eighteen minutes. Small dogs died in eight minutes to two hours forty-five minutes, after swallowing 0.5 grammes. Babbits were killed in one to two hours by 0.3 to 0.5 grammes; pigeons in one to three hours by 0.1 to 0.5 grammes. Owls and ravens died in the same period. Toads and frogs were killed in one hour by 0.05 of a gramme. Fishes died in ten to thirty minutes, from small quantities of Coffeine applied to the gills." All these animals died amid spasms and convulsions. From his experiments Dr. Stuhlmann draws the following inferences: 1. Coffeine is a poison, not an aliment. 2. Coffeine, if applied to the proper locality, and in suitable quantities, causes the death of a variety of animals. 3. Coffeine does not destroy life by decomposing the blood, but surely and positively by paralysis after being brought in contact with the nervous system. This last proposition is demonstrated by experiments specially devoted to this object. C0FFEA. 203 The symptoms bear testimony to the great influence which coffee has over the nervous system and the circulation. This influence is further shown by the following statement, likewise reported by Frank. A man, sixty-six years old, had been in the habit of drink- ing large quantities of coffee; he finally increased his allowance to thirty cups a day. In consequence of this abuse, the man was attacked with arthritic pains, depression of spirits, debility, the whole culminating in complete delirium tremens which was hushed by five-drop doses of Opium every two hours. From this case we learn that coffee is capable of causing delirium tremens, or rather mania-a-potu, we should judge; hence we may expect to derive great benefit from the use of large doses of strong black coffee in * Mania-a-potu; in this state of the brain, coffee will undoubtedly act as a sedative, and may even neutralize the poisonous principle of the alcohol. Vertigo may be cured by coffee. In the foregoing case the vertigo continued for a few days, and.was so violent that the patient was unable to stand upon her feet. The vertigo is accompanied with rush of blood to the head, and may terminate in headache. In Frank's Alagazine a cure of vertigo is reported, which had lasted for a long time, and where the paroxysms had finally assumed a tertian type. The patient was a robust lady of forty-five years, who led a sedentary mode of life. During the paroxysm, her sight vanished; things seemed to turn around; she had ringing in the ears, with a noise as of falling rain; she then fell down unless supported by persons who happened to be near her. The paroxysm lasted nearly two hours, and ended with palpitation of the heart and a deep fainting spell. Between the paroxysms she felt quite well. After having tried a number of remedies without the least benefit, she was ordered to use coffee (she had never tasted this beverage before;) already in a few days an improvement became visible, and she re- covered perfectly within three months. Headache may yield to coffee. Our seamstress complained of violent headache, feverishness, irritable stomach. An attentive perusal of the symptoms seems to show that the gastric derange- ments preceded, in the order of their development, the cerebral congestion. Such a condition may occur as a consequence of gastric m disorder brought about by over-eating, or perhaps by an extremely confined sedentary mode of life. We might designate such a head- ache as a Gastric Headache; in which case it might be well to prescribe black coffee in dessertspoonful doses every fifteen or twenty minutes, until an improvement takes place; the alcoholic tincture, however, may likewise be appropriate, provided the headache is not induced by over-eating, but simply by want of exercise or mental labor. In Ilemicrania, coffee may be of eminent use to us. Among the effects of coffea cruda upon the brain we notice the following symp- tomatic indications: Hemicrania as if a nail had been driven into 204 LECTURE LXXIII. the parietal bone; headache as if the brain were torn or would fly to pieces; these symptoms are accompanied by heat about the head, flushed face, sensitiveness to noise and light, flow of water off the stomach, irritability of the stomach. Coffea cruda, or tosta, 12 to 30, will be found more appropriate than more massive doses. Coffee may prove an admirable means of quieting the nervous system after it has been convulsed by an operation. Spasmodic twitchings of the limbs, subsultus tendinum, involuntary weeping, and other signs of a violent nervous irritation may often be hushed by a few dessertspoonfuls of a strong decoction of black coffee. The cries and restlessness of little children, when they are roused from their sleep and would like to sleep again, but are unable, often yield to a few doses of Coffea without any difficulty. The CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP Embraces several conditions which exhibit the therapeutic powers of coffee in a very marked manner. Coffee may cause a flow of water from the mouth, having an alka- line reaction; hence in Pyrosis of this character we may derive good results from Coffea. Coffee causes, and may therefore quiet Vomiting, induced by over-eating, or arising from extreme irrita- bility of the stomach; even the vomiting of pregnant females may be arrested by coffee in some cases. Dyspepsia, characterized by extreme irritability of the stomach, painfulness of the epigastric region to pressure, nausea after eating, or retching and vomiting of phlegm, may be materially relieved by Coffea. An acute Indigestion may be cured by swallowing a cup of strong black coffee; this will restore the irritability of the organ, and enable it to throw off the contents. Coffee may be useful in some cases of Bilious Colic, for it depresses the functional powers of the liver; it may cause a hard-aching pinching pain in the bowels, followed by the discharge of hard, lumpy, dark-colored stools, or with a catarrhal feeling in the bowels, as if they would be moved, resulting in the emission of flatulence which affords relief from the hard colicky pain. An attack of this kind may be palliated or entirely cured by dessert- spoonful doses of black coffee. Coffee causes, and may therefore cure, Bilious Diarrhea, with watery discharges, causing a smarting feeling at the anus, or a feeling of roughness. URINARY GROUP. In the case of the seamstress, coffee caused an almost entire reten- tion of urine, with continual and painful urging. Hence we may find Coffea indicated in COFFEA. 205 Ischuria, with inability to pass more than a few drops of urine at a time: the passage of the urine is attended with burning in the urethra and region of the neck of the bladder. The ordinary effect of a large portion of strong coffee is an increased secretion of a wfltery urine ; it may happen, however, that, in persons endowed with a peculiar sensitiveness to inflammatory irritations of the bladder, large quantities of coffee, which is undoubtedly capable of exciting the circulation and setting-up local congestions in some peculiarly sensitive organ, may develop an inflammatory irritation of the bladder eminently characteristic of all the pathognomonic signs of ischuria. SEXUAL GROUP. Coffee, if drank in large quantities, rouses the sexual instinct and gives rise to nocturnal emissions. The secondary effect is to weaken the sexual powers. Hence small doses of coffee may serve to moderate sexual excitement or to diminish the tendency to excessive nocturnal emissions. In cases of Impotence, with sexual excitement, dwelling of the fancy upon sexual intercourse; more particularly, if the weakness is the result of previous abuses, coffee may prove an excellent remedy. Coffee likewise excites the sexual system of the female. It may therefore be able to allay an abnormal sexual excitement, a sort of Nymphomania of the lighter sort, according to Ruckert, with voluptuous itching, profuse secretion of mucus, and frequent dis- charges of blood. Coffee may have a tendency to check Excessive Menstruation, or it may palliate the pains and cramps in Dysmenorrhea, with scanty discharge of the menstrual blood. Labor-pains or After-pains of an exhausting, spasmodic nature may be mitigated by a few doses of Coffea. RESPIRATORY GROUP. Coffee has excited paroxysms of a short cough in quick succession ; also a dry and hacking cough, coming on suddenly, as if occasioned by a spasmodic constriction of the larynx, which seemed to be lined with dry mucus. Coffee has been used for years past as a remedy for Cough of a nervous character, with extreme irritability of the pul- monary tissue, a continual inclination to cough, with exhaustion after the coughing fit. Hufeland recommends a decoction of raw coffee, with sugar and milk, in every stage of Whooping-cough, especially if a high degree of atony, an increase of irritability, general nervous debility, have become prominent indications, and there is danger of apprehending a continuance of these symptoms, owing to the spasmodic tendency excited in the organs, even after the characteristic cough, the real whooping-cough, has been subdued. 206 LECTURE LXXIII. Frank reports the following cure of a chronic cough, which illus- trates the therapeutic virtues of coffee in this direction in a very striking manner. A boy of thirteen years had been attacked for several years past, about Christmas, with a sort of whooping-cough, which lasted four or five weeks, day aftd night, and was always accompanied with fever and expectoration. Several physicians looked upon this cough as a phthisicky cough ; the patient was exceedingly emaciated, and was laid up with a slow hectic fever. A concentrated decoction of raw coffee was now offered; one ounce of the coffee was boiled with two pints and a half of water, until the quantity was reduced to one pint. Of this decoction a few table- spoonfuls were given every few hours. Next night he slept all night, and in about a month his health was completely restored. The cough never returned, and the boy grew up without any farther accident, and is now a robust man. In Spasmodic Asthma, coffee often relieves an attack, even if it does not cure. We know, from experience, that coffee may cause real paroxysms of asthma. Dr. Bceker drank a cup of coffee containing the strength of one ounce of the best Java, after which he continued to write at his desk. Half an hour after, he was attacked with asthma, dyspnoea, trembling in all his limbs, excessive rush of blood and vertigo. He walked about in the open, air, but his knees shook; he hastened home, turned pale as a corpse, and lapsed into a sort of fainting state, without, however, losing his senses; he was able to read, but only while lying down, for he was too weak to sit up. He felt extremely uncomfortable ; the distress for breath kept increasing, and only disappeared in a couple of hours after he had been obliged to breathe more and more deeply and slowly. He had no appetite for supper, had a sleepless night, and remained costive until the third day. FEYER GROUP. Coffee excites the circulation ; it causes a stinging and smarting on the skin, and an increased frequency, although proportionate diminution in the volume of the pulse. A sort of vascular orgasm, flashes of heat and transitory flushes in the face, are ordinary effects of strong coffee, when taken in large quantities. These symptoms help to make up a more comprehensive group of therapeutic indica- tions. In Fever and Ague, a quantity of strong black coffee between the paroxysms has often prevented the return of a chill. SLEEP. Coffee causes wakefulness, and great restlessness, as if caused by an excessive mobility of the nervous system. Hence we rely upon coffee as an excellent means of controlling such a condition. The wakefulness which coffee is capable of remedying is the result of excessive mental exertions, excessive anxiety, an overstrained con- COFFEA. 207 dition of the brain. Even if persons had been in the habit of drinking coffee, we shall find that the potentized coffee will still affect them. A1ENTAL GROUP. The first effect of coffee is to excite the brain and to enliven the spirits. This is followed by a corresponding depression of spirits. We may, therefore, prescribe Coffea for Mania, characterized by fits of liveliness, followed by the opposite state of depression. In Hysteria, where similar changes prevail, with occasional flashes of heat, praecordial anxiety, Coffea may be of great service. Regarding the Dose, I would say that coffee may be administered from the 12th or higher potencies of either the raw or burnt coffee, down to a tablespoonful of coffee made into a beverage. Antidotal Treatment: Coffee is an antidote to many narcotics, such as: Aconite, Belladonna, Opium; the ill-effects of coffee are con- trolled by Nux Yomica and cold affusions. Liebig has determined by chemical analysis that the proximate principle of coffee, which he terms coffeine, and the proximate prin- ciple of tea, which he terms theine, are identical in their chemical composition, and that their relation to the living tissues is, therefore, the same. This single fact shows how little chemistry can be trusted in determining the physiological relation of medicinal substances to the living organism. How differently is it affected by coffee and tea. Small doses of coffee have a stimulating, small doses of tea a sedative effect upon the brain; large doses of coffee very frequently narcotize this organ; large doses of tea plunge it into a state of ex- citement which, in sensitive persons, may border on a sort of deliri- ous intoxication. What wonder that the chemical physiologist repudiates Homoeopathy, and laughs at the delicate perceptions of our Divine Art, as so many baseless phantoms ! The living forces with which we operate are beyond the reach of his means of investi- gation. While he is searching for the inmost principle of the organ- ized being, it escapes to the sphere of causes whence all principles of life or organized forces descend, as it were, into this lower or lowest sphere, where they become fixed objects of observation and study through the medium of matter. But to confound the material tissues, even in their simplest or in their most spiritualized form, with the living, organizing force which originally moulded them into a distinct individuality endowed with distinct properties of color, shape, weight, smell, dynamic power, would be tantamount to confounding the body with the soul, or material Nature with the living Intelligence presiding over and controlling her phenomena. In one sense the chemical physiologist and the pathological anato- mist are twin brothers. The chemist determines the therapeutic character and power of a drug by the alkaloid which he happens to 208 LECTURE LXXIII. obtain from it, thus ignoring the characteristic peculiarities of the drug as furnished by Nature, and ranging the veratrum Cebadilla and the Helleborus albus under the same dead formula, for both yield him the alkaloid Yeratria, although they may differ ever so widely in their dynamic action ; or making Ignatia identical with Nux vomica, because they produce the same alkaloid Strychnine, although not at all the same as regards their dynamic action upon the living organism. The pathological anatomist judges of the therapeutic character of a drug by the post-mortem phenomena which he discovers in a case of poisoning. If, in a case of poisoning with Cantharides, he discovers an effusion of serum at the base of the brain, he decides that Cantharides affect the brain similarly to tubercular meningitis, forgetting or ignoring the fact that the serous effusion in tubercular meningitis results from a, physio-pathological process far different from the morbid irritation set up by the poison of Cantharides. Many drugs cause turgescence of the cerebral ves- sels and inflammation of the cerebral tissues, without having any curative influence in meningitis; many acrid substances will excite gastro-enteritis without being at all adapted to the cure of this dis- order. The homoeopathicity of a given drug to a disease does not depend upon the fact that both the drug and the disease result in apparently similar disorganizations after death; this homoeopathicity depends upon the fact that both the drug and the morbific force affect the same tissues, set up a morbid process characterized by the same pains, eruptions, and vascular derangements; invading the organism through the same door as it were, and resulting in the same disorganizations during the life-time of the patient. The post- mortem symptoms are only confirmatory of the morbid process which existed before the patient's death. It is the vital pheno- mena of disease that constitute " the cloudy pillar and the fiery column " to the observing practitioner. The pulse, this mysterious but deeply-significant interpreter of the need of the organism; the greater or less amount of fever; the character of the chills; the temperature and color of the skin; the quality and quantity of its secretions; the character of the alvine and urinary evacuations; the expression of the countenance and eyes; the appearance of the tongue and inner mouth; the degree of strength or prostration and the general condition of the nervous system; add to this the manner in which the act of respiration is performed by the patient; the fre- quency and character of the inspirations; the smell and temperature of the breath; the character of the cough and expectoration; the rhythm of the heart's pulsations; the pains of which the patient complains in the head, chest, bowels; the amount and quality of his sleep: these and other phenomena of disease are of the first and highest importance in determining not only the nature of the malady we have to contend against, but the homoeopathicity of the remedial agents which we may have to employ in order to counter- act and extinguish the existing morbid process. Next to these phe- nomena of primary importance, we have the physical signs and chemical tests; and last and least in a therapeutic point of view, the post-mortem symptoms. These three orders of phenomena consti- COLCHICUM AUTUMN ALE. 209 tute the homoeopathic trinity, arranged in the order of their import- ance. In a therapeutic point of view, the post mortem phenomena are necessarily of limited value; for we cannot possibly observe them until after the death of the patient, when all remedial assist- ance has ceased; the stethoscopic signs only serve to point out the locality, amount, and, to some extent, the character of an existing morbid process; but they do not indicate the remedy; they may serve to circumscribe the limits within which a remedy should be sought for, but the selection of the particular agent depends upon what ? why upon the very conditions which the materialistic and boastful pathologist repudiates or ignores as trifling and irrelevant. Gentlemen, the drug-world speaks to the mind of the religious and philosophical practitioner a language full of saving meaning. Let us study this language well; let us first comprehend its mysterious significance through the whole diapason of its disharmonies from the piteous moanings of the babe to the raving fury of the maniac: then our first and greatest difficulty in the treatment of diseases will have been overcome, and we shall have laid the corner-stone of a therapeutic edifice, against which the tide of ages and the fury of opinions will dash in vain. LECTURE LXXIV. COLCHICUM AUTUMNALE, (Meadow Saffron.—Natural Order:—Colchice^e.) This is a perennial plant, which flowers in September and October. The bulbous extremity of the plant is a dark looking cormus, to which numerous filamentous rootlets are attached, from which rise flowers of a pale-purple hue; the leaves are a foot or more long, of a dark-green color, smooth and from one to two inches broad ; the flower-stem, which is tubular, is whitish at the lower extremity and surrounded by two or three membraneous sheaths. The flowers appear in September, the leaves and fruit not till the spring follow- in"-. During the winter, the seeds remain buried in the cormus. This plant is found in most parts of Europe, Asia Alinor and North-America. It grows in moijt and rich meadows. In Greece it is found on Mount Parnassus, at an elevation of from three to four thousand feet. The plant derives its name from Colchis, a district in Asia Alinor, in whose neighborhood it was first found in great abundance. In medicine we use the cormus, which when gathered at the proper season, is about the size of a chestnut, and resembles, exter- nally, the bulb of the common tulip, from which, however, it is readily distinguished, as well as from other lilaceous bulbs, by vol. n.—14 210 LECTURE LXXIV. being solid, the tulip bulb and others being composed of laminae or scales. The cormus has two coats, the outer one of a brown color, the inner of a reddish yellow. Internally it is white, fleshy and solid ; it is very feculent and has an acrid bitter taste. The cormus is biennial. It first appears about the end of June or beginning of July: it flowers in the autumn, and produces its leaves in the spring, and its seeds in the month of June of the following year; it then begins to shrivel, becomes leathery, and finally dis- appears in the succeeding spring or summer. The activity of the cormus varies at different seasons of the year. It is usually con- sidered to be greatest when the cormus is about a year old; that is, about the month of July, between the withering of the leaves and the sprouting forth of the flowers of the young cormus; at this period the cormus is fully developed, and has not exhausted itself by the production of the young one. We prepare a tincture from the recent cormi by maceration and subsequent expression of the juice. If we wish to dry the cormi they should first be cut in transverse slices, and then dried in an airy place of about 170° F. The seeds, however, are generally pre- ferred to the cormus; of the seeds we make a fine yellow tincture. Colchicum is a plant possessed of great medicinal powers. Its violent and singular effects in the body of animals engaged the attention of Baron Stoerck, in hopes that, by giving it in very small doses, or by due preparation, it might- be converted into a medicine, not only safe, but capable of relieving disorders in which the com- mon remedies prove ineffectual. " There are many," writes Baron Stoerck in his little pamphlet on Colchicum, " who seek to convert^ metals into medicines by means of various abstruse chemical pro- cesses, and neglect those agents which Nature offers in abundance and which are much more adapted to our bodies." The poisonous properties of Colchicum are dangerous to our do- mestic animals. Taylor, in his work on poisons, informs us, that cattle feeding in meadows, where this plant grows, are said to be affected in the spring by the seeds which adhere to the coats of the stomach, producing at the several points of their adhesion inflamma- tion which occasions death; and several pigs, having eaten plenti- fully of the bulbs which had been grubbed up and placed in a yard, died in excrutiating agonies, and on dissection, the stomach of each was found burst. It is said to be harmless to horses; but we find it stated by other authorities, that in a pasture, in which were several horses, and which was eaten down pretty bare, the grass was closely cropped even under the leaves, but not a^leaf bitten. The effects of Colchicum upon the human organism are both interesting and instructive. Baron Stoerck found that, on cutting the fresh juice into slices, the acrid particles emitted from it, irritated the nostrils, fauces and breath, and that the ends of the fingers with which it had been held became quite benumbed; that, applied for two minutes to the tip of the tongue, it rendered the part rigid and almost void of sensation for six hours; that, less than a grain, wrapped up in a crumb of bread and taken internally, produced COLCHICUM AUTUMXALE. 211 alarming symptoms, a burning heat and pain in the stomach and bowels, strangury, tenesmus, thirst, total loss of appetite, etc., which were greatly relieved by an acidulous mixture of syrup of poppies; that an infusion of three grains of the root in four ounces of wine, slowly swallowed occasioned a tickling in the larynx and a short, dry cough; soon after, a heat of the urinary passages, and a copious discharge of pale urine, without sensibly affecting the other organs of the body; that an ounce of the sliced root being digested in a pound of vinegar for forty-eight hours, and the bottle frequently shaken, the root became insipid, but the vinegar became acrid, irri- tated the fauces and produced cough. The short provings of the distinguished Baron Professor show that Colchicum is capable of affecting the nervous system; it causes numbness, rigidity, insensibility of the parts. It affects likewise the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane, where it causes burning pains in the stomach and bowels, thirst, loss of appetite. It affects the urinary organs, where it causes strangury, tenesmus, heat in the urinary passages, and discharge of pale urine. And fourthly, the respiratory organs are acted upon by Colchicum, for it causes a tickling in the larynx and a short, dry cough. Large doses of Colchicum have frequently destroyed human life. In the tenth volume of the London Medical Gazette the following case is reported by Mr. Fereday. A man swallowed two ounces of the wine of the seeds of .Colchicum by mistake for rum. About an hour and a half after swallowing it, acute pain in the bowels came on, followed by copious vomiting of a yellow fluid, acute tenesmus, suppression of urine, small, slow and feeble pulse. The pain was described as of a knife piercing him; the tongue was natural; the countenance anxious, features sharp, cheeks, lips and eyelids purple; sensation of losing his limbs on walking; the vomiting increased; the fluid brought up was like coffee-grounds, and the patient died forty-seven hours after taking the poison. After death, the face, neck and front of the thorax were found covered with a purple efflorescence. The stomach and bowels were coated with a thick, tenacious colorless mucus. Blood was effused between the muscular and peritoneal coats; the pleurae costales were much reddened ; the heart was flabby, and its structure easily broken down; ecchymosed spots were observed on the surface of the lungs, of the heart and of the diaphragm. How did Colchicum act in this case ? Did it act primarily upon the intestinal mucous membrane, and did it develop its inflammatory effects in this tissue by means of a primary irritation? A bare inspection of the character of the pains shows that Colchicum acts upon the lower tissues and upon special viscera through the ganglionic system of nerves, and that it most probably reaches the ganglionic system from the cerebro-spinal centres. An additional confirmation of this fact may be derived from the following case of poisoning reported in the Edinburgh Journal: "A man, aged fifty-six years, of a feeble constitution, and a prey to chronic rheumatism, swallowed by mistake one ounce and a half of the wine of Colchicum; in about half an hour, he was seized with severe pain in the abdomen, and 212 LECTURE LXXIV. nausea, followed by vomiting and constant alvine dejections, often involuntary; these symptoms continued during the night and the greater part of the following day, when the alvine evacuations ceased, but the nausea continued; the day after taking the poison he was seized with most violent thirst which continued till his death; the pains in the stomach and intestines were excessively acute; towards evening, delirium came on, and he died the following morning. On examination after death, no trace of inflammation could be discovered in the intestines, the stomach only was red. In this case, the inflam- matory symptoms evidently were the result of a sympathetic irrita- tion ; the source of the irritation might have been traced to the cerebro-spinal centres. Two cases are reported by Dr. Ollivier, in the Annales d'Hygi&ne, where cramps in the soles of the feet constituted a characteristic symptom. In one case, the symptoms were : continual vomiting but no purging; pulse thready and slow; intense thirst, no convulsions or tetanic spasms, but severe cramps in the soles of the feet; the intellect was unaffected; the patient died in twenty-two hours. In the second case, the symptoms soon set in after taking the poison. There were: violent pains in the abdomen ; frequent vomiting, but no purging; difficult respiration; pupils not dilated: coldness of the surface; no tetanic spasms, but cramps in the soles of the feet; pulse small: the intellect was not impaired. Death took place in twenty-seven hours. The vessels of the pia mater were much injected ; no vascularity of the stomach. Two other highly instructive cases of poisoning, furnished by Dr. M'Phail of the United States Army, and published in the second volume of Dunglison's Medical Intelligencer, not only show the exceedingly poisonous character of this drug in a most striking manner, but likewise shadow forth the character of the pathological disturbances, where this medicine may prove a valuable remedial agent in the hands of a homoeopathic practitioner. " I found," writes the Doctor, " on my arrival at Fort Denaud, (in Florida), J. A. P., a private in the Marine Corps, laboring under symptoms not unlike those of Asiatic Cholera. He had constant sero-mucous ejections and purgings resembling rice-water, and thrown off with considerable force; cramps of the abdominal muscles and of the flexors of the arms and legs; cold surface, tongue and breath; mottled skin and bluish nails; shrunken features expressive of great agony; sunken and watery eyes, with contracted pupils. Expressing my surprise at the state of the patient, I was shown a porter-bottle labelled Yinum Colchici, and was told that he, being an hospital attendant and thus having access to the stores, had, with some of his comrades, exhausted the whole stock of liquors, and feeling the " horrors" coming on, searched for more stimulus. Judging by the smell only, he took what he thought was a bottle of Aladeira. With characteristic generosity, he gave a glass to some of his comrades, telling them to make the most of it as he believed it to be the last, and then swigged off the remainder, which was over a pint. Little did he think, when he jested about the last glass, that it would really prove so to himself and two COLCHICUM AUTUMNALE. 213 others, and seriously affect a third. Three have fallen victims, if not directly to the vice of intemperance, at least to one of its con- sequences, the loss of moral feeling leading to theft. When first seen, J. A. P. was beyond hope, as the poison had been taken on the day previous, (February 1st, 1838), and he was now laboring under its incontrollable effects, viz.: violent inflammation of the stomach and bowels, and probably of the cerebro-spinal serous envelopes. Death took place in forty-eight hours after the poison was swallowed. This case teaches us a great lesson. It shows that in neuralgic or arthritic inflammation of the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane, where the inflammatory irritation emanates primarly from the cerebro-spinal centres and terminates in the mucous surfaces with all the characteristics of a violent and most destructive inflammation, Colchicum may prove an invaluable specific in the hands of a homoeo- pathic physician. " The other cases were those of two members of the Marine Corps, who came on the sick report on the 6th of February with symptoms indicating dysentery, viz.: sanguineo-mucous stools, great tormina and tenesmus, with cramps of the extremities. I did not know until several days had-elapsed, that they had been companions in the affair of Private J. A. P. Cupping, vesication, fomentation, warm bathing, dieting, mucilaginous drinks, etc., all proved of no avail. They were sent to the General Hospital at Tampa Bay, for change of air and better accommodations, but with the tongue and fauces indi- cating an incurable condition of the mucous apparatus of digestion. Both died in a few weeks." Although the symptoms in this case resemble dysentery, yet the pathological condition which they characterize, is not dysentery; it is, as in the former case, an inflammatory irritation of the lining membrane of the larger bowels emanating from a primary irritation of the cerebro-spinal centres. The excessive neuralgic pains which are always present in a case of poisoning with Colchicum, show that Colchicum acts powerfully and primarily upon the nervous centres. The excessive prostration which is often present in such cases of poisoning, is an additional confirmation of the fact that the violent and highly disorganizing action of Colchicum in the lower tissues is the ultimate result of a corresponding irritation of the cerebro- spinal and ganglionic systems. Taking this view of the action of Colchicum upon the mucous surfaces generally and upon organic viscera such as the stomach and bowels, the bladder and the womb: we derive this highly-instructive lesson from the phenomena that characterize a case of poisoning with Colchicum: that if arthritic rheumatism of the joints or muscles should, by a process of metastasis, shift to the inner surfaces or organs, and develop such symptoms as we have described, violent vomiting and diarrhoea, cutting or spasmodic pains in the bowels, acute tenesmus, discharges of serum, mucus and blood, retention of urine with burning in the urethra, and so forth, we may depend upon Colchicum as one of our most powerful means of relief. In persons with an arthritic diathesis, a condition of this kind might set in, not as the result of 214 LECTURE LXXIV. metastasis, but as a primary disease; in such a case Colchicum would likewise be a chief agent of cure, and in conjunction with Aconite would undoubtedly, in nine hundred and ninty-nine cases out of a thousand, achieve the restoration of the patient's health far more certainly and speedily than rhus, veratrum, bryonia, or any other medicine you could think of. That the debility which Colchicum produces, is not the result of the frequency of the discharges, but of its primary action upon the nervous centres, is abundantly evidenced by experience. Dr. Barlow informs us, in the Cyclopedia of Practical Medicine, that he has known seventy stools occasioned by a single dose of Colchicum without the patient complaining of the least debility. Colchicum has sometimes been employed as a means of producing miscarriage. Dillon, in Stephenson and Churchill's Aledical Botany, reports a very interesting case of poisoning with Colchicum, where the drug was used for the purpose of causing abortion, and where this attempt was made at the expense of the patient's life without any traces of inflammation being discoverable in the womb after death. The case is as follows: "Susan Laing, about thirty years of age, of good health and constitution; she was about two months in pregnancy, and having read in a newspaper that a woman was taken up for causing abortion by taking meadow-saffron, she deter- mined on getting rid of her burthen by a similar measure. She ac- cordingly bought two-penny worth and made an infusion of it, which she took on an empty stomach early in the morning of the 10th of March, 1827. I was called to her about four o'clock in the after- noon of the 11th, and on inquiry learned she had miscarried the preceding evening. I found her in a very hopeless state; her ex- tremities were quite cold, and the whole of her body, particularly the hands, feet and face, livid. The glassy stare of impending death was in her eyes, the respiration was hurried, and the pulse could not be felt at the carotids, and but faintly at the heart. Notwithstand- ing, the sensorium was undisturbed, and she gave me a clear account of what she had done, her motives for so doing, and the effects the poison had on her. She said that, in about half an hour after taking it, her stomach became sick, gripes came on, and a violent purging which continued with great severity. She had no medical assistance, and had passed a most wretched time from the morning before, and was so tormented with pain and purging, that she had not had a wink of sleep in the course of the night. I ad- ministered large draughts of brandy and spices, but to no effect, she died two hours after I came in. The body was opened the next day, all the viscera were found healthy, except that the mucous membrane of the stomach and bowels was dreadfully inflamed throughout its course." These few cases of poisoning suffice to reveal what might be termed the regional action of Colchicum. We find that it acts 1. Upon the brain; for it causes giddiness, headache, and even loss of consciousness; these effects upon the brain sometimes seem to be signs of a reflex irritation rather than of a directly disturbing influence; COLCHICUM AUTUMXALE. 215 2. Upon the nervous centres of the spinal and ganglionic svstems of nerves; it causes convulsions, debility, acute cutting, neuralgic pains in the bowels, cramps in the calves and thighs and in the soles of the feet; 3. Upon the biliary secretions ; Dr. Lewins mentions a case where seventy drops of the wine of Colchicum caused the discharge of upwards of a pint of bile by vomiting; 4. Upon the salivary glands; AYood and Bache report a case in the United States Dispensatory, where violent salivation was a pro- minent symptom; 5. Upon the stomach and bowels; it causes violent inflammation of the intestinal mucous membrane; 6. Upon the urinary bladder; it causes retention of urine, and burning in the urethra. Professor Chelius, of Heidelberg, asserts that in gout and rheumatism, for which Colchicum has always been considered in the light of a specific by alloeopathic physicians, Col- chicum occasions a striking increase in the quantity of uric acid con- tained in the urine ; in one case it was nearly doubled in the space of twelve days. But this effect is by no means constant, as Dr. Graves has pointed out. Indeed it sometimes happens in acute rheumatism, when the urine is loaded with uric acid or the urates, that under the use of Colchicum the quantity of these matters in the urine is diminished; so that it would seem rather to prevent the for- mation of uric acid in the system than to provoke its elimination. To the homoeopathic practitioner the presence of uric acid in the urinary secretions would therefore be an indication for the use of Colchicum in arthritis or rheumatism. 7. Colchicum acts upon the thoracic viscera, the lungs and heart, likewise through its primary action upon the nervous centres. It causes dyspnoea, a feeling of constriction across the chest, a burning in the windpipe, a dry and hacking cough; post-mortem examina- tions have shown ecchymosed spots on the surface of the lungs, heart and diaphragm. The heart is, moreover, found flabby and its structure is easily broken down. Provers have experienced palpita- tion and tearing pains in the region of the heart. 8. Colchicum likewise possesses a remarkable power of depressing the pulse, and it likewise excites, to some extent, cutaneous perspira- tion. It depresses the pulse, if given in large doses; small doses stimulate the pulse. To sum up the therapeutic uses of this interesting agent we would recommend it 1. In Gout. Dr. Pereira relates the circumstances which, of late years, have led to the extensive employment of Colchicum in gout, in the following manner: " About seventy years ago, Mr. Husson, a military officer in the service of the King of France, discovered, as he informs us, a plant possessed of extraordinary virtues in the cure of various diseases. From this plant he prepared a remedy called Eau Medicinale, which acquired great celebrity for abating the pain, and cutting short the paroxysm of gout. A'arious attempts were made to discover the nature of its active principle. In 1782 Messrs. 216 LECTURE LXXIV. Cadet and Parmentier declared that it contained no metallic or mineral substance, and that it was a vinous infusion of some bitter plant or plants. Air. Want asserted that it was a vinous infusion of Colchi- cum, and most physicians have since adhered to this opinion. I have already remarked that Colchicum is regarded by physicians as a specific remedy for gout. Dr. Paris, in his Pharmacology, writes of it: "Asa specific in gout, its efficacy has been fully ascertained ; it allays pain, and cuts short the paroxysm. It has also a decided action upon the arterial system, which it would appear to control through the medium of the nerves." Pereira objects to this vague generalization. "If," says he, "by the word specific is meant a medicine infallibly, and on all patients, producing given salutary effects, and acting by some unknown power on the disease, without being directed by indications, undoubtedly Colchicum is no specific for gout." If we use the term specific in our practice, it can never be under- stood in the sense which Dr. Pereira repudiates. By specific we simply mean a remedy which is in more intimate physio-pathological rapport with a pathological condition, than any other known medi- cine, or, to use my own definition, a medicine which embodies in its structure the very disease or pathological state that we are desired to remove from the living organism. This idea of specificity is the very soul and spirit of Homoeopathy; without it Homoeopathy would be the merest shell, the shadow of a truth. In what sense then, is Colchicum a specific remedy for gout? In the hands of alloeopathic physicians it acts specifically in most in- stances only by virtue of its alterative action upon the intestinal canal. Diarrhoea and diaphoresis are excited, and the morbid action is absorbed by this superior, intensified, locally-concentrated drug- disease. If these conditions set in during the homoeopathic use of Colchicum, it is because the organic reaction develops them in a naturally spontaneous manner. If the pulse is slightly irritated, the affected part is exceedingly painful, the skin in that region looks rose-colored, and leaves a white spot under the pressure of the finger; or if the disease has developed nodosities in the affected part, and is characterized by paroxysms of pain and inflammation : Colchicum may be found adapted to these conditions; if the febrile irritation is considerable, this medicine is advantageously preceded by, or alter- nated with Aconite. An additional indication for Colchicum is the sympathetic irritation, in which the intestinal mucous lining of the thoracic viscera, and more particularly the heart, may be involved; threatening symptoms of metastasis to the inner organs further con- firm the use of Colchicum. 2. We would recommend Colchicum in all Inflammatory Irritations taking the place of, or accompanying gout, or occurring in persons of a gouty diathesis, such as asthma, inflammatory irritation of the stomach and bowels, endocarditis, strangury and ischuria, and even in dropsical disorganizations (anasarca, ascites, hydrothorax,) which have developed themselves out of the gouty diathesis or gouty disease by a process of metaschematismus, or change of form and locality, or which occur as idiopathic rheumatic diseases. COLCHICUM AUTUMNALE. 217 3. We would recommend Colchicum in all neuralgic inflammations, both acute and chronic, of the thoracic and abdominal viscera, if the constitutional arthritic diathesis of the patient, and the symptomatic indications, such as dyspnoea, constriction, soreness and irritating cough in the chest; palpitation and tearing pains of the heart; thirst and loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, soreness and heat in the stomach, cutting and spasmodic pains in the bowels, with discharges of serum, mucus or blood, accompanied by acute tenesmus; strangury and ischuria ; swelling, pain, heat, redness and lameness in the ex- tremities ; general debility, fever, heat and dryness of the skin, tendency to perspiration, justify the use of this drug. The cormi, seeds, leaves and flowers of the plant have all been found sufficiently poisonous to destroy life. In a case of poisoning with Colchicum we should as soon as pos- sible withdraw the poison from the stomach; after which, large doses of strong black coffee may be administered. Existing symptoms of inflammation have to be combated on general principles, by Aconite, Bryonia, etc. Regarding the dose, I would advise the utmost liberality towards professional brethren who may deem it necessary to prescribe Col- chicum in large quantities of the tincture. Homoeopathic clinical experience is as yet very scanty ; homoeopathic physicians seem to have shunned this agent probably for no other reason than because our alloeopathic friends have made such indiscriminate use of it as a derivative cathartic and diuretic in gout, rheumatism, dropsy. There are practitioners of our school, who look upon Homoeopathy as a sort of reformed Allceopathy; in using Colchicum, they consider it necessary to still prescribe it in accordance with these derivative views, in the affections with which it seems to be in specific homoeopathic rapport, in doses large enough to develope the inherent cathartic or diuretic effects of the drug. Cures are undoubtedly effected by this method; nevertheless, I am convinced that a more rigorous application, based upon a more thorough knowledge, of the curative resources of our art, will vindicate, even in the case of Colchicum, the inherent superiority of small doses, when specifically homeopathic to the case, to the most successful derivative practice. 213 LECTURE LXXV. LECTURE LXXV. CONIUM MACCLATUM, (Common or spotted hemlock. Nat. Ord.:—Umbelliferjs.) A biennial, plant, flowering in June and July ; root fleshy, top- shaped, whitish, of a disagreeable smell and sweetish taste; stem from three to six feet high, upright, round, hollow, smooth, glaucous, branched, spotted or streaked with reddish or brownish-purple spots; leaves large, spreading, repeatedly compound, of a deep-shining green, leaflets egg-shaped, closely and sharply pinnatifid; petioles long, furrowed, dilated and sheathing at the base. Umbels terminal, numerous, upright, compound, occasionally attended by one or two simple axillary ones. By the purple spots and the peculiar odor of the leaves, when rubbed between the fingers, (a urinous smell, or an odor like that of mice,) hemlock maybe distinguished from JEthusa cynapium or fool's parsley, and from common parsley. Conium maculatum has been found abundantly in the neighbor- hood of Athens, and it is supposed that it is with this poison that Socrates and Phocion were killed. Dr. Adams thinks it is Conium, Haller thinks it was Cicuta virosa or water-hemlock. Conium grows abundantly along hedges, in waste places, on dung- hills, especially near towns and villages. Conium poisons swine and other animals; sheep, goats and horses will generally eat it with impunity. In one case, however, a decoc- tion of four ounces of the dried plant proved fatal to a horse. In man it seems to act primarily upon the brain, the cerebr<> : spinal and the ganglionic systems of nerves. Dr. Bennett met with ' a case of poisoning, where the following symptoms occurred. . A man ate a large quantity of hemlock-plant by mistake for parsley; soon afterwards, there was loss of power in the lower extremities, but he apparently suffered no pain. In walking, he staggered like one drunk; at length his limbs refused to support him and he fell. On being raised, his legs dragged after him, or when his arms were lifted, they fell like inert masses, and remained immovable; there was perfect paralysis of the upper and lower extremities within two hours after he had taken the poison. There was a loss of power of deglutition, and a partial paralysis of sensation, but no convulsions, only slight occasional motions of the left leg; the pupils were fixed. Three hours after eating the hemlook, the respiratory movements had ceased. Death took place in three hours and a quarter. It was evidently caused by gradual asphyxia from paralysis of the muscles of respiration, but the intellect was perfectly clear until shortly before death. On inspection, there was slight serous effusion beneath the arachnoid membrane. The substance of the brain was found soft- CONIUM maculatum. 21$ ened ; there were numerous bloody points, but the organ was other- wise healthy. The lungs were gorged with dark-red fluid blood; the heart was soft and flabby. The stomach contained a green pultaceous mass, resembling parsley, which was identified by Dr. Christison as Conium maculatum; the mucous coat was much congested, especially at the cardiac extremity; here there were numerous extravasations of dark blood below the epithelium, over a space about the size of a hand. The intestines presented patches of congestion on the mucous coat. The blood throughout the body was fluid, and of a dark color. In this case, Conium seems to have affected the motor and partially the sentient nerves, causing paralysis and congestion of the tissues. In Plato's record of the death of Socrates, in his work entitled Phaedo, or Immortality of the Soul, we find nearly the same symptoms stated. Shortly after having taken the poison, his legs were beginning to grow heavy, and he laid down. At the same time, the man who had given him the poison, examined his feet and legs, touching them at intervals. At length he pressed violently upon his foot, and asked if he felt it. To which Socrates replied that he did not. The man then pressed his legs, showing us (his disciples) that he was becoming cold and stiff. And Socrates feeling it himself, assured us, that when the effects had ascended to his heart, he should be gone. And now the middle of his body growing cold, he threw aside his clothes, and spoke for the last time. " Crito, we owe the sacrifice of a cock to iEsculapius. Discharge this and neglect it not." " It shall be done," said Crito ; " have you anything else to say?" He made no reply, but a moment after moved, and his eyes became fixed. And Crito, seeing this, closed his eyelids and mouth. In AVibmer's Toxicology, we find this statement: Two priests ate hemlock-root by mistake; they became raving mad, and mistaking themselves for geese, plunged into the water; for three years they suffered from partial palsy and violent pain. The same author states that an old woman suffered for three months with abdominal pain, and convulsive movements of the limbs, in consequence of eating hemlock-root. (The root does not generally seem poisonous. It has been eaten with perfect impunity by many botanists, and the Russian peasants eat it as food; this innocuousness of the root may depend upon the time of gathering, and upon the coldness of the climate.) Air. Haaf, a French army surgeon, has described a fatal case of poisoning with Conium. The subject of it, a soldier, had partaken, along with several comrades, of a soup containing hemlock-leaves, and appeared to them to drop asleep not long after, while they were conversing. In the course of an hour they became alarmed on being all taken ill with giddiness and headache, and the surgeon of the regiment was sent for. He found the soldier, who had fallen asleep 220 LECTURE LXXV. in a state of'insensibility, from which, however, he could be roused for a few moments. His countenance was bloated, the pulse only thirty, and the extremities cold. The insensibility became rapidly deeper and deeper until he died, three hours after eating the soup. His companions recovered. These patients seem to have died by apoplexy. Mr. AYatson gives an account of two Dutch soldiers who were quartered at AYaltham Abbey, in Essex. " They collected on Sunday, May 6th, 174-1, in the fields adjoining, a quantity of herbs, sufficient for themselves and two others for dinner, when boiled with bacon; these herbs were therefore dressed, and the poor men first ate of the broth with bread, and afterwards the herbs with bacon. In a short time after they were all seized with violent vertigo; they soon after- wards were comatose, and two of them grew convulsed and died in about three hours. A physician ordered the other two, at that time almost dead, large quantities of oil, by which means they threw up most of what they had eaten, and afterwards grew better. In all of them the effects were the same as those from a large dose of Opium. This patient seems to have died from apoplexy. From these cases of poisoning we learn that Conium affects every part of the nervous system, the brain, spinal nerves, and the gan- glionic system. From Conium we obtain an alkaloid: Conia, or Coniin, which seems to affect the spinal marrow antagonistically to the action of Strychnine. Conia causes prostration of the nervous power and subsequently paralysis, whereas Strychnine causes a spasmodic ex- citement of the spinal marrow, and as a consequence, muscular spasms. Guided by the physiological effects of Conium upon the healthy organism, we find that Conium seems to be particularly adapted to scrofulous, tuberculous, cancerous and paralytic conditions; it seems to be adapted to the debility of old people, to the consequences of contusions by a fall, blow or otherwise, especially chronic enlarge- ment and induration of glandular bodies, and indurations of cellular tissue. Ranging the toxicological and physiological effects of Conium under our usual categories, we obtain the following results. CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. We have learnt from the cases of poisoning which I have related to you, that Conium causes, and may, therefore, be found useful in some cases of Apoplexy, where the attack sets in rather gradually, and is marked by drowsiness which increases until the patient is comatose and insensible; it is characteristic of large doses of Conium to suspend the faculty of sensation and to depress the pulse. In Paralysis remaining after apoplexy, with diminished sensibility and heaviness of the paralyzed limb, Conium may be of great use. In these affections it may be necessary to give this drug in tolerably CONIUM MACULATUM. 221 large and increasing doses, beginning with five drops of the tincture in the course of a day. Hahnemann recommends Conium in Coxalgia, and Baron Stoerck in Chronic Rheumatism, with disorganizations in the joints. This recommendation of the Baron seems more or less speculative, for the action of Conium, as far as we have become acquainted with its nature by physiological experimentation, is not in this direction. It may prove of use, however, in Rheumatismus vagus, when the patient complains of wandering tearing pains in the trunk and extremities. Schneller of Yienna, who experimented with Conium upon himself, in doses of from fifty to one hundred and sixty drops of the strong tincture, felt shifting tearing pains at times in the region of the heart, at others in the hands, head and lower extremities. In Epilepsy arising from self-abuse, this drug has been used with apparently good effect. ORBITAL GROUP. Conium has been used with excellent effect in various scrofulous affections of the eyes, more particularly in Blepjharophthalmia, with swelling, inflammation, suppuration and ulceration of the lids; excessive photophobia; discharge of a corro- sive ichor from the lids; with violent burning and itching. In this affection, Conium has been used by alloeopathic physicians with the most perfect success, and without a single untoward medicinal symptom, in quantities that must seem enormous even to such homoeopaths as are habitually giving large doses to their patients. Several cases of purulent blepharophthalmia are reported in Frank's Magazine, where a variety of remedial means had been used without the least benefit, and where a cure was finally completed by Conium, beginning with one grain of the extract in the morning, and increas- ing the dose by one grain every day until, in some cases, the enor- mous dose of fifty and more grains had been reached. In one very malignant and almost hopeless case, that of a scrofulous boy of thirteen years, the cure lasted sixty-four days, during which period the patient took one thousand three hundred grains of the extract. While taking the medicine, his health improved steadily; he looked " more vigorous and more blooming" than ever, and recovered the perfect use of his eyes. Similar results were obtained in four other very bad cases. The reporter states that, in proportion as the size of the dose was increased, the improvement became more rapid and striking. To homoeopathic practitioners such enormous doses must seem unnecessary. Nevertheless, let us not forget that the scrofulous miasm may possibly require to be neutralized by massive doses of the specific remedial agent. No homoeopathic practitioner will deny that we often fail in curing scrofulous inflammatory affections of the eyes; may it not be, because we confine ourselves too exclusively to small doses ? There is not anything inherently wrong in giving a ■222 LECTURE LXXV. larger quantity of the appropriate drug, if, by so doing, we accom- plish a good which a lesser quantity would leave undone. Let us fearlessly and conscientiously adhere to the dictates of true science independently of scholastic authority or the tyranny of usage. Photophobia without any perceptible sign of inflammation, with secretion of scalding tears from the least exposure to light, has been cured by Conium. Cataract is said to have been benefited by Conium. This, how- ever, is doubted by most practitioners; it is, at most, in cataracts which originate in a blow upon the eye, that this agent may be of use. Opacity of the cornea in consequence of previous inflammation, may find a remedy in Conium. Amaurotic symptoms, muscae volitantes, colored rays, point to Conium among other drugs. The Presbyopia of old people is benefited by Conium. AURICULAR GROUP. Hardness of hearing, with hard cerumen, following after a puru- lent discharge, may be benefited by the internal use of Conium. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. Conium causes a heaviness and painful swelling of the tongue, with ptyalism; hence it may antidote Alercury to some extent. Dysphagia of a spasmodic character, or when arising from some internal swellings which press upon the oesophagus, may yield to Conium. Cardialgia has been cured by Conium. In one case, the attack was characterized by coldness of the extremities, paleness of face, cold nose, dimness of sight, acute sensitiveness of the epigastrium, frequent efforts to vomit, restlessness, sleeplessness, moaning, small and frequent pulse. Another case was caused by excessive nursing, with violent pains in the region of the stomach, anxiety, painful constriction in the epigastrium, fainting turns; the ordinary reme- dies proved unavailing. Conium has been used with good effect in chronic Swelling of the mesenteric glands; also in Constipation, when arising from spasmodic rigidity of the fibre. GENITO-URINARY GROUP. Conium may be useful in Swelling of the testes caused by a blow or contusion. Impotence arising from excessive abstemiousness. Amenorrhea of long standing, and Acrid Leucorrhea with pinching in the bowels. CONIUM MACULATUM. 223 Hypertrophy and Induration of the Uterus, even when of a scir- rhous nature. In Cancer of the Uterus, Conium is said to have effected a favor- able change in some cases ; this result has not been confirmed by the experience of other practitioners. RESPIRATORY GROUP. Conium has been used with good effect in Scrofulous Ozena; it also causes a constant desire to cough, with scraping in the larynx; hence it has been found useful in Chronic Laryngitis, also when caused by gonorrhoeal metastasis, with wheezing breathing, discharge of fetid, foul, greenish pus, alter- ation of the voice, suffocative sensation from the least excitement of the circulation. In Chronic Cough after measles, with a barking sound, Conium is sometimes indicated. EXANTHEMATIC GROUP. The action of Conium upon the skin is exceedingly varied. It has cured a Tetter, humid, crusty, burning, in the case of a girl, twenty years old, on the arms, skin bright-red, porous, cracked, a viscid lymph oozing out, itching, surrounded by glandular swelling. Inveterate Scabies, itch-like pimples, forming crusts. Blackish Ulcers; Plica Polonica ; Petechia;, erysipelatous and purple-colored. Induration of glands caused by a blow, or by the arthritic or scrofulous element; Conium may be used externally as well as in- ternally. A few cases are reported: A young woman of twenty-two years had hurt her breast; a scirrhous induration arose, lasting five years, with itching, not very painful, but immovable. Caspari gave Conium internally and exter- nally ; the patient was cured. Dr. Kammerer cured a scirrhous ulcer of the lower lip, caused by the pressure of the pipe; Conium was given internally and exter- nally ; the hard mass fell out. A healthy boy fell on the lower lip; a scirrhous tumor ensued which grew larger every week; it was cured in fourteen days by the external use of Conium; Hahnemann was the attending physi- cian. A robust servant girl had contused her right breast; a tubercle came on, increasing in size and hardness at every monthly period; %the external use of Conium cured her. SLEEP. Conium causes sopor, with prostration; these symptoms are inci- dental to the apoplectic state of the brain for which Conium has been recommended. 224 LECTURE LXXVI. MENTAL GROUP. You will recollect the strange effect Conium had upon the minds of the monks; they fancied themselves transformed into geese. In Craziness of this character, characterized by ludicrous aberrations of the percipient faculty of the mind, Conium may help greatly. In Mania with sudden outbreaks of foolish rage, Conium may be of use. In one case of poisoning we are told that an Italian vintner and his wife ate hemlock for parsley; they woke in the night, ran about the house, smashing their heads against the walls of the building. Conium may relieve Paroxysms of anguish accompanied by constant throbbing in the chest and region of the stomach; and Hypochondria arising from abstemiousness in sexual intercourse. LECTURE LXXVI. COPAIFERA MULTIJUGA. (Balsamum Copaive seu Copaibse.—Nat. Ord.:—Leguminos.e.) This well known balsam is furnished by a bush, the several species of which are chiefly found in the Brazils, and yield enormous quan- tities of this substance. In 1839, duty was paid in England alone on 643 cwts. This balsam is principally obtained from the following species: Copaifera multijuga, C. Langsdorfii, C. coriacea, and C. officinalis. The balsam of commerce probably is yielded for the most part by the C. multijuga. According to Hayne who has furnished full and accurate descriptions of the different species of this plant, this last named is the species observed by Piso who has given the first notice of the balsam as well as of the tree yielding it. The balsam is obtained by making incisions into the stems of the trees. Pereira states upon the authority of Piso, that "the balsam exudes so abundantly that, at the proper season, twelve pounds are sometimes obtained in the space of three hours. If, however, no balsam should flow, the wound is immediately closed with wax or clay, and reopened in a fortnight, when an abundant discharge takes place. Old trees sometimes furnish balsam two or three times in the year." Langsdorff, in his account of Santa Catherina, observes, that "the tree which yields Copaiva balsam, or balsam of Tolu, Copaifera officinalis,, is here called oleo breto, or black olive. It abounds in the forests, but very little use is made of it. I was assured that, when the incision is made in the tree to procure the balsam, which is done only in the very hot summer months, a sound COPAIFERA multijuga. 225 is heard, and the sap or balsam rushes out in a stream, as when a vein is opened in the human arm." Pereira describes the Balsam of Copaiva as a clear and transparent liquid of an oily consistence and a light-yellow color. It has a peculiar odor which is disagreeable to some persons, probably on account of its use being generally associated with loathsome diseases; its taste is slightly acrid and nauseous, but is considerably veiled by sugar. The AYest Indian Copaiva which is very frequently obtained in our shops, is thick, not transparent, of a golden-yellow color. In the London Pharmacopoea, Copaiva is described as an oleo- resin, for the reason that this substance is not properly speaking a balsam—a term which is generally applied to substances containing benzoic acid, of which no trace is found in Copaiva,—but a resinous substance dissolved in essential or volatile oil like ordinary turpen- tine. It is stated by Pereira that Copaiva was at one time adulterated in England; this is proven by the following fact stated by Dr. Paris: " A curious trial took place some time since, between the owners of certain premises that were burnt down, and the governors of the Sun Fire Office, in consequence of the latter refusing to indemnify the proprietor for his loss, because the fire had been occasioned by his making balsam of Copaiba." The Edinburgh College gives the following characters of the purity of the balsam : " Transparent; free of turpentine odor when heated ; soluble in two parts of alcohol; it dissolves a fourth of its weight of Carbonate of Magnesia, with the aid of a gentle heat, and continues translucent." Pereira sums up the different methods which have been proposed as tests for the purity of the balsam, in the following paragraph: " The turpentine odor may be recognized by dropping the sus- pected balsam on a heated iron. The mixture of Magnesia and Copaiva here referred to, acquires, in several hours, the translucency, aspect, and consistency of very thick mucilage of Gum Arabic. This test was proposed by Blondeau in the Journ. de Chim. Medi- cale. If one or two drops of suspected balsam be placed on one or two drops of unsized paper, and carefully heated over a lamp to expel the volatile oil, an homogeneous, translucent spot is left, if the balsam be pure; but if it is mixed with castor-oil, the spot of resin is surrounded by an oily areola. Planche has recommended Ammo- nia as a test. If pure balsam be shaken with liquor Ammonias (spec. grav. 0.965), it becomes clear and transparent in a few instants; not so when castor-oil is present. Ebullition with water (to expel the volatile oil and obtain the hard resin), and the action of Potash and of Sulphuric acid, have also been proposed as tests." One of AVibmer's students instituted the following experiment with Copaiva upon his own person: Of an emulsion composed of half an ounce of the balsam, and four ounces of some vehicle, he swallowed two tablespoonfuls at eight vol. n.—15 226 LECTURE LXXVI. o'clock in the evening. This quantity did not excite any other symp- toms than a momentary increase of the secretion of saliva and frequent eructations. On the following day, at eight o'clock in the morning, he again swallowed two tablespoonfuls on an empty stomach. Between eleven and twelve o'clock he experienced a rumbling and a movmg of flatulence in the bowels, with a sensation as if colic would set in; but all these symptoms passed off again in a short time. But on taking again two tablespoonfuls at four o'clock in the afternoon, he was at- tacked in one hour by colicky pains, inclination to vomit, and in two hours had two liquid stools. The alvine and urinary secretions had the odor of the balsam; the latter were more copious and cer- tainly more frequent; the emission of urine was preceded and suc- ceeded by itching and smarting in the urethra, but this sensation did not continue long. On the third day he swallowed the last two tablespoonfuls at seven o'clock in the morning upon an empty stomach. In half an hour he experienced a violent inclination to vomit and intense colicky pains, which abated after the breaking out of some perspiration. He had no appetite all day. At two o'clock in the afternoon he had two liquid stools in rapid succession, and a more solid stool in the eve- ning of the same day. This experiment demonstrates the fact that Copaiva has an irri- tating action upon the mucous lining of the urethra; the effects upon the intestinal lining membrane, although affording valuable indica- tions for the curative action of this drug in corresponding pathologi- cal conditions, yet are only of secondary importance, inasmuch as the overwhelming action of such excessive quantities and the violent reaction of the organism which they excited in Kcenig's case, com- pletely over-shadowed or wiped out all the more delicate and truly characteristic effects of the drug. Under the Old-School treatment of gonorrhoea with large doses of Copaiva, these violent signs of gastro-intestinal irritation very fre- quently occur. "Large doses,'" says Pereira, "irritate the gastro- intestinal canal, and occasion a sensation of heat at the pit of the stomach, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and purging, with, not unfrequently, griping pains of the bowels. The whole system be- comes powerfully stimulated; the pulse is fuller and more frequent, the skin hotter, and thirst and headache are produced. Occasionally haematuria and dangerous ischuria are brought on. "I saw," says Kjaus, Professor in Goettingen, "a very dangerous case, of thirty-six hours' standing, almost instantaneously relieved by the application of a warm poultice (made of four ounces of the Hyoscyamus plant) over the genital organs." The same author also says that the re- peated use of large doses occasions, "in young marriageable subjects, a measle-like eruption over the whole body, which I have many times seen treated by pretended great diagnosticians as true measles." In one case reported in the Brit, and For. Aled. Review, Yol. IX, p. 270, pain at the stomach, general uneasiness, and epileptic con- vulsions, followed, and were ascribed to the use of Copaiva. Pereira doubts the correctness of ascribing the convulsions to the use of the Copaiva. COPAIFERA MULTIJUGA. 227 CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. The action of Copaiva upon the intestinal lining membrane sug- gests the use of this agent in Blennorrhagic Affections of the bowels, more especially of the lesser intestines, although it may likewise prove useful in such affections if they are chiefly localized in the colon and rectum. Armstrong, Pemburton, and others, advise this remedy in chronic dysentery of an asthenic. character; the old-fashioned "Contraria Contrariis" for- bids them prescribing the balsam in blennorrhoea of the bowels with inflammatory symptoms. Nevertheless it may be specifically adapted for either form of this affection. For the asthenic may take the place of the. sthenic form by a natural, necessary and continuous procsss of development, not of essential transformation; the character of the disease may remain the same from first to last, the same remedy may be indicated and required from the commencement to the end of the irritation, and will undoubtedly be employed by every practitioner who is not exclusively guided in the selection of a remedial agent by symptomatic appearances. The treatment sug- gested by the doctrine of " Contraria," is really and truly a sympto- matic treatment of the grossest and most delusive character. The only difference may consist in the size of the dose. In the sthenic form of intestinal blennorrhoea for which Copaiva is specifically adapted, the dose may be comparatively small, a few drops every few hours; in the asthenic form a larger dose may be required. In conclusion we may observe that many blennorrhoeas of the bowels may very properly be described as Chronic Gastro-enteritis, for the signs of chronic inflammation are undoubtedly present, such as cutting, burning and pinching pains, symptoms of tenesmus, soreness. We have seen that it may be serviceable in Acute Diarrhea, with severe griping and cutting pains, nausea, vomiting. Copaiva has caused all the symptoms characterizing an attack of Bloody Dysentery, such as: discharge of blood from the rectum, also discharge of mucus, violent tenesmus, burning in the region of the sphincter of the. anus. In Chronic Diarrhea, it is indicated by the presence of involuntary discharges from the bowels, discharges of white mucus, white diarrhoeic stools generally in the morning, with chilliness and drawing-tearing colic, obliging one to bend double. In Casper's Wochenschrift a case of gonorrhoea is reported where Copaiva incidentally effected the cure of a Fistula of the Rectum of ten years' standing. The patient was a man of fifty, who contracted gonorrhoea which he neglected for a long time. He finally took Copaiva in increasing doses and was cured both of the gonorrhoea and the fistula. 228 LECTURE LXXVI. URINARY GROUP. The action of the balsam of Copaiva upon the mucous membrane embraces a very wide range ; it affects the lining membrane of the respiratory organs, of the digestive canal, of the urinary and sexual apparatus. I£oenig has shown by direct experiment that it causes an Irritation of the bladder, resulting in more copious secretion of urine, and a more frequent emission of this fluid. Itching, smarting and burning in the urethra before and after an emission of urine; Soreness of the urethra. According to Kraus, the Copaiva has likewise induced in some cases Haematuria and Ischuria, the urine being emitted in drops, or no emission taking place in spite of a constant urging. Inflammation, swelling and dilatation of the orifice of the urethra, with pulsative pains throughout the penis. The urine has a bitter taste and has the odor of violets. It deposits a sediment resembling albumen not, however, being true albumen, but vesical and urethral mucus. The chief use of the balsam of Copaiva is in mucous discharges from the urino-genital organs, especially in Gonorrhea. In regard to the method of treating this disease with Copaiva, considerable diversity of opinion exists among Old-School practitioners ; some do not exhibit the balsam until the inflammatory symptoms have subsided; others, on the contrary, gave it at the very outset in order to cut short or suppress the disease. Pereira gives the following resume" of these different methods and their respective advocates. "The first method is that followed by the best English and German surgeons. It consists in employing, during the violence of the inflammatory stage, antiphlogistic and soothing measures; and when the inflammation has quite or nearly subsided, or is of a very mild character, giving Copaiva with a view of diminishing or stopping the discharge. This is the plan recommended by Hunter • in his treatise on the Yenereal Diseases, and in the published lectures of Sir Astley Cooper (Lancet, vol. III. 199), and Air. Lawrence (London Aled. Gaz. Y. 813). It is undoubtedly the safest method of treatment; for, although Copaiva may sometimes or even frequently, be exhibited during the acute or inflammatory stage of gonorrhoea, not only with impunity, but even with advantage, there is no denying the fact that it has, occasionally at least, aggravated the symptoms. This, indeed, is admitted by Ansiaur, one of the principal supporters of the other plan of treatment. Many practitioners judge of the propriety of exhibiting the balsam by the quantity of the discharge only, and refrain from administering this medicine until the discharge has acquired what is called a gleety character. I believe most prudent surgeons, con- COPIAFERA MULTIJUGA. 229 sider the existence of much pain or scalding in passing the water, an irritable condition of bladder, or violent chordee as contra- indicating the use of Copaiva; while the absence of these symptoms may be regarded as permitting or indicating it. " The second method of treating gonorrhoea by Copaiva, consists in exhibiting this medicine in large doses at the commencement of the disease ; that is, in its acute stage, usually without adopting any preliminary antiphlogistic or soothing measures. In America, the practice is not new; but in Europe, it has been recommended or adapted to any extent only since the commencement of the present century, and principally by the recommendations of Ansiaur, Ribes, and Delpech. " Ansiaur candidly admits that, in some cases, the practice has been injurious; in one instance he saw it produce acute pain, irritable bladder and discharge of blood by the urethra. The second of these writers seems to regard Copaiva as a specific for gonorrhoea and all its consequences, including swelled testicle, dysury, ischury, cystitis, nephritis, etc.; Delpech speaks of its use in a much more guarded manner; he employs leeches,and the usual antiphlogistic measures, when the inflammatory symptoms are very severe ; but when the inflammation is not excessive, he commences at once with the balsam. In fact, his practice approximates very much to that usually followed in this country and in Germany. The partisans of this second method of treating gonorrhoea say, that both Copaiva and Cubebs cure more easily and promptly, and with less chance of relapse, the sooner they are exhibited after the commence- ment of the disease ; in other words, old claps are less readily cured by them than recent ones." A careful examination of this whole mode of conducting the discussion either in favor of or against the use of Copaiva in the inflammatory stage of gonorrhoea, shows that it rests altogether upon affirmation and authority; one set of practitioners averring that the use of Copaiva in this stage is proper and useful, and another set averring the contrary. Empiricism is appealed to us as law; Principle is both wanting and unknown. The same remarks apply in the case of gonorrhoea which we have offered in speaking of the acute and chronic forms of blennorrhoea of the bowels. A chronic form of gonorrhoea will necessarily, and by a natural process of physiological reaction, develop itself out of the acute. But this purely physiological transformation does not alter the. essential pathological character of the disease; it may determine quantitative differences of doses but neither necessitates nor justifies a change of remedial agency. If a case of chronic gonorrhoeal discharge yields to the balsam of Copaiva as its specific neutralizer, this same drug would have removed the discharge during the acute form of the disease as surely as Aconite is in specific homoeopathic rapport not only with the chill of an inflam- matory fever, but likewise with the subsequent heat of the skin, the flushed face, the full, hard and bounding pulse and every other symptom developed by the reactive efforts of the organism. 230 LECTURE LXXVI. Regarding the dose, opinions may differ, and these differences may result from a variety of circumstances, idiosyncratic susceptibilities of patients, want of adaptability of the drug to the disease; but physiological considerations might suffice to teach Old-School practitioners that their empirical treatment of the second stage of gonorrhoea likewise applies to the acute or inflammatory stage, and that this application is only limited by the one paramount and cardinal law of Specific Homeopathy. Alloeopathic practitioners administer Copaiva in very large doses, t J 30 to 60 drops twice or three times a day. These _ excessive \ quantities very frequently develop signs of acute irritation in the bowels, and an exanthem of which a full description will be given in subsequent paragraphs. AYe will transcribe one or two cases from Frank's Alagazine and from the Revue Aledicale, with a view - of showing how this drug is used in the treatment of gonorrhoea. In one case, after the acute stage had been subdued by an anti- phlogistic treatment lasting eighteen days, Lisle gave the balsam of Copaiva 60 drops morning and night. On the third day the discharge had disappeared and did not return; the balsam was con- tinued a few days longer; it developed the previously mentioned exanthem. In another case the discharge was stopped in four days by the same quantities; the medicine was continued a few days longer, so that the patient took in all two ounces and a half. This took place in January. Beginning of March he had another attack of gon- orrhoea which yielded to the same treatment. Six months later he . was again attacked and waited two months before he applied for help ; he was again cured by the same means in three days. In con- sequence of convivial excesses he had several relapses which readily yielded to the use of Copaiva. The patient observed a strict diet for several weeks and remained well afterwards. A drummer, twenty-seven years old, who had been treated for gonorrhoea in November, 1825, again contracted the disease in April, and entered the hospital on the 9th of Alay. Under anti- phlogistic treatment the discharge suddenly disappeared and orchitis set in. Under appropriate treatment the orchitis disappeared and the discharge was restored. On the 8th of June the patient took the balsam and was entirely restored in eighteen days. For a relapse he again took the balsam on the 27th of August, and was relieved in three days. Another relapse on the 3d of September likewise yielded in three days. The balsam being continued, diarrhoea set in on the 8th of September; the quantity was now reduced one half; the patient left the hospital on the 12, and has remained well ever since. An officer was attacked with gonorrhoea in November, 1824 ; under the use of astringents the inflammation was transferred to the prostate gland. After a suitable antiphlogistic treatment a pain only remained during the erections, more particularly in the region of Cowper's glands, and the discharge had a better appearance. A large dose of Copaiva produced nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea ; x! COPIAFERA MULTIJUGA. 231 Cubebs and the tincture of Iodine were likewise rejected by the' organism. The patient was attacked with a fever which subsided, after which the balsam was resumed on the second of Februan*. In five days the discharge was arrested, and did not return ; the balsam was continued a few days longer. Lisle who reports these and a number of other cases, states that in many of them a cure was effected in one day; in other cases the balsam had to be given in alternation with Cubebs; in other cases, however, the balsam caused vomiting and diarrhoea, and seemed to be rejected by the organism. Fom all these cases the doctor draws the following inferences: 1. That the balsam of Copaiva is one of the most efficient remedies for gonorrhoeal urethritis; and 2. That it does not cure this disease by a process of revulsion, since neither a cure nor even considerable improvement takes place in cases where the balsam causes a violent irritation of the intestinal f canal. ., Yelpeau, Londe, Frederick and other practitioners have introduced: f the method of administering Copaiva as an enema; they resort to it at the outset of the disease with a view of cutting it short. In some cases a complete cure is effected in a few days; but in very many cases the gastro-intestinal irritation produced by the large quantities in which the drug is used, not only prevents its continuance but renders a cure by this method impossible. A number of practi- tioners who have tried this method, report a variety of results. Upon the whole, however, they are unsatisfactory, and it is exceed- ingly doubtful whether this proceeding will find any followers in -/"'the Homoeopathic School. Copaiva is proposed by many physicians as a remedy for the metastatic pains and inflammations induced by the gonorrhoeal miasm in consequence of a sudden suppression of the local discharge. It is recommended for gonorrhoeal Cystitis, Ischuria, Dysuria, Orchitis, Neuralgia, Articular Rheumatism.. Homoeopathic practi- tioners may use it in these diseases in connection with Aconite, Pulsatilla, Alercurius, Guajacum, or any other medicine that may seem indicated by the nature and symptomatic appearances of the pathological process. Regarding the dose, in such diseases, we have no rule to propose; the physician will have to be guided by his own judgment and by the requirements of the case ; but we would advise every true and enlightened friend of our cause not to be over-awed in such cases by the silly twaddle about "homeopathic doses" which the thoughtless and the ignorant among us are still perpetrating to the prejudice of our Art. These diseases cannot be cured without using comparatively large doses of the drug. Alloeopathic practi- tioners have used as many as 30,40 and even 60 drops two or three times a day with the happiest results. These are not normal doses; 5, 10, 20 drops may be sufficient in some cases ; the great truth which we desire to impress upon the minds of physicians and students is that the homoeopathic law is absolutely independent of 232 LECTURE LXXVI. the size of the dose which may be infinitesimal! y small in one case, and the very opposite in another. The following cure of a case of Neuralgia gonorrheica, although effected with an enormous dose of Copaiva, yet has to be accepted as a true illustration of the ope- ration of a remedial agent in specific homoeopathic rapport with the assential nature of the disease. The case is reported by Dr. Gutherz in Goeschen's "Deutsche Klinik." A merchant, 25 years old, of a robust constitution, contracted a gonorrhoea of which he was cured in about four weeks by means of Cubebs internally andinjections of the Acetate of Zinc of the strength of half a grain to an ounce of water. Two days after, on the 23d of June, the merchant again applied to the doctor, complaining of a painful cramp which proceeded at the same time from the anus and scrotum and afterwards shifted to the right side downwards towards the side of the foot. The cramp set in while he was sitting covered with perspiration on the water-closet where there was a violent draught from below. Upon watching the paroxysms, it was evident that ramifications of the nervus pudendus internus were the seat of the pain. The paroxysms took place every five minutes and lasted from twenty to twenty-five seconds each. The patient had been suffering for five days; leeches, frictions with Chloroform, Opium, A^eratrine, Alorphine internally etc., had proved utterly unavailing, when the doctor "in this desperate situation," took the.view suggested by Eisenmann that the neuralgia was caused by the gonorrhoeal miasm. In accordance with this theory an ounce of the balsam was administered at. one dose. In two hours, within which the patient was attacked with a copious diarrhoea, an itching in the urethra set in which lasted several hours, and was followed by a discharge of white mucus. As soon as the itching was felt, the neuralgia disappeared "as by a charm," the discharge gradually ceased with- out further treatment, and the patient who had already been ex- tremely reduced by the pain, recovered his full health very speedily. I Copaiva is likewise applicable to the treatment of gonorrhoea inl the female, although in her case a cure is sometimes less speedily' effected than in the male, doubtless for the simple reason that a much larger surface of mucous membrane is invaded in the case of the, former; not only the urethral, but likewise the vaginal mucousj membrane is invaded by the gonorrhoeal irritation. '• We desire to caution young practitioners against the pernicious error of confounding every discharge from the urethra with gonor- rhoea. Urethritis may be of a purely catarrhal nature. AVinkier of Graefenthal informs us in the Mediz. National-Zeitung, that in the winter of 1797, at a period when a number of persons of every age and sex, were afflicted with catarrhal-rheumatic ailments, he ob- served an epidemic gonorrhoea evidently of a rheumatic nature (for the discharge could not possibly be accounted for upon'any other ground) and which he removed by such anti-rheumatic agents as are generally used in Old-School treatment. In his communication COPAIFERA MULTIJUGA. 233 he makes this statement: "I saw one case, where the use of Copaiva caused a violent haemorrhage from the urethra." Catarrhal or rheumatic urethritis could not be reached by Copaiva; this form of the disease requires Aconite chiefly and perhaps a few other agents, but never Copaiva. This agent may be adapted for certain forms of Leucorrhea, when the discharge has a purulent character and is complicated with a good deal of pressing towards the vagina, itching and smarting of its mucous lining. But in treating such discharges the balsam has to be used very cautiously; unless specifically ho- moeopathic to the disease, it may effect a gradual diminution of the discharge at the expense of some vital part, the lungs for instance, to which the irritation may be transferred, more especially in the case of individuals whose pulmonary lining membrane is naturally sen- sitive and therefore the more readily acted upon by Copaiva as a disease-begetting agent. AYe can back this advice by personal experience. As a general rule there are few cases where Copaiva will manifest curative results unless the gonorrhoeal miasm had something to do with the production of the disease. This remark applies with scarcely an exception to irritations of the urinary lining membrane. In irritable bladder and catarrh of the bladder, Copaiva cannot be depended upon unless the gonorrhoeal element has impressed its specific nature upon the affection. It should be mentioned, however, that Delpech reports a case of Acute Catarrh of the Bladder or Cystirrhea which yielded to the use of Copaiva in his hands. Of course, the usual paraphernalia of antiphlogistic treatment are never wanting in such cases, and it seems impossible to determine whether the remnant of the disease might not have, or, rather, did not disappear of itself in spite of treatment. RESPIRATORY GROUP. The action of Copaiva upon the pulmonary mucous membrane is beyond a dispute. The large doses which are habitually administered by Old-School practitioners in gonorrhoea, sometimes without rhyme or reason, have very frequently caused signs of irritation in the larynx and bronchia. A dry and painful cough, with a feeling of dryness in the larynx, huskiness in the chest, expectoration of a greenish, purulent and nauseously-smelling mucus have likewise resulted from the action of Copaiva upon the bronchial mucous membrane. Copaiva may therefore be useful in Bronchial Catarrh, both in the irritative as well as in the suppura- tive stage. The irritation is characterized by a feeling of rough- ness throughout the bronchia, with more or less titillation or itching in these organs, soreness, sensation of warmth, oppression. At a later period, when the suppurative stage sets in, the attending cough which is a hacking, wearing cough, mingled with occasional parox- ysms of hard and exhausting cough, becomes loose, and a greenish mucus of a purulent nature is raised with every turn of cough. It is especially in 234 LECTURE LXXVI. Metastatic Gonorrheal Catarrh of the pulmonary mucous mem- brane that Copaiva will prove specifically efficient. The use of Copaiva in pulmonary phthisis is very properly con- demned by Fothergill. The large doses which alloeopathic practi- tioners are in the habit of administering, are especially out of place in pulmonary phthisis. They are apt to cause a whole train of unpleasant symptoms, bleeding from the lungs, burning in the chest, increase of the purulent expectoration, palpitation of the heart. EXANTHEAIATIC GROUP. Frank has transcribed a number of cases in his Afagazine furnish- ing a full picture of the eruption which has been observed and described by many practitioners as the results of large doses of Copaiva. AYe are disposed to regard this eruption as a form of gonorrhoeal metastasis which massive doses of Copaiva have the power of determining in some cases. It is our opinion that an eruption resembling to all outward appearance the Copaiva-exan- them, will not readily yield to this agent unless the development of this eruption upon the skin can be traced to the previous agency of the gonorrhoeal miasm. A reciprocity of action has been observed between the eruption and the gonorrhoeal discharge; in some cases the eruption would appear simultaneously with the disappearance of the discharge; in other cases the opposite result would take place, and the disappearance of the eruption be succeeded by the reappearance of the discharge. A phthisicky patient took one ounce and a half of Copaiva mixed with a small quantity of Opium; .this increased the hectic fever, and brought out an eruption over the whole body having very much the appearance of Roseola, except that the spots were larger and more raised; in some places they had a flat appearance like the spots in morbus maculosus AYerlhofii, and were darker than the roseola-spots: in some parts of the chest and arms they appeared confluent at the very outset. The subsequent desquamation was very inconsiderable. In a case reported by Romhild, half an ounce of the balsam caused a cessation of the discharge, but on the following morning the whole body, even the face, was covered with large, red blotches resembling Urticaria. After taking a purgative the eruption disappeared and the discharge set in again. Copaiva was again administered with the same result. A soldier, twenty years old, took an ounce and a half of the balsam in about five days. The blennorrhoea was much less. After feeling indisposed for two days, he had a violent chill followed by heat and an eruption consisting of bright-red, sharply circumscribed spots which were somewhat raised in the centre where the redness was most marked. The eruption resembled Measles, was attended with considerable itching and stinging, but without any catarrhal symp- COPAIFERA MULTIJUGA. 235 toms. The fever abated on the third day. The eruption became paler, sharply circumscribed and remained raised. After the lapse of seven days the skin had a mottled appearance, the spots were of a pale blue-red, and the sharp outlines of the different spots were effaced. In a fortnight the exanthem had entirely disappeared, in the face sooner than on the chest and arms, and lastly on the lower extremities. In proportion as the exanthem paled off* the stinging in the skin likewise disappeared. There was no desquamation. In the case of a young lieutenant of lax fibre, Copaiva induced an eruption resembling Urticaria. It first showed itself in the face, more particularly on the forehead, next on the dorsa of the hands, and lastly on other parts of the body. The eruption was fully out in eight hours, and was only attended with an annoying burning of the skin, slight pains in the throat (without the least swelling of the tonsils and fauces being perceptible), and with a sensation as if a profuse perspiration would break out, which indeed took place as soon as the patient was in bed. There was scarcely any fever, no thirst, the appetite was not disturbed in the least. The eruption consisted of detached, tolerably circumscribed, somewhat raised, bright-red spots and blotches; on the ears and dorsa of the hands the eruption was confluent. Already on the sixth day the redness disappeared almost entirely, and the spots looked brown-yellow like liver-spots. There was no desquamation except on the ears where fine, bran-shaped scales came off. These brown spots were distinctly seen even after the lapse of four weeks, especially in the cold; they became very distinct on the arms, if the veins were com- pressed above the spots as in blood-letting. In the bed or warm room no trace of the eruption was perceived. This exanthem appeared seven days after swallowing every day 150 drops of Copaiva for gonorrhoea. The discharge was arrested on the fifth day, and two days after this suppression, the exanthem made its appearance. In some cases the eruption consisted of pustules resembling itch- vesicles; they contained a limpy, watery fluid and itched violently. Groups of papulae and pustules have likewise made their appear- ance, with pains in the limbs and stomach. According- to Hecker the exanthem resembles rash rather than nettle or scarlet-rash, lasts from three to ten days, and is met with most generally in the spring and fall. Kopp states that men are more frequently attacked with it than women. Regarding the shape of the eruption, the statements of different observers vary; but it gene- rally seems to resemble measles, urticaria or scarlet-rash. xVDAHNISTRATION AND PREPARATIONS. Copaiva is perfectly soluble in alcohol, but it is exceedingly doubtful whether the attenuations manifest any curative power in the various abnormal conditions resulting from gonorrhoeal poison- ing. We have already stated that Old-School physicians exhibit from 20 to 30 and even 60 drops of the balsam at a dose. These 236 LECTURE LXXVI. large doses are undoubtedly required in many cases, but m many other cases much smaller doses are sufficient. We will transcribe from Pereira the various modes in which massive doses are admin- istered by Old-School practitioners. "It is sometimes taken on sugar, and this is said to be the most efficacious method of giving it, in affections of the urinary organs; but its nauseous taste is a great objection to its employment in this way. Some take it swimming on half a vjineglassful of water, to which a few drops of some bitter tincture have been added. Afany persons employ it in the form of emulsions (made with mucilage, yolk of eggs, or alkalies). If mucilage be employed it should not be very thick, otherwise it will not mix well. Spirit of nitric ether is_ fre- quently added to cover the unpleasant flavor. Opium is sometimes added to counteract purging and acids (especially the sulphuric) to check nausea. Syrup of Copaiva (prepared by rubbing four ounces of balsam with thirty-two grains of calcined Alagnesia, and then adding sixty-four drops of oil of peppermint and sixty-two ounces of simple syrup) has been recommended. Balsam of Copaiva has also been taken in the form of pills; various powders (starch, gum, rhubarb, magnesia, etc.), being employed to give it a proper consistence. If Magnesia be employed (as recommended by Alialhe), the copaivic acid unites with it, and thereby forms Copaivate of Magnesia, which has considerable consistence, and absorbs the volatile oil. In some cases the balsam acquires, by Alagnesia, a pilular consistence; but frequently it does not become thicker than honey. Bordeaux tur- pentine also possesses the property of solidifying with Alagnesia. The following is a formula for Copaiva pills: balsam of Copaiva, one ounce; calcined Magnesia, six or seven drachms (or common carbonate of Alagnesia, one ounce). Several hours are frequently required to effect the solidification of the balsam.—Arelpeau's Copaiva liniment is thus prepared: balsam of Copaiva, two drachms; yolk of one egg; distilled water, eight fluid ounces; make an emulsion, and to which add tincture of Opium twenty or thirty drops." Of the pills prepared according to the formula given in this para- graph, from four to eight or even twelve pills are usually given at a dose. By distilling the balsam we obtain an essential oil having a bright-green color and a disagreeable taste and smell; and also a resinous extract which is at first soft but solidifies on cooling. The oil of Copaiva is preferred by many physicians to the balsam. Its efficacy in the treatment of gonorrhoea was demonstrated very soon after its introduction by Cullerier and Bird in the Paris Hospital for Yenereal Diseases. They experimented on thirty-three indi- viduals during a period of one hundred and eighty-seven days, averaging about five and a half days for each patient. They con- sumed in all 1,190 grains of the oil, giving to each patient an average quantity of O^ths grains. Of these thirty-three patients twenty were not attacked with diarrhoea; the remaining thirteen were attacked with this derangement which, however, was so moderate that the treatment was never discontinued; not one of these patients complained of pain at the stomach; some were attacked CROCUS SATIVUS. 2S7 with a slight exanthem like that caused by the balsam. The resin was found without the least therapeutic power. The usual dose of the oil is "from 10 to 20 drops; some cases may get along with much less; in other cases even large doses are exhibited without any ill effects. The Capsules of Copaiva are so common that their composition should be familiar to physicians of every School. They are prepared by dipping the bulbous extremity of a metallic rod into a con- centrated solution of gelatine. In withdrawing the rod it is rotated in the solution for the purpose of securing an equal diffusion of the gelatine over the bulb. After the capsules have been dried on the heads of pins, each capsule is filled with 18 drops of the balsam, after which the opening is closed with gelatine. The walls of the capsules are sufficiently thick to prevent the balsam from escaping into the mouth. They are shaped like an olive, and glide readily into the stomach where the gelatine is speedily dissolved. LECTURE LXXVII. CROCUS SATIVUS, SAFFRON CROCUS, (Nat. Ord.:—Iridace^:.) Saffron is mentioned in the Song of Solomon; mention is like- wise made of it in the 14th book of the Iliad: " And flaming Crocus made the mountain glow."* This beautiful little flower is a native of Asia Alinor, but is naturalized in most countries of Europe and in our own. The bulb or cormus is roundish, the leaves are linear, of a rich green color, with a white central stripe, and surrounded at their base by long and membranous sheaths. The flowers appear after the leaves, they are of a light purple; in this country Crocus' flowers early in Spring, and may even be seen peeping through the snow which still covers the ground. We use the stigmata and style of the flower. The best Saffron is the Spanish, imported from Cadiz and Gibraltar. The Saffron which is now generally offered for sale in the shops, is known as hay-saffron ; the stigmas are about an inch or an inch and a half long, thin, of a brownish-red color. The odor of Saffron is penetrating, aromatic, and, if proceeding from large quantities of this article, may even have a narcotizing effect upon the brain. It has a somewhat bitter and aromatic taste. AYhen chewed it imparts a yellow tinge to the saliva. * Pope's translations. 238 LECTURE LXXVII. Commercial greed has led to several adulterations which those who are not thoroughly conversant with their nature or with the characteristic appearance and physical effects of Saffron, may very readily overlook. To increase the weight of Saffron, it is sometimes intermixed with sand or grains of lead which are readily detected by spreading the Saffron on a sheet of white paper. Another adulteration consists in mixing the Saffron with the petals of safflower, the Carthamus tinctorius, which are found out by their adhering to the finger, which genuine Saffron does not. Genuine Saffron causes an intense orange-yellow stain, whereas the stain caused by rubbing safflower, with the moistened finger on paper, has a slightly yellow appearance. The stigmata have also been mixed with strips of Alarigold, Arnica, Saponaria, and even with fibres of dry smoked beef. Saffron is consumed in enormous quantities on the continent of Europe and in the British Empire as a condiment, more especially in meat soup to which it imparts an inviting slightly yellowish tinge, and a somewhat aromatic taste. It is likewise used as a flavor- ing and coloring ingredient in confectionery, and in a variety of culinary preparations. Pereira informs us that in England alone duty is paid over 85000 per annun. If we consider that, according to Pereira's calculation, one grain of good commercial Saffron con- tains the stigmata and styles of nine flowers, and that hence 4320 flowers are required to yield one ounce of Saffron, we see the reason why the price of Saffron should be comparatively high; and why the habitual roguery of commerce should have resorted to a variety of methods of adulterating this article. Old-School physicians are well acquainted with the fact that Saffron enters into the composition of the laudanum of Sydenham. Formerly Saffron was supposed to be possessed of powerful narcotic and emmenagogue properties. Some of the older writers mention cases where Saffron not only manifested poisonous properties, but actually destroyed life. AYibmer furnishes the statements of several writers on Materia Medica and Pathology showing the powerful influence which this agent has over the uterus and brain. Amatus Lusitanus relates the case of a woman who, after having taken Saffron for a long time in combination with other medicines, gave birth to two girls having a yellow color. This fact has a purely physiological value in so far as it illustrates the effects of absorption even upon the foetus in utero. A similar observation was made by Hertodt in the case of a she dog that was with young and which was fed on large quantities of Saffron for some time previous to casting; not only the alvine evacuations, but also the little dogs were tinged yellow. Boerhaave observed that a yellow tinge is even imparted to the urine. Jacutus Lusitanus relates that a large dose of Saffron has caused paleness, headache, blindness, delirium with mirth, and that another woman who had taken too much Saffron, was killed by it. Lusitanus relates that a man, in consequence of swallowing large CROCUS SATIVUS. 239 quantities of Saffron, broke out into an immoderate, violent, almost fatal laughter. Borellus relates that a servant who had been sleeping for some time in a room where quantities of Saffron were kept, died of debility preceded for some time by headache. Tralles relates that a woman who scattered Saffron on a heated stove, fell down as in an apoplectic fit. Bergius states that a woman had a fit of sadness every time she took Saffron-powders. Schulz informs us that children were assailed with fits of immoder- ate mirthfulness in consequence of smelling at an empty vial which had contained essence of Crocus. C. Hoffmann mentions a similar case related by Julius Alexan- drinus. A woman who had swallowed three ounces of Saffron for the purpose of exciting the menstrual discharge, broke out in an immoderate fit of laughter. Riverius relates a case where Saffron used for a similar purpose, caused fatal haemorrhage. Forster states that a Jew died in consequence of sleeping on a bag full of Saffron. These remarkable toxicological effects of Saffron have not been confirmed by the experiments of Alexander or Wibmer. Alexander swallowed ten grains of Saffron with bread, without experiencing the least effect from this dose; a scruple accelerated the pulse a few beats; two scruples caused a slight rise of the thermometer in the region of the stomach, the pulse came down six beats and remained so all day ; four scruples caused no change whatever. Wibmer swallowed as many as sixty grains at one time without the least alteration in his physical or mental condition. These experiments led Wibmer to infer that Saffron is devoid of strictly poisonous properties, and that its odor may exert a slightly stupefying effect upon the brain similar to that which we know strong-smelling flowers to possess. Its action upon the uterus is problematical. Stapf and others have published a short pathogenesis of this agent. The series of symptoms which they have given to the world, bears the impress of reliability, although these provings show that the curative range of this drug is exceedingly limited. The CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP Contains a few interesting symptoms showing that the irritating action of this agent upon the brain is chiefly characterized by a feel- ing of giddiness or intoxication, and by various signs of congestion inducing headache. Some of the leading symptoms are: Giddiness and staggering, on rising from a recumbent posture. Giddiness with heat over the whole body. Tightness and dullness in the forehead, soon after involving the whole head, like a feeling of intoxication. 240 LECTURE LXXVII. Stinging headache with dry coryza. Occasional turns of a drawing pain on the right side of the head, from the occiput to the forehead. Headache over the eyes, with burning and pressure in them, obliging the prover to rub the eyes, and increasing at candle-light in the evening. A number of symptoms show that the left side of the head is more particularly affected; among these symptoms we distinguish: Sudden pain under the left frontal eminence as if an arrow were pressed into the brain; Throbbing in the left side of the head and face ; A sudden cooling sensation at a small spot of the left parietal bone, as from a drop of cold water. The character of the effects of the drug upon the nervous system, which will be shown and commented upon in subsequent paragraphs, leads us to regard these different pains as so many symptoms charac- terizing a group of hysteric headache; we feel confident that this drug is most efficacious in affections of the order of Hysteria, and that the affections to which this drug acts homceo- pathically, either result from, or are in sympathetic rapport with abnormal conditions of the uterine sphere. These remarks likewise apply to the effects of this drug upon the peripheral nervous system. Our provers report numbness and formication of the extremities as effects of saffron; these symptoms may occur during a paroxysm of hysteria ; some hysteric females are very frequently and even habitu- ally subject to such abnormal sensations. The effects of large doses of Saffron upon the temperament, and the effects witnessed by our provers from small doses likewise point to Hysteria as the principal curative range of Saffron. AYe have seen that large doses cause sadness, and that, in other individuals, they have provoked immoderate fits of laughter. The records of our provers show that even moderate doses of Saffron have a tendency to exhilarate the spirits beyond the ordinary bounds; Stapf, for instance, relates the following symptoms: Excessive mirthfulness beyond her natural temperament. On hearing a musical sound, she involuntarily commences to sing, and has to laugh at herself; but soon she resumes her singing, in spite of her determination to discontinue it. Frequent change of mood, from mirth to sadness and vice versa. We regard the exhilarating action of Saffron as the primary action of the drug; the opposite condition of sadness or peevish and irrita- ble temper seems to be attributable to the organic reaction. In recommending Saffron for hysteria, we do not wish to be un- derstood as though Saffron could not be prescribed for this\affection unless all the symptoms which we have alluded to, are present. Saffron may be indicated by isolated forms of hysteric irritation; the idea we desire to convey is that the curative virtues of Saffron in these affections depend upon the hysteric element as their fundamen- tal characteristic. AAre may prescribe Saffron for CROCUS SATIVUS, SAFFRON CROCUS. 241 Hysteric Headache ; for various forms of mental depression, such as Melancholia, Ecstasis melancholica, which sometimes attacks females in consequence of an accidental or habitual suppression of the menses, or as the result of an utter absence of sexual gratifications the desire for which happens to be strongly felt. Also Melancholia moria, the melancholy setting in with immoderate paroxysms of mirthfulness and laughter. Saffron induces more or less violent determinations of blood to the head which may result in Epistaxis or Nose-bleed. Among the provings we find this record: Nose-bleed, the discharge consisting of tenacious, thick, blackish blood, with large drops of cold sweat on the forehead. These' accidents may likewise occur as the results of hysteric irri- tation ; it is doubtful whether Saffron will exercise any control over them unless they are in some way connected with uterine action. Noack and Trinks furnish the following resume of the various characteristics of nose-bleed to which Saffron is homoeopathic : Epistaxis, particularly if the blood is tenacious, thick, black, if the blood coagulates readily and the bleeding sets in immediately after taking exercise or blowing the nose. Bleeding at the nose which returns every day in hot weather, pre- ceded by a feeling of stupefaction in the right side of the head, ham- mering in the ears, constant dryness of the nose, profuse menstrua- tion every three weeks, and tendency to feeling hoarse and coughing after taking cold. Frequent bleeding at the nose every day, preceded by pressure in the forehead, inability to attend to business, coldness of the hands and feet, rush of blood to the head in the evening, warmth of face, twitching of the eye-lids and acrid taste in the mouth. Bleeding of the nose if occurring at a period when the develop- ment of the organism is either premature or retarded, and returning until the vital forces break down, or until some nervous disease has developed itself which generally terminates in death; children of that class, at the age of four or five years, are generally of the size of eleven or twelve, or else children of the latter age are of the size of children of seven or eight years; the bleeding lasts for hours, comes on three or four times a day, the blood is dark, and frequently drops out in clots, the patients faint frequently. The records of our provers in the ORBITAL RANGE likewise are of sufficient interest to be noted and commented upon. We distinguish among them the following: Dilatation of the pupils. Dimness and obscuration of sight. Sensation as of a gauze before the eyes. When reading, the white paper looks pale-red. VOL. II.—16 242 LECTURE LXXVII. Sudden flashes before the eyes, like electric sparks, in the day- time. Sensation in the eyes as if they were irritated by smoke. His eyes look and feel as if he had been crying. These symptoms are interesting, and yet they do not seem to delineate any definite, independent pathological condition of the eyes; they acquire a therapeutic value only in so far as they con- stitute elements of that comprehensive series of nervous derange- ments which is described as Hysteria. The symptoms recorded in the auditory ramge, such as: ringing in the ears, which is heard several evenings in succes- sion ; and the symptoms which we range in the CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP, such as qualmishness, feeling of emptiness in the pit of the stomach, burning at the stomach, bloating of the bowels; sensation of bound- ing in the bowels, with nausea and chills; tingling in the anus, etc., have no pathological significance, and therefore no therapeutic value, except in so far as they exist incidentally to a general state of hysteria. The curative action of Saffron seems to be chiefly manifest in affections of the uterine sphere, and in such disorders of other organs , as are directly traceable to menstrual disorders. In the SEXUAL GROUP we have recorded hoemorrhage from the womb which terminated fatally, as the result of an excessive quantity of Saffron which was swallowed for the purpose of restoring a suppressed menstrual dis- charge. Our provers have recorded: Excited sexual instinct. Pressing in the uterine region, as if the menses would come on. Paroxysms of lancinating stitches from the pudendum to the right half of the epigastrium. Sensation as if the menses would make their appearance, with colic, and a dragging towards the uterus; in a few hours. These symptoms point to the use of Saffron in Uterine Hemorrhage whether it takes place after confinement, or in the form of Excessive Menstruation. The symptomatic indications for Saffron are, according to Hartmann, a dark, blackish, clotty and viscid blood; the discharge is accompanied by lancinating pains in the abdomen and towards the small of the back. ■ According to Trinks, the consensual symptoms by which the homoeopathicity of Saffron to uterine haemorrhage is determined, are: frequent turns of anxiety and flashes of heat over the whole body, prickling in the skin, syncope, restless sleep, constant chilliness, small, quick and feeble pulse, inertia, sadness, obstinacy, ill-humor, vertigo, flickering before the eyes, livid complexion, qualmishness CROCUS SATIVUS, SAFFRON CROCUS. 243 in the pit of the stomach, sensation as of something living in the bowels, weight and pain in the pubic region, drawing in the small of the back, sensation in the feet as if bruised, slight bloating of the face, etc. In Miscarriage a similar train of symptoms may suggest the use of Saffron as a means of preventing the catastrophe. In his Memorabilia, Kopp mentions the case of a girl of sixteen years, who was attacked with menstrual haemorrhage, for which the second potency of Crocus was given without any result; a drop of the tinc- ture arrested the flow at once. Ailments arising from totally or partially suppressed menstrua- tion may require the exhibition of Crocus. The specifically curative value of Crocus in such affections of course depends upon the ho- moeopathicity of this agent to the primary condition. Unless this fact is kept in view we run the risk of administering Crocus under circumstances which require an altogether different sort of medi- cation. In the Allgem. Horn. Zeit. Yol. XXIL, p. 216, Dr. Gross relates the following case: "A girl twenty-four years old, of gentle and mirth- ful disposition, took cold, in consequence of which she was attacked with headache, alternate chills and flashes of heat, redness and heat of the face, with coldness of the extremities; on the third day the menses appeared a fortnight before their time, accompanied by: burning heat, full and rapid pulse (120,) violent thirst, loss of appe- tite, continual dry cough with stitches in the left side of the chest, especially at night, obliging her to sit up, short and oppressed breathing, excessive prostration, hot and dark urine, continual dry- ness of the skin, whining mood. On the sixth day a dose of Crocus was given in the evening, which procured a quiet night by moderat- ing the cough, diminishing the heat and shortness of breath, ar- resting the stitches almost entirely and causing a slight perspira- tion to break out. Next morning the pulse had become normal and the weeping mood had disappeared. A second dose of Crocus dis- embarrassed the chest completely, and only a little languor re- mained." Dr. Gross asks: Was this pleuritis or pneumonia ? We answer: It was neither. It was a simple catarrhal congestion of the lungs which yielded very readily to a dose of Crocus, and most probably would have naturally disappeared without any treatment in con- sequence of the metastatic relief afforded by the menstrual flow. DOSE AND PREPARATIONS. Saffron yields a beautiful deep orange-colored tincture, of which one or two drops may be mixed in a small tumblerful of water, of which solution a tablespoonful may be administered as often as the urgency of the case seems to require. Triturations with sugar of milk are likewise used, but we prefer the tincture and its attenua- tions. By exposure to the air, Saffron loses all its properties; it is therefore of the utmost importance that it should be kept in carefully- closed vessels. 244 LECTURE LXXVII. CUBEBJE. (Piper caudatum, Cubebs. Nat. Ord :— URTICE.E.) These berries are the fruit of a bush which is a native of Japan and of the East Indies. They come to us with the stems attached. A dark-red tincture is prepared from them. Puel has instituted the following experiments with this agent. Before breakfast, he swallowed one drachm in a glass of water; this quantity only caused a little thirst and burning in the throat. Next morning he swallowed two drachms. This dose caused thirst and burning in the fauces, and half an hour after, a slight feverish ex- citement which lasted about one hour. On the third morning he swallowed three drachms. This quantity caused some nausea, dis- agreeable eructations with feeling of warmth in the epigastric region, headache, some fever which continued even through the night, and some gastric irritation which had not entirely disappeared the next day. Other experiments, made at different periods, have furnished nearly the same results. Some persons are exceedingly sensitive to the action of Cubebs. A robust carbineer, of athletic frame could not even swallow a small quantity of the pepper without having to vomit and being attacked with a violent fever. 4 This agent had long been used by the Indians for the cure of \ gonorrhoea, when an English officer became acquainted with it. A gonorrhoea with which he was afflicted, and which had resisted all I treatment, finally was cured by his servant, an Indian, by means of Cubebs. The use of this agent was first made known in England in the year 1816. The distinguished Professor Delpech and all the best physicians in France and in other parts of the continent, were in the , habit of exhibiting it in drachm doses, one drachm in the morning 1 on an empty stomach, a second drachm at six o'clock in the evening, \ and a third drachm on retiring. The drug was continued some time \ after the disappearance of the discharge. The curative action of the drug generally manifests itself in the following order: the inflam- matory symptoms, the swelling and the acute pain disappear, the { discharge assumes the form of simple mucus in the place of the virulent and acute purulent character which it had at the commence- ment; and being gradually converted into normal urethral mucus, its quantity becomes less and less until it finally disappears. It seems very remarkable, and in direct antagonism to the thera- peutic views of the Physiological School, that an agent which is known to possess such irritating properties, should be more effi- cacious in the treatment of acute gonorrhoea than in the treatment of its chronic form termed gleet. " Let us at once proclaim the fact," say Trousseau and Pidoux, ■/ " that a gonorrhoea in its most acute form, when the inflammatory CUBEB-E. 245 symptoms are most intense, when the penis is horribly and painfully ' swollen, when the discharge is most profuse and virulent and fever is present, is generally less serious and formidable and is generally much more readily subdued than a gonorrhoea which, judging by the mild character of the symptoms, by the almost complete absence of local and general reaction which the discharge excites, and more particularly by the absence of all pain, of dysuria, and by the mild appearance and often small quantity of the discharge, would seem trifling and easy to control. " The usefulness of Cubebs in this disease must be beyond all dis- pute, and the action of this agent must indeed be far superior to the ordinary antiphlogistic treatment in order that modern physicians and surgeons who are the stoutest advocates of physiological thera- peutics, and who have introduced this doctrine into the domain of surgery, should have been the first to laud the curative virtues of this drug, which is so eminently calculated to shock their habits and opinions, and is above all so very empirical. "We say empirical, for in spite of the revulsive or derivative action which this drug is said to exert upon the digestive canal or upon the skin in favor of the urethral catarrh, we are absolutely unacquainted with the physiological mechanism by which massive doses of Cubebs cure so readily a gonorrhoeal discharge; it is this very impossibility to observe and determine an intermediate series of phenomena between the introduction of Cubebs into the organism and the resulting improvement or complete disappearance of the dis- charge, which constitutes this agent a specific in the gonorrhoeal disease." So far as the action of Cubebs upon the bowels is concerned, it ' may be safely affirmed that in by far the largest number of cases the \ bowels remain absolutely unaffected even by massive doses of the | drug. j How strange that these isolated phenomena of specific action i [should not open the eyes of such eminently philosophical observers as Trousseau and Pidoux to the existence of the law upon which Nature has erected the universal Science of Therapeutics, the law of Specific Homoeopathy! It is by virtue of this law that neither Copaiva nor Cubebs is a remedy for every form of gonorrhoea, and \ that Cannabis sativa, for instance, has to be exhibited in cases com- A plicated with excessive chordee, incipient stricture, violent dysuria, ^knotty contractions of the urethra. In Spermatorrhea, this agent has effected cures. Frank states that a young man of feeble constitution, who had been married for a year, became so exhausted by spermatorrhoea, that he was scarcely able to stand. For three months past he had been unable to have intercourse with his wife. He took a teaspoonful of pulverized Cubebs four times a day. An improvement became visible in a few days, and he was completely restored after swallowing three ounces of the pepper. Since then he has had healthy children. Several other cases of spermatorrhoea have been successfully treated with Cubebs. 246 LECTURE LXXVIII. DOSE AND AlODE OF ADMINISTRATION. • AAre have already mentioned Delpech's mode of exhibiting the\ drug. A^elpeau resorts to the following method: Ninety grains of the pulverized berries are mixed in a cup of linden-tea, sweetened with gum-syrup, and swallowed by the patient as speedily as may be. Immediately after, a glass of water and sugar is swallowed to remove the taste from the mouth by rinsing it, and to wash off the little particles of the pepper which may have remained between the teeth or adhering to the gums. This quantity is swallowed morn- ing and night, if required by the violence of the attack. The dis- charge generally ceases in four or five days, after which the same quantity has to be swallowed a few days longer in order to avoid a relapse. ,. Another method consists in administering the pepper by the N rectum. In such a case Yelpeau mixes 120 grains of the pulverized Cubebs in five to six ounces of an oleaginous liquid, and administers this quantity in the form of an injection. Trousseau and Pidoux administer it also in the shape of large boluses where the pepper is made to cohere by means of some kind of syrup pleasant to the taste. All experienced French practitioners agree that Cubebs", if given at the outset of an attack, should be given in massive quantities; a successful result is thus obtained all the more certainly. An oleo-resinous preparation of Cubebs has been introduced by a French pharmaceutist, Dublanc, Jr., which is sixteen times lighter than the pepper, and yet is equally efficacious in the treatment of . gonorrhoea; five, six to eight grains three times a day, are said to be J sufficient. This preparation is said to be much less disagreeable and iA . much less irritating to the intestinal canal. LECTURE LXXVIII. CUPRUM METALLICUM EJOSQUE SALIA. (Metallic Copper and its Salts) This metal was first discovered on the Island of Cyprus, whence the name of Cuprum. This substance is a most violent irritant poison. A study of the toxicological effects of Copper shows, that this agent affects the organism in four principal directions: 1. Symptoms of gastro-intestinal inflammation, eructations, vomit- ing and purging, even bloody diarrhoea, griping pains; these symp- toms are accompanied by 2. Disorders of the nervous functions, cramps in the calves and CUPRUM METALLICUM. 247 thighs, pains in the whole body, giddiness, convulsions and insensi- bility ; jaundice is occasionally observed. 3. Cerebral symptoms, such as: headache, loss of consciousness, wandering looks, rage, apoplexy, paralysis; 4. Derangements of the respiratory organs: painful constriction of the chest, cough with suppressed respiration, panting breathing, haemoptysis, hiccough. A few cases of poisoning will present these toxicological effects in the order of their occurrence as well as in their physiological connection. A little girl, aged four years, had eaten sausages which had been fried with poisoned fat. Two days after this occurrence, on the 11th of June, she first complained of headache and looked feeble and downcast. In the night, she vomited several times; on the 12th, the vomiting continued all the time; first she vomited the contents of the stomach, and afterwards a greenish, yellowish slimy fluid. On the 13th, the little patient was first seen by a physician; she was quite exhausted, her face pale and sunken, the skin shrivelled and cool, pulse small and feeble, not accelerated, tongue moist, coated, white, red at the edges, abdomen soft and painless, bowels bound. She was perfectly rational, the expression of her countenance was not in the least degree stupid. She vomited very frequently, generally after drinking; this continued on the 15th, her strength failed more and more, her pulse was scarcely perceptible, the skin covered with a clammy sweat, and with petechiae (especially the chest and arms;) the tongue had a brownish coating upon it, and the abdomen was meteorized. For the last two days, she had had frequent nosebleed. Her consciousness remained unimpaired. She died in the evening. The meningeal membranes were found healthy; the substance of the brain was perhaps a little drier and harder than usual; no serum in the ventricles. The lungs were healthy ; a bronchial gland was somewhat swollen and infiltrated with tuberculous matter; the heart sound; both ventricles contained soft, elastic coagula. Stomach empty; the mucous coat exhibited rose-colored spots, it had a normal consistence; the intestines looked pale, the solitary and Peyer's glands were somewhat enlarged, not injected; the other viscera were in a healthy condition. In this case, death seems to have been caused solely"by the inflam- mation of the mucous coat of the stomach. A lady of sixty-seven years, her daughter, aged thirty-nine, and a servant-girl, twenty-two years old, partook of chicken-fricassee which had been cooked in a badly tinned copper-saucepan. This took place on the first of February. In the evening, and during the night, these three persons, and more particularly the delicately formed daughter, were attacked with ineffectual efforts to vomit, contraction and dryness in the inner mouth, thirst, violent pains in the epigas- trium, colic, followed by several watery, whitish stools. These symptoms continued on the following morning; the daughter was 248 LECTURE LXXVIII. moreover attacked with uninterrupted anguish, convulsions, painful and hard swelling of the abdominal walls and frequent fainting turns. The mother had eructations which tasted of copper, violent colic with tenesmus, followed by liquid, greenish stools.^ Next day, the patients were found by the physician with the fol- lowing symptoms: The mother complained of heat and dryness in the mouth and intestines; a metallic, styptic taste in the mouth, painful feeling in the epigastrium, frequent attacks of colic, followed by frequent discharges of fluid stools, painful distention of the abdo- men, some anxiety, general prostration, palpitation of the heart, (to which she was subject more or less), a feeble and somewhat irregular pulse. The servant girl, who was robust and vigorous, exhibited the same symptoms, except that her pulse was fuller, her colicky pains were more violent, and the liquid stools more frequent. The daughter had the same symptoms, and moreover eructations tasting of copper, intense pains in the epigastrium and abdomen without diarrhoea, violent headache, fainting turns, cold sweats, and a contracted, small, somewhat irregular pulse. A strong decoction of charcoal with sugar, soon restored them all. In this case, the symptoms of gastro-enteritis and the nervous affection constitute the prominent indications. In the following case of poisoning the symptoms of a most acute gastro-enteritis are very prominently developed. One evening the wife of a physician was attacked with colic and anxiety; about midnight she was rigid, her hands were cold, face bloated, flushed and covered with big drops of sweat, eyes staring and dim, tongue swollen, stiff' and almost paralyzed; pulse full and contracted, breathing short and labored. The cook was similarly affected. The doctor who had just returned from a visit, ascertained that sulphate of copper had something to do with these symptoms. He gave an emetic. After the emetic had operated, the wife was able to articulate. She complained of horrid burning and cutting in the abdomen, oppressive anxiety in the chest, beating and whiz- zing in the head; complete inability to collect her senses; every thing she said, was without order or connection. She drank a quantity of milk, and an infusion of tea. In a few hours, she felt relieved and slept somewhat; but the whole of next day she was unable to keep her head erect or to stand, and she still complained of a burning, cutting pain in the bowels. Both she and the cook recovered. Some sulphate of copper had been pounded in the mortar which had been carefully rinsed afterwards, except the pestle to which some sulphate had been left adhering. AYith this pestle black pepper had been pulverized. This very small quantity of poison had been sufficient to cause all this mischief. The following case is remarkable in a therapeutic point of view on account of the paroxysms of rage which the poison excited, and CUPRUM METALLICUM. 249 which commend Cuprum to our attention as a remedy in similar forms of mental derangement. On the 21st of Alay, 1754, a Parisian lady was poisoned, together with her four daughters, by a milk soup which had been cooked in a saucepan of yellow copper. Two hours after eating the soup, these five persons were attacked with intense pains in the region of the stomach which were speedily followed by convulsions that seemed to involve more particularly the abdomen, and the upper and lower extremities; when thus attacked, thev uttered a horrible cry, a sort of howl, or a croaking resembling the croaking of toads. They rose in their beds with an irresistible force, so that the strongest men were unable to keep them down. They were quite crazy, looked frightened and endeavored to escape; their eyes glistened and seemed to start out of their sockets. They stared and looked wild. These paroxysms came so frequently that they seemed to continue without any interruption. If one was attacked, the other persons, upon hearing the cries of their companion, were like- wise attacked with rage. Thus they kept up a sort of reciprocal howling. Two of these persons are even now in this sort of sympa- thetic state of suffering, although they occupy entirely separate rooms. As soon as one feels the attack coming on, the other is likewise affected. The mother and youngest daughter are now almost well, except that the abdomen is still painful, hard and distended; the stomach weak, they suffer continually with pain between the shoulders at the elbows, in the bends of the knees, etc., with a feeling of languor in all their limbs. Their look is confused, but they are in full pos- session of their mental faculties, and their speech is easy and per- fectly rational. Nevertheless, they are still liable to these paroxysms of howling, which always come unexpectedly; they go out, however, and attend to their business. This case has been extracted by Frank from the Journal de Alede- cine, 1755. It is evident, from the symptoms of this case, that the main attack of the poison was directed against some important gan- glionic centre, most probably the solar plexus, and that the irritation was conveyed to the brain from this point. AVhat is, moreover, re- markable, is the periodicity of the paroxysms, the fact that they set in unexpectedly, that they were accompanied by convulsions, and succeeded by pains in various and apparently unconnected parts of the body. These conditions frequently characterize epileptic attacks, for which Cuprum, may, therefore, be considered a remedy. A boy of three years swallowed a copper-penny on the 20th of February, 1820. He vomited all night, and for the next eight days Complained of constant pain in the throat and down the oesophagus, had an aversion to food, and occasional vomiting of phlegm which filled the throat and caused a rattling breathing. The patient lived principally on water and sugar, and gum arabic, which he preferred to any other kind of nourishment. At a later period he took broth, vermicelli, and ate a little cake. His voice was feeble, pulse rather frequent, face pale and downcast; he complained of pain in the 250 LECTURE LXXVIII. stomach, in the umbilical region and in the throat; he had frequent attacks of violent cough, nightly sweats, and a good deal of mucus flowed out of his mouth during sleep. The urine at times looked milky, the stools were hard and rather scanty. All at once a croupy cough set in; the cough and dyspnoea ren- dered the pulse more frequent and irregular. A simple emetic changed the cough to a catarrhal cough. Twelve days afterwards, the little patient was attacked with nose- bleed during the night. He lost about four ounces of blood. Cold applications to the forehead arrested the haemorrhage. The cough again became very dry, and the breathing so difficult that the child had to hold his head down in order to breathe with some ease. The child vomited at times, without sweat, stool or any sign of relief. These symptoms continued during the first month. In the second month, the anorexia, the frequent vomiting of food and mucus, the pains in the stomach and abdomen, the night-sweats, troubled the little patient almost continually. The throat was constantly lined with phlegm, the chest likewise was full of it. This caused a rat- tling respiration, cough. The vomiting ceased at times for a few days, but returned again with the same intensity, at times with, at other times without, any pain. The food, of which he partook in small quantities, was kept more readily on the stomach. The boy was otherwise playful. For the first three months his food was frequently changed with- out any favorable result. Liquid food was swallowed quite readily; water and sugar were kept down quite easily, meat was rejected almost constantly; dry chocolate likewise agreed with him. In the meanwhile, the boy became feeble and grew thin ; his face which was habitually animated and expressive, looked downcast, sad and distressed. About this time the boy was fed on cow's milk; perceiving that it was not rejected, he drank several quarts of it in the course of a day. The vomiting and the nightly sweats disap- peared, the phlegm diminished in quantity, his strength and spirits improved, and he retained solid food more easily. About the beginning of June, the boy felt pretty well, and went to school. On the 5th, after eating an egg and some fried liver, he all at once commenced to weep, called for drink, and vomited up the penny with his beverage. The coin looked quite black; it was com- pletely oxydized. The boy's health has been perfect ever since. The reporter of this case, Dr. Lafont-Gouzi, accounts for all these symptoms by a mechanical irritation of the stomach. Frank, on the contrary, who relates this case in his Magazine, is of opinion that the croup, asthma, nose-bleed, and the other symptoms of this case are dynamic effects of the copper. He thinks that a comparison of the known primary effects of copper with this whole group of symp- toms must remove all doubt on this point, and that it cannot appear strange, in the presence of many facts of an analogous character, that a copper coin which had remained in the stomach for so lono- a time, should have developed dynamic effects. This case of chronic poisoning reveals important therapeutic uses CUPRUM METALLICUM. 251 which a homoeopathic physician can make available in the treat- ment of corresponding affections. In chronic Gastritis, and chronic Degenerations of the stomach, characterized by vomiting of mucus, anorexia, inability to retain food, except milk, sugar-water, mucila- ginous drinks, Cuprum may be of great service. In Dysphagia, when the difficulty arises from stricture of the oesophagus, and this stricture is the result of a chronic inflammatory irritation of the mucous lining, with abnormal secretion of phlegm, Cuprum may likewise prove useful. So it may in Croupous Irritation of the laryngeal and tracheal mucous lining, with suffocative paroxysms of a dry, barking cough, especially when the attack comes on suddenly, in the night, without any other pre- monitory symptoms than a feeling of constriction across the chest. Cuprum may likewise prove useful, if a loose catarrhal cough suddenly assumes the above-described character; the voice begins to fail and the violent sanguineous engorgement of the throat and head which accompanies this condition, may give rise to profuse nasal haemorrhage. Here is another similar case of poisoning which affords a good deal of therapeutic instruction to a homoeopathic physician. A little boy of three years swallowed a small copper coin. Three days after this occurrence, he became restless, and had a pale-yellow, copper-colored appearance. When the doctor first saw him, he found the epigastric region distended, painful to pressure, the abdomen distended and hard, blue margins around the eyes, a dingy copper-colored complexion, skin dry and husky, bowels bound, appetite inconsiderable, pulse small, hard, spasmodic, expression of the countenance that of great suffering. The little patient was fed on milk, and a mixture of eggs, water and sugar (four eggs beaten up with a quart and a half of water, sweetened with sugar), slimy soups, and sweet, fresh vege- tables without much spice or salt. The medicinal antidotal treat- ment consisted in powders composed of jalap five grains, sulphuret of potash three grains, and starch five grains, the whole divided into eight powders, one to be taken every three hours. After taking four powders, the boy was quite well again. Here we have again all the signs of a most violent irritation of the stomach and bowels, in which the nervous life of these viscera has received a most violent shock. AYe may look upon this group of symptoms as a case of Inflammatory Gastro-enteralgia, where the progress of the disease would develop a typhoid condition to which metallic copper or its oxyde might be eminently adapted. In the following case of poisoning with the Acetate of copper, the symptoms again betray a violent irritation of the stomach and intes- tines, where the primary invasion seems to strike the ganglionic 252 LECTURE LXXVIII. centres, developing in its train inflammatory conditions which seem to indicate copper as in specific homoeopathic rapport with Inflammatory Enteralgia, a gastro-enteritic condition complicated with violent nervous disorders, such as may occur in an attack of cholera. Here are the symptoms of the case : A man of thirty years had swallowed a quarter of an ounce of verdigris for suicidal pur- poses. This caused vomiting of the contents of the stomach which had a greenish tinge. The patient complained of violent colic and frequent tenesmus; the region of the stomach was exceedingly pain- ful to the touch, the thirst intense. The pulse was small, rapid, spasmodic, the respiration was accelerated. The features were not sunken, but expressive of great pain; temperature of the skin normal, without sweat. Gradually violent cramps in the calves set in; the big toes were spasmodically drawn towards the soles of the feet, amid intense suffering. At this stage the white of ten eggs was given, together with a quantity of warm water and milk. The ensuing vomiting was kept up for a time by tickling the fauces, and the patient soon recovered. Ranging the symptoms under our usual heads we obtain the following physiologico-pathological tableau: CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. In 1850, nearly fifty persons were poisoned in a village near Goettingen, Germany, who partook of sausages that had been fried with fat which had been allowed to remain for two whole days in a badly-tinned brass-kettle. Three of these persons were attacked in the night, after partaking of the poisoned food, with all the symp- toms of violent intestinal irritation: cutting, constrictive, colicky pains; violent headache, cold skin; copious vomiting of a green, bilious substance, and from ten to twenty liquid discharges from the bowels, after which the headache and colic ceased and the patients recovered. The rest were attacked two, three and four days after the occur- rence ; among the former, who were attacked first, the symptoms of gastro-intestinal irritation were still the most prominent, whereas among those who were attacked at a later period, the nervous phenomena were particularly marked. Frank, who has extracted this interesting and instructive case of poisoning from the "Deutsche Klinik," embodies the cerebro-nervous symptoms in the following statement: "Almost every patient complained of headache; in those who were more severely affected, the headache was very violent, especially in the forehead and at the vertex; in a few days, however, it abated, and sometimes reappeared again in the course of the malady. In the lighter cases, the headache simply amounted to a feeling of pressure and heaviness in the head. Yertigo which was one of the most troublesome symptons, was scarcely ever, wanting, generally very violent; it lasted longer than all the other symptoms, was moderated by an evacuation from the bowels, and was always at- CUPRUM METALLICUM. 253 tended with a certain degree of stupefaction. Alost of the patients lay quietly in a state of apathy, with a stupid expression of the countenance, the muscles of the face relaxed and the eyes having lost their brilliancy; they inclined to sleep, but were disturbed by dreams, restless, and woke unrefreshed. Some of the patients, especially the children, sank into a sort of sopor; older persons were kept wide awake for three or four days, with a feeling of in- ternal restlessness and anxiety. Genuine delirium only occurred among seven patients; it was of a bland character, a sort of inarticu- late muttering which was occasionally interrupted by moaning. In the case of a boy, however, the delirium was furibond. They were brought to their senses when spoken to in a loud voice, but it took some time before they were able to collect themselves, and answer questions." These effects of the poison seem to imply, that copper affects the brain in some specific manner Nevertheless, it is a remarkable circumstance, that the cerebral lesions after death are very incon- siderable. If the cerebral symptoms are the result of a secondary irritation transferred to the brain from the ganglionic centres, then all the great expectations which Dr. G. Schmid of Yienna has raised in our minds concerning the therapeutic virtues of the Acetate of copper in cerebral affections of a certain order, must be abandoned as " the baseless fabric of a vision." I am very much afraid that it is with the Acetate of copper as it has been with many other drugs that have acquired a high rank in our Materia Medica. It is possi- ble that Dr. Schmid may have been beguiled into his panegyric of this agent by the reputation it has acquired in the therapeutics of the dominant School as an anti-spasmodic and general sedative in nervous disorders. I am utterly unable to account for the homoeo- pathicity of the Acetate of copper to hydrocephalus, puerperal con- vulsions, cerebral typhus and other cerebral diseases, where this substance is used by many homoeopathic physicians, partly from old attachment, and partly from an instinctive obedience to the sugges- tions that come to us, with sounds of praise, from the fatherland of Homoeopathy. AVibmer, in his Toxicology, thus sums up the remote or constitutional effects of the Acetate of copper. " Smaller doses, if continued for a length of time, may finally de- stroy life by emesis, cartharsis, hectic fever; however, we do not always discover distinct traces of inflammation in the intestinal canal, but the signs of an increased secretion of bile are never want- ing. Besides these signs of local irritation, many symptoms are frequently apparent which denote absorption of the poison, and show its action upon distant organs. That the poison is absorbed by the liver is clearly shown by my experiments, which have re- vealed the existence of copper in the liver: this absorption likewise accounts for the increased secretion of bile, the bilious vomiting, the jaundice, etc. Absorption by other organs, such as the brain and spinal marrow, is less certain. Not all persons who have been poisoned with copper, show symptoms of cerebral derangement; I have fed a dog for two months on the Acetate of copper without any other but local symptoms becoming apparent during the life- 254 LECTURE LXXVIII. time of the animal; after death, no traces of copper could be found anywhere except in the liver. " On the other hand, the headache, occasional delirium, deafness, tetanic convulsions, lockjaw, paralysis and other symptoms, seem to show that, in many cases at least, the Acetate of copper acts upon the brain and still more upon the spinal marrow ; it is particularly after injecting the poison into the veins of animals that violent con- vulsions, insensibility and paralysis were produced." A careful study of the action of copper upon the cerebro-spinal axis seems to show, that copper affects the ganglionic centres and the medulla oblongata, but does not act primarily upon the cere- brum in such a manner as to justify its employment in meningitis, hydrocephalus, typhus and other cerebral diseases, upon homoeopa- thic principles. In the first case of poisoning which I have related to you, the little girl remained conscious and rational to the last. Among the persons who were poisoned by eating of the sausages, those who were attacked with nervous symptoms, complained princi- cally of Vertigo accompanied with a sort of soporous stupefaction. The vertigo caused them to stagger about until they were unable to stand and had to lie down. It was attended with heaviness in the head and headache. These symptoms may characterize the stage of incubation of some acute eruptive disease, when they may, moreover, be accompanied by transitory paroxysms of convulsions. If we take symptomatic indications for our guides, we may consider the Acetate of copper calculated to shorten or diminish the violence of these preliminary symptoms. AYe should not forget, however, that in cases of poison- ing with copper, the nervous derangements develop themselves sub- sequently to the signs of gastric irritation. I express these doubts regarding the homoeopathicity of copper to primary functional de- rangements of the brain, with the deference which is justly due to Schmid and to all those who have accepted his suggestions as cor- rect ; every honest friend of our cause must be aware that a great deal of superficial reasoning and careless observation has been mixd up with the incontrovertible facts of our therapeutic edifice. Convulsive movements were only observed in the case of a woman of forty-seven years ; she, too, had partaken of the poisoned sausages. After violent pains in the region of the last dorsal ver- tebra, which was not sensitive to pressure, the pain suddenly darted through the left arm as far as the wrist; the arm was several times jerked up and down with great violence ; this jerking was followed by paralysis of the arm. which lasted for several hours, but did not extinguish the sensibility of the part. Here we have a distinct indication that.in Chorea of the upper extremities, and more particularly, if the chorea only affects one side, comes in paroxysms, with neuralgic pain previous to, or during the attack, and subsequent paralysis of the affected limb, the Acetate or oxyde of copper may prove of CUPRUM METALLICUM. 255 great service. The affection may be traced to an irritation at some point of the spinal cord. Both the Acetate and the ammoniacal Sulphate of copper have been used with distinguished effect in the treatment of chorea and Epilepsy; the toxicological effects of copper which I have de- cribed to you account for the curative virtues which this agent must necessarily possess in the treatment of these diseases. Frank quotes a number of cases of chorea and epilepsy where the ammoniacal sulphate of copper (Cuprum ammoniacale, or Cuprum sulphurico ammoniatum) has effected speedy and permanent cures. One was a girl, sixteen years old; for several months past, she had been afflicted with vertigo and headache ; gradually she was attacked with muscular tremors, first in the lower and subsequently in the upper extremities. After having been treated with ammoniacal copper for five weeks, she was radically cured. Gebhardt says that he has cured with this agent cases of chorea and epilepsy which had resisted every other drug. He prescribes it in doses of one-fourth of a grain, several times a day. A much smaller quantity may prove sufficient. Another symptom complained of by the sausage-eaters, was a feeling of excessive Debility and Languor, accompanied with a troublesome drawing and tension in the limbs, and very frequently with a feeling of shivering and coldness, although the skin did not feel cold when touched. This sensitiveness to changes of temperature remained for a long time; in one case it was marked by regular chills, so that the affection resembled fever and ague. We may infer from these facts, that, in nervous affections, to which copper is homoeopathic the pre- sence of debility, coldness and sensitiveness to changes of temperature, affords an additional indication for the use of this drug. Another result of this poisoning was Emaciation which lasted more or less for several months. In nervous affections, this would likewise constitute an important thera- peutic indication. These last-named conditions, debility, coldness, emaciation, may possibly culminate in Chronic or semi-acute Paralysis, where copper may prove a neces- sary therapeutic agent. Frank relates the case of a boy of fifteen years, who was paralyzed in the following strange manner: The .patient was able to move the head and neck, but the dorsal muscles as far as the neck, were completely paralyzed; the upper and lower extremeties were completely immovable, swollen and insensible, the urine could only be voided by pressure being made upon the bladder; the rectum was likewise paralyzed. This patient was completely restored within three months by the exclusive use of copper. It is not stated how long this disease had lasted, nor how it originated. In Paralysis of the brain, when caused by a process of metasche- matismus, an irritation of the cerebral substance having been super- induced by the sudden retrocession of some acute eruption, or of some 256 LECTURE LXXVIII. other disorder which required copper as its specific remedy, Schmid recommends the Acetate as a fit means to restore the reactive power of the brain. We have seen that copper may cause fits of Mania, with howling, and a muttering and occasionally a furibond delirium. I am of opinion that these violent manifestations of abnormal mental action are traceable to some primary irritation of the ganglionic or spinal centres, whence the irritation is secondarily transmitted to the cerebral nerves. Cuprum has likewise caused, and may, therefore, cure a state of mental derangement characterized by Melancholy, anguish, and even by Craziness of a shy, artful, peevish character. In Hysteria, characterized by a melancholy state of mind, shyness, dread of company, debility, muscular tremblings, loathing of food, indifference, costiveness, sallow complexion, the Acetate of copper may prove very useful. ORBITAL AND AURICULAR GROUPS. The persons who had eaten of the poisoned sausages, complained of blackness of sight, scintillations in the field of vision, The pupils were dilated, but perfectly sensitive to the light; only in three cases, where considerable congestions of the head were present, the pupils remained contracted for a few days. These symptoms seem to be simply confirmatory of the irritation of the ganglionic centres which copper may occasion, and which, both by its own direct action, and a reflex action from the brain, may disturb every function in the living organism. Buzzing and Ringing in the ears were occasioned in several cases; three persons remained affected with hardness of hearing for a long time; in one case, a girl of twenty-two years, this hardness of hearing amounted to absolute deafness. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. Wibmer sums up the poisonous effects of the Acetate of copper in the following paragraph: " In small doses, of one, two or three grains each, this substance does not cause any serious symptoms; but larger doses of ten to fifteen grains, very soon cause a violent pain in the stomach and bowels, loathing, constriction of the throat, bilious and metallic eructations, desire to vomit, retching, vomiting of bile, mucus, greenish and even bloody substances, distension of the abdo- men, which is sensitive to pressure, diarrhoea with discharge of brownish, greenish, blackish and even bloody excrements; occasion- ally constipation with tenesmus; thirst, fever, loss of appetite, anxiety, jaundice, etc., in short, all the signs of a most violent inflammation of the digestive organs. After death we observe inflammation of the intestinal canal and even of neighboring organs, liver, spleen, etc. The mucous membrane of the stomach, which is generally covered with a greenish or bluish layer, appears inflamed, marked with sanguineous exudations, sometimes gangrenous, thickened, even CUPRUM METALLICUM. 257 perforated, especially in the stomach and rectum; the peritoneum and omentum are sometimes found inflamed. The other viscera are generally healthy. It is, therefore, evident that the irritating action of copper upon the stomach and intestines may cause Gastritis and Gastro-enteritis; how far these results may be regarded as therapeutic indications in cases where the accompanying nervous symptoms correspond with the action of 'copper, will have to be determined by farther clinical experience. We have shown on pages 251 and 252, of this volume, that copper may prove specifically adapted to certain forms of Enteralgia and Gastro-enteralgia, Dysphagia, and to Degenerations of the stomach, characterized by vomiting of food, emaciation, etc. Among the sausage-eaters only six persons remained free from pain in the bowels; four of them were not much affected in any respect, and the remaining two suffered much with vertigo and stupefaction. The other persons complained of cutting, constrictive pains in the abdomen, which was drawn towards the vertebral column; the pains seldom intermitted, generally they were of a remittent character, sometimes accompanied with diarrhoea, but most frequently with obstinate constipation. At a later period, if the constipation con- tinued, the patients complained of slight drawing pains in the umbili- cal region, and in the groins. Some of the persons complained of a sort of Gastrodynia, a sort of seated burning pain in the epigastrium, aggravated by pressure, and either accompanied by vomiting or nausea without vomiting. The appetite was completely gone in every case, the thirst very considerable. Frank relates a case of chronic Vomiting remaining after typhus, which took place every morning before and after breakfast; first retching, then vomiting of a greenish substance; tongue not much coated; disposition to be costive. After the ineffectual use of a number of drugs, the ammoniacal Sul- phate of copper arrested the difficulty at once. Homoeopathic practitioners have occasionally employed copper as a remedy for cholera. It must have been seen, from the cases of poisoning which I have related, that the action of copper upon the nervous system and bowels does not altogether justify its use in cholera as a specifically homoeopathic agent. It is true, the Sul- phate of copper, in one case, caused cramps in the calves and toes such as we see in an attack of Asiatic cholera; but the alvine evacu- ations are of a dysenteric character; in the few cases, where liquid stools took place, they seem to have been of a critical nature, attended with relief rather than causing prostration. Lobethal and Schmid do not think much of Cuprum in Asiatic cholera. RESPIRATORY GROUP. In the case of the little boy who swallowed a copper coin, the child became affected with VOL. II.—17 258 LECTURE LXXVIII. Croupous Cough, a croupous irritation of the laryngeal and tracheal mucous membrane, with expulsion of quantities of tenacious phlegm after a paroxysm of suffocative cough which is particularly inclined to come on in the night. Copper has caused, and may therefore relieve, paroxysms of Spasmodic Asthma, with suffocative, painful constriction of the chest during the paroxysm, and vomiting of mucus after its cessation. FEYER-GROUP. Copper is no remedy for fever; the changes which it effects in the pulse, are incidental to the existing nervous derangement. The pulse is not above 90; at first it may be jerking, hard and rather full, but afterwards it generally becomes soft, small and feeble. In a few persons, where the inflammatory predominate over the nervous symptoms, the pulse may, at the outset, be full, hard, frequent and bounding. EXANTHEMATIC GROUP. The petechiae which copper develops, seem to mark the last stage of dissolution of the vital fluids, and are probably valueless as thera- peutic indications. As a remedy against Jaundice, copper may be deserving of attention. AYibmer has shown that copper is absorbed by the liver, and that jaundice may be one of the constitutional effects of copper. Orfila relates the case of a man of forty-four years who undertook to poison himself with four drachms of the Acetate of copper. He was attacked with jaundice, previous to which he vomited a green substance. The nausea and vomiting ceased after the jaundice had set in. His tongue had a grayish coating upon it. The mouth had a pappy, coppery taste. Slight colicky pains, thirst, dark-red urine which deposited a yellowish sediment. He recovered. In the course of this lecture I have made mention of the following preparations of copper, which we use in our practice: Cuprum metallicum, or metallic copper, of which we make tritura- tions in the proportion of 1:10, or 1:100. Cuprum aceticum, or the Acetate of copper, verdigris, of which we make a watery solution in the proportion of 5: 95, and afterwards alcoholic attenuations, first in the proportion of 20: 80, and all sub- sequent ones in the proportion of 10: 90. Oxide of copper, of which we make triturations. Sulphate of copper, of which we make watery solutions and alco- holic attenuations, as mentioned for the Acetate. Cuprum ammoniacale, the ammoniacal Sulphate of copper, of which we may make watery and afterwards alcoholic attenuations. In a case of poisoning, if no vomiting has taken place, we first give emetics; afterwards albumen or the white of eggs, milk, water and sugar; iron filings have likewise been recommended; the iron decomposes the salt and precipitates the copper in the metallic state. DULCAMARA. 259 LECTURE LXXIX. DROSERA ROTCNDIFOLIA, (Sun-dew, Moor-grass.—Nat. Order:—Droserace^e.) This is a perennial plant, which flowers in the summer-months. The leaves, which are numerous, form a disk, from the centre of which the scape rises to a height of from two to six inches, termi- nated by a simple cluster of drooping white flowers. The plant grows in mossy, turfy bogs, and is a native of the middle and south- ern parts of Europe. We prepare a reddish brown tincture from the whole plant, which is to be gathered during the flowering season. This drug has been principally used in affections of the respira- tory organs by homoeopathic practitioners. At one time, Hahne- mann recommended it as a perfect specific for Whooping-cough; but it has disappointed our expectations. Ac- cording to some, it is only useful in the convulsive stage of this cough. Others find it indicated, when the cough is accompanied with haemorrhage from the nose and mouth; others again in whoop- ing-cough after measles, with suffocative paroxysms. Some assert that it changes the wheezing sound of the cough, which exists dur- ing the spasmodic stage, to a loose catarrhal irritation of the lining membrane. According to Burdach's statement, the juice of Drosera causes shuddering, a sense of constriction at the chest, rawness in the throat, cough, haemoptysis, pain in the bowels, sweat and diminished secretion of urine. Haller states that the plant is so acrid that it corrodes the teeth. It is undoubtedly endowed with irritating properties, and may be- come serviceable in affections of the larynx and bronchial passages; but we are not as yet sufficiently acquainted with its curative range to be able to derive much benefit from it. Altschul found it utterly useless in the epidemic whooping-cough which prevailed in Prague,' in 1845. It is recommended in incipient Laryngeal Phthisis, with hoarseness, purulent expectoration, seated pain in the larynx, emaciation. This recommendation must be taken cum grano salis. DULCAMARA, (Solanum Dulcamara, Bitter-siveet.—Nat. Order:—Solaxe.e,) It grows in hedges and thickets, especially in watery situations. Stem shrubby, zigzag, climbing along trees; leavespetiolate,cordate- ovate, opposite; the flowers form cymes, with violet petals and orange- 260 LECTURE LXX1X. colored anthers. The stems are collected in the fall after the leaves have fallen. When fresh, these stems have an unpleasant odor, which they lose by drying. Their taste is at first bitter, afterwards slightly acrid and sweet; hence the name. It bears clusters of bright-red berries, which are picked off by birds. Of the stems we prepare a tincture which is of a dark brownish-green color and bitter-sweet taste. From this plant we obtain an alkaloid, termed Solanin, which is an opaque, whitish powder, readily soluble in alcohol. In 1786, Carrere and Starke published a monograph on Dulca- mara, from which Hahnemann has extracted his leading statements concerning the therapeutic virtues of this plant; they are incorpo- rated among his own provings. According to Hahnemann, Dulca- mara is an antipsoric. This drug does not seem to be possessed of very extensive powers; nevertheless it deserves our attention in the treatment of several in- teresting catarrhal and cutaneous affections. It causes, for instance, in the CEREBRO-SPINAL RANGE, Headache, even of a stupefying character, with coldness of the whole body, and disposition to vomit; Headache, boring, or digging as if the brain would expand, or Headache as if a board were pressing against the forehead. Acute pains, swelling and insensibility in the affected parts. A little boy, eighteen months old, swallowed a quantity of the berries of Dulcamara; among other symptoms they caused A convulsive shock like the shock caused by an electric machine, which extorted piteous cries from the little patient; he was unable to walk or stand without support; at the same time he picked at something in the air; the pupils were very much dilated. In the case of a young man of nineteen years, who was subject to cramps in the calves, and who had swallowed a large quantity of the extract of Dulcamara, the cramps became excessive, so that the calf of the leg touched the thigh; the hands likewise became cramped. During this attack, the pulse became slow and intermittent, the skin was covered with a cold, clammy sweat, and all his limbs trembled. We may avail ourselves of this indication for the purpose of pre- scribing Dulcamara for Cramps from various causes, but especially from rheumatic ex- posure, sudden suppression of the perspiration, drying up of a sore, etc. ORBITAL GROUP. Dulcamara may cause amaurotic symptoms. The young man to whom allusion was made in the previous paragraph, after swallow- ing half an ounce of the extract at one dose, woke next morning with heat of the head, dizziness, obscuration of sight, hovering of DULCAMARA. 261 black spots before the eyes. After this he felt as if his eyes had protruded from their sockets ; they seemed immovable, a feeling of dryness and tension was experienced in them; the pupils were very much dilated. Guided by such symptoms, we may recommend Dul- camara for Rheumatic Amaurosis, or for amaurosis consequent upon the sud- den retrocession of some acute rash, to which Dulcamara is homoeo- pathically related. AURICULAR GROUP. We have likewise given Dulcamara for Rheumatic Deafness, or for deafness arising from the retrocession of some acute eruption, with buzzing and singing in the ears. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. In the case of the little boy just mentioned, Dulcamara caused frequent but unsuccessful efforts to vomit, inability to swallow, inar- ticulate speech with continual attempts to talk. He kept thrusting his hand into his mouth as if he wanted to grasp at something, spit all around, took no notice of any body, heeded not what was said to him, attempted to scratch his father, and could scarcely be con- trolled. In the case of the young man, the tongue was swollen, rigid as if paralyzed; the patient was unable to utter a word, and°had to express his wishes in writing. In Rheumatic Paralysis of the tongue, with swelling of the tongue, Dulcamara may afford great relief. According to Linne and Starke, large quantities of Dulcamara cause eructations, nausea, vomiting accompanied by heat and anguish; Dulcamara likewise causes a soapy taste in the mouth: if these symptoms should occur as the result of a cold, Dulcamara will prove a remedy. Dulcamara causes a derangement of the intestinal functions resembling a catarrhal irritation, terminating in Diarrhea; a diarrhoea of this kind is generally accompanied by pinching or cutting pains in the bowels; the discharges may be watery, slimy, or of a yellowish color. It has even been employed in bloody diarrhoea. It may prove useful for the watery catarrhal diarrhoea of children in the summer. URINARY GROUP. It causes retention of urine (ischuria,) with burning at the orifice of the urethra, and has been found useful in Gonorrhea, especially from suppressed tetter. Altschul recommends it in BrigMs Disease. Dulcamara causes a sedimentous urine similar to the urine which is secreted in Bright's disease of the kidneys, a granular degeneration of this organ, accom- 262 LECTURE LXXIX. panied by dropsical symptoms and albuminous deposit in the urine. Considering that Bright's disease is always accompanied by catarrhal and gastric derangements, Altschul opines that Dulcamara is worthy of our regard in this dangerous malady. SEXUAL GROUP. Dulcamara has been employed for Herpetic Eruptions on the labia majora ; also for itching and pains in the pudendum; hence Hahnemann proposes this medicine as a remedy which may possibly be useful in the first stages of Nymphomania, in which affection Dulcamara may perhaps be indicated, if the retrocession of a tetter on the labia has given rise to it. RESPIRATORY GROUP. Dulcamara has caused a catarrhal cough; (according to Carr&re it causes bloody cough;) it may be useful in Whooping- Cough, with expectoration; also in Hoarseness, and likewise in Asthma from repelled eruptions; it is recommended in Pleurisy with effusion (pleuritis serosa;) also in Pit uitous Phthisis and in Bronchio-pneumonia (inflammation of the walls of the finest bronchial ramifications, with sero-albuminous purulent exudation); there may be stitching pains in the lungs when breathing, fever, headache. In the dogs upon which Orfila experi- mented with Dulcamara, the lobules of the lungs were found with purple-red spots which crepitated less than the other parts of the lungs that had preserved their rose-color. EXANTHEMATIC GROUP. According to Carrere, Dulcamara causes: violent itching all over the body; elevated red spots, like flea-bites, red spots all over; tetter on the back of the hands; tetter on the labia majora; tettery crusts all over the body. It causes swelling of the inguinal glands; humid tetter with itching. In the case of the little boy above-mentioned, a rash broke out over the whole body, with an increased temperature of the skin. We may therefore recommend this drug for Chronic Urticaria, with itching, an eruption consisting of red spots, tips or blotches; also for Humid Herpes under the arms and herpetic eruptions over the whole body. Frank mentions a case of herpes of this sort, which was cured perfectly by means of a decoction of Dulcamara. FEYER GROUP. It is especially in Catarrhal and Rheumatic fevers that Dulcamara may prove useful; such fevers are catarrhal and rheumatic irrita- tions with a feverish character; they are marked by gastric symp- EUPHRASIA OFFICINALIS. 263 toms,_ white coating on the tongue, red and burning urine, drawing pain m the limbs, soreness of the flesh, headache of a stupefying character, dizziness. ° In Intermittent Fever of a mild type, with heat predominating over the chilly stage, gastric disorders, constipation, bloating of the bowels during the paroxysm, pappy mouth, slimy coating on the tongue which feels dry and looks inflamed, Dulcamara may be a very useful agent, if used in the form of a mild decoction or tincture. As far as my own experience bears me out, the lower potencies, and even the tincture of this substance, are preferable to the middle and higher potencies. EUPHRASIA OFFICINALIS, (Eyebright.—Nat. Order:—Rhinanthace^: de Cand.) This little plant is found all over Europe and likewise in North- America. It flpwers annually from June until September. The stem is several inches high; flowers axillary, solitary, mingled with the small leaves, and forming a leafy spike at the tops of the branches and stems of the plant. The corolla is most commonly white, with deep purple -streaks. This flower is found on heaths, on mountain- ous meadows. We make a tincture of the whole plant, having a dark-green, almost blackish color. The term Euphrasia is derived from the Greek, the literal mean- ing of which is " Bright Spirits." Most Northern nations designate this plant by a name which literally means " eye-bright, eye-" com- fort"; the Germans call it Augentrost; the Swedes Ogontrost; the Danes Oeynetrast; the Norwegians Oeyentrdst; and the French give to it the emphatic name of casse-lunettes, spectacles-breaker. These various designations show that the popular belief has from time immemorial assigned to Euphrasia specific powers of restoring and strengthening the sense of vision. Roman authors describe it under the name of Ophthalmica or Ocularia. The curative powers of Euphrasia in this direction have been immortalized by poets. Hamilton, in his praiseworthy Flora Homeopathica, quotes Alilton, where this poet makes the arch-angel Michael to use Euphrasia for the purpose of removing the film from the eyes of our first parents: " But to nobler sights, Michael from Adam's eyes the film removed, Which that false fruit, that promised clearer sight, Had bred ; then purged with Euphrasy and rue The visual nerve, for he had much to see." And Shenstone: " Yet Euphrasy may not be left unsung That gives dim eyes to wander leagues around." Hahnemann's provings of Euphrasia confirm the curative virtues with which this drug has been supposed possessed of in ophthalmic diseases. Among the symptoms which have been recorded by / 264 LECTURE LXXIX. Hahnemann and his disciples, the following occupy a prominent place: Contraction of the upper and lower lids. Obscuration of sight, for three days. The light hurts the eyes, as if one had not slept long enough. Smarting in the eyes, a smarting liquid flows out of the eyes. Ej'-e-gum in the canthi, even in the daytime. Troublesome dryness of the eyes. According to Lobelius and Simon Paulli, quoted by Hahnemann, the use of Euphrasia, in a case where it was continued for several months, caused such a violent catarrhal inflammation that the indi- vidual came near losing his sight. These toxicological and pathogenetic effects indicate Euphrasia in Catarrhal Ophthalmia, with profuse lachrymation, congested ap- pearance of the conjunctiva, catarrhal irritation of the frontal sin- uses and the Schneiderian membrane, sensitiveness to light. This seems to be the chief therapeutic range of Euphrasia, an irritation of the mucous lining of the bulb of the eye and lids, which may be continued to the frontal sinuses, the nose, and even further down to the chest, giving rise to catarrhal cough, with expectoration of mucus and some dyspnoea. Even in Chronic Sore Eyes, resulting from a more or less acute, but mis- managed or neglected irritation of the mucous lining, Euphrasia may still be in its place as a chief remedial agent. In this condition the eyelids may be swollen, and the cornea may have become dim, partially or entirely. Kranichfeld reports several cases of Catarrhal Ophthalmia which readily yielded to the action of Euphrasia, after many other reme- dial agents had been employed in vain A man of forty-five years had been afflicted for several years in the hot summer-months with a troublesome catarrhal ophthalmia, which finally invaded the eyelids and resisted all treatment. After bathing the eyes with the water of Euphrasia, the troublesome itch- ing of the lids and the profuse secretion of mucus at once abated. Afterwards the tincture of Euphrasia was taken internally at the rate of three drops every morning. A few hours after swallowing the first dose, a profuse quantity of mucus was discharged from the nose, as during a violent catarrh; in the course of the day he ex- perienced a good deal of movement in the bowels, as if he had taken cold, with an urging to diarrhoea, which, however, did not take place; in eighteen hours he had a regular motion of the bowels After the lapse of forty-eight hours the affection of the eyes was much worse; he again took three drops of Euphrasia; the peculiar movement in the bowels, with a sensation as if diarrhoea would set in, again made its appearance; moreover, he was attacked with sleeplessness about three o'clock in the morning, which lasted several hours, and was attributed by the patient to the action of the medi- cine. The stool was perfectly natural; in a few days the eyes were entirely restored. EUPHRASIA OFFICINALIS. 265 Another case is that of an engraver, thirty-three years old, of delicate constitution and sanguine temperament, who had been af- flicted for several years with a catarrhal Blepharopjhthalmia glandu- losa. The attack set in towards fall, with redness, itching and profuse secretion of mucus. It induced a melancholy mood, for the ophthalmic disorder utterly incapacitated him from earning his livelihood. He took one drop of the tincture of Euphrasia every twenty-four hours, and bathed his eyes three or four times a day with an eye-wash, consisting of four ounces of the water of Euphra- sia and half a grain of corrosive sublimate. He was radically cured in eight days, after a number of remedies had been used in vain for two years. A manufacturer of musical instruments, sixty-two years old, was cured of a catarrhal ophthalmia, with which he had been afflicted for some time past, within ten days. A number of other cases are reported. Even in Amaurosis, Euphrasia has evinced curative powers. These cases are undoubtedly of rheumatic origin. Geoffray mentions a case,- where a Swiss very nearly lost his sight by the excessive use of Eu- phrasia, whereas he took this drug in the expectation of strengthen- ing his eyes. This power which Euphrasia seems to possess of extinguishing or impairing the visual power, justifies its exhibition in accordance with the homoeopathic law in amaurosis, where Alts- chul effected a favorable change by means of the 100th potency. We may expect a favorable action from this drug in Amaurotic or Catarrhal Conditions resulting from the suppression of nasal Catarrh. The provings show that Euphrasia not only irritates the retina and the mucous lining of the eyes, but that its irritating action like- wise extends to the Schneiderian membrane, to the mucous lining of the frontal sinuses, face, jaws, throat, bowels, extremities. Its influence over this vast mucous expanse seems to be continued through the agency of the ganglionic system which is undoubtedly acted upon by this drug. In these various regions of the body the catarrhal nature of the action of this drug is manifested by symptoms like the following: Boring pain in the right inner ear. Stiffness of the left cheek when talking and masticating, with feel- ing of heat and single shooting stitches in the same. Prickings in the left lower jaw darting from behind forward, at dinner, and impeding mastication. Painless rumbling in the bowels, as one may experience when hungry and the bowels are empty. A sort of oppressed feeling in the bowels, a burning, pressing pain across the bowels, during rest and motion. Short paroxysms of pinching in the bowels. These various symptoms have no therapeutic value except in so far as they belong to a group of symptoms denoting a general 266 LECTURE LXXIX. Catarrhal Irritation of the tissues, which may be likewise charac- terized by a more copious emission of urine, to which the following symptoms reported by Langhammer and AVislicenus seem to refer: Frequent emission of urine, and Frequent emission of a watery urine. The relation of Euphrasia to catarrhal affections is likewise made manifest by its action upon the respiratory lining membrane, and which is delineated in the following record: Sneezing, with profuse fluent coryza and copious discharge of mucus from the anterior and posterior nares. Profuse fluent coryza and violent cough with expectoration. Fine stitches under the sternum during an inspiration. The symptoms characterizing the action of Euphrasia upon the back and extremities, fully confirm its use in catarrhal-rheumatic affections; here we have Crampy pains in the back. Tearing in the elbow and wrist joints. Yiolent prickings in the anterior muscles of the thigh. Painful tension in the hamstrings as if too short. Boring stitches in the fibula, from below upwards. Pain in the periosteum of the left fibula, moving up and down. These symptoms, if taken isolatedly, might point to a number of other drugs; but in connexion with a general state of catarrhal- rheumatic irritation of the organism, including the various regions which we have passed in review, our attention will necessarily be directed to Euphrasia by the integral pathological group. We have a right to suppose that the prominent and characteristic manner in which every portion of the mucous expanse is acted upon by Euphrasia, is in a great measure owing to the fact that the ganglionic system is powerfully affected by this drug. This theory is corroborated by its disturbing influence over sleep. One of the patients whose cases have been related in previous paragraphs, com- plained that the Euphrasia he took, deprived him of sleep. A similar symptom is reported by Hahnemann, which at the same time shows Euphrasia is possessed of some specific power of dis- turbing the nervous equilibrium : the symptom reads: " Paroxysm, three mornings in succession ; after three o'clock in the morning he wakes every few minutes; at six he falls into a stupid sleep, without dreams; he wakes with a pressure in the upper part of the chest, his head feels giddy and heavy ; he feels sick at the stomach, a perspiration breaks out upon his whole body; the giddiness increases from the least motion, as if he would fall to one side, all his limbs feel weak and trembling; on rising, the trunk feels too heavy as if his limbs could not support the weight; gradually the paroxysm abates until noon; his spirits feel dull." This symptom shows that the catarrhal irritation to which Euphrasia is homoeopathic is not a simple catarrh, but a catarrh where the nervous system is considerably involved, partaking of EUPHRASIA OFFICINALIS. 267 the character of influenza, and most probably developing febrile symptoms. Indeed our provers report Internal chilliness, the whole forenoon; Chilliness all over; Redness and heat of the cheeks, also with cold hands, (without thirst). Feeling of exhaustion, especially in the lower limbs; Itching stinging all night, in various parts, making him restless. The spirits are likewise affected as is shown by this record: " Thoughtful and taciturn, all day." To sum up: Euphrasia is in homoeopathic specific rapport with catarrhal affections of the mucous surfaces, which result by a process of continuous action from a primary catarrhal irritation of the peripheral derivations of the ganglionic system. By grouping this general catarrhal irritation in accordance with such pathological forms as may happen to constitute more prominent elements of the series, we may recommend Euphrasia for Catarrhal headache; Conjunctivitis and amaurosis; Nasal catarrh; Bronchial catarrh; Influenza, catarrhal fever. DOSE AND PREPARATION. There are several varieties of Euphrasia which are equally endowed with medicinal properties. Some have small, some large leaves, whose color likewise varies from a light to a dark-green hue, in consequence of which the alcoholic tincture which should always be obtained of the whole plant, likewise varies in color, sometimes presenting a pale-green and at other times a deep-brown-green appearance. If the tincture is obtained of the recent plant, it has the pleasant fragrance of fresh meadow grass. This tincture becomes altered in time ; its color changes to a violet brown, and a glutinous substance of a similar color is deposited on the upper walls of the empty portion of the flask. Hence the tincture should be made fresh every year, and should not be exposed to the light or to excessive warmth of the room, for these influences favor its decomposition. These precautions are furnished by Kranichfeld in his interesting essay, and they are abundantly substantiated by the experience of others. AYe may use one or two drops of the tincture in the course of a day, or resort to the attenuations up to the higher potencies. 268 LECTURE LXXX. LECTURE LXXX. GRAPHITES. (Carburet of Iron), From the Greek word " grapho" I write ; it is used for pencils. The best comes from England, Cumberland County. It has a laminated texture, is soft, greasy to the touch, and staining the fingers very much. Triturations should be made with care. Before making them, the Graphite should be pulverized, boiled for an hour in pure water, and after drawing off the water, digested for a few days in a weak solution of Nitro-muriatic Acid, carefully washed and dried on a filter. This drug was first introduced by Dr. Weinbold about the year 1810. He discovered a lead-pencil factory in Yenice; the people believed that the workmen remained free from scabies while they used Graphites externally for tetter. These facts are explained in his pamphlets: " Graphites, a remedy for tetter." He used it inter- nally and externally, It had distinguished advocates and opponents. Hahnemann ranks Graphites among his antipsories. His followers have furnished a vast array of symptoms ' of this drug which, however, are in a great measure exceedingly unreliable. It is un- doubtedly adapted to the scrofulous diathesis, and may be given in doses of any grade, from the first decimal trituration upwards. The curative action of this agent seems to be limited to various forms of i Herpes and Herpetic Ulcerations, described as salt-rheum, herpes crustaceus, tinea crustaceus, tinea capitis sicca et humida, ulcers (with stinging and aching pains, and a fetid discharge); old torpid ulcers, with callous edges, and a fetid, ichorous discharge. Weinbold to whose zeal the introduction of this agent into our Alateria Medica is due, relates some splendid cures of scrofulous ulceration and crustaceous herpes which he effected by means of this agent. A shoemaker of Berlin, fifty-six years old, applied to Professor Bernstein for a number of inveterate cartilaginous-callous ulcera- tions on the left side of the false ribs as far as the spine, and down to the left thigh in the region of, the trochanter major, where they had the appearance as if the flesh had been eaten out. Corrosive sublimate and incisions into the fistulous canals had been entirely ineffectual. After an unsuccessful treatment of four months, the patient was put on the use of Graphites, six drachms, in combination with one grain of corrosive sublimate to be taken in pills (it should GRAPHITES. 269 not be forgotten that the corrosive sublimate had heretofore been exhibited in large quantities without the least effect). An ointment consisting of two drachms of Graphites and ten drachms of lard, was at the same time applied externally. The ointment at first caused some pain, but in a few days, a considerable improvement became manifest. In a fortnight the callous edges which had seemed like hard cords, became transformed into a gelatinous mass, and the patient was radically cured, as the Doctor states, by Graphites alone. This patient had borne his affliction for seven years. Another patient with a crustaceous herpes on both arms and thighs, and with open ulcers on both legs, was cured by the same means in a very short time, after he had been afflicted for eight years. The ulcers healed first, next the herpes scaled off, and only red spots remained which soon, however, assumed the natural color of the skin. In reporting these and other cures Weinbold lauds Graphites as a great remedy, " provided," adds our author, " we always manage to draw the prize from the mysterious urn of human nature." Several cases of Herpes are related in Frank's Magazine, where the exclusively internal use of Graphites was either inadequate or even entirely ineffectual; the above-mentioned ointment had to be resorted to. In one case the herpetic eruption was seated in the face; in other cases the eruption consisted of vesicles filled with serum, itching violently and apparently resulting from the suppres- sion of the itch. Sulphur, Flepar, Zinc, Sublimate, etc., had been used without the least effect. After the ointment had been rubbed on for three weeks, the herpetic secretion ceased; there was still a little itching, and the skin remained somewhat redder and rougher than a healthy skin. The continual use of Graphites removed these symptoms entirely, and these individuals remained perfectly well afterwards. It should always be borne in mind that Graphites is not a specific for the genus " Herpes," and that the curative action of this agent in a given case depends upon its specific homoeopathic relation to the essential nature of the eruption. Graphites will likewise prove homoeopathic to the consequences of repelled eruptions for which this drug was originally specifically adapted. These retrocessions may cause Menstrual derangements such as dysmenorrhea, or Pulmonary derangements, asthma, chronic cough, etc., or Derangements of the special senses, deafness, sore eyes, etc. Nervous derangements, trembling, neuralgic pains, sleeplessness, etc. Graphites may prove useful for the dry or bleeding herpes by which females at the critical age are sometimes annoyed; the herpes may break out on the skin, or on the pudendum. Hirschel reports a case of Scrofulous Ophthalmia which readily yielded to the first tritura- tion of Graphites. It was, properly speaking, a case of Herpes 270 LECTURE LXXX. crustaceus, first breaking out in the face, and gradually invading the eyes; the eruption first came out in the form of pustules which changed to ulcers covered with crusts. Graphites is reported as having manifested curative powers in dysmenorrhoea, hydrocele and other derangements of the sexual system; it is my opinion that the curative influence which it may possess in these and kindred affections, is determined by its homoeo- pathicity to the herpetic diathesis with which the patient may happen to be tainted. GUAJACUM Was first introduced into Europe by the Spaniards in the year 1508, from the West Indies, and was supposed to be a perfect specific for syphilis. It became so celebrated in this capacity that it was sold at the rate of seven gold crowns per pound. The Guajac-tree, from which this resin is derived, is a native of the West Indies, and grows to the height of from thirty to forty feet, and near a foot in diameter. The wood is hard and ponderous, of a dark olive-brown within, and whitish toward the bark, having a peculiar, acrid scent and well-known in trade by the name of lignum vitae. It is used for making block-sheaves, wooden pulleys, and other articles, for which it is peculiarly fitted by its extraor- dinary hardness and toughness. The gum resin is obtained from the wood in four different ways: 1. By exudation; 2. jagging; 3. heating billets previously perforated; and 4. by boiling chips. The resin is a brownish-red substance, becoming greenish by exposure to the light; brittle, presenting a splintery, vitreous fracture, and somewhat translucent. It has a faintly-bitter sweetish taste, followed by a pricking in the back of the throat. We may use this drug either in the form of triturations or in tincture form. Guajacum is peculiarly adapted to arthritic and rheumatic affec- tions. A large dose of Guajacum causes dryness of the mouth, sensation of heat at the stomach, nausea, loss of appetite, and a re- laxed condition of the bowels; it also produces, in some cases, great perspiration, and even mild ptyalism. It may also cause headache. Pearson noticed that its continued use occasioned heartburn, flatu- lence and costiveness. If these symptoms should be present in a case of arthritic rheumatism of the extremities, or even in rheumatic or arthritic irritation of the stomach or bowels, they would indicate the use of Guajacum. In Mercurial Rheumatism and bone-pains, Guajacum may prove valuable. It is certainly homoeopathic to Arthritic Rheumatism characterized by lancinating stitches in the extremities, darting pain from the feet upwards towards the knees. 4 In his "Letters on Homoeopathy," Attomyr relates a case of rheumatism, where a small dose of Guajacum seems to have effected GUAJACUM. 271 a very remarkable cure. A robust young woman, twenty-three years old, took cold. Soon after, she experienced violent stitches on the outer side of the right calf, which gradually affected that whole side of the body; the affected parts were hot, the pain was a tearing and stitching, and lasted so steadily that the patient had no rest day or night. In seven weeks she dwindled down to a skeleton. In the meanwhile, a cough, with copious expectoration of fetid pus. had supervened. She loathed all kinds of food. Early every morning, she was attacked with nausea, vomited a quantity of watery mucus, and sank back upon her couch quite exhausted. The leg was very much swollen, drawn to the thigh, and had be- come almost rigid. The tibia and tarsal bones seemed swollen. Pulse soft, small, very much accelerated. Skin hot, especially in the palms of the hands; tongue coated brown. Spirits depressed. This condition had gradually supervened under the ordinary alloeopathic treatment. Schellhammer was called, who gave her a drop of the millionth part of Guajacum properly potentized; two doses of this drug cured this pulmonary phthisis, this hectic fever, this contraction of the knee-joint, these violent pains, and enabled the patient, within a period of three weeks, to walk about again as before, in a state of robust health, save a little weakness in the knee- joint where a horde of leeches had been sucking her blood. The rheumatism to which Guajacum is homoeopathic, is of the neuralgic order. Hahnemann has instituted a short proving of this drug which has yielded a few symptoms confirming its homoeo- pathicity to rheumatism. They read as follows: Rheumatic stiffness in the left side of the nape of the neck, and in the left side of the back down to the small of the back ; there was no pain when the parts were kept in a state of perfect rest, nor did contact cause any pain ; but when the parts were moved or turned ever so little, the pain was intense. Prickings in the glutei muscles, as if she were sitting on pins; this pain is sometimes felt in walking. Tingling in the upper and lower extremities. Lancinating stitches between the tibia and fibula, towards the knee. Guajacum may induce serious inflammatory symptoms in the larynx and trachea. Two persons swallowed by mistake a decoc- tion of six ounces of Guajac-wood in the evening before bed-time. Two hours after, they were attacked with a violent, spasmodic, in- flammatory affection of the wind-pipe, particularly of the larynx, accompanied with violent palpitation of the heart; the patients came near dying of suffocation, and were accidentally found in this condition, before help came too late. This observation may be made available in the treatment of Laryngitis and Tracheitis, when this affection develops itself sud- denly inconsequence of a metastatic shifting of the inflammation from sorire external part, more particularly from the lower extremi- ties, to the respiratory organs. The presence of palpitation of the 272 LECTURE LXXX. heart furnishes an additional indication in such a metastatic rheu- matic inflammation. In Chronic Pulmonary Catarrh, especially in the case of gouty sub- jects, it sometimes manifests a curative action. HAMAMELIS YIRGIXIAM. (Witch-hazel) A very common plant in this country, growing from ten to twenty feet high, with large, smooth, alternate, oval leaves. In its external appearance, it resembles the hazlenut-bush, except the blossoms which differ entirely from those of the latter. The fruit ripens every second year. The plant grows on hills, mountains, stony banks and near streams. AYe use the bark and leaves of this tree, from which we prepare a dark-green tincture. Popular belief has attributed to this plant extraordinary virtues of divination. In Afichigan, people use it as a means of finding out hidden springs, and it has likewise been relied upon for the dis- covery of hidden treasures, mines, etc. This plant is really valuable to us as a curative agent. It is well known that Indians hold it in high estimation. It has been used for the dispersion of painful swellings, haemorrhoidal tumors, for external inflammations, inflamed sores, ophthalmia, internal haemor- rhages, etc. Dr. Thomas of England, sums up the therapeutic range of Hama- melis under the following general heads: " Haemorrhages from all mucous membranes; haemorrhages with asthenia or anaemia; inflam- mation of veins; haemorrhoids ; circocele; varicocele; bad effects from the loss of blood; carbuncles; boils; abscesses and injuries resulting from a fall. He recommends the external use of Hama- melis in varicose veins of the leg; he applies a linen compress moistened with a mixture of one teaspoonful of the tincture and four teaspoonfuls of water, to the varicose vein, and bandages the leg or thigh according as the varices are situated below or above the knee. Haemorrhoidal tumors may likewise be treated externally with similar applications. In Howard's "Improved Botanical Medicine," Hamamelis is named with commendation as an astringent tonic, and styptic. The writer says: " It may be employed as a tea for bowel-complaints, bleeding at the stomach, lungs and all internal haemorrhages. As a styptic, to check internal bleeding, the witch-hazel is among the best articles known. Poultices of the bark are also applied to painful tumors and external inflammations." A patent medicine is in use, consisting of the watery extract of this medicine; it is sold under the name of Pond's vegetable pain- extractor. Like all other patent medicines, this pain-extractor cures everything, " burns and scalds, wounds, old sores, bruises, broken HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA. 273 limbs, weak or lame back, sore or inflamed eyes, all internal inflam- mations, quinsy or sore throat; local pains, all internal bleedings, piles, colic, cholera-morbus, bowel-complaints, headache, rheumatism, ague in the face, and it quiets the nerves." This is evidently pro- mising too much; but let us not reject the good with the bad, and let us make careful trials with Hamamelis in those derangements of the vascular apparatus to which it seems homoeopathic, such as haemorrhages, haemorrhoidal discharges, varicose enlargements, in- flamed tumors, phlebitis, and perhaps diarrhoeic discharges arising from, or accompanied by, marked symptoms of abdominal con- gestion. Dr. Starkey of this city, has favored me with the following interesting case of phlebitis, where Hamamelis effected a striking cure. Mr. H. B., fifty years of age, small of stature, of bilious tempera- ment, and accustomed to severe manual labor, was attacked with a severe and protracted illness, in October, 1856. About the first of February, 1857, I made him a visit, in company with his physician. He was then able to be dressed, but not to leave his room. He had frequent attacks of suffocative and painful cough. There were full- ness and swelling of the epigastric region, which was very sensitive to pressure. In the same region, and extending to the liver, was a constant burning pain; of which he complained much and often. He had a similar pain which he located in the rectum, extending from the anus superiorly, several inches. He ascribed it to "blind piles." I diagnosed phlebitis, in the hepatic, and perhaps, haemor- rhoidal vessels, and advised Hamamelis. He got the third centesimal attenuation, three or four doses a day. In a fortnight, he had percepti- bly improved, was anxious to go out of doors in three weeks, and returned to his usual laborious employment in early spring. This he has continued to do, often pushing loads in a hand-cart, large enough for a mule, up to the present time. To this there is one ex- ception, which I think it worth while, on account of its interesting character, to record in detail: In August last, he was taken ill at church, and was obliged to leave the service and go home. His physican was called, who found him in a state of high fever, and suffering intense pain in the right groin. There was a moderate swelling below Poupart's ligament, but too sensitive to allow of a thorough examination by taxis. From what I learned then and subsequently, the doctor diagnosed " strangulated femoral hernia." Among the symptoms confirming the diagnosis, was fetid, almost fecal, vomiting. By request, I visited him. He had high fever, flushed face, was soporous, and delirious. He was moaning, but would lie quiet except when we examined his groin. Then he would resist us, and beg to be left to himself; but we could not rouse him to any consciousness. The tumor exhibited no tendency to turn upwards over Poupart's lio-ament; this was fatal to the diagnosis of hernia. I diagnosed inflammation of the femoral vein, and advised Hamamelis. AVishing to learn the value of his own prescription, the Doctor did not change it till ten o'clock P. Ai. Then, finding his patient continually grow- VOL. il —18 274 LECTURE LXXX. ing worse, as he had from the beginning of the attack, he gave him Hamamelis. The next morning there was no delirium, little fever, and little pain and soreness in the groin. But from the groin nearly to_ the knee, the skin over the track of the femoral vessels, about one inch in width, was red, sore and painful. On the day following, the foot became much swollen, bluish red and very painful. There was much oedema, especially after the inflammation subsided a little. Hama- melis was continued; in about two weeks from the beginning of the attack, the man went about his usual business. Dr. William E. Payne of Bath, Afaine, reports a case of Pulmonary Hemorrhage which promptly yielded to Hamamelis. The details of the case may be read in the fourth number of the United States Journal of Homoeopath}''. The doctor states that, on his arrival, he found the patient, a lady, lying upon the sofa, "calm, with a napkin in hand nearly saturated with apparently pure venous blood, and spitting about a teaspoonful at intervals of one or two minutes. The blood came into the mouth without any efforts. She described it as issuing from about two inches below the right clavi- cle, in a warm current, making apparently a tortuous course, and at, the same time there was a sensation in that region as from the presence of a hard body. Pulse somewhat accelerated, about 85 per minute. No other symptoms were noticeable." The doctor prescribed four drops of the tincture to half a tumbler of water, of which mixture he gave a tablespoonful. The blood immediately ceased to flow, after the haemorrhage had lasted nine hours and a number of remedies had been tried in vain. The medi- cine, however, was continued for several days, at lengthening inter- vals. The following remark is appended to the doctor's report: "I never have used Hamamelis successfully, in cases of blood-spitting, where the blood was of a light red color, fluid, frothy in appearance, and raised by much cough. Nor have I used it successfully in uterine haemorrhages, except when the blood flowed steadily, was venous in its character, and without uterine pains." JALAPA, (Jalap, Nat. Ord.:—Convolvulace.e), Also termed by one writer, Bauhin, Alexican Bryonia nigricans, is found in the woods of the Mexican republic, at an elevation of nearly six thousand feet above the level of the sea. The Jalap of commerce is the root of an herbaceous shrub, a perennial tuber, covered by a very thin, blackish, dirty-looking epidermis, resembling in appear- ance our winter-radish. The dried tubers of true Jalap, found in commerce, rarely exceed a pound in weight; they vary in size from that of a fist to the size of a nut. The larger tubers are frequently found incised. AVhen JALAPA. 275 broken, good tubers should present a deep yellowish-gray color, interspersed with deep-brown concentric circles. Jalap is very apt to become worm-eaten, but the insects which attack it, devour the amylaceous and ligneous matter, leaving the resin upon which the medicinal virtues of the root principally depend. Of the root we make a deep-red tincture; if we wish to obtain the Jalap resin, we mix the alcoholic tincture with water. The precipitated resin is to be washed with warm water, and then dissolved in alcohol. This tincture is evaporated, after which the pure resin remains. In the human subject, Jalap acts as a powerful and drastic purga- tive^ producing copious liquid stools. It may cause nausea and vomiting, and sometimes gripes. Its action upon the alimentary canal is not accompanied with febrile irritation. We use Jalap in our practice to quiet the screams and nightly restlessness of infants. This use is indicated by Hahnemann himself. It is also recommended for the painful Diarrhea of infants, with violent restlessness and crying; more particularly, if the stools smell sour. It may likewise prove useful in watery diarrhea of full-grown persons, with decrease of the pulse and animal heat. In reference to the action of Jalap, Pereira makes this statement: " My own experience of Jalap would lead me to regard it as a per- fectly safe, though active cathartic. But Dr. Christison says that severe and even dangerous effects have followed its incautious use in the hands of the practical joker. I am not acquainted with any cases, in the human subject, in which its employment has been at- tended by serious consequences. It is a more drastic purgative than Senna. To Scammony it is closely allied by its effects. It is much less irritant to the intestinal mucous membrane than Gamboge. Yogt regards it as inferior to Aloes in its stimulant influence over the abdominal and pelvic blood-vessels, and Sundelin observes that, while it is more irritant, it is less heating than Aloes or Senna." When giving Jalap to children, the 6th to the 18th poteney should be chosen; full-grown persons may go down to the 3d. If it should be necessary to use a worm-medicine for the purpose of expelling worms and arresting dangerous accidents, Jalap may be used safely and with good effect. "Jalap," says Bremser, in his Treatise on AYorms, " is, without contradiction, one of the best purga- tives in worm-diseases, and perhaps, at the same time possesses greater anthelmintic virtues than any other. Purgative effects may be obtained by from two to five grains, if given to little children." 276 LECTURE LXXXI. LECTURE LXXXI. KALIUM, POTASSIUM, Discovered by Davy, October 6th, 1807; a silvery white metal of great lustre, of the consistency of wax; it takes fire when thrown on water. Graefe has used it as a cautery or moxa, by placing it close to the skin, and then burning it with a drop of water (in order to confine its action, he takes pasteboard with a hole in the centre, or a hollow brass cylinder). From this metal we obtain The protoxide of potassium, Kali, vegetable alkali, a hard, gray brittle substance, fusible at a bright-red heat, odorless, extremely caustic and alkaline. Free potash is distinguished from its salts by its communicating a green color to the infusion of red cabbage or syrup of violets ; by its reddening turmeric and restoring the blue color of litmus reddened by an acid; by its soapy feel, by its solu- bility in alcohol. You are aware that potash and its basis potassium are essential constituents of the juice of flesh and of milk. Liquor potasse, obtained by mixing together a solution of the carbonate of potash, and a small quantity of recently slaked lime, shaking them together; set the mixture by, the carbonate of lime goes down; enclose the liquor in a well-stoppered dark bottle. It is a limpid, transparent, inodorous liquid having an acrid taste. Hydrate of potash is obtained by exposing a solution of caustic potash to a boiling heat in a polished iron vessel, and evaporating the water away; this being accomplished, more heat is applied until the remaining potash flows like oil; it is then poured upon a cold iron or silver dish; as soon as the mass is hardened, we break it into fragments and enclose it in a green glass bottle, provided with an air-tight stopper. This is exclusively employed as an escharotic by Old School practitioners; I am not aware that either this or the pre- ceding agent is ever employed by homoeopathic physicians, except perhaps by Dr. Peters, who recommends liquor potassae as a solvent of fat in one of the late numbers of the North American Journal. The chemical doctrines of Liebig are sought to be applied by Dr. Peters, and. those who believe in him, with so much pertinacity, that I consider it my privilege to repeat in this place what I have written on another occasion in condemnation of these mischievous teachings of the materialistic school. After quoting from Chambers' Journal the kind of diet which should be prescribed to patients affected with fatty degeneration of the heart, the doctor goes on : " Next, the action of the heart must be invigorated; Nux vomica is the all-important remedy here; it must be used freely and regularly." KALIUM, POTASSIUM. 277 " To promote the absorption of fat from the heart and body in general, iodide of iron, iodide of potassium, iodine or liquor potassae may be relied upon. Liquor potassae, in drachm-doses, three times a day, will remove the fat at the rate of from seven to ten pounds per week." " As the pancreatic juice has much to do with the solution and absorption of fat, remedies which limit the secretion of this flum, may be used, such as tannic acid, etc." AYhat sort of a treatment is this, to be proposed by a pretended homoeopathic physician ? This species of homoeopathy is regularly dished up to the readers of the North American Journal in almost every number. Not even to mention the quantities of pepper, mustard, salt and AYorcester sauce which the doctor commends as aids to the process of digestion. Let all this pass. It is good old English diet, ^recommended by Dr. Chambers, and, upon his author- ity, by his American imitator Dr. Peters. I would ask, however, how do these quantities of pepper, mustard, salt and Worcester sauce agree with the Nux vomica which Dr. Peters prescribes as an accompaniment to these condiments ? Excellently, no doubt; but what about the liquor potassae, and the acetic acid ? Is it manly, is it honest to propose such a treatment in the name of Homoeopath)''? A morbid process is set up in the organism, in consequence of which the muscular tissue of the heart degenerates into a sort of athero- matous substance. This is a purely dynamic process, which Dr. Peters wishes to meet by converting the human body into a chemical laboratory, and saturating it with liquor potassae in drachm-doses, three times a day. " It will remove the fat," says he, " at the rate of from seven to ten pounds per week." So it will, but what will it substitute in the place ? How does it affect the morbid process in consequence of which the fat is formed ? By the time that your liquor potassae has effected any sensible reduction of the fatty matter, the digestive functions will have become so impaired, or so utterly ruined, that the use of your chemical solvent will have to be dis- continued. And now watch the reaction that is going to set in, if a reaction be still possible in an organism so enfeebled by violent drugging. The fat will form again worse than ever and your patient may become the victim of your indiscretions. I admire the sapient advice "as the pancreatic juice has much to do with the solution and absorption of fat, remedies which limit the secretion of this fluid may be used, such as tannic acid, etc." Gentlemen, let us not be deceived by such a hollow array of science. Do we not know that the cardinal distinction between Homoeopathy and Alloeopathy is this great and beautiful fact, that Homoeopathy holds the physiological laws and relations of the organism not only sacred and inviolable, but absolutely beyond the reach of human power? What is it that damns the alloeopathic method of treatment in the eyes of all good and thinking men ? It is this, that the alloeopathic physician, apparently unconscious of the existence of supreme laws which regulate every function of the living organism in a manner that man's hands should never have interfered with, sets himself up as the chief manager and director of 278 LECTURE LXXXI. the organic movements of the body; whereas the homoeopathic phy- sician simply comes forward as a humble minister of the all-wise First Cause, and, without interfering in any shape or way with the movements of the living body, which are beyond his control, simply addresses himself to the disease that has invaded the organism, and, bi specifically-appropriate means, frees this latter from the presence of the disturber. Dr. Peters proposes to renew the old game of alloeopathic brag and bombast. Out with this old blood, says the alloeopathic physician to his trusty lancet; expel me these impure humors, is his bidding to some cherished purgative; get me these glands to secrete a quart of fluid per day, is his command to his im- mortal Alercury. And here comes Dr. Peters, a pretended homoeo- path, who has no hesitation to follow the example of the illustrious sophists of the Old-School, and to positively advise the administra- tion of tannic acid in order to limit the secretion of pancreatic juice. What has the poor pancreas to do with the fatty degeneration of the heart ? AVhy should the poor pancreas, which is perfectly innocent of the mischief that is going on, be prevented from obeying its functional law, which is, to secrete a fluid that facilitates the disso- lution of fatty matters, and aid the general process of digestion? It certainly is not the legitimate object of the science of Medicine to appoint drugs as the regulators of the plrysiological functions; to employ them in checking the secretions in one place, and stimulate them in another. Drugs deal with the morbific influences or agents that disturb the functions, not with these functions themselves. In our School we use the following salts of potash as therapeutic agents: Kali carbonicum, carbonate of potash ; Kali bichromicum, bichromate of potash ; Kali chloratum, chlorate of potash ; Kali nitricum, nitrate of potash ; Kali hydriodicum, hydriodate of potash; Kali sulphuratum, sulphuret of potash; Kali bromatum, bromide of potassium. KALI CARBONICUM, (Carbonate of Potash.) This salt is obtained from the bicarbonate of potash by driving off the water of crystallization by heating this last mentioned salt, then allowing the crucible to cool, and dissolving the contents in distilled water, filtering and evaporating to dryness, stirring all the time with a rod, and keeping the crystals in a well-closed vessel. AYe make a watery solution: the second solution is likewise to be made with water, the third with dilute alcohol. According to the few cases of poisoning which we possess of this drug, it exerts a most irritating action upon the oesophagus and upon the mucous lining of the stomach and alimentary canal gene- KALI BICHROMICUM. 279 rally. In one case related by Sir Charles Bell, the inflammation of the oesophagus developed a stricture from which the patient suffered for twenty years, and finally died, completely starved out as it were. Some homoeopathic physicians have used Kali carbonicum for Amenorrhea (one case is said to have been cured by 200); it seems to be principally depended upon in Pulmonary Affections characterized by cough, expectoration of pus and blood, stricture, oppression of the chest, stinging pains. It is recommended in Mucous Phthisis, also in incipient Tubercular Phthisis with dry cough, night-sweats, hectic flushes and chills. It has been recommended in Whooping-cough by Boenninghausen. There is no doubt that it may prove homoeopathic to various dys- peptic derangements, such as Gastralgia characterized by nausea, pressure after eating, water- brash (not acid but alkaline,) spitting up of food. AYe have a number of symptoms obtained by means of the 30th potency, but exceedingly unreliable, so much so that the drug may be said to be homoeopathic to every disease mentioned in our books ; its true sphere of action is limited to the affections which I have named. KALI BICHROMICUM. (Bichromate of Potash) This is obtained in large quantities from the native chromate of iron. We make triturations or else a watery solution in the propor- tion of five to ninety-five; if more is taken, the bichromate crystal- lizes again out of the solution ; the second attenuation is made in the proportion of twenty to eighty; third, ten to ninety. This drug has been introduced to the Profession by Dr. Drysdale, of England. It is an irritant poison, of which some very character- istic effects have been recorded. Guided by the symptoms which have been observed in the workmen employed in the bichromate of potash factories, we may recommend this drug for several more or less dangerous and important maladies. We may recommend it for Chronic Rheumatic Pains in the joints, shooting and pricking pains in the limbs, and a feeling of swelling all over. Ophthalmia, with redness of the conjunctiva, pustules and leucoma of the cornea, inflammation and swelling, and incipient granular degeneration of the lids, agglutination of the lids with discharge of yellow matter, photophobia and loss of vision. Inflammation and Ulceration of the Schneiderian membrane, with serous, purulent and bloody discharges, and formation of elastic plugs, which the workmen term clinkers. We might term this a species of Ozena. Chronic Angina, redness of the fauces, inflammation and swelling 280 LECTURE LXXXI. of the uvula, ulceration of the uvula, the ulcer on the uvula dis- charging a yellowish, tenacious matter; it has been successfully used in Syphilitic Ulcerations of the throat. Dyspepsia, with waterbrash and chilliness ; nausea, vomiting of undigested food, sense of coldness in the stomach. Cardialgia: Uneasiness in the stomach, soreness and tenderness in the stomach, nausea, restlessness, heat of the hands and feet, dryness of the mouth, afterwards perspiration of hands, feet and legs. Dysenteric Attacks, with pain at the navel and bloody evacuations, every summer. Croup, in the last stage when the membrane is formed. Ulceration of the larynx. Cough, with tickling, expectoration of dark-gray or yellow mucus, also blood-streaked. Cough, with violent dizziness after coughing. Cough, preceded by violent wheezing and panting. Fixed burning pain in the middle of the. sternum; Dull, circumscribed, aching pain in the right breast, worse when drawing breath. These different varieties of cough seem to be generally accom- panied with dyspnoea, and are of a chronic character. The workmen in bichromate of potash factories are subject to a variety of eruptions which may be classed as follows: Papulae, ecthyma, eczema, impetigo. Solid eruption, like measles, over the whole body. Eruption of pustules over the whole body; the pustules are of the size of peas, with a small black slough in the centre, resting on an inflamed base. Itching followed by an eruption of small pustules forming scabs, which are painful, smarting and burning. After exposure to the furnace, the men are attacked with blotches on the legs discharging a yellow matter. Papular rash. Large ulcer with dark centre and overhanging edges; these ulcers also form on other parts of the body, are of variable size, the hardened base movable on the subjacent tissues, with a blackish spot in the centre. KALI CHL01UCUM, (Chlorate of Potash) Chlorine gas in combination with a solution of caustic potash. We have a few provings of this drug. It seems to act with some specific power upon the thoracic organs, causing oppression of the chest, with violent beating of the heart, and sensation as if the lungs were strung together as with a cord. KALI NITRICUM. 281 Dr. Liedbeck says he has used this salt with advantage as an ex- cellent palliative in a scorbutic affection, apparently, where the at- tacks came on in paroxysms. The patient was a young lady of twenty-four years. Every attack commenced with a digging pain throughout the whole body, particularly across the femora and face, with weakness of sight, twitching in the forehead; after the attack, the mouth became sore, the gums sensitive, they smelled badly, bled, suppurated, with heat and dryness of the mouth, ptyalism, sallow complexion, bloating of the face, peeling off of the lips, languor, etc. The chlorate of potash has lately been recommended for putrid sore throat and diphtheria, rather empirically I should judge, for its homoeopathicity to this affection is not as yet very apparent. It may be used as a palliative wash, to neutralize the foul odor, and as a detergent. KALI NITRICUM. (Nitrum, Nitrate of Potash) Boil the common saltpetre of the shops, remove the supernatant scum, filter and crystallize. AYe make a watery solution and after- wards potentize with alcohol. This drug has not yet been used much by homoeopathic practi- tioners ; yet it is endowed with remarkable medicinal powers, as may be seen from a few cases of poisoning which I will extract from Frank's Magazine, and from special works on Toxicology. A robust farmer and his son swallowed by mistake an ounce of saltpetre dissolved in water, in the place of Glauber-salt. Soon after, they experienced violent pains in the region of the stomach, with a peculiar feeling of coldness along the spine, and the breaking out of a cold sweat on the forehead, and on the whole body. This was followed by an uncommon feeling of anxiety, trembling of the limbs, nausea, horrid retching, vomiting and purging. The father soon relieved himself by keeping up the vomiting; next day the son still complained of tearing pains in the bowels, with excessive pain- fulness of the region of the stomach to contact; pulse rather hard. A short antiphlogistic treatment relieved him in a few days. An attack of this kind, occurring as a natural disease, might be considered as a case of Gastro-enteralgia, for which the Nitrate of potash might be an appropriate remedy. It is moreover evident from this case, that this substance affects the spinal system of nerves; we may infer this from the feeling of chilliness which the patients experienced along the spinal column. The following case of poisoning places this fact still more prominently before our eyes: A young girl had swallowed an ounce of saltpetre by mistake for Glauber-salt. Besides the ordinary signs of irritation in the throat and stomach, she was attacked with passing blindness, continual deafness and loss of speech, paralysis of the spinal chord, tetanus, etc. Next day the extremities were cold, the pulse small and inter- mittent, the features distorted, and death seemed imminent: But a 282 LECTURE LXXXI. critical sweat broke out which had a strong odor of Nitrate of potash. In about eight days, she recovered her sight and hearing, but the paralysis of the lower extremities continued for upwards of four weeks. This case shows that the Nitrate of potash may be specifi- cally adapted to acute Spinal Irritation, with prostration of the organic functions, tetanic spasms, etc. A lady swallowed two ounces of saltpetre by mistake. Soon after, vomiting of the contents of the stomach, and subsequently of pure blood of a bright-red color, partly fluid and partly coagulated. Mucilaginous drinks were administered, but everything was vomited up again, as fast as any thing was taken into the stomach. The pulse became bounding and frequent, and a warm, somewhat clammy sweat broke out, accompanied with slight chills. The vomiting of fluid and coagulated blood continued more or less all day. Next day she complained of spasmodic pains in the stomach, not contin- uous, however. Gradually the vomiting ceased; an injection brought away three stools, one of them bloody. The pains in the stomach changed to periodical paroxysms of a burning distress. The abdo- men remained somewhat painful, and the stools continued to show a few streaks of blood. A fortnight after the poisoning, muscular twitchings and involun- tary motions became distinctly perceptible. While sitting on a chair, she was suddenly seen starting up in a hurry; the muscles moved against her will, which she was unable to prevent. She exhibited all the symptoms of chorea. These symptoms lasted nearly two months. During this period, the pulse remained small, about ninety in the minute; the left arm and left leg were particularly involved; the patient, who was naturally of a gentle disposition, had become exceedingly irritable. When perfectly composed, she complained of a fixed pain in the back. After the spasms had reached a frightful degree of intensity, they gradually yielded to treatment; the lady was pregnant, and did not recover her former strength until after her confinement. Mother and child continue perfectly well. AVhat an instructive lesson may a homoeopathic physician derive from the study of this case! It tells him that the Nitrate of potash may be a remedy for Hematemesis, with vomiting of bright-red, fluid and coagulated blood, chills, warm sweat, with full and rapid pulse, afterwards burning pain. Chorea, when arising from irritation of some spinal centre, with small and somewhat accelerated pulse. A grocer's wife of Edinburgh swallowed a handful of saltpetre dissolved in water. Immediately after, she experienced a violent pain in the stomach and whole body, nausea, vomiting, embarrassment in the head, vertigo, ringing in the ears, trembling of the whole body and excessive chilliness; at the same time the whole body began to swell, including the neck and lower limbs so rapidly, that time was KALI NITRICUM. 283 scarcely allowed to undo her clothes. She recovered in five days. This woman was in the second month of her pregnancy, and mis- carried during the treatment. One remarkable symptom in this case is the sudden and extraor- dinary cedema caused by the peculiar action of the Nitrate of potash upon the circulation. This remarkable effect seems to indicate the salt under consideration as an agent that may become available in certain forms of sudden dropsy arising from violent exposure to catarrhal or rheumatic disturbing causes, or perhaps from some sudden nervous derangement consequent upon a violent fright, or any other sudden shock of the moral equilibrium. The affection sets in with a 'violent chill, trembling of the whole body, vertigo, ringing in the ears, symptoms that testify to a violent irritation of the ganglionic system resulting in a corresponding disorder and threatening disorganization of the blood in the capillary veins. It has been shown in former cases of poisoning that the Nitrate of potash is endowed with an extraordinary power of causing sangui- neous engorgements, haemorrhages, and, of consequence, decompo- sition of the blood, and the necessary consequences of such a disorganization, cedema and dropsical infiltrations. Alexander, who has subjected the Nitrate of potash and several other drugs, to a variety of experiments upon himself, has found that the first effect of this agent, when taken in large quantities, is to retard the pulse by a few beats; this effect, however, passes off very soon. He has likewise determined that the solution of the Nitrate loses its power by standing, and that a large quantity of it may be taken without any other inconvenience than an increase of the urinary secretion. One drachm of the Nitrate of potash, dissolved fresh every hour and a half in four ounces of water, at first caused, in warm weather, a feeling of coolness, afterwards coldness and pain in the stomach, and lastly sharp, stinging pains, not only in the stomach, but through the whole body; they became so violent that he was unable to draw breath without experiencing the keenest pain at every inspiration. One drachm and a half taken in the same manner, caused such violent pains in the stomach and in the whole body, that he had to desist from making further experiments. One day, after having swallowed one drachm in two ounces of water, and having allowed the effects of this dose to pass away, Alexander swallowed, about twenty minutes after the former dose, one drachm and a half in three ounces of water. In two minutes, the pulse became soft, fluttering, unequal, about seventy; soon after, he experienced a painful sensation at the cardiac orifice of the stomach; on rising from his chair, he was only able to make a few steps in his room. After resuming his seat, the pulse became so rapid, fluttering and irregular, and the head felt so giddy, that he was unable to count his pulse. It might have been from ninety-six to one hundred. After the lapse of an hour, the pulse began to resume its normal rhythm. Should not homoeopathic practitioners be grateful to such an experimenter as Alexander has proved to be, for the light he has 284 LECTURE LXXXI. shed upon the therapeutic character of several important drugs ? From his experiments we learn, how the Nitrate of potash may alter the pulse, to what an extent it may influence its frequency, its regularity, its volume; it cannot possibly impress the pulse in this -extraordinary manner, without making a deep inroad upon the move- ments of the ganglionic system. In the present instance, the invasion of the ganglionic system is characterized by a remarkable group gf stitching pains which seem to emanate from the region of the stomach as from their central point' of departure, and are rendered almost intolerable whenever the universally-ramified ganglionic filaments are put upon the stretch during the act of inspiration; a veritable inflammatory neuralgia of the ganglionic system of nerves. It remains for us now to examine the interesting provings which Professor Joerg and his disciples have instituted with the purified Nitrate of potash. This substance was proved in doses of one to sixty grains. The most remarkable effect of the Nitrate in these experiments was the increase of the urinary secretions; the urine was voided more frequently and likewise more copiously than usual. In one or two instances, after a small dose of the drug, the urine looked redder than usual; generally it was pale, with reddish clouds floating about in it, or a reddish sediment being precipitated at the bottom of the vessel. In several of the provers the increased secretion of urine was accompanied with profuse perspiration. Assmann's provings are characteristic. He had been taking scruple doses of the drug without experiencing any symptoms. He now took sixty grains in an ounce of water shortly after eating a piece of dry bread. In three minutes he experienced a slight, boring pain in the region of the stomach, with a sensation of pressure; this pain gradually increased to a dull boring distress. In half an hour he felt a moderate cutting pressure in the intestines, accompanied with emission of a good deal of flatulence, urging to stool, heartburn with slight heat over the whole body ; half an hour after, a natural stool, with urging to urinate every half hour. About noon (four hours after the last dose,) he swallowed another sixty grains in an ounce of water. This dose Avas followed by eruc- tations, nausea, yawning, ill-humor, heaviness of the head and pain over the top of the whole head, which only abated somewhat towards evening. His sleep was but scanty and heavy: next day he com- plained of loss of appetite with increase of hunger, pressure and burning in the stomach, with single violent stitches in the region of the stomach, weight and fullness in the epigastric region, and a feeling of languor in the whole body. The thirst was considerable. One hundred and twenty grains produced nearly the same symp- toms, in addition to which the submaxillary glands became enlarged, rather hard and painful; suppurating vesicles broke out in the face and on other parts of the body; the pulse became full, hard and rapid. An inflammatory irritation of the whole system seems to have been impending. On the third day, he felt free from all medicinal symptoms. KALI HYDRIODICUM. 285 Another experiment with one drachm caused a sensation in the cardiac region as if a pulse were beating at a distance; the symp- toms of cerebral congestion were marked : rush of blood to the head, with vertigo and an embarrassed feeling in the head; the forehead and cheeks were much warmer, and the hands much cooler than usual. The frontal headache continued moderately after dinner and during the afternoon. In conclusion, let me now briefly recapitulate the physiologico- therapeutic range of this very useful agent: 1. Cerebral Congestions, dizziness, frontal headache, headache over the top of the head; 2. Muscular Chorea, depending upon irritation of some point in the spinal cord; 3. Inflammatory Neuralgia characterized by stitches which dart through the whole body; 4. Spinal Irritation, beginning with a feeling of chilliness down the cord; 5. Haematemesis, vomiting of bright-red fluid and coagulated blood ; preceded by a feeling of coldness and intense distress in the stomach; 6. Chronic vomiting of blood, with burning and pain in the epigas- tric region; 7. Bulimia, with loss of appetite ; 8. Cardialgia, with feeling of coldness in the stomach, followed by a burning sensation; also boring pain in the stomach; 9. Enuresis, with pale urine, depositing reddish clouds; 10. Dropsical edema of the whole body ; 11. Restless, heavy sleep; 12. Remarkable alteration and sensitiveness of the pulse, fluttering, unequal, hurried. 13. The Nitrate of potash is often used in cases of common gonor- rhoea, for which the French use the vulgar but expressive name of chaude-pisse; there is frequent urging to urinate, and some burning in the urethra during or after urination. A common dose is five grains dissolved in water, once a day. LECTURE LXXXII. KALI HYDRIODICUM. (Iodide of Potassium, Hydriodate of Potash) This is Iodine in combination with caustic potash. It is one of the mildest preparations of Iodine, which has been used empirically by Old-School practitioners in a variety of diseases. It is particularly in affections of a mercurial, syphilitic and scrofulous character that 286 LECTURE LXXXII. this important salt is employed by homoeopathic practitioners. Some \ of them make triturations of it; but it is far better to make a watery / solution at the time when it is to be used, unless we decide to resort ; to the potentized drug. In mercurial and syphilitic affections I give ; about five grains in the twenty-four hours, dissolved in writer. Pur- suing our usual order of classification, we may range the therapeutic i properties of the Hydriodate of potash under the following groups: CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. This agent may cause congestions about the head, especially in the frontal region. It also causes a sudden headache as if a wedge were forced in between the eyes down to the base of the brain, accompanied by a violent pain in the eyes, violent pain and swelling of the corner of the eye; continual discharge of a clear fluid from this corner, with profuse secretion of tears. Lancinating stitches through the head, temples, vertex, forehead, have likewise been experienced from the Hydriodate of potash. A man of forty, who took the Hydriodate of potash for some chronic affection of the bowels, experienced, after every spoonful of a solution of ten grains of the drug in six ounces of distilled water and one ounce of gum Arabic, the following symptoms: congestion of the head, vertigo, constriction of the throat, dryness of the mouth, anxiety, continual oppression on the chest, an irritation in the throat resulting in cough, trembling of the limbs and staggering as if he were intoxicated, so that he had to lie down. These symptoms lasted about an hour, when he felt all well again; the pulse was rather tense, hard, not particularly accelerated. These various symptoms show that, in a certain order of cerebral affections, the Hydriodate of potash may be required as a therapeutic agent, more particularly in the case of scrofulous and cachectic children. It is not improbable that in Encephalitis, with tendency to effusion, or even after effusion has actually set in (hydrocephalus), this agent may still save life, if other means fail us. Frank relates several cases of acute hydrocephalus where the Hydriodate of potash effected a cure. One was a boy of five years, who had a fall on his head. Eight days after this occur- rence, the following symptoms suddenly set in: Complete stupor and blindness, heat about the head, immobility of the pupils, com- plete.cessation of the secretions, hurried pulse and violent convul- sions which terminated in permanent opisthotonos. A pretty strong solution of the Hydriodate of potash was given in teaspoonful doses. Yery soon the urine began to flow in abundance, and a profuse coryza took place. The patient recovered. Another scrofulous boy of two years was attacked with meningitis. After a most fruitless antiphlogistic treatment, all the signs of effu- sion showed themselves: staring and watery eyes, immovable and dilated pupils, complete blindness, tetanic rigidity of the cervical muscles, boring of the head into the pillow, paralysis of the left extremities, deep sopor, slow pulse, fifty in the minute, whereas it had previously been small and rapid; frequent crying out and KALI HYDRIODICUM. 287 vomiting. The Hydriodate of potash was given for three days without any apparent change in the symptoms; on the third day profuse urination and a catarrhal discharge from the nose took place, after which the child recovered. At the commencement of the sick- ness, a tumor of a stony hardness showed itself on the side of the neck. This was poulticed in the course of the sickness, and dis- charged a copious quantity of good pus, together with a mass of necrotic cellular tissue. I look upon the Hydriodate of potash as an admirable remedy for congestions of the brain, or inflammatory irritations of the meningeal membranes arising from the suppression of an habitual catarrhal discharge from the nose. The medicine may have to be given in massive doses to restore the discharge, and thereby save the patient's life. AYe have seen before that this drug may cause violent trembling, to such an extent that the patient may have to lie down. This makes it valuable as an antidote to Mercurial 'Tremors, and to purely nervous affections, where trem- bling is a prominent symptom. Even in Hysteria or Hysteric Spasms, this medicine has been employed with excellent effect. Frank relates the case of a lady of forty- three years, of exceedingly fitful temperament, at times depressed even to despair, and then again of unbounded hilarity. At times she remained almost without food. At such times she had violent spasms of the respiratory and abdominal muscles; the heart beat irregularly, and she was tormented by anguish. She uttered pierc- ing cries, complained of sharp pains in the region of the heart, attempted to tear the flesh off her breast. These spasms often continued for weeks; the pulse was feeble, slow, small, and could scarcely be felt. She had been getting worse for the last ten years. All treatment had been unavailable so far. She took the Hydrio- date of potash for three weeks, and remained perfectly well after this. The case was reported one year after the cure; up to that period she had continued to enjoy good health. ORBITAL GROUP. The Hydriodate of potash may be of use in chronic inflammatory affections of the eyes, more particularly when of a scrofulous charac- ter; chronic Sore Eyes, remaining after an acute inflammation, with oedema of the lids, specks on the cornea, secretion of tears. CEdema of the eyelids is a characteristic effect of this drug in scrofulous individuals. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. Its action upon the lining membrane of the inner mouth is very remarkable. The Hydriodate of potash may develope stomatitis resembling in all respects that caused by Alercury. In the case of a young soldier, 288 LECTURE LXXXII. twenty-two years old, the Hydriodate of potash-ointment applied to the jaws, caused the following remarkable group of symptoms: Heat in the whole mouth, violent ptyalism followed by broad, irre- gular, superficial ulcerations of the mucous lining of the upper jaw, exhibiting a whitish surface as if lined with milk, and narrow, almost colorless edges; these ulcerations emitted a fetid mercurial odor, and very soon spread along the margin of the tongue, over the inner surface of the cheek opposite the gums, and breaking out more especially along the alveolar margin of the gums, which had receded from the teeth, leaving these latter loose and denuded ; this inflam- mation was attended with a general febrile reaction, and the swelling was so considerable that the patient found it impossible to open his mouth; the tongue, tonsils and the soft parts of the affected side were involved in this affection, and the ptyalism was excessive. The patient had lost all appetite and sleep, and the pain was so great that he was occasionally attacked with spasms. The patient having never been affected with syphilis, nor subjected to mercurial treat- ment, this violent phlegmasia of the mouth had to be attributed to the action of the Hydriodate of potash. When it became possible to examine the inner mouth, the impres- sions of the teeth became distinctly visible along the margin of the swollen tongue; the ulcers in the tongue and cheek were deeper than at first, but no longer exhibited the same ash-colored appear- ance ; their edges had become more prominent, indurated and looked bluish; the gums looked spongy, yellowish-gray, ulcerated; the teeth were still somewhat loose and the pain of the affected parts was less. Astringent applications soon removed this whole difficulty. Another soldier was affected in a precisely similar manner. Iodine and its compound, the Hydriodate of potash, have been given as antidotes against mercurial stomatitis. In the Berlin Hos- pitals, the tincture of Iodine is very commonly resorted to for such purposes with astonishing effect. Nevertheless Alartin, who reports these and other similar cases in the Rdvue Medicale, comes to the sapient conclusion that Iodine cannot possibly cure ptyalism, be- cause "it would be irrational to attribute an anti-sialogogue property to a drug ivhich is itself capable of producing this effect in the highest degree of intensity and duration." This shows, as Frank justly observes, to what injustice and absur- dities a blind adherence to scholastic dogmatism may lead. The curative virtue of Iodine in mercurial ptyalism is denied, for no other reason than because it does not square with the stale dogma "contraria contrariis." In chronic Angina faucium, with ulceration of the velum, of a scrofulous, non-syphilitic nature, the Hydriodate of potash has effected a cure. This agent is not without some marked action upon the stomach and bowels. In two females, Wallace observed after thirty grains: extreme sick feeling, sensitiveness of the mouth and fauces, colicky pains, vomiting, slight diarrhoea, frequent pulse and exhaustion. KALI HYDRIODICUM. 289 Frank relates the following case of what the reporter considered as a Degeneration of the mucous lining of the stomach, where the Hydriodate of potash is represented as having effected a cure. Pathologically, and, to some extent, symptomatically, it may un- doubtedly exercise a curative action in such cases as the following: A man of forty-eight years with some disposition to piles, and afflicted with the gout, complained in January of loss of appetite, loathing against meat, bitter taste in the mouth, coated tongue, pressure and burning in the cardiac region, irregular stool, at times hard, at other times diarrhoeic, and then again costive; dullness of the head, stupid feeling in the head, headache, vomiting, heartburn, gagging with expulsion of phlegm, sleeplessness, emaciation; and at a later period, stitches in the cardiac region, vomiting of a thin, insipid, sour phlegm, and a feeling of embarrassment in the cardiac region of the stomach, in consequence of which the food was brought up again with great distress. He was put on the use of the Hydrio- date of potash and Iodine in small, gradually increasing and then again decreasing doses (and leeches at the anus, on account of the piles I presume!), and had his health perfectly restored within three months. During the use of these Iodine preparations, there was a sensible diminution of the muscles of the lower extremities, aversion to sexual intercourse, and dwindling of the testes. In the eight weeks, these had diminished by one-third, and complete impotence had set in. These symptoms were undoubtedly attributable to the excess of Iodine rather than to the Hydriodate. GENITO-URINARY GROUP. This agent causes a copious secretion of a pale and watery urine, and a discharge of mucus from the urethra in both sexes. AVe may therefore recommend the Hydriodate of potash as a remedy for the Enuresis nocturna of scrofulous children, or for the enuresis caused by abuse of Alercury. It may also prove useful in Irritable Bladder, and Catarrh of the bladder. In Gonorrhea of long standing, with constant urging to urinate, dis- charge of green, thick mucus, burning pain during urination which caused a spasmodic constriction of the exceedingly sensitive and irritable urethra, the Hydriodate of potash, with an excess of Iodine, effected a perfect cure after a variety of remedies had been tried in vain for upwards of a year. In Leucorrhea, as a symptom of scrofulosis, the internal use of this agent, together with mild injections of the same, has effected a cure. RESPIRATORY GROUP. The Hydriodate of potash affects the mucous lining of the whole of the respiratory tract with peculiar intensity. It seems to be possessed of a peculiar power to irritate the mucous lining of the frontal sinuses and the Schneiderian membrane. It causes an in- VOL. II. —19 290 LECTURE LXXXII. flammation of the mucous membrane of the nose and eyelids. Noack and Trinks give the following picture of the Hydriodate of potash- catarrh : " Catarrhal inflammation of the Schneiderian membrane, in the frontal sinuses and the antrum Highmorianum as far as the posterior nares; red, swollen nose, with constant discharge of a watery, acrid, colorless liquid from both nostrils, and violent, painful sneezing, swelling of the eyelids with profuse lachrymation and injected appearance of the conjunctiva, stinging pain in the ears, redness of the face with expression of anguish and uneasiness, horrid throbbing distress in the frontal region, accompanied with a feeling of compres- sion in both sides of the brain, and with a sensation as if the volume of the brain had increased threefold, with tossing about in the bed, excessive irritability bordering upon rage, loathing which causes one to shake, white coating of the tongue, nasal sound of the voice, violent thirst and catarrhal fever characterized by heat and dryness of the skin, alternating with profuse sweat, predominance of heat with intercurrent chills, and dark, hot urine. We see from this statement what an important agent this drug may be in Chronic Catarrh of the nose and frontal sinuses, with predominance of inflammatory symptoms. In the case of a girl treated by Neuber, a tablespoonful of a solution of thirty grains of the Hydriodate in three ounces of mucilage, produced a group of symptoms which resembled an attack of inflammatory influenza, viz.: vertigo and headache; bloated and flushed face, staring look, oedematous swelling of the eyelids and nose, erysipelatous redness of the nose, profuse perspiration in the face, anxiety, labored breathing with rattling of mucus, aphonia, etc. In Chronic Catarrh characterized by such paroxysms as these, the Hydriodate of potash maybe indispensable to eradicate the scrofulous element which gives rise to them. The action of the Hydriodate of potash upon the mucous lining of the larynx and bronchial tubes is marked by important and instruc- tive symptoms; some of the leading symptoms are the following: Hoarseness, pain in the chest, cough and slight oppression of breathing, with pain in both eyes. Rough feeling in the trachea, obliging one to hawk; Short and dry cough, occasioned by roughness in the throat: Dry cough, with a feeling of soreness in the larynx ; Dry and hacking cough, afterwards accompanied by a copious greenish expectoration; Disagreeable dryness and irritation in the throat; waking every night with an oppression on the chest, loss of voice, and all the symptoms which generally characterize a violent attack of spasmodic croup. Bloody cough. These symptoms justify the use of the Hydriodate of potash in Subacute Bronchitis and in Laryngeal Phthisis, when the scrofulous miasm seems to be the determining cause of the trouble. KALI HYDRIODICUM. 291 Frank reports several cases of this affection, where the Hydriodate of potash effected a cure. I will quote one of them. A young woman of twenty-eight years, who had had several attacks of inflam- mation of the larynx, which left her with a chronic cough, blood- streaked expectoration, titillation in the larynx, burning-gnawing pain in the larynx, emaciation, hoarseness, almost complete aphonia, paroxysms of suffocative cough, loose, purulent expectoration which was mixed with saliva and had a fetid smell and a saltish taste; the burning-gnawing pain on the left side of the larynx was aggravated by pressure, and became an acute stitching pain during deglutition; at the root and on the left side the tongue was thickly coated; the submaxillary glands were swollen, pulse frequent and small, colli- quative sweats. Auscultation revealed mucous rale and wheezing in the larynx during an inspiration; latterly the patient likewise complained of shooting stitches in the upper and left lobe of the lungs. The patient was scrofulous, but had never been affected with syphilis. She was put on the use of the Hydriodate of potash in five-grain doses, with a gradual increase until she was able to take thirty grains a day. After using the drug for sixteen weeks without interruption, she was completely restored, except a slight roughness in the sound of her voice, which she did not consider it worth her while to be treated for. When the case was reported, the patient continued to enjoy good health. This substance likewise affects the mucous lining of the lungs. While using the Hydriodate of potash, Wallace observed in front and low down in the region of the false ribs, an acute pain with some cough and dyspnoea, accompanied with violent fever. He is unable to say what organ was affected, but most probably the mucous lining of the lungs. A similar pain has been noticed by other observers. In Pleuro-pneumonia, of a scrofulous character, with tendency to the chronic form, this substance may prove of great importance. The mucous membrane is the seat of the inflammation. Dyspnoea, excessive soreness, even to the touch, acute stitches, expectoration of tenacious mucus after a severe fit of cough, are necessarily present. At a later stage of this disease, it may assume the form of Mucous Phthisis, with purulent expectoration, constant exhausting cough, night-sweats, colliquative stools, etc. The Hydriodate of potash in alternation with an occasional dose of Aconite, may prove the most useful, if not curative, at least palliative agent. EXANTHEMATIC GROUP. Under this head we may group together, for the sake of conveni- ence, the various syphilitic and scrofulous eruptions and disorgani- zations for which this agent is recognized as one of the most efficient known remedies. We use it with more or less success in Goitre ; Glandular Indurations and enlargements; Scirrhous Indurations; 292 LECTURE LXXXII. Scrofulous Ulcers in the throat, on the legs, and in other parts of the body; White Swelling of the knee; Caries of bones; Syphilis, primary, secondary and tertiary; ulcerations, eruptions, papulae, herpes, maculae. Syphilitic Ozena ; swelling and induration of the prostate gland; periostitis, nodes, swelling and caries of bones. Inflammation, swelling and induration of the testes from suppression of gonorrhoea; Syphilitic U'leers in the throat; chancre on the prepuce and glans, buboes, etc. Antidotal Treatment in cases of poisoning with the salts of potash. Poisonous doses of the Carbonate of potash are antidoted by vine- gar and water, aqueous solutions of citric acid; almond, olive, or lamp oil. In a case of poisoning with the Bichromate of potash, we first admin- ister an emetic; afterwards we may give a mixture of chalk or mag- nesia with milk, or the whites and yolks of eggs mixed up with water. Against the Nitrate of potash no chemical antidote is known; in a case of poisoning, we should remove the poison from the stomach as soon as possible, and administer tepid emollient drinks. Pereira thinks that Opiates may be advantageously administered. Inflam- matory symptoms are to be combated with Aconite, &c. The same treatment applies to poisoning with the Hydriodate .of potash. Remove the poison as speedily as possible by means of an emetic, and afterwards resort to demulcent and emollient drinks. Pain may be hushed by opiates. Inflammation is to be combated by Aconite; ptyalism by astringent washes. I need hardly repeat here that the Hydriodate of potash is one of our most efficient agents in counteracting the effects of chronic constitutional poisoning by Alercury, described under the ominous appellation of hydrargyria. KALI BROMATUM, {Bromide of Potassium) The Bromide of potassium of which Hoering swallowed thirty- seven grains in the space of nine days, developed all the symptoms of Bromine, and moreover a disagreeable and exceedingly painful hoarseness. Ten grains of this Bromide, applied to the denuded surface on the arm, caused a violent, drawing-burning pain in the whole arm, with the pulse up to 85 or 90. Next day he had several papescent and afterwards liquid stools; increased secretion of urine; racking cough with dulness and confusion in the head; violent headache, particularly in the occiput; loathing, effort to vomit, with vomiting of mucus; saltish taste in the mouth. Heimerdinger swallowed 30 grains of the Bromide of potassium dissolved in half an ounce of water, upon an empty stomach. He KALI BROMATUM. 293 experienced the following symptoms, which we give in the order of their development: Ptyalism, saltish taste, feeling of warmth in the abdomen; in a few hours, violent vertigo with confusion of the head, dilatation of the pupils, repeated eructations, slight colic, flatu- lence, slight oppression when drawing breath; troublesome pressure at the stomach after dinner, lassitude, thirst, increased secretion of urine. Sixty grains divided into six powders and the whole of them swallowed in the course of the day, produced the same symptoms. Dr. Puche of Paris has administered the Bromide of potassium in enormous doses to syphilitic patients. He commenced the treat- ment with doses of 36, 72 and 108 grains dissolved in mucilage or a simple infusion, toast-water, etc. From the eighth or tenth day of the treatment the doses were gradually increased to 180, 270 and 360 grains. These enormous doses produced some striking medi- cinal effects, and it is these to which I desire to direct the reader's attention. These doses induced a remarkable headache. Soon after setting in, it developed a sort of dulness and giddiness such as may be observed in some forms of typhus, and the sight and hearing like- wise became disturbed. The memory and the thinking faculty were impaired; the giddiness was generally accompanied with drowsi- ness and sometimes with actual stupor; delirium was seldom present. As a consequence of this giddiness or intoxication we observe a remarkable degree of restlessness and fitfulness of motion, the patients being sometimes unable to keep themselves on their feet. At the same time the sensibility is so far gone that the skin can be pricked, pinched, and burned even without the patient being vat all conscious of it. This insensibility, however, is one of the more remote effects of the Bromide of potassium, and only sets in after the continued exhibition of enormous doses. Alany of these headache-symptoms correspond with the symp- toms developed by Hoering and Heimerdinger. These symptoms do not seem to justify the use of the Bromide of potassium in ordinary forms of headache. The headache which comes within the curative range of this agent, seems to form part of a constitutional cachexia, hydrargyria, scrofulosis or perhaps tuberculosis. In syphilitic affections the Bromide of potassium has disappointed Puche, Ricord and other experimenters. This salt has been tried in secondary as well as tertiary syphilis, roseola, papulae, glanular enlargements, exostoses, nocturnal bone-pains, gummata, ulcers in the throat, without producing the least favorable change in a single case. The springs of Nauheim, Kreutznach, Homburg, Bourbonne, etc., in Germany and France owe their therapeutic powers to the pres- ence of large quantities of Iodine and Bromine. According to the observations of Dr. Puche, the Bromide of 294 LECTURE LXXXII. potassium affects the sexual organs of the male very differently from what is observed from the Iodide of potassium. Even in the case of the most robust individuals the sexual morning-erections ceased, and a state of impotence supervened, which lasted even for some days after the drug was discontinued. The Iodide of potas- sium, on the contrary, produces an opposite result. The erections are more frequent, more vigorous than in the normal state of the organism. Hence we may conclude that Impotence may be favorably acted upon by the Bromide of potas- sium, more especially in the case of scrofulous individuals who have been guilty of excesses, or when constituting a symptom of mercurial cachexia. This consideration may be complicated with incontinence of urine, which is likewise one of the effects of the Bromide upon the urinary system. We may recommend the Bromide of potassium in Chronic Affections of the Air-Passages, with distressing hoarseness, headache, hacking cough, oppression on the chest, saltish taste in the mouth. AYe may use the first or second attenuation to be pre- pared from a watery solution. We have said before that this drug may prove eminently adapted to such affections when grafted upon a scrofulous or tubercular base. KALI SULPHURATUM, (Sulphuret of Potash) This compound of Sulphur and Potash is not much used by ho- moeopathic practitioners. It is a most violent poison, which may destroy life by asphyxia in a few minutes. I have already alluded to this agent when speaking of the itch. Autenrieth employs it in this malady in the following manner: he makes a solution of one part of the Sulphuret of potash in eight, twelve or twenty parts of water. By means of a common sponge previously moistened with hot water, he washes the skin in every place where the eruption may possibly show itself, with this solution for several days, every four hours. This imparts to the pustules a blackish look, they dry up, and a cure is effected in fifteen to eighteen days. Pustules in process of formation, are likewise destroyed by this proceeding. The solution must be left a few minutes upon the skin after every appli- cation, before it is washed off again. After the treatment is com- pleted, the bed clothes and linen of the patient have to be thoroughly boiled in water, and cleansed of every infectious material which may possibly adhere to them. This substance was formerly used as a sort of stereotyped antidote to poisons, although itself an exceedingly poisonous agent. The advances which have been made in toxicology, have caused us to abandon this kind of antidotal treatment. I must call your attention to the fact that both the Sulphuret of potash and the Sulphuret of lime are frequently alluded to in medi- KREASOTUM. 295 cal works under the simple denomination of Hepar sulphuris. This has led to the strangest confusion, even in such writers as Altschul of Prague. In his " Pharmaco-dynamics he applies to the Sulphuret of lime the method which Autenrieth recommends; this practitioner refers to the Sulphuret of potash. Altschul likewise represents Orfila's experiments as having been made with the Sul- phuret of lime, whereas they were made with the Sulphuret of potash. All his general reasonings about Old-School views and methods concerning Hepar sulphuris, refers to the Sulphuret of potash, whereas Altschul connects them with the Sulphuret of lime, the common Hepar sulphuris calcareum, or the Calcaria sulphurata: a vast difference and a very curious mistake! ANTIDOTAL TREATMENT. The vegetable acids, acetic and citric acid. Opium has been given empirically as an antidote. Tobacco seems to antagonize its effects. In persons addicted to chewing, it has much less effect in proportion to the quantity given. LECTURE LXXXIII. KREASOTUM, (Kreasote) From kreas (flesh) and sodso (I preserve); so called by its dis- coverer Reichenbach, on account of its antiseptic properties. Do not spell Creosote, as some do who are ignorant of the etymological origin of this word. It is obtained by the destructive distillation of organic substances, contained in tar, Dippel's oil, wood-smoke, etc. Pure Kreasote is colorless and transparent; its odor that of smoked meat, its taste burning and caustic. It is soluble in alcohol. Its antiseptic properties depend upon its power of coagulating albumen; no muscular fibre, apart from albumen, is capable of the putrefactive process. In a case of poisoning, where the dose swallowed was two drachms, the patient suffered agonizing, burning pains in the bowels, and died in thirty-six hours of gastro-enteritis. In a case which came under our own immediate notice, life was saved by the use of emetics, and large quantities of tepid milk, which kept up the vomiting and subdued the irritation. Pereira observes that Kreasote increases the secretion of urine, but that in diabetes mellitus, it decreases it. It may therefore prove homoeopathic to this disease to some extent. 296 LECTURE LXXXIII. Large doses of Kreasote cause diarrhoea and even dysentery, with nausea, vomiting, heat or burning in the stomach and bowels; these svmptoms may be attended with symptoms of cerebral irritation, such as giddiness, headache, heat in the head and even insensibility. Guided by these symptoms we may therefore recommend Kreasote for gastro-intestinal irritations of a typhoid nature, when such symp- toms as I have enumerated just now, are present, and the foul or ichorous character of the discharges indicates a disorganizing process in the intestinal mucous membrane. Kreasote has likewise been used to correct foul discharges from the vagina, malignant ulcerations of the neck of the womb, with discharge of foul mucus or pus, and it has been applied in the shape of an ointment to foul and indolent ulcers, sometimes with benefit. It is also used as an external application to burns and scalds. The water of Kreasote is generally employed for these purposes, one drop of Kreasote in eighty drops of water. Chilblains have been managed in a similar .manner with success. In conclusion it may be observed that Kreasote seems adapted to the female organism ; hysteric or nervous females are benefited by it. The vomiting of hysteric females during pregnancy is often relieved by it; premature "menstruation, with discharge of bad blood, ner- vousness and foul leucorrhea, may be remedied by it. The antiseptic properties of Kreasote have been made available in the treatment of various affections characterized by predominant tendency to malignant disorganizations of tissue. In this respect the use of Kreasote has undoubtedly been abused. AYhen this sub stance was first introduced as a therapeutic agent about the year 1829, the enthusiasm of its friends proclaimed it in advance as a specific for cancer, tetter, haemorrhage, scrofula, phthisis, caries. The people and the profession became so infatuated with this agent that the Academy of Aledicine was compelled to appoint a com- mittee for the purpose of investigating the therapeutic powers of the new drug, and reporting upon them. This report limits the sphere of Kreasote to the affections for which we have suggested its use. We will now proceed to illustrate its curative action by a few cases which we find reported in Frank's Alagazine. Ulcerous Disorganizations of the Dermoid Tissue. Elephantiasis. A tailor, sixty years old, of sallow complexion, slender make, and choleric temperament, had been afflicted for years with cardialgia and chronic urticaria, for which all sorts of remedies had been used in vain. In the summer of 1835 these ailments increased, the patient was occasionally attacked with fever, and lost his appetite. After these symptoms had continued three weeks, the patient had a violent attack of fever, after which he experienced acute pain in the left foot, with swelling of the part. The swelling was soft, doughy, and invaded the toes and sole of the foot, so that the patient was unable to walk. In a few weeks the swelling had increased and become harder, the nails became bulbous, exfoliated KREASOTUM. 297 and cracked; the skin which had been of a shining white heretofore, looked gray, and, in some places, cracked and assumed the color of a nut; these places now began to ulcerate, secreting first a honey-like ichor which dried up in layers, and afterwards changing to deep ulcers, with callous edges and a fungous base, and secreting a fetid, thin ichor. The whole foot looked monstrous, but the general health had improved rather than otherwise, the swelling of the inguinal glands which had set in at the commencement of the present trouble, had ceased, and all the patient complained of, was his in- ability to use his foot. The pains were trifling. There was no misapprehending the character of this disease, it was a case of ele- phantiasis. The patient applied to a number of physicians without the least effect. The red Precipitate and Arsenic were used in vain. In the mean while phagedenic ulcers had formed, spreading a horri- ble odor. Dr. Hesse was now called ; he applied bundles of lint to the ulcers, moistened with a solution of one part Kreasote and four parts of water; within two days already an improvement became visible, and after the persistent external use of Kreasote during five months the patient's health was completely restored. Fistulous Ulcerations of the breasts, of a malignant character have been healed by means of injections with the water of Kreasote. A man was attacked with a large swelling of the right breast which proved to be a fistulous ulcer. Injections of Kreasote-water healed it. Ulcus frontis. A little girl, six years old, had a fall on the fore- head, which caused a contusion of the integuments, but so painless and with such a trifling loss of blood, that no advice was sought. After the lapse of a fortnight, the wound had been changed to a small profusely-suppurating, scrofulous ulcer, filled with fleshy granulations of a pale-red color. All treatment seemed fruitless until the ulcer was touched with the water of Kreasote on the 6th of September; a crust had formed over night under which some pus was concealed. Krebs who reports this case, detached the crust, and covered the flesh-colored ulcer with lint moistened with the water of Kreasote. On the 8th a firm crust had formed which fell off and left the part well. Ulcera pedum. Heckenberger relates several interesting cases of this disorder; in one case, the patient, a peasant of fifty years, had at least fifty ulcers on the left leg, surrounded by uneven, loose margins, some of them flat and some deeper, all of them covered with a badly smelling, brownish, thin ichor, and causing a trouble- some itching and burning. Some of them were connected with each other under the bluish red skin by fistulous canals. The integu- ments over these canals were hypertrophied, presenting the shape of whitish, elongated, indurated swellings of the thickness of the thumb. Around the ankles were several ulcers penetrating to" the bone. After opening the fistulae, and removing the hypertrophied integuments with the knife, lint moistened with the water of Kreasote 298 LECTURE LXXXIII. was applied, and the ulcers soon healed permanently. The haemor- rhage which resulted from removing the hypertrophied mass, was arrested by applying the pure Kreasote to the mouths of the bleeding vessels; the bright-red arterial blood was instantaneously converted into a whitish-gray dense mass, and the haemorrhage was arrested. According to Hechenberger's observation, Kreasote is specifically suitable to persons tainted with the arthritic dyscrasia, with a jaun- diced, dingy-sallow complexion, fetor from the mouth, wrinkled, dry, lax skin, depressed spirits, etc. The ulcers for which Kreasote is adapted, have the following pathognomonic characteristics: Upon a dingy-red, bluish, scaly portion of the skin of the lower tibia, dorsa of the feet or malleoli, which moreover exhibits a number of more or less marked, varicose swellings, an erosion spreads which is generally flat, of a morbid color, always secreting a moisture, and sometimes flowing very pro- fusely, with itching, and sometimes, especially at night, intolerably burning pains. Hechenberger observes that " pure Kreasote, mixed with a little French brandy, and frequently applied to such torturing ulcers, at first increases the burning, and causes a more copious secretion of the thin, watery corrosive fluid, but this burning pain soon subsides, and is succeeded by a pleasant feeling of coolness and painlessness. Carcinomatous degeneration of the skin. The carcinoma had the size of a man's hand. After bathing with one part of Kreasote and three parts of distilled water, the carcinoma soon assumed a whitish appearance, and formed a scurf which became detached on the fourth day, exhibiting sound granulations. The central portion healed after three more applications of the water, the periphery proved more resisting, but healed perfectly after seven applications of a solution of equal parts of Kreasote and water. Telangiectasia, Nevi materni, Erectile Tumors. They can be re- moved by applying the water of Kreasote, about one drop of Krea- sote to eighty drops of water, two or three times a day; the effects of these applications are excoriation, ulceration, and gradual cica- trization, the skin remaining smooth and scarcely any trace of dis- figurement remaining visible. Leucorrheal Discharges depending upon superficial ulceration of the orifice of the womb, have readily yielded in many cases to the application of the water of Kreasote. Rhagades of the nipples have been healed in three days by apply- ing the water of Kreasote. Gangrena oris caused by improper nourishment, and living in damp, dark and badly ventilated apartments, and Hemorrhage from the gums, resulting from a scorbutic degenera- tion of the parts, have likewise yielded to a wash of Kreasote. The external application of Kreasote, like that of lead-water and LOBELIA IXFLATA. 299 other astringent agents, may lead to unpleasant consequences unless conducted in a safe and scientific manner. Suppression does not constitute a cure. In one case a girl of nineteen years, of a chlo- rotic habit of body, had been afflicted for three years with a carious ulcer on the left tibia, from which a vicarious haemorrhage took place which had taken the place of the menstrual discharge. The haemorrhage was soon arrested after the application of the water of Kreasote, but the patient was soon after attacked with a tertian fever which yielded to Quinine, after which the haemorrhage reappeared. A tall peasant had had a fistulous ulcer on the back, and never felt better than when the ulcer discharged profusely. A neighbor advised him to suppress the discharge by means of the water of Kreasote; he did so, an inflammation of the knee joint set in which terminated in ulceration. It seems hardly necessary to caution the student of Homoeopathy against crediting the great virtues which Kreasote is supposed by some to possess in pulmonary phthisis. The inhalations of the vapors of Kreasote water may be able to modify the catarrhal irri- tations of the bronchial or pulmonary lining membrane; but genuine phthisis is altogether beyond the therapeutic range of this, and pro- bably of any other drug. Kreasote may prove useful in certain forms of neuralgia of the character of rheumatism, Neuralgic Rheumatism or Rheumatic Neuralgia. The case reported by Dr. Kitchen of Philadelphia in my Symptomen Codex, where the head, face, jaw, shoulder, arm, tongue, and more especially the side of the neck were affected, the head being drawn over to the affected side, with heaviness of the eyelids, cold surface but no fever following, brought on by talking, moving or sitting up, or lying on the side not affected, seems to have been a case of simple neuralgia, although exposure to a draught when over-heated or perspiring, may have had a good deal to do with the breaking out of the parox- ysm. It was attended with chattering of the teeth, and a very ex- citable, irritable, nervous state. LECTURE LXXXIV. LOBELIA INFLATA. (Emetic herb, Indian Tobacco.—Nat Ord.:—Lobeliace^e.) This plant is said to have been employed by our Indians ; it was introduced to the notice of the profession by Rev. Dr. Cutler of Alassachusetts. It is a native of North-America, and begins to flower in July; the flowers are small, of a delicate blue. This drug is well known for 300 LECTURE LXXXIV. its emetic properties, it is a chief anchor of the so-called botanic or Thomsonian practice. It seems to affect chiefly the pneumo-gastric nerve; in full doses it causes severe and speedy vomiting, attended with continued and distressing nausea, sometimes purging, copious sweating and great general relaxation. The symptoms are usually preceded by giddiness, headache and general tremors. Thomson, the author of the botanic system of medicine, claims to have discovered the medicinal properties of Lobelia. His own account of his discovery is as follows: "Some time in the summer, after I was four years old, being out in the fields in search of the cows, I discovered a plant which had a singular branch and pods, that I had never before seen, and I had the curiosity to pick some of the pods and chew them; the taste and operation produced were so remarkable that I never forgot it. I afterwards used to induce other boys to chew it, merely by way of sport to see them vomit. I tried this herb in this way for nearly twenty years, without knowing anything of its medical virtues. It had never occurred to me that it was of any value as medicine, until, when mowing in the field with a number of men one day, I cut a sprig of it, and gave to the man next to me, who eat it; when we had got to the end of the piece, which was about six rods, he said he believed what I had given him would kill him, for he never felt so in his life. I looked at him, and saw that he was in a most profuse perspiration, being wet all over as he could be; he trembled very much, and there was no more color in him than a corpse. I told him to go to the spring and drink some water; he attempted to go, and got as far as the wall, but was unable to get over it, and laid down on the ground and vomited several times. He said he thought he threw off his stomach two quarts. I then helped him into the house, and in about two hours he ate a very hearty dinner, and in the afternoon was able to do a good half day's labor. He afterwards told me that he never had anything to do him so much good in his life; his appetite was remarkably good, and he felt better than he had for a long time." It was recommended by Thomson for asthma and other com- plaints of the lungs. Dr. Cutler relates his own case of asthma in the following manner: "It has been my misfortune to be asthmatic for about ten years. I have made trial of a great variety of the usual remedies with very little benefit. In several paroxysms I had found immediate relief, more frequently than from anything else, from the skunk-cabbage, (Dracontium fetidum, Lin., Arum Americanum, Catesby). The last summer I had the severest attack I ever experienced. It commenced early in August, and continued about eight weeks. Dr. Drury, of Marblehead, also an asthmatic, had made use of the Indian tobacco, by the advice of a friend, in a severe paroxysm early in the spring. It gave him immediate relief, and he has been entirely free from the complaint from that time. I had a tincture made of the fresh plant, and took care to have the spirit fully saturated, which I think is important. In a paroxysm, which perhaps was as severe as I ever ex- perienced, the difficulty of breathing extreme, and after it had con- LOBELIA ixflata. 301 tinued for a considerable time, I took a tablespoonful. In three or four minutes my breathing was as free as it ever was, but I felt no nausea at the stomach. In ten minutes I took another spoonful, which occasioned sickness. After ten minutes I took the third, which produced sensible effects upon the coats of the stomach, and a very little moderate puking, and a kind of prickly sensation through the whole system, even to the extremities of the fingers and toes. The urinary passage was perceptibly affected by producing a smart- ing sensation on passing urine, which was probably provoked by stimulus upon the bladder. But all these sensations very soon sub- sided, and vigor seemed to be restored to the constitution which I had not experienced for years. I have not since had a paroxysm, and only a few times some small symptoms of asthma. Besides the vio- lent attacks, I had scarcely passed a night without more or less of it, and often so as not to be able to lie in bed. Since that time I have enjoyed as good health as, perhaps, before the first attack." He afterwards further remarks that " in all instances of which I have had information, it has produced immediate relief, but the effects have been different in different kinds of asthma, some patients have been severely puked with only a teaspoonful, but in all cases some nausea seems to be necessary. The asthma with which I have been afflicted, I conceive to be of that kind which Dr. Bree, in his practical in- quiries on disordered respiration, etc., calls the first species, ' a con- vulsive asthma from pulmonic irritation of effused serum.' Aly con- stitution has been free, I believe, from any other disorder, than what has been occasioned by an affection of the lungs, anxiety of the praecordia, and straitness of the breast, and other symptoms produced by that affection." Lobelia seems undoubtedly to be homoeopathic to some forms of spasmodic asthma, more particularly, if the asthma is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, a sensation of oppression and weakness at the epigastrium or a sensation as if a lump had lodged in the throat. In alloeopathic hands, asthma has often been relieved with Lobelia upon the alterative principle, by exciting vomiting. The cases where Lobelia will really be found homoeopathic to the dis- ease, I think are but few. In asthma arising from the suppression of an acute rash on the chest or neck, I do not think that Lobelia will often be found indicated as a homoeopathic remedy. Noack recommends this drug as homoeopathic to some forms of cardialgia, more particularly when characterized by oppression at the stomach, nausea, flow of water from the mouth, disposition to vomit without any actual vomiting. In one case treated by Noack, the patient had a fright which caused a suppression of the menses, nausea, bitter taste, thirst, vomit- ing of bile, severe pressing in the epigastrium after eating and also between meals, and always worse in the evening; oppression and anxiety on the chest, and pain in the sacral region; her tongue had a yellow coating, and her pulse was small, weak and slow. A few drops of the tincture of Lobelia cured her. In empirical practice, its range of action is thus defined by Pro- fessor Calkins of this city: 302 LECTURE LXXXIV. " Lobelia has been considered an excellent remedy for spasmodic asthma, croup, pneumonia, pertussis, catarrh, epilepsy, hysteria, cramps, tetanus, hydrophobia, chorea, convulsions; rigidity of the os uteri, amenorrhcea, tedious labor, intestinal obstructions, bilious colic, colica pictonum, strangulated hernia, erysipelas, repelled cuta- neous eruptions, for measles, scarlatina, variola. It has been locally used for ophthalmia, for sprains, bruises, rheumatic pains, erysipelas, tetter, and for the poison of Rhus tox., for which it seems to be an antidote. It is also useful, externally applied, for the stings of insects, and administered both internally and applied externally for dissection wounds. It is frequently prescribed with benefit for neu- ralgia and several varieties of dyspepsia. Lobelia is used in empirical practice whenever relaxation of muscles is an indication of treatment. And for this purpose it is far less injurious and dangerous to life than antimony, venesection, or nicotina. The relaxation may, with comparative safety, be carried to an almost incredible extent. In an extensive use of this article in my own practice, and in observing its administration in infirma- ries for the past fifteen years, in a great variety of diseases, and oftentimes in doses described as poisonous, I have never seen a case of death result, although in fifty or more cases I have witnessed the most alarming symptoms, such as extreme prostration, syncope,— numbness and tingling, distress at the epigastrium, great thirst, fear of death, and indescribable feeling, as the patient expresses it, through- out the entire body; slow pulse, and the other usual symptoms of the drug. The manner in which it is supposed to act, is thought by empirical experimenters, to be as a diffusive, nervous excitant, or stimulant, or as Dr. Tully says, as an empiric, a general excitant to all the organic functions. My opinion accords with that of Dr. Tully, that it has an affinity for the nervous system, acting upon the respira- tory tract—and upon the nerves presiding over deglutition, digestion, circulation and secretion. Undoubtedly it has a powerful effect upon the pneumogastric nerve. In a case of pleuro-pneumonia accompa- nied with mania-a-potu, the patient had paralysis of the involuntary respiratory nerves, so that whenever sleep became urgent, there was the utmost danger of asphyxia. Opium and every other narcotic and sedative were used but to the injury of the patient, and every symptom of death appeared. In this condition a teaspoonful of the pulverized seed was given in decoction, which produced relaxation, copious perspiration and emesis, after which the patient slept for six hours, which he had not done subsequently to the attack. Whether it produced this effect by any specific action or affinity for the respi- ratory nerves of organic life, or by virtue of its general tendency to awaken increased sensibility, I cannot say. It was the opinion of Dr. Calvin Newton, a gentleman who made much use of this drug, that it produced its emetic effect by its power to increase the sensi- tiveness of the sympathetic nerves. There is little or no evidence that it needs to be absorbed into the blood to produce its effect. An enema thrown into the rectum will cause its specific action in from ten to fifteen minutes, before a sufficient amount of absorption could take place." LOBELIA ixflata. 303 The manner in which this drug causes death is not well under- stood. I do not know of any well-marked case of poisoning on record, and yet, it is thought to be extremely dangerous by the majority of medical men. In the stage of collapse of typhoid and adynamic fevers, full doses have undoubtedly hastened death, more by exhaustion of the nerve force than by producing any lesions perceptible by the senses. In one case an emetic of Lobelia was directed for a child for what he supposed to be some chronic disease of the digestive organs. The child took the drug and in a few hours died with symptoms of asphyxia. The post-mortem exami- nation revealed no lesions. A tumor was found pressing on the aorta, which, together wi'th the exhausting power of the drug, pro- duced the fatal result. Massive doses in cases of impeded circulation, produced by organic changes are dangerous by their tendency to arrest circulation, but in small doses it has an opposite effect in such conditions. It has been asserted that it causes inflammation of the mucous membranes, but of this there is little evidence. Dr. Calkins has known persons to use it for weeks in doses of half a grain of the inspissated extract, once in four hours, without any evident marks of inflammation of the mucous surfaces. CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. From ten to twenty drops of the mother-tincture, repeated once in from two to four hours, causes, in the adult, pain and fulness of the head alternating with nausea, with slight giddiness and vertigo, especially during motion. The pain in the head is generally re- lieved when free diaphoresis occurs. A prickling sensation throughout the entire body, to the ends of the toes and fingers. The person thus acted upon, opens and shuts the hands as if to awaken them from their loss of normal sensibility. An indescribable feeling of pain and prickling—usually most severe at the seat of some chronic disease. Oftentimes persons express it as if ten thousand needles were piercing through the tissues. The pulse is slower than usual, with free perspiration and debility. The brain is excited, exhibitions of wit are frequent: hearing, taste, smell and touch are more acute than in their normal state, a peculiar calm and placid sensation pervades the system, attended with an increase of all the secretions. In some, loquaciousness appears; in others, excitement; and in the hysterical, laughter and crying with spasms which are brought on quicker than they otherwise would have come. In such persons the spasms and convulsions precede emesis. ORBITAL GROUP. An increase of brilliancy of expression, with a little dilatation of the pupil. AURICULAR AND FACIAL GROUPS. Increased acuteness of hearing. The countenance becomes more animated, and the cheeks are more than usually flushed. 304 LECTURE LXXXIV. BUCCAL GROUP. Pungent taste, with a free flow of saliva, and burning in the fauces; frequent spitting; prickling in the throat, with burning sensations extending down the oesophagus. A feeling of pressure as if a ball or foreign substance were in the oesophagus, often causing the patient to make efforts as if to dislodge it; smarting pain and distension in the larynx and pharynx, extending down to the stomach; frequent deglutition and fulness and pain in the throat. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. Loss of appetite, thirst, occasional hiccough, with a burning sen- sation in the stomach; nausea, coming on and disappearing quite frequently, with a rolling, undulating motion; shaking and shiv- ering preceding emesis which occurs suddenly. Previous to emesis there is often an indescribable feeling of fulness, pain, nausea, with restlessness, and irregular and spasmodic breathing. A sensation of weight and over-distension, extending more or less over the abdo- men, especially around the umbilicus. Rumbling in the abdomen, with a sensation of motion as if about to defecate. GENITO-URINARY GROUP. A free secretion of Urine. If Lobelia is administered in case of Hysteria, violent pain ensues in the womb. In the healthy, a free flow of the menses is promoted. RESPIRATORY GROUP. A sense of constriction across the chest and praecordia, irregular spasmodic breathing, sobbing, short and irregular respirations, with dry cough; sometimes in sensitive persons, it causes a peculiar barking or nervous cough. An occasional deep spasmodic respi- ration. Asthmatic breathing with increased labor of the respiratory muscles. A sensation as if a foreign body were at the upper end of the sternum, impeding respiration, with fulness and weight in the epigastrium. In full, emetic doses, from one to three teaspoonfuls of the pulve- rized seed, or from five to six of the mother tincture, or in what are commonly, though improperly, called poisonous doses, within from one to four hours all or most of the symptoms above described are increased in intensity, There is, however, an absence of the symp- toms of exhilaration except for a very short time; the depressing power of the drug quickly appears. There is then severe distress, fulness, weight and tension in the epigastrium, often extending over the hypochondriac and abdominal regions; difficulty of breathing, tossing to and fro, the person strikes the breast, is very desponding, expresses great fear of death. The eye rolls beneath the half closed lid, the pulse is irregular, slow and feeble, or regular and full; the breathing spasmodic, the perspiration is excessive, the muscular system completely relaxed; sometimes the brain is affected as by an LOBELIA INFLATA. 305 anaesthetic agent, giving rise to wild and furious delirium; more often, however, the mind wanders as in dreaming. Suddenly an inclination to stool is felt, but it only amounts to ineffectual efforts, the kidneys pour forth a large quantity of urine ; the person picks and rubs the nose and face, throws about the hands and arms, rubs the stomach, and, after a little motion, suddenly vomits, after which he lies back upon the bed, completely relaxed, complains of extreme weakness and prostration, with inability to move. Sleep follows, for an hour or more, after which he vomits again, sleeps, or is in a kind of semi-somnolent condition; after resting from one to four hours, he arouses, and expresses himself as feeling better than for weeks before. These are the general symptoms manifested after the use of a large dose. AVhen it does not cause emesis, its force is ex- pended in causing perspiration and diuresis. It has no cathartic power whatever, and the reason why this idea has gained credence is the fact that the drug, by increasing temporarily the nerve force, will enable the system to be impressed by other irritants in the alimentary canal. _ In general, in small doses, it does not cause emesis until other functions are stimulated, the emesis being second- ary to other and more general effects. It cannot consistently be called a pure emetic, and emesis is not its primary and principal effect. The duration of its effects is a matter of some importance. After the system is brought fully under its influence, this influence may continue from six to twenty-four hours, or even longer. A boy aged fifteen, being as his father supposed somewhat "bilious," yet in usual good health, took at 9 A. M. one teaspoonful, in decoction, of lobelia seed, in divided doses. In two hours he complained of epigastric pain, fulness, which became more and more severe, until he ran furiously about the room striking upon the epigastrium and screaming with the most intense anguish. After this condition had continued for four hours, he vomited bil- ious matter, and awoke from his condition of partial delirium as from a dream; no injury followed. Lobelia has proved an antidote to Rhus tox. A lady in Alassa- chusetts was severely poisoned. The usual alloeopothic remedies were applied, lead-water, laudanum, zinc, etc., but all to no purpose. The disease extended over both hands and arms, to the shoulders, and over the entire face, causing symptomatic fever and slight delirium. At 2 P. M., one drachm of the inspissated extract of Lobelia was dissolved in a pint of water, and cloths wet in this, were freely applied. At the first application, the relief was marked; the smarting sub- sided, the redness disappeared. The cure was completed in one half of the usual time of spontaneous cures. In the rapidly spreading erysipelas caused by dissection-wounds, Lobelia is said to have effected several marked cures. Dr. J. S. Andrews, of Alassachusetts, was severely poisoned, with two other gentlemen, on opening the body of an ox dead of a malignant disease. On the third day, the two companions died, and he had symptoms of the same disease which produced spasms and every phenomenon that occurred in the vol. n.—20 306 LECTURE LXXXIV. other cases. Lobelia was used as a poultice locally, and also inter- nally, by enemas and by the stomach, in very massive doses. He recovered with sloughing of the wounded part. In two other cases of poisoning from dissection-wounds, with adynamic fever, and a rapidly extending erysipelatous inflammation from the seat of the puncture, it was equally successful. In summing up the therapeutic virtues of Lobelia inflata, we obtain the following series of affections: Sick Headache, with giddiness, dull, heavy pain in one side of the head, or over the whole head, retching and gagging, qualmishness at the pit of the stomach, extreme depression of strength and spirits. The sixth to the twelfth potency may be found most suitable. Cardialgia, with excessive uneasiness and distress in the pit of the stomach, oppression in the epigastrium and on the chest, gagging, vomiting of mucus, prostration. Give from the tincture up to the sixth potency. Dysphagia, of a spasmodic nature, especially in hysteric persons, with sensation as if a ball were forcing its way downwards in the oesophagus. Asthma, with irregular, jerking respiration, oppression, suffocative anxiety as if the patient should die. Angina faucium,, without any marked symptoms of inflammation, with burning prickling in the throat, increased secretion of viscid saliva, nausea, eructations. ■ Chronic Vomiting, coming on in paroxysms, with nausea, profuse perspiration, prostration of strength; after the attack, the patient has a good appetite. Spasmodic Hiccough, some twenty or thirty turns in rapid succes- sion, with flow of saliva. Pyrosis, with qualmishness, and flow of alkaline water off the stomach. Chronic Bronchitis, with burning prickling in the air-passages, hawking up of copious quantities of mucus, copious perspiration, debility. Hysteria, characterized by fits of laughter or deep melancholy, according to the natural inclination of the patient, debility, profuse menstruation, globus hystericus, palpitation of the heart, oppressed respiration, frequent sighing. Teste considers it homoeopathic to the itch. There is nothing in the known pathogenesis of the drug, that warrants its use in this disease. It is undoubtedly homoeopathic to some of the consequences of repelled eruptions, more particularly nettle-rash, such as: dys- pnoea, anxiety, debility, cardialgia, and other affections which have been enumerated in our list. LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM, (Club-moss, Wolffs-claw. Nat. Ord.:—Lycopodiace.e.) This plant is found in Europe and North America; the stem trails along the ground for several feet; leaves crowded, small, linear- LYCOPODIUM clavatum. 307 lanceolate, of a deep-green color. We use the pollen or powder, technically described as sporules; it adheres to the fingers, but repels water. It burns rapidly, and is frequently used by stage-managers for making artificial lightnings. This powder has been considered inert; so it is in the crude state, but when properly triturated with sugar of milk, medicinal powers of considerable importance are de- veloped in this drug. Dierbach informs us that the stems and leaves of the plant are likewise used for medicinal purposes. Dr. Rodewald uses the herb for every degree of strangury, depending upon the presence of gravel and pus in the urinary passages, upon atony of the muscular fibre, debility and want of tonicity of the mucous membrane of the bladder. He prepares a decoction of the herb by boiling two tablespoonfuls of this substance with half a quart of water down to one-half; of this decoction a cupful is drank every ten minutes or less frequently as the case may be. Frank relates the following case of strangury which was cured by means of Lycopodium: A man of sixty-four years had been suffering with dysentery for about a week; at this period he was attacked with complete retention of urine and violent pains at the neck of the bladder. On the first day it was still possible to introduce the catheter, but next day this was rendered impossible in consequence of the spasmodic constriction of the neck of the bladder. The bladder swelled up enormously. Lycopodium at once restored the urinary flow. Jawandt has seen excellent effects from Lycopodium in the stran- gury of children during dentition. The symptoms are: violent crying, contortions of the limbs and trunk. The urine is discharged in drops; sometimes, after the children have been crying a while, it will pass off with a rush, after which the little ones feel easy. He gives one scruple (twenty grains) of the seeds morning and evening, ground up with loaf-sugar. Autenrieth likewise commends the sedative powers of Lycopodium in pains and spasms of the urinary organs. When exhibited in strangury, the homoeopathicity of Lycopodium is determined by the organic reaction; for the primary effect of this agent seems to be an increased secretion of urine. Hence Lyeopodium may likewise be given with good effect for a condition opposite to strangury, Incontinence of urine, more particularly in the nocturnal enuresis of children, when depending upon worms or upon some other irritation of the lining membrane of the bladder. The third to tne sixth tri- turition, or even higher, will be found sufficient. In Gravel, Lycopodium may act as a palliative, in removing, for the time being, the strangury which may occur during a paroxysm of the disease. We give this medicine in Chronic Constipation, when the bowels feel abnormally warm, the abdominal integuments feel dry, warm and incline to bloat. Lyco- podium, by promoting the abdominal transpiration, facilitates the alvine discharges. , 308 LECTURE LXXXIV. It has likewise been given with good effect for Dry Mealy Herpes, which shows itself in spots over the whole body; for Mercurial Affections of bones, where its employment is, however, of doubtful propriety, and most assuredly inferior to the Iodide pre- parations ; for Ulcers on the extremities, Sycosis menli, Plica polonica, Tinea capitis consisting of suppurating and coherent crusts, forming one mass with the hair, itching, attended with swelling of the posterior cervical glands. Camphor and coffee antidote its effects. DAPHNE MEZEREUM, (Common Mezereum, Spurge-olive. Nat. Ord.:—Thymelace^e.) This bark comes from a shrub, the stem of which is bushy, from four to five feet high; the leaves are smooth, about two inches long; the flowers are of a beautiful crimson-color; the berries when ripe, are scarlet. The Mezereum is one of our most early flowering shrubs, and one of the greatest ornaments to our gardens in the months of February and March; Cowper sings of it: "Though leafless, well attired and thick beset With blushing wreaths, investing every spray." The flowers are very sweet-scented, and where there are many together, they will perfume the air to a considerable distance. This bush is a native of Europe, Northern Asia, and America. We use the bark; it is taken from the plant before the leaves and flowers appear. The bark is tough, pliable, fibrous; externally it is brown and corrugated; internally white and cottony; its taste is first sweetish, afterwards highly acrid ; odorless. In Germany, the bark of the stem and larger branches is removed in spring, folded in small bundles, and dried for medicinal purposes. Of this bark we prepare a tincture having a yellowish-brown color. All the parts of this plant are very acrid, and act as an irritant and cathartic. In large doses it is an irritant poison, causing redness and vesication of the skin when left some time in contact with it, and exciting, when swallowed, dryness and burning in the throat, vomit- ing, hyper-catharsis, and occasionally symptoms of irritation of the kidneys. Linnaeus, in his Swedish Flora, reports that a young lady, labor- ing under intermittent fever, died from haemoptysis in consequence of having taken twelve berries of the Daphne Mezereum, which had been given with the intention of purging her; and Yicat, in his history of the venomous plants of Switzerland, states, that a drop- sical patient was suddenly attacked with diarrhoea, which was continual, and was accompanied with insupportable pains. He had besides, for six weeks, vomitings, which returned every day with extreme violence, although, during the whole time, proper remedies were employed to quiet them. DAPHNE MEZEREUM. 309 Mr. Blatin also narrates the case of a person who took a decoction of the root of Mezereum, instead of marsh-mallow. It occasioned violent pains in the stomach and intestines, accompanied by a sting- ing burning sensation in the skin, restlessness, loss of appetite, in- tense fever, and irregular action of the tendons. Hahnemann relates the following case of poisoning with Mezereum in his Lesser Writings; " An otherwise robust man took Mezereum internally for some complaints that he had. But as he continued the use of this drug, even after the disappearance of these com- plaints, he became affected with intolerable itching over the whole body, which did not allow him an hour's sleep. He discontinued the medicine, came to me thirty-six hours afterwards, and assured me that he could no longer endure the itching which increased every hour. I gave him thirty-six grains of camphor to be taken in six doses, one every six hours; before he had taken it all the itching had disappeared." This case would seem to show that Mezereum may be useful in chronic eruptions which are characterized by violent, incontrollable, unbearable itching, such as: humid tinea, herpetic eruptions behind the ears. Hahnemann recommends this drug for nocturnal itching, of the skin, and for an itching leucorrhea of many years' standing. Frank relates the following case of poisoning: A robust farmer who was afflicted with haemorrhoids, swallowed forty ripe berries of Mezereum to remove a most obstinate constipation. Next morning the doctor found the patient quite exhausted, in violent pain, with vertigo, embarrassed feeling in the head, pale, cold and sunken countenance, dilated pupils, unquenchable thirst, violent burning in the mouth, fauces, oesophagus and stomach which was exceedingly painful to the least touch ; so was the abdomen. Duri^fc the night, he had vomited unceasingly, and had had continual, painful dis- charges from the bowels, which finally changed to _ discharges of blood and mucus; his voice was feeble, altered, trembling; breathing oppressed, labored and short; copious sweat, with coldness of the xtremities; the urine was acrid and of the color of red blood; the pulse was very frequent, unequal, hard and tense ; he did not recog- nize those near him. This case shows that Mezereum is capable of developing an acute form of gastro-enteritis, characterized by the symptoms which are usually present in such disorders. The whole mucous tract, from the mouth to the larger bowels, seems to have been involved in this inflammation. A girl of fourteen years rubbed the leaves of Mezereum upon her cheeks and the adjoining parts; the consequences of this proceeding were: burning pains and swelling of the face, more particularly of the nose, eyelids and forepart of the head, speedily terminating in the formation of confluent blisters; continual, violent and painful sneezino-; complete closing of the nostrils, delirium, dull, intol- erably pressing pains in the forehead, disagreeable dryness in the fauces and an irritation causing a dry, fatiguing cough; feverish pulse; burning and red urine. 310 LECTURE LXXXIV. The burning was speedily relieved by emollient and oleaginous applications, and the epidermis peeled off. Since then, the girl became debilitated, low-spirited and listless, to such an extent that she almost seemed imbecile. A few weeks after this occurrence, she was attacked with typhoid fever which lasted twelve weeks; she remained quite feeble, and finally died with hectic fever. Guided by these toxicologieal effects, we may employ Alezereum in the following affections: Gastro-enteritis, if the symptoms resemble the effects described in the above-mentioned case of poisoning; such an attack of gastro- enteritis may arise as a form of metastatic gout, or arthritic rheuma- tism of the stomach and bowels. A distinguishing indication for Mezereum would be a furious stinging and itching of the skin, burning urine with frequent urging. We may give Mezereum from the tincture up to the sixth potency. Angina faucium, dryness and burning of the throat, with soreness; likewise a form of arthritic or neuralgic-rheumatic inflammation. In mercurial angina, Alezereum may prove an useful antidote. Subsultus tendinum, as a peculiar form of chorea, more especially when resulting from, or complicated with, the mercurial or syphi- litic miasm, may find a remedy in Alezereum. Hemoptysis is related as one of the effects of Mezereum; I con- sider this a doubtful indication. For Itching Leucorrhea, this drug is recommended by Hahnemann ; it causes an inflammatory irritation of the lining membrane of the urinary and genital organs. Itching Eruptions, sores, eczematous and herpetic eruptions, tinea capitis. Periostitis, syphilitico-mercurial, also when engrafted upon a scro- fulous basigfc Caries of bones, resulting from similar causes. Exostosis, and osseous enlargements, have been removed by Meze- reum, when of a syphilitic character. Ilufeland recommends it very highly for such affections; he states that it has effected cures in cases where Mercury proved entirely inadequate. A patient who had been afflicted for a long time with the most distressing bone-pains of the skull, was very speedily cured by a decoction of two drachms of the bark of Alezereum. In several places the skull bones had become enlarged, and there was reason to suspect the presence of extravasa- tion or an exostosis pressing upon the brain. Antidotal treatment: In a case of poisoning, we resort to acetic acid, camphor, mucilaginous beverages, milk, etc. MOSCHUS, (Musk.) We obtain this substance from the musk-animal, a native of Tar- tary, China, Siberia. This secretion is contained in a bag situated in front of the preputial orifice, behind the umbilicus; this bag is MOSCHUS. 311 from one and a half to one and three-quarter inches broad and from two to two and a half inches deep. Professor Joerg has furnished some exceedingly instructive prov- ings of this drug. It seems to affect the cerebro-spinal system of nerves with peculiar intensity. Among the symptoms recorded by Joerg we distinguish the following, which shows that in Nervous Vertigo, and in Nervous Congestive headaches, Musk may prove an agent of some importance. Slight embarrassment in the forepart of the head, increasing to a dull pain in the frontal region, and extending even to the vertex and occiput, with a slightly increased frequency and fullness of the pulse, and afterwards increased desire for food. Sudden feeling of heat in the open air, ascending from the right cheek to the right side of the forehead. Slight frontal headache, with a gloomy feeling in the head, slight pressure close above the orbits and externally above both eyelids; with drowsiness. In the case of one of the provers, musk caused a feeling of dull- ness in the head, almost amounting to vertigo, with troublesome op- pression in the stomach which was made worse by exercise; the prover, a lady, felt drowsy ; next day the embarrassed feeling in the head continued, with trembling through the whole body, dryness in the throat, pressure and heaviness in the stomach; the pulse was accelerated. Sundelin swallowed twenty grains of musk early in the morning. In a few minutes he experienced an excitement similar to that which is caused by wine, with an increased frequency, fullness and softness of the pulse ; with some slight cutaneous transpiration. These symp- toms continued for two hours; they disappeared without leaving any feeling of tightness or confusion in the head. The breath, the cutaneous exhalations and the urine smelled strongly of musk even the next day. Musk causes a feeling of warmth, and some oppression in the pit of the stomach, followed by an extraordinary craving for food. This effect was experienced by Joerg's provers, and likewise by Trousseau and Pidoux who, in imitation of Joerg, swallowed half a dozen grains of musk ; the effect was: " a feeling of warmth at the pit oLthe stomach, and a real craving for food." This species of ^Bulimia may occur as a symptom of hysteria, or in the case of pregnant females. Musk has a decided action upon the sexual organs. It excites the sexual instinct, even in old men and women who had never experi- enced the least symptom of sexual desire. A robust man who had been completely impotent for four years past in consequence of a cold, recovered his virile poweis by grinding up musk for his em- ployer. These various effects of musk commend it to us as a remedy for sexual excitement in 312 LECTURE LXXXIV. Hysteria, or likewise for abnormal sexual excitement in the male, resulting in excessive Seminal Emissions, with voluptuous fancies, debility and tremb- ling sensation after the emission. Sexual excitement may be considered the primary, and Impotence the secondary effect of musk, or the state of organic re- action, to which musk is likewise homoeopathic. The action of Musk upon the respiratory organs is marked by important symptoms, such as; burning in the chest, extending to- wards the diaphragm : sensation in the larynx as from the vapor of Sulphur: suffocative constriction of the chest; stitches in the chest, with redness and bloating of the chest, dilatation of the pupils, dry- ness and redness of the tongue, thirst. These few symptoms seem to show that Musk is adapted to chest- affections of a nervous character, or to inflammatory chest-affections, where the nervous symptoms predominate. A condition of this sort, where Aloschus is known to have produced most favorable changes, is Pneumonia of an adynamic character; the delirium, prostrations, the sinking and irregular pulse, the sunken and perhaps hippocratic features are not in harmony with the apparent gravity of the local phlegmasia, which does not seem as intense as the dangerous char- acter of the nervous symptoms would lead us to suppose. Musk may not only rouse the patient's sinking energies, but may even save a human life. In Gangrene of the lungs, Musk may act as a good palliative. In these pulmonary affections it may be necessary to employ the lower triturations. Laryngismus stridulus yields to Moschus. Symptoms : fine, wheez- ing inspirations, loss of breath, bluish face, tetanic spasms; it is a purely nervous spasm of the glottis not depending upon existing disorganizations. In Hysteria, hysteric affections such as hysteric spasms, hysteric faintings, etc., Alusk is a capital stimulator of the nervous system. The patients show great fitfulness of temper during the paroxysm; they cry at one time, and, the next moment, burst out in incontrolla- ble laughter; there is extreme oppression on the chest, spasmodic twitchings even amounting to convulsions; sign of cerebral engorge- ment, with oppression of the stomach, dryness in the throat, small and fluttering pulse, coldness of the skin; females thus affected, ane generally troubled with profuse menstruation. The first or second trituration may be the most advisable. The tincture and its attenua- tions may likewise be used. NATRUM. 313 LECTURE LXXXV. NATRUM, NATRIUM, SODIUM, The metallic basis of the Alkali soda, Caustic soda, or Oxide of sodium. The salt was first accurately distinguished from Potash by du Hamel in the year 1736. In combination with other substances it is found in the three kingdoms of nature, in many animal fluids, in plants, especially of the class algae, those that grow in, or on the borders of, the sea, and in various mineral products. It is less caustic than potash, with which it agrees in its general properties. A solution of Soda is moreover distinguished from a solution of Potassa by this, that Soda is not precipitated by the hydrochlorate of Platina, whereas this salt does precipitate Potash from a solution of any of its preparations. In our practice we use three salts of Soda, namely: Carbonate, Muriate and Sulphate of Soda. (1) NATRUM CARBONICUM, Or Carbonate of Soda, of which we make soda-water, or the well- known Sedlitz-powders, by mixing the bicarbonate with a vegetable acid, either citrio or tartaric. The therapeutic uses of this salt, in old-school practice, are summed up by Pereira in the following paragraph: " It is employed as an antacid in those forms of dyspepsia which are attended with an inordinate quantity of acid in the stomach; as a lithonlytic in those kinds of lithiasis which are accompanied with an excessive secretion of uric acid and the urates; as a resolvent or alterative in certain forms of inflammation, in glandular affections, in syphilis, and scrofula; and as a diuretic in some dropsical com- plaints." In the hands of practitioners who adhere to the chemical view and treatment of diseases, the Bicarbonate of Soda plays an import- ant part. That it should be used as a specific antidote to acidity of the stomach, is a matter of course In cases where a palliative action is sufficient to remove this inconvenience, the Bicarbonate of Soda is often the most desirable means of accomplishing this end. Persons who are addicted to high living, to the use of fat, highly nourishing and richly-seasoned food, or to the use of heating and likewise of the lighter kinds of white French and Rhenish wines, frequently settle their stomachs by a Sedlitz-powder taken early in the morning before breakfast, in half a cupful of water, at the moment when the liquid begins to effervesce. The Sedlitz-powder being composed of one part of Bicarbonate of Soda, and three parts ot 314 LECTURE LXXXV. Tartrate of Soda and Potassa, it not only neutralizes the excess of acidity in the stomach, but likewise acts as a gentle laxative, and, by virtue of its action as a relaxing alterative, frees the stomach and upper portion of the bowels from the abnormal accumulation of bile, which being reabsorbed into the general circulation, causes a variety of uncomfortable feelings, vertigo, headache, nausea, and empty or foul eructations, oppression on the stomach, bad taste in the mouth, coated tongue, lassitude, and so forth. A late supper may induce this whole train of unpleasant symptoms which will yield to a very small dose of Nux vomica as its true or specifically homoeopathic antidote, but may likewise be palliated by a Sedlitz-powder taken early in the morning, in the manner pointed out in the previous paragraph. A homoeopathic physician need not get shocked at these little deviations from the straight line of therapeutic dogmatism. AYe cannot expect to see every new convert to our system of practice accept with a soul full of faith all the requirements of the new law, even in those things the compliance or non-compliance with which does not alter its essential aim or invalidate its claim to universality. The theory of Homoeopathy is universal and divine, but the practice is bounded by the necessities and the hereditary exigencies of the human organism. It would be absurd to assert that the Homoeo- pathic law can be applied in all its universality to every individual of the existing generation. The fact stares us in the face that this instantaneous and universal application is impossible; it does not take place and this is sufficient ground for asserting that the law of progress is opposed to the spontaneous recognition of Homoeopathy, as it is opposed to the spontaneous recognition of any other new and radical invention or discovery in the moral or scientific domain. But to infer from this imperfection of the finite application of an universal principle, that the principle itself is imperfect; that it is, in fact, no principle at all, but simply another rule added to the many expedients which human cunning has devised for the manage- ment of man's varied interests, would be as wrong as it would be absurd to suppose that because man has an imperfect conception, or rather, more than one conception of the Deity, who is one, indivisi- ble and perfect, there are therefore many gods, not an absolutely one, unchangeable and unchanged Divine Essence not depending upon human fictions and prejudices, but governed by the eternal and unalterable laws of its own infinite goodness and wisdom. Homoeopathic Physicians do not avail themselves of the alterative action of the Bicarconate of Soda as a principle of cure. There can be no earthly objection to the employment of this agent as a pallia- tive in all cases where palliation can be rendered effectual as a means of cure. On a sea voyage, for instance, we have seen a Sedlitz- powder used with the best results for the constipation which often becomes so distressing to persons who are not used to a life on ship- board, and from the most active habits find themselves suddenly re duced to a state of almost complete inaction. The Bicarbonate of Soda fulfils more than palliative uses. It may prove a great curative remedy for affections of the stomach where the secretion of the gastric fluids NATRUM CARBONICUM. 315 seems very much diminished or completely suppressed ; or where the epigastric region becomes hard as a board, owing to incarcerated flatulence, and the patient is troubled with insipid risings, occasional spitting up of food and paroxysms of acidity. The presence of oc- casional turns of even a very acid stomach does not necessarily counter-indicate, from the homoeopathic stand-point, the Bicarbonate of Soda or any other alkaline substance. A concentrated solution of the crystals of the Bicarbonate of Soda suspends the gastric secretion, by chemical action as well as by their dynamico-physical effect upon the mucous coat, the interstices of which the salt contracts beyond the limits where an effusion of the gastric fluid, is possible. Blondlot's and Bernard's experiments have shown that a highly diluted solution of the Soda acts differently, and that, after saturating the free acids in the stomach, it determines a profuse secretion of the gastric fluid. If the other symptoms correspond, the excess of acid in the stomach which seems to be poured, every now and then, from the cells of the mucous coat in inordinate quantities, more especially shortly after the inhibition of nourishment, or of particular kinds of nourishment, or the constipation which is so often an inseparable accompaniment of this condition of the stomach, will not only not interfere with, on the contrary, they will facilitate and require the curative action of the Bicarbonate of Soda, provided always that this salt is adminis- tered in a form adapted to the abnormally altered physiological ne- cessities of the organism. Without the presence of a certain amount of Soda in the sinuosities of the stomach, an excessive preponderance of acid in the viscus becomes unavoidable. By introducing this salt in sufficiently attenuated quantities to-enable the nerves of the stomach to assimilate it as an organic constituent of its tissues, we not only neu- tralize the morbific element which, be its nature what it may, had succeeded in incapacitating the stomach from appropriating the Soda of the food to its own vital constitution, but we likewise effect a gradual quickening and strengthening of the impoverished cells, and prepare them for the resumption of a normal process of assimilation. AYe will transcribe a few cases from Frank's Atagazine, which illustrate the action of the Carbonate of Soda as an alterative and likewise as a specifically curative agent. " A young man of twenty years had been suffering for eight days past with a violent pain over the eyes and in the forehead; it com- menced in the morning, increased during the day, and ceased about evening, his sleep and appetite were pretty fair, the tongue showed a thin white coating, he had a bad taste in the mouth, the stool was brown, the urine of a light-yellow color, clear and acid. The head felt hot, cold applications alleviated the pain. He was ordered to take every day half an ounce of the Bicarbonate of Soda. Already on the following day the tongue was clean, taste and appetite were normal; his headache did not return." We are not informed of the cause of this headache. It may have been of a rheumatic or of a purely nervous origin, probably the former. The locality of the headache was the lining membrane of the frontal sinus and the forehead. In this case the Soda was given as a refrigerant alterative whose palliative action lasted a sufficient 316 LECTURE LXXXV. length of time to enable the inherent vital energy of the organism to resume its sway. We have cured a headache of this kind, even after it had lasted for months, with a drop of the tincture of Aconite in a tumblerful of water, to be taken between morning and evening at regular intervals. We transcribe the following interesting case of cardialgia: "A pale and emaciated journeyman tailor, sixty-two years old, had been afflicted for the last three years with a dull pain in the praecordial region, about two inches above the umbilicus. The pain intermitted at night, but commenced already in the morning before breakfast, and increased during motion. The locality of the pain was so hard that no impression could be made upon it, pressure was, moreover, painful. The increase of the pain caused a peculiar feeling of oppression which did not interfere with the breathing, and a nausea which never increased to vomiting. The tongue had a thin, yellow coating, the palate looked pale, he had a bitter taste in the mouth, his appetite was changing, stool brown, urine clear, light-yellow and neutral. The patient had employed a number of remedies without meeting with any success. On the 8th of May he took half an ounce of the Bicarbonate of Soda, and continued this treatment every day for three days until the 11th of May, when he was radi- cally cured ; the hardness had entirely disappeared." The specific homoeopathic agent in this case would probably have been Nux vomica, but the palliative action of the Carbonate of Soda resulted in a very satisfactory and apparently thorough and permanent cure. The following case of chronic vomiting is likewise deserving of particular mention: " A man sixty-three years of age had been vomiting for a year past several times a day, generally in the evening and at night; the vomiting was preceded by a digging pain in the praecordium, and consisted of food and quantities of an exceedingly sour mucus. The patient was completely emaciated, of a sallow com- plexion ; tongue thickly coated yellow, taste pappy, appetite very mediocre, stool brown and hard, urine of a deep-yellow color, clear and acrid, praecordium contracted and hard as bone. After using a number of articles unsuccessfully, the patient took every day half an ounce of the Bicarbonate of Soda, beginning on the 31st day of May. From the 1st to the 6th of June, he vomited only twice, although the vomiting was still very sour. Up to the 10th the patient did not vomit at all, and by continuing the powders for another week, the .patient's health was completely restored." It is highly probable that in this case, a few doses of the 6th or 12th attenuation of Nux vomica would have effected a cure in a few days, which it took the round-about method of the alterative theory to accomplish in so many weeks. The Bicarbonate of Soda constitutes one of the chief ingredients of some of the most celebrated mineral springs of Europe, and is likewise met with in some of the springs of Virginia, such as the Grayson Sulphur Springs, in Carroll county, the Berkley Springs in NATRUM CARBONICUM. 317 Morgan county, etc. The famous springs of Ems in the Duchy of Nassau, Germany; the springs of Yichy in the department of Allier, France ; and the springs of Carlsbad in Bohemia are particularly famous for the gaseous and alkaline quality of their waters. Hence it is that patients of wealth who are troubled with a disposition to the formation of urinary calculi, or the calculous diathesis, flock to these places in the hope that their waters will solve the lithic pro- ducts and thus rid them of these troublesome concretions. From time immemorial the Bicarbonate of Soda has been depended upon as a solvent of gravel or stone, and in the treatment of lithiasis with the Subcarbonates or the Bicarbonates of Potassa or Soda, the chemical theory and management of diseases has flourished in all its glory. This is especially true in regard to the uric-acid diathesis where the calculous deposit arises from the combination of uric acid with bases, and where the urine has a sour reaction. % But how does the chemical theory get along in accounting for the curative influence of the waters of Yichy, Carlsbad, and other springs in the phosphatic form of lithiasis ? Pereira argues that Sedlitz powders are "highly objectionable, and are to be carefully avoided in the treatment of phosphatic deposits in the urine." And Dr. Prout observes: " AY ere I required to name the remedy calcu- lated to do the most mischief (in such cases), I should name the common saline draught, formed of Potash or Soda, and some vege- table acid." When depositing Phosphatic calculi the urine is not acid, but alkaline or neutral. Yet patients afflicted with this form of gravel, are cured by drinking the waters of Yichy or Ems, equally as those who drink them for the purpose of getting rid of their uric-acid deposits and of their uric-acid diathesis. In order to get over this difficulty, Petit who is inspector of the springs of Yichy, assigns to the water a solvent power, and vindicates his theory by the follow- ing piece of argumentation: We cannot attach too much importance to the part enacted by the vesical mucus; this mucus becomes mixed up with the calculous substance, penetrates between its molecules, increases their adhesive power, in one word, serves all the purposes of a cement. Hence in the same calculus we meet with animal and saline matter in a state of agglutination. The waters dissolve the saline portion, which, deprived of its cement, is deposited in the shape of fine laminae, and is expelled with the urine ; by this means they are enabled to act upon the phosphatic calculi, especially upon the ammoniacal Phosphates of Magnesia, almost as well as upon the uric* acid deposits." But a simple question will at once show the "shallowness of this method of reasoning. How happens it that in the laboratory of the chemist, molecules that are united together by an almost unconquera- ble cohesive power, are disintegrated by some suitable agent with the rapidity of a flash of lightning, whereas the disintegration of calculi which can sometimes be crushed by the fingers, cannot be accomplished without continuing the use of the waters for weeks and months ? Does not this simple consideration show that other 313 LECTURE LXXXV. principles are involved in the therapeutic action of these waters than a series of chemical action and reaction ? "Can a real and more or less durable cure be conceived in such cases," asks the philosophical Trousseau, "without a general and profound modification of the whole organism; in one word, without an influence on the part of the remedial agent, upon the morbid diathesis itself, since all agree to recognize this diathesis as the true cause of the malady ? "In other words, how can we, without such an interpretation, account for this constant and remarkable fact, namely: that persons who have drank alkaline waters for several months, and who, during the continued use of these waters, have been freed from their calculous deposits, spend months and even years without passing any more gravel, although the use of the alkali is discon tinued ? £re we not obliged to admit in such a case that the urine having lost its acidity under this alkaline medication, not only ceases to form new calculi, but that the remedial agent has either modified the action of the kidneys, or that of the digestive canal, or that the whole tone of the system has been altered, and that the diathesis has either been eradicated or that its action has been very much reduced and its manifestations have been suspended ?" (2) NATRUM AIURIATICUM, (Muriate of Soda, Chloride of Sodium, Common Salt) This well-known agent is absolutely necessary to the develop- ment of some of the most important properties of the blood; its fluidity, its stimulating qualities, and its own preservation. Lord Somerville, in his address to the agricultural society of London, alluded to an ancient law in the penal code of Holland, which obliged criminals to eat bread without salt. The effect of this privation was the development of intestinal worms which literallj devoured the poor victim. AVe know that salt is indispensable to the preservation of our domestic animals. Wibmer informs us, upon the authority of Mceglin, that domestic animals died in the Northern Provinces of Brazils, unless they were fed on certain portions of salt. According to Roulin, female animals, in the republic of Columbia, lost their fecundity and the flock soon perished, unless they found salt in the plants, water or ground. These facts show that the absence of salt leads to the deterioration of the lymphatic fluid, and the consequent disintegration of the tissues. On the other hand, the abuse of salt begets a scorbutic dyscrasia, which seems to take its starting-point in a deterioration of the blood, from which all subsequent scorbutic disorganizations seem to emanate. Between these two negations as the extremes of the series, this positive affirmation may be said to occupy a central position: that a certain amount of salt is absolutely necessary to an harmonious sup- NATRUM MURIATICUM. 319 port of the assimilative functions of the organism, and that, for this reason, the therapeutic uses of salt must be of a physiological rather than of a medicinal order. Salt is not, properly speaking, a drug; it is a physiological agent, absolutely necessary to the normal consti- tution and preservation of the organism, and differing in this respect from such substances as Aconite, Belladonna, and the like, which are inimical to the normally-existing organism, but in harmonious rela- tion with the organism whose functions are disturbed by disease. Salt will be found adapted to conditions resulting from a cachectic deterioration of the lymph, or from a scorbutic disorganization of the blood. That this is the principal curative range of salt may be in- ferred from the effects which the chronic abuse of salt has been known to produce. Not to speak of the ravages which the continued use of salt-meat produced on shipboard, where many other circum- stances concurred in the development of this frightful destruction of human life: we may content ourselves with recording the simple facts which physicians have observed in their private practice. Frank, for instance, in his excellent Alagazine, quotes the following symptoms as resulting from the excessive use of salt: A literary man was in the habit of consuming excessive quantities of salt with his food. AY hen in the full vigor of his manhood, he was only troubled with a peculiar eruption upon the skin and a trouble- some burning during urination; at a later period of his life, his eyes became excessively sore, with considerable swelling of the red, dis- gusting-looking lids, and continual secretion of a saltish, corrosive fluid which irritated the adjoining parts. This gentleman's housekeeper had been living in a family who were in the habit of salting their food very much. After her first confinement she experienced the most excruciating pains at the nipple whenever she attempted to nurse her infant; this led very shortly to inflammation, suppuration and disorganization of the nipples. After her second confinement the same symptoms developed themselves, compelling the patient to refrain from nursing; the same trouble arose after her third confinement. In the meanwhile the husband of this woman was attacked with an herpetic eruption on the cheek, which only disappeared after he discontinued the excessive use of salt to which he was addicted. This change in the seasoning of his food with salt had another unexpected effect upon his wife. After every subsequent confine- ment her nipples remained perfectly sound, so that she'was able to nurse her infants from beginning to end, without experiencing any trouble. Frank reports another effect of the abuse of salt in a man of fifty- seven years. His general health was good, but he was attacked with an inflammation in the middle of the left tibia, which terminated in profuse suppuration and ulceration, involving even a considerable portion of the calf. Gradually the ulcer began to secrete a corrosive ichor. After many ineffectual attempts to heal the sore, this was finally accomplishad without any difficuly by simply reducing the amount of salt consumed with the food to a moderate quantity; a watery 320 LECTURE LXXXV. infusion of Chamomile was at the same time applied to the sore externally. Frank states it as a fact that infants who were nursed by women that are in the habit of consuming excessive quantities of salt with their food, were attacked with soreness of their private parts, of the axillae, and of various glands. The soreness was speedily removed by abstaining from the abuse of salt. On the other hand, salt must necessarily be endowed'with a cer- tain amount of irritating properties, in order that it may fulfil the physiological uses in the animal economy, for which the Creator has so evidently designed it. Wibmer sums up these properties and their effect upon the tissues, in the following simple language: "Salt which is a normal constituent of the animal body, especially of the blood, by which circumstance it is made evident that this agent is necessary to the animal body, is a local excitant, causing a very considerable degree of local irritation; a moderate quantity of it, taken internally, excites the mucous membrane and the muscular fibres of the primae viae, promotes their secretions, the peristaltic motion of the intestines, and the digestion; in a large dose, it causes burning and pain of the fauces and stomach, thirst, dryness and red- ness of the mucous lining, desire to vomit; in still larger doses, it causes vomiting and diarrhoea, which may terminate in fatal inflam- mation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. " Beside this local action of salt, it likewise acts after absorption upon the glands and lymphatic vessels, increases the secretions and excretions, especially the urine and sweat, in which it is often found again, but leaves the functional activity of the nervous centres and of the larger blood-vessels undisturbed. "Partly by habit, and partly by necessity, salt has become an indispensable article of diet for us and the animals; on the other hand, the abuse of salt may become noxious, causing a dyscrasia of the blood which resembles very closely a scorbutic disorganization, with disposition to angry eruptions, ulcers, inflammations. " When applied to the skin in a concentrated form, it causes itching and burning of the skin, a vesicular eruption with erysipelatous in- flammation ; if very much diluted, it is simply absorbed, after which it manifests its physiological effects." Christison speaks of a man who killed himself by swallowing a pound of salt; he died with all the symptoms of violent gastro- enteritis. For some of the conditions which are incidental or pre- liminary to gastro-enteritis, salt may be used as a remedy. For Chronic Vomiting, for the vomiting of pregnant females salt has been recommended and successfully used. In Diarrhea of an acrid character, with a sensation of irritation and heat in the bowels, salt may prove an admirable sedative, especially if the diarrhoea is accompanied by nausea and tendency to vomit, dryness of the mouth and throat, thirst. On the other hand, highly dynamized doses of salt may relieve chronic NATRUM SULPHURICUM. 321 Constipation characterized by symptoms of heat and torpor in the bowels. Salt has been used as a palliative to arrest Hemorrhage from the lungs and stomach. It has to be given in teaspoonful doses of a strong solution for such a purpose. If leeches should happen to penetrate into a dangerous part, the rectum or vagina, they can be removed by injecting a solution of salt. There is no necessity of recapitulating the scorbutic symptoms which salt may cause, they have been fully described in the extracts from Frank's Magazine. In Intermittent Fever, salt has played a conspicuous part in the hands of sonle physicians. According to Piorry, salt is endowed with specific properties of diminishing the volume of the spleen. According to Scelle Montdezert who was the first to verify the therapeutic virtues of salt in the treatment of fever and ague, this agent is only indicated in uncomplicated miasmatic fevers, with vascular enlargement of the spleen. I should expect good results from salt only in the case of cachectic individuals, in whom the assimilative functions are naturally very much prostrated, or who have been saturated with Quinine without adequate result. It may not be deemed superfluous to remind you of the antidotal powers of salt in a case of poisoning by the Nitrate of Silver. (3) NATRUM SULPHURICUM. Or Sulphate of Soda, also termed Glauber-salt. It was discov- ered by Glauber in 1658. It acts as a gentle cathartic, and causes a slight irritation of the salivary glands, resulting in an increased flow of saliva. Trousseau and Pidoux offer the following statement concerning the therapeutic action of this agent: " The purgative action of the Sulphate of Soda is very rapid. It is quite common for these purgative effects to manifest themselves after the lapse of three or four hours. The alvine evacuations are sero-bilious, succeed each other with rapidity, and generally cease twelve hours at the furthest after the administration of the drug. The Sulphate of Soda, were it administered for ever so long a time, does not cause any gastro-intestinal irritation, except under very peculiar circumstances. This enables us to continue its use for several months without the general health being affected hereby. The only inconvenience resulting from the.long continued use of the salt, is an obstinate constipation, which sometimes continues for a long time. The curative effects of the salt are procured by means of one ounce, or an ounce and a half at one dose. This quantity will cause at an average ten discharges. A smaller quantity, from 16 to 32 grains, does not affect the bowels, but increases the secretion of urine. In homoeopathic practice, this salt may be administered for a pain- less sero-bilious diarrhea, when complicated by nausea, and an in- creased flow of saliva. The existence of an increased flow of urine vol. n.—21 322 LECTURE LXXXV. would constitute an additional indication for the use of this salt. In alloeopathic practice the salt is administered in a variety of vehicles, such as the juice of prunes, a little broth, an infusion of orange- blossoms, or in water. In homoeopathic practice, a teaspoonful of the one hundredth or one ten thousandth of a grain at a dose, to be repeated at suitable intervals, will be found sufficient for all legiti- mate purposes. Glauber-salt constitutes one of the most common alteratives in Old- School practice. One of the most philosophical and agreeable writers of this school, Professor Yogt, of Berne, Switzerland, sums up the therapeutic office and character of this agent, from the standing point of his own philosophy, in the following concise paragraph, which we lay before the student of Homoeopathy for the purpose of affording him a convenient opportunity of contrasting the direct and reliable method of Homoeopathy, which is Nature's system of medication, with the indirect, round-about and unreliable practice of the alterative System of Therapeutics, which is a contrivance of human cunning, copied from a falsely-interpreted and imperfectly-generalized pro- vision of Nature, which occasionally institutes or transfers critical changes of morbid processes from one organ to another, with evident relief to the general economy, and as a preliminary to an ultimate cure: " If Glauber's salt has lost a large portion of its water of crystalli- zation, and is given in the form of powders, it acts as a powerful re- frigerant, and is a more energetic antiphlogistic than the crystallized salt. As an antiphlogistic, however, it does not equal the Nitrate of Potash; although as a cooling agent it surpasses this salt. "In the form of crystals, and when administered in solution, it possesses, of all the salts, the most powerful purgative properties, on which account it is preferred to all other salts as a digestive and laxative agent. This effect, however, does not go much beyond the sphere of the intestinal canal, so that it is very much inferior to other feebler neutral salts as a solvent of glandular swellings in the abdomi- nal cavity, and is exhibited for atrophy and similar forms of disease only, in case the laxative action of the salt should be required by the existing affection of the intestinal mucous membrane. Glauber-salt is preferred as a digestive agent in the case of plethoric individuals, where its antiphlogistic and cooling action may likewise be of use. As an antiphlogistic, it is preferred in cases where an increased frequency of the alvine discharges is part of the curative effect to be accomplished, especially if abnormal masses have become accumulated in the bowels, which simply require to be expelled; and likewise, if inflammatory affections and congestions of the head, epistaxis, etc., are present, which are to be counteracted by the alterative influence of this salt." These indications are as lucid as is compatible with the philosophy of Old-School Therapeutics. Yet is it not evident that they are vague and unsatisfactory, that they leave too much to the individual judgment of the practitioner, and that there is great danger, in view of so much obscurity, uncertainty and doubt of sacrificing the human organism to dogmatic ignorance and heartless pride ? PLUMBUM. 323 LECTURE LXXXVL PLUMBUM, (Lead) This metal is found native or in combination with other substances, Sulphur, Oxygen, or acids. AYe use the metallic lead, properly purified, of which we make triturations. The Acetate of lead, also known as sugar of lead, is likewise used by homoeopathic physi- cians. The dynamic effects of the metal and of its salts, the Acetate and Carbonate of lead, seem to be so nearly alike that these various preparations are often used indiscriminately. Tanquerel des Planches has collated the effects of lead upon.the animal body in a very comprehensive and instructive treatise. The salts of lead are exceedingly poisonous, and have very frequently proved destructive to human life. Noack and Trinks have arranged the post-mortem symptoms of lead-poisoning in the following series: Compact state of the bones of the skull.— Considerable flatness of the convolutions of the brain. Cerebral substance pale, soft, deprived of blood, with a small quantity of fluid blood in the falciform process. Extravasated blood on the surface of the brain. Brown, clear serum in the middle ventricle. Unusual softness of the cerebral substance. Partial induration of the cerebral substance. Hypertrophy and indu- ration of the hemispheres, with absence of blood, after epilepsia saturnina. Paleness of the plexus choroidei. The pineal gland was softened. Clear serum at the base of the skull. Partial and com- plete softening of the spinal marrow, which was transformed into a soft pap. The thyroid body was pale and tenacious. The trachea contained a quantity of fluid with mucous flocks, the mucous membrane of the trachea was pale. The pulmonary cells were generally adhering to each other, the free spaces containing several pounds of a brownish serum. The substance of the lungs was pale, tenacious, without blood, filled with a quantity of frothy serum ; the pericardium contained two pounds of a dark-brown serum mixed with hard flocks. The serous coat of the heart, particularly the pericardium, is lined with a layer of a reddish-gray, fine-vitreous, meshy, firm, exuded lymph. The heart is more than double its natural size. The wall of the left ventricle is more than an inch thick, of a pale-brown color, containing firm, pale, bloody lymph, with a black-red, coagu- lated and other blood; the wall of the left auricle was firm. 324 LECTURE LXXXVL The liver was brown-red, relaxed, the gall-bladder contained a light-yellow, fluid bile : the small lobe of the liver was inflamed. The spleen was insterstially distended. Pancreas relaxed. Stomach contracted into the shape of a barrel, containing a small quantity of a brown turbid fluid; the mucous membrane of the stomach was considerably involuted, thick and tenacious. The stomach exhibited gangrenous spots here and there, the mucous membrane was corroded in some places. The bowels were consid- erably contracted, containing gray, yellowish faeces, which were adhering to the walls. The bowels show partial contractions and dilatations, arising from paralysis of some portion of the muscular membrane. The mesenteric giands are in a flaccid condition. The duodenum and jejunum seem involuted and inflamed, the whole colon is filled with scybala, the blood-vessels of the intestines are blue. Both kidneys have dwindled to one-half their size ; the surface of the cortical substance shows large degenerations, or granulations of the size of a millet-seed and slightly raised above the surface, of a dingy, yellowish white, very firm, tenacious; a deposit of a blackish- blue pigmentum was deposited here and there through the degene- rated portion of the kidneys, with a few scattered cysts of the size of a pea, containing a brownish serum. The bladder was contracted, contained a few drops of turbid urine; in the abdominal cavity six pounds of gray serum were discovered (in the case of an engraver, thirty years old, who had handled preparations of lead since his childhood, and had had ten attacks of the lead-colic, the last attack ten years ago.) As consequences of a chronic poisoning by lead were discovered: shrinking and considerable contraction of the inner cavities, partic- ularly of the stomach and bowels, hardness of the parenchymatous organs, which had become much smaller in consequence of a morbid contraction; great thinness and almost inorganic hardness of the muscles; complete shrivelling of the mucous and adipose tissues. A special examination of the neurilemma and the nervous substance is entirely wanting. ' Although the toxicological effects of lead are exceedingly striking and varied, yet its importance as a therapeutic agent is not propor- tionate to the position it occupies in the works of toxicologists. I will endeavor to condense from the work of Tanquerel des Planches, from Frank's Magazine and from toxicological treatises, such toxico- loo-ical symptoms as may be of any possible use to us in a therapeutic point of view. In the CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP, the action of lead is most marked. AYibmer has shown, by the most careful analysis, that lead is absorbed by the spinal marrow. Toxi- • cologists generally seem to be agreed that the first inroad of the poison is made upon the great sympathetic system. The sentient and motor nerves seem to be affected next, and finally the brain and PLUMBUM. 325 its nerves. The primary effects of lead are marked by an increase of sensibility, and by more or less violent and sudden spasms and convulsions; after these primary symptoms have subsided, condi- tions of an opposite character manifest themselves; local and general paralysis sets in, arising from utter prostration of the reproductive powers of the organism, with disorganization of the nervous sub- stance. Tanquerel des Planches describes the effects of lead upon the brain under the comprehensive appellation of Encephalopathia saturnina, characterized by a delirium which may either be bland or furious. In the Bland Delirium, the expression of the eyes is at times mild, at others dissatisfied and stupid; some patients laugh (risus sardoni- cus) others cry and look sad ; there seems to be no relation between the expression of the face and the ideas; sometimes these seem first rational, then incoherent, then again rational; sometimes the patients seem thinking before they answer, they look at the persons, have to be asked several times; when alone they are silent or mutter, call absent persons; the voice is natural; they agitate their arms, urinate any where indiscriminately ; are troubled with frightful hallucina- tions or hear music. In the Frightful Delirium, the eyes look wild, the features are con- tracted ; the patients shriek, curse, tear their clothes and fetters, seek to injure persons; the eyes are distorted, the jaws creaking ; there is subsultus tendinum, trembling of the limbs as in chorea; the tongue is dry, parched, covered with yellow or blackish crusts; these are likewise seen on the teeth; occasionally there is amaurosis; some- times the delirium is bland in the day time, furious at night; between the paroxysms sopor sets in in some cases; the face is straw-colored, the pulse full and regular, seventy to eighty. Headache, violent pains in the scalp, from the occiput to the fore- head. Arthralgia Saturnina, lead-rheumatism; the flexor surface is more affected than the extensor; the lower limbs first, then the upper, the lumbar region, wall of the chest, back, neck ; the affection does not follow the track of nerves; long before, even months, the parts are numb and weary; the pains are prickling, with rigidity or numbness; the parts feel weak as if broken, with constriction or withering of the parts, or formication with shuddering; the pain is often as if bit, or as if burnt by red-hot coal, or as if a hot fluid were coursing through the blood-vessels, or the pain is as if touched by an icy-cold body; most frequently the pains are tearing, crushing, mingled with a few single violent, sudden darts, recurring from time to time, and resembling electric shocks; there are remissions; the pain is dimin- ished by pressure, increased by motion; sometimes the muscles are attacked with trembling and spasms; the parts are neither hot, red nor swollen; the pulse is soft and regular ; in fifty-five cases it was hard, slow and vibrating, in seventeen irregular; the affection may last for weeks and months; it may co-exist or alternate with other lead-diseases. 326 LECTURE LXXXVL Excessive prostration of strength. Anesthesia saturnina: a. Deep-seated, of the limbs and trunk; the skin, cellular tissue and muscles are insensible to external stimuli; at times the parts are moveable, at others immoveable. b. Superficial, only the skin is insensible. Paralysis saturnina.; the extensor muscles are principally affected ; precursory symptoms: debility, sensation in the limb as if broken, feeling of coldness and rigidity, trembling, awkward movements, weariness, dragging of the lower limbs, the patient drops every thing, general or partial paralysis, single muscles or bundles of fibres may be paralyzed; the upper limbs are more frequently paralyzed ; the extensor muscles are first affected; in the morning the parts are bathed in viscid sweat; general emaciation; pale, watery urine; the skin is pale, livid, yellowish, clay-colored, rough, dry, scales off, looks thinner and more relaxed; the cellular and adipose tissues disappear, the muscles are thin and soft; in the highest grade of atrophy, the patient is only skin and bones; the limbs are infiltrated, with gan- grenous spots. Tanquerel has observed Paralysis of the upper limbs, with aphonia. Paralysis of the shoulder and deltoid muscles. Paralysis of one arm. Paralysis of the wrist and fingers, or wrist alone, and fingers alone. Paralysis of the lower limbs as above. Paralysis of the trunk. Paralysis of the muscles and organs of speech. Paralysis of all these parts together. Convidsions of the upper limbs, which are extended outwards during the attack. Convulsions, general, like shocks through the limbs, also with con- tractions of the parts. Convulsions, epileptic, alternating with flexion and extension of the limbs; there is foam at the mouth, but not generally, also with delirium and coma; after such an attack, the patients do not become entirely conscious; they remain stupid, their limbs tremble and they stagger; the breathing is short, frequently stertorous; the mouth shaped as when smoking. Convulsions, cataleptic, the patients seem asleep, not sensible; in half an hour, the face, head, trunk, and limbs perform strange move- ments ; the patients sometimes cry out, stutter; these conditions alternate for hours. Cachexia: Impoverished nutrition, emaciation, with dryness and pale color of the skin, exhaustion, cedema, even anasarca, depression of spirits, are most generally the result of chronic lead-poisoning. These various effects of the lead-poison may suggest its employment in several cerebral diseases characterized by similar symptoms. In Furious Mania, lead may be given, provided the constitutional symptoms of the patient harmonize with the general constitutional PLUMBUM. 327 effects of lead, more especially the constipation and emaciation, and the general suppression or diminution of the secretions. In Cerebral or Idiopathic Epilepsy, where the general condition and appearance of the patient correspond with the symptoms of chronic lead-poisoning, lead may be of use. In Marasmus, with utter prostration of the reproductive functions, emaciation, loss of appetite, paleness and flabbiness of the muscular tissue, lead may prove serviceable. There is every reason to hope for good effects from lead in Dorsal Consumption, with gradual softening of the spinal marrow. Although Christison denies the absorption of lead by the spinal marrow, and doubts the correctness of Wibmer's conclusions, it is more than probable that the analysis of the spinal marrow of the animals upon whom AVibmer experimented, was correctly made under the auspices of Buchner, an unexceptionable authority. ORBITAL GROUP. A very common and very marked effect of lead-poisoning is Amaurosis. It sets in quite suddenly, generally after a paroxysm of colic, and preceded or accompanied by a variety of other nervous symptoms, pains in the extremities, spasms, epileptic fits, delirium. It is generally very acute and short-lasting, it may last a few hours, but has likewise lasted for months, and, in some cases, has resisted all treatment. A few cases of poisoning will elucidate this point more clearly: A young painter had been attacked with lead-colic of which he was cured. Some years after this occurrence, he had another attack. When almost recovered, the spasms set in again with intense fierceness quite suddenly ; at the same time he became unable to distinguish the surrounding objects, and gradually he became completely amaurotic. Towards evening, he was suddenly attacked with epilepsy, loss of consciousness, convulsions; he tossed about, with froth at the mouth. In a few days he had recovered sufficiently to leave the hospital; but he returned again in two months with an attack of lead-colic, although he had not worked at his trade since his last sickness. This time the colic was accompanied by all the signs of gastro-enteritis. His epilepsy again made its appearance in the course of his sickness, accompanied with violent delirium, cries, etc. He finally recovered. In another case, the amaurosis was accompanied by stitches in the left eye, and an intense pain in the left side of the head, which gradually spread over the whole head. In another case, where the amaurosis remained incurable, it was accompanied with excessive sensitiveness to noise, and set in with violent delirium and convulsions. The Acetate of lead, in the form of a wash, and lead made into an ointment, have been and still are used in the practice of the dominant school for the purpose of drying up sores, and in cases of purulent ophthalmia, sudden rheumatic fluxions, with profuse lachrymation, swelling and inflammation of the eyeball, suppura- 328 LECTURE LXXXVL tion of the lids, etc. This practice is often attended with great danger, resulting in metastatic irritations of the brain and nervous system, even convulsions and fatal apoplexy, although it is wrong to say that these astringent effects of lead will necessarily and inevit- ably prove injurious in every case. FACIAL GROUP. Lead may cause haemorrhage from the nose which it is often impossible to arrest. It causes a clay-colored, cadaverous, sunken appearance of the countenance with an expression of anguish. DENTAL GROUP. Lead has a very marked effect upon the gums. _ It causes spongi- ness of the gums; a bluish, ash-colored border is seen along the alveolar margin of the gums; they dwindle away, become thinner, shrink; the teeth decay. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. Lead causes a disorganization of the lining membrane of the mouth, which has all the characteristic signs of Stomatitis. It causes salivation of a bluish color; ulcers under the tongue, foul-like mercurial ulcers, with a whitish, thin coating on the tongue. Other effects of lead are: Loss of appetite, intense thirst, a sweetish taste in the mouth, followed by an intensely bitter taste; vomiting of a greenish-gray substance; vomiting of a foul bile; the vomiting is accompanied with a burning distress in the epigastric region, anguish, it is some- times unceasing. In accordance with these symptoms we have prescribed lead with good effect in Chronic spasmodic Vomiting of mucus, blood and bile, which seems to depend upon, or be attended with symptoms of atrophy of the stomach. Cardialgia, coming on in paroxysms, with burning shooting pains in the pit of the stomach, thirst, emaciation, excessive constipation. Ptyalism, with symptoms of stomacace, more particularly when resulting from abuse of Alercury; the inner mouth may be rinsed with a feeble solution of the Acetate of lead. , Among the effects of lead upon the pharynx and oesophagus, we notice the gradual supervention of a stricture of this organ, pre- venting deglutition; the patients complain of a sensation as if a ball were rising from the epigastrium to the chest and pharynx. Hence we may recommend lead for certain forms of • Dysphagia, of a spasmodic character, very gradual, leading to an inability to swallow any but the thinnest kind of food. One of the most marked effects of lead upon the bowels is Colic, described in the books as painters' colic, colica pictonum. PLUMBUM. 329 The precursory symptoms of an attack, generally, are: fleeting chills, nausea, constipation; the patient passes hard, blackish balls; reten- tion of urine; the attack is characterized by horrid spasms in the bowels, the abdominal walls sometimes seem adhering to the spine; the patient experiences a horrid burning and tearing pain in the bowels, as if they were twisted about by force, with violent anguish, tenesmus, sensitiveness of the abdomen; hard pressure relieves the distress. ■ The attack may last for a number of days. Tanquerel des Planches distinguishes umbilical, epigastric, hypogastric, and renal colic, according as the attack seems to affect one or the other of these localities. A case of umbilical colic, for instance, is the fol- lowing, reported in Frank's Alagazine: A founder who was frequently exposed to the vapors of lead, was attacked with the following symptoms whenever he had been thus exposed for several days in succession: Slight pressure at the stomach, deranged digestion, irregular stool, dryness of the mouth, constant thirst, pale color of the face; soon after, cutting pains, spasmodic contraction of the abdomen and obstinate constipation; the umbilicus and abdomen were spasmodically drawn in. These attacks set in at least a dozen times. Colic, as a natural disease, may assume all the leading charac- teristics of lead-colic; if so, Plumbum may be the remedy for it, in the third to the sixth potency. An attack of this kind will generally be found attended with excessive cerebral congestions, glistening and protruded eyes, and even furious delirium; a leading symptom would be obstinate constipation. In some cases of poisoning, lead has caused all the symptoms of gastro-enteritis, and likewise dysentery. I should recommend Plum- bum in these affections, I mean in Enteritis and Dysentery, if they seem to have arisen from a pre- vious constipation with which lead would have been in therapeutic rapport. The abuse of drastics in obstinate constipation may lead to enteritis or dysentery of a most dangerous form, with tendency to gangrenous disorganizations of the lining membrane of the bowels. Here Plumbum may be of great use, if the constitutional symptoms otherwise correspond. In Constipation, arising from utter deficiency of the mucous exha- lations of the intestines, when the faeces are perfectly dry, shaped like little balls, incoherent for want of mucus, Plumbum is a great remedy. If this form of constipation should be attended with Spasmodic constriction of the spincter ani, which is drawn in during the spasm, Plumbum will be found indicated so much more strictly. Inveterate constipation is frequently a symptom of intestinal phthisis. Under the barbarous practice of former ages this condition was often sought to be overcome by pound doses of Mercury, which was sup- posed to act by its weight. Lead may prove of great benefit in such a case. An effect of lead-poisoning is an alteration of the color of the skin. 330 LECTURE LXXXVL It becomes pale-yellow or ash-colored; in bad cases, the skin assumes a dingy-yellow color. AVibmer has shown that lead is absorbed by the liver, and that one of the results of its disorganizing action upon the liver may be Jaundice, more particularly a very malignant form of jaundice, Icterus niger, with excessive constipation. Anasarca has been the result of lead-poisoning; the dropsical effusion is attended with excessive emaciation. Both these affections may result from derangement of the liver upon which lead seems to exert a specific action. In these affections, obstinate constipation, retention of urine, which is moreover dark- colored and offensive, coldness and parchment-dryness of the skin, emaciation, and a small, thin, somewhat accelerated and irregular pulse, will constitute predominant indications. URINARY GROUP. Lead diminishes the secretion of urine; it causes a perfect reten- tion of urine; tenesmus at the neck of the bladder, with burning in the urethra; the urine looks saturated, brown, is mixed with blood. This group of symptoms does not occur isolatedly in cases of lead-poisoning; it is generally associated with the effects of lead upon the intestinal canal. Nevertheless, it may constitute the most prominent group in the series, a sort of Ischuria, for which lead may be an indispensable remedy. This condition might likewise be described as a case of Hematuria, requiring the exhibition of lead; the name is not material; the essential condition, the pathological process as it is, is the great object of cure. • SEXUAL GROUP. Lead causes pulling, tearing and contractive pains in the scrotum, spermatic cord, penis and uterus, also in the vagina and breasts. It also causes swelling of the testicles and complete impotence. Frank relates this case: A robust man of thirty years took one-fourth of a grain of the Acetate of lead three times a day, for a slight sore throat. After having used three grains, both his testicles became swollen and pain- ful, with a sensation, as he expressed it, as if each testicle had weighed a hundred-weight. At the same time he lost his virile power com- pletely. He was restored by the continued use of dilute Phosphoric acid for one fortnight. Hence we infer that in Impotence, more especially when attended with painful swelling and excessive heaviness of the testicles, lead may prove useful; or, if you please, in Swelling and weight of the testicles, with impotence; this condi- tion might gradually lead to complete atrophy of the sexual organs. PLUMBUM. 331 We know that lead causes sterility; hence in a condition of the female organism indicating general symptoms of marasmus, where sterility constitutes a prominent symptom, we may recommend lead for Sterility, more particularly if this seems to have resulted from, or if it was preceded by frequent miscarriages, and a cachectic state of the system has been the result of these frequent losses. It is well- known that women who live in silver-ore smelting-huts, become disposed to miscarriages. RESPIRATORY GROUP. Lead causes a species of aphonia; it has also caused a bloody cough, terminating in fatal suppuration of the lungs. May Lead be homoeopathically employed in diseases of the respira- tory organs which may lead to consumption ? Lead causes a dry- ness of the lining membrane of the respiratory organs, a prostrated condition of its functional activity which may terminate in suppura- tion and ultimately phthisis. Old-School physicians have used the Acetate of lead quite frequently in irritations of the bronchial and pulmonary lining membrane, from a simple pulmonary catarrh to suppurative phthisis. Dr. Mitchell, of Jefferson College, informs us that "Professor Ebbling, of Hamburgh, reported a case of what he calls pulmonary catarrh, in a woman aged sixty, cured by doses of a quarter of a grain of sugar of lead mixed with a scruple of sugar, and given every third hour. Six powders arrested the disease, which, at the end of nine months reappeared, and was again cured by three powders." "This statement," writes the sagacious Professor, "which was*republished in the New York Aledical Repository for 1813, seems to be deceptive. We cannot perceive on what principle such minute doses of the Acetate could have so promptly met such a case. A much more rational practice is given by Dr. Fauquier for the arrest of the night-sweats of phthisis pulmonalis, twelve grains of the Acetate of lead administered at bed-time had the desired effect." It is evident from this reasoning, that the sagacious Professor j udges of the worth of a thing by its size; so does the American savage judge of the power of a man by the number of feet he mea- sures and by the development of his muscles. Small doses and Homoeopathy will never find favor with my learned colleague. In Mucous Phthisis, the Acetate of lead has undoubtedly effected cures. As a proof of this I extract the following case, which is only one among a number, from Kopp's Memorabilia. A lady of sixty-four was attacked with a cough and expectoration of mucus. It passed off again, but returned in the ensuing winter, depriving her of sleep and causing loss of flesh and strength. She expectorated quantities of a tenacious, greenish, glassy mucus. A paroxysm of cough was preceded by tickling in the throat; if it lasted long, it left a hoarseness. The urine was at times scanty, and then suddenly profuse; in this case the patient felt much better. 332 LECTURE LXXXVL She was troubled with flatulence, nausea, loss of appetite, bad taste, occasional attacks of diarrhoea, oppression in the pit of the stomach. For some time, she had been troubled with fever, frequent pulse, • morning-sweats, oedema of the feet. After using a number of reme- dies without the least benefit, she took the Acetate of lead in small doses, and recovered perfectly in all respects. Dysuria and constipation, vertigo and pains in the head may be regarded as confirmatory indications for the exhibition of Lead in this disease, although diarrhoea would not counter-indicate Lead, if the essential character of the disease should preponderate in favor of this agent. A case of Hemoptysis is likewise related by Kopp. A man of seventy, of a slender make, was attacked with a violent cough, dis- charge of a quantity of bright-red frothy blood, coldness of the ex- tremities, chilliness followed by heat, irritated, hard, accelerated pulse, constipation, thirst, palpitation of the heart, and undulating feeling of malaise and warmth in the chest, embarrassed feeling about the head. The patient was promptly cured with a few doses of the Acetate of lead. In these two, and similar cases, it is barely possible that the Ace- tate of lead acted as a palliative, although a closer inspection of the symptoms seems to reveal a relation of homoeopathicity between them and the drug. But even as a palliative, its use may be commended, provided, as I have said on many other occasions, it is used within the true boundaries of palliation. Palliatives are only legitimate, if they palliate really, not apparently or rather delusively. Plunging a burnt limb into ice-water, is a delusive palliation of the pain which leads to an increase of suffering. Lead causes dyspnoea, anguish and suffocative oppression of* the chest. The following case reported by Frank, shows that in certain forms of Asthma, rheumatic or purely spasmodic, lead may afford much help. A woman of fifty-three years, who had always enjoyed the best of health, had been engaged for some months past in marking vessels glazed with lead. The work exposed her to the necessity of inhaling lead-dust. For some time she had been afflicted with dyspnoea ac- companied with tearing, rheumatic pains in the arms. The dysp- noea increased when going up stairs, and was attended with several daily paroxysms of a dry cough, and a sensation as if the thorax were encased in a tight cuirass, or were laced very tightly. There was no mucous rale, not a single sign of consumption or consump- tive habit. Stool, urine and tongue normal; but a great deal of sweat, restless sleep, frequent attacks of numbness in the arms, a small, sluggish pulse, feeble beats of the heart and resonance on per- cussion. This whole group of symptoms was a case of lead-asthma, which yielded to proper antidotal treatment. SLEEP. Lead may cause sopor, stupor and perfect coma. The patient PLUMBUM. 33S lies motionless, except occasional motions of the head, trunk and extremities, with stertorous breathing. Coma, with delirium; the patient wakes suddenly, mutters a torrent of words, assumes all sorts of strange postures. These symptoms are only useful as therapeutic indications in so far as they may occur incidentally to diseases for which lead may have to be prescribed. FEYER-GROUP. Lead is not used in fever; it does not cause fever, properly speak- ing. Lead has a depressing action upon the pulse; but in severe lead-diseases the pulse may become hurried, feeble, irregular. In consequence of the power which lead possesses, to check the secretions, it has caused an universal coldness of the system, as may be seen from the following case quoted in Frank's Aiagazine. A lady had been using a hair-dye which had been pronounced perfectly harmless. Soon after, her skin became icy-cold, from the top of tlae head to the tips of the toes; the mucous lining of the nose and mouth became perfectly dry; all the functions of the senses were morbidly altered; the abdominal secretions were suspended; she was unable to raise her head, on account of the vertigo, heaviness, aching pain. An antidotal treatment gradually restored her health. MENTAL GROUP. Lead has caused, and may therefore be found useful in idiocy, mania characterized by fright, loss of memory, melancholy. ANTIDOTAL TREATMENT. In a case of poisoning by white lead (Carbonate of lead,) we give vinegar and the Sulphate of magnesia; the vinegar decomposes the lead, which is rendered insoluble by the Sulphate of magnesia. In chronic poisoning we make a bath of the Sulphuret of potash and tepid water, by this means we convert the Oxyde, the Carbonate and other salts of lead into the black Sulphuret of lead upon the skin. We remove this by means of a stiff brush. This proceeding is con- tinued, until no Sulphuret is any longer deposited. At the same time we give internally water, acidulated with Sulphuric acid, or solutions of the Sulphate of soda or magnesia. Nux -vomica and electricity may be given for after-symptoms. I should consider Iodine worth a trial in lead cachexia, more espe- cially for the emaciation resulting from lead-poisoning. In a case of lead-colic we resort to Opium, Alum, cathartics such as Croton and Castor-oil, injections of the same. The alkaline Sulphates, which may be very generally relied upon as good antidotes, do not always succeed in neutralizing the poison. AVe read in the British and Foreign Aled. Review, that a young girl, of good constitution, in a moment of despair, took an ounce of sugar of lead in solution. Almost immediately she was seized with collapse * 334 LECTURE LXXXVII. and syncope, and afterwards with vomiting and convulsions. Water and sugar, the Sulphates of magnesia and soda were given, but she died in twenty-five hours. She voided a large quantity of urine, which, on examination, was found to contain a sensible quantity of lead. In conclusion I may here mention the Tannate of lead, Plumbum tannicum, which has been used with great success as a remedy for gangrenous bedsores, in the shape of a wash, or ointment. If the wash is used, a compress may be applied to the part. LECTURE LXXXVII. RHEUM, (Rhabarbarum, rhubarb.—Nat. Order :—Polygon ACE^E.) This rhubarb-plant is a native of China and Alongolia. The exact plant from which this root is obtained, is not known, The best rhubarb comes from a plant growing in the very heart of Thibet. We are acquainted with several species of this plant. 1. Rheum palmatum (from which we derive the true Turkey rhu- barb,) with leaves round-cordate, palmate, with compound racemes. The stalks of this plant make good tarts and puddings. 2. Rheum Emodi, with leaves cordate-acute, beset with coarse short hairs on each side; the stalks make nice tarts. 3. Rheum compactum, with leaves cordate-obtuse, smooth and glossy. AVe use four kinds of rhubarb; Russian, Canton, Himalaya and the native rhubarb. This drug is easily adulterated. Good rhubarb should be bitter, aromatic, and it should grit between the teeth; it must not have any brown specks either externally or internally. Hahnemann has left us a few interesting provings of this drug. It was reproved by Dr. Schneller of the Yienna Provers' Society (alloeopathic) in 1844. These provings show that the main range of action of this drug is the intestinal canal; the symptoms of vascular erethism which this drug excites, are incidental to the irritation of the stomach and bowels. Schneller commenced his provings with two grains of a watery extract, increasing this dose every day by two grains. In all he took three hundred and eighty grains. After the first two doses, the prover experienced, beside the pecu- liar, nauseous taste, frequent and empty eructations, fermenting and shifting of flatulence through the bowels; a peculiar tension and pain RHEUM. 335 in the right umbilical region, which was relieved by discharge of very fetid flatulence. After larger doses the eructations were less, but the tension and bloating of the abdomen increased; five or six hours after taking the medecine, he was attacked with colic, which was sometimes very speedily relieved by papescent stool, and sometimes passed off very slowly. On some days he had several evacuations; on other days, on the contrary, he passed but a small quantity of hard faeces. After six grains, the urine became more scanty and darker than usual; the urine became hotter, the odor of this fluid not unplea- santly aromatic; a prickling and slight stinging were experienced in the urethra. After twenty-six and more grains : feeling of sickness ; loathing, desire to vomit, pressure at the stomach, rumbling in the bowels; bad, papescent taste, frequent spitting of a frothy, white liquid, with diminution of the appetite; urine scanty,'reddish brown, turbid and warmer than usual; stool increased, always papescent, never serous, attended with some tenesmus; frequent palpitation of the heart and oppression of the chest; pulse fuller and accelerated, especially in the evening; increased sensitiveness to emotions. The last two doses of thirty-six and thirty-eight grains respec- tively, increased the above-mentioned symptoms to a high degree. The prover could scarcely refrain from vomiting; the distended abdomen was sensitive; stitches in the right hypochondrium, griping in the umbilical region, emission of flatulence was attended with relief; increase of the alvine evacuations, dark urine, general feeling of illness, chilliness, depression of the physical strength, tension in the back, loss of appetite, dullness of the head, vascular erethism and irritability of disposition. These symptoms gradually disappeared, the stool became hard and scanty, the urine remained dark one day, and in three days all these symptoms had disappeared. These provings correspond with Hahnemann's pathogenesis of rhubarb in every particular. They show that it is particularly in derangements of the biliary system that rhubarb promises to be a useful agent. The headache which this drug causes, the peculiar manner in which it affects the sight and deranges the gastric func- tions, the pains which it excites in the bowels, are traceable to a primary irritation of the biliary functions. The action of rhubarb is chiefly manifest in the chylo-poietic system, and its action upon the brain and special senses will be found to be subordinate to its action upon the functions of the liver and of the gastro-intestinal lining membrane. AVibmer defines the action of rhubarb in the following words: " The root of rhubarb is an excellent remedial agent, occupying an intermediate place between cathartic salts and resins. It stimulates the functional activity of the stomach and bowels, and promotes at the same time the secretion of mucus and intestinal fluid, hence it is a purgative tonic; the purgative effect never takes place tumul- tuously, with great rapidity, is very rarely accompanied by nausea 336 LECTURE LXXXVII. or colic, is never watery, nor does it ever weaken the digestive pro- cess or the muscular power of the stomach and bowels; on the con- trary, these functions are strengthened rather by moderate doses of the drug. Rhubarb moreover increases the secretion of bile and urine, and tinges the last mentioned fluid; it likewise increases and often tinges the perspiration, which shows that it is taken up by the blood and fluids. It is likewise apt to increase the natural tempera- ture and to accelerate the circulation. Although the diarrhoea which it excites, is often succeeded by constipation, yet constipation cannot properly be attributed to rhubarb as an effect of direct action." There is no doubt that massive doses of Rhubarb cause diarrhoea of a peculiar order. Small doses, but sufficiently large to call forth the organic reaction with its inherent characteristic forms, do not cause diarrhoea, but a species of costiveness which is not constipa- tion, properly speaking, but a sort of difficult stool arising from weakness of the intestinal fibre and consequent diminution of the peristaltic motion. Hahnemann defines this action of the Rhubarb in the following note: " It is not easy and liquid, copious, or painless diarrhoetic stools which constitute the primary action of Rhubarb in the bowels; the action consists in a colicky, rather ineffectual urging to altered faecal discharges. The Rhubarb evacuations being mostly faecal stools, this drug is not suitable in fall-dysentery (although it produ- ces colicky pains similar to the pains felt in dysentery), for the addi- tional reason that the remaining symptoms of Rhubarb differ from those which characterize this epidemic." So much for the constipation to which Rhubarb is homoeopathic. Let us now examine the records of our provers for the purpose of becoming acquainted with the symptomatic delineations of the gastric and intestinal derangements which Rhubarb is capable of exciting, and which it must therefore be able to meet when occurring as pathological derangements. Rhubarb will prove a capital remedy for certain forms of Dyspepsia or Weak Stomach, if the following symptomatic indica- tions developed by our provings, come into play: Loss of appetite; Hunger, but no appetite; Sour taste in the mouth; Yellow coating on the tongue; The mouth feels dry, yet he has no desire to drink ; Feeling of repletion in the stomach, followed by drowsiness ; Contractive sensation in the stomach, with nausea; Sensation of nausea in the stomach and bowels; These symptoms may be accompanied by various consensual symptoms, headache, weariness, alteration of temperature, disturbed sleep. Pathologically we may designate these symptoms as Dyspepsia, Cardialgia, Weak Digestion, depending upon abnormal RHEUM. 337 conditions of the hepatic functions, and these abnormal states again "depending upon exciting causes of a physical or moral nature. The provings which have been recorded by Hahnemann and his disciples, fully demonstrate the homoeopathicity of Rhubarb to various forms of diarrhoea, more especially Bilious Diarrhea. One prover has recorded the following symptom: Fetid, sour-smelling diarrhoeic stools, with griping and shuddering. This symptom enables us to prescribe Rhubarb for the Sour Diarrhea of children, or for the fetid diarrhoea with which they are often troubled during the period of dentition, especially in hot summer-weather. There is always some congestion about the head, fever and a dark-colored, smarting urine, with difficulty of passing it; the children have to press hard. The pathogenetic effects of Rhubarb in the healthy organism point in unmistakable language to the symptomatic characteristics of the diarrhoea which comes within the curative range of Rhubarb. We have Cutting in the umbilical region; Cutting drawing in the left lumbar region below the short ribs, and anteriorly in the left side of the hypogastrium, directly over the pubic bone; shifting of flatulence through the bowels; Yiolent cutting in the region of the lumbar vertebrae, as if the cutting were felt within the bones, increased by stool; Papescent, sour-smelling stool; during its passage the patient experiences a shuddering, and, after the evacuation, the urging is again felt, with pinching in the bowels; Frequent urging to stool, after which a thin, soft, fetid evacuation takes place, with colic ; immediately after the evacuation a sensation of tenesmus, nothing can be passed in spite of straining, although an urging to stool is experienced ; this is followed by another pas- sage after a little while; on rising from the seat the urging which had been appeased gradually, again is felt with renewed violence; the pains in the bowels likewise increase, which had set in during the passage of the faeces. Stool mixed with mucus; Stool, the first part of which is soft, the remainder hard, with vio- lent cutting in the bowels; Painful sensation in the anal region as after long-lasting diarrhoea. These symptoms certainly show, in connection with the urinary symptoms, among which we distinguish urging with less copious discharge than usual; burning in the kidneys and bladder; yellow, also reddish-yellow color of the urine: that Rhubarb is eminently adapted for the treatment of certain forms of Bilious Diarrhea where such symptoms constitute characteristic indications; the condition of the brain, appearance of the tongue, consensual feelings in the extremities, etc., go to complete the group. Nor must it be supposed that, because Rhubarb is chiefly recom- mended for children, it is not therefore suitable to full-grown indi- vol. ii.—22 338 LECTURE LXXXVII. viduals; if this were the case, our provings would be in a great measure useless, for children are unable to give a full description of their abnormal sensations in accordance with homoeopathic patho- genesis. We have already stated that the alterations which this drug causes in the urinary secretions, confirm its specific curative powers in de- rangements of the biliary system; we derive additional confirma- tions from the action of Rhubarb upon the circulation. In bilious attacks, colic, diarrhoea, etc., febrile symptoms, chilly creepings fol- lowed by flashes of heat, are generally present. Our provers report: Warmth over the whole body ; Heat of the body with restlessness; Hurried pulse; From time to time one cheek is pale, the other red, or both cheeks are pale; Alternate chills and heat, for a couple of minutes, accompanied by a feeling of weariness, anxiety, indifference to every thing, even those things which she was habitually fond of; Cool sweat in the face, especially around the mouth and nose. The sleep and spirits are correspondingly disturbed: While lying in bed, the side upon which he is lying, inclines to go to sleep; He feels drowsy; Restless sleep, he fancies that he is walking about, half dreaming, half waking; Gloomy and depressed spirits: Delirium (in a case reported by Brocklesby and quoted by Hahne- mann). DOSE AND PREPARATION. We make a deep-red, yellow, strongly aromatic tincture of the root. Regarding the dose, I can affirm from experience that, in general, the third to the sixth potency acts more certainly in the diarrhoea of children than the tincture; there are cases, however, where the tincture may be appropriate and necessary. SABINA, JUNIPERUS SABLNA. (Common Savin) This is a small bushy shrub, a native both of this country and of Europe. I have seen it on the heights of Nevesink in the state of Jersey. The branches are closely invested by the very small glandular leaves; these leaves are ovate, convex, densely imbricated, erect, opposite. We use the tops of the plant which consist of the young branches with their attached leaves. They have, in the fresh state, a strong, peculiar, heavy odor, especially when rubbed, and a SABINA, JUNIPERUS SABINA. 339 nauseous, resinous, bitter taste. The dried tops are yellowish green, and less odorous than the fresh ones. We obtain a dark-green alcoholic tincture from the fresh tops. We likewise prepare an oil by submitting the fresh tops to distillation with water. This is a limpid, almost colorless liquid, having the unpleasant odor of the plant, and a bitter acrid taste. From two to six_drops of the oil, diffused in a mucilaginous or oleaginous mixture, are generally given by Old-School physicians to produce the specific action of savin upon the uterus, which is to bring on the menses. The oil of savin, which is considered the active principle of the herb, is a powerful local irritant. AVhen applied to the skin it acts as a rubefacient and vesicant. On wounds and ulcers, its operation is that of an acrid caustic. Large doses of savin cause gastrointes- tinal inflammation characterized by vomiting, purging, and other symptoms. According to Sundelin, savin not only stimulates the arterial, but also the venous system. It operates as a specific excitant and irritant on the kidneys, and still more powerfully on the uterus. The long continued use of savin likewise has a tendency to swell the volume of the liver, and to increase the secretion of bile. In Murray's Apparatus medicaminum, Yol. I., p. 59, Dr. Mohrenheim mentions the case of a woman, thirty yeaTS of age, who swallowed an infusion of savin to occasion abortion. Yiolent and incessant vomiting was induced. After some days she experienced excruciating pain, which was followed by abortion, dreadful haemor- rhage from the uterus, and death. On examination the gall-bladder was found ruptured, the bile effused in the abdomen, and the intes- tines inflamed. A fatal case of its use as an emmenagogue is re- corded by Dr. Dewees in his system of midwifery. The power which savin possesses, of exciting abortion, frequently leads to the use of this drug for criminal purposes. It is the chief ingredient of a patent-medicine which is extensively advertised in the New York Journals under the name of Lucina Cordial. Nevertheless, it may fail in procuring premature labor. Fodere, in his Aledicine legale, reports the case of a woman, who, in order to procure abortion, took every morning, for twenty days, one hundred drops of the oil of savin, and yet went her full term and brought forth a living child. If savin succeeds in procuring abortion, it should be understood, that it does so at the risk of a woman's life. Cases are recorded where the action of savin seems to be transferred by a process of metastasis to some other organ. Haller mentions the case of a young woman who took Sabina for the purpose of procuring abortion, but instead of inducing haemorrhage from the womb, she was attacked with haemoptysis. Yogt states in his work on pharmaco-dynamics, that savin has a tendency to induce an apoplectic state in the fetus. According to Christison " Savin acts as an irritant poison, and not as an abortive; delivery can never be obtained by the use of this plant without jeopardizing life, and it will destroy life without pro- ducing the effect intended. Violent pain in the abdomen, vomiting, and strangury are the chief symptoms of poisoning by this plant." Dr. Trail mentions the following case in a London Aledical Journal: "A servant girl after being some time in low spirits, was seized with 340 LECTURE LXXXVII. violent colicky pains, frequent vomiting, straining at stool, tender- ness of the abdomen, dysuria and general fever, under which symp- toms she died after several days suffering. The stomach was inflamed, in parts black, and perforated at the lower curvature. The uterus, with its appendages, was very red, and contained a fine membrana decidua, but no ovum. The lower intestines were inflamed. There was found in the stomach a greenish powder, which, when washed and dried, had the taste of savin." It seems universally admitted that Sabina acts powerfully upon the uterus, and that it determines a flow of blood, as we are in the habit of expressing it, to this organ, the result of which may be haemorrhage, miscarriage or simple inflammation of the uterus and its appendages. With regard to this action of Sabina upon the uterus, Dr. Stapf, in his additions to our Alateria Medica, offers the following remark: "Sabina has been heretofore employed in two different affections of the same organs, partly to bring on the catamenia, and in general to stimulate the circulation (hence in chlorosis,) partly to suppress bad haemorrhages from the uterus. It is evident that Sabina could not be the proper remedy in two opposite affections, and that, in one of them, it must have been administered improperly. AVe now know from experience that it cures haemorrhage from the uterus, as was first remarked by Wedekind in his treatise de Usu Sabinae, published in 1816, and this fact proves the truth of the homoeopathic law, for experimental provings have shown that Sabina has a ten- dency to cause uterine haemorrhages. How different have been the results obtained by the use of Sabina in stoppage of the catamenia. In such cases it has either never or but rarely done any good ; and even in cases where the catamenia were restored by Sabina, the re- sult was merely palliative, and frequently followed by the most dis- agreeable consequences." Gentleman, there is truth in this mode of reasoning, but there is likewise embodied in these few lines a good amount of error. If large doses of savin cause uterine haemorrhage, in spite of, or in consequence of the absolute prostration of the vital reaction, small doses of Sabina must necessarily excite an organic reaction in the opposite direction. Hence, so far from occasioning uterine haemor- rhage, they will have a tendency to interfere with, and even to suppress the natural discharges of blood from the womb. This law is as fixed as the movements of the starry heavens. Any drastic may be made to produce constipation, provided the dose which is introduced into the stomach, is too feeble to develop its primary effects in the organism; if these primary effects remain latent as it were, the drug will of necessity excite an organic reaction diametri- cally opposed to its primary action. Upon the same principle the continued use of small doses of opium might cause diarrhoea, and the continued use of small doses of Sabina might lead to menstrual haemor- rhage. If, in a case of amenorrhoea or menostasia, there should be a considerable degree of vascular erethism, with fullness and heat in the hypogastric region, pressing upon the uterus, symptoms of dysu- ria, nausea, or even vomiting, there is no reason in the world why SABINA, JUNIPERUS SABINA. 341 Sabina should not be exhibited in small doses. Gentlemen, you cannot commit a greater error than by allowing yourselves to be beguiled into the use of drugs in accordance with the vague and arbitrary classifications adopted by Old-School pathologists. Such classifications are generally suggested by the primary effect of mas- sive doses; they do not take into account the manner in which the organism reacts against the drug. It is the signs by which this reac- tion is characterized, which chiefly guide us in the selection of a remedial agent. AVe say then, that Sabina is homoeopathic to Metrorrhagia, and, per contra, to Menostasia and Amenorrhea. Savin likewise prevents the occur- rence of Miscarriage, particularly in the third and fourth months, even in cases where labor-pains and a discharge of blood from the vagina had already set in. In Kopp's Memorabilia we find several cures of menstrual haemor- rhage by means of Sabina recorded. One was a woman thirty-six years old, who had given birth to a number of children and had an affection of the left kidney. She frequently passed gravel and small reddish calculi, and continually complained of pain in the left renal region and along the left ureter. Occasionally the urine deposited a brownish-red liquid sediment; the menses remained suppressed for three months, without any signs of pregnancy being discover- able; at the end of this period a profuse menstrual flow took place. Large coagula were passed, but no foetus, no membranes, no placenta, with violent, pressing, labor-like pains in the small of the back. The discharge of blood, which was at first bright-red and afterwards changed to a dark, coagulated blood, continued very profusely for ten days, during which she had frequent fainting turns. Finally, the blood assumed a brownish appearance, became granular like spoiled cruor, spread a horrid smell like putrid flesh, which became so disgusting that persons were unable to remain in the same room with her. She complained of a pain in the right groin. Cin- chona, Cinnamon, Phosphoric acid, injections of Ratanhia, fomenta- tions to the abdomen of Hoffmann's balsam, with a strong alcohol remained ineffectual. She now was put on an infusion of three drachms of the leaves of Sabina in four ounces of water, a table- spoonful every two hours. Already after the second dose the dis- charge changed in appearance, became more copious, a labor-like pressing was experienced now and then. After the lapse of four days, and after taking three glasses of this infusion, the odor had completely disappeared and the discharge gradually ceased. Another case is that of a woman who had given birth to a child without any accident. At a later period she met with an accident, since when she menstruated so profusely every month that she had to keep her bed for some days, and lost a quantity of blood. Homoeopathic treatment seemed without avail; Sabina, 3d and 6th atten. likewise proved ineffectual in spite of the most rigorous diet 342 LECTURE LXXXVII. Three drachms of the leaves of Sabina in six ounces of water, strained, a tablespoonful every two hours, arrested the haemorrhage. Yiolent uterine excitement, such as would yield to the specifically- subduing action of Sabina, might result in sterility as the natural consequence of an exhaustion of functional power necessarily by the operation of physiological cause and effect. With this con- dition of the uterus, Sabina would be in specific homoeopathic rapport. Kopp recommends this agent for Sterility not depending upon organic defects of the uterine sys- tem and its appendages, but upon a want of action, upon a certain torpor of the whole uterine system. He uses the following prepara- tion : Six drachms of the leaves of Sabina, to be caused to simmer in water until we obtain six ounces of colature. A tablespoonful of this liquid may be taken three times a day. Occasionally, he adds, to this colature forty to sixty grains of Borax. Females who are averse to taking the savin in a liquid form, take the leaves made into pills according to the following proportions: Two drachms Of the pulverized leaves, two drachms of the extract of Sabina, half an ounce of liquorice-juice, the whole made into one hundred and fifty pills, of which five may be taken three times a day. Sabina has also been given for Leucorrhea when it appeared in place of the menses. Sabina may facilitate the Expulsion of the Placenta in cases of adhesion. Sabina has likewise been recommended for gout even in cases where deposition of arthritic matter in the joints had already taken place. The symptoms certainly would seem to show that Sabina may be of use in this disease. Thus we have a tearing pain, with pressure, in the matatarsi. Painful drawing in the joints of the right foot, aggravated by walking. Sharp stitches in the heels from within outward. Sabina is not to be despised in Dysuria, more especially when the irritation extends over the intestinal mucous membrane, and manifests itself by discharges of mucus and blood, accompanied by violent straining. The introduc- tion of the powdered leaves into the urethra has caused burning, difficulty of urination and a purulent gonorrhoeal discharge which continued for several weeks. Sabina may therefore commend itself to your attention in cases of Urethritis where such symptoms occur. It has likewise been used externally and with great success in the treatment of Condylomata. In this respect it ranks with Thuja. In Metastatic Hemoptysis, occurring in the place of the menses, Sabina may do much good. Haller relates that a girl who swal- lowed large quantities of Sabina, for the purpose of* bringing about miscarriage, did not effect her purpose, but was attacked with haemoptysis instead. SAMBUCUS NIGRA. 343 In a case of poisoning by savin, or by the oil of savin, we first endeavor to remove the poison from the stomach and bowels. Afterwards we may give demulcent drinks, opiates, and in cases of imflammatory symptoms, Aconite internally. SAMBUCUS NIGRA, (Black elder.—Nat. Ord.:—Sambucine.e.) A native of Europe. This well-known tree sometimes grows to the height of from twelve to fifteen feet; it rises with a woody trunk filled with a medullary substance or pith, and covered exter- nally with a rough, ash-colored bark; the. flowers are numerous and form large, beautiful cymes, with five principal branches and many small ones, The berries have at first a reddish hue, but become of a purplish black color when ripe. They are said to be poisonous to poultry. The American Elder possesses similar properties to the European. An infusion of the blossoms has long been in use for the purpose of exciting perspiration; we also use an ointment made of the leaves and blossoms. The late Stephen Girard was so very partial to the elder ointment that he is said to have made it with his own hands, and kept it in his house for distribution among his friends, who happened to be burnt or scalded. It is a pleasant ap- plication and should be renewed twice a day. Wibmer describes the action of the different parts of this plant in the following concise statements: "The flowers have a strong, characteristically balsamic odor, which continues even after they are dried, is slightly stupefying but not disagreeable; they have a rather bitter and strong slimy taste. The ethereal oil which they contain, imparts to them the properties of a mild and volatile irritant, which acts principally upon the skin, excites perspiration without causing heat or stupefying the brain; they are not endowed with any con- siderable influence over the nervous system. " The fresh berries first have a sweetish taste which afterwards becomes disagreeable, and they are apt to cause nausea and diar- rhoea ; when stewed or inspissated with sugar, they are converted into a pleasantly-tasting, gentle-acting, diaphoretic and cathartic. " The inner bark has a penetrating, disagreeably-nauseous odor; its taste is at first sweetish, afterwards somewhat bitter and acrid; in moderate quantities it excites the secretion of urine, in large quantities it causes vomiting and diarrhoea." According to Af urray, the leaves of Elder likewise have a disagreea- ble odor, and a somewhat bitter and acrid taste. Bartholin relates a case where the leaves, eaten with oil and vinegar in the shape of salad, caused forty stools with fainting fits; two other individuals were attacked with vomiting and diarrhoea, loss of strength and emaciation. Hahnemann and his disciples have furnished a few interesting 344 LECTURE LXXXVII. provings of this drug, from which we infer that its therapeutic use is limited principally to such catarrhal and rheumatic irritations of the mucous surfaces and the cutaneous follicles as result in an ab- normally increased excretion of the watery constituents of the blood, both by the bladder and the skin. Our provers report the following symptoms in this direction : Frequent urging to urinate, with scanty discharge; this was fol- lowed in some hours by Frequent urging to urinate with copious discharge; Frequent emission of a deep-yellow urine; The stream of the urine is thinner than usual. These symptoms indeed show that the provers experienced a more frequent urging, but that the quantity of the urinary secretion was not increased in proportion to the desire. We may avail ourselves of these effects of the drug as an indication in Anasarca, to which an important symptom reported by Haller in his Alateria Medica likewise points; it is this: " Watery swelling, caused by applying the drug to the skin." This symptom shows that in anasarca superinduced by a sudden suppression of the perspiration, Sambucus may prove exceedingly valuable. Our provings abundantly demonstrate the fact that the black Elder is endowed with a specific power of disturbing the equilibrium of the animal temperature. AVislicenus reports this symptom: " Chilly shuddering over the whole body, with chilly crawling at times in one, at other times in another place, the hands and feet are particularly cold; the shuddering passes down over the knees." This was followed in one hour by the opposite state, namely: "Burning sensation of heat in the face, with moderate warmth of the body, and icy-cold feet, without thirst." Hahnemann himself experienced the following effects of the drug: Chill before going to bed; half an hour after lying down vascular excitement, with a sensation of trembling; A feeling of intolerably dry heat over the whole body; The palms of the hands and the soles of the feet feel hot when touched: Several hours after the dry heat had commenced, sweat broke out in the face while lying awake in bed; drops of sweat covered the face, and the whole body was perspiring. The following symptoms show that the brain is involved in the febrile irritation of the general organism; it is recorded by Hahne- mann : " Periodical delirium, he saw frightful spectra on the wall." We feel disposed to infer from the existing pathogenesis of this drug that the symptoms of congestion which our provers have recorded, are in specific homoeopathic rapport with pathological conditions resulting from a suppression of the perspiration, or with SAMBUCUS NIGRA. 345 conditions attended with such febrile symptoms as would call for the exhibition of Sambucus. The various headache-symptoms and the symptoms of the respiratory sphere have to be studied and applied with reference to this modification. A simple perusal of some of the leading symptoms of this series, seems to justify our theory. Our provers report in the cephalic range: He feels well enough in the morning; but when moving the head, it feels dizzy, with a tight feeling, as if it were full of water. Tearing stitch through the left half of the occiput, frequently repeated and continuing for a long time; between these attacks a dull sensation was experienced in that region. Tearing ache, in the upper part of the forehead, radiating as it were to the eyes. Pressing in the whole head, in every direction. Frontal headache, and a sudden, painful jerk through the brain from side to side. Stupefying headache, as from a cold. These symptoms are recorded by such conscientious and sensitive provers as Langhammer, Frank, Wislicenus, and may be implicitly relied upon as genuine effects of the drug. These cephalic symp- toms may be attended with other signs of rheumatic irritation in the parts adjoining the head, as: Sensation of slight warmth ascending to the face, similar to the sensation of blushing. Tension in the left cheek, with gnawing pressure in the upper jaw. This painful tension is sometimes accompanied by a feeling of numbness in the parts. These symptoms may be attended with signs of gastro-intestinal irritation, soreness, pinching and stitches in the intestines, crampy pains in the abdominal muscles, and likewise with symptoms of irritation in the back and extremities, such as: aching pains, weari- ness, lameness, tearing and stitching pains. If single elements of this series should be predominantly developed, we may describe this more characteristically defined group of symptoms as a case of Catarrhal or Rheumatic Headache, or as a case of Rheumatic Fever; but in trying to select a remedy for such a pathological state, we should never lose sight of the integrity of this whole series of symptomatic appearances, or of their physiologico- pathological dependence upon each other. The sudorific properties of Sumbucus enable us to use it as a palliative for excessive and exhausting perspiration in some forms of phthisis, or in febrile conditions characterized by a disproportion- ate and excessive amount of perspiration. Kopp reports a case in his Aremorabilia where this effect of Sambucus is fairly illustrated : A lady of forty-five years who had ceased to menstruate, at each period when the menses ought to have appeared, was attacked with such flashes of heat and such an excessive sensitiveness of the skin, that the least motion caused her to perspire very profusely. This perspiration continued all night and annoyed her a great deal. 346 LECTURE LXXXVII. Aconite, China and other agents remained ineffectual. An infusion of a cup of water to a teaspoonful of the flowers of the Sambucus, drank every day, arrested the perspiration almost entirely as long as she used the drug. In the famous Sweating Fever which destroyed so many lives in England some centuries ago, Sambucus finally arrested the perni- cious effects of this extraordinary colliquation of the adipose tissue. In this category we may range a state of Colliquative or Hectic fever, where Sambucus may render good service; we mean a state of colliquation primarily superinduced by onanism or excessive sexual intercourse; the patients .are troubled with nocturnal emissions, profuse night-sweats, loss of flesh, and other signs of marasmus. Our provers have informed us that Sambucus causes frequent emissions, night-sweats, trembling; pros- tration ; hence its use in this state of things is justifiable upon homoeopathic principles. It may, however, beAiecessary to admin- ister a watery infusion instead of the tincture or the attenuations. The action of Sambucus upon the mucous membranes generally, and upon the Schneiderian membrane in particular, accounts for the use of this agent in the Dry Coryza of children, where it is used by homoeopathic prac- titioners, if the breathing should be materially interfered with while the child is nursing. In simple and transient cases frictions on the nose with goose-grease or mutton-suet may prove sufficient. The action of Sambucus upon the pulmonary lining membrane, seems to justify its use in certain forms of Chronic Cough, or as a palliative in Mucous Phthisis. Our provers report several interesting symp- toms in this direction: Hoarseness caused by a quantity of tenacious, viscid mucus in the larynx. Oppression and stitches in the left side of the chest, below the nipple. Oppression and pressure under the sternum, and pressure in the pit and region of the stomach, with nausea and a feeling of pros- tration. A sudden tearing-griping in both sides of the chest, in the region of the fourth true rib, internally. These symptoms have led to the use of Sambucus in Cough, with saltish and sweetish, purulent, hectic expectoration, fever, night-sweats; also in Cough with saltish expectoration, dyspnoea, oedema of the feet. In these and similar forms of cough, more especially when depend- ing upon tubercular degeneration, the use of Sambucus is purely symptomatic, and its action simply of a palliative nature. Homoeopathic practitioners have likewise recommended Sambu- cus for SECALE CORXUTUM. 347 Asthma Millari. The use of the drug in this affection is deter- mined by the following symptom among Hahnemann's provings: Slumbering with the mouth and eyes half open; on waking, he was unable to get his breath, and had to sit up; the breathing, then, was very hurried, with wheezing in the chest, as if he should suffo- cate; he threw his hands about, the face and hands were swollen and had a bluish appearance; he was hot, but not thirsty; at the super- vention of the paroxysm he cried; the whole passed off without cough, more particularly between midnight and four o'clock in the morning." DOSE AND PREPARATION. We make a dark brownish-green tincture of the leaves and blos- soms of this plant, a few drops' of which may be given in a small tumblerful of water; the attenuations are administered by some physicians. A tea made of the blossoms of this plant is very commonly used by the people in Europe. The inner bark is chiefly used as a hydragogue by alloeopathic physicians; they use it in alterative doses as a cathartic. LECTURE LXXXVIII. SECALE COMUTUM. (Spurred Rye, Ergot.) This substance is supposed to be the product of a parasitical fungus. It was unknown to the ancients. In the works of Sigebert the following passage is supposed to refer to the disease produced by.Ergot: "The year 1059 was a pestilent year, especially in the western parts of Lorraine, where many persons became putrid in consequence of their inward parts being consumed by St. Anthony's fire. Their limbs became rotten, black as coal. They either per- ished miserably, or, deprived of their putrid hands and feet, were reserved for a more miserable life. Many cripples were afflicted with contractions of the sinews." This agent was first noticed by Lonicerus in a book published in 15-S2 in Francfort. It was employed by women for labor-pains long before it was known to the profession. Camerarius mentions it in 1683. It was popular in Germany as a means of bringing on labor and thereby promoting parturition. Ergot was not familiar to professional men until Desgranges pub- lished his Essays in 1777. In the United States, Stearns of Albany, introduced it to the attention of obstetricians in 1807. 348 LECTURE LXXXVIII. The number of ergotized grains in each spike varies considerably there may be only one or many, generally from three to ten. The ergot projects beyond the paleae; it is of a violet-black color, from a few lines to an inch and a half in length, from a half a line to four lines broad, cylindrical, obscurely triangular, tapering at the ex- tremity, curved like the spur of a cock, furrowed on two sides. If a number of grains are together, they have a fishy, nauseous smell; they have a disagreeable, slightly acrid taste. Ergot is cov- ered with a purple bloom resembling the bloom of plums. Accord- ing to Air. Queckett, ergot consists of sporidia of a microscopic fungus about ?J-0TJ of an inch long and 6-(V,0 of an inch broad. Other grasses, besides rye, may become ergotized; thirty-one species of such grasses have been enumerated. The spurred rye is fed on by an acarus, one-fourth the size of a cheese-mite. This acarus feeds out the grain, leaving only a shell behind. Ergot upwards of two years old, should not be used. It affects animals in the same man- ner as men, except ruminantia. Phoebus made the following experi- ments : Twenty sheep ate thirteen and a half pounds daily for two months, and thirty cows ate twenty-seven pounds daily, without injury except that the cream became more cheesy. In some ani- mals the ergot produced miscarriage; others, with a gravid uterus, were not affected by it. Frank reports the following interesting proving of Secale: Surgeon Patze swallowed one drachm of the pulverized Secale on the 25th of February, 1844; he had to chew it a long time, and to drink about the fourth of a quart of water, in order to wash down the powder which was adhering to his teeth and palate. It tasted some- what like fresh bread, but left a slightly empyreumatic after-taste. In a quarter of an hour he experienced a peculiar sensation in his mouth as if he had been smoldng strong tobacco, or as if he had swallowed some ethereal oil; at the same time he had a peculiar feeling of lightness in his head, especially in the occiput. In half an hour he felt a violent drawing in the spermatic cord as if the testes should be drawn up to the inguinal ring; this lasted for about half an hour; it was accompanied with a disagreeable pressure in the stomach which interfered with the breathing and was accompa- nied with a peculiar longing for food. An hour after taking the drug, he experienced an almost irresistible drowsiness: in the following night his sleep was disturbed by anxious dreams. In the morning the peculiar sensation in the head which was like a dizziness, and the benumbing sensation in the mouth continued; the tongue was thickly coated with a yellowish white, dry, viscid mucus ; the oppres- sion at the stomach very distressing, accompanied with heartburn; the face was collapsed and paler. In the course of the day, he ex- perienced a keen, formicating sensation in the tips of some of his fingers, and a transitory feeling of numbness in the interior surface of the thighs and in the calves. The prover ate more than usual: the bowels were costive. These symptoms lasted on the third and fourth day; on this day they even increased in violence to such an extent that the vertigo caused him to stagger and his sight and hear- SECALE CORNUTUM. 349 ing became cloudy. He was troubled with frequent, insipid eructa- tions which spread a pungent and foul odor to the distance of three feet; the pressure at the stomach, and the heartburn were very troublesome, a quantity of sour fluid collected in his mouth, and his nose bled a good deal. The face had a swollen appearance, and the eyes were sunken. His skin which was generally inclined to per- spire, was dry. On the fourth day his bowels were moved for the first time since he swallowed the drug. An emetic brought away a quantity of sour mucus; the oppression of the stomach continued for a week, and only disappeared after an attack of diarrhoea. We read in the Boston Journal, Vol. X., No. 19, a description of several highly interesting experiments with the oil of Secale insti- tuted by Dr. Moore. The oil was obtained by macerating ergot in Sulphuric ether and afterwards evaporating the latter. A student, eighteen years old, who was not easily attacked by narcotics, swal- lowed two drachms of the oil in the course of an afternoon. At first he swallowed half a drachm immediately after a full repast; his pulse was eighty-two in the minute, the number of inspirations nine- teen. In seven minutes he experienced a somewhat pleasant sensa- tion in the head followed by a disagreeable feeling of confusion and heaviness, especially in the occiput. Half an hour after taking the drug, he complained of a feeling like sea-sickness. He felt very faint, with a continual desire to spit. In forty-five minutes the dis- agreeable sensations became very violent; he saw flashes of light- ning. At three o'clock, he swallowed sixty grains ; this dose, like the former, excited a pleasant sensation in the head, and a slight general exhilaration. Soon, however, he experienced a painful rigidity in the muscles, and an extraordinary feeling of weariness in the lower extremities. The skin all over had a bluish tint; the pupils were dilated, his face had a strange, melancholy and stupid expression. Forty minutes after the last dose, his pulse was sixty- five and the number of inspirations fourteen. At four o'clock he swallowed another dose of sixty grains. The same feeling of lightness in the head, followed by the same disagree- able sensation in the head and stomach. At five o'clock, the pulse was down to thirty-six, small and feeble, the number of inspirations eight, imperceptible and feeble. The skin was pale; after pressure with the finger, the color returned very slowly. Since the second dose, the urinary secretions had become very profuse. The sleep was perfectly tranquil during the ensuing night. Another student, twenty years old, experienced the same symp- toms. They lasted about a week, and may be summed up as follows : dilatation of the pupils, feeble and slow pulse and imperceptible and greatly diminished inspirations, retarded action of the capillaries, bluish color of the skin, diminished appetite, general weariness, -rioidity of the limbs and sense of soreness of the muscles of the lower extremities. Hooker experimented on two young men with a simple infusion of ergot. He digested two ounces of the powder in a pint of tepid 350 LECTURE LXXXVIII. water. One of them drank fourteen ounces, the other eight ounces in doses of two ounces in the course of two hours, commencing at three in the aftejioon. The effect was almost the same in both. Both experiencecFa slight, passing feeling of loathing after every dose. The pupils became slightly dilated, but there was no head- ache, no retardation of the inspirations; the pulse and the capillaries remained unaffected. The main effect was a considerable exhilara- tion and wakefulness. This would seem to show that an infusion has no narcotic properties, but that the powder and the oil have. The most remarkable series of effects which Secale cornutum manifests upon the nervous system is the frightful disorder which is described in toxicological works under the name " ergotism." It is likewise known by a variety of other names, such as: convulsio cerealis, necrosis cerealis, morbus cerealis, raphania. The Germans call it " Kriebel-Krankheit" (formicating disease,) from one of its main symptoms, that of formication in the extremities. As an epi- demic disease, this plague has often depopulated whole districts. According to Wibmer, Rousseus is the first who has given a detailed account of the symptoms of this disease in his Epistolae Medicae. I have already alluded to the existence of this disease as an epidemic, as far back as the eleventh century. In the epidemic described by Sigebert, the bread in that year was bad and had a violet color. Various epidemics have ravaged European countries, more par- ticularly Germany and France, from the years 1587 to the present period. The characteristic signs of the disease have always been the same in their main features. Wibmer sums up the statements of the best authors on the subject in the following comprehensive resum£: At first the patient only complains of languor, and of formication in the tips of the toes and fingers, which sometimes look blackish- blue in some places. Frequently the disease commences with nausea, violent vomiting and pains in the stornach ; the abdomen becomes distended and hard ; the head feels heavy, dizzy, the senses become blunted; at a later period, the patients are attacked with violent convulsions of the hands and feet, knees, shoulders, elbows, mouth, lips and tongue; these shift from one side of the body to the other, and are generally accompanied by intolerable pains, at times by a burning heat, and at other times by chilliness; sometimes they abate periodically and then return again; sometimes the spasms assume the form of emprosthotonos, at other times that of opistho- tonos. These convulsions most frequently terminate in epilepsy; they are very destructive to children. Between the paroxysms, the patients live in an uninterrupted sopor; after the paroxysms most of them manifest a craving for food without being able to satisfy them- selves ; they are exceedingly feeble and languid, complain of dizzi- ness and hardness of hearing ; their limbs are rigid and motionless. Sometimes they are attacked with violent diarrhoea, the tongue swells very much, the secretion of saliva is increased, the eyes frequently become covered with a thick mist, so that the patients SECALE CORNUTUM. 351 become blind or see double. Their mental faculties are disturbed ; melancholy, madness, intoxication set in, the vertigo increases; the pains now cease, but sensibility is likewise extinguished. The hands and feet are sometimes covered with spots resembling flea-bites, they dry up as it were; the skin turns black, wrinkles, whole extremities sometimes become gangrened and fall oft"; in this way the patients sometimes escape death, dragging their mutilated bodies about for months and even years afterwards. Many, however, die within nine or twelve weeks. A number had relapses after the lapse of a year, most frequently in the months of January or February. It was observed in various epidemics, that the convulsions and pains in the limbs with stupor would prevail in some epidemics, and gangrene of the extremities in others; hence the distinction between convulsive and gangrenous ergotism; the former was more frequent in Germany, the latter in France and Switzerland. Taube, one of the best authors on this disease, speaks of several degrees of ergotism: In the first degree the disease set in without any preliminary symptoms, with obscuration of sight, vertigo, loss of the senses, frightful contractions of the body, convulsions, trembling of the limbs, retching, profuse cold sweats, great anxiety, restlessness, jaundiced complexion, hippocratic appearance of the countenance, » risus sardonicus, discharge of a frothy, bloody saliva. These symp- toms were accompanied with excessive thirst; wandering, tormenting pains, especially under the sternum, labored respiration, weight in the pit of the stomach, retching; pulse small, sluggish, frequently intermitting, sometimes scarcely perceptible during the attacks, con- stipation, tenesmus, scanty urine. The spasms terminated fatally within twenty-four hours to three days, amid the most frightful convulsions. The dead bodies became very speedily decomposed, the blood fluid, the limbs contracted, sanguineous exudations under the skin took place, the omentum was friable between the fingers ; the intestines looked yellowish, the liver and spleen were full of blood, there was a quantity of watery bile, the ventricles of the heart were empty, the pulmonary and cerebral arteries full of blood, the sinuses empty. The other much milder form set in with heaviness in the limbs, disturbed sensibility in the linfbs, great weakness and languor, dull- ness of the head, formication in the arms, feet, and face. Afterwards transitory spasms supervened, pressure in the pit of the stomach, coldness in the abdomen and back, daily increasing vertigo, anxiety, retching, vomiting of a tenaceous, yellow mucus with relief, violent pains, spasms, contractions of the limbs, colliquative sweats; the pulse was regular, rarely spasmodic or suppressed. Intense thirst set in, and an extraordinary craving for food, especially sour food; the pupils were dilated, the face sunken, discolored, the alvine evacuations were regular, the sleep calm, especially during the paroxysms, which left the patient exhausted and with his limbs rigid; an emotion excited the attack. At times tetanic spasms set in. emprosthotonos or opisthotonos, sardonic laughter, craziness. In almost every case, the disease left the patient imbecile or idiotic for 352 LECTURE LXXXVIII. a longer or shorter period. Swellings and bleeding ulcers, cuta- neous eruptions, diarrhoea, swelling of the feet, etc., constituted a favorable crisis. If this form attained a high degree of intensity, the senses became blunted, the limbs became cold as ice and insen- sible; occasionally the tongue was found crushed, bitten. At last fever set in, the headache became more violent, diarrhoea and stupor supervened, and the patient died convulsed. In the bodies, no symptoms of gangrene could be discovered. Robert has the following concerning raphania in Rust's Maga- zine : Ergotism without fever is more frequent in Germany, ergotism with fever in France. In the former, precursory symptoms are generally observed for a few days or weeks (although the disease may set in quite suddenly, with fainting, vertigo, etc.) such as: excessive de- bility of the extremities, formication, first in the tips of the fingers, afterwards in the whole body, even in the tongue; headache, heavi- ness of the head, pains lik rheumatism, dull pains in the praecordia, pain in the stomach, cardialgia, coldness in the cavity of the abdo- men, chilliness, goose-flesh, etc. During the course of the disease, the same formication continues, with spasmodic contractions of the limbs, trembling, tetanus, violent pains, thirst without fever, external coldness with internal heat, syncope, obscuration of sight, stupefac- tion of the senses, etc. After the attack, the limbs remain spasmodi- » cally contracted or paralyzed for a time, so that the patient has to step about on his toes, the spirits remain depressed, the speech stuttering, the eyes dull, the features look sunken and sickly, the pupils dilated ; at the same time the appetite remains craving, even amounting to bulimia, with heartburn, sour eructations. After re- peated attacks the patient becomes quite prostrated, the skin is covered with gangrenous blisters, and the victim dies miserably. In some cases the disease changes to epilepsy, idiocy, general para- lysis. Discharge of worms, and the breaking out of an itch-like rash are considered a favorable crisis. Ergotism with fever has two forms, the convulsive and gangrenous. Precursory symptoms are • vertigo, headache, loathing, vomiting, pain in the stomach, anxiety, feeling of debility ; they generally last a few days. The attack sets in with fever, internal heat, formication and debility of the extremities, spasms, anasarca and insensibility of the extremities; these frequently lose their color, become cold, covered by gangrenous blisters, which discharge a watery, fetid ichor or blood. Finally gangrene first attacks the fingers, afterwards the larger joints and limbs, the gangrened parts drop off without any loss of blood, and the patients die. These effects of Secale upon the living tissues show most clearly that the toxical action of this poison is directed against both the blood and the nervous system. Whether the toxication of the blood is prior to the violent irritation of the nervous system, or whether the disorganizing action of the poison reaches the blood from the nervous centres, seems, to some extent, immaterial in a therapeutic point of view. It is certain that, in some conditions of atmosphere, climate SECALE CORNUTUM. 353 and constitutional predisposition, the symptoms of blood-poisoning predominate, whereas in other conditions the nervous disorders mani- fest themselves with characteristic and prominent intensity. In dis- eases to which ergot is homoeopathic, be they considered as diseases of the blood or of the nervous system, we may rest assured that the drug will reach them by the same door by which the morbific princi- ple has invaded the tissues; hence we need not be under any imme- diate concern regarding the physiological priority of rank between the two series of symptoms. The remarkable physiological tableau which I have displayed be- fore you, suggests a variety of therapeutic uses to which Secale may be applied. Upon studying this tableau carefully, we cannot help deriving, an impression that Secale vitiates the reproductive process in its very beginning, that it poisons the very fountains of life, and must, on this account, be adapted to deep-seated, inveterate affec- tions of the reproductive sphere. From the interesting provings of Patze and Hooker, and from the frightful toxicological effects of Secale we derive the following series of pathological conditions as peculiarly adapted to the therapeutic action of this drug: Dizziness; Craving for food; AVhitish-yellow coating of the tongue; Distressing pressure at the stomach; Foul eructations which can be smelled at a distance; Heart-burn, with a quantity of sour phlegm thrown off the stomach; Costiveness, with dryness of the skin; Nose-bleed; Violent drawing in the testes and spermatic cord, as if the testes were to be pulled up towards the ring. Hooker's provings suggest the following series: Light feeling in the head, with subsequent feeling of rigidity in the limbs, bluish skin, dilated pupils, weariness, stupid expression, melancholy; excessive depression of the pulse and imperceptible respiration. The poisonous action suggests Secale in Dry Gangrene; Epileptic Convulsions; Chorea, when characterized by strange motions of the limbs, for- mication in the extremities, dilatation of the pupils, clumsy and irregular speech. Paralysis with or without contraction of the limbs; Imbecility and Idiocy; Bulimia, with emaciation; Malignant Anthrax; Pus tula maligna, Petechial Disorganizations resembling purpura haeniorrhagica. Chronic Vomiting as a symptom of vitiated reproduction, may be vol. n.—23 354 LECTURE LXXXVIII. successfully treated with Secale. The accompanying symptoms must correspond, such as foul eructations spreading an offensive odor; the patient vomits sour mucus, and complains of a general feeling of languor and prostration; the skin is dry and the pulse feeble and sluggish, or it may be slightly accelerated, jerking, with feverish irritation of the capillaries. Vomiting of pregnant females of a cachectic and scrofulous dispo- sition, and living poorly, in badly ventilated, damp rooms, when characterized by the above-mentioned symptoms, may yield to Secale. In Gastromalacia, Secale may arrest the disorganizing process in season to save life and secure a restoration of health. Dr. Pulte, of Cincinnati, has published a highly instructive case in his Ala^azine, furnishing a fine illustration of the curative virtues of Secale in this disease. In Asiatic Cholera, Secale has been exhibited by homoeopathic physicians with variable results; the following group of symptoms has been considered indicative of this drug: Sudden, striking change of features, with deep-sunken eyeballs surrounded by blue margins, constant nausea and vomiting after taking the least quan- tity of nourishment, frequent diarrhoea with watery, slimy evacua- tions, shrivelled skin which feels cold to the hand, inexpressible feeling of anxiety and burning in the pit of the stomach, hoarse, hollow voice, suppression of urine, cramp in the calves, paralysis of the upper extremities, scarcely-perceptible pulse, unquenchable thirst. In Paralytic Dysuria, Secale has effected fine cures. It causes a diminished flow of urine, with a darker color of this fluid, and a paralytic difficulty of voiding it; the patient "passes a little urine, and is troubled with a feeling that a quantity of urine is still left in the bladder. On the other hand, Secale causes the discharge of a quantity of watery urine, which may be looked upon as a symptom of Hysteria. In Hysteric Spasms, with a melancholy state of mind, suppression of the menses, violent uterine pains during the attack which terminates in profuse discharge of a watery urine, Secale may prove useful. The action of Secale upon the sexual system is exceedingly marked. We have seen that Secale causes a spasmodic sensation in the spermatic cord ; hence we may find it indicated in Spasmodic Retraction of the Testicles, coming on in paroxysms or more or less permanent; it may be the result of onanism. Its action upon the female sexual system, however, is one of the most interesting features in the physiological history of this remark- able agent. AVibmer says of it: " Numerous experiments show that it excites the uterus, and that, in ten to fifteen minutes after its exhibition, it causes the uterus to contract, and to expel the fetus and placenta without injury either to the uterus or the fetus, unless SECALE CORNUTUM. 355 the drug is given in too large a dose or at an improper period. It is especially during labor that it manifests this power of exciting uterine contractions; the continued use of the drug may likewise cause mis- carriage. In animals that were killed by Secale, the uterus and its ligaments were found inflamed, and an effusion of blood had taken place in the uterus as well as in the vagina; the fetus was destroyed by asphyxia in consequence of the excessive contractions. Diat found in his experiments upon animals that the urethra and vagina became ecchymosed, and that in female animals, blood was discharged from the uterus even when unimpregnated. In accordance with these symptoms we may prescribe Secale in a case of Uterine Hemorrhage, with spasmodic contractions; every discharge of blood is preceded by a violent, painful contraction of the womb, or by distressing bearing-down pains. Secale may likewise be indicated in uterine haemorrhage with atony of the uterus; the uterus may have become exhausted by the previous violent contractions. Secale is in true homoeopathic rap- port with this condition; for the violent contractions which Secale excites by its primary action upon the uterus, may, if kept up for a sufficient length of time, be succeeded by a state of uterine exhaustion and relaxation of the uterine walls. Secale may be indicated in Metritis, with haemorrhage, in consequence of tedious labor; the patient is. quite prostrated, the extremities are cold; a paroxysm of vomiting and retching occurs every now and then; the pulse is low, hurried; the blood which is discharged from the uterus, is fluid, mingled with dark, badly-smelling coagula. This species of metritis may terminate in Putrescence of the Womb, to which allusion has been made in the lectures on Arsenic, page 302 of the first volume of this work. Secale may prove a most useful agent in preventing Miscarriage; we may resort to it, if the patient complains of violent bearing-down pains, and a sanguineous discharge begins to show itself. For Spasmodic Labor-pains or exhausting after-pains, a few small doses of Secale may be given with great relief. On the other hand, it may be used as a means of re-exciting the contractile energies of the womb, when they begin to flag in consequence of repeated and unsuccessful efforts of this organ to expel the fetus. In the following note by the- late Dr. Geo. W. Cook of New York, the conditions, when Secale cornutum may be used as a means of facilitating the expulsion of the fetus, are very forcibly pointed out. "In order to secure a uniform effect from 'Sec. cor.,' care must be taken to gather it from the field when the grain is fully ripe, but not harvested. The largest portion sold by druggists is picked out from the rye when it is in market and in bins. I am convinced from a long experience in its preparation and use in practice, that this is an important consideration to be attended to; the heat generated by 356 LECTURE LXXXVIII. packing in the grain-mow or in the grain-bin has a deteriorating effect upon the medicinal properties of this medicine. I have used it in decoction, saturated tincture and hydro-alcoholic fluid extract. In either of the above forms, if due regard is paid to the gathering, as above directed, it may be depended upon as more certain, uniform, and energetic over a certain class of organs than any other article of the 'materia medica.' The uterus is more especially within the sphere of its action. When given to the 'parturient female,' (a decoction of two drachms of the powder to a half pint of boiling water, and one tablespoonful of this given every five minutes), it uniformly produces, after about the third dose, a violent pressing, forcing pain, which only ceases with the entire expulsion from the gravid uterus of its entire contents, unless it be given when the pre- sentation is unnatural, or there is great rigidity in the soft parts. It should by no means be given, if either of the latter conditions exists, because the child may become pressed so severely and steadily, as .to endanger its life; and the ergot expending its power upon the .uterus, its action may be transferred to the nervous centres, and con- gestion of the brain, followed by vertigo, delirium, convulsions, insensibility and coldness of the extremities ensue. The accoucheur should be fully satisfied that the os uteri is amply dilated, the presentation natural, and that nothing but pain is requisite to effect the delivery, before he administers ergot. By exercising this care, ergot'is as safe as any powerful drug of the 'materia medica,' and in lingering labours, where there is atony and great sluggishness, many lives of both mothers and children, may be saved by the well- timed administration of it. Personal observation, during a full obstetric practice of many years, enables me to speak with much confidence on this subject. The effect upon the uterus is manifest some time after its contents are expelled; it may be easily felt firmly contracted, just within the brim of the pelvis, like a hard ball, and with very little haemorrhage, either external or internal. Taking the hint from this latter fact, after administering the ergot, I was induced to give it for arresting alarming floodings, and the uniform .success attending it, has so strengthened my confidence in its specific power over the muscular fibres of the womb, in produ- cing their contraction, and thus arresting the haemorrhage at its source, that .all those unscientific external means which attack the stream at a remote distance from its source, such as elevating the hips, .plugging the vagina with ice, or injecting ice-water, sink into utter insignificance." Secale may modify the various abnormal conditions of the men- strual secretions with great effect. In Menostasia, with erethism of the circulation, and ineffectual efforts on the ,part of the womb to expel the menstrual blood, Secale may prove useful; the young girl complains of bearing-down, contractive pains which exhaust her very much. In Dysmenorrhea, where such spasms occur, and the appearance of the menstrual blood is preceded by them, Secale may likewise be indicated. It is also indicated in SECALE CORNUTUM. 357 Menstrual Hemorrhage, when the blood has an excessively fetid smell, the patient looks sallow, complains of feeling exhausted, inclines to feel giddy, to lose her senses. It is more particularly indicated in the case of enfeebled, cachectic females in whom the loss of blood is attended with numbness and tingling in the extre- mities. In such cases, Aconite may compete with Secale. In Menstrual Colic, with labor-like pains down the small of the back, pressure on the bladder, cutting pains; or in colic, with pale face, cold sweat breaking out all over, tearing or cutting pains in the rectum, flagging pulse, Secale proves of great service. In Hydrometra, when the patient had a sallow complexion, and the water was discharged every now and then in sudden gushes, Secale has effected a cure. Leucorrhea which seemed to depend upon excessive menstruation, has been arrested very rapidly by a decoction of Secale. Secale has been employed, with success in many cases, for the expulsion of Moles, polypi and other adventitious growths in the uterus. The extraordinary influence which Secale has over the circulation, has been made use of for the purpose of arresting haemorrhages from other organs beside the womb. We have seen in the provings of Patze that it may cause epistaxis; hence in Epistaxis or haemorrhage from the nose, with sinking of the pulse, dizziness, slight stupefaction of the senses, Secale may be able to arrest the flow of blood. In Haemoptysis and Hematemesis, it has been used with success. Frank quotes several cases of the former, where cachectic persons or individuals who had become debilitated by losses, were cured of haemoptysis after everything else had failed. Regarding the dose, it may be given from the 200th potency down to three or five grains of the powder. If a sudden effect has to be produced, in atony of the uterus from excessive contractions, a few grains of the powder may be given without injury to the patient; the uterine contractions will re-appear very speedily. In spasmodic labor-pains, a very small dose, in other words a high potency may be sufficient to moderate the pains. I would request you, Gentlemen, to try the highest potencies of Secale even in cases of uterine dis- orders or difficulties where we have been in the habit of operating with massive doses; if my word is good for anything to you, you may believe me when I assure you that I have seen marked and even painful uterine contractions take place immediately after the exhibition of the 200th potency. Antidotal Treatment. Cases of poisoning by ergot are not very common. If a poisonous dose of Ergot has to be counteracted, we should first endeavor to remove the poison by an emetic, after which Phoebus recommends the employment of chlorine-water, for the 358 LECTURE LXXXIX. reason that the alkaloid Ergotin is decomposed by Chlorine. If this preparation is not readily obtained, we may use Nitro-chloric acid, properly diluted. Any subsequent constitutional treatment has to be conducted according to the necessities of the case. LECTURE LXXXIX. POLYGALA SENEGA, RADIX SENEGA SEU SENEO. (Seneca Snake-root, Rattlesnake-root) This drug is not much used by homoeopathic Physicians, proba- bly for no better reason than because they are not sufficiently acquainted with its therapeutic properties which are undoubtedly of a high order and are eminently deserving of our most careful con- sideration. This plant is a native of Virginia, Maryland and other Southern States. The very simple and erect stem is about a foot high, with alternate, senile, ovate-lanceolate leaves. It bears small, white flowers forming racemes. Of the root Pereira furnishes the following description : " It varies in size from that of a writing quill to that of the little finger; it is contorted, presents a number of eminences, and terminates superiorly in an irregular tuberosity, which exhibits traces of numerous stems; a projecting line extends the whole length of the root. The cortical portion is corrugated, transversely cracked, thick, of a greyish-yellow color. The central portion (meditullium) is woody and white. The taste of the root is at first sweetish and mucilaginous, afterwards acrid and pungent, exciting cough and a flow of saliva ; its odor is peculiar and nauseous." The odor depends in a great measure upon the freshness of the root; it is scarcely perceptible, if the root is old. Gern, Hecker, Thoss and others designate it as a feeble, peculiar, nauseous odor •which becomes more distinct and penetrating by pounding the root or while preparing a watery decoction. Pfaff compares this odor to that of olive-oil. AVe have a number of chemical analyses of this agent made by Gehlen, Trommsdorf, Dulong and others, which have yielded a con- siderable proportion of constituents, among which the most impor- tant is Polygalin, and first discovered by Gehlen, who called it Sene- gin ; when pure, it is a white powder, it seems to be the active principle of the drug, and resides in the cortical part of the root. This acid embodies the characteristic properties of the Senega-root in a high degree; when first placed upon the tongue, it is tasteless, but afterwards communicates an acrid feeling to the mouth and a sense of constriction to the fauces. POLYGALA SENEGA. 359 In large doses this drug possesses acrid properties. Professor Sundelin reports the following experiment with the root in his Mate- ria Aledica : "I swallowed 20 grains of the pulverized root. AVhile swallowing this powder I experienced very intensely the disagreea- ble scraping on the back part of the tongue, and in the throat, during which the mouth filled with a quantity of saliva. Soon after I felt considerable burning in the stomach which changed after the third dose to a severe retching and hard vomiting, in consequence of which I threw up a quantity of watery mucus, but only a small quantity of the powder. The skin now became warmer, and com- menced to grow moist. In the bowels I felt an acute pinching which did not cease until I had had several watery stools. At the same time there was an evident increase of the urinary secretions, and I even experienced a slight burning while urinating. Even on the following day I still felt a disagreeable pressure at the stomach, and I had no appetite. " In still larger quantities, Senega caused a violent burning and pressure at the stomach, violent vomiting, purging, anxiety, ver- tigo, etc." Sundelin concludes from his experiments that "Senega, like Arnica, is suitable for conditions characterized by torpor and para- lytic debility; it excels Arnica in promoting and exciting the activ- ity of the absorbent vessels and secretory organs; it even seems to have the power of altering the quality of the secretions and promo- ting the process of liquefaction. It moderately excites the vascular system, but does not cause fever of an inflammatory type." Seidel has left us an interesting monograph of Senega embody- ing a series of provings, instituted by himself and some of his col- leagues with the strong tincture as well as with the pulverized root. Of the former from 10 to 60 drops were swallowed at a time, and of the latter from 5 to 6 grains. One of the provers was a mirthful, robust girl of fifteen years. In Old-School practice this drug has been principally used as an ex- pectorant in bronchial or pulmonary inflammations, after the inflam- matory stage had been controlled by antiphlogistic treatment. It has likewise been strongly recommended in humid asthma, in chronic catarrh, mucous phthisis, and has rendered efficient service in oph- thalmic affections by its solvent powers in disorganizations of the cornea or conjunctiva resulting from previous inflammation. Anatomically, Senega acts directly upon the eyes, the larynx, tra- chea, bronchial tubes and pulmonary parenchyma, upon the upper two-thirds of the digestive tube, upon the urinary bladder, the urethra, and indirectly upon the circulation; it acts upon the mucous lining of these parts, and likewise upon that of the back and extremities. In order to define this action still more minutely, we will say that it acts primarily upon the nervous network ramified over this lining. The provings with which Seidel and his colleagues have favored 360 LECTURE LXXXIX. us, show that Senega is capable of producing various abnormal sen- sations, pains, congestive conditions of the brain, which are, how- ever, without any marked peculiarities, and are common to every drug a pathogenesis of which has been recorded by our provers. These headache symptons are purely secondary, and seem incidental to the severe derangement of the gastric and respiratory mucous membranes which this agent causes. One of these symptoms shows a connection with a pain in the eyeballs ; it was induced by 5 grains of the root on a robust young man in blooming health, and reads as follows: " Violent throbbing headache, with pressing in the eyes, diminished appetite, weary and sore feeling and general sensation of malaise." In the ORBITAL RANGE this substance has developed a number of interesting symptoms which clearly point to its homoeopathicity in a variety of ophthal- mic diseases. Some of the most distinguished oculists of our age have spoken very highly of the efficacy of Senega in affections of the eyes. The celebrated von Ammon, of Dresden, Saxony, recommends Senega for the organic disorders resulting from rheumatic and arthritic oph- thalmia, for lymphatic exudations between the layers of the cornea ; for bloody ecchymoses, ulcerations of the cornea, exudations and suppurations resulting from conjunctivitis, corneitis, iritis; dropsical affections of the eyes; pterygium tenue ; dimness of the aqueous hu- mor setting in in the course of an inflammation of the orbiculus ciliaris. Many other eminent oculists concur in praising the resolvent vir- tues of the Seneka-root in exudations and interstitial distentions re- sulting from chronic inflammations and suppurations. It need hardly be mentioned that in all these affections Senega is given by Old-School practitioners in comparatively large doses, and most generally in combination with other substances. Be this, however, as it may, its curative action in many of these affections cannot be denied, nor can it be denied that it effects its most brilliant cures in accordance with the law of specific Homoeopathy. It is true, Jung- ken, of Berlin, speaks doubtingly of the therapeutic powers of this drug, which are, on the other hand, praised by Chelius, of Heidel- berg, for bloody extravasations, by Schmulz, and others, for pannus, by Helmuth, Pfeiffer, von Ammon, and others, for hypopyon, by Tott for spots on the cornea with epiphora. There is but one way of determining the therapeutic sphere of Senega in affections of the eyes with approximate precision ; it is to institute experiments upon the healthy with reliable quantities of the original drug as well as its attenuations. The series of symptoms which our provers have recorded in the Ophthalmic Range, is quite considerable, and shows that Senega affects the nervous power of the eyes, and correspondingly irritates the secretory membranes of this organ. The effects of Senega upon the eyes are characterized by POLYGALA SENEGA. 361 Pressure and drawing in the eyeballs; Pressure in the eyeballs, as if a fluid had penetrated into them, and were distressing them; A quantity of mucus is secreted by the Aieibomian glands ; A continual twitching of the lower lids causes lachrymation ; AVhen looking at an object steadily for some time, the eyes tremble and run; Burning and pressure in the eyes ; Burning in the eyes when reading and writing; Considerable dryness and smarting pain in the eyes as if soap had got in; Tensive pain in the eyes, with sensitiveness to the light; Staring at one point, as if it were difficult to move the eyeballs ; Swelling, burning and pressure of the eyelids, without much redness; A^esicle on the margin of the left upper lid, causing much pres- sure ; it discharges a good deal of watery fluid, after which the pressure ceases; Considerable tingling in the eyelids, with sensation as if sand had got behind them; Burning in the lids when writing ; Throbbing in the right lower lid; The lower lids are drawn spasmodically towards the nose, for several days; Twitching of the lids. These symptoms are not of a nature to recommend Senega in acute inflammatory affections of the eyes; they rather point to chronic affections, such as may and often do result from neglected or mismanaged acute inflammations; or they may likewise point to chronic irritations resulting from the grafting of some constitutional taint upon an apparently slight catarrhal irritation. We need not recapitulale the disorganizations for which Senega has been recom- mended at the outset of this ophthalmic chapter; we will here simply add that Senega may prove eminently serviceable in a case of Sore eyes, especially in scrofulous and cachectic individuals in whom the reactive energies of the vegetative system seem to have sunk to a very low level, or are kept down by this inimical taint. Another group of symptoms developed by our provings, shows that the visual power is sensibly affected by Senega. Among these we distinguish the following: Ocular spectra for some days ; Shadows before the eyes; Objects look as if seen through a shadow ; The sight is impeded as if dazzled by a bright light; The eyes are dazzled while he is reading, which is materially in- terfered with. On looking at the setting sun, he sees a smaller one close below it. At noon he sees several times a bright spot on the wall, sideways 362 LECTURE LXXXIX. from the eyes; this spot disappears if the eyes are turned straight towards it; ' Dimness of sight, with slight burning and weeping of the eyes; Dimness of sight when reading ; the eyes weep after using- them a little; Sensitiveness of the eyes to the light; Dimness of sight when reading, with vibratory movements before the eyes, obliging him to wipe the eyes frequently ; yet this makes the trouble worse; When reading or writing, the letters become blurred ; Contraction of the pupils, the first few days. These symptoms are valuable, inasmuch as they reveal additional features of the therapeutic range of Senega; they show that this agent may be useful in Amblyotic conditions characterized by similar symptoms; they may be super-induced by using the eyes to excess, at gas or candle-light, in doing fine work, reading or writing; or they may develop themselves spontaneously on the result of exposure, of want of care, or of an actively developed constitutional struma. In ma- king up an ophthalmic group for therapeutic purposes, we should of course keep the whole series of both pathological and pathogenetic symptoms before our mind's eye. In a case of pannus, hypopyon, or any other disorganization of the eye, the homoeopathicity of Senega cannot be determined by the existing disorder, for the simple reason that no drug can be proved until it develops such disorganizations; this homoeopathicity depends upon a perfect correspondence between the initial states of morbid and drug irritation, from which the dis- organization had developed itself as a necessary physiological result. If the disorganization is curable, Senega, if administered with due regard to the quantitative and qualitative necessities of the case, will set up a process of resorption which will eventually terminate in the restoration of the organ. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. We have been partially made acquainted with the action of Sen- ega upon the salivary glands and the lining membrane of the mouth, stomach and small intestines. These provings have shown that it causes an increased flow of saliva, a dryness and puckering sensation in the mouth and pharynx, burning pains and pressure in the stom- ach, and finally pinching pains in the small intestines, relieved by watery discharges. Our provers have recorded a long, but perfectly reliable list of symptoms which delineate with a good deal of com- pleteness and accuracy the peculiar action of this dru'g upon the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane. We may note the following: White or yellowish-white coating of the tongue every morning; Early in the morning the tongue is lined with mucus, and the prover experiences a very unpleasant strong taste in his mouth ; Burning sensation at the tip of the tongue, also a smarting and burning sensation about the palate as if the skin were detached; Tingling sensation under the tongue; POLYGALA SENEGA. 363 Dryness in the middle of the tongue, also of the whole mouth fol- lowed by a flow of saliva ; Feeling of tension extending from the palate to the articulations of the lower jaw ; From ten drops of the tincture taken in July, one of the provers experienced an extraordinary dryness of the mouth and pharynx early every morning and in the forenoon for many days ; Slight prickling and stinging in the mouth, with flow of saliva ; Copious flow of a watery saliva, with an astringent sensation; The whole of the mouth and fauces feel as if excoriated by fire, so that only liquid or soft food can be swallowed; Frequent hawking, by which means a good deal of tenacious white mucus becomes detached; Dryness of the fauces, with shooting stitches in the uvula; Burning and scraping sensation in the throat; Fetid odor from the mouth, for six days; Insipid, also nauseous and sweetish taste, or metallic taste in the mouth; A good deal of thirst; Empty eructations; Anorexia, and various gastric symptoms, such as nausea, gagging, vomiting, expulsion of a quantity of watery mucus; Vomiting, with attacks of oppressive anxiety (from Genesius' " Handbuch der Praktischen Heilmittellehre."); Painful and unpleasant sensations in the stomach; Qualmish feeling in the stomach, also burning and oppression in this region. One prover reports a digging-aching pain below the pit of the stomach after supper, with malaise of the whole body; Gnawing sensation in the epigastric region, before meal-time : yet without any desire for food. This highly interesting list of symptoms embodies a very accu- rate and full portraiture of certain forms of Dyspepsia which it would probably be impossible to cure with satisfactory dispatch and thoroughness, without the use of Senega. v A simple inspection of these symptoms will convince the most scepti- cal practitioner of their perfect reliability as drug-effects, and this conviction is heightened by the fact that these drug-symptoms at once call up pathological forms of disease, which are of frequent occurrence in every extensive practice. The homoeopathicity of Senega to these forms of dyspepsia becomes still more apparent, if the gastric derangements are accompanied by ophthalmic irritations corresponding with the characteristic action of Senega upon the eyes, and with such more or less habitual derangements of the bowels as would require the interference of Senega for their removal. There are forms of dyspepsia which involve the eyes, the respiratory lining membrane, the small intestines, the urinary apparatus, more particularly in the case of strumous and impoverished constitutions; it is with such forms of dyspeptic disorder that Senega is in specific homoeopathic rapport, or we would say, in specific relations of in- 364 LECTURE LXXXIX. ternal accord, and it is here that this agent will effect a cure, provided the external or symptomatic similarity is correctly interpreted as the true reflex of this internal relationship. Among the symptoms which mark the action of Senega upon the bowels. Ave find the following characteristic indications; they simply complete the dyspeptic group, and have a therapeutic value only in so far as they constitute more minute delineations of a superior pathological tableau: Digging pain in the epigastric region, with disposition to flatulence, and sudden irascibility of temper; Sensation of warmth and oppression in the epigastrium, when drawing breath; Colicky pains, rumbling and pinching in the small intestines; Shifting and boring pain in the umbilical region ; Pressing pains in the umbilical region every afternoon, increasing towards evening, for some days; Violent cutting from the small intestines to the pit of the stomach, for some hours after swallowing the drug; Distressing pinching in the bowels, ceasing after a watery stool; Drawing sensation as if a foreign body were moving between the abdominal integuments on the right side while walking. Diarrhoeic discharges evidently characterize the primary action of the drug, which can only be ascertained by means of massive doses; large doses have uniformly caused papescent or liquid stools, pre- ceded or accompanied by pinching pains, rumbling, shifting of flatu- lence ; we may here state incidentally that the anatomico-physio- logical change attending these pains and altered evacuations is an increased venosity, as Old-School therapeutists would designate it, in this case an engorgement of the portal system of veins, as is more specifically indicated by the following symptom recorded by Dr. Seidel: " Throbbing pressure at the anus, after an evacuation from the bowels." This primary action of the drug is in more or less direct opposition to the organic reaction developed by comparatively small doses of the drug; these seem to retard the alvine evacuations, as is shown by the following record: Stool is delayed from eight to twelve hours for the first days; Scanty, less frequent, hard stool, the first few days: Hard, scanty stool followed by pressing in the rectum; The faeces are of large size and dry, and their expulsion is diffi- cult on this account. In a dj^speptic group to which Senega seems homoeopathic, the presence of costiveness, so far from diverting our attention from this agent, would on the contrary confirm us in its selection. URINARY GROUP. Sundelin has shown by his experiment that Senega affects the lining membrane of the bladder and urethra; it caused an increased secretion of urine, and a burning in the urethra during micturition. These effects have likewise been observed by Willmann, Aron Am- POLYGALA SENEGA. 365 mon and others. Our provers have recorded the following symp- toms: During the first days of the proving the urine is emitted more frequently, but in smaller quantities each time, and is of a lighter color; Increased urine which is of an acrid nature; Increased secretion of urine, with sensation of pressure in the urethra; The urine is mixed with filaments of mucus while leaving the urethra ; after cooling it becomes quite thick and cloudy; Increased secretion of urine, with slight burning in the urethra while the urine is flowing out; Burning pain in the whole course of the urethra, after urinating; Burning in the urethra, early in the morning, while the urine is flowing out, with sensation as if the urine had to force a passage through the canal; The urine deposits various kinds of sediment; in one case the lower layer of the thick sediment has a yellow-red color, the upper layer looks like yellowish clouds; in another case the clear urine, having an orange color, deposits a white sediment on the whole in- side of the vessel; in a third case the urine deposits a reddish sedi- ment mixed with flocks of mucus. These symptoms reveal important therapeutic uses of the drug in catarrhal affections of the urinary bladder and urethra. In accord- ance with these pathogenetic effects of the drug, we may recom- mend it for Catarrh of the Bladder, when simply of a catarrhal or strumous nature; there may be a discharge of mucus from the urethra, which is not recorded among the provings, but would undoubtedly occur under the continued use of the drug as a necessary consequence of its irritating action upon the urethral lining membrane. The fore- going series of symptoms embodies a tolerably complete image of vesical catarrh. With the gonorrhoeal elements, Senega does not seem to have any affinity ; it is in strumous and cachectic constitu- tions that Senega comes into full play whenever its use is justified by the pathology and the symptomatic appearances of the case. The diuretic properties of the Senega-root have led Old-School practitioners to employ it in Dropsy; not only in general dropsy, but likewise in the special forms of this disease, dropsy of the chest, bowels, and even dropsy of the womb, where it is recommended by Carus, of Leipsic. Ho- moeopathic physicians may likewise find it indicated in this disease, more particularly in persons of a strumous and cachectic habit, where the disease develops itself very gradually in consequence of a constitutional atony of the resorbeut vessels; the urinary secre- tion may either be less in frequency and quantity, for moderately small doses of Senega will produce this effect, as may be learned from Seidel's pathogenesis, where the record states that ten, fifteen and twenty drops of the tincture, taken in August, caused a dimin- ished flow of urine, or else there may be frequent urging to urinate, 366 LECTURE LXXXIX. with discharge of small quantities at each urging, or a continual dribbling. The cases of dropsy where Senega will prove curative are rare; but such cases do occur, and Senega will cure them, pro- vided it is exhibited in appropriate doses. The attenuations may be tried first, but a watery infusion of the root, or the tincture or several grain-doses of the pulverized root will be found required as a general rule, if we desire to make a curative impression upon the existing disorganization. RESPIRATORY GROUP. In affections of the bronchia and lungs, Senega has played an im- portant part in the hands of Old-School practitioners. The prop- erty it possesses of causing a profuse expectoration of mucus, has led to the palliative use of this agent in affections where it seemed necessary to promote the secretion of mucus by antagonistic means. The position which Senega has held in this respect, is sufficiently illustrated by the use that has been made of it by Hufeland, A^ogt, Sundelin and other Old-School authorities. Hufeland regards Senega as an excellent remedy in pneumonia after the inflammatory stage had been subdued; he feels certain that several of his pneumonic patients owe their lives to the use of Senega. Vogt advises Senega in pneumonia when the disease has reached a crisis, and the expec- toration is not sufficiently easy and is rather tenacious; according to this author Senega may even be continued some time after the disease has been subdued, for the purpose of strengthening the lungs. Sun- delin recommends Senega, if at the critical period the expectoration fails to set in, if passive congestions or engorgements are to be re- moved, if watery or lymphatic exudations or paralysis of the pul- monary nerves, etc., are impending. In pulmonary phthisis Senega has shown good palliative effects by loosening the cough and facili- tating the expectoration; in hurried asthma it has been recommended by Sundelin and other therapeutists. These various uses of Senega in the treatment of pulmonary affec- tions are more or less empirical. The true method of ascertaining their exact character and boundaries, is to institute careful experi- ments upon the healthy. The series of pathogenetic effects which have been produced by the action of this drug upon the respiratory lining membrane, is quite lengthy; we will transcribe a sufficient number to enable the reader to obtain a complete and accurate view of the physiological action of the drug: Continual and violent sneezing followed by the discharge of watery mucus from the nose; Cough, with expectoration of tenacious mucus; Dry cough, racking the whole chest; Dry cough, with oppression of the chest and roughness of the throat; Disagreeable, long-lasting cough; Cough induced by an increased secretion of mucus; POLYGALA SENEGA. 367 Considerable determination of blood to the chest, indicated by vio- lent throbbing in the same; _ Rushing of the blood in the chest, with dull stitches, also with tingling, oppression of the chest, flashes of heat in the face, and fre- quent pulse; Oppression of the chest, with slight pains flying through the chest, in the direction of the scapulae; these were felt the first ten days at irregular intervals, especially in the open air and when walking; Many movements, more particularly the act of stooping forward, cause a pain in the chest, as if it were too narrow; he feels a dispo- sition to expand the chest by frequent stretching of the arms; but this leaves considerable soreness behind; A sudden and violent pain at a small spot in the right chest, when walking; A general sensitiveness or simple pain of the walls of the thorax, especially when touching them ; the pain is felt less during an inspi- ration ; Feeling of tension in the lower half of the chest, when drawing a long breath; Aching pain in the chest, at irregular periods, for several weeks; Violent aching pain in the morning, on waking, for eight days; this pain is likewise felt at night; A more or less severe pressure is sometimes felt under the sternum; Boring, aching pain within the limits of the left half of the chest, especially in the region of the heart, where it becomes seated and thence radiates to the left axilla ; While the head is bent forward, a violent pressure is felt under the upper portion of the sternum, gradually changing to violent colic; Violent pressing, or also crampy pain in the chest, with restless- ness and anxiety, during rest; The crampy pain in the left chest sometimes alternates with a throbbing pain; Wandering pain in the chest, which is sometimes like a burning; Tingling and creeping in the chest, as if in the pleura; Flashing stitches in the chest, during rest, when drawing breath; Dull stitches in the chest, followed by violent oppression of the chest, with a feeling of great languor in the lower extremities, per- spiration and nausea (even unto fainting,) during a walk in the open air ; AVandering, dull-stitching pains in the chest, with tightness of the chest, difficulty of drawing breath, frequent shuddering over the back, and now and then pains at single small spots of the head; When lying on the right side, he feels dull stitches and a burning pain in left side of the chest; Intense burning pain in the left chest, attended with frequent stitches, also with a feeling of anxiety; Soreness of the left side of the chest, made worse by pressure, or increased to a stitch. A'iolent soreness of the chest, when sneezing, as if the chest would fly to pieces; yet the sneezing eases the chest; 368 LECTURE LXXXIX. Violent throbbing and painful soreness in the chest, when bend- ing it forward; when turning the head back again, he feels giddy ; Violent racking, sore pain in the chest, Avhen running; this pain is also felt through the chest, especially in the region of the dorsal vertebrae; The pains are generally most acute when the prover is in a state of rest; the respiration is not so much interfered with by the pains; He complains of a pressure and boring pain in the region of the heart; the beats of the heart are so violent that they shake the whole chest; A feeling of painful pressure is felt under the left shoulder-blade at indefinite periods, but most frequently in the evening and when sitting, for several weeks in succession; Pressing pains between the shoulder-blades, when stepping heavily or making other motions which shake the thorax; Violent burning and itching under the skin, over the whole back, but especially between the shoulder-blades. I have had a double motive in transcribing this series of prov- ings ; in the first place they furnish a beautiful illustration of the conscientious care and devotion with which the proving of drugs was conducted in the earlier period of Homoeopathy, and secondl}^, these symptoms delineate as complete a picture of the pulmonary affections which come within the curative range of Senega, as can well be obtained by provings upon the healthy. This pathogenesis furnishes incontrovertible testimony that Senega is not specifically adapted for pneumonia or acute bronchitis, or any acute affection of the respiratory apparatus. The pains which Senega causes, are de- scribed with an anatomical precision and a physiological nicety that scarcely any of the shadowy and ill-defined delineations of many of our modern provers can boast of; and it is this very clearness and self-evident character of the effects of Senega, which shows that this agent is especially designed for the treatment of chronic pulmonary affections. By chronic affections we do not simply mean affections that have run a long course, but affections which, although setting in with a considerable degree of intensity and attended with some signs of febrile excitement, yet are endowed with an inherent ten- •dency of running a long course. We would therefore recommend Senega in Chronic Pulmonary Catarrh, from the very outset of the disease, or from the commencement of the irritative stage, characterized by oppression of breathing, aching, burning and stinging pains in the chest, soreness of the integuments of the chest, paroxysms of a hard racking cough, resulting in the expectoration of a tough, whitish mucus, or, at a later period of the disease, expectoration of a puru- lent matter. These symptoms are, of course, accompanied by slight febrile excitement which Senega is capable of causing, and by feel- ings of weariness, lassitude and soreness in the extremities, which Senega has likewise caused, if our provings may be depended upon, lowness of spirits, and an irritable temper help to complete the POLYGALA SENEGA. 369 group of symptoms which finds its counterpart in the pathogenesis of Senega. This pathogenesis sets the claims of Senega as a remedy for pneu- monia at rest forever. The therapeutic province of Senega is pul- monary catarrh, a catarrhal irritation of the lining membrane of the pulmonary parenchyma, with tendency to assume a chronic form either on account of the peculiar intensity with which the terminal nervous filaments ramifying through the substance of the lining membrane, are attacked by the invading enemy, or on account of a constitutional tendency to affiliate with the morbific principle. In strumous and cachectic individuals this tendency becomes very fre- quently manifest. We may likewise find Senega indicated in Bronchial Catarrh, to which the same remarks apply which we have offered in speaking of pulmonary catarrh. The two may and most generally do co-exist, and are characterized by similar symptoms, except that in cases where the irritation is chiefly confined to the lining membrane of the bronchial passages, the dyspnoea and the paroxysms of racking cough, are generally more violent than if the pulmonary lining membrane is chiefly affected. In bronchial catarrh the feeling of dryness and constriction are more marked than in the pulmonary form. In pulmonary phthisis, chronic bronchitis, humid asthma, for which Old-School practitioners have prescribed this remedy, it can only be used as a palliative; such palliative results can only be secured by means of large doses which are customary in Old-School practice. DOSE AND PREPARATIONS. AVe make a tincture of the root, of which attenuations may be prepared. Triturations of the root may likewise be administered. An infusion of Senega may be obtained by pouring a pint of boil- ing water upon ten drachms of the pulverized root, and letting this stand for four hours in a covered vessel, after which we strain the liquid. This may be given in dessertspoonful doses, three or four times a day, sweetened with honey or sugar. This substance has been regarded as an antidote to the poison of the rattlesnake. Dr. Tennant of Pennsylvania, who first introduced it to the notice of the public in this capacity, has published some remarkable cases of poisoning where life was saved by this root even after the situation of the patient had become desperate; these antido- tal virtues do not seem to be depended upon by recent practitioners. vol. ii.—24 370 LECTURE XC. LECTURE XC. SEPIA, The dried juice of the cuttle-fish (in the Mediterranean). We make triturations of it. This is ranked by Hahnemann among the anti- psorics. It is frequently mentioned in our books, but not correspond- ingly efficacious. It is used for: Sick Headache, hysteric, sticking and tearing, heavy pain, with nausea and vomiting; adapted to females who menstruate scantily. Menstrual Irregularities; amenorrhoea and dysmenorrhoea. The menstrual discharge is too scanty and short-lasting, with symptoms of abdominal plethora, and spasmodic or griping pains previous to the appearance of the menses, and symptoms of gastric derangement, nausea, perhaps vomiting, headache, palpitation of the heart, flushed face, weariness, etc. There may be chronic suppression of the menses or retention in the case of young girls who have not yet menstrua- ted. The accompanying symptoms in such cases generally point to vascular irregularities, fullness, rush of blood to the head, flushed face, sickness at the stomach, distention of the bowels, weariness. Sepia has been recommended as a preventive against miscarriage in the fifth and seventh month of pregnancy, when the symptoms denote erethism of the circulation, fulness of blood about the lungs and head, excited pulse, increasing weakness of the movements of the fetus; coldness of the extremities. Sepia is hardly ever adapted for acute cases; it is particularly suitable to delicately-organized females, with a fine skin and quiet disposition, inclining to melancholy and tears. Sepia may prove a valuable remedy for the ailments to which females are sometimes subject at the critical age, such as disorders of the circulation, and tettery eruptions upon the pudendum and other parts of the body. Sepia is used for Costiveness, more particularly in the case of ner- vous, hysteric females. It has been used in chronic gonorrhea, with very trifling, if any, success. I once gave Sepia 2000 in a case of bloody urine; the patient had been suffering for three months; urination was always accompanied by intense burning and cutting pains; a single globule of Sepia 2000 removed the difficulty; I must say I have not much faith in this cure. In chest-affections, I am unable to say whether it is of any use; I do not recommend it, although some practitioners profess to have de- rived good effects from it in pneumonia. In Cutaneous Affections, Sepia may often prove useful. Dr. Neid- SILICEA. 371 hard, of this city, recommends it more particularly for small, red pimples, producing a roughness and cracking of the skin, and from which a watery humor sometimes oozes out; at other times they are dry ; they principally affect the inside of the joints of the arms and legs, particularly the knee and elbow-joints, but may also be seen on the face, especially among children. In Mismanaged Scabies, or in scabies which appears again after it had been suppressed by Sulphur-ointment, Sepia may prove effica- cious. In Herpes circinnatus, ring-worm, it has manifested specific curative powers. SILICEA, The only known oxide of Silicon. We make triturations of it. This drug is likewise ranked by Hahnemann among the antipsorics. We have provings of Silicea instituted with the 30th potency; whether such provings are reliable, your own better judgment may decide. To me it seems an absolute farce to exhibit an interminable list of symptoms obtained by such means, as the genuine and relia- ble effects of the drug. The use of Silicea has been determined empirically as much as by positive experimentation. Its chief action seems to bear upon the cellular, mucous, lymphatic and osseous sys- tems. Upon all these systems it exerts a depressing and disor- ganizing influence. The organic reaction against small doses of Silicea would therefore be characterized by an increase of functional activity in these tissues. Hence we have a right to expect good effects from the use of Silicea in inflammatory conditions of the lymphatic vessels, of the glands, bones and the cellular tissue, and in all those disorganizations to which such inflammatory conditions may lead. We use Silicea for Glandular and Lymphatic Swellings, indurations and suppurations, by whatsoever pathological name they may be designated, and in whatsoever part of the body they may be located, on the neck, under the arms, in the groin, on the breast; in Abscesses of the Mamme, Silicea may be very useful. In Scrofulous Ulcers, or in ulcers where the ulcerative process is complicated by mercurial action, Silicea is eminently useful; it may be a spongy, readily-bleeding ulcer, or a torpid ulcer with callous edges ; or ulcers secreting an unhealthy pus, in the case of cachectic individuals or fistulous ulcers secreting a fetid, yellowish, thin, icho- rous pus. Nevertheless, there may be suppurative processes where Silicea is of little, avail. I do not believe, for instance, that an abscess which is the natural termination of true phlegmonous inflam- mation, that had been characterized by all the symptoms of synochal fever, chill, hot and dry skin, full and bounding pulse, thirst, coated tongue, etc., can be much benefited by Silicea. I have never seen Silicea do much good in abscesses of the psoas-muscle, of the liver or lungs, or in fistula ani, if these various disorganizations resulted from previous phlegmonous inflammation, or from the softening of tubercular deposits. 372 LECTURE XC. In Caries and Exfoliations of bones, long bones, bones of the face or skull, vertebrae, Silicea is an indispensable remedy, more particu- larly, if the disorganization is complicated with mercurial action. In Ganglia, or bursal enlargements of tendons, Silicea may be of use. In Eruptions resulting from diseased conditions of the lymphatic system or of the sebaceous follicles, and characterized by the secre- tion of a yellowish lymph forming incrustations, beneath which the matter continues to be secreted, Silicea will prove useful, although other medicines may be required in alternation with it. Silicea has been recommended for Worm-fever and for tape-worm. It has also been recommended for Epilepsy, especially if the attacks are worse during a change of moon. These luminous indications are furnished by the poets and hyper-transcendentalists of our School; unfortunately for your patients, Silicea will disappoint you in any case of Epilepsy, no matter at what period of the moon the paroxysms may occur. In his recent work, entitled " Grundgesetze der Physiologie, Pathologie und Homoeopathischen Therapie," (Fundamental Prin- ciples of Physiology, Pathology and Homoeopathic Therapeutics,) Grauvogl reports a case of Enchondroma which was cured with Silicea, 6th attenuation. The patient was a poor boy of fourteen years, of very pale complexion. We will relate the case in the doctor's own words, which are those of a scientific thinker, and will prove eminently suggestive to every philosophical practitioner of our School, and of the medical profes- sion generally. " The patient showed me his right hand, after he had first removed a bandage which was of very little use to him. The metacarpal bones of the middle and ring-fingers, the phalanges of the index and mid- dle fingers and the thumb, had become transformed into oval, bul- bous, hard masses, having a uniform surface, the articulations having become effaced and unrecognizable, and consequently immoveable. In various places these parts had lost their integuments by ulcera- tion ; the rough surface of the bones could be distinctly felt by the probe, and parts of them could be readily broken into; other parts, on the contrary, were more resisting. The boy had no appetite, he was employed by a potter in carrying clay, and was unwilling to give up this work which secured him a scanty livelihood. He complained of nothing but acute pains in the affected parts, drowsi- ness in the day time, a feeling of exhaustion and his spirits were very much depressed. According to the existing doctrines of physi- ological surgery, nothing could be done for this poor boy than to amputate the hand at the wrist-joint. " Enchondroma is a pathological process by which the substance of bone is changed into cartilage; morphologically as well as chemi- cally, this cartilage is in perfect agreement with ordinary card- SILICEA. 373 laginous tissue. Now, it is well known that cartilage has all the constituents of bone except Silicea. In 25,623 grammes (about one ounce) of the bones of an adult, there are found 0,003 grammes (0,054 grains) of Silica. Would it have been possible, under these circumstances, to administer Silicea as a nutrient remedy in the traditional quantities of the School? This being impossible, I gave the boy Silicea 6th atten., of which he took a dose every two hours, at the rate of five drops in the course of a day. This substance had undoubtedly been conveyed to him in his food, but the organism had lost the faculty of assimilating it. The functional power of the stomach and intestines, whose business it was to appropriate the Silicea contained in the food, had become prostrated, for otherwise this enchondroma could not have originated; it is the absence of Silicea which renders the formation of enchondroma possible. " If the Silicea could no longer reach the tissues through the usual channel, we have to apply to anatomy and physiology for other localities where this agent may be brought in contact with the organism in such a manner that it can be transmitted to the tissues of which it constitutes a component part. " Upon considering the anatomical channels through which mole- cular bodies are transmitted to the blood, we observe already upon the tongue the papillae filiformes with their capillary processes turned inwards, which, by retaining substances very firmly within their delicate walls, transmit them immediately to the cells. The mucous membrane of the mouth, pharynx and oesophagus very readily absorbs substances which do not surpass in size the orifices of its epithelium; whereas the mucous membrane of the stomach is almost exclusively of a glandular, secretory nature, so that its faculty of absorbing molecular bodies must be much less than that of the above-mentioned anatomical parts. The mucous membrane of the stomach is chiefly a repellant organ, by which means the food is kept within the cavity of the stomach until its adequate solution is effected by the gastric fluid. Only solutions whose density does not exceed that of water are able to penetrate and be received by the mucous coat, after which they are transmitted to the blood. Chemi- cal mixtures, infusions, decoctions, at once excite a more copious secretion from this membrane, and we may rest assured that only very small portions of such liquids remain exempt from the destruc- tive effects of the gastric fluids. This accounts partly for the fact that the enormous doses of the Pfrysiological School may still mani- fest medicinal power, and partly for the other fact that they must necessarily lead to the most disastrous consequences, as daily expe- rience shows. " If most physicians did not seem disposed to overlook the faculty inherent in the capillary processes of the papillae, of absorbing sub- stances presented to them in an appropriate form, and afterwards transmitting them to the cells, I should not have been obliged to dwell upon this point. As it was, the excess of the chondroma-cells which, in the disease in question, keeps down the cells of the osseous tissue, had receded within eight days to such an extent that the superficial ulcers began to cicatrize and the bulbous formations had 374 LECTURE XC. become considerably less in size. In another fortnight the mobility of the joints had been restored to a very slight extent. "At the termination of the next fortnight all the accessory symp- ■ toms in this case had disappeared, the appetite was restored, the drowsiness had ceased, the boy was in good spirits, enjoying the prospect of his final recovery. This was completed in eight weeks; since then five years have elapsed, and the boy continues to enjoy perfect health." Dr. v. Grauvogl distinguishes functional remedies (Functions- mittel,) and nutrient remedies (Nutritions-mittel.) Among the latter he classes such substances as enter into the composition of animal tissue. This classification may be admirable, but it has led the doctor, who is a man of rare professional attainments, into an expla- nation of his fine cure, which can at most be said to be negatively correct; it lacks the conclusive force of an affirmative argument. There was a time when homoeopathic physicians called for facts, nothing but facts; give us cases and numbers, and let your theories, your explanations go by the board. AVell, cases and numbers have been given, our journals and pamphlets were filled with reports of cures; but we ask, have they advanced the science of Homoeopathy? Our practice has spread over the whole surface of the globe, but has . a philosophical knowledge of the science of Homoeopathy had a cor- responding increase ? One affirms that he has effected a cure with a high potency; the other repudiates his statement, or, at any rate, doubts the accuracy of his observations; reciprocal denial of each other's statistics, the ipse-dixit of one pitted against the ipse-dixit of another, and numbers appealed to as the sheet-anchor and basis of the argument. " What can you expect," exclaim Trousseau and Pidoux, when speaking of the contra-stimulism of Rasori and his partisans, " what can you expect of the observation of those whose doctrine is nothing else than a modified form of Brownism, and com- bined with a partly solidist and partly humoralist theory of fevers and phlegmasiae? Figures and statistical tables! Every body exhibits them. It is not figures or a display of successes that we want, but principles. If a physician wants to place you upon the domain of numerism, do not follow him. Anything can be proven by means of this brutal and unintelligible method. Two opponents may each defend an opposite therapeutic method, and each may back up the excellence of his therapeutic proceeding by an equally imposing array of figures. Who is to judge between these two empirics ? A truly philosophical physician." Dr. V. GrauvogTs view of the modus operandi of Silicea in en- chondroma only conveys a negative explanation of this cure. In the disorganization described as enchondroma, two elements present themselves to our view; they are a deficiency of bone-cells, and an excess of chondrom-cells. The equilibrium between these two orders of cells is disturbed. What caused this disturbance ? What caused the deficiency of bone-cells, and the excess of chondrom- cells? To say that either of these two elements constitute the dis- ease, would be tantamount to saying that the existing sanguineous SPIGELIA ANTHELMIA. 375 engorgement of the lungs constitutes pneumonia, or that the loss of adipose tissue constitutes marasmus. It is the disturbing cause itself which constitutes the essential disease; whether this cause be mias- matic, or semi-material, or spiritually-dynamic, of a telluric or cosmic origin and character, all this may be a highly interesting subject of inquiry, and, in the progress of human research, the solu- tion of this problem will no doubt form one of the highest endea- vors of science; but our present imperfect knowledge of the true nature of these morbific forces does not by any means militate against their existence and their disease-begetting power. If Silicea cures enchondroma, it is because it neutralizes the influence or prin- ciple which, under adequate circumstances, had succeeded in graft- ing upon the cell-life of the chondroma a parasitical growth absorb- ing the nourishment that was intended for the adjoining tissue of bone, and thus producing a chondromatous mass which is not nor- mal chondroma, although it may seem to Ve so both chemically and morphologically, but a substance of morbid growth unable to resist the disorganizing agency of atmospheric stimuli, and sooner or later destined to show symptoms of inflammation and ulcerative destruc- tion. DOSE. Dr. Trinks assures us that he has cured many cases of caries of the bone with the third trituration ; the middle and higher poten- cies may be required in many cases. SPIGELIA ANTHELMIA. (Animal Worm-grass.—Nat. Ord.:—Gentiane^.) A native of the AVest Indies and South America. It was first introduced as a drug by Dr. Browne in 1751. It is known in the books as the Demerara pink-root. Its action is similar to the Spi- gelia Marylandica or Caroline pink-root. In collating the symptoms of Spigelia, Hahnemann uses indiscriminately both varieties. According to Hahnemann, a single dose of Spigelia continues to manifest its effects in an increasing ratio during the first seven or ten days. Spigelia has been used in alloeopathic practice as an an- thelmintic or worm medicine ; but Hahnemann's provings show that the action of this drug is much more comprehensive than has been supposed. It certainly exerts a specific action upon the cerebral nerves, and its power to irritate the intestinal mucous membrane, and to develop rheumatic and arthritic conditions, cannot be denied. The United States Dispensatory says of the Alaryland pink-root, that " in poisonous doses it operates as a cerebro-spinal or narcotic agent, giving rise to vertigo, dimness of vision, dilated pupils, spasms of the facial muscles, and sometimes even to general convul- sions. Spasmodic movements of the eyelids have been observed amono- the most common attendants of its narcotic action." This drug has not been much used by homoeopathic practitioners; nevertheless it deserves our attention, if we may rely upon the 376 LECTURE XC. numerous provings which Hahnemann and his disciples have left us of this drug, 1) In Affections of the special senses, when depending upon an irritation of the cerebral nerves; 2) In Irritation of the intestinal mucous membrane, and 3) In Abnormal Conditions, especially of the extremities and trunk, resembling neuralgic rheumatism and arthritis. In the CEPHALIC RANGE, Hahnemann and his disciples have reported a large number of symptoms some of which are of considerable therapeutic value in so far as they indicate the intimate connection existing between the cerebral nerves and the abdominal ganglia in some affections at least for which Spigelia is specifically adapted. A number of provers report vertigo and forgetfulness as prominent effects of Spigelia. These symptoms may indicate spigelia in Worm-affections, more especially in a case of taenia, where these signs of cerebral irritation are generally present. We have known of a case of taenia where the patient would forget that he happened to be in a locality where he did not intend to remain longer than was absolutely necessary, for instance, in the water-closet. Herrmann reports a symptom which shows the correlation exist- ing between the action of the Spigelia upon the brain, and its action upon the bowels; it reads as follows: " Vertigo, when sitting, standing and walking—it is felt least in a recumbent posture; his head inclines backwards, with a sensation of nausea in the region of the palate, and a feeling of malaise in the cavity of the abdomen and in the chest; in the former he expe- riences a pinching pain, with a sensation as if he had to go to stool, during which he loses his senses." A symptom of this kind may characterize a paroxysm of Worm-colic, or it may indicate a state of irritation of the intes- tinal mucous membrane arising from the presence of' bile or from some irregularity in the portal system, engorgements or infarctions according to Old-School nomenclature. Many of the other head-symptoms recorded by Hahnemann seem to be traceable as sympathetic results to abdominal irritations, venous engorgements, portal irregularities; almost all these head- symptoms show a feeling of tightness and dulness of the head, pressing pains in the brain as if it would fall out, or simple aching pains, tearing, jerking or boring pains; they seem to be of a rheu- matic or arthritic character, and may and most generally do co-exist with abdominal derangements or rheumatic and arthritic pains in the extremities, drowsiness, depression of spirits, and slight feverish chills and flashes of heat, all of which symptoms are characteristic of Spigelia upon the healthy organism. The following two symptoms show with how much conscientious care and accuracy the effects of drugs were watched by Hahnemann's SPIGELIA ANTHELMIA. 377 original disciples; the first reported by Herrmann and the last by Hartmann: " A fine, digging tearing in the brain, particularly violent in the left parietal bone, and very much aggravated by motion, by walking, and by making a wrong step, towards evening, several evenings in succession." The second symptom reads very similarly: " A digging and digging tearing pain in the occiput, in the left parietal bone and in the forehead, worse during motion, when hearing a loud noise, when raising the voice or by opening the mouth ever so little; least felt in a recumbent position." ORBITAL GROUP. Spigelia has developed in our provings a number of eye-symptoms which recommend it as a useful agent in various inflammatory con- ditions of this organ. We note : Pain of the eyeballs during motion, as if too large; Intolerable pressure in both eyes, worse when turning them. Inflammation of the margins of the lids, with ulceration and smarting soreness; Inflammation of the sclerotica, with turgescence of the vessels, also with heaviness of the lids and inability to open them. A variety of characteristic nervous symptoms should likewise be mentioned, such as: burning in both eyes, obliging one to close them, attended with an apprehension that he will not be able to open them again, followed by an appearance of blood-red fire before the eyes which obstructs the sight; the sight returns after a profuse flow of tears and considerable dilatation of the pupils. The eyes look dim and faint; Great inclination to wink; The upper lids hang down as if paralyzed; Dilatation of the pupils, even from the smallest dose; Vanishing of sight, when looking at anything; Indistinctness of sight as if the eyes were full of water, or as if a mist were before the eyes, or as if little hairs were hanging from the eyelashes: Scintillations; Passing amaurosis. These symptoms render Spigelia valuable in Amaurotic and Amblyopic Conditions, more particularly in the case of rheumatic and arthritic individuals, and also in Blepharophthalmia Scrofulosa or in scrofulous Ulceration of the lids, either when existing alone, or as a symptom of some general scrofulous or arthritic irritation of the eyes. FACIAL GROUP. Spigelia acts more or less characteristically upon the nerves which are distributed over the cheeks and dorsum of the nose. It causes, 378 LECTURE XC. for instance, a titillating sensation on the dorsum of the nose, or as if a light current of air were passing over it; this sensation was felt for a long while. Pale, disfigured face, with yellow margins around the eyes; the face looked swollen on rising in the morning. Pressure in the malar bones. Jerking-tearing, or tearing, with pressure, in the malar bones, par- ticularly in the right one. Burning in the malar bones, particularly the right one. Sticking or drawing-sticking in the cheek, also extending from the jaw to the vertex. Hence we infer that Spigelia must be use- ful in Prosopalgia Fothergilli, where these peculiar pains constitute pathognomonic indications. DENTAL GROUP. The action of Spigelia upon the jaws and teeth shows that it may prove useful in some cases of Toothache, especially when decayed teeth are affected with painful jerks and the pain is aggravated by cold water or by the contact of cold air; or it may be given for a pressing pain in the teeth from within outwards, most violent when lying on the right side, inter- mitting while eating and drinking, but commencing again immedi- ately after, and frequently waking one at night. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. Let us consider for a few moments the action of Spigelia on the bowels. AVe find that it causes a flatulent distension of the abdo- men, followed and relieved by loose stool; the loose stool caused by Spigelia is mingled with, a yellowish mucus, and may occur several times a day. The provers of Spigelia have experienced a crawling and itching sensation at the anus and rectum as from ascarides; nausea, waterbrash, abnormal changes of taste and appetite, and thirst, are likewise present. One prover (Stapf) reports: " On waking in the morning, his mouth feels exceedingly dry; it seemed as if the mouth were full of pins, and as if glued together, although full of saliva, and without thirst." Pinching pains in the bowels are a very common effect of Spigelia. These symptoms have confirmed homoeopathic practitioners in the use of Spigelia for Ascarides ; it is likewise used for lumbrici. In the United States Dispensatory it stands at the head of Anthelmintics. Alloeopathic physicians give the powdered root in doses of from ten to twenty grains to children three or four years old, and from one to three drachms to adults. This dose is repeated morning and evening for several days, and then followed by a brisk cathartic. It is often combined with calomel. SPIGELIA ANTHELMIA. 379 An infusion of pink-root is often used, for which purpose sixteen fluid-ounces of boiling water are poured upon half an ounce of Spigelia-root; this quantity is macerated for two hours in a covered vessel, and then strained. Of this infusion from one to two drachms may be given to children morning and evening, and from half an ounce to an ounce to adults. The so-called worm-tea which is pre- pared by our apothecaries, consists of Spigelia-root, Senna, Manna and Savin mixed together in various proportions to suit different tastes and necessities. The watery infusion of Spigelia is sometimes used by homoeopathic physicians; I am not aware that the other officinal preparations of Spigelia are ever employed by practitioners of our School. If Spigelia is homoeopathic to the existing pathological condition, there is no necessity of exhibiting it in such quantities, unless the avowed object is to expel worms. A few drops of the tincture, or even the attenuations, may be sufficient in most cases. URINARY GROUP. All the provers of Spigelia report an increased secretion of urine. Hahnemann himself reports the following characteristic symptom: " Ten emissions of urine in one night; attended with a painful pressure on the bladder which passed off as soon as the urine had been voided." Another symptom, reported by Hahnemann, reads: "In the afternoon, on rising from his seat, there occurs a sudden and involuntary dribbling of five or six drops of urine; this takes place four times in succession; each dribbling is succeeded by a burning in the anterior portion of the urethra." It is doubtful whether these irritations of the mucous lining of the bladder and urethra occur independently of similar irritations of the intestinal lining membrane. They might indicate Spigelia in the Nocturnal Enuresis to which children afflicted with worms are so often subject. In Catarrhal Discharges from the urethra, resulting sympathetically in consequence of intestinal irritations, Spigelia may likewise be required. These symptoms may possibly occur in consequence of an inherent weakness of the parts, represented pathologically and anatomically by venous engorgements. THORACIC GROUP. Spigelia is recommended by homoeopathic physicians for affections of the heart. Spigelia undoubtedly has a marked action upon the chest. It causes for instance a violent pressure on the chest below the left clavicle. It causes a sense of constriction in the muscles of the chest accompanied with a feeling of anguish. It causes a tearing sensation with constriction in the lower part of the chest; afterwards this pain shifts to the upper part of the chest, accompanied with palpitation of the heart. Spigelia causes an unusually strong beating of the heart, so that 380 LECTURE XC. the walls of the chest are raised. The palpitation of the heart which Spigelia causes, increases by sitting down, and by bending the chest forward. Above the region, where the beating of the heart is felt, the prover experiences a painful oppression as from a load; at the same time a cutting and digging-up pain is felt in the abdomen, as if caused by incarcerated flatulence, and continuing longer than the palpitation. Guided by these symptoms, homoeopathic practitioners have used Spigelia in various affections of the heart, more particularly for pal- pitation of the heart, accompanied by a feeling of Constriction across the chest; or for an affection of the heart characterized by a sense of tearing and constrictive oppression in the region of the heart, violent palpitation, dyspnoea, cutting pain in the abdomen. Is Spigelia homoeopathic to organic heart-disease? This is an interesting question, and should be investigated without fear or favor. The symptoms show that the heart-affection to which Spigelia is homoeopathic, is aggravated by rest, not by exercise. AYe read that the palpitation of the heart is either increased or excited by sitting down. It is questionable in my mind whether the heart-symptoms of Spigelia are primary effects of the drug; they seem to be depending upon co-existing venous engorgements of the intestinal mucous membrane; we infer this from the last- mentioned symptom, where it is stated that the palpitation of the heart was "accompanied by a cutting and digging pain in the abdomen as if caused by incarcerated flatulence, and continuing even after the palpitation had ceased." It is therefore evident to my mind that Spigelia cannot be depended upon in purely inflammatory affections of the heart, and that it is at most homoeopathic to venous congestion of the heart accompanied by, or depending upon, venous engorge- ment of the intestinal mucous membrane. As regards the rheumatic and arthritic pains caused by Spigelia, it is likewise doubtful in my mind whether they ever exist inde- pendently of gastric irritations. These pains are generally tearing, drawing and stitching pains, either in the joints or along the muscles; they may be accompanied by jerking and throbbing, more particularly in the larger joints when an attempt is made to stretch the limb. FEVER-GROUP. The fever which characterizes the action of Spigelia upon the living frame, is of a very mild type, and is at most indicative of comparatively trifling disturbances in the venous system. Our provers report slight chills, at one time creeping from the feet up- wards, in other cases proceeding from the pit of the stomach, then again descending down the spine or along the extremities ; in one or two cases the shuddering was attended with a sensation as if the hair were standing on end. Some provers report a want of correspondence between the sensa- tion of chilliness experienced by the prover and the actual tern- SPONGIA TOSTA. 381 perature of the body, which feels warm, even more so than usual, to others. On the other hand, flashes of heat are felt in the face, yet there is no redness. MENTAL GROUP, SLEEP. We have already stated that Spigelia causes forgetfulness, depres- sion of spirits, drowsiness, disturbing dreams; to these symptoms we may add a general feeling of languor and weariness. All these effects help to make up the image of a more general pathological series. LECTURE XCI. SPONGIA TOSTA. t (Carbo Spongie, Spongia usta, Burnt Sponge) We obtain the b ?st preparation of Sponge by roasting it in a common coffee-roaster, until it has a blackish-brown color; after- wards it is finely pulverized and kept in a well-closed glass vessel for use. Before roasting it, it has to be cleansed with a brush from all impurities that it may contain, dust, little shells, pebbles and the like. This proceeding seems best calculated to preserve the Iodine con- stituents upon which the therapeutic virtues of Sponge seem in a great measure to depend. Iodine, however, cannot be regarded as a substitute for Sponge, for this substance not only contains Iodine, but also Bromine, Chlorine, Carbonate of lime, Phosphate of lime, oxydized Iron, Silica, organic substances; these elements.are united in definite proportions, not by chemical laws, but by an inherent organizing principle which, acting by means of these laws, combines a certain series of inorganic and organic elements into an unitary substance. In homoeopathic practice we make triturations and likewise an alcoholic tincture. Sponge has obtained a reputation in the cure of Goitre, in which disease it seems to have manifested specific cura- tive powers, and has always been exhibited in large doses by Old- School practitioners. Hufeland was in the habit of using a decoction of one ounce of burnt sponge to a pound of water, strained, of which he gave a tablespoonful four times a day. A'ery frequently other inorcdients were added to Sponge, according to the fashion of the School, in the shape of adjuvantia, corrigenda, etc. How far goitre will yield to such small doses of Sponge as we are in the 382 LECTURE xci. habit of employing in our own practice, remains to be tested by ex- perience. From the thirteenth century when Arnold van A'illaneuve first stumbled upon Sponge as a specific for goitre, to the present time, thousands of such disorganizations have been removed safely and radically by the continued use of large doses of Sponge. But here comes Hahnemann launching his anathema against this prac- tice, and boldly asserting that " one or two doses of the smallest part of a little drop of the attenuated tincture are completely sufficient to effect a cure." This sweeping assertion is not borne out by expe- rience. Hahnemann's systematic opposition to the gross doses of the Old-School, carried him far beyond the limits of philosophical calmness and scientific accuracy. It behooves the present gene- ration of physicians to repair the mischief which the eminently excusable dogmatism of the great discoverer of Homoeopathy has wrought, and to establish our theory of doses, independently of all human authority, upon the broad basis of experience, nature and common sense. Spongia will prove inadequate to the cure of goitre, when the tissue of the gland has assumed an osseous or cartilaginous con- sistency. It can only be given with good effect in cases where the disorganization amounts to little more than a vascular engorgement of the organ. Under the effects of Spongia the swelling gradually softens, decreases in size and finally disappears. The homoeopathicity of Spongia to an existing case of goitre may have to be determined by the consensual symptoms connected with the development of the disease. We may compare, for instance, the effects of Spongia in the Cephalic Range with the corresponding series of pathological phenomena, and we shall find that the selec- tion of this agent is confirmed by such symptoms as the following, which indicate a determination of blood to the brain, with which goitre patients are so frequently troubled: Violent pressure in the forehead and occiput, as if the head were pressed together; Throbbing in the left temple; When lying in bed, she feels in the region of the ear upon which she is lying, a blowing sensation somewhat like a strong throbbing, as if the pulse beat double; when turning to the other ear, she feels a similar sensation on this side; Sensation as if the blood would rush out at the forehead. Violent heat on one side of the face, renewed even by merely thinking of it. These more or less habitual determinations of blood to the head may give rise to soreness and symptoms of inflammatory irritation of the eyes, weakness of sight, noises in the ears, disturbed sleep, dreams, dizziness, eruptions on the scalp and in the face. The chest-symptoms may likewise assist us in tracing the homoeo- pathicity of Spongia to the existing case. There, too, we shall ob- serve various symptoms denoting a disturbed condition of the circulation, such as: Slow and deep inspirations, as if exhausted, for several minutes; SPONGIA TOSTA. 383 After exerting herself a little, she suddenly felt faint, the chest in particular felt exhausted; she was scarcely able to speak, had flashes of heat in the face, nausea; in a few hours, the head felt heavy ; After the least exercise of the whole body, she feels weak, the blood seems to rush to the chest, her face becomes hot, the whole body is in a glow, the veins swell up, she loses her breath; it is only after long rest that she again feels comfortable; At other times such an attack is attended with nausea, anxiety, paleness of the face, short and panting respiration, an involuntary and almost spasmodic closing of the eyelids, with a flow of tears. Regarding the original element upon which the curative power of Sponge in the treatment of goitre depends, Vogt makes the follow- ing statement: " Since Villeneuve's time, this substance has been known as one of the best remedies for goitre. It constitutes the chief ingredient of almost every goitre powder in use. Its curative virtue in this disease is so universally admitted, that a difference of opinion in regard to it only turns upon the primary element to which this virtue properly belongs. This dispute has not, by any means, been ended with the discovery of Iodine and its therapeutic powers; for what is claimed for Iodine has likewise been claimed for the Hydrate of soda, for animal charcoal, for the Ilydrocyanite of lime, for empyreumatic fixed and volatile principles; very soon, however, it was discovered that not one of these substances is capable of ac- complishing alone that which Sponge is able to effect as a therapeu- tic agent. We have even begun to find out that, in many cases, Iodine does no more than Sponge; many goitres, even, have been cured with Sponge which had resisted the action of Iodine." This philosophical mode of reasoning on the part of a high Old- School authority must seem eminently acceptable to all intelligent homoeopathic physicians. The interesting provings which Hahnemann has given us of this drug, have limited its therapeutic range to the following affections: Scrofulous deafness, with otorrhoea ; noises in the ears, sensation as if the ear should be pressed out; occasional dryness in the ear, utter deficiency of ear-wax ; swelling and inflammation of the concha; pimples and blotches on the concha, with oozing of dampness and terminating in a scurf. Other provers record a dragging pain in the ears, stitches through the ears, deafness. The eyes are likewise affected ; we have: stinging and burning around the eyeballs; itching of the lids, suppuration of the canthi; yellowish, crusty eruption in the left eye-brow; lachrymation, red- ness of the sclerotica. These symptoms may occur in the Chronic Sore Eyes of scrofulous individuals. Orchitis and Orcheocele, a swelling of the testicles with aching pain when pressing upon the testicle. Noack and Trinks define this affec- 384 LECTURE XCI. tion by the following group of symptoms: increasing swelling of the testicle; firm, smooth, round swelling of the size of a fist, without alteration of the external skin, generally painless, except some dull pains or shooting stitches at intervals; the testicles are sensitive to pressure, with drawing in the spermatic cord and loins. Hahnemann has furnished a few symptoms which justify the use of Spongia in this disease: Pain in the testicle, when touching it; Crampy, crushing, choking pain in the testicles ; Long, dull stitches darting from the testicles along the spermatic cord; Swelling of a testicle, with aching pain ; Painful swelling of the spermatic cord. Spongia likewise affects the catamenia; one prover records : pre- mature and profuse menses; another: the menses are preceded by backache and palpitation of the heart all day; drawing in the upper and lower extremities during the menses. These symptoms may be made available in the Dysmenorrhea or Menorrhagia of scrofulous females, when other symptoms will complete the therapeutic group. Spongia is extensively used by homoeopathic practitioners in the following affections of the respiratory organs: Croup>, where it may be given in alternation with Aconite, after this medicine has been given for some time, and the disease seems to assume a more malignant form in spite of this medication. The breathing is exceedingly wheezing, the patient feels as if he should suffocate, is oppressed with anguish, looks anxious and pale; the throat feels very dry, the voice is feeble, hoarse; the face begins to bloat, the eyes protrude from their sockets; the child talks and swal- lows a little water hurriedly. Some physicians give the mother tincture of Spongia in this disease, others from the third to the twelfth potency. In acute Bronchitis, Spongia is used by many physicians. In this disease, it is my opinion that Spongia is never indicated during the inflammatory stage. Here, Aconite is the remedy. Spongia may be given after Aconite, in alternation with this drug, when the pa- tient complains of hoarseness; scraping, burning and constriction of the larynx, dryness in the region of the larynx, difficult respiration, dry, tearing, barking cough, with a burning sensation in the chest, expectoration of a frothy, blood-streaked mucus. Laryngeal Phthisis, in the first stage, may require Spongia. It is indicated by a feeling of dryness and burning in the larynx, parox- ysms of a dry, suffocative cough, expectoration of a frothy, and at a later period, purulent mucus ; the voice is feeble, occasionally there is a complete loss of voice. In Asthma thymicum, Kopp has used a decoction of burnt sponge with very good effect. Our provers have recorded a few symptoms which seem to indi- cate Spongia in these affections; we read : SQUILLA MARITTMA. 385 Sneezing and fluent coryza (reported by Langhammer, a verv reliable prover) and Dry Coryza (reported by Gutmann); Hoarseness, also violent hoarseness and coryza; Scraping, burning and constriction of the larynx; Dryness in the region of the larynx, increased by hawking; Difficult respiration, as if the wind-pipe were stopped up°with a plug; Hollow cough, with some expectoration, day and night; Continual coughing, proceeding from a deep cough in the chest, which^ feels painful as if sore and raw in consequence of the coughing; Dry cough, day and night, with burning in the chest; the cough abates after eating or drinking; Painful pressure under the short ribs, when coughing; Severe stitches in the left chest, and then in the right; if he rubs this part it then seems as if a weight were descending under the integuments. Spongia being so eminently adapted for the scrofulous element, it is reasonable to expect that it will affect the skin; indeed our provings show that it causes an eruption which is very fully described in the following record and may serve to make up a therapeutic group corresponding with the case under treatment. Two hours after swallowing the drug, a female prover experienced this symptom: "At all hours of the day she felt a creeping in the skin, now here, then there, sometimes only for a minute, after which the spot became red and hot, with a crawling, gnawing-itching sensation; this was followed by the breaking out of a vesicular rash; the itching- gnawing did not abate by scratching, but seemed to last longer in consequence." Recent Sponge, properly cleansed from all impurities, is an ad- mirable means of arresting haemorrhage. Even haemorrhage from large arterial trunks has been stayed by means of small pieces of Sponge. A number of small pieces are preferable to one single large piece. If the bleeding proceeds from a cavity, every part of the cavity should be touched by the Sponge, which is kept in place by means of a bandage applied with a moderate degree of firmness. The Sponge should not be removed by force; it never causes irri- tation, and will in the end become detached in consequence of the suppurative process which will unavoidably set in. Haemorrhage from the right subclavian artery which had been nicked during an operation, has been arrested by this means. SQUILLA MARITIMA, (Scilla maritima, Squills.—Nat. Ord.: LlLIACE^.) This plant is found along the shores of the Alediterranean sea. The bulbs of this plant arc used in medicine. AVe have two varie- vol. n.—25 386 LECTURE XCI. ties, red and white. They are large, sometimes as large as a child's head, roundish, ovate, pyriform, compounded of thick, fleshy, smooth, shining scales, attenuated at their edges and closely applied over each other. This bulb contains a very acrid poison. Lange reports the case of a woman who swallowed a tablespoonful of the powder; it caused convulsions, inflammation and gangrene of the stomach, and finally death. From time immemorial physicians have been acquainted with the diuretic properties of Scilla, and with the fact that large doses may excite nausea, vomiting, profuse expectoration of mucus, colic and strangury. The more recent experiments of Lambert, Hasse and others, have shown, that even when applied endermatically, the urinary secretions, and the pulmonary and cutaneous exhalations are increased. Squills seem to act principally upon the lining membrane of the respiratory, digestive and urinary apparatus. This is not only made evident by the toxicological effects of the drug, but likewise by the short provings which Hahnemann and his disciples have left us. In the CHYLO-POIETIC RANGE, We find the following symptoms recorded by our provers: Pasty feeling in the mouth ; Taste in the back part of the mouth as of something burnt, even while chewing; it is only during deglutition that this taste is not felt; Complete anorexia, yet his taste is natural; Empty eructations, or eructations having an offensive taste; Nausea in the back part of the mouth, with constant flow of saliva in the mouth; Violent nausea; AVeakness of the stomach; Oppression and excessive pain in the stomach; Inflammation of the intestines; Painfulness of the abdominal integuments which were distended but soft; Copious emission of fetid flatulence; Papescent stool; Diarrhoeic discharges of a quantity of brown, thin, slimy, fetid stool, without pain or tenesmus, with a good deal of sputtering, and mixed with ascarides and a quantity of shapeless whitish'filaments; Stool tinged with blood. In accordance with these few indications, and with the toxicologi- cal effects of large doses, we may prescribe Squills for mild forms of Gastro-enteritis, when depending upon a rheumatic cause; the symptomatic indications are nausea or even vomiting, papescent or watery stools, blood-streaked diarrhoeic discharges, increased urging SQUILLA MARITIMA. 387 to urinate, with a more copious discharge of urine which deposits a reddish sediment, or frequent urging with comparative inability to void the urine, a sort of strangury. It is more especially in subacute forms of gastro-enteritis, in the case of strumous and cachectic individuals, that Squills will be found useful. The symptoms are like those of the acute form, soreness and heat in the bowels, mucous stools having an offensive odor and occasionally streaked with blood, frequent but scanty emissions of a thick, dark-colored, offensive urine. URINARY GROUP. Our provings show that Squills has a tendency to increase the urinary secretions. The emissions are more frequent and at the same time very urgent. Walther reports: A continual but ineffectual urging to urinate; Becher: Violent urging to urinate, with discharge of an unusual quantity of urine, which looked like water; Hartmann: Inability to retain the urine of which he discharges an enormous quantity; the urging continues more or less for twelve hours; Stapf: Frequent emission of a watery urine, he has to hurry. He wakes at night, and has to urinate. This symptom is reported by Teuthorn, and may suggest the use of Squills in Enuresis, generally an inability to retain the urine on account of an abnormal irritation of the lining membrane of the bladder; it may have a rheumatic origin ; and in Enuresis noctuma, in particular, especially in the case of strumous and cachetic children who are troubled with worms. Hahnemann recommends Squills in Diabetes insipidus, where the presence of a coexisting irritation of the bronchial lining membrane, with proper mucous discharges, exhausting sweats, emaciation, will prove so many additional indi- cations for the use of. Squills. Squills have been a favorite remedy with Old-School physicians, for ascites and anasarca. The diuretic properties of the drug are depended upon as a means of cure. Practitioners of that School differ greatly in opinion regarding the character of the dropsy where Squills may be given; the presence of inflammatory symptoms troubles them greatly. It is next to impossible, from the many contradictory indications furnished by Vogt, Haase, Blackal and others, to determine the exact relation of Scilla to dropsy. Homoeo- pathic practitioners likewise are puzzled regarding the indications for Squills in dropsy. According to Hahnemann, only such forms of dropsy as are accompanied by a profuse flow of urine can be cured by Squills. Hahnemann says that they are very rare. I would ask, do they exist ? Squills are perfectly proper in acute dropsy of the bowels and cellular tissue generally, when arising from some sudden rheumatic inflammatory irritation of this as well as of the mucous tissues, attended with a similar irritation of the bladder, which 388 LECTURE XCI. leads to strangury. Strangury is one of the primary effects of large doses of Squills; a profuse flow of urine is the secondary effect, induced by the reaction of the organism after moderately small doses. Under the operation of Squills a profuse flow of urine may set in as a sign of curative reaction; I doubt whether it can ever occur as a primary indication, except in the case of cachectic, strumous indi- viduals, where dropsy sets in as a symptom of general decay of the cellular and mucous tissues, and where a continual urging to urinate, with a sort of incontrollable dribbling of the urine, may occur as a primary symptom of disease. Here Squills may come in as an inter- current remedy, or may perhaps effect a cure without the assistance of any other drug. In such forms of dropsy we shall find the diges- tive functions somewhat disordered; diarrhoeic stools, loss of appe- tite, coated and somewhat inflamed tongue, will generally be present; •the skin is cold and dry, and the breathing short; a sympathetic, dry, short, hacking cough may develop itself in the course of the malady. RESPIRATORY GROUP. Our provings show that the action of Squills upon the respiratory lining membrane is intensely disorganizing, and that this agent may therefore become instrumental in curing some very dangerous dis- orders of the lungs. We read : Coryza with ulcerated nostrils; Titillation in the region of the thyroid body, which induces cough; coughing, however, increases the titillation. He has to take a long breath ; this induces cough; A dry and violent cough which racks the abdomen and causes a dryness in the throat; Darting stitches previous to an inspiration, on both sides of the chest, near the sternum ; Compressing pain in the right chest, terminating in a stitch. Dyspnoea and stitches in the chest, most troublesome during an inspiration; Stitches in the middle of the sternum, also in the left chest; Stitches resembling pleurisy; Pneumonia (a toxicological effect, reported by Zwelfer). These symptoms enable us to use Squills in Chronic or sub-acute Bronchitis, with tickling in the throat-pit, loose and exhausting cough, with profuse expectoration of mucus, pus and even blood. Hemoptysis, in patients with a florid complexion; the cough is loose, and the blood is spit up with a bubbling, undulating sensation, a sort of pricking and burning in the region whence the blood proceeds. An attack of this kind may result from a neglected catarrh. Pleuro-pneumonia, with chills followed by fever, flushed face, cough with expectoration of bloody and purulent mucus. In these affections, Squills may have to be given in tincture form, STANNUM. 389 one or two drops in a tumbler of water, a tablespoonful every hour, two or four hours, according to the violence of the fever. FEVER-GROUP. The fever accompanying these affections has the erethic type, bordering upon the synochal; chilly creepings or a distinct chill, followed by heat of the skin, flushes in the face, headache, coated tongue, sore throat, and afterwards perspiration. ANTIDOTAL TREATMENT. An over-dose of Squills may be antidoted by camphor. STAffiUM. (Tin) Of the best English tinfoil we make triturations in the proportion of 1 :10 or 1 :100. The supposed virtues of Tin against taenia have been known for years past. Dr. Alston obtained the prescription from a Scotch woman, the wife of a wine-merchant. Take one ounce and a half of pulverized Tin, ground up with sugar. Half of this quantity is to be taken on the Friday preceding new moon, and the balance on the Sunday following. The Monday after this a purgative is to be taken. Stannum is likewise a remedy for lumbrici and ascarides. Alston supposes that Stannum acts mechanically, by its weight, its sharp points getting between the lining membrane of the intes- tines and the taenia and thus cause it to quit its hold, so that it can be easily expelled by a purgative. Hahnemann very correctly observes that, if this theory were correct, iron, silver, or gold-filings would accomplish this end as well. Aloreover, it was known to the older physicians that water which had been boiled in tin vessels became endowed with anthelmintic properties, and Pitcairn and Pietsch have shown more recently that water in which heated tin is cooled, likewise becomes destructive to worms. The mechanical theory having been set at naught, all sorts of chemical explanations have been invented for the purpose of accounting for the specific anthelmintic virtues of Tin. "Some," says Pereira, "have sup- posed that the efficacy must depend on the Tin becoming oxydized in the alimentary canal; others have fancied that Arsenic, which is frequently found in Tin, is the active agent; while, lastly, some have imagined that the metal, by its action on the fluids of the canal, generated hydrogen, or hydrosulphuric acid, which destroyed these parasites. Considering that several compounds of Tin operate as anthelmintics, we may fairly conclude that tin-powder yields some compound of Tin in the alimentary canal, which acts as a vermifuge." 390 LECTURE XCI. So much for chemists and chemical explanations of vital pheno- mena. Aletallic substances cannot act unless they are first oxydized in the gastric fluids and changed into some soluble salt. Yet there are many metallic preparations which exert a very powerful reme- dial influence without being sensibly acted upon by the gastric secre- tions. Old-School therapeutists have observed that metallic Antimony, freed from all adventitious materials, acts almost as energetically as Tartar emetic. Even if we admit the fact, as Trousseau and Pidoux very justly remark, that the metal is converted into a soluble salt by the action of the gastric fluids, yet this does not satisfactorily account for this other fact that the effects of the metal and its salt are almost the same. Calomel and the Iodide of Mercury are not dissolved in the stomach, yet they act with a destructive power. Our so-called physiological therapeutists have yet to learn that taenia and worms generally, are morbid products, resulting from the influence of morbific forces of a correspondingly specific order. The normal action of the abdominal ganglia is disturbed by these forces, which favorable circumstances, improper food, atmospheric influ- ences, and so forth, enable to manifest their disorganizing power. This power is checked, not by the mechanical or chemical, but by another order of properties inherent in Tin, which no chemist will ever discover in his crucible; as yet they are beyond the reach of the physical senses; their existence can only be apprehended by the eye of reason, whose visual sphere, the world of causes, is so far above the ordinary horizon of mankind and of the professional routinist, that ages may have to pass away before its realities are inquired into and accepted. A physiological reason why taenia and worms generally may be regarded as diseased conditions of the abdominal ganglionic system, is the variety of nervous symptoms with which the developments of these parasites is attended, and the most violent of which are epi- leptiform convulsions. Monroe, Fothergill and Richter, pretended to have cured such convulsions by means of tin-filings; but Vogt is doubtful whether these convulsions always resulted from the pre- sence of worms. Old-School pathologists, almost without an exception, regard worm-symptoms as the effect of the irritating action of worms upon the abdominal mucous membrane; the nervous symptoms arise by a process of reflex sympathy, or in consequence of the same irri- tating action of these parasites upon the nervous filaments dis- tributed over the mucous lining. This theory need not, and indeed, cannot be denied. But it is not an integral, and consequently an inefficient explanation. In the incipient stage of helminthiasis worms are not as yet always present. And even if they were, the difficulty would then arise, how are we to account for their first origin in' the bowels ? If they came from eggs, how do these eggs get there and whence do they come? We may continue this inter- rogatory until we are absolutely driven to the wall, and compelled either to acknowledge the existence of final causes of disease, or to seek refuge in the exploded and absurd notion of spontaneous gene- r STANNUM. 391 ration, which is about as rational as the kindred doctrine of nature abhorring a vacuum.* * In a recent pamphlet Dr. Weinland of Cambridge has published some inter- esting facts concerning the origin of tape-worm; the following summary is taken from a late number of the Scientific American: " In Boston there is a very learned German. D. F. "Weinland, Ph. D. (Doctor of Philosophy,) who is devoting his life to the study of tape-worms. During the last ten years he has dissected more than 5,000 animals in search of these singular parasites, and the facts which he and his collaborators in this field of investigation have ascertained are exceedingly curious. "Tape-worms are found in all classes of vertebrated animals, fishes as well as land animals, different species of animals generally having different species of tape-worms; that of the horse differing from that of the ass; that of the sheep from that of the goat; and that of the rat from that of the mouse. The common human tape-worm lives and grows in the bowels. Its head is provided with four suckers, with a cluster of little hooks, by means of which it attaches itself to the intestine, the body floating two or three yards down and absorbing the nourishing juices either through small openings or through the skin. The body consists of several hundred rings or sections, which grow out of the head, so that those nearest the head are the youngest, and the oldest are at the end of the tail. The creature is an hermaphrodite; and as the joints mature the sexual organs are developed, the male and female both in the same joints. The joints then break off, and each one is a complete living animal, preserving its existence, frequently, for a considerable time, and laying numbers of eggs after it is broken off. " The eggs pass out by the faeces, and never hatch unless they enter the stomach of a hog. But if the joints are eaten by a hog, or if their eggs find their way into water that is drunk by swine, the eggs hatch in the hog's stomach, producing animals so small as to be invisible to the naked eye, but which, under a microscope, are seen to have three pairs of spines, by means of which they bore their way through the walls of the blood vessels and enter into the circulation. Here they are carried into the muscles of the hog, where they grow into a curious animal, having the head and neck of a human tape-worm, with a round bladder tail, and producing the disease called measles. It has long been known that measly pork was caused by this little bladder-tailed animal, but it is only within a few years that the curious fact has been ascertained that this animal is the larva of the human tape-worm. It is now proved by careful observation, that if one of these animals is taken into the human stomach the bladder-like tail is digested, while the living head and neck pass down into the intestine, where they hook on, and the rings begin rapidly to grow out into the well-known tape-worm. " Other species of tape-worms, living in other animals, have a natural history similar to that of the human tape-worm. They all live in the intestines of verte- brated animals, (animals with back bones.) and each species must be hatched in the stomach of some animal different from that in which it is developed. For instance, one of the tapeworms of the dog is hatched in the stomach of a hare, and another in that of an ox; and the tape-worm of a cat is hatched in the stom- achs of rats and mice. " About 200 species of the tape-worm have been described—five of them being found in man. There are only two, however, that are at all common. One of these is a narrow worm with hooks on its head, found particularly in the Teutonic nations, (Germans, English and Americans.) and the broad tape-worm without hooks, which seem to live almost solely in the Swiss and in the Sclavonic nations. The former, and more common of these two species, has a head about the size of a pin's head, and the body gradually widens to about a quarter of an inch, some- times reaching a length of 24 feet. Tape-worms have been found in sheep 100 feet long. " It is doubted by some physicians whether tape-worms are injurious to health, though it seems probable that they are. They are certainly generally accompa- nied either by cerebro-spinal affections, or nausea, or indigestion, or colic. The great remedy is pomegranate bark. " There are four orders of 'intestinal worms,' or ' helminthes,' and the several 392 LECTURE XCI. Tin not being the only specific for taenia, the pathological series which characterizes the presence of taenia in the alimentary canal, must constitute a series of a specific order, and therefore differing more or less from the series of taenia or worm-symptoms generally, which requires some other anthelmintic for its removal. Hahne- mann and his provers have recorded a number of symptoms as pathogenetic effects of Tin, the most characteristic of which we will group together under the head of CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP, And which, together with the cephalic symptoms, and the gene- ral state of the nervous system, sleep, and so forth, will enable the careful physician to decide whether Tin is truly and specifically homoeopathic in the case. We read: Sour and bitter taste in the mouth; Flow of saliva in the mouth ; Insipid taste in the mouth ; Increased appetite and hunger ; Frequent hiccough; Eructations either of mere air, or sweetish, or sourish, with a sen- sation of roughness in the former ; Nausea in the fauces, as if he had to vomit; Hematemesis ;* She had to vomit after eating a little soup; the vomited substance was bitter as gall. Frequent retching and vomiting of indigested food, with bitter and sour taste in the mouth ; Pressure at the stomach, with a feeling of malaise, after eating a little soup; Spasmodic griping in the stomach and around the umbilicus; it made her sick at the stomach, and caused anxiety ; Oppression in the pit of the stomach, which feels sore as if ulcerated ; Tensive pressing pain in the pit of the stomach ; species of tape-worms constitute one of these orders. The name given by natu- ralists to this order is Cestoidea, from ccstos, girdle of Venus. " We have obtained the curious facts given above from a pamphlet published by Dr. Weinland, some time since, at Cambridge." These statements are interesting and useful, but they do not shed much light upon the therapeutic aspect of this question ; in this respect they only remove the solution of the problem a degree further. How does this curious bladder- tailed animal originate in the hog? And secondly, how does the larva manage to stand the boiling, smoking and frying process, without its vitality being destroyed ? For we are told that " the living head and neck pass down into the intestine." * Vogt accounts for the haematemesis caused by Tin as the result of a mechani- cal injury caused by the sharp points of the filings. If this theory were correct, any other sharp pointed body might produce the same efl'ect. We know that this is not so ; nor does Tin always have this efl'ect. We regard this symptom as an exceptional efl'ect of Tin, determined probably by idiosyncrasy, but of a dynamic nature, lor Alston says that he has seen haematemesis stopped by Tin as by a miracle. STANNUM. 393 Aching-crampy pain below the short ribs, alternately increasing and decreasing; Cutting pains in the region of the stomach ; Painful distension of the abdomen, which feels sore even when touched; When pressing with his hand upon the umbilical region, he feels a pain even as far as the stomach, and on both sides under the ribs ; Stitching in the right side of the abdomen, followed by a drawing in the right shoulder ; she had to lie down ; the perspiration broke out in her face and on her arms ; chills crept over her; Every motion of the bowels is preceded by a digging pain ; Crampy colic above and below the umbilicus, passing off by bending double against the edge of the table ; Burning pain in the abdomen ; Excoriation-pain in the abdomen. Hahnemann appends a note to the last thirteen symptoms, where he informs us that these symptoms represent a certain class of Hysteric and Hypochondriac Spasms, and pains in the abdomen and region of the diaphragm, to which Stannum is homoeopathic ; the existence of these specific virtues was known even to Albrecht and Geischlaeger. (See Hufeland's Journal, Vol. X., No. 3, p. 165.) The soreness of the abdomen when touching it, or aggravated by pressure or respiration, is reported by several provers ; likewise the presence of flatulence with various pains, such as pinching, cut- ting, rumbling, sensation as if flatulence had become incarcerated, etc. Many of these symptoms denote the presence of taenia, and their presence would probably induce us to exhibit Stannum, more par- ticularly if the head-symptoms should likewise correspond with the phenomena indicating the presence of this parasite. These phe- nomena are chiefly paroxysms of vertigo, pain at the top of the head, occasional loss of memory. The alterations which Stannum causes in the above secretions, likewise afford more or less important and characteristic indications for the employment of Stannum in taenia, lumbrici, or in other affections of the bowels. The chief effect of small doses of Stannum, from one-half of a grain to several grains, seems to be to constipate the bowels, and to produce a burning sensation and a feeling of excoriation at the anus, which the prover experiences either during or immediately after the passage of the faeces. Dr. Gross reports this symptom : " Sudden inclination to stool, the first part of the discharge being of a natural consistence, afterwards it becomes papescent, and lastly thin; it is accompanied by a shuddering sensation through the body from above downwards, and by a drawing from the small of the back through the thighs ; after the evacuation the sensation continues as though the bowels desired additional relief." This symptom was experienced by a person who was habitually costive; hence we may conclude that in certain cases of 394 LECTURE XCI. Costiveness, if the other symptoms correspond, Stannum may prove useful. In some cases the discharge may be scanty and of a green- ish color; in other cases it may be accompanied by vermiform shreds of mucus, or followed by expulsion of mucus. An effect similar to that on the intestinal mucous membrane, is manifested by small doses of Tin upon the lining membrane of the urinary and sexual apparatus. Hence in the URINARY GROUP We find symptoms like the- following recorded: Suppression of the urinary secretions; No real urging to urinate; a mere sensation of fullness in the abdomen seems to indicate the necessity of voiding the urine; yet, upon attempting it, only a small quantity of badly-smelling urine is voided ; the emissions of urine take place very seldom, but without pain; Burning in the fore part of the urethra; he felt an inclination every few moments and voided a large quantity of urine; Frequent urging to urinate; he is waked every night by a desire to urinate; this continued for three days; at the end of this period there was less urging and consequently a diminished quantity of urine; A keenly-felt pressure at the neck of the bladder and along the urethra, after urinating; he imagines that some more urine is to flow, and if a few drops are discharged, the pressure becomes still worse, for ten minutes. These symptoms seem to show that Tin may be used in conditions of the urethral mucous membrane which might be regarded as a form of Subacute Catarrh of the urethra in the first or irritative stage, ex- isting probably in connection with a corresponding condition of the bowels, which we have delineated in the preceding paragraph, and arising from a similar cause, a constitutional diathesis, helminthic irritations of the bowels, and, by a continuous process, of the lining membrane of the urinary organs. In such a state of things we may feel authorized to exhibit Stannum for Enuresis nocturna, to which children afflicted with worms, are so often subject. In the SEXUAL RANGE We shall find Stannum producing symptoms of irritation similar to those in the urethra. We have here a similar sensation of burning accompanied by an increased intensity of the sexual instinct. Hahnemann reports: Erection, immediately after swallowing the drug; subsequently the erections ceased completely; Jerking through the penis as if an emission were to take place; STANNUM. 395 Burning in the sexual organs, a sort of violent desire for the sexual act; • Intense orgasm in the sexual organs and in the whole body, as though a discharge of semen were to take place; Burning pricking in the glans. These intense sensations in the sexual sphere most probably exist as results of sympathetic irritation; they may set in as a conse- quence of inordinate sexual enjoyments, but it is doubtful whether they ever exist independently of morbid conditions of the lining mem- brane in other organs, such as the urinary apparatus, the bowels, and lungs. Hahnemann informs us that, in the case of a female prover who was afflicted with Leucorrhea, the discharge ceased; he regards this as a curative effect. RESPIRATORY GROUP. Stahl says that Tin causes consumption; this statement, in connec- tion with some of Hahnemann's symptoms, such as: soreness and a feeling of weakness in the whole chest; dyspnoea: feeling of con- striction across the chest; paroxysms of racking cough which causes a soreness in the pit of the stomach; scraping in the windpipe, with soreness; stitches in the chest; saltish, or yellowish expectora- tion having a foul smell; may justify the use of Tin in Ulcerous Phthisis, or rather Mucous Phthisis. Hahnemann quotes several alloeopathic authorities who profess to have cured this species of phthisis with Tin. It is but fair to state that these authors gave Tin in consequence of its astringent properties, in accordance with the principle "contraria contrariis." It is possible that it may cure ulceration of the pulmonary mucous membrane in accordance with the law " similia similibus." We have some affirmative testimony to offer in this direction, although not enough to remove uncertain- ties and doubts. Hahnemann quotes Meyer Abraham who has seen epilepsy caused by tin. On the other hand Tin has cured Epilepsy, as may be seen from the following case quoted in Frank's Magazine: A young savant who led a sedentary mode of life, of delicate constitution and pale complexion, had been attacked for some time past with daily paroxysms of epileptiform convul- sions, without, however, losing his consciousness entirely. In ac- cordance with Fothergill's recommendation, he took every day half an ounce of pulverized tin-filings. In about four weeks he was en- tirely cured of his trouble. Other patients likewise took tin-filings, coarsely pulverized, for a similar affection, and were cured. SLEEP. Hahnemann had the reputation of being able to cure Sleeplessness; it is stated in one of the earlier numbers of the 396 LECTURE XCI. Homoeop. Zeitung that he possessed a specific for this complaint. We have been informed that this supposed specific was Stannum, the use of which was probably suggested by the following symptoms reported by Gross: " He soon falls asleep after lying down, and does not wake until late in the morning." Hahnemann regards this as an effect of the reaction of the organism. Stannum is not a specific for sleeplessness; it will cure this weakness only where this agent is in specific homoeopathic rapport with the whole series of pathological phenomena of which sleeplessness constitutes a prominent element. Instead of tin-filings, the Muriate of Tin has sometimes been pre- scribed for worms in the dose of one to two grains a day, three doses daily in pill form. This dose may be diminished quite con- siderably in homoeopathic hands. We will here add that the Muriate or Chloride of tin is a violent poison. A cook salted food with it by mistake for salt. It caused violent colic and diarrhoea, which lasted two days, and was finally checked with milk, water and sugar, mucilaginous drinks and emollient injections. Frank reports a case of Chorea which seems to have come on in consequence of a fright, in a little girl of eleven years, and was at- tended with irritation of the lower cervical vertebrae. After a good deal of fruitless medication with counter-irritants and antispas- modics, she was cured in a few days by the Chloride of tin, given in doses of one-sixteenth of a grain. A case of Herpes Crustaceus is likewise reported as having been cured with the Chloride of Tin, after the starvation-cure, mineral- springs and a host of drugs had failed. A lady of thirty-eight years had this breaking out on the hands and face during the menses; it was attended with, fever, scarlet-redness, tension of the skin, violent itching.' After a previous exacerbation she remained permanently cured. STAPHYSAGBIA. (Delphinium Staphysagria, Stave's-acre.—Nat. Order: Ranuncu- laceje. This bush grows to a height of one to two feet; the leaves are broad and palmated ; the flowers form bluish, purplish racemes. It is found in the south of Europe, in the Levant, on the Canary Islands. The seeds,- which are the part used by homoeopathic physicians, are irregular, triangular, of a blackish-brown color; we make a tincture of them, of a deep straw-yellow color. The seeds have a disagreeable taste and smell; both the shell and the kernel are acrid and bitter, causing heat in the mouth, and an increased secretion of saliva. An alkaloid, Delphinine, has been discovered in them. These seeds are an irritant poison, causing local inflammation by STAPHYSAGRIA. 397 contact, pain in the stomach and bowels, desire to vomit, vomiting, diarrhoea and even death. When absorbed into the system, the poison of Staphysagria acts upon the brain and spinal marrow, causing vertigo, insensibility, weakness, convulsions, paralysis. The foregoing general description of the effects of Staphysagria, which I have copied from Wibmer's exceedingly instructive Toxi- cology, shows that this agent has a much more extended range of action than the use for which it has been employed hitherto, as a destroyer of vermin. Hahnemann has instituted some exceedingly interesting experiments upon the healthy with the seeds of Staphy- sagria which commend this drug to our attention in several highly interesting morbid conditions of the human organism. In the CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP We find this drug indicated in Nervous Headaches, by the following symptoms recorded by Hahnemann: Headache which is alternately stupefying and boring; Violent headache on waking, as if the brain were torn ; this pain passes off with frequent spasmodic yawnings; Headache when moving about, as if the brain would fall out; during rest the sensation is as if the compressed brain were detached from the skull and lying loose within its cavity; When shaking the head, there is a sensation, at a small spot in the middle of the frontal region, as of something heavy lying there, like a ball of lead which cannot be detached; Stitching pain in the head, the whole day; Sharp, burning prickings in the left temple ; Dull pinching pain in the forehead, with stitches in the temples; it abates by walking, but returns again when sitting or standing. ORBITAL GROUP. Staphysagria modifies to a considerable extent the action of the retina; our provings have shown that it may be useful in certain Amaurotic Conditions of the eyes, especially when the following symptoms are to be removed : When looking at an object, a white gauze seems to cover the object, which renders it invisible; Sensation, when reading, as if small black flashes intruded between the letters, after which whole lines disappeared; these black flashes sometimes appeared when looking in the light; Scintillations flash before the eyes, in the night, in bed. The sight is dim, as if the eyes were full of water; Smarting, excoriating pain in the inner canthi; smarting and burning in the eyes immediately after beginning to read or write, "with secretion of a few scalding tears; the light excites this diffi- culty so much sooner, hence it has to be avoided; Agglutination of the inner canthi, in the morning; The eyes feel as if full of sand; 398 LECTURE XCI. The eyes feel as if oppressed by sleep; they feel very dry in the morning ; Pressure and contractive sensation in the upper lid; this sensation causes a flow of tears ; The sclerotica looks inflamed ; The inflamed eye is surrounded by pimples; The pupils are very much dilated. This interesting group of symptoms points to Staphysagria not only in Amblyopia induced by straining the eyes, but likewise in Scrofulous Sore Eyes, when the difficulty seems owing to rheu- matic exposure. FACIAL GROUP. Staphysagria is adapted for a peculiar form of Prosopalgia, as may be seen from the following series of symp- toms recorded by Hahnemann; Throbbing, aching pain in the whole face, from the teeth to the eye, lasting sixteen days; Tearing, with pressure, in the left malar bone, involving the teeth ; Burning prickings in the left cheek, inviting one to scratch ; Sore nose, ulcerated within the meatus; many other symptoms show that in Scrofulous Sore Nose, this agent may prove highly serviceable. BUCCAL GROUP. Staphysagria may be of some use in the lighter forms of Stomatitis in scrofulous subjects; for it causes ulceration and bleeding of the gums, and hard tubercles in the substance of the gums. In Toothache, we may have to use Staphysagria, for it causes the following symptoms: Gnawing pain in the four lower front-teeth, especially at night; Painful drawing sensation in the teeth every now and then, followed by beating in the gums; this drawing pain is attended with swelling of the cheeks, headache on the same side and heat in the face; Tearing pain in the gums and in the roots of the lower molars; Toothache when eating; the teeth are not firm, they are loose; the teeth seem to penetrate more deeply into their sockets when pressed upon; the gums look white; Titillating stinging in the molars of the right lower jaw. It is evident from the last but one of these symptoms, that Staphysagria may even prove useful as an antidote to the chronic consequences of Mercurial Ptyalism, one of which is precisely such a condition of the teeth and gums as here described. STAPHYSAGRIA. 399 CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. Staphysagria causes Flow of water in the mouth ; Nausea every morning as if vomiting should come on; Pressure in the stomach, as from a load, early in the morning; Tension across the epigastrium, with anxiety and oppression of breathing, early in the morning ; Tension and pressure in the abdomen as from over-eating, with nausea and confluence of saliva; Cutting in the bowels, after every meal, with nausea and flow of water in the mouth, languor; the cutting pain is followed by heat in the face, rush of blood to the head, swelling of the veins of the hand; Cutting pain in the bowels, with diarrhoeic stool, the last discharge being simply mucus. Cutting in the bowels, with violent urging to stool, which results in the passage of a small quantity of thin faeces, attended with chilli- ness in the head ; immediately after the evacuation a sort of tenes- mus is experienced. These various symptoms interest us in so far as they may charac- terize a derangement of the gastric functions, which may be more or less habitual, characteristic perhaps of an incipient irritation of the mesenteric ganglia, of helminthiasis, or of a general scrofulous taint of the system. The last of the foregoing symptoms shows that Staphysagria may be useful in Dysenteric Diarrhea, some forms of which may be characterized by the pains, discharges, attending chilliness, and the tenesmus after the discharge here indicated. Staphysagria is likewise in homoeopathic rapport with Costiveness, as may be seen by the following symptoms: Frequent urging to stool, without colic; only a small quantity of hard stool being passed each time, with pain in the anus as if it should fly to pieces. Repeated urging, after stool, without accomplishing any thing ; Hard stool, followed by soft stool; he had great trouble in press- ing it out, as if the rectum had been constricted ; after stool, more urging was felt; Costiveness for three days. Costiveness seems to be the result of organic reaction. URINARY GROUP. Frequent and copious urination; Burning in the whole length of the urethra, when urinating, for many da}\s; Frequent urging, with scanty discharge of red-looking urine. These symptoms may occur incidentally to the irritation of the intestinal mucous membrane; as symptoms of 400 LECTURE XCI. Helminthiasis. Catarrh of the bladder, or irritable bladder, and as characterizing Hysteria in the female. SEXUAL GROUP. Staphysagria causes, and may therefore relieve Nocturnal Emissions with violent sexual excitement; Spasmodic pain in the pudendum, in the vagina; Reappearance of the menses, with colicky pain, rumbling in the bowels, after having ceased a whole year; this symptom may lead us to prescribe Staphysagria in Dysmenorrhea, where such pains occur, with irregular appearance of the menses at prolonged intervals. EXANTHEMATIC GROUP. Staphysagria has caused, and may therefore prove useful for an Herpetic Eruption on the lower ribs, consisting of small, densely- crowded, red pimples, with burning-itching stinging ; friction causes pain; attended with chilly creepings in this part and over the epi- gastrium ; Itching blotches over the whole body and on the thighs, emitting a humor when scratched open, in which case a burning pain is felt; Violent burning, tearing and stinging pains in an existing ulcer. Besides these eruptions, Staphysagria causes an Itching and a burning pricking in various parts of the body, on the skin, on the toes and fingers ; Tinea Capitis humida, with a gnawing itching of the hairy scalp, and excessive formation of vermin, even when constituting the so- called Pedicular Disease, or Phthiriasis, for which this drug was formerly used in the shape of an ointment; a rather dangerous practice unless the ointment or wash is mild, and the internal use of the drug- accompanies the external. Itch-like Eruptions have likewise been successfully treated in some cases with Staphysagria; likewise Secondary Eruptions arising from the violent suppression of the itch. FEVER-GROUP. Staphysagria has yielded to our provers a variety of rheumatic pains, such as: Stitches and a powerful tearing in the calves and knee-joints ; Torpid swelling of the dorsum of each foot, lasting a long time; Painfulness of the bones. These and similar symptoms show that Staphysagria may prove useful in Arthritic and Rheumatic Affections characterized by such pains, THUJA OCCIDENTALS. 401 more particularly when the pains are accompanied by chilliness rather than heat, or when such pains can be traced to, or are accom- panied by mercurial taint. MENTAL GROUP. Staphysagria seems to cause a peculiar depression of spirits, with irritability of disposition, a certain refractory and repulsive mood. It also causes a silent sadness, a melancholy and dissatisfied state of the mind. Hence it may be adapted to certain forms of Hysteria and Hypochondria, with a taciturn mood, restlessness and anxiety, indifference, a disposition to push things out of one's way, to throw them down out of one's hands. DOSE. In affections to which Staphysagria is homoeopathic, it will seldom be necessary to give lower than the third or higher than the twelfth potency. LECTURE XCII. THUJA OCCIDENTALS, (Arbor vite. Nat. Order:—Conifers.) The Thuja occidentals, so named by Linnaeus in contradistinction from the Eastern Thuja, Thuja orientalis, which was brought to Europe from Northern China, is found in the West Indies, in the United States, and in Canada. Torrey, in his Flora of the State of New York, furnishes the fol- lowing description of this plant: " A tree with a narrowly conical and tapering head, seldom more than 30 to 35 feet high and to 12 inches in diameter, much branched; the ultimate divisions flattened and covered with numerous obtuse shining leaves, each furnished with a little vesicle which (as in the white cedar) is filled with a thin aromatic turpentine. Sterile aments minute at the extremity of the branchlets, consisting of a few concave, scale-like anthers. Cones about five lines long, yellowish-brown; the scales loosely im- bricating, opening to the base. Seeds conspicuously winged, emar- ginate, one under each scale. "Rocky banks of rivers and hill-sides, also.in swamps; abundant and very conspicuous on the Hudson above Newburgh; Oriskany swamp; and various parts of the northern and western counties of VOL. II.—'2(i 402 LECTURE XCII. the State of New York. The wood is light, of a reddish color, and, though soft, is very durable. It is not much used for lumber, as its trunk does not afford pieces of sufficient length. It is often planted about houses and in pleasure-grounds. In some parts of the country it is called white cedar, and in New England it is often called hack- matack." We possess extensive provings of this drug furnished by Hahne- mann, and re-provings by the Austrian Provers' Union, confirming Hahnemann's pathogenesis in all essential particulars. These care- ful provings which have been conducted by Professor Zlatarovich and his colleagues with a truly heroic devotion, show to a demon- stration that the therapeutic range of Thuja is limited almost exclu- sively to the -genito-urinary organs, and the various sycosic excres- cences. Dr. Mayrhofer, under whose direction the provings of Thuja were instituted, has furnished an eminently philosophical abstract of the symptomatology and characteristic features of the Thuja sickness, which we will take the liberty of reproducing in this place, in lieu of the more circumstantial record of the symptoms furnished by each single prover. We copy from Metcalf's " Homoeo- pathic Provings." The process of determinating the characteristic marks of a remedy, can, from its very nature, be nothing more than that of throwing into natural groups the scattered materials afforded us by the pro- vings, and estimating scientifically the morbid elements thus obtained, in order in this way to obtain its therapeutic indications and raise the drug to the rank of a remedial agent. In this difficult task three main points, in our opinion, must be kept in view. 1. The where of the morbid manifestations, that is, the organic substratum, the locality, the " locus in quo" of the sickness. 2. The how, that is, in what way, and after what position the pathogenesis of the drug is developed in subjective and objective symptoms. 3. The discrimination of the drug symptoms into subjective and objective, idiopathic and sympathetic, essential and accidental, con- stant and variable, etc., upon the solid foundation of the physiolo- gical proving, to the exclusion of all hypotheses and learned refine- ments. To this end we will now examine the phenomena presented by the action of Thuja in anatomico-physiological order, in order to assist the memory as much as possible. NERVOUS SYSTEM. The nerves, as the organs for communicating the sensations, are first of all affected by the disturbing forces of drugs, and it is through them that the enormous train of subjective symptoms, manifesting themselves by the different kinds of pains, is developed. Here lies the reason why the nervous symptoms of many drugs frequently so THUJA OCCIDENTALIS. 403 much resemble each other; and on this account it is that they have, as a general rule, but little therapeutic value. It is only when such manifestations take place in the track of particular nerves and locate themselves in the parts supplied by them, and when there is something peculiar in the mode of their development, that they have any practical import or therapeutic utility. The operations of Thuja upon the sensory functions of the cerebro- spinal system, is evidenced by the following symptoms: flying stitches through the brain; vertigo; drawing, sticking or boring, screwing, dull, stunning headache; drawing, tearing, sticking in the head, frontal eminences and zygomata, etc. As special nervous affections of the head we have: the feeling as though a convex button were pressed upon the head, especially in the neighborhood of the sutures, or a needle or a nail repeatedly thrust in ; hemicrania in the forehead, the pains extending by radiation into the brain. Belonging to the spinal marrow: drawing, tensive, sticking, tearing, creeping, itching, burning, laming, digging, boring pains in the nape, back, sacral region, nates and limbs. Nor are the motor-nerves unaffected by Thuja, as is plain from the frequently-recurring, involuntary muscular twitchings. In the ganglionic system the plexus celiacus and hypogastricus were the most affected, as appears from the abdominal symptoms of the drug. We shall treat more fully of all these subjective or nervous symp- toms when we come to speak of the particular organs affected. SLEEP AND DREAMING. Under this head, Thuja, like almost every other drug, gives rise to alternate effects; sleeplessness, sleep coming on late, lasting but a little while, restlessness, and interrupted by dreams; groaning in sleep; unrefreshing dozing with constant starting as in affright; uneasy, tormenting, horrible images in dreams, such as: of the dead ; voluptuous, lascivious dreams; quiet, refreshing, deep sleep, etc. Therapeutic indications cannot be obtained from the symptoms of sleep and dreaming alone, as they are not independent pathological conditions, but only the reflex of organic affections. Thus, sleepless- ness, unrefreshing dozing, or restless sleep with dreams, are true accompaniments of fever; tormenting and horrible dreams, with sudden starting and terror, of cerebral and pectoral affections; and lascivious dreams, ending with pollutions, point to an excessive action of the genital system. The symptoms afforded by the sleep under the action of Thuja, according to their physiological value, are, for the most part, simply signs of febrile action; they frequently indicate the action of the drua- upon the genital system, but seldom point to any irritation in the cerebral organs. MIND AND TEMPER. Thuja exhibits no marked psychical relations. With some of the provers there was little or no disturbance in these functions, and the 404 LECTURE XCII. symptoms that were perceived, are again only opposite alternations, which divide themselves into exaltations and depressions* The exaltations manifest themselves but seldom; we have dispo- sition to be angry, inclination for intellectual labor, great activity of the mind (with weakness of the body); the depressions, however, are numerous; as melancholy; discouragement; anxiety; restlessness and lowness of spirits; ill humor and disgust of life ; difficulty in recollecting; difficulty in finding the proper words; slow speech, etc. From these considerations we must draw the conclusion that the principal action of the arbor vitae upon the mind and temper is of a depressing sort,' and that the signs of the shackled soul are the indica- tions that ought to guide us in our selection of it as a remedy. PERCEIVING FACULTIES. Visual Organs. The symptoms which attest the effects of the arbor vitae upon the organs of sight, may be divided into four classes. 1. Subjective : as sensation as if the eyes were pressed forward out of the head, or as though the eyelids were swollen ; drawing, pressing, sticking or burning in the eyes; biting, burning in the eyelids, canthi and carunculae ; feeling of dryness in the eyes, tension in the interior of the orbits; digging pain in the posterior part of the eyeballs, etc. 2. Objective: redness and inflammation of the whites of the eyes (with pressing and biting); dilatation and contraction of the pupils (alternate effects); watering of the eyes (especially in the open air); obstruction of the eyes with the gum; swelling of the upper lids; twitching of the eyelids; digging twitching in the eyeball, etc. 3. Symptoms of functional disturbance: short-sightedness; dimness of the sight; obscuration of the sight as though there were a veil before the eyes; weak sight; swimming of surrounding objects before the eyes; black, self-moving points before the eyes, whether open or shut; glittering before the eyes, with hovering of numerous dark and bright points before them; appearance of a bright disc ivith a dark centre which follows the movements of the eyes*; hovering of clouds and streaks before the eyes. 4. Exanthematous appearances: red itching eruptions between the eyebrows; suppurating tubercles on'the borders of the eyelids, on the eyebrows, or in the neighborhood of the eyes. The general character of the sickness produced by Thuja lies at * Note by Mayrhofkr : The opposite symptoms developed in the psychical sphere by the action of many drugs, depend upon the universal law of dynamic oscillation, and are (and it is the same in health) but striking repetitions of the constant pendulum-swing of psychical life ; from sorrow to joy, from grave to gay, from tears to smiles, from hope to fear, from love to hate, from pleasure to pain. But as through all the varying tints of the psychical life of the individual, the temperament and disposition, as a sort of ground-color still predominate, these exaltations and depressions, viewed as a whole, present a striking picture, and one which is of the highest import as a therapeutic indication in cases of mental disturbances. THUJA OCCIDENTALS. 405 the foundation of the subjective symptoms; suddenly coming and going, irregularly periodical, aggravated by rest, morning and even- ing, ameliorated in the open air and by movement, especially attacking the left side. As the symptoms of the eyes never appear independently, but always accompanied by consentaneous affections either of the olfac- tory -and respiratory apparatus, or of the urinary and genital organs, we cannot admit any direct and immediate relation between Thuja and the organs of vision. In pathological conditions of the eyes, therefore, all the concomi- tant symptoms are to be considered, and the hints derived from the preceding history of the disease to be weighed, which indicate the choice of Thuja and assist us in the decision. Auditory Organs. These organs which, in comparison with the other perceptive faculties, are much less often affected, do not escape the action of Thuja. Subjective symptoms : hammering and tearing in the ear; violent tearing in the concha ; penetrating and squeezing in the ear; press- ing, obstruction, sticking in the auditory canal; ringing^ roaring and dull vibrations in the ears; flashing stitches in the right side of the throat, reaching into the ear, with the feeling as though the air pressed through the opening (Eustachian tube) into the ear on opening and shutting the mouth; single, violent stitches in the auditory meatus; feeling of stoppage as if there were water in the ear; creaking in the ear during empty deglutition, etc. Objective results: suppurating tubercles; moist warts in the neighborhood of the ears. The remarks already made in relation to the eyes, will equally apply to the ears. In diseases of these organs the choice of Thuja must be determined by the character of the ear-symptoms, by the accompanying affections, and by the history of the case. Olfactory Organs. The symptoms of the nose and its vicinity are again either 1. Subjective: pressure at the root of the nose; tension in the right ala; sensation of dryness in the nose; drawing between the mouth and nose; crawling in the nose; burning in the nose with sensibility of the septum; itching in the nostrils, etc. 2. Objective : frequent sneezing; repeated epistaxis; discharge of blood by blowing the nose; fluent catarrh; catarrh suddenly ceasing and returning, sometimes alone, sometimes accompanied with cough and febrile symptoms, swelling and hardness on the left ala; hard scabs in the nose; itching eruptions or tubercules behind the alae; vesicles on the septum; a red streak from the nose over the fore- head, etc. These symptoms too must be judged of in connection with the other consentaneous affections, and can very seldom by themselves, form therapeutic indications. Gustatory Organs. The operation of Thuja upon the organs of 406 LECTURE XCII. taste, to which head we refer all the parts constituting the oral cavity, is evidenced by a variety of symptoms, which may be divided into subjective, objective, and functional. 1. Drawing, tearing, sticking, twitching toothache on entering a warm room; drawing, tearing, sticking in the jaws; burning on the lips, on the tongue and palate; feeling of soreness on the palate and tongue; pressure at the velum palati; rough, scraping feeling on the tongue and in the throat; sore feeling at the tip of the tongue; sen- sitiveness of,the gums; soreness and dryness in the throat; violent pain in the masseters as though they were wrenched, etc. 2. White coating upon the tongue; sore tongue; burning vesicles on the tongue; painful, swollen gums; inflamed and swollen tonsils ; swelling of the salivary glands; increased secretion of saliva ; saliva mixed with blood; throwing up of a tough, thick mucus; sore palate ; burning, red spots ; elevated, itching spots on the lips ; quivering of the lips; creaking of the under jaw when chewing, etc. 3. Sweet, sour, metallic-tasting saliva; sweetish, insipid, pungent, bitter, rancid, resinous taste; taste blunted (food cannot be distin- guished by the taste); thirstlessness; thirst; desire for cold drinks, etc. The subjective symptoms have but little practical value, inasmuch as many other remedies develop them in the same way; the objec- tive, however, are much more important, and highly valuable in a therapeutic point of view, especially when they .are manifested with other characteristic symptoms. SANGUINEOUS SYSTEM. Fever. Every medicinal agent in its perfect action excites fever, and thus presents different peculiarities according to the* different power of the drug. The species of fever which is developed in those who have an exceeding susceptibility to the action of Thuja, or which follows in the train of massive doses of the drug, either appears unaccom- panied or attended by a catarrhal affection of the olfactory or respiratory organs. The independent fever, according to the preceding provings, manifests the following peculiarities : 1. It is a well marked cold fever (febris algida). Its symptoms all point to a preponderance of the cold stage. The chill commences generally from the spinal marrow, is especially felt in the limbs, more particularly in the feet, at times only on one side or only internally, and, in its highest development, is attended by trembling of the heart, momentary pulselessness and deadness of the fingers ; it either passes immediately over into the sweating stage, or alternates several times with heat; nay, the extremities are often still cold after the body has become hot. The hot stage seldom attains much intensity, and is generally first perceived in the face while the rest of the body is still cold. 2. Regularly it comes on morning and evening, more seldom in THUJA 0CCIDENTALI3. 407 the course of the day; thirst is generally altogether absent or comes on with the hot stage, and is seldom of any account. The general weakness and prostration is so remarkable that it by no means corresponds to the degree of the other symptoms. 3. In its course, it shows either a quotidian or tertian type, or an irregular periodicity. The fever that attends the affections of the mucous membranes has the peculiar property of being as capricious and changeable as the subjective symptoms of Thuja. Respiratory Organs. We come now to the phenomena which the arbor vitae excites in the air-passages, larynx, trachea and its rami- fications, to which we also add the symptoms of the' lungs and pleura. The very decided action of Thuja upon the mucous membrane of the nasal and buccal cavities, might have already led us to conclude that it would also produce pathological conditions in the lower air- passages, and our provings have accordingly shown that it can especially attack the thoracic organs (though only exceptionally). 1. Sensitiveness of the larynx; scraping, sticking in the trachea; dryness and roughness in the fauces; oppression in the chest; press- ing immediately under the breast-bone or on one side of the chest; drawing, tearing, sticking on one side of the chest; sensation as though the chest were compressed from without and the corres- ponding part of the lungs from within ; internal sensation of soreness in the chest; pressing in the lower half of the chest; stitches in the left side of the chest, unaffected by inspiration and expiration; dull, interrupted stitches in the chest; violent sticking in the lower part of the lungs, which is aggravated by sneezing, deep breathing and coughing, etc. 2. Hoarseness; short, dry, straining, interrupted cough; trouble- some night-cough; raising of thick, tough mucous, like lard; short, constricted, accelerated respiration; moaning and groaning in sleep. We by no means mean to deny that Thuja possesses the power of affecting the respiratory organs, nor that it can excite in them a congestive or an irritative condition, but we must regard the affections of the lungs and pleura which follow its exhibition, as individual exceptions and statistical singularities which are no essential attribute of its operation ; in this respect we need only . mention Aconite, Bryonia, Rhus, Tart. emet. to show that it is far surpassed by many other remedies. On this account we can allow to the chest-symptoms of Thuja but an inferior and conditional therapeutic value. Heart, Vessels and Muscles. The few symptoms of the heart produced by Thuja, such as palpitation, trembling of the heart, transitory pulselessness, pressure in the scrobiculus, with difficult respiration, uneasiness and anxiety (anxietas praecordialis), are the attendants of fever, particularly of the cold stage. They point to a repletion of the central organ with blood, and to an impeded circu- lation. They do not appear, therefore, as direct effects of Thuja upon the heart, and have no special therapeutic value. 408 LECTURE XCII. Besides the changes in the pulse, the maximum and minimum of which were observed to be over one hundred and under sixty in the minute, there are other symptoms which indicate the action of Thuja upon the venous system ; as, swelling of the veins in the neck, temples and hands; turgescence of the haemorrhoidal vessels; burn- ing in the varices, pressing in the hypochondria. A peculiar symptom of frequent occurrence is the twitching or jumping of isolated muscular parts in the legs, calves, toes, arms, hands, and fingers, more seldom in the trunk; also on the lips and chin. This symptom appears in a lower degree as a subcutaneous vibration, or slight trembling of parts of muscles. The twitching is especially perceived in the middle, in the body of the muscles, appears almost exclusively during rest, in short, repeated attacks, and rapidly disappears on movement; a sudden twitching of the upper part of the body or of the feet comes on more violently. We attach therapeutic value to the muscular twitchings of Thuja. REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. Digestive Organs.—All remedies when taken in sufficient quantity, excite morbid affections in the primae viae, with which they are first brought in contact; and even those which in themselves are inno- cuous, may become injurious if administered in large doses. Hence results that many similar phenomena take place in the digestive organs after the exhibition of different drugs, which has led our opponents to assert, that " according to the homoeopathic Materia Medica, every drug was good for every disease, and every disease indicated every drug." The symptoms of the organs of deglutition are: scraping feeling in the pharynx and throat; pressure when swallowing; feeling of constriction of the pharynx; accumulation of mucus in the throat and pharynx. Stomach.—Eructations tasting of the drug; nausea ; vomiturition ; inflation of the stomach with flatulence; pressing and griping in the region of the stomach; heartburn; cramp. Bowels.—Rumbling and rolling; griping and cutting, with infla- tion of the abdomen; colicky pains; deceptive feeling as though something alive were moving in the abdomen ; flatulence. The symptoms which indicate affection of the liver or of its peri- toneal envelope, are : pressing in the liver as if from a stone; sticking in the abdomen rendering walking difficult, etc. Stool—Ineffectual urging; diminished evacuation; constipation for several days ; as an alterative effect, not of frequent occurrence, loose papescent stool, or even diarrhoea while at stool, sticking pain in the rectum; after stool, burning and itching in the anus ; biting, itch- ing and burning at the anus and in the sulcus, without stool; swelling of the hemorrhoidal vessels ; feeling of swelling at the anus ; a less fre- THUJA OCCIDENTALS. 409 quent alternative effect, feeling of emptiness there; moisture of the anus ; sweat at the anus ; excretion of bloody slime from the anus, etc. The groups of the symptoms of Thuja affecting the anus and rec- tum are of importance in a therapeutic point of view, because the symptoms exist abundantly in the provings, come on regularly after every dose, and are an integral part of the peculiar condition which that drug excites in the urinary and sexual organs, in connection with which they must be regarded and judged. Urinary and Sexual Organs. We come now to the organs toward which Thuja stands in the most intimate relation; the uro-genital apparatus and its connections. a. Urinary Organs.—In order to aid the memory we again divide the phenomena into subjective and objective. In the first class we have: burning in the renal region; drawing along the ureters to the bladder; sensation of inflation and fulness in the bladder with urgency to urinate; frequent urging to urinate; pressure on the neck of the bladder; painful stitches from the anus to the orifice of the urethra or in the reverse direction; stitches in the fossa navicularis; voluptuous itching or tickling in the urethra; cutting in the region of the neck of thebladder during urination and at other times ; burning toward the bulbus of the urethra ; burning in the urethra and at the orifice during, after, and without urination ; itching at the point of the urethra ; itching without and also during urination through the whole urethra ; drawing ami cutting in the urethra and bladder; deceptive sensation as if a tenacious fluid were passing forward in the urethra, or as if there were still some drops of urine left after urination, etc. To the second class belong: frequent, copious emissions of limpid, straw-colored urine; at times interrupted urine; scanty discharge of dark urine with inflammatory irritation of the urinary organs; red sediment in the urine; discharge of glutinous mucus from the male urethra; discharge of prostatic fluid; mucous discharge from the female urethra, etc. To these phenomena in the urinary apparatus correspond the symptoms of the Sexual Organs.—Subjective symptoms. a. In the male organs: sticking and itching in the glans: single flying stitches at the point of the glans; burning, itching, sensation of soreness at the glans; great sensibility of the whole glans; painful stitches on the inner surface of the prepuce ; tickling, itching and biting at the glans and prepuce, alternating with flying stitches in the anus; twitching pain in the penis; burning stitches in the penis as far as the testicles ; drawing, sticking in the testicles and seminal cords ; crawling and itching on the hairy parts of the genital organs and the inner side of the thigh; sticking in the perineum ; tension and drawing in the groins. b. In the female organs: pressing and constriction of the parts; tight pain in the parts and perinaeum; pain as if sore ; itching in the pudenda; biting and burning in the vagina; sticking in the groin (extending through the thigh into the knee). 2. Objective symptoms. a. In the male organs: swelling of the prepuce; red spots on the glans 410 LECTURE XCII. and prepuce; erosions on the inner surface of the prepuce and on the furrow of the glans which become moist and purulent; a red excres- cence on the inner surface of the prepuce (like a condyloma), a granular elevated spot on the external surface of the prepuce which suppurates, forms a scab, itches and burns; small elevations on the corona glandis, smooth, red excrescences at the point of attachment of the prepuce, on the glans; a flat, foul burning ulcer with a red margin on the corona glandis: moistening of the glans; blennorrhea of the glans; moist eruptions on the scrotum; profuse sweat of the genitals and perineum ; retraction of the testicles toward the inguinal ring ; puffing and projec- tion of the perineal raphe; suppurating tubercles on the perineum; swelling of the inguinal glands, etc. b. In the female organs: swelling of both labia ; leucorrhea from one period'to another, mild, and leaving greenish-yellow spots on the linen. 3. Functional symptoms. a. In males, pointing to an excitement of the sexual system; excessive sexual impulse ; frequent erections; nocturnal emissions; seminal emission with sensation as if the urethra were too narrow; indicating a lowering of the sexual impulse; indifference to the other sex; unfrequent desire for coition; inability to perfect copulation. b. In females, retardation and diminution of the catamenia. This formidable host of subjective and objective phenomena to which Thuja gives rise in the uro-genital system leaves us no room to doubt that it stands in a near and direct relation to these organs, and in this sense is a urinary and genital remedy. As however the determination of the therapeutic utility of the recorded results of the provings depends upon the frequency and constancy of their occurrence, as well as upon their agreement with the phenomena of natural diseases, we must subject these numerous symptoms to a scientific arrangement, in order to trace the condi- tions which indicate the choice of Thuja as a remedy. The ruling kind of pain produced by Thuja in the urinary organs is burning. Its seat for the most part is the fossa navicularis, less frequently the orifice of the urethra, still less frequently the region of the prostate gland and neck of the bladder, and least frequently of all, the uterus and kidneys. It is manifested especially during and after urinating, and without that is often replaced by voluptuous itch- ing. The urine generally runs freely without any delay, but urgency to urinate soon comes on; the stream is seldom interrupted by cramp. By this means Thuja is distinguished from its closely allied drugs, Cantharides, Sabina, Cannabis, Petroselinum and others which hinder the urine more or less. The feeling as if some drops were still running forward in the urethra, is frequently developed after urination. In quality the urine remains about the same, its quantity is almost always increased. There is no special violence in the irritative condition which Thuja induces in the urinary organs, as is evident from the fact that the mucous flow from the urethra (as an inflammatory product) is mostly wanting or is very slight; in which respect it is far inferior to other remedies, for example hemp. On the other hand, Thuja THUJA OCCIDENTALS. 411 more frequently excites inflammation and blennorrhea of the glans than other remedies. In relation to the several functions, we find alternating effects pointing now to excitement and now to depression of the sexual appetite. On taking a general view, however, of all the provings, it becomes evident that the diminution of the sexual impulse is the more constant, and therefore the reliable therapeutic effect; and this is especially corroborated by the deficient catamenia which Thuja occa- sions, for deficiency of the menses and weakness of the sexual impulse are as constant companions as excessive menstruation and increased venereal desire. _ In this relation, Thuja is connected with Cannabis, and stands directly opposite to Sabina, which causes excitement in the sexual system, especially in the female. The most important peculiarity of Thuja then, is excitement of the cutaneous system of the sexual parts and their neighborhood. Genital sweat, balanorrhea, suppurating tubercles, swellings and excrescences on the skin, which must be regarded partly as crises, are speaking evidences of this tendency; and in this property Thuja yields to no other remedy. The symptoms of the testicles and inguinal glands are consensual effects. We have also the following characteristic effects of the operation of Thuja upon the uro-genital system: Burning and itching in the urethra, especially in the fossa navicular is, urgency to urinate, with increased, uninterrupted urine, slight thickish mucous discharge from the urethra, balanorrhea, cutaneous excrescences, diminution of the catamenia and of the sexual impulse, moderate leucorrhea. Glandular System. Copious symptoms testify the action of Thuja upon this portion of the organism. The cervical and salivary glands, the inguinal glands and those of the prepuce, swell and become painful; the salivary and sebaceous glands are excited to increased secretion. Irritation lies at the basis of all these symptoms. When we reflect upon the general effect of Thuja upon the totality of the cutaneous surface, we could scarcely expect that the glands which stand in organic and vital relations with them, should escape its action; though we must regard the glandular affections produced by it rather as sympathetic than idio- pathic. Skin. The physiological provings of Thuja have shown that it manifests its action by means of eruptions and excrescences on the cutaneous surface. We have already had occasion, when consider- ing the symptomatology of the senses and genital system to remark this peculiarity, and it now remains to submit to a close examina- tion the cutaneous symptoms which Thuja produces upon the trunk and limbs. 1. Subjective: Crawling, itching, biting, burning, pricking and sticking in different spots on the skin; occasionally gurgling and running under the skin, as from single dribbling drops of blood. 412 LECTURE XCII. The most constant and most frequent kind of pain produced by Thuja upon the skin, is itching, and in a higher degree, burning. 2. Objective: These are partly inflammations, partly eruptions, partly excrescences which have been observed under the following forms: a. Red smooth spots (maculae) which appeared singly or several at a time, for the most part upon the limbs (those upon the prepuce, glans and lips were spoken of under those organs); which itch, burn after being scratched, and in a few hours, or during the night, dis- appear as quickly as they come. b. Burning vesicles (papulae) which were only noticed upon the mucous membrane of the tongue, on the palate and glans. c. Moist and suppurating erosions, which likewise appeared only on the mucous membrane, glans and prepuce. d. Tubercles (nodi), of different sizes which appeared sometimes several together, as on the scalp, sometimes single, in the neighbor- hood of the parts of generation, on the limbs, on the face, etc., com- monly surrounded by a reddish or brownish base, itching and rapidly passing into suppuration on the summit; the smaller appeared like an eruption, the larger resembled chickenpox (varicellae). e. Warts (verrucae), which assumed various shapes; either as small red excrescences on the genitals, or as the common dry warts on the hands, which are either conical or roundish; in their commence- ment show a smooth surface, but in the course of their growth become cracked, and resemble mulberries; or as moist, sweating excrescences, which were observed at the anus, on the perineum, in the furrow between the nates, and on one ear. As indications of cutaneous excrescences, fulness of the perineal raphe and of the anus are to be remarked. These cutaneous symptoms appeared after a longer use of the Thuja, and, on that account, we must set them down as among its secondary effects. The notable peculiarities of Thuja-warts and tubercles are: 1. Their broad, conical shape. 2. Their situation in the superficial cutaneous tissues. 3. The splitting and cracking in the superficies of the older warts. 4. The disposition to suppurate, or to be moist, especially in the warty tubercles which make their appearance in the neighborhood of the sexual parts. 5. Their chronic course which, with warts, may last many weeks and months. Fibro-serous membranes.—Under this head belong most of those symptoms which we have noticed as Thuja-pains under the nervous system, and which have their seat in the muscular sheaths, in the aponeurotic expansions, perhaps even in the muscular tissue itself, and which _ resemble wandering rheumatic affections. We have already noticed the symptoms of the mucous membranes under the separate organs. Osseous system.—The symptoms which indicate the operation of THUJA OCCIDENTALS. 413 Thuja upon the osseous system, or periosteum, are but few. The gnawing and boring pain, which is characteristic of affections of the bones, seldom appears in the provings. But a sure indication of a periosteal affection is the frequent, painful feeling in the articular extremities of the hollow bones, aggravated by movement, and fre- quently accompanied by swelling of the painful spot. General.—The following general characteristics of the Thuja- sickness we derive from the statistics of the provings, and from the discussion of the symptomatology of the arbor vitae; they are iden- tical with the general therapeutic indications. 1. Thuja enjoys a very extended circle of operations; almost every system, province and organ of the whole body is more or less affected by it; but it stands in the most intimate relation: a, to the uro-genital system; and b, to the cutaneous system in all its ramifications. In this relation, the arbor vitae is a urinary, sexual and cutaneous remedy. In the uro-genital system, the urinary apparatus is idio- pathically affected, the sexual organs sympathetically. Of the cutaneous tissues, the fibro-serous and mucous membranes bear the stamp of primary effects; the external skin, of the secondary. 2. The general character of the pathological condition, which Thuja sets up in the attacked parts, is that of irritation. This irritation, which may even increase to inflammation, causes in the secreting organs (mucous membranes, urinary apparatus and glands) an increased and altered secretion. In the external skin the irritation is concentrated in single spots, and manifests: inflamma- tion, suppuration, formation of warts and excrescences. 3. The affections of Thuja present the following peculiarities: a. They attack only a single organ, limb, joint or spot at a time; and these local affections usually cease when morbid symptoms arise in a different province. b. They come on for the most part in abrupt paroxysms, begin sud- denly, and end as though they were snapped off. c. They make their appearance especially during rest, and either diminish or disappear by movement; nay, the pains which appear in circumscribed spots often instantaneously disappear on touching the affected spot, and return immediately on quitting the contact. They come on consequently, for the most part, in the evening in bed, and in the morning on waking; they are aggravated, too, by passing from a cold into a ivarm temperature, and are diminished by the opposite. The pains in the joints only are aggravated by move- ment, and violent affections or febrile symptoms remain the same whether in rest or motion. d. They more frequently affect the left side of the body, though they do not on that account neglect the righk 4. The most constant kinds of pain which Thuja excites in its most extensive sphere of operation in the different organic struc- tures, are : drawing and tension in the limbs and joints, burning in the urinary organs, itching and crawling on the skin. 5. The course of the Thuja-sickness is partly acute, partly chronic. 414 LECTURE XCII. The symptoms of the prime vie go off in a short time, but those of the secunde vie run a very irregular course, and are characterized by great mutability and caprice. They return after intervals of hours, days, iveeks, continue sometimes shorter and sometimes longer, and appear now in this, now in that part of the body. The cutaneous excrescences, finally, as the concluding products of Thuja, are as slow in disappearing as they are in coming, and remain for months. 6. The true attendants of a Thuja-fever are strongly marked, pre- dominant cold, and gloomy, depraved state of mind. To express the physiological character of the arbor vitas in the shortest manner, it is, "Exaltation of the cutaneous system, with disposition to dermatic excrescences. Regarding the therapeutic indications laid down by Hahnemann for the employment of Thuja, clinical experience so far has substan- tiated their correctness. Hahnemann expresses himself thus: " The homoeopathic physician will know how to value the clearly observed artificial elements of disease produced by this uncommonly power- ful drug as a great addition to our previous stock of remedies, and will not neglect to make therapeutic use of it in some of the most serious diseases of men, for which, until now, no remedy had been discovered. It will appear, for example, from these symptoms that Thuja is a specific for that horrible affection arising from impure cohabitation, condylomata, when it is complicated with no other miasm, and experience shows that it is the only useful remedy for it; it also for the same reason most certainly cures that severe form of gonorrhoea arising from impure connection, provided always it be not complicated with any other miasm." The principal sphere of action where Thuja so far has manifested its most brilliant therapeutic effects, is the urinary and sexual appa- ratus, and the affections to which Thuja seems more especially homoeopathic, are of the nature of sycosis. The publications of our school are already replete with cures of sycosic condylomata, and of gonorrhoeal discharges consequent upon, or complicated with, the sycosic disease. In view of the otherwise limited clinical experience which we as yet possess of Thuja, it may be sufficient simply to relate the affec- tions where Thuja has been found useful. Hemicrania, with sensation as if a button were pressing upon the parietal bone. Constipation has yielded to Thuja, especially after previous diarrhoea. Ileus is supposed by Boenninghausen to have been cured by him with Thuja; I look upon his report of the case as a great error in diagnosis. Ulcerating scurfs high up in the nasal cavity. Gonorrhea depending upon, or complicated with, sycosis. Diseases of the prostate gland, occasioned, according to Dr. Boehm, of Vienna, by a long-lasting gonorrhoea, consisting partly in hyper- trophy, partly in hyperaemia, or infiltration of the middle lobe and ZINCUM METALLICUM. 415 of the excretory ducts. In diseases of this kind, Iodine and the Hydriodate of Potash will probably render eminent service. Condylomata on the prepuce and at the anus, with stinging, burn- ing pains; they itch and bleed when touched. Cauliflower-shaped condylomata on the sexual parts of the male or female. ^ Condylomata shooting up in any part of the body, having a syphi- litic origin. Conical condylomata of a horny consistence, and fissured into seve- ral parts. Common warts (Verrucae) are said to have been cured with Thuja; Gross and other practitioners have reported such cures. It was believed at one time that Thuja had effected a cure of fungus medullaris of the optic nerve in the case of Marshal Radetzky; it is now well ascertained, however, that this fungus which threatened to destroy the field-marshal's eye, was a sycosic excrescence, as curable in its nature as a genuine fungus medullaris is not, at least by the means now at our command. For Scirrhus and Cancer of the uterus Thuja has been recom- mended, but has never been employed in these affections with un- doubted success. In glandular Swellings, and in scrofulous, mercurial Ulcers on the legs, Thuja may prove serviceable, if applied externally at the same time as it is used internally. DOSE AND MODE OF APPLICATION. Thuja has been administered internally in the thirtieth potency down to drop-doses of the tincture. In the treatment of condy- lomata, the tincture will have to be applied to the excrescences externally; the internal use of the drug does not seem sufficient. In the treatment of sycosis, Thuja is likewise employed by the Old-School practitioners. Dr. Mohnike relates a case of obstinate sycosis in the March number of Hufeland's Journal, 1843. Dr. Warnatz relates a highly interesting case in the second number of Vol. I. of the Monatschrift fur Medizin, 1838. Other cases of cure are likewise reported by this author. The strong tincture was used by him both internally and externally. LECTURE XCIII. ZINCUM METALLICUM. (Spelter, marcasita, calamina) Found in nature in combination with oxygen, sulphur, carbonic acid, etc. (calamine). Paracelsus termed it sal philosophorum. East-India zinc is the purest; it is of a bluish-grey white color, 416 LECTURE XCIII. bright, in four-sided columns, with a radiated laminar texture, and having a clear sound; it is very brittle. We purify it thus: melt it, together with sulphur, as long as any dross remains. We file off part of it under water, dry the powder, and then triturate it as usual. According to the chemists, Zinc and similar substances act by being dissolved in the gastric juice; Pereira thinks that the salts of Zinc act dynamically upon the nervous system, not chemically; the vomiting which the Sulphate of Zinc produces is due to the action of Zinc upon the nervous system. Zinc is particularly indicated in nervous affections characterized by spasms, muscular debility, vibratory pulse, dull expression of the eyes, fainting, coldness of the extremities. We use 1. Metallic Zinc; 2. Oxide of Zinc (flores, lana philosophorum); 3. Carbonate; 4. Acetate; 5. Chloride or Muriate; 6. Sulphate; 7. Ferro-cyanide, and 8. Valerianate of Zinc. METALLIC ZINC. Of the metallic zinc, Pereira says that it is inert. This may be so when taken into the stomach in a bulky mass; but its inertness is overcome by the process of trituration, which Hahnemann has introduced to the profession as one of the greatest modern achieve- ments of the science of Pharmaco-dynamics. By breaking up the crude substance we enable its molecular constituents to penetrate, and become thoroughly commingled with, the vital currents, and, by this means, to act upon the terminal nervous filaments, whence the medicinal influence is conveyed to the nervous centres, either for good or for evil, or else remains unperceived as the case may be. In the belief that metallic Zinc cannot be metamorphosed by the gastric fluid, so as to become an active therapeutic agent, alloeopathic prac- titioners only use the soluble compounds of Zinc. Homoeopathic physicians, in accordance with their own conceptions of drug-forces and drug-action, are not only justified in using the triturated metal, in strict obedience to the requirements of Science, but they derive the most brilliant therapeutic results from its use in all proper cases. In reviewing the effects of Zinc under our usual groups, we may recommend it both theoretically and in accordance with the dictates of experience, for the following affections; in the CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP, For Incipient Paralysis of the Brain in scarlatina, with involuntary discharge of faeces and urine, icy-coldness of the skin, quick pulse, trembling and paralytic condition of the extremities, sopor and loss of consciousness, or sopor alternating with violent delirium; also for ZINCUM METALLICUM. 417 Incipient Paralysis of the Brain in the last stage of acute hydro- cephalus, during dentition, and with deficient nutrition. In these conditions of the brain, Dr. Schmidt gave the first centesimal tritu- ration every hour or two hours, in doses of one-twelfth, one-tenth, one-eighth to one-fourth of a grain. ORBITAL GROUP. The metallic Zinc in the triturated form has been used for Inflammation of the eyelids, with incipient ulceration, and compli- cated with profuse secretions from the Meibomian glands, more especially in the case of cachectic individuals, with a good deal of constitutional torpor. In this case the medicine may be employed both internally and in the shape of a mild ointment, for which the first decimal trituration may be used; it should be applied fresh. FACIAL GROUP. In accordance with the result of our provings, we recommend Zinc for an external and internal Swelling of the Nose, of both the soft and hard parts, with sensi- tiveness of the nose to contact, loss of smell, constant dryness of the nose and continual lachrymation. Zinc is likewise used for parox- ysms of Prosopalgia; the pain is tearing and the parts feel sore as if they had been bruised"; the tearing is complicated with a sensation of spasm in the nervous filaments ramifying through the affected side of the face. Individuals who are liable to such attacks, are most generally of a cachectic and scrofulous habit of body; the attacks may be caused by rheumatic exposure, by the artificial or spon- taneous retrocession of facial herpes for which Zinc would have been the homoeopathic remedy. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. The symptoms which our provers have recorded under this head, are generally destitute of characteristic precision. Zinc is ranged by IJalmemann among the anti-psorics; it is one of those remedies of which there are unfortunately too many in the list contained in Hahnemann's Chronic Diseases, whose provings have apparently yielded an interminable number of symptoms without revealing a corresponding number of unmistakable, well- defined and positive pathological forms of disease. The few reliable effects which the triturated metallic Zinc seems to have produced upon the digestive functions of the stomach and bowels, suggest its use in certain forms of Dyspepsia, where sour eructations, burning in the stomach, cramp-pains in the hypochondria, and an habitual and obstinate constipation of the bowels constitute leading indications. In this condition of the gastric functions the specific action of Zinc will be more fully determined by dryness of the skin, loss of adipose tissue, decrease of animal temperature. Under the head of vol. ii.—27 418 LECTURE XCIII. RESPIRATORY GROUP. We have* a few interesting statements to offer. Zinc has been employed against a Dry and spasmodic Cough, and likewise in cases of Pneumonia, where the remedies that are generally exhibited in this disease, proved useless. Mosthoff of Munich reports the follow- ing cures of this disease with Zinc. A widow, sixty years old, had an attack of acute pleurisy. She was bled; the blood had a buffy coat, but the pains remained unabated. On the seventh day of her sickness she sent for a homoeopathic physician who gave her Pulsatilla, without the least benefit. On the eighth, Dr. Mosthoff was sent for; he found her with the following symptoms: circumscribed redness of the face, glistening eyes, short, interrupted cough; she complained of violent stitches in the chest when making the least attempt to take a deep inspiration. When coughing, she raised a tenacious mucus streaked with blood, with glowing heat of the skin, full, hard, and frequent pulse, and violent thirst. She took Zincum 7, one drop every six hours. Next morning the patient looked much better, the almost hectic flush of the face had disappeared, the cough was still fre- quent, but the expectoration was no longer streaked with blood, the temperature of the skin was almost normal and the pulse was not much irritated. The stitches continued. After taking a few more doses of the drug, she continued to improve until all her symptoms had disappeared, with the exception of a slight cough. A second case, where Zincum was successfully used by Mosthoff, in the case of a girl of nineteen j^ears who had had pneumonia three times, for which she had been treated allceopathically with venesection. She had rheumatic inflammation of the lungs, with catarrhal complication. The stitching pain on the left side was excessively acute, the cough dry and short, the breathing frequent and anxious, the pulse about 110 beats, full, soft, the skin at times dry, at times covered with partial sweat, giving rise to the sup- position that malaria was on the point of breaking out. Fine crepitation in the back part of the left lung. Repeated doses of Aconite and Bryonia, Belladonna and Sulphur were given without the least benefit. Previous to the homoeopathic treatment commencing, she was treated allceopathically with bleeding, vesicatories, Nitre, Tartar emetic, Digitalis, Calomel and Hyoscyamus. No sign of improve- ment. _ On the contrary, the pulse was more rapid, she felt a stitch- ing pain in the trachea, which was increased by pressure, breathing and coughing; the patient was continually lying on her back; at every movement she experienced a pain in the occiput, tearing pain in the frontal region, sore feeling in the trachea and in the handle of the sternum, nasal respiration, glowing heat of the skin, coldness and numbness of the extremities, egophony and mucous rale on the right side; she took Zincum 18, three drops in four drachms of water, every now and then a tablespoonful. At first the symptoms became aggravated after Zincum, headache and cough became more ZINCUM OXYDATUM. 419 violent; afterwards the patient recovered entirely. • There was no sweat, but the disease seemed to disappear by metastasis to the muscular sheaths. Zincum has also been used for phlegm on the chest, and for convulsive Asthma. EXANTHEMATIC GROUP. _ Under this head we may record the following eruptions as having yielded to the action of Zinc: Dry Herpes, or scales over the whole body (alternately with Sulphur); Gonorrheal Herpes, in consequence of sudden suppression of gonor- rhoea: herpes on the tonsils, soft palate, root of the tongue; slight swelling of tonsils, with redness of the velum,.followed by irregular, whitish-blue, greasy-looking, flat spots resembling venereal ulcers, with raised edges but no depression; the surface felt hard and firm. FEVER-GROUP. Febrile motions, chills with flashes of heat, violent trembling of the limbs and throbbing through the whole body. MENTAL GROUP. We have no clinical experience with metallic Zinc worth men- tioning. The curative effects of Zinc in this direction are chiefly due to the Oxide and its salts, to which we shall now devote a few paragraphs. OXIDE OF ZINC. The Oxide was first prepared by Hellot in 1735. It may be obtained in various ways, one of which is to burn the metal or ore in the open air, a process that is carried on on a very extensive scale in the zinc establishments near Bethlehem, Pa.; the Oxide comes down with all the lightness and brilliant whiteness of snow- flakes, in consequence of which it has received various names some of which are of a rather fantastic nature, such as : philosophers' wool or lana philosophorum, flowers of zinc or flores zinci, calx zinci. The physiological effects of the Oxide of Zinc on man are thus described by Pereira: " Applied to ulcerated or other secreting sur- faces, it acts as a desiccant and astringent substance. On account of its insolubility, the absorption of it must be very slow. Taken into the stomach in large doses, it acts as a slight irritant, and provokes vomiting, and sometimes purging. It is said to have also caused occasional giddiness and temporary inebriation. In small doses it may be taken for a considerable period without causing any obvious effects. Sometimes, under its employment, certain affections of the nervous system (as epilepsy, chorea, etc.) subside; from which we infer that it exerts some specific influence over this system; and it 420 LECTURE XCIII. is, therefore, termed tonic, anti-spasmodic, t and sedative. _ But the nature of its influence is not very obvious. ' By long continued use it acts as a slow poison, and produces tabes sicca. A gentleman, for the cure of epilepsy, took daily, at an average, twenty grains of the Oxide, till he had consumed three thousand two hundred and forty- six (3,246) grains, which must have taken him about five months. At the end of this time he was found of a pale, earthy hue, wasted away, and seemed almost idiotical; his tongue was thickly coated, the bowels were constipated, the inferior extremities cold and oedematous, the abdomen tumid, the superior extremities cold and shrivelled, and their skin dry, like parchment; the pulse was about sixty, thready, and scarcely perceptible. Under the use of purga- tives, a light nutritive diet, with tonic and diuretic medicines, he rapidly recovered, but he remained subject to epileptic attacks." This case very plainly shows that there are certain forms of Marasmus, with which the Oxide of Zinc may be in specific homoeopathic rapport. The foregoing case is reported a little more circumstanially in Casper's Wochenschrift, but Pereira's relation of the case embodies all the main facts. In allceopathic practice the Oxide of Zinc is most frequently used for medicinal purposes. Vogt says of it, that " it dissolves with great difficulty and only partially in the intestinal fluids, and that it is for this reason that, if taken internally, it is in the intestinal mucous membrane that it establishes a reciprocity of action with the general organism. Hence its action seems to be limited to the ganglionic system and the abdominal organs, and reaches the general organism only through the relations of reciprocity existing between those organs and the remaining organs of the organism. Its effects are much milder than those of the more soluble preparations of Zinc. For this reason its momentary action upon the nervous system is much less irritating and violent, nor does it excite vomiting as readily and surely, on which account it is not suitable as an emetic, but on the other hand it does not irritate the stomach chemically." Wibmer communicates a highly-interesting proving of the Oxide of Zinc, which was originally published in the Medizinische-Chi- rurgische Zeitung, Vol. III., 317. Wernek instituted the following experiment. On fifteen indi- viduals four grains had no effect. Six grains produced in half an hour a slight feeling of nausea in the st6mach which continued only a few minutes, and was followed by vertigo, flashes of heat, thirst, a contracted pulse, and a general feeling of languor. These symp- toms gradually decreased, and finally disappeared altogether in six hours. Neither the alvine nor the urinary secretions were altered, Eight grains produced the same symptoms, with the addition of a burning in the stomach, eructations, griping in the bowels, increased thirst and loss of appetite. These effects lasted seven hours. Ten grains produced even after fifteen minutes a pressure at the stomach, headache, vertigo, stitches in the diaphragm, a momentary feeling of anguish and palpitation of the heart, also a tearing between ZINCUM OXYDATUM. 421 the shoulders. The pulse was spasmodically contracted. At the end of two hours the appetite was entirely gone, and the prover experienced frequent and bitter eructations. Frequent eructations after eating a plate of beef-soup, and in three hours vomiting of a bitter, yellow, bilious water. In four hours a liquid bilious stool, after which no stool was passed for twenty-four hours. After the lapse of twelve hours the provers only complained of weariness and a feeling of languor, which continued about twenty-four hours. A friend of Wernek's, twenty-four years old, having a robust con- stitution and excellent digestive powers, swallowed the Oxide on the fourth of July, every two hours in increasing doses, commencing with one grain, and swallowing twenty-one grains in twenty-four hours. His pulse beat eighty times in the minute, was quiet, moderately full and strong. After the lapse Of four hours, when he had swal- lowed three grains, he only complained of a slight pressure at the stomach. In eight hours he felt a headache, some vertigo, empty eructations, griping in the bowels, stitching in the diaphragm, the pulse became spasmodically contracted, and towards evening the symptoms became complicated with praecordial anguish, momentary palpitation of the heart and formication in all the extremities. The pains between the shoulder-blades now extended down the back as far as the sacrum. After supper he felt an inclination to vomit. The night was restless, the pulse continued spasmodically contracted. Towards morning a perspiration broke out, and the symptoms gradually ceased; he felt languid the whole day. Wernek himself, on the thirteenth of May, took four grains four times a day; at eight o'clock he swallowed the first four grains, at eleven o'clock the second, at three o'clock the third, and at six o'clock the fourth dose. The first dose produced no sensible effect; after the second dose he felt a pressure at the stomach, and slight eructa- tions ; the head felt somewhat tight and the pulse became smaller and harder. He did not relish his dinner, felt thirsty, and derived much comfort from drinking fresh water. After the third powder he experienced some vertigo and a feeling of languor and prostra- tion in the whole body, his spirits were out of order, he felt very thirsty, and complained of loathing and burning at the stomach; the pulse continued spasmodic, small, not accelerated. The fourth powder was followed by loathing and pains in the stomach, bitter eructations, slight vomiting of a watery bile, after which he felt very much easier. The night was restless, he felt anxious as if he had committed a crime, frequent momentary paroxysms of palpitation of the heart, towards morning sleep with increase of the cutaneous exhalations. On waking his head felt dull, he complained of vertigo and drawing in the limbs ; his tongue was coated with white mucus; pulse, temperature and urine normal; no stool. Next day he swal- lowed seven grains at nine o'clock in the morning, increasing the dose every two hours by one grain, so that he swallowed fifty-seven grains within a period of ten hours. Soon after swallowing the first powder, he experienced a violent nausea, burning in the stomach, frequent eructations, hiccough, vertigo and flashes of heat, the head felt dull and tight, the pulse was spasmodically contracted. The 422 LECTURE XC1II. second dose of eight grains did not produce this nausea, but the dullness and tightness of the head were greater, the whole body felt more languid, he was very thirsty and felt a stitching in the dia- phragm and between the shoulders. After the third powder he felt, besides these symptoms, colicky pains followed by two liquid bilious stools, after which all these phenomena abated. After the fourth dose, all these symptoms returned, the chest felt oppressed, he expe- rienced oscillatory movements in the muscles in various parts, and frequent formications in the extremities. The fifth dose was followed by frequent palpitation of the heart, violent oppression on the chest, and, in one hour, severe bilious vomiting, after which the symptoms, more particularly the pains between the shoulder-blades, did not abate. The sixth dose of twelve grains was succeeded by a colicky retching, bilious vomiting, trembling in the limbs, small and rather hard pulse, a good deal of thirst and burning at the stomach The vital turgescence was much less, the face pale, hands and feet cold. The pains in the diaphragm and between the shoulders increased considerably and spread down to the sacrum. The gruel which he ate for his supper, caused a pressure at the stomach. At ten o'clock he was attacked with violent hiccough which ceased after the rising of a little bile. At eleven o'clock in the evening he had a liquid stool, colicky pains and tenesmus of the anus, after which he felt much easier, but languid, and the pains in the back continued. His sleep was restless, full of dreams; towards morning a gentle perspi- ration broke out, after which the headache abated and the pulse became normal. He did not rise from his bed until late in the morning, was out of humor, and complained of a drawing in the limbs and a backache. He only partook of a little meat-broth at dinner, and felt very languid. After supper he perspired a little, after which he again felt quite well. The urinary secretions remained undisturbed. A woman of twenty-nine years, of a sanguine-choleric tempera- ment, swallowed for three days in succession two grains every two hours, twelve grains a day, in all thirty-six grains. On the first day she only felt some pressure at the stomach; her pulse became spas- modically contracted, the bowels were constipated. On the second day her appetite was gone, she felt thirsty, had some palpitation of the heart, and experienced a stitching in the diaphragm and between the- shoulders. She had a restless night; on the third day she complained of vertigo and headache even in the morning, also of great languor, bitter rising of a yellowish, bilious water after dinner; afterwards more vomiting and tearing in the limbs, together with liquid stool. The pains between the shoulders and the weary and languid feeling continued even the fourth day, terminating in a light perspiration over the whole body, after which every symptom disappeared. In agreement with these highly instructive provings, Wibmer sums up the effects of the Oxide in the following condensed resume': " If small doses of Zinc are continued for some time, the prover first experiences an uneasiness and pressure in the stomach, together with eructations and constipation, frequently also vertigo, headache, ZINCUM OXYDATUM. 423 dullness and tightness of the head, spasmodically contracted and small pulse, palpitation of the heart, cold hands and feet, pains in the diaphragm, between the shoulder-blades, and down the back as far as the sacrum, sleeplessness, languor, formication and drawing in the limbs. These symptoms generally abate after vomiting, a dis- charge from the bowels, and still more frequently after the breaking out of a general perspiration. But the action of small doses, if their use is continued beyond a certain period, may produce a general cachexia, with complete prostration of the reproductive functions: the intellectual functions are likewise impaired, the beats of the heart are slow and feeble, and the power of locomotion and strength of body are impaired in a high degree. " It seems, therefore, apparent that the Oxide of Zinc has indirectly a specific action upon the nervous centres, the brain, spinal marrow, and the ganglia, whose functions it depresses, and by its long con- tinued use slowly paralyzes. Nevertheless its effects do not seem so seated or dangerous as those of other metals, such as Lead, Arsenic, or Mercury; as a general rule the effects of the Oxide of Zinc can be removed more rapidly and easily than the effects of the latter class of metals." A short proving of the Oxide of Zinc is likewise contained in Griesselich's Hygea, where the following additional symptom occurs among the effects of this agent upon the stomach and indirectly upon the brain: Fullness of the stomach, with sweat on the hands and head, fol- lowed by easy vomiting of the contents of the stomach, causing a burning in the parts over which the ejected substances pass; the throat remains rough for a long time and the attack leaves a strong appetite. One prover reports a headache, which disappeared after he had vomited slimy water. These symptoms portray a very characteristic group of Cardialgia, where the spasmodic character of the attack will very generally constitute a prominent feature; a feeling of marked pros- tration is experienced during the paroxysm. The remarkable symptom experienced by most of Wernek's provers is the stitching pain in the region of the diaphragm and between the shoulder-blades, which was even felt along the whole tract of the spinal cord down to the cauda equina. The uniformity with which the Oxide deranged the functions of the biliary system and, as a necessary consequence, the gastric secretions and assimi- lative process, is likewise a remarkable feature of these heroic experiments. Wernek has likewise shown that the Oxide is capable of manifest- ing spasmodic effects ; he experienced a formication in all the extre- mities and the equilibrium of muscular action was powerfully shaken; he describes the artificial movements which were impressed upon 424 LECTURE XCIII. the muscles, as a series of oscillations. These various effects show that 1. Acute nervous attacks with which Zinc is in specific rapport, of the character of chorea or neuralgia of the spinal cord consisting in a severe stitching pain, are attended with bilious and gastric derangements characterized by burning at the stomach, bitter risings, headache, griping pains in the bowels which are relieved by liquid bilious discharges; and on the other hand, that 2. Acute bilious and gastric paroxysms, of the character of cardialgia or gastrodynia, are attended with nervous symptoms, such as mus- cular tremor, severe stitching pain in the region of the diaphragm, between the shoulder-blades and down the spinal cord. These attacks, whether the nervous or the bilious-gastric element predominates, may constitute a chronic disease distinguished by the previously-described paroxysms. In this case the medicine may have to be exhibited in smaller doses and continued for a longer period. It should likewise be observed that either the nervous or the bilious-gastric element may be so overwhelmingly present in an acute or chronic affection for which the Oxide of Zinc is specifically adapted, that the corresponding symptoms of either nervous or gas- tric derangement, as the case may be, are but little apparent. Dr. Schmidt of Vienna has cured, by means of repeated doses of Oxide of Zinc, an Excessively violent and obstinate pain in the brain, coming on in paroxysms and sometimes assuming the form of a masked intermit- tent fever; this affection was removed by repeated doses of the Oxide. A case of Melancholia was likewise cured by similar means ; the patient was haunted by visions of devils, anguish as if he had committed an evil deed, dread of men, sleeplessness, alternate heat and coldness in the body, heat of the head and face, sunken countenance, vertigo, unsteady gait, loss of appetite, slow stool, turbid urine, with brick-dust sedi- ment, great languor after an unrefreshing sleep in the day-time; in the case of an unmarried female of forty-six years. The Oxide of Zinc is used by old-school physicians in several spasmodic affections where it seems to act in accordance with the homoeopathic principle of similarity. Among these we may note the following mentioned by Vogt: General Convulsions, especially if arising from violent disturbances of the emotions, from acidity .of the stomach, from difficult dentition, from theimperfect or temporarily suppressed development of acute or chronic cutaneous eruptions, from worms, etc. Epilepsy, Catalepsy and analogous spasms arising from the above- mentioned causes, but more especially Chorea; in all these diseases the use of the Oxide may have to be continued for some time, before curative results are obtained. In Spasmodic Affections of the respiratory organs, such as spasmodic asthma, singultus, laughter, etc., the Oxide has proved efficient, more ZINCUM OXYDATUM, 425 especially if these affections can be traced to the spontaneous or artificial disappearance of an herpetic eruption, the cure of which would have required the Oxide. In Dental Convulsions, this agent may be useful, if the brain manifests a constitutional deficiency of vital energy, in feeble, scrofulous, cachectic children. We have already stated that the Oxide may act well in some forms of Spasmodic Cardialgia; like the triturated metallic Zinc, the Oxide may either palliate or entirely arrest Hydrocephalic Convulsions, and by this means pave the way for a complete cure of the disease. The curative virtues of the Oxide in some of these affections are illustrated by several interesting cases reported by Frank. One is a case of Prosopalgia, with risus sardonicus. Another is a case of Chorea; a cure was effected in six weeks by giving three times daily two grains of the Oxide; the patient was a girl, thirteen years old, who had had the disease for some months. Another is a case of Epilepsy, after a fright. A girl, aged twenty years or thereabouts, had had a fright; she was attacked with epilepsy, had two paroxysms every day at the same hours. After a most ineffectual treatment during a period of four months, she took ten grains of the Oxide of Zinc previous to an attack. After the very first dose, the attacks became less violent, and ceased entirely and permanently after the tenth dose. Much smaller doses have effected such cures. Partial Spasms. Frank relates in his Magazine that an infant, one month old, had spasms in the face, affecting the eyes and mouth, continuing almost without an intermission; the child was very feeble, had irregular stool, flatulence, but no marked symptom of colic. All treatment was fruitless, until the Oxide Of Zine was given in doses of one-third of a grain every three hours. In a few days the cure was perfect; the spasms had already lasted a month, A girl of fourteen years was cured of very painful cramps in the feet and hands, which set in every winter and lasted until spring. Frank relates several very interesting cases of Hysteria, which were cured with the Oxide of Zinc. A woman of thirtv-five years had an attack of grief, after which she was seized withnysteric paroxysms, violent movements in the bowels, globus hystericus and intolerable anxiety; the attacks came on every fort- night, and had lasted already three months. She took six grains of Zinc half an hour before an attack, and was cured in a few days. A noble lady had had a leucorrhoea suppressed by violent astrin- gents. In consequence thereof she was attacked with creeping chills and goose-flesh of the external pudendum, violent pains in the epigastrium, suffocative attacks, fainting spells; subsequently a con- siderable swelling in the left hypochondrium, tension and hardness in the uterine region, and discharge of a quantity of watery urine. She took the Oxide in two-grain doses every two hours. She was cured in two days; the leucorrhoea returned on the third. 426 LECTURE XCIII. Mania resulting from a violent emotion, may yield to Zinc, if Aconite should prove insufficient. Frank relates a number of cases of Cardialgia of nervous, delicate females which were cured with the Oxide of Zinc ; the main symptoms were: tension across the epigas- trium, constipation, sometimes diarrhoea, anxiety, nausea, yomiting, palpitation of the heart, feeling of constriction in the region of the stomach, violent, stinging pain from the left hypochondrium to the region of the stomach, chilliness down the back, irregular chills in various parts of the body. These symptoms evince such abnormal conditions of the nervous system as the Oxide of Zinc seems capable of producing in the healthy organism. Somnambulism has been cured with the Oxide of Zinc. A deli- cate, sensitive girl had watched with her sick father during a severe illness. After his recovery, while engaged in embroidering, she would fall asleep, the eyelids became spasmodically closed, the eye- balls rolled convulsively in their sockets; in a few minutes she began to sing, cry, talk incoherently; after a while she would wake up, and then fall asleep again, repeating the same scenes. This had been going on for eight days, when she took about four grains of the Oxide of Zinc daily; she was entirely cured in a very short period; the doses were increased every day until four grains were given at a dose. In these various diseases, I have stated the doses which were administered. There is abundant testimony to prove that in these and similar affections of the nervous system, the Oxide of Zinc acts in accordance with the law " similia similibus," and that, therefore, much smaller doses duly triturated agreeably to our doctrine of potentization, might have effected a cure. However, the cures were effected as stated, and this, after all, is the main point. Old-School practitioners have employed the Oxide of Zinc exter- nally as a desiccant and mild astringent. In this respect it acts simi- larly to Lead, but much less energetically, and, consequently, with much less probability of determining a dangerous metastasis by the sudden suppression of a discharge. The Oxide of Zinc may be applied in the form of an ointment by homoeopathic practitioners in cases where the homoeopathicity of its action cannot be doubted ; in such a case it should be used both externally and internally. In some forms of Lippit ado, Blepharophthalmia glandulosa, Ulcers secret- ing a bad pus, of a torpid nature and inclining to decomposition, an application of the Oxide, in the shape of a mild ointment, may very properly and advantageously accompany the internal use. ACETATE OF ZINC. This preparation acts with more intensity than the Oxide, and, in this respect, seems to hold an intermediate rank between the Oxide and the Sulphate. On account of its astringent qualities it is used by some physicians as an injection in gonorrhoea, after the inflam- matory symptoms have entirely subsided. In this disease it should ZINCUM SULPHURICUM. 427 only be employed in cases where the tone of the mucous membrane of the urethra seems to have been very much weakened in conse- quence of an inherent and constitutional want of reactive energy. These astringent injections, however, were they ever so mild, and if used only in cases where the secretion is scarcely perceptible, have to be resorted to with great discretion; for, in consequence of some idiosyncratic tendency to metastatic changes, a very painful, danger- ous and often incurable disorganization may result from the most trifling suppression. Rademacher professes to have cured Mania with diarrhoea in a few days, by giving ninety grains of the Acetate in the course of twenty-four hours. The SULPHATE OF ZINC Is a more powerful preparation than the Acetate, and, if used incautiously, has very frequently produced very poisonous effects. Toxicologists report a number of fatal cases which have revealed the following destructive effects of the poison:—In most cases the stomach and intestines are found inflamed, ecchymosed; the liver has a dark, and sometimes a black-green, color; the lungs and ven- tricles of the heart are filled with a black and thin blood; the cere- bral vessels are likewise turgid with blood. In a case quoted by Wibmer, a woman who had swallowed a large quantity of the Sul- phate of Zinc died of vomiting and purging. The abdomen was not tumefied, the stomach and intestines seemed collapsed and con- tracted ; they were not inflamed; the pancreas was moderately filled with blood ; interiorly the stomach exhibited a grayish-green color, and several ecchymosed spots; the same appearances existed in the ileum. The peritoneum was not inflamed, but the uterus and ovaries were found so. In this case it is evident that the shock on the abdominal ganglia was so violent at the outset that the vital reaction was annihilated, as it were, by the vehemence with which the organism sought to free itself from the poison. Wibmer has the following clear and interesting resume of the action of the Sulphate of Zinc upon the living tissues; his state- ments are suggested by the toxicological action of the poison both upon men and animals. " The local action of the Sulphate of Zinc in small doses is desic- cant, astringent; in large doses it acts as an irritant, and excites inflammation; hence, small doses are borne for a long time inter- nally without producing any strikingly bad effects, except constipa- tion ; large doses of thirty grains and more cause an astringent taste in the mouth, constriction of the fauces, pains in the stomach and intestines, retching, violent and continued vomiting and diarrhoea, and all the symptoms of gastritis and enteritis, such as anxiety, thirst, small pulse, cold extremities, and even death. " Doses of five to twenty grains excite vomiting with ease and safety; this may be regarded as one of the most constant effects of Zinc. " Beside the local effects of the Sulphate of Zinc, it likewise causes 428 LECTURE XCIII. remote effects after its absorption. The vomiting is not only induced by taking five to twenty grains into the stomach directly, but retching and vomiting are likewise produced with certainty and speed by injecting the poison into the veins, so that its effect upon the nerves of the stomach, diaphragm, and abdominal nerves gene- rally, may be regarded as specific; similar results have often been obtained by the external application of the poison in large quanti- ties. Injections into the veins likewise very frequently occasion narcotic symptoms, such as stupefaction, insensibility, debility, immobiliiy, paralysis of the extremities; the rapid death after in- jections of large quantities into the veins seems to result from the action of the poison upon the brain, since the respiratory and circu- latory organs are found inviolate. It is thus seen that the Sulphate of Zinc combines tonic, astringent and desiccant effects with its action upon the nerves of the abdomen, upon the brain and spinal marrow, all of which is conformable to its chemical composition of Sulphuric acid and Oxide of Zinc. Homoeopathic practitioners avail themselves of the Sulphate of Zinc chiefly in cases of poisoning, for the purpose of exciting vomit- ing. In all such cases its emetic action is speedy and certain. Even Boerhave has recommended it for such purposes, especially in cases of poisoning by a violent narcotic. From six to ten grains may be sufficient in sensitive individuals to excite vomiting; but if no vomiting should ensue and the act of emesis should be necessary to save the life of the patient, this dose may be repeated every five to ten minutes. In all cases, however, that call for immediate relief, it is advisable to at once administer a sufficient quantity to insure the desired effect. For this purpose from twenty to thirty grains may be given at once, either in solution or in the form of a powder. In a case of poisoning by Opium as many as 125 grains of the Sul- phate were administered, until copious vomiting took place, by which means the patient's life was saved. It seems scarcely necessary to add that the pharmaceutical Sulphate should always be used as a therapeutic agent, not the common Sulphate of the shops, which generally contains other more or less deleterious ingredients. The Sulphate of Zinc is likewise used in cases of chronic gonor- rhoea, on account of its astringent properties; we have already offered our comments upon this sort of practice, when speaking of the Acetate of Zinc; they apply with much more force to°the Sulphate. This agent may be used internally in cases of Chronic vomiting of food, if the food is spit up without much retching, with a sudden jerk, a sort of projectile vomiting. This condition of the gastric functions may exist as a symptom of im- pending, or more or less developed Marasmus, with dryness of the skin, debility, constipation, sallow complexion, loss of flesh. The first to the third centesimal tritura tion may be administered. ZINCUM MURIATICUM. 429 ANTIDOTAL TREATMENT. We first evacuate the poison by copious draughts of milk, muci- lage, etc., and afterwards stay the vomiting by Opium, mustard- plasters to the pit of the stomach; inflammatory symptoms are counteracted by means of Aconite, etc. In the cases of poisoning related by Wibmer, the poison was effectually neutralized by an alkaline solution of sugar and water, and in another case by tea- spoonful doses of pulverized crab's eyes, which were administered every five minutes until the patient had swallowed about an ounce in the space of an hour. The FERROCYANIDE OF ZINC May be used in Chorea, in Spasmodic attacks caused by worms, in the Cardialgia of nervous individuals, in Hysteria, Neuralgia, and such nervous affections as Zinc is generally prescribed for. The MURIATE OF ZINC Has a styptic, metallic taste, and is a powerful caustic. On this account it can only be administered in very small doses, even in alloeopathic practice. Large doses are apt to cause pains in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, short breathing, a small and hurried pulse, cold sweats, fainting fits and convulsions. This agent was first recommended as a caustic by Papenguth, and has since been extensively used by Old-School practitioners as an escharotic in several disorganizations, more especially in the case of cachectic, lax constitutions, when ulcers secrete a thin and acrid ichor in profuse quantities, and impure, loosely coherent, almost gelatinous vegetations shoot up extensively from the bottom of the sore. Professor Hanke, of Breslau, one of the first experimenters with the Chloride of Zinc, employed it both as a mild escharotic and as a caustic in foul, atonic ulcers, and likewise in inveterate syphilitic, scrofulous and herpetic ulcerations. If only an incon- siderable quantity of disorganized tissue had to be removed, he applied a simple bandage moistened with a feeble watery solution of the Chloride, about two grains to an ounce of water. He has likewise used it in Noma, and in Congenital Fungus Hematodes with good effect. Cauquoin has applied the Chloride to cancerous ulcer- ations. It first causes a violent pain which, however, is of short continuance; it destroys the disorganized tissue to the depth of two inches, or to any depth that is desired, does not excite much inflam- mation in the surrounding part, forms a firm and dry scurf which becomes detached in eight to twelve days and leaves a clean, granu- lating surface. This agent has not only been used with good effect in cancer of the dermoid tissue, but likewise in cancerous degenera- tions of glands, of the neck of the womb, tongue, and other parts. Vo"t thinks that the Chloride of Zinc is more powerful than the Chloride of Antimony and that it penetrates to a greater depth. It is well known that the operation of the Nitrate of Silver is con- 430 LECTURE XCIII. fined to superficial parts; hence, the Chloride of Zinc causes more burning, and for a longer time, owing to its action penetrating to the more deeply-lying tissues The Chloride of Zinc has an advantage over the arsenical and mercurial caustics in this, that there is no danger of any constitutional disorders arising from its absorption. Vogt recommends great care in applying the Chloride. He applies a concentrated solution with a camel's-hair pencil, until the patient experiences a severe burning, and a change in the color of the cau- terized part shows how far the agent has penetrated. In proportion as the sore becomes cleaner, all subsequent applications have to be reduced by means of water, until finally the quantity of the Chloride is very trifling. Dr. Cauquoin of Paris applies a paste consisting of one part of the Chloride of Zinc and two to four parts of wheat flour, mixed together by means of a little water. The thickness of the layer to be applied in a given case depends upon the quantity of disorganized tissue to be removed. To the leather-like crust he applies emollient poultices until it falls off, and the remaining sore is treated with a simple cerate. We deem it eminently proper that every homoeopathic practu tioner should be acquainted with these proceedings of intelligent and discreet physicians of the Old-School. The dread with which all external applications have been regarded by homoeopathic practi- tioners, and the foolish and dogmatic obstinacy with which all such remedial means were banished indiscriminately from the bosom of our school for a long period, should no longer be permitted to withhold from the enlightened advocates of Homoeopathy the means of extending the boundaries of their art. But even in using these external agents, we should never lose sight of the great truth that their curative action depends upon the specific relation existing between the essential character of the drug-action and the essential nature of the pathological process. No permanently-successful meta- morphosis from abnormal to a normal action can be accomplished unless these conditions of a specifically curative relation of the drug to the disease exist. We desire to corroborate these reasonings by the following words of the genial and philosophical Vogt: " The Chloride of Zinc seems to me indispensable in the series of caustics; for if we turn our attention away from the destruction of the organic parts, which is an effect common to all, and for the pro- duction of which one liquid and one solid caustic might be sufficient; and if we look at the cauterized surface and at the local metamor- phosis of tissue which remains after the action of the caustic agent, we shall soon see that the number of these agents is not by any means too great, but that each of them is so perfectly distinct in its action from any other, that not one of them can be substituted for any other. Hence it should be known that an integral comprehen- sion of the peculiar therapeutic properties of each special caustic is not to be obtained by a mere knowledge of the manner in which, and of the degree of intensity with which it acts upon the living AGARICUS MUSCARIUS. 431 tissues, and destroys organic matter, but that this comprehension likewise requires a clear perception of the relation existing between the action of the caustic and the metamorphosis of the cauterized surface." The VALERIANATE OF ZINC Is used in Old-School practice for Neuralgia, and more especially for Lumbago ; it may be applied to the affected part in the shape of an ointment. We have said before that no curative effect can be expected from it, unless the drug-action and the nature of the patho- logical process hold specific curative relations to each other. ■ LECTURE XCIV. In the third class of our drugs I have ranged drugs of which we have more or less reliable provings, but which have not yet been used much in practice, and which are not, as yet, entitled to unlimited confidence in the therapeutic uses that have been assigned to them by their authors. This class embraces a comparatively small number of drugs, which I will now proceed to lay before you. First in the list we have AGARICUS MUSCARIUS, (Amanita, fly-agaric) This mushroom is so called from its property of destroying flies when steeped in milk. The pileus or top of this fungus varies in color from blood-red to orange, white, green or brown; it is from three to seven inches broad, fleshy, convex, and at length nearly plain. It is found in Europe, Asia and America, and grows very abundantly in Kamschatka. In some seasons the crop is very abun- dant, in other seasons scanty. They are collected by the people of Kamschatka in the hottest months, and hung up by a string in the air to dry; some dry of themselves on the ground, and are said to be more narcotic than those artificially preserved. Small, deep-colored specimens, thickly covered with warts, are said to be more powerful than those of a larger size and paler color._ The Amanita muscaria is used by the inhabitants of the north- eastern parts of Asia in the same manner as wine, brandy, arrack, opium, etc., by other nations. The usual mode of eating the fungus is to roll it up like a bolus, and swallow it without chewing, which the Kamschadales say would disorder the stomach. It is sometimes eaten fresh in soups and sauces, and then loses much of its intoxicating properties. One large 432 LECTURE XC1V. or two small fungi is the common dose to produce a pleasant intoxi- cation for the whole day, particularly if water be drank after it, which augments the narcotic principle. The desired effect comes on from one to two hours after taking the fungus; giddiness and drunkenness result in the same manner as from wine and spirits ; cheerful emotions of the mind are first produced; the countenance becomes flushed, involuntary words and actions follow; and some- times, at last, an entire loss of consciousness. It renders some remarkably active, and proves highly stimulant to muscular exertion; with too large a dose violent spasmodic effects are produced. So very exciting to the nervous system in many individuals is this fungus, that the effects are often very ludicrous. If a person under its influence wishes to step over a straw or a small stick, he takes a stride or a jump sufficient to clear the trunk of a tree ; a talkative person cannot keep silence or secrets, and one fond of music is perpetually singing. The most singular effect of Amanita is the influence it possesses over the urine. It is said that from time immemorial, the Kams- chadales have known, that the fungus imparts an intoxicating quality to that secretion, which continues for a considerable time after taking it. For instance, a man moderately intoxicated to-day, will, by the next morning, have slept himself sober; but, as is the custom, by drinking a tea-cupful of his urine, he will be more power- fully intoxicated than he was the preceding day. It is therefore not uncommon for confirmed drunkards to preserve their urine as pre- cious liquor, against a scarcity of the fungus. This intoxicating property of the urine is capable of being propagated; for every one who partakes of this intoxicating urine, has his own urine similarly affected. Thus, with a very few Amanitas, a party of drunkards may keep up their debauch for a week. We are indebted for these disgusting and strange particulars to Dr. Langsdorff, a German traveler, who has visited Kamschatka ; he informs us that, by means of the second person drinking the urine of the first, the third that of the second, and so on, the intoxication may be propagated through five individuals. Several interesting cases of poisoning with this fungus are reported by Orfila, Christison and other toxicologists. Several French soldiers in Russia ate a large quantity of the Amanita muscaria, which they had mistaken for the Amanita caesarea. Some were not taken ill for six hours and upwards. Four of them, who were very powerful men, thought themselves safe, because, while their companions were already suffering, they themselves felt perfectly well; and they refused to take emetics. In the evening, however, they began to complain of anxiety, a sense of suffocation, frequent fainting, burning thirst and violent griping pains. The pulse became small and irregular, and the body bedewed with cold sweat; the features were singularly changed, the nose and lips acquiring a violet tint; they trembled a great deal; the body swelled, and a profuse, fetid diarrhoea supervened. The extremities soon became livid ; and the pain of the abdomen intense, delirium ensued, and all four died. AGARICUS MUSCARIUS. 433 Several of their comrades were severely affected, but recovered. Two of these had weak pulse, tense and painful belly, partial cold sweats, fetid breath and stools. In the afternoon they became delirious, then comatose; the coma lasted twenty-four hours. This case presents all the symptoms of deep narcotism and violent irritation. On opening their bodies, large spots of inflammation and gangrene appeared in the stomach and alimentary canal, and putre- faction seemed advancing very rapidly. In other cases the brain, after death, was found very turgid; the sinuses of the dura mater, and the arteries were enormously distended with blood; the arachnoid and pia mater were of a scarlet color; a clot of blood was found in the cerebellum. Christison details the morbid appearances as follows: " The body is in general very livid, and the blood fluid; so much so, that it sometimes flows from the natural openings of the body ; the abdomen is distended with fetid air, which, indeed, is usually present during life; the stomach and bowels may present the appearance of inflam- mation passing in some places into gangrene; in two cases the stomach was gangrenous in many places, and far advanced in putrefaction. The same appearances were found in the cases mentioned by Picco : in these, there was also an excessive enlargement of the liver. The lungs have sometimes been found gorged or even inflamed; the vessels of the brain very turgid." Professor Zlatarovich has published a series of highly interesting and instructive provings of this agent in the Oesterreichische Zeitschrift. Dr. Adler instituted his provings with the watery attenuations as well as with five to eighty drops of the strong tincture. Three hundred drops of the second decimal attenuation developed a pain in the anterior portion of the head as if both sides of the head were pressed against each other; this pain was accompanied by a sensation in the bowels as if diarrhoea were to come on. A few hours after, a copious and exceedingly pressing evacuation from the bowels took place, which was preceded by a painful pressing in the rectum. On the same c\ay, after dinner, the prover experienced stitches in the right calf, a burning in the rectum and the haemor- rhoidal tumors became inflamed. (The prover had been subject to piles which, however, had not troubled him for several years'. Next morning he awoke with a stitching pain from the left parietal bone to the right temple; also a stitching pain in the right eye-ball. From five to thirty drops of the strong tincture caused painful stitches in the temples, a tearing-drawing pain in the right upper jaw and in the right cheek, prickings in the left thumb which were increased and even excited by slight contact, a painful lameness of the right upper and lower arm, oppression on the chest, dyspnoea, obliging him to draw a long breath frequently. Forty drops caused pressive pains in the region of the eyebrows, a burning in the fauces, a rough feeling of soreness and burning under the tongue, here and there, and, on lying down, shocks at the heart, and trembling in the pit of the stomach, with paroxysms of oppressive anxiety which were excited by every little noise and were 434 LECTURE XCIV. likewise experienced early in the morning on waking, at which period they were accompanied by stitches in the umbilical region, frequent sneezing and yawning. Forty drops excited a painfulness of the left maxillary articula- tion and a stitching tearing in the horizontal ramus of the lower jaw ; these pains were increased by contact. Fifty drops caused stupefaction and vertigo, the printed letters seemed to be in motion, with itching and burning in both eyes; these symptoms Avere accompanied by a gnaAving in the pit of the stomach and a pinching in the boAvels. Sixty drops caused a sensation as if the head were pressed upon all around, with a pressive and stitching pain in the palpebral region, afterwards followed by stitches in the hairy scalp changing to a painful pressure at the vertex. In the night he experienced shocks and an aching pain in the right tarsal joint, followed by a sensation as if the heart were pressed into a narroAver space. On the following morning he experienced a violent urging in the rectum after a copious stool; during the urging he lost a quantity of blood from the haemorrhoidal vessels, Avhich he had not done for years. During the day he was attacked now and then Avith a drawing-aching pain in the forehead which extended to the eyes. Eighty drops developed the above mentioned draAving and aching pains in the forehead, pressure at the stomach with disposition to sigh, and, after the lapse of several days, painful shocks in the region of the heart, with paroxysms of oppressive anxiety and a momentary burning in the orifice of the urethra. Mrs. Adler, the doctor's wife, seems to have been very sensitive to the action of Agaricus. Two hundred drops of the second attenua- tion caused almost immediately a stinging in the head, and especially in both temples, folloAved by a stupefying vertigo. In the night she had to toss about owing to a troublesome sensation of shuddering in the head, chest, abdomen and feet. After midnight she Avas Avaked by a violent tearing pain in all her upper teeth which continued for a quarter of an hour. Next day, in the forenoon, she Avas attacked with crampy-contractive pains in the pit of the stomach and pene- trating into the abdominal cavity, attended with nausea, as if she would vomit, and folloAved by empty eructations alternating with violent hiccough. In the afternoon she Avas attacked Avith tearing pains in the left upper arm and lower teeth, tearing pain and a furious itching in the left ear; these pains lasted the Avhole afternoon and were aggravated by lying on the affected side. The menses flowed more profusely than usual, attended with tearing and pressing pains in the bowels and back. She had to go about from place to place, although her legs felt languid and weak. In the night she experienced a violent itching between the index-finger and thumb of the left hand, and on the external pudendum which only passed off on the day following. In the morning she Avoke with a stupefy- ing headache and vertigo, and, in the forenoon, experienced a burning pain in the region of the heart, Avith palpitation. She looked pale and haggard. The feeling of debility and Aveariness AGARICUS MUSCARIUS. 435 after the least exertion, the palpitation, the stupefying headache and vertigo, the disturbed sleep and the paroxysms of anxiety continued more or less for eight days in rotation. A maiden-lady, sixty years old, swallowed one hundred drops of the second decimal attenuation. Shortly after she Avas seized with a violent shuddering through the whole body, accompanied by goose- flesh. The same sensation was experienced after two hundred drops, followed by heat in the head and a painful beating in the frontal region, during which the forehead was covered with perspiration. Three hundred drops caused an intolerable buzzing in both ears like that of a spinning-wheel. Ten drops of the tincture caused a burning in the left eye-broAv, and a creaking sensation in the occiput, towards the left side, aggra- vated by pressing on these parts. These pains were accompanied by deafness of the left ear as if something were stopping up the exterrfal meatus. A few vesicles on the hard palate, with soreness. Fifteen and twenty drops caused the same burning, and a stitching and jerking in the left eyebroAV; shortly after, nausea and lassitude, saltish taste in the mouth; a feeling of warmth pervaded the whole body. Twenty-five drops caused a pinching in the bowels, and a tearing, stitching and cutting distress in the epigastrium, followed by violent bitter vomiting. From thirty to thirty-five drops of the tincture caused the same bitter vomiting, attended with a shuddering through the whole body ; also, vomiting of a saltish fluid; a griping sensation in the pit of the stomach; burning in the stomach; pressive pain; stitching and jerk- ing in the forehead down to the eyes, and more particularly on the left side; also, a burning at the vertex, with stupefaction and ver- tigo as if she were turning about, she had to sit doAvn lest she should fall. Surgeon Baumgaertner, thirty-two years old, has furnished some highly interesting provings with the attenuations and the tincture. One hundred drops of the seventh attenuation yielded the follow- ing symptom: Momentary tearing in the tendinous expanse in various parts of the body, especially on the outer side of the left leg ; pain between the eighth and ninth thoracic vertebrae, changing on the following day to a painless throbbing from above down- Avards synchronous with the pulse. One hundred drops of the sixth attenuation, taken three mornings in succession, caused a pain in the small of the back, increased flow of saliva, hard stool; after dinner, nausea without loathing of the food he had eaten, a cutting shifting of flatulence in the bowels, lassitude, inability to think, and an internal restlessness, driving the prover from one place to another. At the same time a sensation in the forehead as if it Avere expanding, and as if the brain in that region were whirled about, accompanied with a painful pressure^ in both temples, dryness of the fauces, yawning and a painful sensation in the fauces when swallowing the saliva as if something were torn off. 436 LECTURE XCIA". The fifth attenuation, one hundred drops, induced a pain to con- tact in the region of the eyebrows; an abscess had formed in the middle of the right deltoid muscle of the size of a bean. Pain be- tween the eighth and ninth thoracic vertebrae, periodically extending to the os hyoides. The prover complained of chilliness in the open air and a throbbing pressure in the nasal bones, with a sensation as if a swollen body were forcing its Avay downwards in the upper part of the nose. In the evening the face fel t Avarm and the throat dry, with flashing stitches in the same when touching it. About the twelfth of November, three weeks after the proving had commenced, the left big toe, on the sides of the nail, became sAVollen and painful. The first and second attenuations induced an extraordinary heavi- ness and languor in the lower extremities, sensation, as if a foreign body had lodged in the throat; stitches in the region of the heart, impeding the breathing; irregularity of the pulse, Avith the occasional intermission of one beat; a sensation of coldness in the glutei muscles, and occasionally a painful tearing in the tendinous Hissue of the body, not even excepting the region of the skull. On the 15th of November, 1847, Baumgaertner commenced a bril- liant series of provings Avith the concentrated tincture, beginning with twenty drops and gradually increasing the dose to four hundred. These provings exhibit the disturbing effect of Agaricus upon the sentient and motor nervous systems, with a most remarkable degree of intensity. Twenty drops caused stitches in the left heel, darting upwards into the leg, and likewise stitches in the hip-joint, and a tensive pain in the left acetabulum, as if the head of the femur were being drawn out. Thirty drops induced a sensation of fulness in the head, and a digging or formicating sensation in the forehead; a cutting-boring pain in the left nasal canal, darting like an electric shark, upwards into the frontal region; diarrhoeic stools with stitches at the anus and emission of cadaverously-smelling flatulence; stitches and weak- ness of the knees; occasional darts through the chest from behind forwards; violent stitches in the region of the heart with occasional intermission of the pulse. One hundred drops caused dryness of the throat, nausea and vomiting, unsteady gait, involuntary sighing with oppression on the chest and accelerated pulse; a dry cough causing a stitching pain in the left side of the chest; soft stools with paralytic weakness of the sphincter ani; pain in the region of the first and second lum- bar vertebrae, with a sensation of coldness in the glutei muscles and formication in the feet. The effects of this last dose continued more or less until the 15th of December. On the 30th of November, the pains in the left side of the chest became stinging-burning, extending to the left shoulder- blade ; they Avere excited by a deep inspiration and aggravated by coughing or sneezing. On the 6th of December, the dryness in the throat became less, but the voice seemed husky and the prover, Avhen draAving a long breath, experienced stinging pains in the larynx. AGARICUS MUSCARIUS. 437 On the 10th of December a sensation of fulness set in, high up in the nose, as if a ball were pressing doAvnwards; pain in the sacrum as if it would fly to pieces, violent beating of the heart which seemed to be felt even at the os coccygis, painful stitches in the region of the heart. One hundred and fifty drops caused an extreme weakness, liquid stools with burning at the anus, profuse sweat over the whole body, and small and accelerated pulse, involuntary dribbling of the urine, pressure in the small of the back, Avith sensation as if a weight were pressing upon it; a feeling of coolness spreading down the legs. Two hundred drops induced similar symptoms as the above, and moreover a sensation as if the head were larger than usual and a cough with expectoration of large flocks of brown mucus, especially in the morning. Three hundred drops caused a slight burning in the stomach, vomiting Avith great straining, during which the sensation of a for- eign body in the throat increased a good deal; after the vomiting the left eyeball felt larger than usual; lassitude and trembling of the lower extremities; coldness and insensibility of the glutei muscles; continual twitching in the small of the back and the loAver extremi- ties, coldness of the whole body with heat of the head, apathy of the mind as if he had lost his senses and thoughts, followed by a violent cold shuddering over the whole body. On the following day, December 30th, this shuddering spread from the stomach over the whole body; cough, pulse 100, intermittent; painless throbbing in the vertebral canal; sensation as if a cool cur- rent of air were spreading from the spine over the whole body. The prover experienced a fulness and a sensation of weight, with pres- sure, in the small of the back, a creaking in the fingers and toes; when moving them, with stinging pains in the same, and in the in- teguments generally. On the 10th of January, 1848, several of these phenomena dis- appeared, and were replaced by an inability to retain the urine, Avhich flowed off involuntarily when the desire was felt, with occa- sional interruption of the stream and a long-lasting dribbling after emission; the penis was cold and shrivelled. On the 1st of January, Baumgaertner swallowed four hundred drops, with a marked recurrence of the above described symptoms, such as: confusion in the brain as if in a whirl, forgetfulness, weak- ness of sight, liquid stools with burning in the varices, paralytic weakness of the sphincters ani and vericae, dry cough with wheezing under the sternum causing a burning sensation, increased beating of the heart, redness of the face, tickling in the urethra, refreshing sleep. Joseph Copainigg, student of medicine, twenty-three years old, swallowed five and on one occasion ten drops of the tincture at eight o'clock in the morning. The action of the drug was first perceived in the hypogastric region Avhen the prover experienced a tension folloAved by flashing stitches in the right lumbar region; and the stomach was likewise violently affected more particularly by ten 438 LECTURE XCIV. drops, the prover experienced a disposition to vomit and an intense loathing on one occasion folio Aved by vomiting of mucus, and on another occasion by urging to stool without relief, and a drawing pain in the pelvis shifting toAvards the umbilicus. In this prover's case, the cerebro-spinal and ganglionic nerves Avere remarkably affected. He felt a pain in the region of the frontal and sagittal sutures, with a shaking to and fro of the head, as Avhen intoxicated, with ringing in the ears and formication along the spine; cold hands and blue nails, Avith a small and hard pulse. This effect Avas induced by five drops. Ten drops caused a slight chilliness along the spinal column and upper extremities, Avhich gradually increased to a violent shuddering, with blueness and icy- coldness of the face and hands, and a very small and hard pulse; heaviness of the head, spasmodic yawning, continued prickling along the spinal column, and, after the chilliness began to abate, dulness of sight and hearing, depression of spirits, bordering on melancholy; heat in the. eyes, with burning eyelids; feeling of full- ness in the head, with pain over the whole cranium; aversion to any kind of work, loss of appetite, small and hard pulse, weakness and coldness of the feet. On the second day of the proving, the pain along the frontal and sagittal sutures changed to a dull pain in the occiput, which became a burning pain in a recumbent posture. When lying on the back, the pain shifted to the region between the eyebrows. Whene\Ter he rose, he felt a stitch in this region, after which the pain shifted again to the occiput. After a long and deep sleep of ten hours' duration, the prover woke vigorous and buoyant. Dr. W. Huber, the well-known prover of the metallic silver, has instituted a series of provings, wi£h the attenuations, decimal scale, as well as with the strong tincture. These provings illustrate in a most remarkable manner the extraordinary influence which Agaricus exerts upon the nervous system. The sentient and motor nerves, as well as the great sympathetic, are powerfully disturbed by this agent. Dr. Huber commenced his provings with ten drops of the sixth attenuation, gradually increasing the dose to fifty, and descend- ing in the scale of attenuations, and finally winding up his provings with the strong tincture. Each portion of the drug was taken in a tablespoonful of water. The effects induced occurred in the follow- ing order: Ten drops of the sixth attenuation caused dizziness, as if slightly intoxicated, accompanied by an unusual weariness of the whole body, and a tensive-aching pain in the lower lumbar vertebrae, right side, which was only felt when lying on this side, and disappeared when turning to the left side. Fifteen drops caused dizziness and a throbbing throughout the whole body, especially in the epigastric region; the abovementioned tensive-aching pain was now felt in the left side, and disappeared when turning to the right. Thirty drops caused a violent stitch at the left olecranon, with shaking of the arm, as from an electric shock. AGARICUS MUSCARIUS. 439 Forty drops caused a gnaAving at small spots of the skin, here and there. Fifty drops: Severe catarrh, which lasted from September 9th to September 15th; confused feeling in the head, stitches in the chin and at the olecrana, frequent chills and restless sleep. Fifteen drops of the fifth attenuation caused dizziness and con- fusion of the head, a digging, aching pain in the right posterior cervical region, with muscular twitchings, Avhile lying down, of the inside of the left knee, left upper arm, back, and right shoulder- blade. Twenty drops caused moreover a smarting prickling at the left half of the tongue, followed by a smarting burning at a small spot of the spinal column; next morning a colicky griping extending from the left ileum across the abdominal cavity to the right, relieved by pressing upon the bowels. Thirty drops of the fifth caused cool creepings in the scalp at the vertex, with sensation as if this portion of the scalp were adhering more tightly to the skull; after a sound siesta, muscular tAvitchings of the right leg, with concussive shocks of this part, and a gnawing itching of the sole of the left foot, near the toes, and of the left index-finger. Forty drops caused a burning stitch at the left heel. Fifty drops caused dryness of the lips, mouth and fauces, and a cooling sensation at the right glutei muscles, as from the contact of quicksilver. Twenty drops of the fourth caused this same feeling of coolness, twitching of the glutei muscles, and a prickling at the left index- finger, toes and heel, like the prickling of chillblains during a change of weather. Soon after, while lying in bed, he experienced a burning in both feet as far as the ankles, as if the blood were burning hot. Next morning, lancing pain in the inner canthi, Avith secretion of mucus; stitch darting from the lumbar portion of the spinal marrow towards the right glutei muscles. Forty drops caused a dizziness, as if he would lose his senses, with buzzing in the left ear; stinging pain in the right jaw, as if fine splinters were stuck under the skin; stinging pain in the back, as if coarse splinters were stuck under the skin; itching and burning in the skin, here and there, with darting stitches, as from fine splinters, at the left olecranon; cooling sensation at the left glutei muscles, and a violent shock of the body, during rest, the arm being involun- tarily jerked downwards. Fifty drops: Smarting under the tongue, cooling sensation at the right buttock and under the right shoulder-blade; griping and rumbling in the bowels, left side, and the above-described muscular twitchings. Thirty drops: Violent stitches, as with coarse needles, where the left infra-orbital nerve issues from its foramen; creaking in both ears durino- empty deglutition; in the evening, in bed, a serpentine twitching in the abdominal rectus muscle. Forty drops, at five o'clock in the morning: Convulsive shocks 4.0 LECTURE XCIV. of the left leg, lower jaw, and lastly, of the left arm, followed by twitchings in the left temporal and zygomatic regions. Fifty drops: Muscular twitchings here and there; at three o'clock in the night the prover was aAvakened by a restlessness in all the voluntary muscles, followed by a trembling of the whole body, especially of the lower jaw; a sort of chorea set in, consisting of a twitching of the hairy scalp, of the muscles of the temples and cheeks, upper and lower lips, muscles of the shoulders and back, upper and lower extremities, especially the left deltoid muscle, the left glutei and gastrocnemii muscles, and even the muscular tissue of the soles of the feet. The abdominal muscles twitched about confusedly. These chorea-like twitchings were accompanied by convulsive shocks of various parts of the body, and jerking up of the fingers; likewise by violent beating of the heart. The tAvitchings occurred irregularly, as regards time and locality, and lasted two hours. Next morning the prover awoke with fine stitches at the margin of the lower jaw. Fifteen drops of the second attenuation induced the same chorea- like twitchings, and a stinging, as from a splinter, close above the left internal malleolus, and, in a few minutes, at the same spot on the right leg. Forty drops: Sticking pains in the right heel and toe; crampy pains on the inside of the right calf and in the left groin; concussive shocks of single limbs and jerking of the fingers. Fifteen drops of the first attenuation caused a gnawing itching of the hairy scalp on the front part of the head, and likewise of the skin in various places; the other symptoms were the same as those that had been obtained before, such as: muscular twitchings, stick- ing pains, as if splinters were stuck under the skin ; creaking in the ears during empty deglutition, convulsive shocks of the whole right side of the body proceeding from the spine. This attenuation yielded, moreover, a biting sensation in the Schneiderian membrane, accompanied with frequent and violent sneezing and muscular twitchings in the left lumbar region. Another and peculiar symptom Avas the following: on waking in the morning, the prover ex- perienced a smarting sensation at the tip of the tongue, succeeded by a titillating itching, which extended from the nasal orifice of the right Eustachian tube to the inner ear, and alternated with a loud ringing in the left ear. Twenty, twenty-five and forty drops induced frequently repeated symptoms, such as: muscular twitchings, digging pain in the left occiput and forehead, painful and piercing stitch in the middle of the right cheek, as from a splinter; cooling sensation in both nates, as from the contact of quicksilver; boring pain in the right tendo- Achilles, convulsive shocks of the whole body, emanating from the lumbar or cervical portion of the spine; stitching pain, as from splinters between the dorsal and lumbar vertebrae, Avhich was fol- lowed by a sensation as if the spine were touched in this place by an icy-cold body. This same feeling of coldness was likewise experienced in the right axilla and, a few days after, at the os AGARICUS MUSCARIUS. 441 coccygis. A scraping in the larynx was likewise experienced, inducing a dry cough. On the 22d of October, twenty-three days after taking the last dose, the prover experienced a violent stitch flashing through the brain like lightning, with sensation as if he should lose his senses. In the afternoon of the same day, several shocks or convulsions of the heart were felt. In the evening, in bed, Avhen scarcely half asleep, the prover was awakened by a horrible shock in the interior of the thorax and throat, accompanied by a shriek. This explosion seemed to proceed from the diaphragm, taking an upward course along the oesophagus or trachea, until it violently shook the larynx. Shortly after this paroxysm, the loAver jaw Avas attacked with a tremor, and finally a convulsive shaking, giving rise to an appre- hension lest paralysis should set in. On the first of November, the effects of the drug seemed to have vanished entirely, with the excep- tion of one note-worthy symptom, which occurred on this day: A sort of clucking twitching in the interior of the right drum, occur- ring repeatedly; a sort of jumping of the tensor tympani, the sound resembling that of a leather-covered metallic key which strikes against the instrument. On the 15th of November, 1847, Dr. Huber commenced a series of provings with the strong tincture, prepared from recently-gathered fungi. These provings yielded no other result than a confirmation of the symptoms obtained by means of the attenuations, with this difference, that the symptoms elicited by the tincture were more marked, more characteristic, more largely and accurately delineated than the symptoms which the attenuated drug had yielded. The dizziness occasioned by the tincture amounted to a sudden and violent paroxysm of vertigo, as if he should fall to the ground. The feverish heat of the body increased to a burning; the lower extremities burned as if burning blood Avere coursing through the blood-vessels. This feverish vascular excitement was accompanied by a cutting pain in the upper part of the left nostril, as if that part had been sore; this pain was felt Avhen drawing in, not when expel- ling air; it was attended with a catarrhal feeling of obstruction of the nose, and discharge of a watery fluid from both nostrils, frequent sneezing and yawning, and frequent and easy expulsion of small pieces of mucus from the fauces and the posterior nares; constant buzzing in the left ear, with a creaking noise in both ears during empty deglutition; soreness at the tip of the tongue; a cooling burning down the oesophagus, electric stitches in the skin, convul- sive shock in the left shoulder. The itching in the cavity of the ear was accompanied by a stitch as Avith an icy-cold needle; these stitches Avere painful, and often sudden and darting. The prover Avas likeAvise troubled Avith a crampy pain in the muscles of the upper arm, and in those of the anterior surface of the thio-h; also with a dislocation-pain in the substance of the left deltoid muscle, Avhere the prover experienced a sensation, whenever 442 LECTURE XCIV. he attempted to raise the arm, as if a thousand splinters were stick: ing in the muscle. On the 24th of November, in the evening, after lying down, the prover experienced a similar pain in the extensor muscles of the right forearm, as if thousands of splinters were sticking in the flesh ; this horrid pain was attended Avith a momentary sensation as if the prover should lose his senses, and succeeded by a pain as from splinters sticking in the right cheek, which changed to a digging pain, as if in the bone. The stinging as if splinters Avere sticking under the skin and in the flesh, was experienced in various parts of the body, in the cheeks, carpal and metacarpal articulations, spinal column, sublin- gual glands, etc. The feeling often was as if thousands of splinters were sticking in the part. The sensation as if a part were touched with a piece of ice, or by mercury, was likewise experienced in various parts of the body, in the spinal cord of the lumbar region, temples, nates, right olecranon, toes and ankles, etc. A creaking, chirping or crepitating noise in the spinal column, especially in the articulation of the atlas, was experienced during a sudden movement of the trunk. The headache often increased to a violent digging pain, involving one whole hemisphere of the brain. Although the last portion of the drug had been swallowed on the 22d of November, yet its effects were distinctly perceived as late as the 10th of February of the following year, i848. On the 11th of February, Dr. Huber reported the following statement: "It is scarcely to be believed how long, how obstinately and insidi- ously the effects of Agaricus continued to torment me, even long after I had discontinued my provings with the strong tincture. Even to this day, the 11th of February, 1848, these effects continue to show themselves so clearly and characteristically, that their genuineness^ cannot be doubted. Sometimes they appeared quite mildly, as simple indications, as though they were on the point of vanishing altogether, when suddenly they broke forth again with their former intensity. Not only the former, but entirely new phenomena made their appearance. When lying quietly in bed, for instance, I frequently experienced a peculiar creaking in the osseous portion of the nose, as if the spongy bones were pressed or driven towards each other. For many days, even at the same hour in the morning, in bed, I perceived a continual chirping deep in the pos- terior cervical region, as if a cricket were lodged in the lumbar region of the vertebral canal. This chirping was very distinct, lasted four to ten minutes during rest, and reappeared for several days at the same hour. " In the night of the 5th to the 6th of February, after midnight I was awakened by my family rushing into my bedroom with lights. I asked: what is the matter ? and was answered they thought some accident must have happened to me, for I had uttered a horrible cry as if I had been murdered. I was utterly unable to remember any- thing of all this, not even my dream. AGARICUS MUSCARIUS. 443 " I felt so much the more authorized to ascribe these occurrences to the action of Agaricus, as I had experienced similar results during my proving, and had never been troubled by anything like this at any previous period of my life." Vincent Kletzinsky, a student of medicine, twenty-one years old, who had been subject, when a boy, to fever and ague and a pain in the occiput, swallowed on several occasions five and ten drops of the tincture. His proving developed the following symptoms: Stitches through the occiput every ten minutes, more or less violent. Hemicrania on the left side, with stitching of the facial muscles on the right side, weakness of sight, heat and pressure in the eyes, dizziness with inclination to fall backwards. Palpitation of the heart, attended with a feeling of anxiety which caused the sweat to break out, terminating in a restless slumber, during which he dreamed that he was walking up and down the room, reading, although he knew perfectly well in his dream that he was lying in his bed. /- One forenoon, after having swallowed five drops in the morning, / he was attacked with confusion of sight, he saw the objects indis- V| tinctly and sometimes double. Ten drops induced the above-mentioned hemicrania, and the inclination to fall backwards, burning urine, a drawing pain in the knees, which occurred pretty generally after every dose, burning heat and dryness of the face, which felt as if swollen, with a trouble- some feeling of tension in the cheeks; buzzing in the ears, at times in the right, at other times in the left ear. Kletzinsky concludes his report with the folloAving statement: " While undressing for bed at six o'clock in the evening, I was seized with a violent chill; while wrapt up in my bed-cover, I experienced a sudden desire to laugh, which originated in an indescribably mingled feeling of comfort and pain. The urine which had just been voided was burning-hot, and of a dark-yellow color. The heat of the face, which was now accompanied with an intolerable ' anguish, yielded four or five times to a perspiration which I excited by intentionally breathing hurriedly with my head under the bed- cover. On the breaking out of the perspiration I was pervaded by a short-lasting feeling of an extremely pleasant coolness which, as soon as the head was raised from under the cover and the perspira- tion ceased, was at once replaced by the former heat and anxiety, until about eight o'clock in the evening I fell into a restless sleep, full of dreams, from which I awoke at seven o'clock in the morning of the 13th of February, with a feeling as if I had been very sick, Avith dullness of the head, bitter taste, loss of appetite, and pain in the knee. I remained in my bed all day, during which yesterday's symptoms gradually disappeared, until an interrupted, dreamless sleep had afforded me so much relief that I Avas able to leaA^e my bed in the forenoon of the 14th of February, the dizziness and weakness continuing to some extent. The burning in the urethra during urination continued until the 17th of February. 444 LECTURE XCIV. Francis Kraus, student of medicine, twenty-three years old, swal- lowed a few drops of the strong tincture, which caused a stinging pain in the left upper eyelid, attended with a dull pain in the eye- ball, as if the ball were slightly pressed upon; a passing heat in the head, and a feeling of mental weariness such as might be felt after a persevering mental effort; urging to urinate, and a stinging pain in almost every articulation of the body, more particularly in the left knee-joint, and in the occipito-vertebral articulation. J. Landesmann swalloAved tAvelve globules of the 300th attenua- tion, every morning for six consecutive days, from July 21st to July 27th, without any result. From July 28th to August 4th he swallowed every morning ten drops of the third attenuation; these were followed by involuntary emissions on the 29th of July, on the 2d and 4th of August. Ten drops of the strong tincture taken every morning, on the 11th, 12 th and 13th of August, induced a sudden and violent stitch in the region of the liver on the 12th of August; also a sensation at the outer half of the dorsum of the right hand, as if this part had been slightly burnt. The prover swallowed from fifteen to fifty drops of the tincture every morning from August 14th to August 22d, without any other result except a dry cough and a crop of densely-crowded white vesi- cles of the size of millet-seeds on the skin, which only remained one day. * From 60 to 110 drops caused no change except a few involuntary emissions. August 29th he swallowed one hundred and twenty drops; no symptoms except dreams, suffocative anxiety while dreaming, sensa- tion as if the nose were entirely obstructed. Still larger doses had no effect whatever. September 3d, three hundred drops; blowing in the ear like the puffing of a locomotive, ceasing when rising, and returning again after lying down; in the evening this noise changed to a sensation as if a nail were driven into a board at some distance; these illu- sions continued until September 9th, both in the day-time and in the evening, setting in whenever the prover laid doAvn. The vesi- cles appeared again on the chin and forehead, and continued more or less until the 17th of October. Dr. Lazar, nineteen years old, SAvallowed a few hundred drops of the second attenuation, which caused a violent palpitation of the heart and, five minutes after the palpitation had commenced, a vio- lent laming pain in the left hand and arm;" likewise heat in the face and flushes on the cheeks. In the evening he experienced faintino- turns with inclination to vomit; objects were seen as if through a gauze, the brain seemed to press heavily against the skull. Durino- the whole period of the proving the stools Avere diarrhoeic, attended with griping and emission of flatulence. Dr. Bruno Linck, of a vigorous constitution, thirty-nine years old, AGARICUS MUSCARIUS. 445 began his first proving on the 14th of July, 1845, with ten drops of the tincture, and ended it on the 16th of July. The results of this proving were a scraping burning in the fauces, rheumatic tearing and drawing pains in the right anterior wall of the thorax, in the outer surface of the left thigh, from a point above the knee as far as the bend of the knee; fine tearing in the ulnar side of the left forearm, rheumatic drawing pain under the glutei muscles, a sort of coxalgia; tearing in the little finger of the left hand, starting from the metacarpal articulation. Drawing, pressive pain at the left frontal protuberance, involving the eye. In the evening a moisture broke out on the inner surface of the thighs; this was accompanied by a sensation as if a cool current of air had blown upon these parts. The second proving was commenced on the 20th of September, 1847, with twelve drops of a recently prepared tincture. Fifteen minutes after sAvallowing this dose, he fancied, while in bed with his knee bent, that somebody was pulling his right lower extremity, which induced him to look around; shortly after, he felt rather painful twitchings at the right elboAV and wrist, resembling electric shocks. Twenty-five drops induced the above-mentioned rheumatic pains, a tearing pain in the posterior muscles of the upper arm, folloAved by a painful soreness at the place of insertion of the left deltoid muscle, and afterwards by a fine tearing in the left shoulder-joint, which occurred very frequently. The first attenuation, from twenty-five to one hundred drops de- veloped the same fine tearing in the left lower arm, accompanied Avith a seated pain in the dorsum of the wrist, and a numbness in the skin of the forearm; this fine tearing was likewise experienced in the right knee and thigh, in the region of the left upper jaw behind and under the ear, and in the region of the,left clavicle; there was no soreness in these parts when pressed upon. The prover was like- wise troubled with a mental and bodily depression of strength, and a weakness of the lower extremities which caused him to stagger about Avhen walking the street. On one occasion, after a sound siesta, the prover woke with a short lasting painfulness and lameness of the limbs. The prover now had to discontinue his experiments from the 29th of September until the 7th of October. He reports: "A variety of circumstances noAV interrupted my provings. However, I continued to experience the various painful effects of the drug which I have described, for the next eight days; moreover great bodily weariness; I likewise feel warranted to attribute to the action of Agaricus a sort of stupefying sleep, both during and after the period of my proving, from which, hoAvever, I woke quite frequently ; likeAvise a heat in°the face and head early on waking, attended with, a feeling of bloat in the face, especially in the cheeks. In the meanwhile, I had prepared from the recent fungus a broAvn-red yellow tincture Avith Avhich I commenced new provings on the seventh of October." 446 LECTURE XCIV. ' On the morning of the 7th of October, the prover swallowed fifteen drops of this tincture, and in the afternoon of the same day thirty additional drops. In a feAV hours the prover experienced a pinching in the bowels with urging to stool, this pinching ceased after an evacuation of dry faeces attended with cutting pains in the anus. This kind of stool had occurred during former provings, and was succeeded by a sensa- tion of painful dryness in the anus and a disposition to draw up the anus still more. In the course of the day, a piercing, fine, tearing pain, such as had been experiencod in former provings, Avas felt at the right parietal bone, above the ear after which the spot continued to feel sore for some time ; afterwards the same pain was felt on the right leg, in front, close above the tarsal joint; and at the same time at a point in the middle of the dorsum of the hand. These pains only lasted for a moment, but Avere exceedingly acute. October 8th : Stupefying sleep with frequent waking and tossing about; troublesome heat in the face, especially the cheeks; chest oppressed, with frequent hawking up of mucus; when drawing a long breath he feels a pain here and there in the chest and abdomen, with sensation as if something were pushed out of its place. Took forty drops of the tincture: In one hour, painful shifting of flatulence, folloAved by soft stool and the above described sore- ness and drawing up of the anus; momentary griping in the glans penis, as if in the urethra; a sort of painful tearing on the radial side of the left lower arm, and in the region of the left iliac bone; painful stitches in the left meatus auditorius, itching in the face, scraping sensation behind the root of the tongue, painful pressure at a small spot of the lower third of the sternum; incomplete eructa- tions followed by a feeling of coldness at the occiput and anxiety in the chest, unsteadiness of the right hand when writing; after writing a little, the fourth and fifth fingers of the right hand felt numb and a violent tingling was experienced in these parts, likewise in the dorsum and ulnar border of the right hand ; the frequently described rheumatic tearing in the limbs was again felt in the afternoon; the urine which was generally secreted in large quantity, was consider- ably diminished ; a sharp throbbing pain was felt near the sternum, low down and on the left side, and a violent painful sharp griping under the right lower eyelid, apparently in the eyeball. October 10th, thirty-five drops: Painful pressure under the upper eyelids, especially when the eyes were closed, as if they had been wearied by using them too long in a bright light; painful pressure in the head, with particularly painful spots in the forehead and tem- ples, which continued for hours. After lying down in bed, in the evening, an unpleasant sensation of coolness was experienced in the whole abdomen. Fifty drops caused a burning in the urethra at urinating. Painful sensitiveness in the region of the spleen which had been coming on all day; soreness at the tip of the tongue; luxation-pain in the left hip-joint; numbness in the left hand while leading a little boy • shock in the left side of the head like lightning. October 12th, forty-five drops and after dinner seventy additional AGARICUS MUSCARIUS. 447 drops: Beside the frequently described symptoms, the prover ex- perienced a painful tearing and tension between the left index-finger and thumb, and in the upper arm, and a sensation of hurriedness and anxiety in the chest inducing frequent and deep inspirations as if something extraordinary were iirrpending. Sensation of electric shocks in the extremities. Scraping in the throat; feeling of pressure in the region of the right nipple. October 30th, eighty drops. Dislocation-pain in both hip-joints; pain under the shoulder-blades and in corresponding regions in the front part of the chest; these pains were not affected by pressure or breathing; painful crack in the middle of the lower lip, with a burning pain the Avhole afternoon and evening; feeling of painful tension across the lumbar region, extending into the sides of the ab- domen, and affecting the abdominal muscles as if they Avere sprained; the previously experienced unsteadiness in the lower extremities be- came so great that the knees gave Avay at each step; the pain under the shoulder-blades was like a gnawing stitching pain. October 14th: Multitudinous pricklings in the left frontal protuber- ance. Beside many known symptoms the prover experienced a painful retraction of the testes. The symptoms continued more or less intensely for several days. The pains in the chest were felt at small circumscribed spots ante- riorly as well as posteriorly; on the 17th, the prover experienced indications of headache which disappeared when attention was di- rected to them, but reappeared the more suddenly and violently the more completely they were momentarily forgotten. On the 18th, a luxation-pain was felt in the neck, which was occasionally so se\-ere that the head could not be turned. On the 11th of December, Dr. Linck commenced a series of prov- ings with triturations, which had been prepared Avith equal parts in weight of the recent fungus and sugar of milk. Six and fifteen grains developed no new symptoms except a sud- den flow of saliva, and obstinate constipation. TAventy grains: Stitch as from the point of a needle close over the left eyebrow; the pain disappeared by violent scratching, and Avas accompanied by a fine painful tearing in the left elboAV-joint, Avhich pain lasted a little longer than the former. Short painful tear- ing and drawing along the left thumb and index-finger, left temple, left costal region, etc.; also in the right side of the head, right knee- joint ; burning heat in the face ; painfulness of the eyeballs; itching of the hairy scalp ; diminished secretion of urine ; itching stinging on the head, at the ear, eyebrow, and in various other parts of the body. December 6th, took thirty grains, after breakfast. This dose caused a pressing-tearing pain in the right eyeball, painful pressure at jrmht eyeball; short, lasting luxation-pain in the tendons of the dorsal surface of the right wrist-joint; sore pain in the middle of the left breast; in a few hours the same pain was experienced in the corresponding region of the right breast, and, after subsiding here, it Avas felt close above the left eyebrow, followed by a sensation of malaise and nausea in the epigastric region, Avith shaking of the 448 LECTURE XCIAr. knees. In the evening, he experienced an excessive and painful ting- ling and itching under the left eyelid. During the proving he fre- quently expelled by means of powerful expirations little balls of jelly- like, transparent mucus, which afforded much relief to the lungs. For several days he continued to ^ee troubled by the above men- tioned sensation of dull pain in the region of the left ileum. Samuel Max, medical student, SAvallowed at intervals five, ten and fifteen drops of a strong tincture. He experienced twitching of the eyelids, and coldness of the lower extremities. Dr. Rosenberg of Pesth, Hungary, instituted a series of valuable provings with the saturated tincture. On the first of March, he swal- lowed ten drops of the saturated tincture, at seven o'clock in the morning. Immediately after swallowing the drug, he experienced a burning and scraping in the throat, extending low down into the left chest. In the afternoon, during a walk in the open air, he was sud- denly attacked with a violent stitch in the small of the back, at- tended with vertigo and nausea, he had to vomit; the pain gradually extended along the whole spine, as far as the medulla oblongata. On touching the vertebral column, it Avas painful in several places. To- wards evening he felt alternately hot and chilly; slept uneasily, Avith incoherent dreams, felt Aveary and weak on waking in the morning; had palpitation of the heart, Avith copious secretion of a pale-yellow urine. Five drops caused violent palpitation of the heart, and, at a later period ravenous hunger which he was unable to gratify on account of the food not suiting his palate. This disappointment caused another attack of palpitation of the heart, attended with a convul- sive cough and sweat as from great anxiety, excessive depression of spirits. About midnight he was roused from sleep by a spasmodic pain in the left side of the abdomen with urging to stool; straining at stool caused a violent pain in the small of the back, the lower limbs felt as if bruised and semi-paralyzed; the urging continued all night; next morning violent stinging-burning pains were felt deep in the vertebral column (cord ?) The violent distress in the lower limbs continued for several days, and the backache for more than a fortnight. Twelve drops of the first attenuation caused frequent attacks of yawning, followed by involuntary laughter. After a sound sleep he awoke in the morning with a spasmodic cough, tremor of the heart and a feeling of anxiety. Next night he had three watery stools with pain in the region of the spleen. Rudolphus Schmidt, student of medicine, swallowed from five do forty-five drops of the tincture in gradually increasing doses without experiencing the least change in his condition. Fifty drops caused a tension in the region of the thyroid body, and likewise in the lumbar region, where it became aggravated by standing, less so by sitting or lying down, and disappeared when AGARICUS MUSCARIUS. 449 walking about. This tension which was at times quite painful, continued for a number of days. Dr. Linke had the tincture proved by a farmer, twenty-three years old, who sAvallowed repeatedly ten and fifteen drops of the tincture. In his case the characteristic effects of the drug were: a burning and pressure in the eyeballs, stitches over the eyes, exces- sive nausea, with sneezing and aversion to the drug; coated tongue, sensation as if the stomach were dragged down by a heavy weight, empty feeling in the region of the stomach, pinching pain and a crawling sensation in the umbilical region, flatulence. Dr. Alexander Wagner instituted provings with the attenuations as well as with the saturated tincture. Forty drops of the second decimal attenuation caused a feeling of weakness and colicky pains in the umbilical region. Ten drops of the first, decimal attenuation caused colicky pains and burning-aching pains in the hypogastric region; also coated tongue and flat taste in the mouth. Forty drops caused a feeling of repletion after eating, as from flatulence, itching on various parts of the body, in the umbilical region, on the inner surface of the thighs, on the hairy scalp, arms, etc.; yellowish tint around the Avings of the nose, in the corners of the mouth, and in the face generally; yellow spots before the eyes. Sixty drops caused an itching and burning at the anus, and burn- ing pimples on the upper and lower lips, changing in the course of the day to vesicles filled with a yellowish serum. Whitish pim- ples broke out in the umbilical and pubic regions and on the inner surface of the thighs, which caused a furious desire to scratch. The itching commenced with a crawling sensation under the skin, occasionally mingled Avith stinging and burning; scratching stained the linen with numberless bloody points. A close examination shoAved that the eruption was grouped around the roots of the hairs in the shape of two to ten desquamations of the epidermis, consti- tuting Hebra's lichen pilaris urticatus. The first attenuation was continued in quantities of one hundred to one hundred and fifty drops, without developing any other symp- toms beside the furiously itching and burning eruption. This itch- ing was relieved by washing the parts with the spirits of Camphor. The eruption gradually disappeared, but the itching continued more or less until about the middle of January. On the 22d of January, 1848, Dr. Lintz commenced his provings with the tincture. He swallowed successively ten, forty, fifty, sixty, eighty, one hundred and two hundred drops of the saturated tinc- ture. The furious itching again tormented him, and the rash like- Avise reappeared, but was less distinctly defined than it had been while the attenuations were proved. Another prominent and con- stant effect of these large doses was a thickly-coated, pasty tongue, scraping and burning, or astringent dryness of the fauces, stitches, or a drawing and pressure, from the throat to the ear, apparently vol. 11.—29------- 450 LECTURE XCIV. tv* along the Eustachian tube or lower jaw; a tension and draAving in | the sterno-cleido-mastoidei muscles; colicky griping in the bowels; vlsensation as if the liver Avere dragged down; loss of appetite. Dr. Ferdinand Zeiner commenced his provings on the 17th of June, 1847, at 9 o'clock in the morning. Five drops of the first decimal attenuation caused empty eructations, rancid taste in the mouth, pinching in the umbilical region, feeling of coldness in the abdomen, shooting stitches in the frontal protube- rances ; vanishing of sight when reading; weakness of the feet pro- ceeding from the small of the back; exposure to the heat of the sun caused violent vertigo. In the afternoon, violent burning pains in the corn on the left little toe, and in the left leg. Next morning, at breakfast, a little noise caused violent stitches in the right frontal protuberance. June 18th, ten drops: scraping in the throat, pinching at the umbilicus, frontal headache, violent stitches in the region of the ccecum while sneezing, which was caused by the sun; stitches in the anus, stitches at times in the right, at other times in the left knee; burning pain in the corn of the right little toe; papescent stools after the usual morning evacuation; fluent coryza. June 19th, twenty drops: beside the above-mentioned symptoms, the prover experienced quiverings before his eyes, depression of spirits in cheerful company. June 20th to 26th: the fluent coryza continued, the left eye and left meatus of the nose being first affected, afterwards the right, Avith discharge of an acrid, burning fluid, and bluish swelling and desquamation of the tip of the nose. There was an increased secre- tion of urine, and the bowels were relieved three times a day, with liquid discharges containing faecal masses. The skin on the left side of the scrotum became swollen, red, itching, all of which disap- peared in two days. Five drops of the sixth attenuation caused dimness of sight, burn- ing of the left outer canthus, pressure under the upper eyelid as from a grain of sand, twitching and trembling of the upper eyelid which continued for many days; stitches in the knees when rising v J from a seat or when walking; boils on the anterior surface of the /left leg and on the nates which discharged blood for five days in ,' succession. The magnificent and persevering provings which Dr. Zlatarovich instituted upon his own person, although they have yielded a num- ber of characteristic effects of the drug, yet have not rewarded the prover by adequate results for his self-sacrificing industry. These provings were instituted with massive doses of the tincture as well as with the attenuations. Among the effects obtained we distinguish more particularly a crawling and prickling sensation in the nerves, a feeling of painful tension in the fascia of the thigh, a peculiar form of spinal irritation consisting in a painfulness of the spinal column, a drawing and tensive pain in the spinal cord, and occasional fugi- tive pains in the tract of the spinal nerves; pain in the left maxillary • AGARICUS MUSCARIUS. 451 articulation; hemicrania; ringing in the ears as if bells were heard ringing in the distance; flatulent distention of the abdomen; sting- ing in the abdominal integuments from within outwards; papescent and liquid stools, also followed by itching and burning at the anus ; stitches through the urethra; cough with expectoration of quantities of mucus; spasmodic cough, also suddenly followed by sneezing, the cough is sometimes so violent that, if he yields to it, he has to bend his chest and tears are started ; tension across the chest; burn- ing at the legs; pain in the left tibia; pains in the corns; painful pimples at the vertex. Ranging the physiological effects of Agaricus under our usual categories we obtain the following anatomical groups. CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. Stupefaction and vertigo, as if the brain were in a whirl. Vertigo with buzzing in left ear. Intoxication. >Dejej£ssion of spirits, even in cheerful company. Frequent yawning folloAved by involuntary laughter. Sensation as if both sides of the head were pressed against each other. Stitching pain from left parietal bone to left temple. Painful stitches in the temples. Sensation as if the head were pressed upon all around. Stitches through the brain, as if he were to lose his senses. Digging pain in one hemisphere of the brain. Drawing-aching pain in the forehead, extending to the eyes. Stitches through the occiput every ten minutes. Stinging in the temples. Stupefying headache, with vertigo. Creaking sensation in occiput, with deafness in left ear. Stitching and jerking in left forehead, extending to the eyes. Burning at vertex, with stupefaction and vertigo. Painful prickings in the temples. Digging and formicating sensation in the forehead. -rc Sensation of expansion in the forehead, as if the brain were f whirling about. Painfulness to contact in the region of the eyebrows. Sensation of fulness in the head. Drawing-pressing pain at left frontal protuberance. Cool creeping at the vertex as if the scalp were adhering more tightly to the skull. Hemicrania (compare Kletzinsky's proving, page 443.) Painful pressure in the head and eyes. Painful spots at the forehead. Shock in the left side of the head. Prickings in the left frontal protuberance. Stitches in the left frontal protuberance Avhich a slight but unex- pected noise is sufficient to excite. 452 LECTURE XCIV. Stitching at the hairy scalp, changing to a pressure at the vertex. The spinal and ganglionic nerves are impressed by Agaricus in a variety of ways. The abnormal sensations by which these impres- sions are characterized, and the anatomical regions where these disturbances of the nervous equilibrium are experienced, constitute Agaricus one of our chief agents by means of which the restoration of nervous harmony can be successfully effected. Our provers have noted the following remarkable list of characteristic abnormal changes in the action of these systems of nerves, which are confined more particularly to the spinal cord and to the nervous system generally without being circumscribed by the boundaries of any particular anatomical locality. Weakness after the least exertion. Tearing in various parts of the body, in the outer side of the left leg. Pain in the sacrum, as if it would fly to pieces. Weight at small of back, with coldness spreading down the thighs. Weariness of the body. Tensive-aching pain of lumbar vertebrae on the right side, only felt on this side when lying on it, disappearing when turning to the left. Digging-aching pain in the right posterior cervical region. Muscular tAvitchings at the left knee, arm, back, etc. Shock of the whole body, the arm being jerked downward. Serpentine twitchings of abdominal rectus muscle. Shocks in the lower limbs, lower jaw and lower arm. Chorea-like twitchings, for a description of which we refer the reader to Dr. Huber's report, page 441. Nervous derangements of various kinds, see Dr. Huber's report, page 438. Dislocation-pain in left deltoid muscle, Avith sensation, when raising the arm, as if a thousand splinters were sticking in the muscle. This pain was likewise experienced in the extensor- muscles of the right forearm, in the cheeks, carpus, metacarpus, spine, sublingual gland, etc. Creaking, chirping or crepitation in the spine during sudden movements. Chirping deep in the cervical region. Nervous attack, see Kletzinsky's proving, page 443. Fainting turns, with inclination to vomit. Tension in lumbar region, aggravated by standing. Spinal irritation, for which see Rosenber's proving, page 448; and Zlatarovich's proving, page 450. Stinging pain in every articulation of the body, especially the knee-joints. Stinging-burning pain deep in the vertebral column. ORBITAL GROUP. Agaricus muscarius seems to exert some specific action upon the AGARICUS MUSCARIUS. 453 optic nerves and upon the ophthalmic division of the fifth pair, or the nerve of Willis, as may be inferred from the following symp- toms described by our provers. Stitching pain in the right eyebrow. Stinging above left eyebrow. Pressing pain in the region of the eyebrows. The letters seem to be in motion. Objects are seen as if through gauze. Stitching and burning in the eyes. Burning at the left eyebrow. Stitching pain in the right eyebrow. Weakness of sight. Coarse stitches at infra-orbital foramen. Confusion of sight, indistinct vision, diplopia. Pain in the eyeballs. Painful prickings in the eyeballs. Tingling and itching under the left eyelid. Yellow spots before the eyes. Vanishing of sight when reading. SAvimming sensation before the eyes. Burning in the outer canthi. Lancing pain in the inner canthi AURICULAR GROUP. Stitch in the left meatus auditorius. Itching in the ear, with icy-cold stitches, which are painful and often sudden and darting. Buzzing in the ears, alternately in the right and left. Puffing in the ears, like the puffing of a locomotive; this noise changes to a sensation as if a nail were driven in at some distance. Titillating itching from the nasal orifice of the right Eustachian tube to the inner ear, alternating with a loud ringing in the left ear. Buzzing in the left ear. Creaking in both ears during empty deglutition. Furious itching in left ear. FACIAL GROUP. Flushed face. Itching of the face. J?ainful crack in the middle of the lower jip. _ Burning in thelace, also with sensation as if it were SAVollen, ten- sion of the skin. Yellow tint around the wings of the nose and in the corners of the mouth. JAWS, CHIN, TEETH. Stinging pain in the right jaw as if splinters were sticking under the skin. LECTURE XCIV. Painfulness of the left maxillary articulation. Stitching-tearing in the horizontal ramus of the lower jaw. Tearing pain in the upper teeth. Tearing pain in the loAver teeth, also in the left upper arm. Tearing-drawing pain in the right upper jaw and chin. NASAL GROUP. Throbbing pressure in the nose as if a swollen body were pressing doAvn in it. Cutting-boring pain in the left nasal canal, darting up to the fore- head. Severe catarrh. Biting sensation in the Schneiderian membrane, with sneezing. Creaking in the nose as if the bones were pressed together. Coryza, for which see Wagner's reports, page 449. Sensation as if the nose were obstructed. MOUTH AND FAUCES. Burning and scraping in the throat. Stitches shooting from the throat to the ear. Scraping-burning in the fauces. Soreness of the tip of the tongue. A cooling-burning sensation down the oesophagus. Smarting-prickling at the left half of the tongue. Dryness of the fauces, with yawning and sensation as if something would be torn off in the fauces. Sensation as of a foreign body having lodged in the throat. Burning in the fauces, the tongue feels rough and dry. Vesicles on the hard palate, they feel sore. GASTRIC SYMPTOMS.' Saltish taste in the mouth. Pinching and tearing in the bowels, followed by bitter vomiting. Vomiting of a saltish fluid. Bitter vomiting attended with shuddering. Vomiting with straining. Sudden flow of saliva. Ravenous hunger. Nausea, terminating in a fit of sneezing. Repletion after eating. Sensation as if the stomach were dragged down ; a similar sensa- tion is experienced in the region of the liver. Coated tongue, with fiat taste in the mouth. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. Burning at the stomach. Stitches in the umbilical region, attended with sneezing and yaAvning. AGARICUS MUSCARIUS. 455 Crampy pain in the pit of the stomach, attended with nausea, empty eructations alternating with hiccough. Cutting flatulence in the bowels. Tension in the hypogastric region, followed by flashing stitches in right lumbar region. Colicky griping extending from left to right ileum. Griping and rumbling in the bowels. Violent stitches in the liver. Painful sensitiveness in the region of the spleen. Painful feeling of tension in the lumbar regions involving the abdominal muscles, which feel strained. Crampy pain in the left side of the abdomen at night, with urging to stool. Pinching and crawling sensation in the umbilical region. Burning-aching pain in hypogastrium. Stitches at ccecum, anus, knees. ALVINE EVACUATIONS. Liquid stools, also with burning at anus. Watery stools, with pain in the region of the spleen. Diarrhoeic stool, with griping. Papescent stools after the usual morning evacuation. Diarrhoeic stool, with stitches at the anus and cadaverously smell- ing flatulence. Obstinate constipation. Pinching in the bowels, followed by dry stool; after the passage of the faeces a painful dryness is experienced in the anus, attended with a desire to draw it up. Urging in the rectum, attended with loss of blood. Straining at stool causes a pain in the small of the back, and a feeling in the lower limbs as if bruised and semi-paralyzed; the urging to stool continued all night. The haemorrhoidal tumors become inflamed. URINARY AND SEXUAL ORGANS. Dribblino- of the urine, the penis is cold and looks shriveled. Urging to urinate. Tickling in the urethra. Burning in the urethra at urinating. Diminished secretion of urine. Increased secretion of urine. The skin on one side of the scrotum becomes swollen and in- flamed. Griping tingling in the glans penis. Involuntary emissions. Profuse floAV of the menses, attended with tearing in the bowels and uneasiness in the lower limbs. 456 LECTURE XC1V. RESPIRATORY GROUP. Biting sensation in the Schneiderian membrane, with sneezing. Coryza, for which see Wagner's report, page 449. Sensation as if the nose were obstructed. Dry cough. Husky voice, with stinging pain in the larynx when drawing a long breath. The lungs are relieved by expectorating balls of mucus. Dry cough, with stitching pain in the left breast, changing to a stitching-burning. Sore pain in the left, then in the right breast. Pain under the .shoulder-blades, and in corresponding regions in the front part of the chest, Cough, with expectoration of flocks of brown mucus. Oppression of the chest when drawing a long breath, pain in the chest and abdomen as if the parts were wrenched out of place. Pressure at the right nipple. Painful pressure at a spot in the lower part of the sternum. Sharp throbbing pain near the sternum. Dartings or lancinating stitches through the chest. Sighing and oppression on the chest. CIRCULATORY APPARATUS. Palpitation of the heart, which is sometimes excited by a trifling disappointment. In the morning he wakes with a spasmodic cough, tremor of the heart, and a feeling of anxiety. Shock at the heart, with anxiety and a burning distress at the orifice of the urethra. Shocks at the heart, and trembling at the pit of the stomach ; par- oxysms of oppressive anxiety. Burning at the heart, with palpitation. Pain in the chest at circumscribed spots. Pain between the eighth and ninth thoracic vertebrae, changing to a painless throbbing. Rheumatic tearing and drawing in anterior wall of right side of thorax. Stitches in the heart, with irregular and intermittent pulse. Convulsive shocks at the heart. Palpitation of the heart. (See Kletzinsky's report, page 443.) Sharp throbbing pain near the sternum. Sensation of anxiety and hurriedness in the chest. Horrid shock in the chest, for a description of which see Huber's statement, page 441. FEVER-GROUP. Although some of our provers have observed certain alterations of the nervous system and circulation which may be designated as fever, yet it is evident that the abnormal elevations and depressions AGARICUS MUSCARIUS. 457 of the animal temperature which the Amanita is capable of causing, cannot be regarded in the same light as similar effects developed by Aconite or Belladonna. The Amanita seems to exert its chief im- pression upon the nervous centres of the cerebro-spinal axis and of the ganglionic system ; the disturbances in the circulatory appa- ratus are altogether incidental to the nervous derangements which this powerful agent is capable of occasioning. The following symp- toms illustrate more particularly the effects of our drug upon the animal temperature: Burning in both feet. Sensation of coolness at the glutei muscles. Burning in the blood-vessels, which is attended with a cutting pain in the upper part of the left nostril when drawing in air, with a feeling of obstruction in the upper part of the nose ; discharge of a watery fluid from both nostrils; sneezing and yawning and hawk- ing up of small lumps of mucus from the fauces. Coolness in different parts of the body as if they were touched by quicksilver. Feeling of coldness at the occiput. Feeling of coolness in the abdomen. Coldness of the lower limbs. Weight at the small of the back, with a feeling of coolness spread- ing down the thighs. Coldness and insensibility of the glutei muscles. Painless throbbing in the vertebral canal. Apathy followed by cold shuddering over the whole body. A cool current spreading from the spine over the whole body. Shuddering spreading from the stomach over the whole body, attended with cough, pulse 100 and intermitting. A smarting-burning at small spots of the spinal column. Fever, for which see Copainigg's record, page 437. Chilliness in the Open air, Shuddering, followed by heat in the head and painful beatino- in the frontal region; the forehead being at the same time covered with perspiration. Warmth in the whole body. • BACK AND EXTREMITIES. Gnawing stitches under the shoulder-blades. Tension and drawing pain in the sterno-cleido-mastoid muscles. Convulsive shocks in the left shoulder. Painful tearing and tension between the left index-finger and thumb, and in the upper arm. Prickings in the left thumb. Numbness of the left hand while leading a little boy. Lameness of the right upper and lower arm. Fine tearing in the left elbow-joint. Luxation-pain in the right wrist. Stitch in the olecranon as from an electric spark. A small abscess on the left deltoid muscle. 458 LECTURE XCIV. Stitch in chin and olecranon. Fine tearing in ulnar side of left forearm. Painful tearing in right elbow and wrist. Fine tearing in the left lower arm, with seated pain in the dorsum of the wrist; numbness of the skin of the left forearm. Unsteadiness of the right hand. The thumb and forefinger of the right hand feel numb, with a tingling sensation. Swelling on the sides of the toe-nail. Weariness and heaviness of the lower limbs. Stitching in the left heel, darting upwards into the leg. Stitches in the hip-joint. Tensive pains at the left acetabulum as if the head of the femur were drawn out of the socket. Stitches and weakness in the knees. Weakness and trembling of lower limbs. Twitching in the small of the back and lower limbs. Creaking in the fingers and toes, with stinging pain in these parts, and in the integuments. Dislocation-pain in both hip-joints. Electric shocks in the extremities. Unsteadiness of the knees. Stitches in the knees when rising from a seat. Muscular twitchings of the right leg, with concussive shocks in this part. Burning stitch in the left heel. Drawing pain in the knees. Rheumatic-drawing pain under the glutei muscles. Sensation as if somebody were pulling his lower extremities. GENERAL SYMPTOMS. Tearing and drawing in the left thumb and index-finger, left tem- ple, left costal region, right side of the head, right knee-joint, etc. Fine tearing in the right knee and thumb, left upper jaw behind and under the ear; the parts feel sore when pressed upon. Painfulness and lameness of the limbs after a sound siesta. Fine tearing at the right parietal bone, on the right leg, and at the middle of the dorsum of the hand. Crampy pains in the upper arm and anterior surface of the thigh. EXANTHEMATOUS GROUP. Rash (Hebra's lichen pillaris urticatus, for which see Wagner's report, page 449.) Itching in different parts of the body. Itching stinging in different parts of the body. Gnawing at small spots here and there. --A A dense crop of white vesicles of the size of millet seeds. A prickling at the left index-finger, toes and heel. AGARICUS MUSCARIUS. 459 Itching and burning here and there, with darting stitches as from splinters stuck under the skin. Gnawing itching of the hairy scalp and other parts of the body. Electric stitches in the skin. Boils on the left leg and nates, discharging blood for five days. SLEEP. Nightmare, see Huber's report, page 442.- Suffocative anxiety while dreaming.*"- Stupefying sleep. GENERAL THERAPEUTIC INDICATIONS. It is evident, from the splendid provings which Professor Zlataro- vich has furnished of this drug, that it must exert a most power- fully disturbing influence upon the nervous system. It seems to affect, more particularly, the sentient nerves, the motor nervous system, the nerves which are more particularly connected with the functions of the heart, and likewise those which regulate the func- tions of the reproductive system. Locally this fungus seems to act as an irritant and eminently destructive poison. It causes vomiting, colicky pains, diarrhoea, meteorism, a small and frequent pulse, anxiety, oppression of breathing, etc., and finally destroys life by inflammation and gangrene of the mucous lining of the stomach and intestines. When reaching the brain by absorption or by direct action the poison causes vertigo, delirium, loss of consciousness, etc., and may cause death by these violent inroads upon the nervous system. Paulet relates several cases of poisoning where the patients ex- perienced intense loathing, vomiting, fainting fits, anxiety, stupefac- tion, loss of consciousness and a feeling of constriction in the throat. They remained free from colicky or any other pains. Emetics and warm water caused discharges of fungi, and bloody substances both by the mouth and rectum, after which the patients slowly recovered. Some experienced violent colicky pains and Avere 'treated with emollients and opiates. Viewing the symptoms in their totality and considering moreover the essential nature of the effects of this fungus, and their remark- able analogy to those of the continued abuse of alcoholic stimulants, we are led to regard this drug as eminently adapted for the cachexia, viz.: the deterioration of the fluids and the aberrations of the nervous system to which drunkards are so frequently and so universally liable. Experience will have to show how far the various series of effects which this agent developes in the physiological organism, may point to it as a curative agent in pathological disturbances other than those occasioned by alcohol. The pains which this fungus has developed in our provers are very peculiar. Beside the pains of a rheumatic character, such as tearing, or drawing-tearing, pains, we note stinging or sticking pains, as if splinters were sticking under the skin or in the part; the 460 LECTURE XCIV. record reads that these pains sometimes seem to proceed from thou- sands of such sharp points; they seem to have been more particularly felt in the deltoid muscles and in the cheeks. Another set of pains are tensive pains with a feeling as if the muscles had been strained; this pain, when affecting the scalp, causes a sensation as if this organ were adhering more tightly to the scalp. Dislocation-pains are felt in the deltoid muscle, in the hip joint, etc. Burning pains are likewise caused by this agent, more particu- larly in the region of the spinal cord, in the hypogastrium, in the fauces. Dr. Huber's provings show most conclusively that this drug exerts a powerful action upon the nervous system, causing a variety of muscular twitchings and tremors. The provings instituted by Kletzinsky and Rosenberg, likeAvise point to this drug as a powerful curative agent in nervous derangements, more especially for such chorea-like twitchings and tremors as drunkards are subject to, and even for acute irritations of the spinal cord, of which the acute and intensely-painful stitch experienced by Dr. Rosenberg, the burning and stinging-burning pains in the cord, the burning spots, the painful tension and excessive tenderness of the cord and various other ab- normal sensations, such as chirping, crepitating and other murmurs constitute characteristic indications. / The special senses are powerfully disturbed by this fungus; more /particularly the sense of vision, the poison having occasioned diplo- pia, mistiness of sight, itching under the eyelids, lancing pains in the canthi, aching pains in the eyeballs as if occasioned by the pressure of some foreign body upon the globe of the eye. These symptoms do not indicate Agaricus as a remedy for special affections of the , eyes, but can only be regarded as confirmatory indications for the '' use of this agent in some general constitutional cachexia. The functions of the alimentary canal, of the urinary and sexual organs, are materially altered by the action of Agaricus. A careful analysis of these alterations will satisfy the reader that these altera- tions, when occurring as pathological disturbances, will not yield to the action of Agaricus unless they can be traced to some more gen- eral dyscrasia as their fountain-head. Similar remarks apply to the action of Agaricus upon the respira- tory organs and upon the heart. The deterioration of the mucous lining of the former can only be regarded as symptomatic of a vitiation of the secretory functions of the general organism, and the violent irritation of the heart as manifested by convulsive shocks, fainting, depression and intermission of the pulse, if occurring as a more or less specific or isolated group of morbid phenomena, will most likely require some more or less specific agent, such as Aconite or Digi- talis, in preference to Agaricus. These few indications may suffice to illustrate our ideas concern- ing the therapeutic range of Agaricus. It is a vastly penetrating agent affecting every part of the animal economy, and, for this reason ranked by Hahnemann among the antipsorics and ill-adapted for the AGARICUS MUSCARIUS. 461 removal of morbid phenomena which do not constitute integral ele- ments of a logically-connected series. We have explained with suffi- cient clearness with what pathological dyscrasia or cachexia, the Agaricus-disease corresponds as its specific therapeutic neutralizer. In accordance with the toxicological and pathogenetic effects of Agaricus, we may recommend this agent for Headache or Hemicrania, more especially when consequent upon a debauch or perhaps upon some violent nervous excitement. For the symptoms which characterize the Agaricus-headache, we refer the reader to the hemicrania experienced by Kletzinsky, and to the symptoms of the Cerebro-Spinal Group generally. Apoplectic condition of the brain characterized by coma, paralytic condition of the extremities, feeble and irregular pulse, nausea, foetid breath, puffiness and bluish color of the face. Chorea minor and Chorea major, with twitchings of the muscles, or with excessive mobility; the limbs being often moved in the most fantastic manner. Delirium tremens, with maniacal rage, attempts to commit suicide. Mania saltatoria, where the muscles are excited into the most fantastic motions by the slightest stimulus imparted to them by the will. Epilepsy, when the paroxysms are accompanied by symptoms of violent cerebral congestion. Inflammation of the stomach and bowels, acute or chronic, when caused by the excessive use of alcoholic drinks; the morbid process is revealed by the foetid breath of the patient, by foul discharges from the bowels, by vomiting of blood and bile, coldness of the ex- tremities, feeble, rapid and irregular or intermittent pulse, tumefac- tion and excessive sensitiveness of the bowels, stupefaction, etc. In Enlargement of the liver, when depending upon excessive vascular engorgements, caused by abuse of alcoholic stimulants, we may ob- tain curative results from the persistent use of Agaricus. In the Chronic Vomiting of drunkards, and likewise in the Constipation or alternate constipation and diarrhoea to which drunkards are subject, Agaricus may prove useful. The diarrhoea is watery and has a 'very offensive, cadaverous smell; Avhen the boAvels are constipated, the faeces are hard and dry, their passage through the rectum causes a painful soreness of the lining mem- brane and invites a spasmodic retraction of the anus. Bronchial and Pulmonary Irritations of the lining membrane, Avith occasional paroxysms of spasmodic cough, or turns of short hacking cough, with expectoration of lumps or flakes of vitiated mucus, may require Agaricus if the exciting cause can be traced to alcohol. Irregularities of the heart's action, when depending upon a similar cause and when characterized by violent and spasmodic shocks in the region of the heart, anxiety, and sense of suffocation, may find a remedy in Agaricus. Sj>inal Irritations and neuralgic ailments characterized by stitches, a burning distress, sensation as if splinters were sticking under the skin, or as if the muscular tissue had been strained or wrenched out 462 LECTURE XCIV. of place; luxation-pains, stinging pains in the joints, tearing and drawing pains in the surface of the limbs ; depression of the animal temperature characterized by a sensation as if a part were touched by a piece of ice or by quicksilver, or .as if a cool current were spread- ing from the umbilical region or from some points in the spine down the lower extremities, indicate the use of Agaricus provided always these symptoms are not considered separately from a general cachectic state of the organism. Frost-bitten limbs, when itching and burning a great deal, are said to have been relieved by the internal and external use of Agaricus. Eruptions consisting of an itching and burning vesicular rash such as Professor Hebra of Vienna describes as lichen pilaris urti- catus, and the ordinary Acne rosacea of drunkards may be advantageously treated with Agaricus. Agaricus is not without marked influence upon the visual nerves and tissues of the eyes. How far this influence may be made avail- able in the treatment of Weak and sore eyes when caused by abuse of alcoholic stimulants, or by exposure to hygienic and atmospheric conditions which would lead to a general deterioration of the tissues, remains to be tested by experience. DOSE. In these various affections this drug will be found more efficacious when used in the lower than in the higher preparations. ANTIDOTAL. In a case of poisoning with Amanita, give emetics until the . poisonous substance is expelled; after which you may give Sul- phuric ether or Hoffman's anodyne liquor. "^ Orfila informs us that he restored dogs after giving them doses of Amanita sufficient to kill them, by making them swallow, after the poison was evacuated, alternate doses of ether and etherated water, or the mineral anodyne liquor of Hoffman. Besides ether, an effu- sion of galls may likewise prove useful. Cathartics may have to be resorted to, in order to free the bowels. _ We have learned by the experiments of Orfila and other toxicolo- gists, that vinegar dissolves the active parts of Amanita and Agaricus bulbosus, so that one may with impunity swallow either of these kinds of mushrooms, cut in pieces, and cleansed in this acid, but the liquor itself is exceedingly poisonous. Hence, when these mushrooms are taken into the stomach with vinegar, in a quantity sufficient to produce death, it takes place sooner than without vinegar, provided the substance has not been vomited; which doubtless arises from the property possessed by the vinegar, of dissolving those parts which are most easily absorbed. Orfila further determined by experiment that vinegar and water AMMONIACUM. 463 appear to be useful when the substance has been removed by evacu- ants. Common salt dissolved in water has the same property as vinegar in dissolving the active parts of the mushroom, and has of course the same advantages and disadvantages. Mr. Gerar,d has recently shown before a Committee of the Paris Council of Health, that the poisonous mushrooms may be entirely deprived of their deleterious properties by being simply macerated and then boiled in water, to which a little vinegar has been added. The poisonous principle is entirely soluble in water, and is entirely removed by it. It is not soluble in alcohol except by virtue of the Avater which it may contain. Hence an alcoholic tincture of Agaricus must be comparatively weak and perhaps inefficient. The best pro- cess would undoubtedly be to make a watery solution of the fungus, if it can be obtained fresh, and to add just enough of the alcohol to secure the preservation of the liquid. I am unable to say whether triturations of the recent fungus would prove efficient; the experi- ment is undoubtedly worth a trial. AMMONIACUM. Another gum-resin which is obtained from the Dorema ammonia- cum, and has been recently introduced in homoeopathic practice. The Dorema ammoniacum is a native of Persia, about seven feet high, a glaucous green plant with leaves about two feet long. The whole plant is abundantly pervaded by a milky juice which oozes forth upon the slightest puncture being made, even at the ends of the leaves. This juice, when hardened, constitutes Ammoniacum. Lieut. Col. Kennet, in the Linnean Transactions, says : " When the plant has attained perfection, innumerable beetles, armed with an anterior and posterior probe of half an inch in length, pierce it in all directions; the exuding juice soon becomes dry and is then picked off, and sent via Bushire to India and various parts of the world." Ammoniacum comes to us in the tear and in the lump. The lumpy Ammoniacum is composed of agglutinated tears, yelloAvish or brownish externally, with a waxy lustre, and whitish or opales- cent internally. It is sometimes met with in soft plastic masses of a darker color, and mixed with various impurities. To separate these it is melted and strained. Both kinds have a faint, unpleasant, peculiar odor, by Avhich this onm-resin may be distinguished from others. This odor is best detected by heating the Ammoniacum on the point of a pen-knife. The taste is bitter, nauseous and acrid. Trousseau and Pidoux say of this agent: " We have taken two drachms of this substance at once, without experiencing any of those accidents indicated by authors." We may use Ammoniacum in cases of Chronic Cough, with irritation of the bronchial mucous membrane and profuse expectoration of mucus. It is also recommended for 464 LECTURE XCIV. Amaurotic Weakness of sight, for it causes obscuration of sight. It may also prove useful in Weak Digestion, to which it is more or less homoeopathic. Its use may be chiefly confined to Blennorrhea of the bronchial tubes, and perhaps blennorrhoea of the vagina with tendency to profuse and premature menstruation. ANGUSTURA TERA, (Brazilean Calipea officinalis.—Nat. Ord:—Ochne^e,) • Not the bark of the trifoliata as was formerly supposed. The Cali- poea is a shrub seldom exceeding an altitude of twenty feet, whereas the Angustura is a stately tree of from sixty to eighty feet high. Of the bark we make a tincture of a deep yellowish-brown color. In his introductory notes to Angustura, Hahnemann mentions the case of four persons each of Avhom took from ten to twelve grains of the extract of Angustura, and Avere seized with rigidity of the muscles of the body, like tetanic spasm; one of them suddenly fell down, without however losing his consciousness; lockjaw. According to Noack and Trinks, this agent may be of use in paralytic rheuma- tism, in lockjaw with convulsions of the back, in tetanic convulsions, and in spinal irritation characterized by spasms of the extremities, oppression on the chest, violent palpitation of the heart, feeling of heat in the face. These indications are not reliable, and should be attributed to the bark of the Strychnos Nux vomica, which, for a long time was supposed to be the Angustura vera, the bark of the Bonpland-trifol. The true Angustura bark has been successfully given in spring-in- termittents, probably empirically, on account of its supposed tonic and astringent properties which assimilate it somewhat to Peruvian bark. It has also been given in intermittent neuralgia of the face. Dr. Marcy of NeAv York reports a case of this kind, where the symp- toms were: acute pain in both cheeks occasionally darting through the eyeballs and temples, aggravated by stooping, stepping and by mental excitement, debility, depression of spirits, frequent chilly sensations, and occasional attacks of nausea and looseness of the bowels. Four doses of the first dilution were prescribed daily, and at the expiration of six days all unpleasant symptoms had disap- peared. It is also recommended in diarrhoea, more particularly of a chronic nature, accompanied by general debility, loss of flesh, mucous and bilious derangements as indicated by acidity, coated tongue, pappy or unpleasant taste, loss of appetite ; it is often given in cases where China seems indicated, but proves unsuccessful. ASARUM EUROPiEUM. 4 05 ASARUM EUROPIUM, (Asarabacca, FoaVs foot, Hazlewort.—Nat. Ord.—Aristolochiace^e), A perennial plant, with a short, simple stem from which come two kidney-shaped leaves of a glossy green color. From the axils of the leaves springs a solitary drooping flower of a greenish color, and a purplish brown within. It is found in most countries of Europe, in mountainous woods. We prepare a tincture of the leaves and root, of a dark-brown color and a slightly acrid taste. A porter swallowed forty-eight grains of this drug which caused violent pains in the abdomen, severe vomiting and purging. We may give it for gastric derangements characterized by such symptoms, also Avith secretion of a burning saliva, more particularly, if the paroxysm is attended Avith a good deal of chilliness. This drug is not very important; nevertheless Hahnemnn has furnished a few provings of it, which reveal its irritating properties and shoAV its homoeopathicity to gastric irritations of an inflamma- tory character. We may use from the 3d to the 12th potency. The introductory paragraphs by which Hahnemann's interesting proving of this drug are preceded in the third volume of his Materia Medica, are so replete with practical wisdom that we deem it a privi- lege to lay them before the student of Homoeopathy in this place. " Even in the few instances where the empirical routinists of the dominant school made an effort to investigate the virtues of single drugs, we have evidence that they proceeded very carelessly, not even excepting such men as Coste and Willemet Avho, in their prize- thesis entitled : Essais sur quelques plantes indigenes, (Essays on some indigenous plants, Nancy, 1778,) profess to have communicated full information concerning the medicinal properties of the hazlewort. What was it that they discovered by means of the experiments, specially instituted for that purpose ? Not one of the very remark- able effects of the root which we here promulgate to the world, save the fact that, when swallowed in doses of tAventy-eight to forty grains, it causes five or six turns of vomiting. But what peculiar kind of vomiting, and by what dangerous or othenvise troublesome symp- toms was the vomiting accompanied ? Not a word of all this. They likeAvise found that forty-eight grains given to a porter, caused severe colicky pains, violent vomiting and purging, which had to be allayed by an injection of milk. Is this a reason why, as they propose, the action of this root should be deemed equivalent to that of Ipecacu- anha ? Is this the only effect that the root has produced ? Are these the only curative results which may be obtained by means of this root ? Hoav carelessly must this important business have been managed, if these are the boundaries of the therapeutic range Avhich these experimenters have set to this valuable agent! The hazlewort can no more be employed as a substitute for Ipe- vol. n.—30 466 lecture xciv. cacuanha (which is itself capable of producing a number of altera- tions in the normal condition of the organism beside vomiting and purging) than as a substitute for any other substance which, if swal- loAved in excessive quantities, is likewise expelled again by the act of emesis, such as Arsenic, the Sulphate of Zinc, the Acetate of Cop- per, Veratrum, etc. Do these substances which, if taken in excess, excite severe and dangerous vomiting, exist in Nature for no better reason than to be employed as emetics ? What short-sightedness, Avhat dangerous superficiality! I do not apply these remarks to Coste and Willemet merely, but to all our pretended observers Avho, in reality, are no observers at all. Mutato nomine de te fabula nar- ratur. The only effects which they see produced by drugs, are evacuations by the pores of the skin, by the bladder, rectum, etc., for the simple reason that they aim at nothing else than at removing some morbid matter Avhich is never present, and the removal of Avhich is deemed indispensable to a cure. By collating the effects which the above-mentioned authors men- tion with an air of careless superficiality, probably because the luckless porter did not die outright, and the results of our own experiments, it becomes evident that this root, which is such a god- send to the partisans of the saburral theory, inasmuch as massive doses thereof are capable of producing copious evacuations by the mouth, may at the same time endanger, and, if Wedel's testimony be reliable, destroy human life. What a precious drug by whose agency supposed gastric impurities can be expelled from the stom- ach without any other danger than that—of destroying life! Far be it from us to subject our sick brethren to such barbarous treat- ment ! Nature has created this root for much nobler purposes. To arrest vomiting, when accompanied by the other threatening symptoms Avhich the hazleAvort is capable of occasioning, by means of compar- atively small and innocuous quantities of this agent, is the first humane use Avhich we should make of it, the very opposite of that murderous abuse for which it had been recommended as an emetic. The_homoeopathic physician who institutes therapeutic proceed- ings diametrically opposed to those of the common routinist, knows how to employ those powerful gifts of God to much better advan- tage ; he never uses them to produce such violent, life-endangering commotions of the human organism; even domestic animals should be spared such cruel treatment which the vernacular of the people designates as horse-cures. It was the design of the Creator that Ave should learn to combat diseases by means of small quantities of similarly-acting drugs. He did not create these in such abundance in order that the human race should be injured by their abuse. These substances have been designed by Nature for many other purposes, some of which are still unknoAvn to us; her manifold productions are intended for a variety of uses. If some of them are designed to subserve the necessities of the sick organism as specific restorers of its shattered health, we are certainly not justified on that account in prescribing ASARUM EUROPiEUM. 467 them in enormous quantities. Arsenic, for instance, fulfils many other uses m the economy of Nature, besides being a therapeutic agent, lor only an insignificant portion of the quantities whieh the mountains of Saxony alone yield is required for medicinal pur- poses. L CEPHALIC GROUP. _ The action of this drug upon the brain is sufficiently character- istic to- deserve our attention. It seems to depress the vigor of the mental faculties; it causes an inability to think, a mental dullness attended with giddiness and a feeling of intoxication. The head- ache it causes is of a rheumatic nature, a draAving and tearing, and likewise a throbbing pain in the forehead, sides of the head; the draAvmg and tearing pain, in some cases, reaches dowmvards to the root of the nose, or to the nape of the neck. The headache is unaccompanied by nausea, and abates after vomiting. ORBITAL GROUP. m The action of Asarum upon the senses of vision and hearing likeAvise points to a rheumatic origin. It causes burning and dry^ ness of the eyes, mistiness and obsuration of sight, and a sensation as if the drum of the ear were closed up by some intervening substance. DENTAL GROUP. The salivary glands seem to secrete more saliva than usual, a feeling of warmth is experienced in the face. Franz reports an interesting symptom: A contracting or astringent pain on the left side of the face, in the third molar tooth, accompanied by gentle shocks as if inflicted with sharp points. Stapf reports: A feeling of coldness, like a cool breath, passes through the upper front teeth. These symptoms show that Asarum may be a valuable remedy in Nervous Toothache having a rheumatic origin. An accessory in- dication for Asarum in these affections is the relief which the appli- cation of cold water procures; Ave infer this from the folloAving record furnished by Stapf: While washing his face with cold water, the vertigo, headache, burning on the tongue and in the mouth, the contraction of the left cervical muscles, and the languid feeling in the knees disappeared, but all these sensations returned again as soon as the face had been dried. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. It is in the different organs and tissues of the digestive apparatus that Asarum manifests its chief effects. It causes 465 LECTURE XCIV. An increased flow of a watery, and sometimes of a more tenacious saliva; White-coated tongue; Burning on the tongue, and afterwards in the whole moutn ; Sweetish-flat or foul taste, as from a deranged stomach; Tenacious phlegm in the throat for eight days; he is scarcely able to hawk it up ; Empty eructations; Nausea with shuddering; Nausea and retching, with Aoav of water m the mouth ; An hour after the retching, five or six turns of vomiting of a greenish, someAvhat sour fluid, with sensation as if the skull in the region of the ears would fly open; Yomiting, with great anxiety; Vomiting and diarrhoea; t Pressure at the stomach and in the epigastrium, also a feeling ot constriction in the region of the diaphragm; Excessive colic and vomiting; Qualmishness in the abdomen, attended with repeated paroxysms of headache along the coronal suture ; Turns of painful pressure in the abdomen ; The alvine evacuations are preceded by cutting in the bowels and stitches in the rectum from above downwards ; Diarrhoea consisting of tenacious mucus, Avith Avhich a few asca- rides are mixed. This series of symptoms gives a complete idea of the manner in which the mucous surfaces of the gastro-intestinal canal are acted upon by our drug. The character of these symptoms shows that the abdominal ganglia are deeply involved in the production of these effects, and that atmospheric miasmatic influences constitute most probably the chief determining cause of the irritation. We may regard this series of symptoms as an attack of Rheumatic Cholera-Morbus, involving not only the stomach and boAvels, but, by a process of reflex action, the brain. In such an attack the urinary organs may be involved, for it is the whole mucous expanse that feels the shock of the drug, and if the homoeo- pathicity of the drug-series to the pathological disease is to be com- plete, .must likewise experience the disturbing action of the morbific force. In this direction Stapf reports the following symptom: A maddening, intense pain in the left groin, flashing rapidly through the urethra into the glans, and causing an excoriating, con- tracting, violent pain in the canal, which lasted for some time. The irritating action of this drug has even produced miscarriage ; this effect is reported by Ray, in his History of Plants, (quoted by Hahnemann.) RESPIRATORY GROUP. Some of the symptoms Avhich we find recorded in this range, are exceedingly striking, and their presence Avould afford strong evidence •f the homoeopathicity of Asarum to the existing group of patho- ASARUM EUROPIUM. 469 logical phenomena. However, we Avould enjoin upon the young practitioner and student of Homoeopathy the importance of not isolating the symptoms of this group from the integral series of the physiological effects of the drug. Among the symptoms of this group we distinguish such symptoms as these: Sensation as if the breath and the saliva were hot; yet the mouth does not feel dry; Several turns of cough on account of phlegm on the chest, which rises into the throat and causes difficult breathing and finally turns of cough, with expectoration ; The inspirations cause an irritation in the throat which excites cough ; Dull stitch deep, as if in the left lung, interfering with the breath- ing, at each inspiration; Stitches in the lungs during an inspiration, for eight days; Feeling of oppression over the whole chest; Sensation as if a wire were firmly tied round both lungs, like a cutting; Burning pains in the ehest, more on the outside than within. All these symptoms reveal the rheumatic type of the affection for which Asarum is adapted. In such an affection Ave shall find the different series of symptoms which we have presented and commented upon so far, constituting an inseparable pathological tableau, save the predominance of one or the other element of this composite group, which may be determined by constitutional idiosyncracies or hereditary susceptibilities. If these chest-symptoms are more prominently developed, we might designate the affection as a case of Rheumatosis or Rheumatalgia of the Lungs, but in order to make sure of the correctness of our choice, the character of the gastro-intestinal symptoms must confirm it. We may again state that all the symptoms of this interesting series are like one unit, and that the different parts thereof must support and complete each other. A glance at the symptoms whieh Hahnemann and his disciples have recorded in the region of the back and extremities, likeAvise reveals their rheumatic character. Some of these symptoms are highly interesting and bear the impress of accurate observation and of a rano-e of susceptibilities Avhich nature seems to have attuned to the important business of proving drugs ; we read: Burning and bruising pain in the back; Pain in the nape of the neck, on the left side, as if a bundle of muscular fibres had been displaced by a violent effort; the pain afterAvard spreads over the head and shoulders ; Sensation as if the muscles of the neck were pressed upon by a dull cutting edge. This symptom Avas experienced by several provers, Stapf, Hornburg, Franz. Tearing stitches in both shoulders, Avhen moving them; Dislocation-pain in the shoulder joint; 470 LECTURE XCIA\ Aching and stitching pains are likeAvise felt in the loAver extremi- ties ; the parts likeAvise feel Aveary and lamed. Ruckert reports an excessive irritability of the nerves, so that even the bare fear lest somebody should scrape with the finger-nail, or the like, causes him to shudder. The following symptom reported by Hornburg, shows that the sensorium is more than commonly involved in the action of the drug: While sleeping he experienced such a violent stitch in the dorsum of the left foot, that he dreamed that it was the effect of a fly-blister: on waking the pain was gone. FEYER-GROUP. The fever caused by Asarum is chiefly characterized by chilliness. Some homoeopathic physicians have even proposed Asarum as a remedy for fever and ague. We doubt the Avisdom of this arrange- ment. There might possibly be some periodicity in the rheumatic attacks for which Asarum is adapted, but the fever-symptoms of this drug do not seem to me to exhibit the pathognomonic character- istics of the true intermittent fever. The Asarum-fever is emphati- cally a nervous fever, the nervous centres, and more particularly their peripheral derivations are violently racked, as may be inferred from the intensity of the chill which seems to have been experi- enced by most provers; but there is very little heat and perspira- tion, and even if the surface warms up, the feeling of shuddering still continues within. These fever-symptoms complete the group of rheumatosis of the lungs and bowels Avhich requires Asarum as its specific homoeopathic neutralizer. Such a group may not often occur as a natural disease; but it is neither a fancy nor a theoretical assumption, and it is well that a homoeopathic practitioner should be prepared to meet it. AETIIUSA CYNAPIUM. [FooVs Parsley, Dog's Parsley, Lesser Hemlock.—Natural Order :— Umbellifer^e.) Formerly this plant was confounded by many writers Avith the spotted hemlock or Conium maculatum under the general term Ci- cuta. It has a tapering, whitish root, the stem from one to two feet high, but not spotted. Leaves bipinnate, smooth, or a dark lurid green ; floAvers Avhitish, forming umbels. It resembles the common garden-parsley, from Avhich, however, it may be readily distinguished. The leaves are of a darker green than those of common parsley; the floAvers of fool's parsley are Avhitish, those of the common parsley of a pale yellow ; the flower-stem of wild parsley is striated and grooved; a characteristic appendage of the wild parsley-floAver is the beard or three long pendulous leaves under the flower. Coavs, horses, sheep, goats, and sAvine are said to eat it without injury. AETHUSA CYNAPIUM. 471 We make a brownish-yellow tincture of the whole plant. Orfila and others relate a feAV interesting cases of poisoning by this plant, some of the more interesting and instructive of which I will mention. A boy, six years of age, having eaten some of this herb by mis- take, for parsley, at four o'clock in the afternoon, commenced, imme- diately after, to cry out in great pain, and complained of cramps in the stomach; whilst taking him home the Avhole body became exces- sively swollen, and of a livid hue; the respiration became difficult and short, and he died toward midnight. Another child Avas pois- oned in the same manner, but he was fortunate enough to vomit up the herb ; this, however, did not prevent his talking wildly, and, in his delirium, he thought he saw numbers of dogs and cats. We see from these cases that Aethusa cynapium affects very poAverfully the sensorium and the liver ; it seems to arrest the secre- tory functions of this organ, and the patient dies with all the symp- toms of bilious poisoning. Riviere reports the case of an individual Avho perished by this poison, and, on a post-mortem examination, the tongue Avas found black. There was a brown serous fluid in the stomach; the liver was of a yelloAV color ; the spleen was livid; the body was not tumefied. This case again shows the disorganizing action of Aethusa cyna- pium upon the liver, an action resulting in a sort of granular indu- ration of this organ and in consequent decomposition of the gastric juice by bile, gangrene of the tongue and disorganization of other internal organs. A woman gave two of her children some soup in which this herb had been boiled. They were both seized with severe pains in the abdomen, and next morning there Avas perfect unconsciousness; the lower jaw was spasmodically fixed; abdomen tumid; vomiting of bloody mucus, and constant diarrhoea; cold extremities; convulsions; death in twenty-four hours. Post-mortem appearances: redness of the lining membrane of the oesophagus, and slight vascular con- gestion of the stomach and duodenum. This case is extracted from a German Medical Periodical; it shows that Aethusa cynapium must be a poAverful narcotic poison and that the signs of vascular congestion which were discovered after death, must have been incidental to the narcotic agency of the drug. We can imagine an acute attack of bilious typhus Avhere the symptoms might in a measure be analogous to these symptoms of poisoning, and where Aethusa cynapium would of course be indicated. In the Medical Times of the 23d of August, 1845, the folloAving case is reported ; "A child Avho had eaten the bulbs by mistake for young turnips, was suddenly seized with pain in the abdomen, folloAved by nausea, without vomiting; she could not sAvallow, had a vacant look, Avas unable to answer questions; her loAver jaw became fixed ; she became insensible and died an hour after the first symp- toms of poisoning had begun to shoAV themselves. 472 LECTURE XCIV. This case furnishes another illustration of the narcotic poAver of Aethusa, which paralyzed the brain so speedily in this case that the bile had no chance to develop its irritating effects upon the lining membrane of the stomach. I have tAvo more cases to relate Avhich are too instructive to be omitted. One is the case of two ladies of Castle Dounington, England, who partook of some salad in which the Aethusa had been put by mistake for common parsley. Serious symptoms soon fol- lowed. There was troublesome nausea, Avith vomiting ; oppressive -headache and giddiness; desire to sleep, with frequent startings and excessive agitation; pungent heat in the mouth, throat, and gullet, Avith great difficulty of swallowing; great thirst, with total loss of appetite for every kind of solid food ; the extremities felt benumbed, and Avere affected Avith tremors; and all the vital and animal functions Avere performed Avith unusual activity. The ladies eventually re- covered. This case is another evidence of the narcotico-acrid action of the wild parsley. It would seem as though the first action of the poison was directed against that portion of the brain Avhich seems to control the functions of the liver. It strikes down the functional power of the liver, and secondarily gives rise to symptoms of bilious inflam- mation, bilious disorganization of vital fluids, bilious paralysis, by which I mean that the inflammation, disorganization of vital fluids and the paralysis result from the irritating action of the bile upon the tissues. The last case of poisoning which I shall relate to you, is that of a Mr. Freckleton, a healthy, strong man of about thirty-five years of age, a tavern-keeper, Avho ate a handful of fool's parsley, with nearly the same quantity of young lettuce, about one o'clock at noon; in about ten minutes he was affected with a pain in the stomach and boAvels, attended with rumbling. He Avalked out in the fields, but Avas seized with such languor, weariness and weakness, that he sup- ported himself with difficulty. He Avas much troubled with giddi- ness in the head; his vision was confused, and sometimes objects appeared double. At seven o'clock he got an emetic which brought up, he supposes, all the fool's parsley, but none of the lettuce; this relieved him of the unpleasant symptoms in the stomach, but the other sensations continued, and he passed a restless night. Next day he had onuch pain in his head and eyes which last were inflamed and blood-shot. He had different circumscribed swellings in his face which were painful and inflamed, but they were transient, and flew from place to place. On Saturday his eyes were highly inflamed, painful, and entirely closed by the surrounding inflammation. He Avas bled which gave him much relief in his face and eyes. From this time till Monday, he continued to get better, but had even, then, pain, heat and inflammation of the eyes, with oedematous swelling of the cheeks; his remaining symptoms went off* gradually. The symptoms of bilious irritation are quite manifest in this case. The pain in the stomach and bowels, the languid and weary feeling, AETHUSA CYNAPIUM. 473 the excessive weakness, the giddiness, the confused vision and diplopia, and afterwards the violent inflammation of the face and eyes show that the bile had been enabled, in consequence of the prostrated or benumbed condition of the liver, to exercise its poison- ous influence upon certain tissues and organs. Ranging these physiological effects of Aethusa cynapium under our usual categories, we obtain the following series of symptoms; CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. Wild delirium, the patient fancies he sees dogs and cats: Giddiness and oppressive headache ; Loss of consciousness; Spasmodic rigidity of the lower jaw; Tremors and numbness of the extremities; Languor, weariness and great weakness; Cold extremities and convulsions; Paralysis of the organs of speech. INFLAMMATORY GROUP. Violent ophthalmia.; Gangrene of the tongue; Inflammation of the oesophagus, slight vascular congestion of the stomach and duodenum. Inflammation and transitory swellings in the face. ORBITAL GROUP. Confused vision and diplopia; Staring look; CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. Thirst; Nausea and vomiting; Paralytic disphagia; Spasmodic pains in the bowels; Bloody diarrhoea; Yellow and hard liver ; granular liver. EXANTHEMATIC GROUP. Livid skin; Swelling of the body. SLEEP. Sopor; Restless night. 474 LECTURE XCA*. The symptoms of these different groups cannot be separated in practice. Practically they will be found to constitute a pathological unit which may be described as Typhus biliosus, or Cirrhosis, or the symptoms of bilious irritation may have become localized in the eyes, producing a severe ophthalmia, or in the oesophagus and gastro-intestinal lining membrane, determining an inflammation of these parts; if Ave wish to employ this drug success- fully in any of the pathological conditions for which it is homceo- pathically adapted, it is of the utmost importance that we should always view the action of this drug in its integrality, and from its integral relation to the nervous centres upon which the functional vitality of the liver depends, determine the homoeopathicity of Aethusa to the case before us. If the patient happens to be addicted to the abuse of spirits, Aethusa may perhaps be so much more specifically indicated. Antidotal: vomiting, diluted vinegar or citric acid, friction and mustard-plasters to the feet.—Aconite for the inflammatory symp- toms. LECTURE XCY. BARYTA CARBONICA, (Carbonate of baryta) This agent is recommended for scrofulosis, swelling, induration and suppuration of glands, chronic sore throat; it is said to be a good medicine for old people, suffering from loss of mental vigor, and of physical energy from old age. Pereira relates the following case of poisoning with this agent, which shows the acro-narcotic character of the poison. A young woman swallowed half a teacupful of the powdered Carbonate; in two hours she had dimness of sight, double vision, ringing in the ears, pain in the head and throbbing in the temples, a sensation of distension and weight at the epigastrium, distension of the stomach, and palpitation. Subsequently she had pains in the legs and knees and cramps in the calves. A day or two after, the cramps became more severe. These symptoms, slightly modified, continued for a long time. They show that the first action of Baryta is upon the brain, whence it extends to the peripheral nerves. I look upon this case of poisoning as a most beautiful proving of the Carbonate of Baryta, which may reveal to us a positive and specific remedy in a case of Hysteria or an acute Irritation of the cerebral and ganglionic nerves characterized by BARYTA MURIATICA. 475 the foregoing symptoms. To accidental or intentional cases of poisoning' we are indebted for some of the most beautiful provings in our Materia Medica. An antidote to Baryta carbonica is a mixture of an alkaline Sulphate, (Sulphate of Soda or Sulphate of Magnesia,) and diluted vinegar. The use of vinegar- is to give a soluble barytic salt, on which the alkaline Sulphate immediately reacts, and produces the insoluble Sulphate of Baryta. BARYTA MURIATICA, Muriate of Baryta—Chloride of Barium. This salt Avas discovered by Scheele in 1775. It was extensively used by the illustrious Hufeland in scrofulous diseases, especially in inflamed conditions of the system (particularly of delicate and sensible parts, as of the lungs and eyes), in painful ulcers, indura- tions which are disposed to inflame, and cutaneous affections. We know that small doses produce increased secretion of urine, tendency to perspire and loose stool. Larger doses cause symptoms of irritation, nausea and vomiting, griping and purging, feverishness, dryness of the tongue, giddiness and muscular debility. Sometimes catarrhal discharges from the eyes, nose and ears are excited. The muscular debility sometimes amounts to paralysis and trembling. A poisonous dose may produce convulsions, pain in the head, deafness, and death. A post-mortem examination in cases of poisoning shows that the cerebral vessels are turgid Avith blood, the mucous membrane of the digestive canal is inflamed throughout its whole extent, with extraordinary contraction of the colon down to the rectum; the liver, spleen, lungs and heart contain a thick, black blood. According to Orfila and Brodie the Muriate of Baryta first acts upon the brain and nervous system and upon the heart, causing paralysis of the brain and coagulation of the circulatory fluid. Guided by the knoAvn effects of the Muriate of Baryta, we may recommend it for. Paralysis of the upper and lower limbs; with acute pain in the limbs; it is particularly in experiments upon animals that these effects have been witnessed; hoAV far they may serve us as guides in the treatmeut of paralytic conditions Avmich may befal the human species, will have to be determined by further experience. Stricture of the colon and rectum, a result developed by a poison- ous dose. Scrofulous swellings, induration and inflammation of glands, also of the testicles. Frank relates a case of enormous sAvelling and indu- ration of the testicles, of nine years' standing; it was cured in a couple of months by the continued use of the Muriate of Baryta, forty drops of a Avatery solution four times a day; the patient had to discontinue the drug every noAV and then on _ account of the 476 LECTURE XCV. medicinal symptoms which it developed. Why not have given him less ? Routine, scholastic dogmatism! In reference to the anti-scrofulous virtues of the Muriate of Baryta, Old-School physicians are guilty of the fault which they commit with so many other drugs. It having been once established as a dogma that this agent is an anti-scrofulous medicine, it must therefore dis- perse or, in the technical language of the School, melt, all sorts of glandular enlargements. Not only must the disappointments result- ing from this erroneous method of prescribing medicines for specific names of diseases, be very great, but the patient is victimized by a theory. The glandular swelling must yield, cost what it may ; and dose after dose, like Ossa upon Pelion of old, is piled upon the poor patient, until he is fairly crushed under the poisonous burden. A case of treatment is reported in Frank's Magazine, where tAvo little children were poisoned for five consecutive months with large doses of Baryta without the dispersion of the scrofulous swellings for which the medicine was given, having been effected. Inflammation of the mucous coats of the stomach and intestines with violent colic, diarrhoea, feverish flashes, flushes in the face, efforts to vomit. Ptyalism, with looseness of the teeth, swelling of the salivary glands and palate, odor from the mouth, resembling mercurial fetor; it may therefore prove antidotal to simple, uncomplicated mercurial ptyalism. Irritable Bladder; Baryta has caused violent and continual urging to urinate, the urine very frequently went off involuntarily and with a good deal of pain. Baryta also causes increased but painless secretion of urine, which deposits a whitish sediment. Nocturnal Emissions; a young man who was perfectly free from this weakness, had an emission every time he took from twenty-five to thirty drops of a watery solution of this salt in the proportion of 1: 16. Scrofulous Phthisis, complicated with herpes and swelling of the testicles. A patient who was afflicted Avith these disorders, was cured in three months; the case is reported in Frank's Magazine. Enlargement of the Liver, in scrofulous subjects. Induration of the Pancreas, the following case of which is reported in Frank's Magazine: A man of thirty years was attacked several times a day, and also in the night, by anxiety, and such an oppres- sion for breath that he had to roll on the floor like an epileptic patient. He had to sit up all the time, with his head bent forward, and profuse discharge of mucus from the mouth; it was a sort of saliva which ran out of the mouth in large quantities on the least attack of the distress. In the left side, below the stomach, an indu- ration was felt from which the paroxysms proceeded according to the patient's own statement and sensations. In two months°the induration, ptyalism and oppression were removed. Worms; a farmer, aged thirty-six years, became emaciated, but had no fever; he had a great deal of pain in the umbilical region, especially early in the morning, dry cough, craving for food, tongue covered with phlegm, no bad taste in the mouth. After taking BERBERIS VULGARIS. 477 Baryta in tolerably large doses, he discharged large quantities of lumbrici and mucus, and recovered. Scrofulous Eruptions, crusty tetter, scaly herpes, tinea capitis. Dropsy after scarlet-fever; it excites diuresis, and may remove the difficulty by establishing a critical discharge of the fluid. ANTIDOTAL TREATMENT. The antidotes to this salt are the Sulphates, which form therewith an insoluble Sulphate of Baryta. You may employ the Sulphate of soda or of magnesia. Of course the poison should be removed from the stomach as speedily as possible, by means of an emetic. BERBERIS VULGARIS, (Barberry.—Nat. Ord :—Berberil\ele.) This bush grows extensively all through the New England States, from three to six feet high; a thorny bush, the thorns at the base of each leaf bud; the little flowers of a bright-yellow color; berries red, oblong, a little curved and very acid. In medicine we use the delicate rootlets and the bark of the larger roots, from which we prepare a yellowish-broAvn tincture. This drug has long been used in domestic practice as a medicine for fevers and inflammations, on account of its supposed cooling effect upon the system. We have some provings of this drug Avhich determine its therapeutic character to some extent. Hesse gave to a perfectly healthy girl one grain three times a day, for four days, altogether twelve grains. The drug caused general depression of strength, slight shivering along the back in the morning; heat in the face towards night, inflammation of the conjunctiva, great thirst, anorexia, slight griping in the abdomen, and pains before micturi- tion. After giving an infusion of the root, he observed still more remarkable symptoms, such as a fully developed inflammation of the tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, with intense redness and a good deal of swelling. It should be mentioned, however, that these effects super- vened at a time when the influenza prevailed as an epidemic disease. There was at the same time a sensation as of a lump having lodged in the throat, accompanied by painful stiffness of the neck, hoarse ness, pain during empty deglutition, dryness, scraping, roughness and burning in the throat (Avithout thirst), extending doAvn the trachea and oesophagus; early in the morning expectoration of a thick, yellow, jelly-like mucus, a whitish and pasty coating on the tongue, and viscid saliva resembling soap-suds; this symptom con- tinued for two days Avith great Ariolence, after which the sensation as of a plug in the throat remained for eight days longer, with rough- ness, dryness and scraping in the throat for several weeks, and coryza supervening in the end. On the other hand, Paulli praises the .antiphlogistic effect of Berberis in fevers and inflammations, particularly in those of the tonsils and uvula. This would seem to 478 LECTURE XCV. justify the inference that Berberis is homoeopathic to this kind of angina. Inferences of this character would of course be repudiated by an Old-School practitioner who predicates the use of Berberis in angina faucium upon its alterative action as a cathartic irritant. Nevertheless, even an Old-School philosopher must admit that it is not simply the cathartic action of Berberis that is depended upon for a cure; if this were so, any other cathartic might do just as Avell; it is the specific nature of the Barberry-catharsis which is essen- tially required in order to remove these certain forms of angina. The secret of all this is that Berberis produces an angina which is the exact counterpart, or type of the natural disease; hence its power to wipe out the latter, even without an artificially excited catharsis. We know by actual experiments that Berberis excites an inflam- matory irritation in the lining membrane of the abdominal viscera, liver, intestines, bladder and uterus, and that it must therefore be homoeopathic to inflammatory irritations of these organs. In the acute form of such irritations, Berberis will probably disappoint us; but in sub-acute irritation of the mucous lining characterized by such symptoms as are appropriate to the affected organ, such as: Burning, soreness, lachrymation or suppuration, if the eyes are affected; Soreness, heat, dryness and difficulty of swallowing, in the throat; Anorexia, soreness, heat, foul taste, bilious complexion, chilly feverishness, diarrhoeic condition of the bowels Avith griping, watery or mucous discharges from the boAvels, if the gastric functions are deranged; Sticking and burning or smarting pains in the region of the bladder and in the urethra, with pale yellow, or blood-red urine which speedily becomes turbid and deposits a sediments; and finally Difficult menstruation, the blood being more like serum, the discharge setting in Avith chilliness, tearing pains in the whole body, pain in the kidneys, headache, feeling of exhaustion, or a feeling of excoriation in the vagina and pressing pains in the thighs; or Stitches in the chest, if the lining membrane of the chest is affected, as if flatulence had become incarcerated in the chest, here and there (patients will often resort to this mode of expressing their sufferings); In all such sub-acute irritations of the mucous surfaces, more parti- cularly when accompanied by a sense of feverish chilliness, you may find Berberis a very valuable agent. The constitutional symptoms which accompany these irritations, are a feeling of weariness, the patients complain that they feel draggy, sore, rheumatic, low-spirited, and not disposed to do anything or to stir about. In the Allgem. Horn. Zeitung, Vol. xlvii, No. 12, the pathogenetic action of Berberis on persons in health, is summed up in the follow- ing paragraphs: " Berberis seems to depress the functional activity of the brain as the organ of mind ; the provers experienced listlessness, apathy, in- difference to life, melancholy, Aveakness of memory, absence of mind while attending to mental labor, and so forth; the muscles and the BERBERIS VULGARIS. 479 osseous system Avere likewise invaded, as is seen from the following symptoms: heaviness and a feeling of prostration when walking or standing, breaking out of the perspiration after making the least ex- ertion, a feeling of weariness and rheumatic lameness in the limbs with frequent shaking and trembling of the knees. The sensations experienced in the muscles are: a pressure and tension, stitching, tearing, gurgling or bubbling as if something living Avere moving through them. Most of the pains and ailments are aggravated or excited by motion. Blotch-shaped, itching eruptions incline to break out upon the skin, compelling the prover to scratch very hard ; at the same time lymphatic swellings arise on the articulations, especially on the tendo- Achillis; this symptom is a characteristic indication for the use of Berberis in typhoid fevers, also Avith a putrid type. Berberis is said to be more especially adapted for gastric and bilious fevers; likewise in angina faucium, if the patient complains of a sensation as if he had a lump in his throat; likewise in quinsy sore throat. It may likewise be of special use in various affections of the eyes, in rheumatic and arthritic complaints, no matter Avhat part of the body is the seat of the trouble; in rheumatic inflammations of the chest, haemorrhoidal and menstrual difficulties, varicose swellings, pains in the urethra, and all kinds of ailments Avhich are excited or aggra- vated by motion. We apprehend that these applications are far too generous. Ber- beris causes tolerably severe irritations of the ganglionic system, more particularly of its terminal derivations in immediate contact Avith the mucous surfaces. In an anatomico-physiological point of vieAV, this irritating action is manifested by an engorged condition of the venous capillaries; and in pathological conditions to Avhich Berberis is homoeopathic, such venous engorgements Avill be found to constitute the prevailing irregularity of the circulatory apparatus, more especially engorgements of the portal system. The true sphere of action for Berberis are febrile conditions of a bilious and gastric character, arising from atmospheric influences of a miasmatic nature; hence the rheumatic type of these bilious and gastric derangements which are very generally attended with symptoms of cerebral irritation developed by a process of reflex action, but not by any means re- sulting from a primary invasion of the cerebral centres. Anatomi- cally the mucous lining of the liver and its appendages, of the intestinal tract and of the uro-poietic organs constitutes the chief theatre for the action of Berberis. The bitter principle of this substance is Berberine, which is ob- tained from the bark of the root. On the outside this bark is of a light-gray color, and yelloAV within; it has a very bitter taste. Pure Berberine is a loosely-coherent, bright-j^ellow powder consisting of fine needles with a silky gloss and crystallizing the most perfectly if the hot solutions which occur in preparing it, are permitted to cool by sIoav evaporation. It is inodorous, but has a pure, not unpleas- antly but intensely and persistently bitter taste. Berberine is but 480 LECTURE XCV. partially soluble in water, but it is soluble in any proportions in boiling alcohol. Herberger and Buchner have devoted a great deal of care to pro- curing this substance in a pure state. In order to ascertain its action upon the healthy organism, Wibmer instituted the following experi- ment. On the 7th of August, at seven o'clock in the morning, after a scanty evacuation from the boAvels, he swallowed four grains of Berberine upon an empty stomach. In ten minutes he had some eructations. In half an hour he felt some urging to stool, but with- out any pain. He again swallowed four grains in pills. Soon after the urging disappeared, and the eructations were reneAved. Five minutes to eight o'clock he felt slight colicky pains, and movements of flutulence in the bowels; at eight o'clock he had a tolerably co- pious liquid evacuation, during Avhich the colicky pains continued all the time. "At three-quarters past ten o'clock," writes Wibmer, "up to which time I had been troubled more or less with some colicky pains, I had another very watery evacuation. The whole forenoon I felt rather ill and faint. At noon all the symptoms had disappeared. At one o'clock I had another watery but scanty evac- uation ; at two o'clock I ate my dinner with a good appetite." On a bright morning Herberger swallowed four grains of Ber- berine in Avater. In one hour he had slight colicky pains, and in another half hour he had a thin evacuation, which was followed about noon by another thin but painless evacuation, without any diminution of the appetite. Two grains taken upon an empty stomach, seemed to him to cause an increase of the appetite. The bowels now remained constipated for two days; four grains of Berberine again produced a watery stool in fifteen minutes. Buchner Avho was troubled with symptoms of gastric derangement, swalloAved an infusion of three ounces of water to two drachms of the root, on an empty stomach, in two parts. In tAvo hours he had a copious papescent stool followed at a later period by slight but com- paratively painless movements of flatulence in the bowels. Shortly after these changes, his appetite and his health were restored. Wiehr swallowed ten grains of Berberine upon an empty stomach, which caused slight colicky pains and soon after a loose discharge from the bowels. Wibmer argues from these experiments that the Barberry-root possesses tonic and cathartic virtues which assimilate it to Rhubarb and should secure it a place in our Materia Medica. It would be wrong, however, to infer from the similarity of action between Berberine and Rhubarbine that the former may be used as a substitute for the latter. This gross doctrine of surrogates, of Avhich even Buchner and Herberger rendered themselves guilty in the case of Berberine and the bitter principle of Rhubarb, is one of the legitimate excrescences of the so-called alterative method of treatment upon Avhich the whole fabric of Old-School therapeutics chiefly rests, and will either live or fall with this practice. The time must come when the world, even the professional Avorld, will EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 481 know that as surely as each floAver, vegetable, animal, or mineral, in short each created thing constitutes a distinct individuality in the great series of creation, and fulfils separate and distinct uses, as surely each drug is possessed of entirely distinct properties as a therapeutic agent, has its own distinct sphere of uses assigned to it in the domain of therapeutics, and cannot be replaced by a drug which has nothing in common with it but cathartic, diuretic, nar- cotic or other general effects. The therapeutic properties of the Barberry plant being supposed to reside chiefly in its bitter principle, our pharmaceutical chemists felt called upon to obtain this principle separate from the other ingredients of the plant. The curative virtues of the drug are sup- posed to depend upon the tonic and cathartic effects of this bitter principle. We know that this doctrine is faulty, were it for no other reason than this: that other substances have been discovered in the bark of the Barberry root which, being likewise endowed with medi- cinal properties, necessarily go to make up with the other principles the integral substratum upon which the dynamic sphere of the drug rests "as upon a foundation in the world of matter. We therefore deem it necessary in our own practice to use the whole root either triturated into poAvder, or in the form of an alcoholic tincture ; and, in exhibiting the drug in a given case of disease, we keep in our mind's eye the totality of its symptomatic effects as well as the essential nature of its action as far as our provings have revealed it. After premising these explanatory comments, we may recommend Berberis for any of the elements of the pathological series which happens to occupy the foreground of the picture; this may be Headache, Sore Eyes, Angina faucium, Bilious Dyspepsia, Chronic Gastro-enteritis, Chronic Diarrhoea, or Costiveness, Irritable bladder; but be the pathological name Avhat it may, the homoeopathicity of the drug to the existing case is determined by the character of the whole series of observable phenomena and their connection and mutual dependence in the physiological framework of the organism. EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM, (Bone-set.—Natural Order:—Corymbiferjs.) Bone-set, a native of this country, found along small streams and in meadows. The leaves and flowers, if chewed, impart a bitter taste with a peculiar flavor, destitute of astringency or acrimony. All the valuable properties of the plant are taken up by water, and hence the cold infusion and decoction are employed. vol. n.—31 482 LECTURE XCV. For many yeaTS the common people have been in the habit of curing fever and ague with bone-set; physicians also use it more particularly when perspiration and pain in the bones are present, Nearly half a century ago, there prevailed throughout the United States, and more particularly in the State of Pennsylvania, a peculiar epidemic which, from the commonly attending pain in the bones, was called break-bone fever. Copious perspiration was also fre- quently present. Bone-set, although a diaphoretic, so signally relieved the disease, that it was familiarly called bone-set. The Indians use it for intermittent fever; hence it is called Indian weed, ao-ue-weed. It is used in miasmatic districts, where this fever prevails. Dr. Williamson, of this city, has published some provings of this drug in the " Transactions of the American Institute," which reveal considerable powers of causing irritations of the digestive apparatus, such as may be incident to an attack of fever and ague. It may be taken as an infusion, and likewise in the potentized form peculiar to our practice. EUPHORBIUM OFFICINALE, (Euphorbia ojflcinarum, Spurge.—Natural Order :—Euphorbiace^e.) This plant is already mentioned by Dioscorides, and is supposed to derive its name from Euphorbus, the physician of Juba, King of Mauritania and Numidia, ancient provinces in Northern Africa. It is found in the Canary Islands and in the Northern parts of Africa, along the Atlas mountain range. The stem of this plant rises four or five feet in height, is erect, furrowed with eight or more longitu- dinal fissures. If it gives off branches they at first spread horizon- tally and afterwards ascend. The angles are furnished with prickles Avhich are every where in pairs. At the upper extremity of the branches are seated small, yellowish flowers which are collected in monoecious heads. The genus Euphorbia comprises a very numerous tribe of singular plants, many of which are cultivated in our gardens. The officinal Euphorbium is the juice of the plant which is obtained by making slight incisions in the branches with a knife, from which a milky juice exudes which, by exposure to the air and to the heat of the sun, hardens and forms a whitish-yellow solid, generally pierced with two holes by the prickles of the plant. This drops off in September, is collected, and forms the Euphorbium of commerce. The plants are only cut once in four years, as the quan- tity exuded is so great that it is sufficient to supply all demands for that time. For homoeopathic purposes triturations are made in a propor- tion of 1 : 10, or 1 : 100. We also prepare a yellowish tincture. The recent juice of the plant is so acrid that the people who collect it, are obliged to tie a cloth over their mouths and nostrils to prevent EUPHORBIUM OFFICINALE. 483 the small, dusty particles from annoying them, as they cause inces- sant sneezing. Euphorbium is an exceedingly irritating poison. Messrs. Herring. wholesale druggists of London, informed Dr. Christison that their workmen are subject to headache, giddiness, and stupor, if they do not carefully avoid the dust when reducing this substance to poAvder. When Euphorbium dust is inhaled, or applied to the face, it causes sneezing, redness and sAvelling of the face, and great irrita- tion about the eyes and nose. In one person, a laborer in a drug- mill, it always produced a sense of intoxication, and another laborer in the same mill was made temporarily insane by it, and insisted, during the fit, upon saying his prayers at the tail of the mill-horse. Insensibility and convulsions have been produced by Euphorbium. Pereira mentions the folloAving case, where these symptoms were present: " A man was engaged at a mill where Euphorbium was being ground, and remained in the room longer than was considered prudent. Suddenly he darted from the mill room, and ran with great velocity down two pairs of stairs. On arriving at the ground- floor or yard, he became insensible and fell. Within five minutes the man was seen by Dr. Pereira: he was lying on his back, insen- sible and convulsed; his face was red and swollen, his pulse frequent and full, and his skin very hot. He was bled by the doctor, and within half an hour he became quite sensible, but complained of great headache. He had no recollection of his flight doAvn stairs, which seems to have been performed in a fit of delirium." Euphorbium, if swallowed, causes vomiting and purging, and large doses cause gastro-enteritis, with irregular, hurried pulse, and cold perspiration. A case is mentioned in vol. 3 of Brande's Jour- nal, where a teaspoonful of the tincture Avas administered to a man by a farrier, through mistake for rhubarb; burning heat in the throat and then in the stomach, vomiting, irregular, hurried pulse and cold perspiration were the leading symptoms. The person died in three days; gangrenous spots Avere found in the stomach, and the coats tore by the slightest touch. Christison states that probably all species of Euphorbia possess the same properties as the Euphorbia officinarum. Dr. Hood relates the case of a child who ate some of the seeds of Euphorbia lathyris or caper spurge. Vomiting, sopor, convulsions, stertorous breathing and sighs were the effects produced. The child was restored by blood-letting, a Avarm bath, violent agitation and exercise in the open air. Orfila states that Sproegel applied this species of Euphorbia to his face; it produced an eruption like nettle-rash, and he also found that it caused the hair to drop out and warts to fall off. Another species of Euphorbia, the Euphorbia esula, has been known to cause gangrene and death by being applied to the abdo- men. This fact is related by an Italian author, Scopili, who likewise states that in a person who alloAved his closed eyelids to be rubbed Avith the juice of this species, inflammation folloAved, and was suc- ceeded by the loss of the eye. It was with the Euphorbia Tiraculli that Hyder Ah, m his iero- 484 LECTURE XCVI. cious wars against the English in India, ordered the Avells to be poisoned. In a case of poisoning, the poison should be withdraAvn from the stomach as speedily as possible by means of an emetic ; demulcent drinks have to be given for the purpose of enveloping the poison, and if inflammatory symptoms develope themselves, Aconite is the best remedy to arrest them. Hahnemann ranks this drug among his so-called antipsorics. The provings which we possess of this agent, are not very reliable, and Ave therefore have to determine its therapeutic character from what Ave know of its virtues through cases of poisoning. It may prove advantageous, 1. In cases of Acute Mania, with symptoms of violent cerebral congestion and irregular hurried pulse ; 2. In cases of Acute Gastro-enteritis, with vomiting, purging, cold perspiration and small, hurried and irregular pulse; also, if symp- toms of violent reaction, hot and dry skin, full and bounding pulse, and delirium are present; 3. Euphorbium may prove a valuable external application in Burns, with serious lesions of the integuments and subjacent tissues; a weak alcoholic tincture may prove a suitable application to arrest inflammation and prevent sloughing. I should never use Euphorbium internally, unless the brain- symptoms indicated its use together with the other phenomena. If the cerebral action is not disturbed, if there are no signs of cerebral irritation or depression, no signs of violent congestion of the brain, or even delirium, Euphorbium may not prove homoeopathic to the existing irritation in the stomach or bowels. LECTURE XCVI. NITROGLYCERINE, (Glonoine) This agent has lately been introduced in the homoeopathic Materia Medica by Dr. Constantine Hering of this city. He gives to it the fanciful and unmeaning appellation of Glonoine. I prefer the original and chemically-scientific name—Nitro-glycerine. The London Pharmaceutical Journal contains a translation of an interesting paper by Dr. Vry of Rotterdam, Holland, from which I make the folloAving extracts : In 1847, Avhen Chemists were intent on the production of gun- cotton, Mr. Sobrero made known the fact that glycerine, when treated with a mixture of sulphuric and nitric acids, yielded a similar compound, which he described as an oily liquid, heavier NITRO-GLYCERINE. 48c than water, in which it was almost* insoluble, although readily dis solved by alcohol and ether. According to this author, the smallest quantity of it was sufficient to produce a most violent headache, from Avhich he concluded it would prove a most dangerous poison. These observations attracted the attention of Mr. Redwood, the reporter, and he determined, in 1851, to prepare some for examina- tion. " My experiments," says he, " made on a small scale, succeeded perfectly, and enabled me to corroborate the truth of Mr. Sobrero's statements. I found, hoAvever, that it possessed no poisonous proper- ties, although occasioning intense headache; for, upon administering ten drops to a rabbit, no symptoms of poisoning appeared. " The desire of investigating this subject further induced me to undertake the preparation of a larger quantity of this substance. The attempt, hoAvever, deprived me of my eyesight for a considerable time, in consequence of the explosion of the mixture. After my recovery I resumed my inquiries, and prepared a considerable quan- tity of nitro-glycerine, which enabled me to determine with a greater accuracy some of its properties. The result of these experiments I communicated in 1851 to the British Association." Mr. Redwood considers the following the best mode of preparing this substance : "After repeated experiments I found the following the best mode of preparation:—100 grammes (1543.3 grs.) of glycerine, freed as much as possible from water, and having a sp. gr. 1.262, Avere cau- tiously, and in small quantities at a time, added to 200 cubic centim. (18 ounces) of monohydrated nitric acid, previously immersed in a freezing mixture. The temperature rises upon each addition. It is therefore necessary to alloAV the mixture to cool down again to— 10° C. (14° Fahr.) before any fresh addition is made, as it is very necessary that the temperature should never rise above 0° C. (32° Fahr.) When the glycerine and nitric acid have formed a homoge- nous fluid, which may be facilitated by stirring the mixture Avith a glass rod, 200 cubic centim. (18 ounces) of concentrated sulphuric acid are cautiously and slowly added. " This operation is accompanied with the greatest danger, if the temperature is not continually watched. Experience, however, shows me that there is no reason for fear, provided the temperature be always kept below 0° C. (32 Fahr.) "Once I saw-the temperature run up to 10° C. (50 Fahr.) without occasioning an explosion; but between 10° C. and 20° C. a violent reaction suddenly takes place, and the mixture is violently propelled from the vessel. I, however, repeat again that such an accident can be safely avoided by keeping the temperature beloAv 0° C. " When these precautions have been taken, the nitro-glycerine separates, after the addition of the sulphuric acid, in the form of an oily liquid floating on the surface, and may be collected by means of a separating funnel. " The product thus obtained, which is still contaminated with a * According to Dr. Zumbrock's calculation, 100 parts of distilled water take up 0.128 parts of Glonoine at a temperature of 70° F. 486 LECTURE XCVI. little acid, weighs about 200 grammes (3086.6 grs.) A still further portion, however, about 20 grammes (308.6 grs.) may be obtained from the acid liquor by diluting it with AArater. " The products thus obtained are then dissolved in a small quantity of ether, and this solution repeatedly shaken with water till all trace of acid is removed. The ethereal solution is then heated over a water-bath till nothing more is volatilized. The resulting quantity will be about 184 grammes (2836.6 grs.) The composition of glycerine being C6 H8 06—92, and 100 parts of glycerine yielding 184 of nitro-glycerine, Ave may infer that the composition of nitro-glycerine is C6 112 (No4) 06—182. I am at present endeavoring to ascertain if this inference is correct. " It is difficult to determine accurately the point at Avhich explo- sion takes place; it is best observed by alloAving the nitro-glycerine to drop from time to time upon a piece of heated porcelain. At first it burns away with a vivid flame, but as the temperature diminishes, it violently explodes, evolving red vapors, and frequently breaking the porcelain on which it falls. " By placing a drop on an anvil and striking it with a hammer, it instantly detonates. When properly prepared and free from acid, it may be kept for any length of time. I have some in my possession which has been kept for two years Avithout undergoing the slightest change. " Upon the addition of sulphuric acid to the ethereal solution, decomposition ensues, and a great quantity of sulphur is throAvn down." After this substance, nitro-glycerine had been used for some time by the homoeopathic practitioners of America, it was brought into more general notice by the publication of the results of some experi- ments Avhich had been made with it by Mr. Field, of Brighton, by Dr. Fuller, of St. George's Hospital, and by Dr. Harley, of Univer- sity College, which results were published in the Medical Times and Gazette of March 20th and April 3d. The folloAving is Mr. Field's description of his experience of the effects of Glonoine: "In the evening of the 3d of February, 1858, I was conversing with a homoeopathic- practitioner, when he mentioned a medicine Avhich possessed peculiar and extraordinary qualities, some of which he described as having affected himself, though he had taken it in very minute quantities. I laughed at his credulity, and offered to take as much as he pleased, upon which he let two drops of what he called the first dilution of Glonoine fall on my tongue. After swallowing this small quantity of fluid—I was assured the quantity did not exceed two drops—I asked what effects I must expect, but was told to wait and observe for myself. I then purposely conversed on other subjects. In about three minutes I experienced a sensation of fullness in both sides of the neck, to this succeeded nausea, and I said ' I shall be sick.' The next sensation of which I was conscious was, as if some of the same fluid was being poured down my throat, and then succeeded a few moments of uncertainty as to where I was^ during Avhich there Avas a loud rushing noise in my ears like steam NITRO-GLYCERINE. 4S7 passing out of a tea-kettle, and a feeling of constriction around the lower part of my neck as if my coat were buttoned too tightly; my forehead was wet with perspiration, and I yawned frequently. My intellect returned, hoAvever, almost immediately, and I remember saying ' This has nothing to do with Homoeopathy, but it has to do with a very powerful poison: there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in the philosophy of some of us.' I also reproached my friend for not having tested the anaesthetic power of the medicine, by inflicting a slight Avound on me. I need scarcely say I am thus minute in my description of what occurred, that an accurate idea may be conveyed of the actual effect produced on me, as well as to justify the uses to which I have since put the medicine. When these sensations had passed off, which they did in a minute or so, they were succeeded by slight headache, and dull heavy pain in the stomach, with a decided feeling of sickness, though without any apprehension that it would amount to vomiting. I lay on a sofa, feeling rather languid, but talking cheerfully, conscious at the same time that I could very well exert myself both mentally and physi- cally, if I liked, but that it was more pleasant to be idle. This con- dition lasted about half an hour, at the end of which I was quite well, and walked home, a distance of half a mile, Avith perfect comfort. I slept soundly from one o'clock till six, when I was called up, having a slight amount of general headache, but not such as I should have regarded but for the recollection of last night's adventure. " The physician to whom I am indebted for this overdose told me, that when his first impression that I was shamming had passed off, my condition caused him the greatest alarm, for he really thought he had killed me. I learned from him that my head fell back, my jaw dropped, I was perfectly white, breathing stertorous, and no pulse at the Avrist for about the space of tAvo minutes. He immediately rushed to a closet and procured some stimulants, Avhich he poured down my throat. I had never been in better health and spirits than on the day of this occurrence, and . had taken nothing for hours but a little cold tea. " This same first dilution of Glonoine consists of one drop of a peculiar chemical compound, dissolved in ninety-nine drops of rec- tified spirit; and Glonoine itself I learn to be a nitrate of oxide of glycyl, prepared by adding nitric and sulphuric acids to glycerine, the temperature of the fluids being kept down by a freezing mix- ture." The experience of Dr. Fuller was, hoAvever, very different from that described by Mr. Field. He says : " The extraordinary effects ascribed to Glonoine by Mr. Field, in a communication inserted in the Medical Times and Gazette of the 20th instant, induced me this morning to undertake a series of experiments, in conjunction with Dr. Harley, of University College, with the view of testing the effects of this agent; and as the subject is one Avhich has attracted some attention, it may be useful to make the profession acquainted with the results at which Ave arrived. I leave to Dr. Harley to describe the details of the experiments in his 488 LECTURE XCVI. OAvn case, as also of those on a rabbit to Avhich Ave administered this substance, and shall merely premise that the Glonoine which I sAval- lowed Avas pure Glonoine, obtained from Morson's, of Southampton Row, diluted with 10 parts of rectified spirit; whilst the Glonoine Avhich Dr. Harley took Avas pure Glonoine, obtained from a homoeo- pathic chemist, diluted with 6.3-4 parts of rectified spirit. Eight drops of this latter solution added to 92 drops of rectified spirit would form (so the homoeopathic chemist stated) the solution of Glonoine knoAvn to homoeopathists, and described by Mr. Field as Glonoine of the first dilution. It would contain 1 drop of pure Glonoine to 99 of spirit. "Our experiments commenced at 12.45 o'clock, at which time my pulse was 80, and my respirations were 18 in a minute. I began by taking 2 drops of a solution containing 1 drop of pure Glonoine in 99 of rectified spirit—the solution employed by Mr. Field. It Avas SAveet to the taste and warm, and imparted a flavor or odor some- what resembling chloric ether. In the course of a minute I felt, or fancied that I felt, some fullness in the head, but was not conscious of any other unusual sensation. At four minutes past 1 o'clock I took 2 drops of the solution obtained from Morson's, or, in other words, one-sixth of a pure Glonoine, which is equal to 17 drops of the solution spoken of by Mr. Field. It was very sweet, and pun- gently hot to the tongue and throat, giving rise to a burning sensa- tion, Avhich lasted several minutes. At six minutes past 1 my pulse had risen to 96, and I felt, or fancied that I felt, increased fullness about the head, but without giddiness or confusion of thought. My pupils were not affected, and I did not experience any unusual sen- sation beyond that just referred to. At 1.15 o'clock I took 4 more drops of Morson's solution, or, in other words, one-third of a drop of pure Glonoine, which is equivalent to 33.2-3 drops of Mr. Field's solution. 9 At 1.18 o'clock my pulse Avas still 96; my respiration remained tranquil; my pupils were unaffected, and I was not con- scious of any unusual sensation, except a sense of slight fulness in the head. As no further symptoms occurred, at 1.30 o'clock, I swallowed 6 drops of Morson's solution, or in other words, half a drop of pure Glonoine, which is equivalent to 50 drops of Mr. Field's solution. It was intensely hot to the mouth and gullet, rendering it necessary for me to sAvallow half a glass of water. I felt someAvhat nervous, and for a few moments the surface of my body became covered with a clammy perspiration ; my pulse intermitted occasion- ally, and I experienced, or fancied that I did so, an increase of full- ness about the head; but my pupils remained unaltered, and in no other respect did I perceive any difference from the effects produced by the former and smaller doses. In a few minutes the nervousness passed off; and at 1.35 o'clock my pulse was 90 and regular. At 1.40 o'clock my pulse Avas 86, and my respirations were 16 in a minute. .At 1.50 o'clock my pulse had fallen to 80, or the standard at Avhich it was found before the commencement of the experiments. " Thus, within the space of one hour I took rather more than 1 drop of pure Glonoine, which is the amount contained in 80 drops of the solution spoken of by Mr. Field. This would appear conclu- NITRO-GLYCERINE. 489 sive as to the fact, that whether in weak solution (1 in 100) as employed by the homoeopathists, or in a strong solution (1 in 6.) Glonoine does not produce the effects Avhich have been ascribed to it; and that, contrary to what has been stated by Gmelin and em- ployed by Mr. Field in his recent communication, it may be taken Avith impunity in considerable quantity. Whether the acceleration of the pulse which was observed in the first instance Avas attributable to the effect of Glonoine, is a question which requires further experi- ments to determine. My own impression is, that it was purely the effect of the' nervousness or excitement resulting from the experi- ments in which we were engaged, for had it been otherwise, it is not probable that the pulse would have fallen to its natural standard Avithin so short a period after having taken the larger doses. The fullness in the head may have been attributable in part to the same cause, but some discomfort about the head, not amounting to head- ache, continued for several hours afterwards, and I cannot help thinking that it is fairly referable to the effect of the Glonoine I had taken. I will only add, that for some weeks I had been suffering from slight bronchial irritation, with frequent expectoration of thick mucus, and that since I SAvallowed the Glonoine I have not had occasion to cough or expectorate." The results thus described by Dr. Fuller were substantially con- firmed by Dr. Harley. Both these physicians failed to produce effects such as had been described by Mr. Field. Although it thus appeared that Nitro-glycerine or Glonoine Avas not so powerful a medicinal agent as Mr. Field's first account seemed to indicate, yet it was probable that it would be tried by other medical men, and it was therefore important that pharmaceutical chemists should be acquainted with the particulars of what had been published on the subject. Dr. Edwards remarked that he had several times prepared Glo- noine for medical use, and he thought the physiological evidence affirming its peculiar action on the nervous system was fully estab- lished. He thought much had yet to be learned with respect to the action of minute doses of medicine, and that it was wrong to assume that because certain results followed the exhibition of minute doses, that much more violent effects of the same character would be produced by larger quantities. Glonoine appeared to undergo decom- position resembling that of gun-cotton when long kept, especially if exposed to the light, or in a Avarm temperature. Mr. Redwood continued his experiments with Nitro-glycerine, and makes the following report in the Chemist for October, 1858 : To Dr. Von F., a strong, healthy gentleman, aged twenty-six, respirations 28, and pulse 84 in the minute, I gave ten drops of the solution. After Avaiting five minutes without Avitnessing any effect, I administered to him other eighteen drops of the Glonoine in a little Avater. In about a quarter of an hour the pulse was noticed to be sloAver • this, hoAvever, was, no doubt caused by his sitting quite still. The respirations remained as before, and neither fullness of the head nor constriction of the throat Avas complained of. Upon the tongue of another gentleman (a medical man) Avho was equally ignorant of 490 LECTURE XCVI. the contents of Mr. Field's communication, I allowed two drops of Glonoine to fall; after waiting five minutes without any peculiar sensation being felt, I gave him eighteen drops of the solution, and in five minutes more, as there was not the slightest effect observable, I again gave him other eighteen drops. The pulse and respirations were carefully watched during a quarter of an hour longer; but as absolutely nothing was either felt or observed, my friend went home. Having been thus unsuccessful in obtaining any decided effects from the employment of Glonoine procured at the homoeopathic pharmacy, I obtained some of the pure substance from Mr. Morson, in South- hampton Row. While standing in Mr. Morson's shop, I took by degrees a drop of the perfectly pure material, and found that, on bringing it in contact with the tongue, it gave rise to a sweet flavor, which was rapidly followed, however, by a most disagreeable, acrid, burning sensation. The latter lasted during several minutes. After I had taken the drop, which was equal to 100 drops of the solution previously employed, I felt my pulse, and found it 105 per minute. I imagined, too, that I felt fullness in the head, and some tightness about the throat; but as these effects gradually passed off in the course of a few minutes, I thought that they were most probably due to fear and imagination. "On the 29th instant, I made, in concert with Dr. Fuller, of St. George's Hospital, some experiments with two different solutions of Glonoine. One contained one drop of Glonoine dissolved in ten of spirit; the other, one drop dissolved in six and three-quarters of spirit. As Dr. Fuller will, in a separate letter, describe the effects produced upon himself by Glonoine, I shall limit my remarks to a description of my own sensations. At 12.45 my pulse being 80, my respirations 22 per minute, I took the solution containing one part in six and three-quarters of spirit, a quantity equal to one-sixth of a drop of pure Glonoine, which would be equal to sixteen and a half drops of the solution used by Mr. Field. At one o'clock my pulse had risen to 90, but the respirations were about the same. I felt some fullness in the head, and slight tightness about the throat. At 1.5 I took one-third of a drop (thirty-three drops of Field's solution.) In three minutes afterAvards my pulse was 98. The other effects continued as before. At 1.16 I took another half drop (fifty drops of Field's solution,) and in four minutes afterwards, my attention having been directed to another subject, my pulse had fallen to 94. At 1.30 I took a whole drop of pure Glonoine, (100 drops of Field's solution,) and in six minutes afterwards my pulse had got up to 106 per minute' None of the other effects were increased. Ten minutes later, when I had become convinced that I ran no risk in thus rapidly augmenting the dose, my pulse fell to 78, while the respira- tions were 18 per minute. I have, therefore, no hesitation in saying that the effect upon the heart's action was entirely due to fear. The head and neck sensations, however, I think, are too constant to be attributed to the same cause, although I have no doubt the imagina- tion exaggerates them. During the three-quarters of an hour that this experiment lasted, I had taken altogether a quantity of Glo- noine, equal to 199.1-2 drops of the solution used by Mr. Field, and NITRO-GLYCERINE. 491 of Avhich tAVo drops were sufficient to produce in him symptoms of narcotic poisoning. " While Dr. Fuller was Avith me at University College, we gave in the course of fifteen minutes a quantity of an alcoholic solution of G lonoine, equal to three drops of the pure substance, to a small sickly looking rabbit. The animal Avas kept under observation for more than an hour without any effect being observed. " To a frog we gave at 1.20 some of the solution equal to two- thirds of a drop of pure Glonoine. At 1.34 he was noticed to be in a convulsion. This experiment, hoAvever, scarcely deserves to be mentioned, as it is impossible to say whether the alcohol or the Glo- noine induced the tetanic state. " Through the kindness of Mr. Spencer Wells, Avho gave me a quantity of pure Glonoine, prepared by Mr. Squire, I Avas enabled to perform the following experiments. To a middle-sized dog I gave fifteen drops of the undiluted substance, and in three minutes after- wards I gave him othef ten drops—in all, a quantity represented by 2500 drops of the solution employed by Mr. Field, and although the animal was most carefully watched during a couple of hours, no effect was detected beyond what was produced in the mouth by the acridity of the drug. "At 11.45 I put two drops of pure Glonoine into the mouth of a frog. At 12.7 he was seized with convulsions. The fore-'legs Avere firmly clasped on his breast, and the hind legs Avere stretched straight out. The slightest touch, or even blowing with the breath upon him was found sufficient to induce a spasm. The tetanic state dif- fered from that produced by strychnia, inasmuch as the spasms Avere of very short duration, almost instantaneous, and when the animal was left quiet, recurred at regular intervals—eighteen in a minute. In about an hour and a half after the administration of the toxic substance, the frog was found flaccid, and nearly dead. When touched, however, slight spasms could still be induced. "To another frog I gave three drops of pure Glonoine, and in twelve minutes afterwards he was found convulsed. I watched him for nearly an hour, and he presented symptoms very similar to those already described as occurring in the previous case; the only differ- ence being that he frequently croaked, and occasionally made a sort of screaming noise. I observed that the mucous membrane of the frog's mouth was somewhat inflamed by the drug. "I may mention that the pure Glonoine Avhich Mr. Wells gave me, as well as that got at Morson's is an oily-looking, pale-yellowish colored liquid, soluble in alcohol and ether; and when first mixed with them, yields a perfume similar to that arising from melloAV apples. It is insoluble in water, in Avhich it sinks to the bottom like chloroform. It has a sweet, burning taste, is very slightly volatile, and inflammable. "In conclusion, I Avill only remark, that I have experimented upon ten different gentlemen, with Glonoine obtained from four different sources, and that I have not seen any dangerous effects follow its employment when given in the before-mentioned doses, but if taken pure, great caution should be used." 492 LECTURE XCVI. Dr. J. Baker EdAvards, Lecturer on Chemistry and Toxicology at the Royal Infirmary School of Medicine, Liverpool, made the follow- ing statement as late as November, 1858 : " That he had made a considerable number of experiments upon various animals as to the physiological effects of this substance, which is knoAvn in medicine as Glonoine, and also of the corres- ponding xyloids obtained from starch and cotton; and that he found them possessed of powerful action upon the nervous system, termi- nating in death. Dr. De Vry, Avho first introduced Nitro-glycerine to the notice of the British Association at Ipswich, stated that he had administered small quantities of it to rabbits and had not found it to produce death, from which he concluded that it was not a poison. "The.experiments of Mr. Field, called the attention of the medical profession t© the very powerful action of this medicine in small doses upon the human system, and the author confirms the observation, that in doses of half a drop or one drop it produces intense and pro- tracted headache and great irregularity in the" action of the heart and lungs. Upon animals such as frogs, birds, mice, cats and rabbits, these effects are very marked, but the animals recover from small doses. In quantities of from tAvo to ten drops, a secondary chain of symptoms set in after apparent recovery from the first—viz., vertigo, trismus, violent tetanic convulsions, lasting in some cases from three to four hours, and then terminating in death by exhaustion. The pupils of the eyes are dilated in the earlier effects of this poison, but in the stages which immediately precede death, great contraction of the pupils takes place, and an indisposition to move, almost amount- ing to unconsciousness, is observed; when the animal is disturbed, however, a convulsive paroxysm takes place, resembling that pro- duced by strychnine. "Similar results followed the administration of xyloidine obtained from starch; half a drachm produced death, attended with tetanic convulsions, in six hours. " The solution of proxiline dissolved in ether, known as collodion, failed to produce death even in large doses, and it appeared that the ether Avas antidotal in its effects. Ether, when administered to per- sons suffering from the effects of glonoine,'afforded prompt relief." Dr. J. P. Whitney states in the March number of the Pacific Medical and Surgical Journal, published in the city of San Fran- cisco^ that he has used Nitro-glycerine in a number of cases, and that in those cases Avhere he has observed relief from its use, the patients were suffering from neuralgic affections of the head and face, Avhich had hitherto resisted other treatment. These repeated experiments would seem to show that Nitro- glycerine acts upon the medulla oblongata, and that the symptoms of cerebral congestion which it occasions, are depending upon a momentary irritation of this great nervous centre. The°pneumo- gastric nerve is involved in its disturbing influence. In accordance with these well-established effects of this powerful drug, we may expect much good from it in Apoplexy and apoplectic Headaches, with stupor, sudden loss of NITRO-GLYCERINE. 493 consciousness; the pain is particularly severe at the back of the head, a heavy, throbbing, constricting pain. Sunstroke, characterized by such symptoms as I have described, violent vertigo, falling doAvn, violent distress in the head; Sudden Rush qf^ blood, depending upon an acute irritation of the cerebral nerves, with vertigo, fullness in the head. You will recollect that, previous to the proving, Dr. Harley com- plained of slight bronchial irritation, with frequent expectoration of thick mucus, and that, since he swallowed the Glonoine, he had not had occasion to cough or expectorate. This result proves that in Bronchial Catarrh, where such symptoms occur, Nitro-glycerine may prove useful to us. Glonoine may perhaps enable us, in many cases, to prevent the development of Puerperal Convulsions, when evidently connected with, or depend- ing upon, violent cerebral congestions. I propose this altogether upon speculative grounds. We have some excellent provings of this substance instituted by homoeopathic physicians. Hering has published an almost inter- minable list of Glonoine-symptoms, where the wheat and the chaff are unfortunately mixed up in a rather unscientific confusion. No wonder that, in presence of such a vast array of symptoms—many of Avhich are not symptoms—Dr. Hering feels tempted to recommend Glonoine fn some forms of "Mental derangements, in puerperal mania, cerebral congestions, apoplexy, headache, sunstroke, menin- gitis, hydrocephalus, epilepsy, spasms, eclampsia, ophthalmia, otitis, sea-sickness, helminthiasis, congestions of the chest, carditis, pericar- ditis, hydro-pericardia, congestions of the spinal marrow, myelitis, cholera-typhus, cerebral typhus, intermittent cerebralis, congestive fevers of the West, etc." The pathogenesis of drugs should be inves- tigated with constant reference to the well-established pathognomonic signs of diseases; otherwise we are in constant danger of mistaking shadows and fancies, or even previously existing abnormal sensations or irregularities, for actual drug-effects. Dr. James Lembke, of Riga, prepared an alcoholic solution of three grains of Glonoine in one drachm of alcohol, of which he took ten drops at a dose for experimentation. Immediate results : great heat over the whole body, especially over the face and head, with warm SAveat, for a quarter of an hour; in a few minutes, increased frequency of the beats of the heart which were more violent, especially during motion ; "these beats were then felt up to the head, especially when stooping, with stitches in the heart; aching pain in the occiput, reelino- sensation in the head, Avith insecure, staggering gait, redness and heat of the face, moist, weeping eyes. These symptoms lasted three quarters of an hour, except the headache which lasted longer. Afterwards the countenance had an expression of fatigue and weak- ness, with margins around the eyes. 494 LECTURE XCVI. This group of symptoms suggests the use of Glonoine in Nervous Palpitation of the Heart, such as may be induced by a sudden fright, or as a symptom of hysteria. Dr. Reil of Halle, and three other physicians, Avho experimented Avith the first centesimal attenuation of Glonoine obtained at the Central Pharmacy of Leipsic, have announced the following symp- toms as the result of their trial. Two, three and five minutes after taking the medicine: Sudden pain at the vertex and in the temples pressing from without inwards, pressure in the forehead and over the eyes, obliging one to wink; a sensation rising from the occiput and forehead towards the vertex ; dizziness, vertigo, transitory obscuration of sight, precordial anguish, nausea, sensation of a cold sweat on the forehead (which did not exist), feeling of a rush of blood, throbbing in the arteries of the neck and head, acceleration of the pulse by twenty, thirty and even forty beats, disappearing again in half an hour, and succeeded in one of the provers, Avho was most violently attacked, by a considerable sinking of the pulse down to fifty beats. The normal number of beats Avas ninety; highest increase, one hundred and forty; lowest number of beats, forty; difference, one hundred beats in one minute. In one case the pulse remained unchanged; in another prover who had drank some wine previously, the pulse decreased without any previous increase from one hundred and twenty to one hundred. Lastly a hurried desire for stool, with copious evacuation, after which the symptoms ceased. During the night, the headache returned. Next morning, the head felt confused. * / This proving shows the powerful action which Glonoine is capable of exerting over the nervous centres which regulate the action of the heart. Dr. Dudgeon has instituted a proving the results of Avhich he has recorded in the British Journal of Homoeopathy, April, 1853. He employed a preparation containing about one-twentieth of pure Glonoine. In a few minutes, the pulse went down from ten to twenty beats, was irregular, at times accelerated, at other times re- tarded, full and bounding; throbbing in the whole body, especially in the head, with sensation of violent rush of blood to the head; pressing headache from within outwards, dullness and fullness in the head, especially in the temples which felt as if they should split open; violent beating of the temporal arteries, fainting turn as if intoxicated ; as if the head were hanging down ; all these symptoms are aggravated by motion, diminished when lying down, flashes of heat in the face, which looks first flushed and then pale; sensation as of a band around the nape of the neck and throat, with unpleas- ant tension in the muscles of the face and head; irregular beating of tl e heart, with oppression of the chest, digging in the epigastrium (region of the stomach and umbilicus,) with a feeling of illness and discomfort as in sea-sickness (especially in the^oom); stitches in the region of the liver, at a small spot; frequent soft, diarrhoeic stools; dryness of the mouth; burning in the hands; restless sleep, with many dreams about faces and heads. The menstrual flow is soon ARISTOLOCIIIA AdRGINIANA. 495 arrested ; on the other hand the catamenia, which had ceased to flow six days previous, reappear. This proving seems to confirm in all respects the result obtained by Reil and his friends. ANTIDOTAL TREATMENT. Hering recommends coffee as an antidote, "because coffee acts from above downwards, whereas Glonoine acts from below upwards." Coffee may moderate the action of Glonoine, but the reason assigned for it is meaningless. Ether moderates the action of this agent. LECTURE XCVII. Gentlemen, we now enter upon an examination of the therapeutic virtues of the drugs which comprise the fourth series in the classifi- cation which I have adopted. These are drugs which homoeopathic practitioners have as yet to use empirically, or the symptomatology of which is only partially known and concerning the clinical uses of Avhich Ave have little else to offer than theoretical suggestions. I will open this series of drugs with the ARISTOLOCIIIA VIRGINIANA, (Aristolochia officinalis, Aristolochia serpentaria, Virginian snake-root: —Natural Order:—Aristolochiace^e.) This plant is a native of North America. The root (radix Serpen- tariae) is collected in Virginia, and other States of the Union. It consists of a contorted head or caudex, to which a tuft of long, slender, yellowish or brownish fibres is attached. The root has an aromatic odor and a warm and bitter taste. We prepare from it a deep red tincture. This drug has been proved by Professor Joerg and his disciples in a very careful manner. The doses employed Avere a watery infusion containing the strength of two to four scruples. The effects obtained Avere not very marked. It caused Slio-ht frontal headache; in one instance terminating quite sud- denly in two sudden stitches darting through the whole head ; Warmth in the head ; The headache is sometimes accompanied by a painfulness in the nape of the neck which ends in drowsiness; Loss of appetite; Nausea, retching, and vomiting which continues until every par- ticle of the drug has been expelled ; Increased secretion of saliA'a; 496 lecture xcvii. Feeling of oppression and embarrassment in the cardiac region; The stomach not only feels full, but distended ; Costiveness, Avith expulsion of hard, tenacious faeces; After the proving had been discontinued, Professor Joerg was attacked, contrary to habit, and Avithout any perceptible cause, Avith diarrhoea, Avhich he feels disposed to regard as an after-effect of the Serpentaria; Itching at the anus, with increased development of haemorrhoids ; Rumbling of the bowels; Uneasiness and pain in the umbilical region ; Increased secretion of a watery urine ; Oppression on the chest; Frightful dreams; The beats of the pulse are stronger, harder and more frequent; From these few provings it is plain that Serpentaria tends to in- duce a congestion of the cerebral vessels and of the thoracic organs ; it likewise induces some symptoms of gastric irritation which may commend it in dyspepsia; congestion of the abdominal organs, with constipation, and subsequent diarrhoea; an increased secretion of urine, and it excites to some extent the circulation. ARTEMISIA VULGARIS, (Mugwort, St. Johns wort:—Natural Order :—Corymbifer,e.) This plant grows wild in all parts of Europe. Of the root we make a yellow-brown tincture. The Artemisia vulgaris was in high repute among the ancients, and was particularly prescribed for hysteric and other nervous dis- eases. According to Plinius, the name is derived from Queen Arte- misia, wife of Mausolus to whose memory she built the Mausoleum. Hufeland deems it more correct to derive it from Artemis, one of the surnames of Diana; for the plant was likewise named Parthenis, id est: virginialis, in honor of the Virgin Goddess Diana, because it had the reputation of being able to cure the secret diseases of women, uterine affections. Artemisia has been used as a domestic remedy in Europe for many years past. Country people digest it in brand}^ and use this liquor for epilepsy, especially in the case of children. Generally, however, the drug is exhibited in the form of a powder. The powder is procured by pulverizing the fine fibres of the root. This is gathered in the fall, cleansed and dried in the open air. A dessertspoonful of the poAvder is swallowed shortly after the parox- ysm in a little warm beer. After this the patient goes to bed, where, after the lapse of an hour, he generally breaks out in a profuse per- spiration which is permitted to run its full course, after which the patient puts on a clean shirt which is previously warmed by the fire. On the third and fifth day the remedy is repeated in the same man- ner, the powder being taken in the evening. If another paroxysm ARTEMISIA. 497 sets in after this treatment, the same course of proceeding is enacted over again. Some of the patients whose cases have been collated by Frank, were all attacked in consequence of a fright; others in consequence of a violent fit of anger. In one case the attack set in, in consequence of menstrual suppression, caused by a rheumatic fever. In another case the convulsions had been caused by the application of the for- ceps ; the patient was a boy of six years, had had the attacks from the moment he was born, but had been perfectly free from them for the last seventeen months, during which period he had taken three dessertspoonfuls of the pulverized root every day. For the last two months the child had not taken any medicine; yet the attacks had not returned. Among Frank's cases we find several which were managed by the celebrated Hufeland, at the time when he was physician-in-chief to the Charite. Others are related by Burdach. We copy the follow- ing: A girl of seventeen years was attacked with epilepsy five years ago in consequence of fright and blows upon the head. All treat- ment had been unavailing. She had one paroxysm a day. One moderate dose of Artemisia produced some perspiration, after which the girl remained free from her attacks, as can be proven by judicial evidence. A man of twenty-nine years fell into the water in a drunken fit, after which he had periodical attacks of epilepsy which had already continued for four years. Two doses of Artemisia caused perspira- tion, after which he remained permanently cured. A robust and plethoric girl of eighteen years had been afflicted with epilepsy for two years. She had twelve attacks every day. After taking three doses of Artemisia the attacks became reduced to two a day. She called for another powder, after which she did not return, from which I infer that the patient remained free from her attacks. A somewhat idiotic man of thirty-six years had had two and even more frequent attacks of epilepsy every week since his childhood. After taking three doses of Artemisia, he had only one attack a month, and this was henceforth staved off by means of a powder of the root which he took every month. A girl of sixteen years, who had an attack every forty-eight hours, and had first been taken sick about the time Avhen she commenced to menstruate, was radically cured by a single dose of the powder. It will be observed that the powder excites perspiration, which is said to be indispensable to secure success. In order to promote perspiration the people in Germany are in the habit of taking the powder in a small tumblerful of Avarm beer, or in combination with some tea or other warm infusion which is known to facilitate the action of the skin. Hufeland reports the case of a woman of forty-one years, who had from five to six paroxysms a day, and Avas cured by means of a few powders. After each dose she broke out in profuse perspiration. vol. ii.—32 498 lecture xcvil We might transcribe a number of other cases ; but most of them are of the same character and the same treatment is said to have been followed by the same results. Epilepsy, hoAvever, is a very capricious disease Avhich is frequently supposed to be cured when the paroxysms are simply adjourned, perhaps for an indefinite period. An apparent success is very often boastfully published to the world, whereas, if the ulterior develop- ments of the case Avere communicated with the same eagerness, the success would vanish into thin air. The folioAving case published by Wagner in Hufeland's Journal, corroborates our statement: A boy of thirteen years, of cheerful disposition and robust frame, Avas treated to a box on the ear, in consequence of which he had epileptic fits, from six to eighteen in the day, and moreoverfrom three to five during the night. When the attacks first set in, he shoAved a marked disposition to steal; but gradually his intellect became dull until he seemed a complete idiot. After giving him all sorts of remedies, and trying all sorts of patent preparations without the least benefit, the doctor read some of the cures reported in Hufe- land's Journal. He at once prescribed the powder. After the first dose, which the patient took before bed time, he had three paroxysms in that night, after which a copious sweat broke out which had an intolerably cadaverous smell. Next evening he took the second dose; a similar perspiration broke out, but he had only one attack; no attack during the day. After the third dose no SAveat, no paroxysm, the patient recovered the full use of his intellect, and has remained perfectly well to this hour. Eleven years after the publication of this report, Wagner pub- lished another statement in Hufeland's Journal, showing that the supposed cure was altogether nugatory. Eight weeks after the last paroxysm, the attacks returned in a milder form, but very soon increased in intensity and frequency, although the mental faculties Avere less disturbed by them. Artemisia was again resorted to, after which the nocturnal SAveat and the exhalations in the day-time, in a warm room, had the odor of garlick, and the paroxysms at first decreased in number and intensity, yet broke out once or twice in the twenty-four hours. Under the continued use of the powder, and an occasional bleeding, the paroxysms again ceased ; but in their place slight attacks of vertigo set in, which changed to complete chorea atter the lapse of eight weeks, attended with derangement of the intellect, in which condition the patient has remained to this hour. Burdach states that the epilepsy of young men Avhich seems to be the result of a too sudden and overwhelmingly vigorous growth of the body, is made Avorse by too frequent and powerful doses of the drug. One or two doses may be given in all cases with safety and advantage. In the case of females, however, who are afflicted with epilepsy from similar causes or in consequence of an abnormal excitability of the sexual system, no such unfavorable effects have been observed. As a general rule the proportion of females to males cured is as three to two. This form of epilepsy is described ARTEMISIA. 499 by Burdach as "epilepsia nocturna ;" the paroxysms set in at irregu- lar intervals every five, ten or fifteen days, most generally in the afternoon ; on the day preceding the paroxysm the patient is peculi- arly irritable, out of humor, depressed; sometimes the opposite mood is observed, quickness of intellect, etc. The more recent the origin of the paroxysms, the more speed v the cure; from three to four days sometimes are sufficient. A rheumatic origin is not indispensable to secure a successful treat- ment ; in many inveterate cases which seemed to have originated in rheumatic exposure, no cure Avas effected, in spite of the breaking out of profuse sweats after the inhibition of the drug. Burdach states that observation has taught him to give smaller quantities of the drug than he had been in the habit of doing. To voung people of moderate susceptibility he gives from ten to thirty- six and forty grains, the last-mentioned quantities in the second dose; persons of a more torpid disposition receive thirty-five to forty and forty-five grains. Tn pulverizing the root, the woody portions even of the thinnest fibres become detached, and have to be removed before the cortical portion, in which alone the medicinal virtues of the plant reside, is pulverized. Burdach further observes that Artemisia is particularly useful in cases where the paroxysms are so frequent that the patient never recovers his full consciousness between the attacks. Under these circumstances, he advises to give two doses on the first day, one dose a day on the two days following, and afterwards a pretty good dose every other day. A form of epilepsy, in which the patient has a paroxysm regu- larly every morning and evening, may be safely and advantageously treated with increasing doses of Artemisia, two or three doses a Aveek, for se\~eral weeks in succession. The Artemisia caerulescens is used in some provinces of Italy as a domestic remedy for fever-and-ague, and likewise for Avorms; as sold in the shops, it is generally mixed Avith Origanum or the wild Marjoram. This powder has proved a remedy for the epileptic convulsions which can be traced to the irritating presence of worms. As long as the nature of epilepsy is veiled in darkness, and the essential differences between the various forms of this disease are so unsatisfactorily accounted for, it cannot be expected that Artemisia, whose relation to the nervous system is but imperfectly known, should be exhibited with uniform success in all cases. At best, it can only be used empirically, and hence it will effect a cure in one case, whereas in another case of an apparently similar nature it may, perhaps, produce an aggravation of all the symptoms. Keibel reports that in the case of a man who had been afflicted with epi- lepsy for ten years, the paroxysms became much worse after using Artemisia. A boy of fourteen years, on the contrary, Avas much benefited by the use of the powder. Another boy of the same age was cured. Dr. Schuler states that in three cases he used the 500 LECTURE XCA'II. powder without effecting the least improvement, although the medi- cine was given in due form, and in one case the attacks became much worse. Bartels effected the radical cure of a case of nocturnal epilepsy which was attended with the most violent trismus, in consequence of which the lower teeth had suffered a good deal. Previous to giving the powder, the patient took an emetic, (for the honor of the School!) On the other hand, no benefit whatsoever was derived from its use in the case of a young man Avho had been afflicted with epilepsy for many years. These uncertainties must necessarily inhere in any kind of empirical treatment, and the most glaring contradictions must taint the records of a School where individual authority and observation constitute the rule of treatment. "Hippocrates ait, Galenus negat." The symptomists of our School get over the difficulty by measuring the angles of the contracted limbs, or by observing how far the spasmodically extended extremities are spread apart, or in what direction they are jerked by the spasm, or at which corner of the mouth the patient froths most; symptomatic routine makes a note of all these circumstances, and a number of other appearances, of no importance whatever, unless they can be made instrumental in unfolding some of the mysterious changes which the ganglionic system and the brain undergo in this frightful disorder. I am not aware that this mechanical observation of the purely external minutiae of any disease, this coarse and withal spurious mode of individualizing a given case, has rendered the homoeopathic treat- ment of epilepsy more successful than the empirical treatment of the Old-School; in a scientific point of vieAV, it is much less satisfactory. Artemisia has effected favorable changes in other spasmodic diseases of a similar nature to epilepsy. In Catalepsy, cures have been effected with Artemisia. A potter of forty-five years, of slender frame and an irritable temper, had a violent fright, in consequence of which he was attacked with cata- lepsy, six or more paroxysms in the course of a day, and increasing in intensity after a fit of anger. The disease yielded to the continued use of Artemisia, and the patient has enjoyed perfect health for the last eight months. A woman, twenty-eight years old, had cataleptic fits in conse- quence of a fright. When the attack set it, she remained in the position in which she happened to be, staring in front of her, with her eyes perfectly immovable. The face showed muscular twitch- ings, and there was a profuse flow of tears; the breathing was entirely arrested; all at once she drew a long breath; this ended the paroxysm, after which she felt exhausted and had to sit down. This patient took in all four ounces of the root, and has been per- fectly well for the last five months. Several cases of Somnambulism Avere likewise cured by Artemisia. A girl of sixteen CASTOREUM. 501 years, for instance, who had not yet begun to menstruate, arose from her bed every night, went through all the motions of her daily avocations in the kitchen, cellar, garret, etc., and then went to bed again, without recollecting in the morning anything of what she had done. She was cured entirely in sixteen days, after having been afflicted for eighteen months. Several cases of Chorea, one of which was so violent that the patient had to be kept on her chair by main force, likewise yielded permanently to Artemisia. One of the patients was a girl of ten years, of delicate frame and a scrofulous habit; she was hardly able to walk or to swallow, so that the food Avhich she attempted to swallow fell out of her mouth, which was continually filled with a frothy mucus; her speech was indistinct. Nothing of all that had been done for her proved of any avail; Artemisia cured her in a few weeks. Artemisia being endowed with diuretic properties, its palliative action has been depended upon by Old-School practitioners for the removal of Strangury; a case is reported by Frank, which proved rebellious to all treatment, and finally yielded to an infusion of Artemisia. We cannot boast of much personal experience in the use of Arte- misia, and are indebted to Frank's Magazine for most of the infor- mation which we have embodied in this article. CASTOREUM. This is a secretion found in the interior of the castor-sacs. When recent, it is thin, fluid, highly odorous, yellow or orange-colored, becoming deeper by exposure to the air. The castor-sac is a hollow or a sort of cloaca, situated near the tail, under the belly. This medicine has always been supposed to be possessed of some specific powers over the uterus. Rau treated with it a case of cramp of the liver, accompanied by symptoms of jaundice, and arising from the suppression of hysteric spasms. The patient is supposed to have been cured. Is this so ? Has Castoreum ever effected a cure ? Let us see. The indefatigable Joerg and his provers have subjected this drug to careful and systematic provings. Among the provers were three females. The drug was swallowed in both large and small quan- tities. Not a single symptom, not the remotest indication of a change in the condition of the provers, was ever experienced. Alexander, who had been experimenting with this drug fifty years a^o had come to the same conclusion, that it must be utterly power- less as a medicinal agent, because he was unable to discover the least change in his feelings, even from large doses. Yet this expen- sive substance has been praised highly as a therapeutic agent by almost every writer on Materia Medica in the Dominant School. It has been recommended for every imaginable form of nervous disease, from typhus and convulsions doAvn to the lightest attack of vertigo or spasm. All the finely-spun theories of a Sundelin and 502 LECTURE XCVII. Vogt have to sink into utter nothingness before the light of positiA'e experimentation, and as Professor Joerg very justly concludes, Cas- toreum should be stricken from our manuals. CEDROX. This is the fruit of a tree that had remained unknown to European botanists up to the present period. It grows in the West Indies. The fruit is a nut of the size of about a half dollar. The outer, hard, rough, dark-greyish looking shell contains a kernel which is inter- nally of a dingy-yellow color, and so hard that it has to be scraped; it is inodorous and excessively bitter. Concerning this agent, we read the following in Teste's Materia Medica: " On his arrival at Panama, Mr. Hellert Avas able to procure the Cedron, which had been represented to him as an infallible antidote against the bites of the poisonous serpents of the countries adjoining the equator. He soon Avas given an opportunity to try the antidote on his own person. In one of his excursions in the Cordilleras of Veraguas, while turning over a fragment of rock, he was bitten in the right leg by a coral snake, the most poisonous snake on the isth- mus of Panama. During the few seconds which it took him to take the antidote out of the little bag which he wore suspended round his neck, he Avas seized with violent pains at the heart and throat; but he had scarcely chewed and swallowed a small portion of cedron, of the size of a small bean, when the pains ceased as by magic. An oppression and general prostration remained. He chewed another portion of the same fruit, and applied it to the wound externally, and, in another quarter of an hour, all he felt was a slight colic, Avhich disappeared after eating a little. This colic was followed almost immediately by a copious evacuation of a substance that looked like curdled milk, white, with a slightly yellowish tint. "Thirteen months afterwards, six natives, while clearing a piece of ground in the neighborhood of Panama, were likewise bitten by a coral snake. Two took the antidote and were saved; the other four omitted to take it, and died in about five minutes in the most horrible convulsions. _ Hellert tells us that he employed the Cedron several times on himself and others for the endemic intermittent fevers of Panama, and always with the. best success, whereas Quinine frequently remained unattended with any good result under similar circum- stances. "It is on the faith of these simple data that Dr. Petroz and myself have given Cedron in some cases of intermittent nervous diseases, and have found it to act with wonderful efficacy, whereas a number of medicines had been tried without any effect." This agent has been found eminently useful in many cases of Intermittent fever, where other medicines seem to have failed. Reliable provings of this drug are still wanting. CHELIDONIUM MAJUS. 503 CHELIDOXIUM MAJUS, (Great Celandine:—Nat. Order:—Papaverace^e.) This plant groAVs along hedges, roads, in waste places, from one to two feet high, with yellow flowers, and filled with a yellow, milky juice, which has a burning taste. We make a tincture of the root, Avhich has a gold-yellow color and a nauseous, acrid taste. Hahnemann has left us a few provings of this drug, Avhich were repeated by the Imperial Provers' Society of Vienna. Schneller commenced his experiments with five drops of the tincture, increasing by five drops each day for the first six days, and afterAvards by ten, twenty and thirty drops, so that, on the last day of the trial, one hundred and forty drops Avere taken at once, and six hundred and twenty-five drops in all. The first doses caused a sensation of burning in the pharynx and oesophagus, empty eructations, an increased secretion of mucus in the fauces, warmth in the face, some increase of the urinary secretions and alvine evacuations, restless sleep. From twenty to twenty-five drops caused a more marked burning, and more eructations, pappy taste, white-coated tongue, increased secretion of mucus in the hot mouth ; a vesicle in the mucous lining of the lower lip, filled with clear serum and disappearing after breaking; aching pain in the forehead and occiput. After the last doses of seventy to one hundred and forty drops: drawing pains in the muscles of the chest and back, and in the teeth; a papulous exanthem upon a red base, breaking out on the upper lip and right cheek; loathing, eructations, repletion in the abdomen, burning in the urethra, frequent urging to'urinate, with increased secretion of a clear, Avatery urine, restless sleep. The watery extract of the plant Avas likeAvise experimented with. The experiments were commenced with ten grains; this dose Avas increased every day by ten grains, until one hundred grains were taken at one dose. In all, five hundred and fifty grains Avere taken. Up to sixty grains, the gastric symptoms remained the same: Loathing, eructations, rumbling in the abdomen, oppression of the stomach, white-coated tongue, emission of flatulence; shooting- stitches in the right lower extremity; a very striking symptom, which manifested itself three hours after taking the drug, was a peculiar burning with increased redness in the face; after seventy to one hundred grains, papulae and pustules broke out in the face, especially on the forehead and temples, on the cheeks, the wings of the nose, and upon the upper lip, most frequently on the left side in clusters of four each; moreover a small furuncle in the middle of the right jaw. Whilst the pustules in the face were drying up, fresh ones broke out which disappeared in a few da}^ after the drug Avas discontinued. The urinary secretion seemed increased, the faeces had a darker color and the head felt someAvhat embarrassed. The extract Avas proved moreover by twelve other members, and the tincture up to two hundred drops at a dose by eleven others, 504 LECTURE XCVII. The results were the same as those mentioned, except that optical illusions, with cloudiness of sight, and ringing in the ears, occurred Avith some of the provers. A closer examination of these symptoms makes it appear that Chelidonium exercises a disturbing influence over the bilious and gastric functions, and that its therapeutic agency will be found mostly confined to bilious and gastric derangements. Bilious Derangements to which Chelidonium is homoeopathic, are characterized by the following symptoms: Dull headache, burning in the face, flushed face ; loathing, nausea and vomiting, coated tongue, pappy taste, flatulence, increased fre- quency of the alvine evacuations, dark urine; dimness of sight, sopor. Gastric Derangements are characterized by a sour or saltish-bitter taste, bitter eructations, increased secretion of mucus and saliva, pappy taste in the mouth, pressure in the stomach, sense of fullness in the abdomen, increased urging to urinate, with a more copious discharge of watery urine. Chelidonium has been used by Old-School physicians for chronic liver-complaint, very often Avith remarkable success. Our provings shoAV that every striking success of this kind must have depended upon the homoeopathic relation which the drug held to the disease. In proof of this I will quote a few cases reported in Frank's Magazine. Hepatodynia: A woman of twenty-nine years, had been complain- ing for four days past of violent pains in the region of the stomach ; it was soft, but painful when pressed upon hard ; inclination to vomit; the tongue had a thick yellow coating; the boAvels had been bound for three days ; urine turbid, of a deep-yellow color, with a thick whitish, flocculent sediment, having a sour reaction. The tincture of Chelidonium effected a perfect cure. Gastrodynia: A number of cases are reported, with the following leading symptoms: 1. Slight yellowness of the conjunctiva; sallow complexion, dingy whiteness of the back part of the throat, sour taste in the mouth; the left lobe of the liver painful to pressure and distended; stool of a light yellow color, urine deep yelloAV and sour; painfulness of the fourth and fifth dorsal vertebrae to pressure, however with absence of all reflex-phenomena; eructations after eating. 2. Contractive pain in the stomach ; tongue clean, urine clear and yellow, sour; no pain or bloating of the epigastrium; a purely neuralgic pain. _ 3. The pain came on in paroxysms; bloating of the region of the liver, stomach and spleen, with hardness and pain to pressure, tongue clean, deep-red; urine pale-yelloAv, turbid, mingled with whitish flocks; stool always hard and of a blackish-grey color. 4. Contractive pain, oppression on the chest, pappy taste, nausea, eructations, loss of appetite, thick and yellow coating of the tongue, chilliness, lassitude, sallow complexion, urine turbid and deep-yellow; every day two or three light-yellow stools. Jaundice: Bitter taste, tongue clean and of a deep-red color, ten- C1MICIFUGA RACEMOSA. 505 sion of the praecordia, urine brown-red, clear, sour; stool Avhite and in shape. Other similar cases are reported. Diarrhea: Of a gastric bilious character, slimy, greyish-yellow, or watery, papescent, with sallow complexion, tongue slightly coated, no appetite. Ascites: A boy was attacked with light-yellow, watery diarrhoea; in a few days, ascites supervened. Complexion very pale and sallow, urine scanty, light-yellow, clear and sour; the palms of the hands looked remarkably yellow. Chelidonium cured him in a week. Our provings show that Papule and Pustules, and rheumatic stitches when characterizing bilious or gastric derangements, may be treated with Chelidonium. CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA, (Actea racemosa, black Cohosh, black Snake-root.—Nat. Ord.:—Ranun- CULACE.&.) Dr. Charles H. Burr, of Portland, Maine, who graduated in the Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1858, has made an analysis of the therapeutic properties of this drug the subject of his inaugural thesis as Doctor of Medicine. It contains a great deal of useful information concerning the therapeutic history and physiolo- gical character of this drug; the doctor's interesting essay affords me a reliable basis for my own remarks. This plant is described in the United-States Dispensatony "as a tall stately plant having a perennial root, and a simple herbaceous stem, which rises from four to eight feet in height. The leaves are large and ternately decomposed, having oblong-ovate leaflets, incised and dentate at their edges. The flowers are small, white, and dis- posed in long terminal wand-like racemes, with occasionally one or two shorter racemes near its root. "The calyx is white, four-leaved and deciduous; the petals are minute and shorter than the stamens; the pistil consists of an oval germ, and sessile stigma. The fruit is an ovate capsule containing numerous flat seeds." It is a native of the United States, and grows in shady and rocky woods, from Canada to Florida, flowering in June and July. The root is the portion employed in medicine. The color exter- nally is dark-brown, almost black, internally whitish; the odor, thouo-h not strong is very peculiar and disagreeable. The taste is bitter, and somewhat astringent, leaving a slight sense of acrimony. The root yields its virtues to boiling water. The United States Dispensatory further remarks, that its effects in health have not been fully investigated. It Avas at one time considered a mild tonic, with the property of stimulating the secretions, particularly those of the 506 LECTURE XCVII. skin, kidneys, and bronchial mucous membrane. It has been em- ployed in the treatment of rheumatism, dropsy, hysteria, and various affections of the lungs. Dr. Physick states that he has knoAvn it to prove successful in several instances in the treatment of chorea. Great success is claimed for it in the treatment of acute rheumatism. It has had a wide application in domestic practice, but the records that have come to us are variable and contradictory; they show that its employment has been empirical, and has not been founded on any well established principle or knowledge of its sphere of action. No good analysis of the root has yet been made. Dr. G. W. Mears Avho graduated in the Jefferson College in 1827 made some experiments from whkh he concluded that it contained tannin, gallic acid, resinous matter, starch and lignine. Previous to this examination, Professor Tully of Yale College, made some experi- ments Avith the root which were more carefully conducted than those made by Dr. Mears, and came to the conclusion that he had not succeeded in finding its active principle. Professor Tully goes on to speak of its medicinal powers, and regards it as " decidedly and prominently narcotic." Dr. T. S. Garden published an article in relation to the action of Actaea Racemosa in which he says, that it " disorders the sensorium like Digitalis," and in full doses prostrates in a distressing degree; producing nausea, vertigo, anxiety, dilata- tion of the pupils and a quick small pulse. Dr. Mears made some interesting experiments with this agent on himself. He first took half a drachm of the pulverized root which produced little or no effect. He then took a teaspoonful of what he calls the saturated tincture as often as every ten minutes, so that he sAvallowed an ounce in two hours. In about one hour from the time he commenced with the tincture he had severe pains in the head, with much somnolency, and cold- ness. In an hour more he felt warm, and was so drowsy that he laid doAvn and soon fell asleep, and remained in this state another hour. When he awoke he had a most distressing pain in the head with vertigo, flushed face, dilated pupils and an increase of twelve beats in the frequency of the pulse. He soon felt great uneasiness at the stomach. All these symptoms soon subsided except the pain in the head, which continued about nine hours. Dr. Garden remarks in his paper that in "full doses" it produces " pains in the extremities." Professor Tully says that for a long time he entertained doubts, whether the pains spoken of by Dr. Gar- den were produced by Actaea or were parts of the disease; but he soon says that he has often noticed such a result, and has received the amplest testimony from professional friends respecting the fre- quency of such symptoms. He further says and repeats that the pains are of a perfect neuralgic character. He goes on to state that excessive doses of the tincture will produce not only neuralgic pains, but seemingly convulsive action of the breast, manifested by distressing palpitation. Professor Tully relates the case of a student at the Vermont Academy of Medicine, who took for a wandering rheumatic affection, doses of two fluid-drachms of a well prepared CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA. 507 alcoholic tincture, made with the root of the very best quality. Very soon violent pains were felt immediately Avithin the upper part of the 3ternum, and wandering neuralgic pains in other parts of the body. The student now took another dose of the medicine with the expectation of obtaining relief from its reputed narcotic proper- ties. Very soon after this dose was taken, a most distressing palpi- tation of the heart took place, under which the number of pulsations Avere more than a hundred and tAventy. Pain in the left axilla and shoulder and in a less degree in the wrist, with numbness of the whole arm, and a severe pain in the head, accompanied this palpi- tation. It is said that Actaea Racemosa possesses genuine ecbolic poAver. A number of cases are on record where it has been prescribed for a cough to gravid women, and has produced abortion. The following experiments were made for the purpose of ascer- taining what changes would take place in the urine while the system was under its influence. They were entered upon, and finished be- fore Professor Tully's articles were read. It will however be noticed that the same general symptoms were experienced, though in the ease before us in a less marked degree. From the above facts, and the following proving, there seems reason to hope that this medicine soon will occupy a more prominent position in the Homoeopathic Materia Medica, and prove instrumental in relieving much suffering arising from an excess of uric acid in the blood. I will relate the doctor's experiments in his own Avords. "The first experiment was commenced August 25th, 1858, by taking ten drops of the fluid extract. At the time the dose Avas taken the pulse Avas seventy-eight; the skin warm and moist; en- tire freedom from all pains and uneasiness. The first symptom Avas a sharp cutting pain in the right temple; immediately followed by a dull heavy pain in the back, in the region of the right kidneys. Pain Avas then felt in the forehead which seemed to proceed from the right temple in burning lines; twenty minutes after the dose Avas taken the pulse Avas eighty-six, full, hard, and irregular ; the pain in the back Avas continuous, and increased by motion. Sharp, wandering pains were felt in the left ankle and scapula. At the close of the first hour, the pulse was seventy-two. The pain in the head continued, Avith a sense of fullness and heat. The dose was noAV repeated every hour, till fourteen doses had been taken and the following symptoms Avere noticed during the time: Pain in the region of the heart fol- loAved by slight palpitation; constriction of the pharynx, with in- creased secretion of mucus in the throat; pain and heat in the stomach, followed by eructation, which afforded relief. The pain, heat and fullness of the head soon became continuous, with a sense of drowsiness. Sharp, cutting neuralgic pains were felt in the arms, right wrist and fingers, together Avith pain in the legs, feet and nape of the neck, where it seemed to produce stiffness. At the sixth hour the pain in the region of the heart was felt all the time, and accom- panied by frequent paroxysms of palpitation. The pulse went down to sixty-nine, the surface of the body, together Avith that of the face and hands, became cool and dry. After taking a full inspiration, 508 LECTURE XCVII. there was a feeling as if there was a slight contraction in the bron- chial tubes which rendered expiration somewhat difficult. The sense of heat in the stomach continued, with a feeling of Avarmth and dryness in the whole alimentary canal. The symptoms from the twenty-fourth to the forty-eighth hour of the proving were much the same as those already recorded. The system, by the repetition of doses, did not seem to suffer in its great functional operations. The appetite remained good, perhaps better than usual; and it was noticed that eating, for a time, seemed to relieve all the symptoms. The process of digestion seemed to be well carried on ; the bowels moved regularly ; there Avas no unpleas- ant taste in the mouth, no increased coating on the tongue; the only change in this region was an increased secretion of a thick viscid mucus in the fauces. Heat, pain, and weariness in the region of the kidneys, were the most marked symptoms during the last mentioned time. Each specimen of urine was examined soon after it was voided, and then allowed to repose in a glass vessel until the expiration of twenty-four hours from the time the first dose was taken. When voided, it was uniformly acid to litmus, and 1.020 Sp. gr. It was of a clear, bright amber color during the whole time, and presented an ordinary amount of healthy mucus. Specimens of it yielded abundant crystals on the addition of Nitric Acid ; these crystals had the fine satin-like lustre which is peculiar to the Nitrate of Urea, and were deposited without previous evaporation of the urine, which indicates that urea Avas largely in excess. The appearance of the urine after repose was somewhat peculiar and presented one of the most interesting features of the proving. In the vessel could be seen a copious deposit of Uric Acid, in the form of yellow sand, while above it floated a cloud of mucus, and the Urate of Ammonia. The urine above the cloud was filled with floating particles of yellowish sand, which seemed to be gradually settling to the bottom, presenting the appearance of a free admixture of ginger and water. It was the intention to filter the urine and collect the deposit. It was set aside for further repose, but unfortunately it was lost before the operation was commenced. Specimens of the sand were, however, examined by heat, acids and the microscope, carefully enough to determine that it was Uric Acid of the nucleated form of crystals with the obtuse angles rounded so as to make an elliptical figure. The urine passed between the twenty-fourth and forty-eighth hours of the proving presented the same physical characteristics as to its specific gravity, color and acidity, as that which was passed during the first day. It was collected and put aside with the expectation that a similar deposit would be observable the following day. But no such deposit appeared, and no change took place in it during the next forty-eight hours. The sudden disappearance of the deposit I will not. attempt to explain. The time was passed in the same man- ner during the whole proving. About the same amount and kind of food Avas taken, the same CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA. 509 amount of muscular exertion, and the same freedom from anxiety and care were observed. Being anxious still further to test the specific action of this remedy on the urine, an interval of twenty- four hours was allowed to elapse, when hourly doses of fifteen drops each were commenced and continued until twelve doses had been taken. The action was more marked than in the former proving, but no new symptoms were noticed, simply an increase in severit}^. The pain in the head seemed to extend over and through the whole brain, producing a distinct sense of soreness in the occipital region, Avhich was much increased by motion. There was also great heat and fullness in the head, and a still more copious secretion of mucus in the throat and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. The skin was dry and hot; the pulse ranged at about eighty; the pain in the region of the kidneys was much more marked and severe, and the general uneasiness and disturbance in the whole system, Avas such that it was difficult to fix the attention on any subject of business or study. The action on the bowels was such as to produce constipation, but no unpleasant sensations were noticed, except a degree of heat in the stomach and intestines, during the first hours of the action of the medicine. The effect on the urine was first, to increase the quan- tity, and secondly, to reduce the Sp. gr. During the first of the proving it was necessary to void it about once an hour. The second specimen showed that from a normal standard, the urine in Sp. gr. had gone down to 1.005; this point, however, was noticed but once. The following specimen showed that a change was taking place, and the next, that it had gone up to 1.019. It soon reached 1.020, at which point it remained. It was collected in a vessel and allowed to repose till the expiration of twenty-four hours, at which time it was strongly acid to litmus and to the eye presented a dull cloudy appearance. A closer examination showed that there were thousands of little fibres about the eighth of an inch in length, which the microscope exhibited as fibrinous casts of uriniferous tubes; with minute lozenge-shaped crystals of Uric Acid adhering to their sides. On the addition of a few drops of hydrochloric acid, quite an abun- dant deposit was thrown down, which presented the beautiful variety of colors peculiar to these crystals. The provings instituted by Drs. Burr and Mears, may lead us to employ the black snake-root in Rheumatism of the Heart, or in Neuralgia of the Heart, with depression and tendency to irregularity of the pulse. It seems particularly suitable to persons with an arthritic or rheumatic diathesis. Dr. Burr's experiments seem to have shown that an excess of uric acid in the urine affords a par- ticular indication for this drug in rheumatic and arthritic affections of the heart. Further experiments may show that both the subjective and the objective symptoms may make this powerful agent one of our most valuable remedies in rheumatic Endocarditis, 510 LECTURE XCVIII. Pericarditis, and in chronic Heart-disease. In Bilious-rheumatic headaches, with distressing pain in the head, somnolence, vertigo, flushed face, uneasiness at the stomach, this drug may likeAvise prove valuable; this group of symptoms may be ushered in with coldness and depression of the pulse; the reaction is characterized by an increased fulness, hardness and frequency of the pulse. In Rheumatismus vagus, this drug deserves our attention, for it causes wandering rheumatic pains in various parts of the body. The uneasiness in the region of the stomach and the constipation and heat in the bowels may be considered as characteristic of the rheumatic and arthritic diathesis with which the general character of this drug is evidently in specific rapport. LECTURE XCVIII. CLEMATIS ERECLV, ' (Flammuh, Jovis, Upright Virgin's bower.—Nat. Order:—Ranun- CULACE.E.) This climbing plant groAVs both wild and as an ornamental floAver- ing bush in our gardens. Its Avhite and delicate little flowers shed a very pleasant fragrance. We make a tincture of the fresh plant, having a dark brownish-green color and an acrid taste. Hahnemann has recommended this drug as a remedy for mercurial affections complicated with psora; for dangerous eruptions on the head and skin, and various kinds of troublesome inflammation of the eyes. At a more remote period its virtues have been praised by Stoerck in cases of cancerous ulcers of the lips and mammae ; spongy excres- cences; tophi; inveterate eruptions; peculiar kinds of chronic head- ache ; melancholia. A number of cures with this drug have been \ published by this experimenter, especially of old, foul ulcers where the medicine is given internally, in the shape of an infusion, and in the form of powder triturated with sugar; at the same time it is applied externally, the powder being strewn upon the ulcer; arthritis, resulting from mismanaged gonorrhoea; neglected ulcerous scabies ; sores Avhen symptomatic of secondary syphilis. The following case which we find reported in the " Prager Mo- natsschrift fur Homoeopathie," illustrates the virtues of Clematis in Herpes exedens very beautifully. A woman of fifty years, of a scrofulous habit, was afflicted with herpes exedens. The eruption CLEMATIS ERECTA. 511 covered both cheeks, the forehead, the upper and loAArer extremities, the nates, back and the abdomen; it secreted an acrid, purulent fluid. The patient complained of itching and burning, especially at night, which disturbed her sleep a good deal, likeAvise her digestion. Clematis 4 cured the patient completely Avithin six weeks. In one case, that of a man of thirty years, the face, extremities and the trunk were covered with bad, ichorous, spreading, fetid ulcers, the result of neglected secondary syphilis; the loAver lip Avas swollen, deeply ulcerated, cancerous; the eyes were inflamed, pro- truded, dim; the eyelids badly ulcerated, and secreting a quantity of acrid water ; continued salivation. After using all sorts of reme- dies for two years without avail, the patient took Clematis inter- nally, and applied the pulverized leaves externally; in a few days the saliva was less ichorous and fetid, the ulcers looked better, and his strength improved. In about six Aveeks the patient was dis- charged cured. The drug seems to be possessed of strong diuretic and diaphor- etic properties. Stapf, Jahr and others, have been somewhat prodigal in their re- commendation of this agent, particularly in the sexual sphere. We find an excellent article by Dr. Desterne in the "Journal de la Socie'te' Gallicane," confirming this statement. Hirschel, Stapf, Gross, Ruckert and others recommend Clematis for orchitis from suppressed gonorrhoea. Dr. Desterne shows that " his OAA-n exper- ience, and the experience of those into whose practice he has inquired, completely invalidate the indications set forth by Ruck- ert. He seems to have ignored the pathological characteristics of the malady, and hence the errors into which he has fallen." Desterne applies the following critical remarks to the above-men- tioned authors: "We will take the authors whose authority Ruckert has invoked to determine the indications of Clematis in blennor- rhagia. " 1st. Hartmann, one of the most justly distinguished men of the Homoeopathic School, is called to a patient laboring under blennor- rhaee\\ paralyzed quite suddenly, and in the second case almost instantaneously. Fodere reports several cases Avhere the patients died almost instantly, but in convulsions. The stomach was found highly inflamed, but the rest of the organs were in a sound state. The leaves are frequently used by cooks for the purpose of 544 LECTURE 01. flavoring sweet-meats and puddings. Fatal consequences have, on more than one occasion, resulted from this pernicious practice. Professor Joerg and his disciples have furnished us some very useful provings of the water of Laurocerasus prepared according to the rules of the Saxon Pharmacopoeia : one pound of the leaves, one ounce of strong alcohol, and six pounds of distilled water; three pounds of this mixture are distilled over, which constitutes the offi- cinal preparation. The cherry-water, prepared according to the Prussian Pharmacopoeia, has double the strength of the former. The Avater was proved in doses of five to one hundred and thirty drops. It caused slight vertigo, a dull pressure in the forehead, over the eyebrows which, in a feAV of the provers who were sensitive to the action of the drug and took large doses of it, increased to a violent boring pain in the forehead, and extended in some over the whole head. Flying stitches in the temples and occiput Avere expe- rienced in some cases. These cerebral symptoms were accompanied by a decrease of the pulsations at the wrist, and sometimes by a general feeling of languor and dulness of perception. In accordance with these symptoms, we may consider Laurocerasus indicated in an attack of Chronic Headache, with pressure, stitches, and even boring pain in the forehead, and occasionally with a sensation in the orbits as if the eyeballs were too large for their sockets. The pulse is slower, the patient may even complain of a feeling of qualmishness or nausea at the pit of the stomach: an irresistible drowsiness, especially after dinner, may likeAvise trouble the patient. Five drops of the water of Laurocerasus, in a tumblerful of water, in tablespoonful doses every hour, may relieve this annoyance. Jeorg and his provers subjected an infusion of bitter almonds prepared in the same way as the water of Laurocerasus, to systematic provings. The effects of this substance were so exactly analogous to the effects of the Cherry-laurel water, that one preparation might very readily be mistaken for the other. The only difference seems to have been that the bitter almonds did not act with the same degree of intensity as the Cherry-laurel. The therapeutic range of the water of Laurocerasus, as well as the alcoholic tincture, may be summed up in the following series of affections: Congestive Headaches, with depression of the pulse, or the pulse much smaller than usual, accelerated, the last mentioned change only in exceptional cases ; Apoplexy, with bloated countenance, collapse of pulse, or exces- sively sIoav pulse. Paralysis of special senses, remaining after apoplexy; paralysis of the organ of speech after apoplexy, has been cured by Lauro- cerasus. Gangrene of the penis ; to be used externally. Profuse Menstruation, Avhen attended with symptoms of stupor or coma. Typhoid Pneumonia, if paralysis of the lungs threatens, with LEDUM PALUSTRE. 545 dyspnoea, hurried and rattling breathing, compressible pulse, cold extremities; Angina pectoris; It palliates the apnoea occurring in phthisis pulmonalis and heart-disease. Antidotal: Ammonia, strong black coffee and cold affusions. LEDUM PALUSTRE. (Marsh Tea. Nat. Ord.: Ericaceje.) This plant is a native of the north of Europe; it is also found in the northern parts of the State of New York. It grows in marshy places and bogs, as the name indicates. This shrub, the stem of which is from one to three feet high, flowers from April to July. The branches are covered with a rusty colored down. Leaves lanceolate, smooth, of a dark-green color on the upper surface; flowers numerous, in dense corymbs.- The plant, when bruised, has a strong, aromatic, oppressive odor, like hops. Some breAvers used to adulterate beer with it; it creates intoxica- tion and headache. In one of the earlier numbers of Hufeland's Journal, Hahnemann recommended this drug for Epidemic Influenza, when it puts on the form of ague, and is ac- companied with rheumatic pains. The Marsh-Tea causes painful and difficult respiration; this accounts, according to Hahnemann, for its efficacy in Whooping-cough, and perhaps also in Chronic Asthma. Hahnemann remarks further : " It causes a painful, shooting sen- sation in the throat, and hence its uncommon virtues in "Malignant and Inflammatory Sore Throat." The discoverer of Homoeopathy has left us a proving of this drug, which reveals its homoeopathicity to arthritic and rheumatic affec- tions with sufficient accuracy to deserve a careful study. It will be seen that the action of Ledum upon the mucous membranes, upon the synovial lining of articular cavities, upon the periosteum and the sheaths of muscles, is characterized by symptoms which are strikingly similar to the symptoms of some forms of Chronic Articular Rheumatism, and, to the careful beholder, re- veal an inmost identity of the morbific force, and the essential prin- ciple of the drug. By examining the pathogenetic effects of this agent under our usual heads, we shall obtain a logically-coherent view of the different groups of the series, and their bearing upon corresponding pathological states. CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. This group presents some interesting symptoms fully demonstrat- ing the intimate relation of this agent to certain forms of vol. n.—35 546 LECTURE CI. Rheumatosis of the brain. When taken in large quantities, Ledum, according to the report of Linnaeus and Pallas, causes immoderate intoxication, loss of sense, and violent headache. Our provers re- port, among others, the following characteristic symptoms : Violent vertigo the whole day, even when sitting still, as if the prover was intoxicated, aggravated by stooping, and increasing during a walk even to a sensation as if he should fall forward; attended with a feeling of heat in the whole body, especially in the face, without thirst; the cheeks and forehead are pale. _ The head feels stupefied, as during an attack of vertigo. Painful pressure over the Avhole brain, as from a weight, continu- ing for three days, with slight intermissions, day and night. Stupefying-aching pain in the forehead, externally, in any posi- tion, as if he had been carousing late at night. The brain feels sensitive; if he makes a wrong step, his brain feels the shock painfully. Tearing pain in the head and eye ; the sclerotica and the conjunc- tiva are swollen, and highly inflamed; the tearing pain in the eye is worse in a recumbent, and abates in a sitting posture; the eye- lids are not affected, but are agglutinated early in the morning, a badly-smelling humor is discharged between them; these symptoms are attended Avith evening-chills, followed by heat, thirst at night, rumbling in the bowels, (although the appetite is good,) heat of the head, within the head more than without; perspiration on the back and in the hair of the head. These symptoms are recorded by Hahnemann, and by two of his most careful disciples, Langhammer and Becher, and point to ceph- alic affections, which invade more particularly one side of the head; they are of an arthritic and rheumatic character, and a more or less prominent feature of the symptomatic group is a feeling of heavi- ness, dullness, or even stupefaction in the affected part. In old-fashioned Pathology an attack of this kind is often found described as a fluxion. One eye alone may be invaded, or one side of the head and forehead, or even the whole side of the head and face. The pains are tearing, dull-aching, stupefying pains, the parts feel very sore on pressure or even to contact; the patient complains of chilliness, the face looks pale, the pulse is weaker and sometimes slower than in the natural state. The digestive functions are dis- turbed, the tongue is coated, the appetite impaired, the taste in the mouth altered, the bowels may be loose, or a cathartic feeling is experienced without any actual discharge; the patient feels weak and most generally shows a depression of spirits or an irritable tem- per. If the organ of hearing should be involved in the attack, the patient may complain of aching pains in the ear, and acute sensitive- ness of the internal or external parts; the hearing itself is interfered with by ringing or roaring noises in the ear. Let us see what changes such a fluxion would occasion in the ORBITAL RANGE. These changes have already been partially described in the Ceph- LEDUM PALUSTRE. 547 alic Group. To these we add the following symptoms recorded by our provers: The pupils are very much dilated; Vibratory movements before his eyes, so that he was unable to see any object steadily; Secretion of acrid and smarting tears, excoriating the lower eye- lid and the cheek; Violent itching in the internal canthus; Inflamed eyes, with tensive pain; Burning pressure in the eyes; they are agglutinated in the morn- ing, and weep in the day-time ; A painful pressure in the eye-ball, as if it were to be pressed out of the socket, without inflammation. In the DENTAL RANGE, This rheumatic attack may develop a pain like the following, de- veloped by our provings: A few long stitches in the tooth are succeeded by an intolerable tearing pain on the right side of the face, head and neck, externally, and lasting the whole night; this pain disappears after another paroxysm of stitches in the tooth, but returns again from time to time, and finally terminates in an attack of shivering, accompanied with deep sleep, loss of appetite and with thirst. PHARYNGEAL GROUP. We have already stated that Ledum is used in some parts of Germany as a domestic remedy for Malignant Angina faucium; an infusion is made of it. The fol- lowing pathogenetic symptoms show that this use is founded upon the homoeopathicity of its action in the case. Sore throat, with fine stinging pains ; Sensation as of a plug in the throat; when swalloAving anything, she experienced a stinging sensation in the throat; Hard pressure at the left lower jaw, interiorly. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. The rheumatic or arthritic affection to which Ledum seems to correspond, has a feAV symptoms indicative of gastric derangements; we note the folloAving: Qualmish feeling in the stomach ; musty taste in the mouth ; Water-brash, Avith colicky pain; Colic, as if the bowels had been bruised; a sensation similar to that Avhich is experienced after the action of a violent cathartic ; Colic, as if diarrhoea Avere to set in ; this sensation is felt from the umbilicus to the anus; accompanied with cold feet and loss of appetite, although the taste is natural; Colic, Avith discharge of blood from the anus; 548 LECTURE CI. Fecal Diarrhea mingled with mucus; Papescent diarrheic stools without pain. These symptoms derive a more specific therapeutic value from their connection with other symptomatic characteristics of a general rheumatic attack, though they may likewise represent a rheumatic attack on the mucous lining of the abdominal viscera, in which we of course include the URINARY AND SEXUAL ORGANS. Most of our provers report an increased urging to urinate, and an abnormal exaltation of the sexual organs; we read : For the first twelve hours he has to urinate frequently and a good deal, even at night; Frequent urging to urinate, with scanty discharge ; Profuse flow of urine; Some of the symptoms point to a paralyzing influence of Ledum upon the contractile powers of the muscular fibres of the bladder ; we read: Frequent intermissions in the Aoav of urine; after the emission she experiences a stinging in the urethra; Hartmann and Teuthorn report: Diminished secretion of urine, the first twelve hours. Swelling of the penis ; the urethra seems swollen and feels as if closed in consequence; he has to press hard in order to void the urine; the stream is very thin, but the emission is painless. Among the sexual symptoms we distinguish the following: Violent and continued erections. Nocturnal emissions of a bloody and watery semen; Profuse and premature menstruation. RESPIRATORY GROUP. If the symptoms which our provers have recorded as effects of Ledum, can be depended upon, this drug causes very marked changes in the functions of the pulmonary apparatus. These changes speak for themselves, and, without any further comment, point out the pathological states which they are designed to wipe out. The following are worthy of special attention: Spasmodic inspirations and singultus, like the sobbing of children who have cried a good deal in a fit of passion; Oppressed, painful breathing; Asthmatic constriction of the chest, aggravated by walking and motion; Creeping sensation in the trachea, followed by quick and oppressed respiration; Cough preceded by suffocative arrest of breathing; Violent coughing fit preceded by expectoration of bright-red blood; LEDUM PALUSTRE. 549 Feeling of hoarseness and scraping roughness in the trachea; Cough at night, or early in the morning, with purulent expecto- ration ; Pain in the chest, during an inspiration, a sort of painful uneasi- ness in the chest. There is no reason why Ledum should not be useful in Hemoptysis, in the case of arthritic individuals, or in metastatic haemoptysis from suppressed haemorrhoids or menstruation. A phthisicky diathesis may prevail. FEVER-GROUP. The rheumatic affection to which the Ledum-rheumatism corres- ponds, is characterized by predominant chilliness, as may be inferred fronf the following record : Chilliness and febrile motions in the limbs, Avithout any subsequent heat; Chilliness, as if cold water Avere poured upon one or another part of his body; Cold shuddering, for twenty-four hours, with goose-flesh, without any external coldness; He feels chilly in the forenoon and likeAvise early in bed, he can- not get Avarm ; Chill over the whole back, with hot cheeks and hot forehead, without flushes in the face and without thirst, the hands are cold ; On waking from sleep his Avhole body is covered with a slight moisture; During a walk in the open air, a perspiration breaks out upon him very suddenly, mingled with chills; Badly-smelling perspiration over the whole body, even the hair on the head is wet; A burning in the limbs, in bed, which renders the warmth of the bed intolerable. We would advise the student and practitioner of Homoeopathy to take cognizance of the pains which are peculiar to the Ledum-disease, and a knowledge of which is necessary to a correct appreciation of the various prominent groups of head, eye, chest, gastric and other symptoms Avhich we have already mentioned. We transcribe the following from Hahnemann's original record : A tearino- pain from the small of the back to the occiput, the left half of the brain and the left jaw, especially in the evening; the cheeks are hot and puffed up, and the eyes look inflamed; Painful stiffness of the back and loins after sitting; Dull stitching pain and pressure near the dorsal vertebrae, more intense during an inspiration^ Exceedingly painful stitch in the shoulder Avhen raising the arm; Pressure and tearing, with a feeling of heaviness, in the right arm, especially in the articulations; the pain is much increased by moving the part. This tearing pain, Avith pressure, is characteristic of Ledum, 550 LECTURE CI. or the pressure may exist Avithout the tearing; in the loAver extre- mities Ave find the following pains recorded by our provers: Tearing, with pressure, from the hip-joints to the ankles, worse during motion; Pressure at the left thigh, posteriorly; a sort of dislocation-pain, in any position, which is increased by contact or motion. Becher reports: Trembling of the knees and hands when sitting or Avalking. Hahnemann has: Tearing rheumatic pains, flying about, during motion; Laming pains in all the joints, at night, in bed, Avhen moving the body; The limbs and the whole body feel painful, as if sore and bruised; He feels a throbbing pain in the affected joints which impedes motion; After a walk in the open air he feels a sort of pressure and ten- sion, shifting from the side to the shoulder, thence across the chest, where he experiences a furious attack of pain in the sternum, as if hearing and sight would vanish; he has to lie down, remains pallid for a fortnight, is anxious, and has cold hands and diarrhoea; Stinging-tearing pain in the joints; Pain, as if in the periosteum of the femur, during a walk, or when sitting or touching the parts, as if they were bruised, sore, or as if the flesh were detached from the bones; Cracking of the knee-joints ; Swelling, with a tensive-stinging pain in the knee, during a walk; Excessive feeling of weariness in the feet, only when sitting or lying, not when walking; Feeling of coldness in the legs, when sitting; yet they are not cold; Obstinate swelling of the feet, with intolerable pain in the tarsal joints, when stepping; Painfulness of the soles as if ecchymosed ; The limbs feel numb and heavy, with bone-pains. This pathogenesis bears evidence of accurate and truthful obser- AMtion, and reflects certain forms of chronic rheumatism and arthritis in an unmistakeable manner. The EXANTHEMATIC SYMPTOMS Which characterize the action of Ledum may likewise constitute, either partially or totally, elements of the rheumatic or arthritic dis- ease with which Ledum is in specific homoeopathic rapport We Avill transcribe the most important of the symptoms which our provers have recorded in this direction: Itching of the whole body as if an eruption were to appear; Blueish spots covering the Avhole body, like petechiae; Excessive aching of the legs, worse in bed; he has to scratch them sore; MAGNESIA. 551 A species of chicken-pox on the chest and the upper arms; the eruption peels off in five days; Burning-itching of the thighs; or stinging-itching in various parts of the body. This itching and gnawing of the skin, either partial or general, is somewhat peculiar to the action of Ledum, and has led to the use of this agent as a specific antidote against the _ Bites of insects, Mosquito bites, for instance, the distress from which yields very readily to the tincture of Ledum applied externally. SLEEP AND MENTAL SPHERE. We note: Restless sleep or wakefulness, with confused dreams, tossing about; Peevish, irascible, or dissatisfied mood; he hates mankind. LECTURE OIL MAGNESIA, Also known as talc-earth or bitter-earth, or bittersalt earth. It is an Oxide of Magnesium, and from the mode in which it is obtained, it is also termed calcined or burnt Magnesia (Magnesia calcinata seu usta). It is procured by exposing the common Carbonate of Mag- nesia, in a crucible, to a red heat, for two hours, until the Carbonic acid is driven off, and until the powder, suspended in water, ceases to effervesce on the addition of Muriatic acid. The physiological effects of Magnesia (in the British Pharma- copoea this article is briefly designated by this name) are indicated by Pereira in the following succinct and interesting statement of facts: Physiological Effects.—When taken into the stomach, mag- nesia neutralizes the free acids contained in the stomach and intes- tines, and forms therewith soluble magnesian salts. In full doses it acts as a laxative ; but as it occasions very little serous discharge, Dr. Paris (Pharmacologia, vol. I. art. Cathartics) ranks it among pur- gatives "which urge the bowels to evacuate their contents by an imperceptible action upon the muscular fibres." Part of its laxative effects probably depends on the action of the soluble magnesian salts which it forms by union with the acids of the alimentary canal. Mao-nesia exercises an influence over the urine analogous to that of the alkalies : that is, it diminishes the quantity of uric acid in the urine, and Avhen continued for too long a period occasions the de- posit of the earthy phosphates in the form of white sand. (W. T. 552 lecture oil Brande, Phil. Trans. 1810, p. 136; and 1813, p. 213.) On account of its greater insolubility, it requires a longer time to produce these effects than the alkalies. When taken in too large quantities and for a long period it has sometimes accumulated in the boAvels to an enormous extent, and being concreted by the mucus of the bowels, has created unpleasant effects. A lady took every night during two years and a half, from one to two teaspoonfuls of Henry's calcined magnesia (in all between 9 and 19 lbs. troy) for a nephritic attack, accompanied with the passage of gravel; subsequently she became sensible of a tenderness in the left side just above the groin, con- nected Avith a deep-seated tumour, obscurely to be felt on pressure, and subject to attacks of constipation, Avith painful spasmodic action of the bowels, tenesmus, and a highly irritable state of the stomach. During one of these attacks she evacuated two pints of "sand ; " and on another occasion voided soft light brown lumps, A\"hich Avere found to consist entirely of carbonate of magnesia concreted by the mucus of the bowels in proportion of 40 per cent. In another case a mass of a similar description, weighing from 4 to 6 lbs., Avas found im- bedded in the head of the colon, six months after the patient had ceased to employ any magnesia. (E. Brande, Quart. Journ. of Science, I., 297.) The observations concerning the action of Calcined Magnesia, which Trousseau and Pidoux have instituted at the Hotel-Dieu in Paris, are likewise interesting and instructive. We deem it desirable to communicate them to the reader. "It is especially as a purgative that Calcined Magnesia is used. It may be taken in water and sugar. Since it is almost tasteless, it is readily swallowed. It very seldom causes nausea, and the evac- uations which it excites, are not, as a general rule, preceded or accompanied by any very great colicky pains. " We deem it necessary to dwell for a moment upon the nature of these evacuations. They are of the consistence of liquid fecula differing in this respect from those produced by neutral salts, like the Sulphates of Soda or Magnesia, Avhich causes serous evacu- ations. "_A long time generally elapses between the inhibition of Mag- nesia and the manifestation of its purgative action. On this account patients take the medicine at bed time; the purging generally com- mences eight or ten hours later. Magnesia seldom produces its effects under six hours; very frequently not under sixteen, twenty, twenty-four and even thirty-six hours. It is a remarkable fact that the purgative effect lasts much longer than in the case of apparently much more energetic cathartics. '| Physicians who have not investigated very attentively the action of Magnesia, entertain generally a very erroneous notion of its activity and of the doses at which it should be administered. "In 1835 we have instituted comparative experiments at the Hotel Dieu between the Sulphate of Soda and that of Magnesia. They have led us to the following results : Two drachms of Calcined Magnesia produce, among a large number of patients, as many MAGNESIA. 553 alvine evacuations as Glauber-salt, but the latter substance acts much more speedily. " In giving to patients, several days in succession, one ounce of the Sulphate of Soda, and to other patients one drachm of Magnesia, the purgative effect of the former substance decreases from day to day; on the contrary, the purgative effect of Magnesia increases ; and whereas the Sulphate of Soda does not cause any striking dis- turbance of the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane, Magnesia, on the contrary, excites a genuine phlegmasia, as is evidenced by the mucous and sometimes bloody evacuations, and by the tenesmus Avhich is not slow in supervening. It must not be supposed that the effect of Magnesia is ahvays so intense; but Ave can affirm that, with very few exceptions, we have always found it more intense than the effect of neutral salts." From six to eight grains Avill purge children at the breast: large children require from twenty-four to thirty-six grains for a similar purpose, and full groAvn people from one to two drachms. What we have said concerning the lithontriptic properties of the Bicarbonate of Soda, likewise applies to Magnesia and its Carbon- ates. Brande and Horn have shoAvn by chemical and clinical experiments, that calcined Magnesia prevents the abnormal form- ation of uric acid, and is endowed Avith greater curative poAvers in the treatment of gravel than the Carbonates of Soda and Potassa. It should be recollected, hoAvever, that their experiments are con- ducted from the chemical point of view, and that the solution or disintegration of calculous concretions, and the prevention of their ulterior formation in the bladder, can no more be effected upon purely chemical principles in the case of Magnesia than Ave have shown this result to be impossible in the case of Soda. In Old School practice this medicine is chiefly employed for the purpose of neutralizing an excess of acid in the stomach, especially when this is caused by eating fat pork, rich gravies, etc. It neutral- izes the heartburn and the acidity of the stomach to Avhich persons Avith a gouty or rheumatic diathesis, whose urine contains an excess of uric acid, are frequently subject. Magnesia is likeAvise used by Old-School practitioners on account of the sedative virtues with which! Hufeland, Vogt and others suppose it to be possessed in the case of gastro-intestinal irritations. They use it as an alterative, and seek to cure by means of the laxative action of the drug. In former times the so-called margrave powder or pulvis antepilcpticus Marchionis, consisting of an ounce of sugar and Viscum quercinum (Loranthus europaeus), and half an ounce of the Carbonate of Magnesia, enjoyed a great reputation as an antispasmodic medicine, more especially in epilepsy, for Avhich a decoction of the Loranthus europaeus (a sort of mistletoe growing on oaks) is still used in domestic practice, in recent cases, and if the patients are still quite young. As an alterative it is likewise used for the purpose of correcting 554 LECTURE CII. defects of assimilation, not only in the so-called prime vie, when acidity in the stomach or an excess of uric acid in the urine has to be neutralized, but likeAvise in the secunde vie, for scrofula and rickets, if these disorganizations take place in fleshy children, with large stomachs; or for chronic eruptions to which children who assimilate their food imperfectly, are liable; for instance, crusta lactea, gout, etc. Humoral pathologists use it for similar purposes, but, in accord- ance with their own theories, they accomplish their object by expelling " peccant humors." It may not be amiss to remind the reader that Magnesia is used as an antidote in cases of poisoning with corrosive acids, which it neutralizes, provided they still exist in a free state in the stomach or intestines. The sulphates are likewise used for the purpose of effecting the decomposition of deleterious metallic salts, such as the Acetate of Lead. The milk of Magnesia has been proposed by Orfila in cases of poisoning with Phosphorus. Magnesia and charcoal are likewise used in cases of poisoning by Arsenic, which being enveloped by those agents, is thus prevented from coming into immediate contact \Arith the coats of the stomach. We have no provings of this agent which can be used as reliable guides in the treatment of corresponding diseases. The provings of the Carbonate, Muriate and Sulphate of Magnesia which Hahne- mann has embodied in his "Chronic Diseases," have been conducted in such a loose, and we may say, reprehensible manner, that, with the exception of the Avell known effects of the ordinarily prescribed doses of Magnesia in the alterative practice, the vast list of symp- toms presented by these provers, many of whom were ignorant and irresponsible individuals, have to be mistrusted, were it for no other reason than because they are destitute of that self-evident accuracy of delineation which is necessary above all things, if we desire to determine the specific homoeopathicity of a drug to its correspond- ing pathological conditions with scientific correctness. The best Ave can say of Magnesia as a therapeutic agent is that it may prove adapted for a state of gastric derangement or Status gastricus, characterized by dryness of the mouth and tongue, whitish or grayish coating of the tongue, insipid taste in the mouth, sallow complexion, sallowness and coldness of the skin, or dryness and some unnatural heat of the skin, pulse weak and slightly accele- rated, bowels constipated, with some soreness and heat in the bowels, or peculant stools sometimes mixed with blood and accompanied with tenesmus, urine of a higher color than usual, somewhat turbid or depositing a Avhitish sediment. This gastric state may be attended Avith consensual symptoms, such as headache, lassitude, restless sleep. In order to remove these symptoms, it will not be necessary to give alterative doses; the third to the sixth attenuation will be amply sufficient to effect the restoration of the assimilative functions to their normal state. MAGNESIA sulphurica. 555 It should not be overlooked in a scrofulous condition of the bowels anterior to Mesenteric Ganglionitis, with impaired or irregular appetite, coated tongue, irregularity in the alvine evacuations, at one time the bowels being constipated and at another time loose, or the food passes off undigested. These symptoms may likewise denote the presence of Worms, more particularly in the case of scrofulous and cachectic children, who labor under all sorts of physical disadvantages, bad nutrition, want of fresh air and cleanliness, hereditary scrofulous taint. The Carbonate of Magnesia may be used under such circum- stances. The sedative effects of the Carbonate of Magnesia may often prove valuable in the Green, frothy and sour Diarrhea of children, when the discharges are complicated Avith a good deal of wind on the bowels. It is like- wise suitable for a Smarting Leucorrhea of scrofulous females, and for Diseases incidental to pregnancy, such as nausea, costiveness, etc. Beside the Carbonate, Ave employ in homoeopathic practice tAvo other salts of Magnesia, namely, the Muriate and the Sulphate of Magnesia. MAGNESIA SULPHURICA. (Sulphate of Magnesia) Also termed Epsom-salt, because it is contained in large quantities in the saline waters of Epsom, a small town in the neighborhood of London, England. To have the Sulphate of Magnesia pure, wash the Sulphate of the shops, filter the solution and then crystallize. We make a Avatery solution of the crystals. According to Pereira, Sulphate of Magnesia, in moderate doses, is a mild and perfectly safe antiphlogistic purgative, which promotes the secretion as well as the peristaltic motion of the alimentary canal. It is very similar in its operation to Sulphate of Soda, than which it is less likely to nauseate, or otherAvise disorder the digestive functions, Avhile it acts somewhat more speedily on the bowels. It does not occasion nausea and griping, like some of the vegetable purgatives, nor has it any tendency to create febrile disorder or inflammatory symptoms; but, on the other hand, has a refrigerant influence; hence it is commonly termed a cooling powder. In small doses, largely diluted Avith aqueous fluids, it becomes absorbed, and slightly promotes the action of other emunctories; thus, if the skin be kept cool, and moderate exercise be conjoined, it acts as a diuretic. " On account of the mildness and safety of its operation, its ready solubility and its cheapness, Sulphate of Magnesia is by far the most commonly employed purgative, both by the public and the profes- sion. The only objection to its use is its bitter and unpleasant taste. To state all the cases in Avhich it is administered, Avould be to 556 LECTURE CII. enumerate nearly the whole catalogue of knoAvn diseases. It must, therefore, be sufficient to mention, that it is excellently well adapted as a purgative for febrile and inflammatory diseases, obstinate con- stipation, ileus, lead-colic, even incarcerated hernia, narcotic poison- ing, etc." Its antidotal powers in cases of poisoning by the Salts of Lead and Baryta have already been mentioned. This salt being so frequently and universally employed in alloeo- pathic practice, it may not be amiss to inform the student of homoeo- pathy in what doses it is usually administered by Old-School physicians. For this purpose, we transcribe the following para- graph from Pereira: " As a purgative it is usually administered in doses of from half an ounce to an ounce and a half; but if taken in the morning, fast- ing, a smaller dose will suffice. In delicate females, a drachm, or even less, will usually produce the desired effect. Some carminative or aromatic (as peppermint-water or tincture of ginger) is frequently conjoined to obviate flatulency. In febrile and inflammatory diseases the solution maybe acidulated with dilute sulphuric acid with great advantage; or the Sulphate may be dissolved in the conjoined infu- sion of roses. It is frequently used as an adjunct to the compound infusion of senna, whose purgative effect it promotes, but whose griping tendency it is said to check. In dyspeptic cases, accom- panied with constipation, it is conjoined Avith bitter infusions, (as of quassia, gentian, eolumba, etc." Although Sulphate of Magnesia is a mild and apparently harm- less laxative, yet it has manifested toxical effects on several occasions. Dr. Christison mentions the case of a boy ten years old who lost his life by swallowing two ounces of Epsom-salts. The symptoms were: staggering, imperceptible pulse, slow and difficult breathing, extreme debility, and death within ten minutes, without vomiting. Taylor relates the case of an old man, a confirmed drunkard, who was poisoned by drinking several pints of beer drugged with Sul- phate of Magnesia. He was seized with violent purging, and died within forty-eight hours. There is reason to believe that the quan- tity swallowed was very large. In homoeopathic practice we may use the Sulphate of Magnesia for a serous , Diarrhea, tinged with an admixture of a yellowish and greenish bile; more particularly, if children who are subject to such attacks, are troubled with worms and an inability to retain the urine in consequence of an excessive irritability of the bladder. In the case of females the fact of premature and profuse menstru- ation is an additional recommendation for the use of this salt. MANGANESII BINOXYDUM. 557 MAGNESIA MURIATICA. (Muriate of Magnesia) This salt is obtained by dissolving Carbonate of Magnesia in pure Muriatic acid; we filter and evaporate the filtered solution. A watery solution is made of the crystals. We use this salt for various uterine disorders, such as Cramps of the broad ligaments, Leucorrhea; it has even been recommended for scirrhous Indurations of the Womb. MANGANUI HYPEROXYDATZJM SATIVUM NIGRUM, MANGANESII BINOXYDUM, (Binoxide, Peroxide, or black Oxide of Manganese.) We transcribe the following historical item from Pereira con- cerning this substance: "Native Binoxide of Manganese has been long known and used in the manufacture of glass (Magnesia vitri- ariorum, velMagnesia vitrea)', but until Kaim, in 1770, succeeded in extracting a peculiar metal from it, it was usually regarded as an ore of Iron. It is commonly termed native black or Peroxide of Man- ganese, or for brevity Manganese. It is the Manganesii Binoxydum of the London Pharmacopoeia; the Manganesii Oxydum of the Edin- burgh Pharmacopoeia; The Manganesii Peroxydum of the Dublin Pharmacopoeia." Native Binoxide of Manganese, after being raised from the mine, is broken into small pieces about the size of peas, and then Avashed to separate the earthy impurities. It is afterwards ground in mills to an impalpable powder. This substance is obtained in large quantities in the mines of England, Saxony, etc. Dierbach informs us that fifty thousand hundred weight are annually obtained in the neighborhood of Ilmenau alone. The continued action of Manganese upon the nervous system causes a paralysis of the motor nerves, commencing Avith symptoms of paraplegia. According to Dr. Coupar who has given in the British Annals of Medicine the history of several cases of disease which occurred among the men engaged in grinding it at the chem- ical Avorks of Messrs. Tennant & Co., in Glasgow, the Manganese- paralysis differs from the lead-paralysis in not causing colica pictonum or constipation, and from the action of Mercury in first affecting the lower extremities, and in not exciting tremors of the affected part. Dr. Lembke, one of our most indefatigable provers, has published the following pathogenesis of this agent in the " Zeitschrift fur horn. Klinik, Vol. III., No. 1," which Ave transcribe as the result of a most careful and bold proving: 558 LECTURE CII. On the 10th of September, 1853, he took four grains of Manganese on an empty stomach at half past eight in the morning. At nine o'clock, prickling in the left hand; at ten o'clock felt a cutting in the stomach several times; pressure in the forehead and heat; stool very much delayed, scanty, hard, not till nine o'clock in the evening; the urine, before and after this experiment, Avas very acid, and straw-colored. September 11th: Took four grains in the morning. At four o'clock in the afternoon, violent cutting in the bowels, even up to the chest; September 12th, seven o'clock: eight grains. The quantity of urine seems somewhat increased. At half past four in the afternoon, before dinner, in the left lumbar region, a peculiar sensation of weight and pressure, increased by stooping towards the left side, it continues for some minutes. September 13th, at seven o'clock in the morning: eight grains. At ten o'clock some cutting in the umbilical region. September 14th, at half past four o'clock in the afternoon (I had not taken any nourishment for the last six hours): twenty grains. Since experimenting with Manganese, it seems to me that I get Aveary much sooner than usual, and that I feel hot and perspire much sooner; a pressure is felt in the anterior part of the head. September 15th: before taking the drug, I felt a Adolent boring pain in the right tibia; after taking the drug, I felt a peculiar pressure deep behind the sternum, Avhich it is impossible to describe. September 16th, at half past eight in the morning: twenty-five grains. The urine which was voided two hours after taking the medicine, did not redden lacmus-paper, but restored the yellow color of the curcumine-paper, after it had been changed to brown by the Carbonate of Soda. The pressure in the anterior portion of the head, which existed already previous to taking this dose, combined about ten o'clock with vertigo; a peculiar pressure is likewise felt deep in the left ear. Pulse remained normal; it might have been a little fuller than usual; a twitching-burning on the skin of the forehead, obliging him to scratch, with heat of the skin, continues almost an hour, at eleven o'clock. Boring in the tibia below the right knee, at two o'clock. Since using the Manganese, the stool looks red-brown, otherwise normal. September 17th, half past eight o'clock : 30 grains in the morning. At noon, turns of nausea. Pressing and boring in some bones. September 18th, at eight o'clock: 30 grains. As on previous days', so on this, the sinciput felt heavy and hot; altogether he felt much hotter interiorly, and was much less sensitive to cold air. September 19th, at seven o'clock in the morning: 30 grains. Vio- lent cutting in the umbilical region, darting upwards, at half past nine o'clock. On the 18th of September, the stool was harder than usual; on the 19th still more so. At eleven o'clock he felt an acute clawing pain in the right tarsal joint, Avhich makes it painful for him to stand ; motion increases the pain which, however, only continues a few minutes. On the 20th of September, the stool was liquid and clear; at three o'clock severe continued stitches in the left hypochon- MANGANESII BINOXYDUM. 559 drium, increased by inspiration and pressure. On September 21st, at half past ten o'clock in the morning, violent cutting colic and a clear, thin discharge from the bowels, after Avhich the pain continues, especially in the umbilical region, and is aggravated by pressure. After the lapse of half an hour another similar copious discharge, and a third in the evening. The Avhole day he felt very Aveak after the least exercise. September 22d: liquid, clear stool preceded by a cutting pain in the umbilical region. No symptoms during the next three days. September 26th, half past eight o'clock in the morning: 6 grains. nine o'clock, cutting in the umbilical region. Pain in the left tibia, Avhen Avalking, Avhich is rendered difficult by the pain, at one o'clock. Very weak the Avhole day, even after slight exercise. Weight and pressure in the forehead, a good deal of heat in the Avhole body, the face looks pallid. September 27th, at half past eight o'clock: 6 grains. Tearing in the side of the head and face, at tAvo o'clock. Stinging and titillation in the larynx, dry cough, until the irritation in the larynx ceases, Avithout any expectoration. This last symptom shoAved itself on the 26th of September, roused him from sleep in the night following, and showed itself several times on the day of the 27th of September. I have felt the same symptoms Avhile proving other drugs, and likeAvise when not proving any, especially after loud reading; but to my best recollection, I had not felt it for several months past. September 28th, at half past eight o'clock : 6 grains. Occasional turns of slight pressure at the stomach. At one o'clock in the after- noon he experienced very strongly a burning sensation under the eyes, which continued for some minutes; the skin was cool at this place as well as in the other parts of the face. September 29th, at half past eight o'clock : 6 grains. No symptoms. September 30th: 6 grains. Slight stomach-ache. On this day, and on the day following, he experienced frequent scraping and tickling in the larynx, followed by dry cough. The urine was examined several times a day, before and after taking the drug; it always remained clear, yellow, reacting sour. N The symptom which most strikes our attention in this series, is the pain which Manganese causes in the bones, either in the osseous tissue, or in the periosteum. These Bone-pains may result from rheumatic exposure, but the bone- pains to which Manganese is homoeopathic, are most generally of a syphilitico-mercurial character. Another symptom is the irritation in the larynx, which may indi- cate this drug in Chronic Laryngitis or in Laryngeal Phthisis, when caused by the syphilitico-mercurial virus, more especially in individuals with a strumous diathesis. We should not, hoAvever, overlook the sus- picious character of this symptom in the case of our prover. On the other hand it will be seen from Hahnemann's own provings of this agent, that he and his disciples likewise have elicited symptoms which unmistakeably point to the same affections. Guided by the 560 LECTURE CII. results of his provings, he recommends the Acetate of Manganese, Avhich is one of the milder salts of the black oxide, "for some intolerable pains of the periosteum and joints, for an abnormal decrease of the action of the senses, and for affections of the larynx and trachea." Let us now proceed to review Hahnemann's provings under our usual categories. Although Manganese is not one of the more frequently-used remedies, yet the pathogenesis of this drug, which Hahnemann and his disciples have bequeathed to us, is so evidently true and reliable that the study of this series of drug-symptoms in their relation to corresponding pathological states, is as refreshing and satisfactory as the perusal of many of our more recent pomp- ously heralded drug-provings is unsatisfactory and uninstructive. CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. The various pains which Manganese excites in the head, seem to affect more particularly the scalp, the skull-bones and the envelop- ing membranes of the brain. It seems evident that this substance heightens the venosity of these parts as well of other tissues and organs over which it seems to exert a manifest influence. These pains are of a rheumatic and arthritic character, and more particu- larly affect persons of a strumous habit; it is likewise highly probable that the drug will, more especially, shoAV its curative influence in these forms of cephalalgia, if they are complicated with mercurial, or syphilitico-mercurial action. AVe note the folloAving • symptoms: Dulness and heaviness, first in the occiput, afterwards in the fore- head. Hemicrania; A sudden and sharp-pressing pain over the left temple, abating entirely after he sat doAvn; Whenever he went out into the open air, but only at such times, he experienced slowly-drawing stitches, less frequently a stitching pressure, in the sinciput; the pain ceased after he had been in the room for a while; it was attended .with chilliness over the whole body without goose-flesh, and likeAvise only in the open air, it passed off' in the room; Contracting-stitching headache in the whole sinciput, at times in another part, especially in the temple, most severely in the open air. In the following symptoms, on the contrary, the headache abates in the open air; Hahnemann considers this as an alternate effect of the drug: , A burning-aching pain in the sides of the head and in the occiput, abating during a Avalk in the open air; _ The headache, which continues in the room, passes off in the open air, where the other pains likewise leave him. A stitching shock over the right eye, when walking; _ Painful shock through the brain, when shaking the head, some- times accompanied with a hard aching pain in the epigastrium; / MANGANESII BINOXYDUM. 561 Tearing jerks at the occiput, for three afternoons in succession; between these paroxysms the place was simply painful. A painful stupefying pressure in both sides of the forehead, ter- minating in prickings, with a boring sensation on the left side; A dull-aching pain in the occiput, with a feeling of emptiness in the part, depriving one of the power of recollection, and abating by the imposition of the hand ; A drawing ache in the occiput, in the orbits and in the forehead; here it is made worse by stooping, and relieved by pressing on the part Avith the hand ; Drawing tearing pains in the left side of the head ; A digging-aching pain in the temples, spreading to the eyes and the forehead, not passing off when pressure is made upon the parts with the hands, but returning when he sits up and bends the head backward. Stinging pain under the left parietal bone, or from the right half of the occipital bone to the fifth cervical vertebra, increasing by turning the neck. Flying stitches above the right temporal region, externally, alter- nating with a sort of buzzing; Single stitches as with a knife, in the left side of the forehead, during rest and motion; these stitches are sometimes like prickings; Feeling of coldness within a small spot on the vertex, the hair standing on end, even while the head is covered. Many of these pains may be attended with an abnormal increase of temperature about the head, as is inferable from the following symptoms recorded by Teuthorn, a very attentive prover: " The blood mounts to his head, whether he is sitting, standing, walking or lying down; this is attended with a feeling of heat in the face, without any heat or redness being perceptible externally." ORBITAL GROUP. Manganese seems to diminish the visual power ; this agent, gene- rally, depresses the action of the cerebral nerves, and of the vegeta- tive nervous system, a depression which is represented anatomico- physiologically by an excessive venosity of the affected organs. The following symptoms are worthy of note: The pupils are unusually dilated; the primary effect of the drug, however, in the case of most of our provers, seems to be an increased contraction of the pupils; He is short-sighted, for many days; at a short distance even, he was unable to discern objects distinctly ; On looking at objects steadily, his eyes pain him, he has to close them; AVhile reading at candle-light, he experiences a pressure in the eyes, attended Avith an irresistible drowsiness; The eyes feel hot and dry; The eyelids are sAVollen ; Darting stitches in both upper eyelids; vol. n.—36 562 LECTURE CII. Throbbing in the right upper lid. These symptoms may be met with in individuals tainted with the scrofulous miasm, more especially if their constitutions have been subjected to a long and deleterious course of mercurial treatment. The remarks which we have offered concerning the action of Man- ganese upon the eyes, likewise bear upon the sense and organ of hearing. In the AURICULAR GROUP, we have the following symptoms to note : In the forenoon, during a rapid walk, he feels a violent stitching- drawing pain from the forehead to the ear, terminating in the region of the tympanum as a continuous stitch from within outwards, and continuing as long as the walking continued; Whenever he laughed, he felt a violent, drawing-stitching pain from the stomach to the left ear, in the neighborhood of the tym- panum ; a similar stitch was felt when talking, or when swallowing food ; in the latter case the stitch proceeded from each side of the larynx; A scraping-stinging sensation in the region of the tympanum; Cramping pain, with pressure, behind the left ear, disappearing by contact; during a walk in the open air; Ringing and quaking in the ears; Buzzing in the ears, after stooping, with diminution of hearing, as if the ears were closed ; Sensation as if the ears were stopped up with cotton, causing hardness of hearing; Darting-pinching pain in the external left ear, only passing off very gradually by hard rubbing; A sort of otalgia in the left ear ; The inner ear is suddenly invaded by an acute pain, shifting to that part from the teeth; Crawling sensation in the neighborhood of the tympanum, re- peatedly ; Feeling of coldness in the right ear, as if from a current of cool air penetrating into it. DENTAL GROUP. Manganese may prove a remedy for some forms of Arthritic Toothache, when characterized by the following sympoms elicited by Hahnemann and Stapf: When striking the teeth against each other, he experiences a stitch in the upper teeth, now in one and then in another; A drawing pain in one of the right molars; it frequently disap- pears quite suddenly, being replaced by drawing pains in other parts, in the face, neck, right arm; A sudden most acute pain in two molars opposite each other in the two jaws; it suddenly passes into the arm, malar bone, neck, MANGANESII BINOXYDUM. 563 ear, and then flies back to the tooth, attended with prostration; he has to lie down, feels uneasy and oppressed; the pain was somewhat mitigated by coffee; the pupils were somewhat dilated; the pain was also relieved by biting upon something elastic; sucking at the teeth with the tongue causes a painful jerk in the teeth, after which the pain ceases for a while; the toothache continues for four or five days, and is particularly violent from ten to twelve o'clock. PHARYNGEAL GROUP. Our provers report the folloAving symptoms which seem to show that Manganese may be adapted to the treatment of certain cases of Cli.rouic Sore Throat, when resulting from an engorged condition of the venous capillaries; During empty deglutition he feels a dull stitch deep in the throat; he did not feel any pain when swallowing food ; On both sides of the throat he feels a dull stitch, during empty deglutition; the stitch was likeAvise felt, at times, during the deglu- tition of food or drink, and darted to the left ear; Early in the morning his throat was dry, but he did not feel thirsty; Dry and scraping feeling in the throat which frequently obliged him to haAvk. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. This group comprehends a few interesting symptoms: An oily taste in the mouth; Bitter taste, early in the morning, on waking, the lips being dry, but without thirst; the food, however, had a natural taste as long as he held it in his mouth ; A feeling of hunger in the throat, with pressure ; No appetite at dinner, as if he were satiated; food was averse to him, yet it had a natural taste ; Flow of bitter saliva; Earthy smell from his mouth, early in the morning, on rising; Sensation in the stomach as if he should vomit: Feeling of satiety and fulness which passed off by eating; Sensation like heartburn, from the stomach to the mouth; Sensation of heat ascending from the stomach to the head, where a stinging-jerking, and sometimes a tensive-stinging pain is felt; Burning and feeling of soreness from the pit of the stomach, under the sternum, as far as the palate, with great uneasiness ; Pressure on the right side of the stomach as if a stone were lying upon it. This series of symptoms may represent a form of Dyspepsia, which it is unnecessary to delineate more circumstan- tially since we should have to reiterate a description of the symptoms. The following symptoms may be regarded as embodying the char- acteristic features of a case of 564 LECTURE CII. Gastrodynia or Cardialgia, always of a chronic nature, for Manganese is not adapted for acute cases: Uncomfortable feeling from the abdomen to the head, as is expe- rienced by those who are not used to smoking; a sensation composed of nausea, warmth and a contractive feeling; Stitches in the pit of the stomach, near the left loAver rib, when raising up the body; Sensation of roughness from the epigastrium to the sternum; A drawing sensation in the region of the stomach, Avith nausea, as if the pit of the stomach would suddenly expand from within; Pressure in the region of the stomach, Avhile eating, disappearing from placing the hand upon the part; A drawing-aching pain in the bowels, while eating, which disap- pears after eating ; A pressing or rather tensive pain around and above the umbilicus, followed by a sort of flatulent pain, with emission of flatulence; Cold food increases the pressure in the boAvels; Cutting in the bowels, in the evening; Sensation as if the bowels were shaking; In the evening the abdomen is painful as if ulcerated; A stitch in the left renal region, folloAved by a contracting, jerking pain; Frequent rumbling along the rectum to the anus. In prescribing Manganese for gastric affections with which it seems to be in homoeopathic rapport, Ave have, of course, to consider the character of the alvine evacuations and, perhaps, of the urinary secretions. AYe have seen, in describing the results of Dr. Lembke's provings of the black Oxyde, that it constipates the bowels, and causes a dry, hard and scanty stool. This is the primary action of the drug. The organic reaction determined by this primary action, is liquid stool preceded by pinching pain, or a soft, yellow or pale- colored stool, attended with tenesmus and constriction of the anus. It is not probable that Manganese can ever be prescribed as a corrective of the abnormal character of the alvine evacuations. URINARY GROUP. This remark will probably likewise apply to the action of the urinary organs, where Manganese may manifest a curative influence, but most probably only in connection with other abnormal condi- tions. Manganese causes by its primary action upon the urinary apparatus an increased urging to urinate, with scanty discharge; the reaction is characterized by a copious discharge of urine. Some provers likewise report a cutting distress in the urethra, or in the region of the bladder, unaccompanied by a desire to urinate. The sexual apparatus seems likewise involved in these manifesta- tions of increased action, for our provers report: Occasionally a burning-jerking sensation from the region of the seminal vesicles to the glans; Voluptuous itching at the corona glandis; Premature menstruation. MANGANESII BINOXYDUM. 565 RESPIRATORY GROUP. The pains which this drug excites in the respiratory organs, are generally of a stitching and cutting character. We read: Catarrhal obstruction of the nose; ToAvards evening he feels chilly internally, without feeling cold externally; this is followed by a sensation of moderate warmth in the chest, and catarrhal obstruction of the nose, at the same time the breath is heated and feels hot in the throat as it passes in or out; In the morning, after rising, his throat feels rough, his voice is hoarse and has no resonance; In the open air, his throat at once becomes dry, and his voice rough, with cutting pressure in the bowels and a feeling of nausea on the chest; Dry coryza, with an inflamed nose and upper lip, in the evening; these parts pain him as if raw ; A stitch in the left chest, continually moving up and down; Bloody expectoration; Burning-stinging pain under the second left rib, increased by the act of expectoration and motion, but abating somewhat during rest and during an inspiration ; He feels warm internally, especially in the chest; Flying stitches at the upper portion of the sternum; Violent stitches in the right chest, following each other in rapid succession, near the sternum, from the second to the fourth or fifth rib, as if penetrating from without, continuing for half an hour, and neither affected by motion nor rest; Loud reading or talking causes a painful dryness or roughness in the larynx; this is accompanied by a painful constriction of this organ, and causes a keenly-painful cough which, after considerable haAvking, results in the expulsion of a little phlegm; The little balls of phlegm which he raises in the morning, Avithout scarcely any cough, have a faintish-green, yelloAV appearance ; A deep cough Avhich lasted all day, but ceased in a recumbent posture; it returned the next day, with expectoration of tenacious phlegm, and a pain in the pit of the stomach and chest as from a shock ; at noon the cough suddenly disappeared; A dry cough which reverberates in the sides of the head. These drug-effects point to chronic affections of the laryngeal and bronchia] mucous membrane, more especially Chronic Laryngitis and Bronchitis, Avhen characterized by a feel- ino- of dryness, and an abnormal sensation of Avarmth, with flying stitches • the symptoms sIioav that the cough is dry, and at most resulting in the expectoration of small quantities of tenacious mucus. In determining whether Manganese is specifically homoeopathic to these affections, we should ahvays recollect that they must arise primarily from passive engorgements of the venous capillaries, and that this origin imparts to them a different character from those forms of chronic laryngitis and bronchitis which emanate from primary and direct irritations of the arterial capillaries. Manganese 5013 LECTURE CII. does not even act primarily upon the venous system, but, as in the case of Alercury, its influence is first perceived by the mucous lining generally, and by the lympathics, and the venous capillaries are only reached secondarily; the engorgements of this system result from the fact that the quickening stimulus which should be furnished to them by the lymphatics, is in a great measure withdrawn. Thence all the phenomena Avhich are peculiar to these derangements of the respiratory passages, are more moderate during the first period of their existence ; the pulse is only moderately accelerated and pre- serves a certain softness; the fever is not very high, the cough not as racking and tearing as in the ordinary cases of this disease. These venous engorgements may likeAvise affect the pulmonary lining membrane, and may give rise to a series of degenerations representing a form of Chronic Pneumonia and even Pulmonary Phthisis, to Avhich the remarks Avhich Ave have offered in the case of chronic laryngitis and bronchitis likewise apply, and for which Atanganese may prove an adequate remedy. According to our provings, the action of the heart is somewhat disturbed by this drug, for it causes "palpitation," and likewise "a shock from the upper part of the left chest to the lost true rib." These symptoms, however, are only of secondary importance. FEVER-GROUP. Aimer who is a very careful and successful prover, states that, under the influence of Manganese his pulse went doAvn to 50, 42 and at times to 62 beats; at other times it exhibited the following irregu- larities : 70, 60, 55 and 49 in the minute. The venous congestion which Manganese causes, is generally attended with chilliness, as may be inferred from the following and other similar records: "A chill in the evening, and in the room; he Avas unable to get his feet warm; this was accompanied by a stitching pain, with pres- sure, in the sinciput; and the chill ceased in the room but the headache continued." "A shuddering along the back, with stitches in the head." A sudden turn of flying heat and redness of the face, especially when standing, without thirst, passing off'soon. Perspiration all over, at night, on waking. AVe have already stated that Manganese does not occasion, and cannot therefore be in homoeopathic rapport with any form of acute inflammation. It causes venous capillary engorgements which fit it for the treatment of Chronic Arthritis and Rheumatism, more especially if the following symptoms characterize the existing attack, in which drawing-stitch^ ing or darting-stitching or tearingstitching pains, or likewise a crampy-tearing or a draAving-tensive, or finally a crampy drawing pain, constitute prominent features of the present disorder. Drawing and tearing, from the shoulder through the whole arm; MANGANESII BINOXYDUAI. 567 A tearing pain down the Avhole spine, for six hours, during rest and motion; Tearing in the muscles of the left scapula, when sitting; A tearing pain at the lower extremity of the left radius, not altered by any change of position; A crampy draAving in the left glutei muscles, aggravated bv standing on this extremity; A drawing-tensive pain from both shoulders across the nape of the neck, as if tightly bandaged; A tensive pain under the elbow, as if too short; or in the joints • of the hands and arms, now in one, and then in another, not affected by rest or motion; A feeling of tension in the right lower limb, as if stiff, during a walk in the open air; A drawing-tensive pain in the bones of the right hand and in the wrist-joint, almost as if the parts had been bandaged ; after this pain had passed off, a heat spread over the whole hand; A tension of the skin of the ring-finger, when stretching it; A boring-stitching pain from within outward, on the inside of the right upper arm, for fifteen minutes; A drawing-stitching pain on the back of the right forearm; Stitches in the right carpus, followed by a sensation as if the cap- sule were to expand, and as if the bones Avere seized and pulled out; A tearing-stitching and. pinching pain in the palm of the left hand, near the ball of the thumb, for four minutes; A stitching-pinching pain at a small spot on the outside of the femur, passing off while he was sitting, but increasing during a walk to such a degree that he had to stand still; A sudden feeling of weakness in the upper arm, so that he has to let it hang down; attended with a draAving in the biceps muscles; A horrible ache shifts suddenly from the tooth to the arm, where he then feels a laming pain; A hard pressure in the muscles of the forearm, at times in one, at other times in the other arm, close to the carpus, in any situation; a similar pressure is felt in the legs, near the carpus; A feeling of lassitude in both lower extremities, with drowsiness : Trembling and unsteadiness of the knees, during an e\'ening walk; The right leg, especially the calf, feels as if congested, with a sen- sation in the limb, when sitting, as if excoriated, going off by rising from a seat, in the evening; A feeling of lassitude in all the joints, they feel as if stretched out • attended with a feeling of tremor in the limbs, and a tremulous sensation in the knee and arm-joints, and with a feeling of anxiety as if it were to be over Avith him; After a Avalk, he feels a tAvitching of the muscles on the inside of the thio'hs, which makes him feel anxious and like fainting; A feelino- of sickening Aveakness on the inside of the leg, from the knee to the tarsal joint; 568 LECTURE CII. The margin of the glutei muscles around the head of the femur feels sore as if bruised; The following symptom, reported by Hahnemann, points more specifically to the use of the Manganese in chronic arthritis or rheu- matism: " SAvelling and inflammation of the malleoli of the left leg; when walking he felt a slitch darting from the external malleolus up the leg; when the part was kept quiet, he only felt a stinging in it every now and then." EXANTHEAfATIC GROUP. Some of our provers report a burning itching along the edge of the thumb; scratching raises a bulla containing a moisture. Others (Hahnemann and Langhamer,) a suppurating pimple on the lower lip, in the corner of the mouth and on the chin, surrounded by a red areola, and causing a burning-tensive pain, both of itself and still more when touched. Hornburg reports: A burning point in the left glutei muscles, as if a pustule were about to form, most intensely felt when he is sitting down. How far these eruptions may justify the use of Alan- ganese in cutaneous affections characterized by the breaking out of similar efflorescences and suppurating pimples, experience must decide. The following symptoms, reported by Hahnemann, show with a certain degree of evidence the specific relation of Manganese to the dermoid tissue: "An eruption of papulae on the thigh ; they become covered with a scurf at their tips, and cause a burning itching early in the morn- ing and in the evening; after rubbing the skin, itielt sore like an ulcer; Itching in the bend of the knee, depriving him of his night's rest; On leaving the bed, in the evening, a violent burning is experi- enced over the skin of the Avhole body, which passed off again as soon as he had got into bed again; A slight crack at the posterior joint of the little finger gives rise to a malignant-looking sore, full of pus, surrounded by a blue border, and causing stinging pains, especially at night." From these symptoms Ave infer that in some forms of Ulcerous Herpes or Papulous Eruptions, or in Chronic Efflorescences of the skin, with much burning though perhaps without much redness, Manganese may prove a valuable remedy. In some of these cases it may be necessary to accompany the internal use of the drug by the application of a mild ointment of the same substance. Sundelin professes to have cured a case of moist and badly- smelling herpes on the cheek which had developed itself in conse- quence of the violent suppression of a leucorrhceal discharge, by means of a solution of the Muriate of Alanganese applied externally. MEXYANTHES TRIFOLIATA. 569 It should be stated, however, that he combined the remedy with a decoction of Sarsaparilla, Menyanthes and Senna. The herpes dis- appeared in a fortnight. SLEEP. The sleep of most of the provers of Alanganese is very much dis- turbed by anxious and vivid dreams, and occasionally by an anxious restlessness. MIND. Aiost provers show an irascible, fretful and taciturn mood; some feel apprehensive as if some sad neAvs Avere in store for them; others are of a melancholy mood, Avhere saddening impressions are agree- able, and pleasant impressions disagreeable to them. DOSE. The first six attenuations may be used, although the middle potencies are appropriate in chronic cases. LECTURE CIII. MENYANTHES TRIFOLIATA, (Common buck-bean, marsh-trefoil) This herb grows in low marshy ground and ditches; it is also cultivated in gardens on account of the beauty of its flowers, and is perennial. The flowers are Avhite, deciduous, funnel-shaped; leaves ternate like common clover. We make a dark green-brown tincture of the leaves. This druo- has some narcotic properties, on which account it is sometimes used by some brewers in Germany as a substitute for hops. Hahnemann recommends it for fever and ague if the chill predominates. The remarks with which he ushers in his short but interesting proving of this agent, are so instructive and convincing by the deep wisdom which they embody, that the reader will no doubt be pleased with their insertion in this place. " Heretofore the ordinary School of Medicine has been unacquainted Avith any true method of finding out the peculiar virtues of every single drug in order to determine the therapeutic uses of each of them. To attain this end physicians had no better guides than an external resemblance. Even taste Avas relied upon as a means of arrivin0, at a knowledge of the internal medicinal virtues of drugs. " Bytliis rule medicines which had a bitter taste, were supposed 570 LECTURE CHI. to have the same effect, and were all throAvn together in one common brew. All of them Avere supposed to have one quality, and to possess this quality in common, viz.: that they were mild tonics and strengthened the stomach, no matter of what affection it was suffering. With this view modern physicians (an enlightened posterity Avill scarcely believe it) contented themselves with simply prescribing Extractum amarum, without specifying any drug; it Avas left to the apothecary's discretion to select for his bitter brew any herbs of the most varied medicinal powers, provided they had a bitter taste, and afterAvards to inspissate the extract in order to realize the doctor's fictitious purpose (Heaven knoAvs Avhat that was!) of procuring strength Avith these unknoAvn decoctions. " It was impossible to act more indiscreetly or to treat the precious life of man with more contempt. For, inasmuch as the different herbs are so perfectly distinguished from each other that botanists take the greatest pains to note even the most trifling external char- acteristics of plants; and inasmuch as similar differences must pre- vail betAveen the inmost natures and consequently between the medicinal virtues of plants: Ave justly infer that their bitter taste alone cannot possibly render evident to the understanding either their common or special medicinal properties, nor can it determine their identity, or justify the supposition of an absolutely tonic effect of all bitter herbs indiscriminately; not to mention the fact that each of these herbs possesses a peculiar kind of bitterness or has some other taste adjoined to it, which necessarily implies the presence of corresponding differences between the internal drug-poAvers which no material taste will be able to disclose. " The supposition that from the bitter taste of plants their stomach- strengthening effect may be inferred, leads to nothing but absurdi- ties. If this were correct, why should not ear-wax, bile, Squills, the Boletus laricis, Stave's-acre, Nux vomica, Ignatia, Colocynth, Elaterium, etc., be regarded as tonic, stomach-strengthening drugs ? All these substances are sufficiently bitter, and yet some of them have the power of destroying life even when taken only in small quantities. "So blindly ignored by the ordinary School of Medicine; so blindly confounded as identical with other bitter plants has been the Menyanthes trifoliata or marsh-trefoil, an herb which is distin- guished from other bitter plants by its remarkable exterior, the locality Avhere it grows, and by the peculiar character of its bitter taste. Hence it is that its true, genuine, peculiar medicinal effects and the morbid symptoms which it causes in the healthy human organism, and by means of Avhich it becomes capable of healing similar natural diseases are so peculiar, and so perfectly distinct from the effects of any other bitter herb that it would be absurd to consider this herb identical with the other bitter herbs of the phar- macopoeia. "As in the case of other bitter herbs, so in the case of the common buck-bean, the Old System of Medicine raves about the gout-expell- ing powers of this plant, Avithout calculating the prejudice which its improper and continued use inflicts upon human life. Physicians MENYANTHES TRIFOLIATA. 571 do not even exactly knoAv what they ought to understand by the term gout, in Avhich a number of very different, painful affections of the limbs and joints, Avhich are moreover accompanied by a variety of accessory symptoms, are comprehended. "And thus, if Ave are to believe the common System of Aledicine Avhich wipes out all individualizing characteristics by its coarse generalizations, the buck-bean has cured a multitude of other patho- logical diseases, which never appear in nature in thesame form. More- over, on reading the reported cases, we find that this drug had been combined with tAventy, thirty, or even fifty other drugs Avhich render the falsity of the assertion that the marsh-trefoil had effected the cure, self-evident. Even from the few cases where this drug has been used alone, and Avhere it seems to have effected a cure, no practical lesson can be deduced, for the simple reason that the medi- cine was used empirically and at random, without any guiding prin- ciple, and the existing case is an isolated case in the domain of Nature, which may never again occur with precisely the same symptoms, and Avhich the physician may never again be called upon to cure. "It is only a correct knoAvledge of the pure, specific effects of drugs upon the healthy human organism, which teaches in an infal- lible manner the method of selecting a remedial agent in accordance with similar pathological manifestations, and permanently over- Avhelming and effacing them." The short pathogenesis which Hahnemann has left us of this drug, shows that it is endowed to some extent Avith narcotic properties and that it likewise affects the ganglionic system sufficiently to develop a train of symptoms that represent with striking resemblance certain forms of fever and ague. The stupefying action of this drug upon the brain is evidenced by the following head-symptoms Avhich we will record under our customary CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. Pressure in the forepart of the head and in the left temple, mingled with some stitches; Pressing in the head from above downward, for many hours; Pain in the temples as if they Avere compressed together, also with a feAV stitches in the occiput; Continued heaviness of the head ; Pain in the vertex as if the brain were compressed, attended with a sensation, on going up stairs, as if some heavy weight were press- ing on the top of the head-; Stupefying headache, affecting principally the forehead, both during rest and motion ; A pressing-draAving ache, immediately over the root of the nose, and in the left side of the brain; this draAving is likewise felt in the occiput; A few single stitches in the left side of the brain, in the direction of the vertex; 572 LECTURE CHI. Burning stitches in the forehead, and to some extent in the hairy scalp, with heat in the face; A stitch-like tearing at the right side of the forehead, near the temporal region. These symptoms may occur as consensual symptoms in those forms of fever and ague to which Menyanthes corresponds as a spe- cific anti-type. In our country the cases of this disease Avhich will yield to this drug, are comparatively few. At any rate, it is scarcely ever employed as a remedy for fever and ague by American phy- sicians. The people in Germany use it in the form of an infusion or decoc- tion. The special senses are likeAvise affected by this drug, but we opine in a subordinate manner. We subjoin the leading symptoms of the ORBITAL AND AURICULAR GROUP. Obscuration of sight; Contraction of the pupils followed by dilatation ; Pressure at a small point in one eye; with a sensation as if the sight would vanish, yet without any obscuration of sight; Sensation as if the eyelids were swollen; Tearing stitches in the inner canthi, with a flow of tears; Occasional attacks of lameness of one or the other eyelid, so that he is unable to move it. Ringing and roaring in the ears; Dull stitches and a sort of tenesmus in the ears. The CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP Presents a number of symptoms which are, however, destitute of any marked characteristic peculiarities, and are evidently of a con- sensual character. They may possibly occur as incidental to an attack of fever and ague, or rheumatic disorder. The common effect of large doses is to produce catharsis and occasionally emesis. AYe note the following symptoms: Dryness in the throat; Stitches in the pharynx impeding deglutition; Bitter-sweetish taste in the mouth ; Empty eructations; Quickly-passing nausea, without eructations; A sudden heat in the stomach followed by violent hunger; Pressure in the stomach folloAved by a sensation of coldness up the oesophagus, Avith violent nausea, for twenty minutes; Disposition to vomit with retching ; Rumbling, pinching, cutting in the stomach and bowels, denoting the presence of flatulence. The abdominal integuments feel sore; some provers complain of MENYANTIIES TRIFOLIATA. 573 a feeling of heat, and movements in the bowels as if diarrhoea were to set in; Constipation followed by a more easy stool; Frequent urging to urinate, with scanty discharge. RESPIRATORY GROUP. Johannes Francus, in his " Historia Trifolii fibrini," informs us that this plant causes hoarseness and dyspnoea. Systematic provings with moderate doses have elicited the following symptoms; _ Nauseous smell, as of bad eggs, in the room as well as in the open air; When talking, his voice is rough and almost hoarser, and the ears are stopped up; Spasmodic contraction of the larynx ; he has to cough when draw- ing in air; Sensation as if the sides of the chest were pressed together, with acute stitches through the chest, increased by inspiring air; AVhen sitting bent forward, the chest feels sore as if bruised. These chest-symptoms may form part of a rheumatic group for which the buck-bean may be specifically adapted. FEVER-GROUP. Among the rheumatic pains for which this drug may prove a specific provided it is selected in accordance with all the consensual symp- toms, we may mention the following, which we find embodied in Hahnemann's short pathogenesis: Various pains in the back, such as: Aching in the small of the back; boring stitches near the left scapula; a painful tearing between the scapulae, down the back; Stitches in the axilla, deltoid muscle, hip-joint, around the patella; also long stitches in the soles of the feet; Frequent attacks of a crampy, drawing pain in the interior of the left loAver arm; at last the four fingers become spasmodically draAvn in, and the arm becomes so rigid that it cannot be moved in spite of every effort ; Crampy pain in the muscles of the left lower arm extending to the palm of the hand, almost like paralysis; this pain assumes the form of a pressure, or it is a draAving pain; this crampy pain may even affect the fingers ; it is likewise felt in the lower extremities, legs, from below upAvards ; Painful twitching and jerking of single muscles and of the Avhole lower extremity; Dislocation-pain in the region of the knee-joint, from without inwards, also from one ankle to the other; These symptoms, considered in their totality, may constitute the features of a rheumatic attack, a species of Neuralgic Rheumatism, for which Menyanthes may prove an 574 LECTURE CHI. appropriate remedy, if the cephalic symptoms and the symptoms of the Chylo-Poietic Group likewise correspond. The symptoms which characterize the fever and ague group to which Menyanthes is homoeopathic, are the following: On getting up, early in the morning, he experiences a feeling of coldness in the abdomen; he feels cold creepings over the back and along the sides, like a shuddering; A shudder creeps over him, Avithout any internal chilliness, espe- cially on the legs; His hair stands on end in a warm room, for ten minutes; His hands and feet are icy-cold, the body is Avarm; During the feverish shuddering over the trunk and back, the pulse goes down to fifty-two beats; The cheeks feel hot, soon after he feels chilly; After an evening-walk, the temperature of the body is increased, but he does not feel thirsty, and a moisture breaks out over his whole body. MENTAL GROUP. In the affections to which Alenyanthes is specifically homoeopathic, the spirits become somewhat depressed. Our provers report: A feeling of apprehension in the praecordial region, as if some accident were impending; ill-humor, indifference to social entertainments, unsociable and taciturn mood, sadness. i MILLEFOLIUM, (Millefoil, common Yarrow. Nat. Ord: Composite.) This plant grows to a foot in height, along roadsides, in sandy places; it has white flowers in corymbs. We make a watery infusion, or an alcoholic tincture of the tops of the plant to be cut off just before the period of floAvering. In domestic practice this drug has been employed empirically for years past as a remedy for Hemorrhages from internal organs, the stomach, lungs, womb, urethra, rectum, also from haemorrhoidal tumors. It has also been used as an antispasmodic for recent Epileptic Spasms, violent cramp-pains in the stomach or bowels arising from sudden suppression of the menstrual or lochial dis- charge. We have a few provings of this drug by Hartlaub and Trinks, and other experimenters which furnish abundant testimony of the homoeopathicity of this agent to conditions immediately preceding haemorrhage, or to conditions arising from the abnormal suppression of habitual or accidental haemorrhage. Let us consider the symp- toms of the MILLEFOLIUM. 575 CEPHALIC GROUP As reported by Noack and Trinks. Here we ha\~e Vertigo (from the Flora Suecia of Linnaeus); Pains in the right side of the head, such as: tension, tearing and darting pains, sensation as if in a vice; Painful roaring and confusion in the head; Sensation as if the whole mass of blood would rush to the head; Rush of blood to the head when stooping, relieved by raising the head. These symptoms may arise as precursory symptoms of a violent attack of Epistaxis, or they may develop themselves in consequence of the accidental suppression of some habitual discharge of blood, such as the catamenia or a profuse haemorrhoidal flow. In the EAR-GROUP AYe meet with several symptoms which indicate this rushing of the blood to the brain, such as : Tingling in the left ear; Stitching in the right ear; Noise in the left ear is caused by the flight as of a bat, causing one to start as if in affright, afterwards a sensation, when laughing, as if cold air were rushing out. In the CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP We find several symptoms which admit of a similar interpretation to that of the cephalic and auricular symptoms. We note: Long-continued roughness in the throat; Burning sensation in the stomach and abdomen, as high up as the chest; Sensation as if the stomach were lined with some astringent earth; Lon "--continued feeling of fullness in the stomach; Spasm of the stomach, with sensation as if the stomach contained a liquid which moves through the abdomen to the anus; Painful gnawing and digging in the stomach as from hunger; Pain in the stomach, early in the morning, as if from long fasting. These symptoms clearly represent a condition of the stomach analogous to a pathological state which may result in Hematemesis; or these symptoms may delineate a pathological group which may very properly be described as Cardialgia, where severe retching and vomiting of blood may constitute characteristic symptoms; we should bear in mind that 576 LECTURE CIII. such an attack may have a metastatic origin or may constitute the ultimate development of an inherent weakness of the functional powers of the stomach. Other symptoms are recorded by our provers, in various other parts of the body, back, extremities, etc., but they seem to be desti- tute of any marked characteristic features, and are evidently of a subordinate and generally of a consensual character. Some of them constitute exceptions to this remark, inasmuch as they clearly fur- nish additional testimony concerning the circulation-disordering power of our drag. AAre may note the following: Violent pinching, first in the left hypochondrium, then on both sides, as far as the heart, with anxiety, going off after rising from the chair; Frequent going to sleep of the right foot when sitting, not going off after rising, after dinner ; Yawnin^ and stretching, Avith drowsiness, from time to time. NUX JUGLANS, (Nux regia, European Walnut.) We prepare an infusion or a dark-green alcoholic tincture of the outer enA'elop. This drug acts upon the digestive canal, and is particularly indi- cated in Scrofulosis, fever and ague, and leucorrhea. Dr. Clotar Miiller who has furnished some provings of this agent, shoAVS that it has been successfully employed in some forms of inter- mittent fever. According to the same authority it has effected a permanent cure in a case of lingering mucous and bloody leucor- rhoea by being used as an injection. Professor' Negrier in Angers, recommends it for scrofulosis. Of fifty-six patients affected with goitre, ophthalmia, glandular swell- ings and swelling of bones, he cured thirty-one completely, relieved eighteen, and four died, two of phthisis tuberculosa, one of encepha- litis, and one of compound pneumonia. This agent acts upon the digestive canal; it causes an inflation of the stomach, liquid stool, increased secretion of urine. It likewise causes a variety of Scrofulous eruptions, such as: boils, red pimples on the back and face; eczema in the axilla, with burning and itching, secretion of a greenish-yellow pus, soreness, redness, and chapping of the skin; lichen, little blotches with hard scurfs on the instep ; also a Hard and inflamed swelling of the face, boils on the shoulders, hip, arm. Dr. Miiller, the prover of this drug, offers the following lucid and philosophical comments on the physiological-therapeutic action of this agent: NUX JUGLANS. 577 " The sphere of activity of Juglans appears on the whole to be rather limited, the digestive organs being particularly and directly affected hy this drug. In these it causes derangement and irrita- tion, which simultaneously call forth abnormal symptoms in other organs and systems, especially in the head. Gradually after the continued action of Nux jug., the digestive apparatus (a term to be taken in the broadest sense, because it embraces not only the stomach and intestines, but includes the liver, spleen, kidney:;. glands, &c.,) undergoes an entire change of action, its functions appear altered, and the produet of its activity, the lymph and the blood are changed dyscrasically in their composition; the signs and consequences of this impression are the various exanthematous symptoms and material changes in the organic structures. For this reason these latter symptoms appear late and run a very chronic course, whereas the symptoms of the primae viae, which are mostly of a gastric nature, appear early and run a rapid course. But since the impression made by Juglans affects principally or exclusively the reproductive life of the organism, the symptoms caused consist, to a small degree only, of pains and subjective sensations, but chiefly of disturbances or alterations of the functions and secretions, and of organic changes of matter. The forms of pain are only itching and burning (skin), aching (head, stomach, belly,) stitches (belly, chest, back, anus,) drawing (belly, extremities,) tearing (teeth,) and pinch- ing (belly). " The symptoms of general fatigue and lassitude in the body are evidently of no great importance, and dependent only on the gastric affections, and those of the head. " I am of opinion that the symptoms Avhich may be traced to the influence of the time of day, of evacuations of the boAvels, or of meals, on the aggravation or alleviation of previously-existing symptoms, do not possess much characteristic value, and should not determine us in our selection of this drug as a remedy. Thus, for instance, an inflation and tension of the abdomen and stomach will, of course, be relieved by the discharge of wind and faeces; affections of the head, caused by congestion be aggravated toAvards evening, whereas they Avill hardly be perceptible in the morning after a few hours' sleep, etc. " Without intending to detract from the importance of the subjec- tive symptoms, since they are of characteristic and decided signifi- cance in those remedies particularly Avhich exercise their chief influence on the sensitive nervous parts, we cannot but make them very inferior to the objective symptoms; these Avill unquestionably furnish the best criterion for the employment of Juglans." This drug is probably one of those Avhich it is not safe to admin- ister in a potentized form. Sauberbielle, Funke of Leipzic, Pro- fessor Ne°rier of AntAverp, and others Avho have made extensive clinical experiments with the green envelope of the Avalnut, and Avith the leaves of the tree, have administered it in the folioAving quantities and preparations. In Jaundice for Avhich Dr. Souberbielle recommends the leaves of the Avalnut tree as a specific, he macerates over night a drachm of vol. il- 37 578 LECTURE CIII. the dried and powdered leaves in a sufficient quantity of white wine, and on the following morning the patient SAvallows this quantity before breakfast. In a case of quartan-fever and ague for which every imaginable preparation of China and otheT remedies had been used in vain, Dr. Funke effected a cure by means of two drachms of the green envelope which the patient had to swallow in six ounces of mint- water. The remedy was continued for a fortnight longer. In the extensive experiments instituted by Professor Negrier in the treatment of scrofulosis with Avalnut, he administered the drug in the following manner : After having used a decoction of the drug externally for cleansing scrofulous sores and as a fomentation to white swelling of joints, he commenced in 1837 to give it internally in his Hospital for scrofulous children, each child drinking from two to three cups a day of an infusion of the fresh leaves sweetened with syrup or honey. At the same time he gave to each child a pill com- posed of the extract of the leaves and weighing a little more than one grain. The sores were washed with a decoction of the leaves, or else dressed Avith a compress or with lint moistened with the decoc- tion, or, in some cases, a cataplasm of flaxseed and walnut leaves was applied. Seven boys and ten girls were thus treated. One of these patients was afflicted with strumous swellings which had not changed to abscesses, seven had suppurating ganglionic swelling, and nine were afflicted with diseases of bones and fistulous ulcers. Some of these children had been sick two years, others six, eight and even ten years. After two months' treatment three of these children were cured, ten much improved and four had remained unchanged. At the end of another six months four more were cured, and after a treatment of eighteen months ten of these children were cured, two were nearly well, and two did not exhibit any change. An infusion is prepared by boiling a handful of the cut leaves in half a pint of water. From two to three and even five cups of this decoction are drank every day. For external use a decoction is prepared by boiling a handful of leaves for ten or fifteen minutes in two pounds of water. This decoction may be used for fomenta- tions, cleansing the sores, fistulous ulcers, etc. The dried leaves may be obtained at all seasons. NUX MOSCHATA, MYRISTICA MOSCTIATA. (Nutmeg) This is the fruit of the Myristica fragrans, Nat. Ord. Myristaceae, a tree growing on the Molucca Islands. It consists of an outer envelope, and of a reddish shell known as mace, which is closely adhering to the nut, and leaves depressions upon it when removed. The nut itself is dipped in lime-Avater by the Dutch before it is shipped off as an article of trade. The lime-water, traces of which may be seen on the nut, protects it against the ravages of worms Avhich are apt to perforate its interior. NUX MOSCHATA, MYRISTICA MOSCHATA. 579 We make a light-yellow tincture of this nut. It is endowed with powerful narcotic properties, and may even develop poisonous symptoms. Cullen relates that two drachms of the poAvdered nut were swal- loAved by mistake, and caused a warmth in the stomach; an hour after, drowsiness supervened, gradually increasing to stupor and in- sensibility, The person was found on the floor; after being put to bed, delirium set in, which lasted for some hours. One morning Purkinje swallowed a whole nut in little pieces, mixed Avith sugar. The Avhole day he experienced a sort of dullness in the^ outer senses and in the motor organs, without the mental operations or any of the other functions being interfered Avith ; he found, however, that a small glass of wine after dinner affected him a good deal. One afternoon he swallowed three nuts; soon after he was attacked Avith drowsiness, and he laid the whole afternoon on his sofa in a state of somnolence and his mind absorbed in pleasant reverie. At half past five in the evening he went out; although he was per- fectly able to control his movements, yet he lost himself continually in reveries; at times he lost even his recollection, and the road ap- peared to him very long. Arrived at the theatre, the struggle be- tAveen dream and reality continued for a long time until the external senses finally obtained the mastery. He had a good night's rest. There were no unpleasant after-symptoms, except that he felt the effects of wine more vividly for some days longer. Mace seems to have the same effect as the nut itself, except that its action is more intense, more volatile and penetrating. A tincture is prepared of this substance, and an oil, the Oleum macis destillatum, is obtained from it. An oil is likewise obtained by distillation from the nut, the Oleum nucis moschate destillatum, of which one or two drops may be given at a dose on extraordinary occasions where it is desirable to obtain an instantaneous effect. Another preparation of Nutmeg is the Oleum nucis moschate ex- pressem, or the Balsamum nucis moschate or Nucite, which is only used externally for local nervous affections, debility, spasms of little children, in Avhich case frictions are made upon the spine and abdo- men ; it is likewise used for hysteric spasms, flatulent and spasmodic colic, paralysis, spasmodic labor-pains, etc. In these affections it has so far been used only by Old-School practitioners, although it is evident that in some of them the curative action of the drug- depends upon its homoeopathicity to the pathological nature of the malady. The provings Avhich avc possess of this drug, commend it to our attention in Hypochondria and Hysteria, loss of memory, nervous vertigo ; Hgsleric Toothache, Avith a sensation as if the teeth were grasped as if they were to be pulledout; Hysteric Stools, alternate diarrhoea and costiveness, with enormous 580 LECTURE CIII. distension of the bowels after eating, especially if the bowels are very irritable and disturbed by the slightest mental excitement; Dysmenorrhea, Avith thick blood, sensation as if a board Avere pressed against the back; the patient is at the same time afflicted Avith water brash; Hysteric Paroxysm, with drowsiness, stupor, delirium. OLEANDEB, (Nerium oleander, rose-laurel. Nat. Order.—Apocynejs.) This perennial evergreen grows Avild in the South of Europe, Spain, Italy. It is cultivated in our green-houses as an ornamental shrub; leaves tripartite, on short stalks, linear-lanceolate, acute, entire, smooth, coriaceous, and marked with numerous transverse ribs beneath. The beautiful rose-colored flowers are in terminal cymes, funnel-shaped, inodorous. We prepare a dark brownish-green tincture of the fresh leaves, gathered shortly before the floAvering period. This plant is endowed Avith exceedingly poisonous properties. Lindley says: " The common Oleander is a formidable poison ; a decoction of its leaves forms a wash employed in the South of Europe to-destroy cutaneous vermin, and its powdered wood and bark constitute at Nice the basis of an efficacious rat-poison." Hamilton has extracted the following cases of poisoning for his valuable Flora Homoeopathica. In 1809, when the French troops Avere lying before Aladrid, some of the soldiers cut the branches of the Oleander for spits and skewers for the meat Avhen roasting. The Avood having been stripped of its bark, and coming in contact with the meat, was productive of the most direful consequences, for of tAArelve soldiers Avho ate of the roast, seven died, the other five were dangerously ill. Five men who partook of soup that had been stirred with a twig of Oleander, were seized with the following symptoms: Great rest- lessness, a Avildness and prominence of the eyes, dilated pupils, vertigo, slight convulsions, pain in the abdomen, vomiting of a greenish colored liquid, and insensibility. According to Orfila, this drug, when taken in over-doses, causes palpitation, anxiety and fainting, sAvelling of the abdomen and diminution of vital temperature. Petrus de Abano has seen palpitation of the heart, anxiety, faint- ing fits, heat, loss of recollection, sleeplessness caused by Oleander. Morgagni relates that the juice of this plant mixed with wine and drunk by a Avoman, has caused vomiting, increased warmth of the skin, speechlessness, somnolence, feeble pulse, death. Hahnemann has incorporated both these series of symptoms among his list of provings. Wibmer sums up the poisonous effects of Oleander in the follow- ing statement: OLEANDER. 581 " Its local action is hardly perceptible; if absorbed, no matter in what way the poison is introduced into organism, it acts upon the stomachy causing spasmodic contractions of this organ which result in vomiting. It chiefly, however, affects the brain and spinal mar- row _ whose functions it disturbs or even paralyzes; hence arise vertigo, stupefaction, trembling and spasmodic constrictions of the muscles, rigidity, staggering, dilatation of the pupils, debility, insen- sibility, paralysis, death. Death ensues most speedily after the injection of the poison into the veins. Scarcely any changes are observed in the dead body, except an utter extinction of the irrita- bility of the heart, sometimes an engorgement of the cerebral vessels, and an increased density of the pulmonary parenchyma." Hahnemann has left us some interesting provings of this drug which not only confirm its general toxical effects, but elucidate in some measure their special nature. He recommends this drug for some forms of mental alienation; in certain kinds of painters' paraly- sis ; in exanthems of the hairy scalp, with tendency to the formation of vermin, and in various affections of the cerebellum. AVe will furnish a synopsis of the leading symptoms of this agent under the categories which we have adopted for all our drugs, not forgetting to connect the pathogenetic powers of this medicine with their corresponding pathological spheres of action. CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. When walking in the open air, he was attacked with vertigo, not as if he should fall or stagger; he stood firmly, but the objects around him, trees or men, seemed to be floating about in a state of confusion, and his sight was obscured, Avith occasional dazzling vibrations; AVhen he is standing erect, and wants to look down, he is taken with giddiness, and it seems as though objects were double; but Avhen looking straight ahead, whether standing erect or crouching on the ground, he did not feel any giddiness; Dullness of the mind, he finds it difficult to think; Pain in the head and a feeling of heaviness, as if the head were drawn forwards; Oppressive pain in the brain, after some hours; An aching pain in the left temple, shifting up and down, and going off in the open air ; Suddenly he experiences a stupefying pain in the forehead, in front, as from a hard blow; A slowly pulsative pain in the forehead. These symptoms show that Oleander exercises a very marked action upon the brain; in connection Avith the toxical effects which we have pointed out, the inherent power of Oleander to depress and perhaps to paralyze the action of the brain, seems sufficiently estab- lished. 582 LECTURE ciii. Other symptoms belonging to this range, show that the action of the brain is much impaired by the paralyzing influence of this drug. In proving this drug, our experimenters have failed to observe the maimer in Avhich the action of the heart is modified by it; hence it is impossible to determine Avith absolute certainty whether the cere- bral depression is directly traceable to the primary influence of the drug over the brain or whether it results indirectly from a primary. diminution, or if the case should terminate fatally, from a primary extinction of the irritability of the heart. Be this, however, as it may, the symptoms show that the functional power of the brain is much depressed by this drug, and the character of the pains impresses upon our observation the fact that this depression is the result of a narcotizing influence such as is manifested by Aconite, Belladonna, Opium and other drugs constituting a series of well-known narcotic agents endoAved Avith a specific poAver of inducing apoplexy partial or complete, or paralysis of special sets of muscles, even Avhole extremities. Gross reports: Stupefying pressure at the malar bone, penetrating into the brain, and extending to the root of the nose; a stupefying, troublesome feeling of tension; Frantz reports: A violent pressing pain in the temples, Avhen SAvallowing; A pressure in the anterior cervical muscles, as if something were forced upAvard, a suffocating, choking sensation, compelling him to untie his cravat; The veins of the hands are swollen, but the hands are not hot. Gutmann reports; A Aveakness in the lower extremities, and a sensation in the feet, especially the soles of the feet, as if they would go to sleep during a walk. Langhammer : The Avhole body felt weak, he had to be led home, and go to bed, he had a good night's rest. Almost every prover of Oleander reports itching or burning stitches in various parts of the body, in the back, in the chest, ster- num, in various parts of the upper and lower extremities; these stitches seem to be more or less characteristic of the disturbing action of this drug upon the nervous sensibility, and upon the secretory functions of the liver. The effect of our drug upon the special senses, serves to confirm its character as a drug which may, with great propriety, be ranged among the class of remedies endowed with specific virtues against certain forms of paralysis. In the ORBITAL GROUP, AYe find recorded: Dilatation of the pupils; Obscuration of sight; The eyes and eyelids are seriously affected; the provers complain of itching and burning of the lids, pressure in the eyeballs as if they were to be pressed out, sensation as if the eye were to be pushed up by force, involuntary contraction of the lids, as if he were sleepy; OLEANDER. 5S3 A stupefying, dull pressure between the root of the nose and the left orbital cavity; These symptoms seem incidental to a state of cerebral depression and irritation, and have no therapeutic A^alue except in so far as they constitute elements of this superior group. The last symptom may be interpreted as indicating an engorge- ment of the internal carotid, the pressure of which upon the optic nerve may cause such a pain as is here described. AURICULAR GROUP. An acute pressing pain deep in the ear; A buzzing, singing and shrill ringing in the left ear. The same remark applies to these symptoms which we have attached to the Orbital Group. FACIAL GROUP. Langhammer and Hartmann report: Pale complexion, the whole day ; Morgagni: the lips are brown, especially the lower lip ; the color of the face is scarcely changed, perhaps rather pale ; Franz reports an interesting symptom : Heat proceeding at times from the lobe of the right, and at other times from that of the left ear, whence it spreads over the same side of the face, and then over the Avhole face. The primary effects of Oleander seem to be to prevent a normal supply of blood from reaching the brain, either by diminishing the functional poAver of the heart, or by primarily impairing the cere- bral poAver, from which the heart itself derives its own vitalizing support. The symptom reported by Franz seems to characterize an incipient reaction of the organism; the primary effect of a full dose of the drug is undoubtedly to cause pallor of the countenance, superinduced by a depression of the cerebral activity, or by a dimi- nished irritability of the heart. DENTAL GROUP. Franz, who is a very careful and intelligent prover, has reported the folloAving effects of Oleander upon his teeth: Towards evening and in the night he experiences a dull-tearing pain in the left side of the nape of the neck and in the left shoulder- blade, alternating Avith a tearing sensation in the temple and in the left second molar; Toothache, the Avhole night, a tearing-drawing pain in the first molar of the left jaw, and sometimes in the holloAV molar adjoining ; his toothache ceased as soon as he left the bed, and returned again, as soon as he got into bed again, accompanied Avith an anguish as if 584 LECTURE CHI. he should die; at the same time the prover had to urinate a number of times, felt sick at the stomach, and a heat in the left cheek, (the first night); A cutting-aching pain is experienced in the teeth during mastica- tion, which passes off as soon as he stops cheAving; nevertheless the tooth is perfectly painless when touching or pressing upon it; AVhen chewing the molars are sensitive, as if they Avere hollow. Langhammer, another perfectly reliable prover, reports : A strange sensation in the mouth, as if every tooth Avere loose and vacillating; the gums of the Avhole upper and lower jaAV are of a bluish-white color. In a condition of the system, for which Oleander generally seems adapted, this agent would undoubtedly prove a specific remedy for just such a toothache as we find described in this series of symptoms. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. Our provers have reported quite a numerous array of symptoms, which have been elicited from the action of Oleander upon the digestive organs. Even the unprofessional reader knoAvs that the functions of the various organs constituting the digestive apparatus, are very often extensively interfered Avith in an attack of general or partial paralysis. The following series of pathogenetic effects embodies some of the leading phenomena which are apt to mark these derangements of the digestive sphere. First let us state that the following symptoms show the homoeopathicity of Oleander to Paralysis of the tongue, for which it may, therefore, prove an efficient remedy: AVhite coating on the tongue, with a feeling of dryness in the mouth, and parched lips, (Langhammer); Burning stitches in the left side of the tongue, (Gutmann); Almost complete loss of speech, the breathing being left unembar- rassed, (Atorgagni); AVhen asked a question, she made an effort to answer, but was only able to utter inarticulate sounds; A sort of burning in the fauces down to the stomach. Among the general symptoms, we distinguish the following: She took no nourishment; He had no appetite, and yet he was tormented by a ravenous hunger ; he devoured a great deal and greedily; his hands trembled, so great Avas his desire for the nourishment placed before him; His supper tasted flat and insipid ; Eructations having a putrid odor; Nausea in the mouth, as if he should throw up; Retching, with waterbrash, for tAvo hours; during this attack the cervical muscles were painfully contracted as if he should suffocate; likewise the abdominal muscles ; at first he only succeeded in rais- ing some mucus, but afterwards he brought up some fluid mixed OLEANDER. 585 with the food he had swallowed, it had a sour taste (for tAA*o hours, Langhammer;) Excessive vomiting succeeded by thirst (Aforgagni.) Sensation in the pit of the stomach as if every beat of the heart reverberated through the whole chest, as after having been over- heated ; jet the heart does not beat with more force than usual; Pinching and rumbling in the boAvels, Avith a feeling of emptiness in the bowels; Emission of a quantity of foul-smelling flatulence ; Frequent urging to stool; Discharge of a small quantity of thin watery stool; The food almost passes off undigested; Burning in the anus, between the alvine evacuations, also before and after a discharge ; Frequent urging to urinate, with scanty discharge. Most of these symptoms are often present as consensual elements in a general group denoting a paralytic condition of the brain. THORACIC GROUP. The symptoms of this Group show that Oleander affects very powerfully the action of the heart, and that its modifying power in this direction may be of great use to us in the treatment of paralysis. Petrus de Abano, for instance, reports: Palpitation of the heart, and fits of anxiety ; Langhammer: Anxiety in the region of the heart, without any anxious thoughts, with a tremulous sensation in the Avhole body, for several hours (after seven hours); Hahnemann: Several attacks of palpitation of the heart; Gutmann: A dull-drawing pain over the heart, aggravated by stooping, and continuing during an expiration. EXANTHEAIATIC GROUP. The folloAving symptoms shoAV that the employment of Oleander in Pityriasis or the so-called lice-malady, is founded to some extent, at least, upon the power it possesses of affecting the scalp in a similar manner, although it is highly probable that the narcotic virtues of the clruo- are likewise depended upon in destroying the vermin. Lano-hammer reports: A gnawing itching of the hairy scalp, obli°in<>- him to scratch, the Avhole day, at intervals; Itching pimples on the hairy scalp; _ Franz has: A continual biting and itching of the hairy scalp. Other provers report an itching of the skin generally; Lang- hammer. for instance, experienced a biting itching over the Avhole body, while he was undressing. 586 LECTURE CIV. SLEEP AND FEVER. A sort of sopor, she Avas conscious and able to move; Restless dreams; Erotic dreams, Avith involuntary emissions, for two nights in suc- cession ; (Langhammer and Gutmann ;) Shuddering all over, without thirst or subsequent heat, during rest and motion; afterwards the hands were cold and the 'cheeks warm; gradually the Avhole body felt hot and chilly at the same time; the heat was even perceptible to others ; He is attacked with flashes of heat, if he is rather more active than usual; the face feels hot, as if stung with many fine needles. These so-called fever-symptoms cannot be regarded as indepen- dent therapeutic indications; they may, however, become valuable as incidental features in the pathological picture, viz.: the nervous disorder, paralysis, which, in one form or another, seems to consti- tute the chief sphere of action of our drug. MENTAL GROUP. It is hardly necessary to remark that, in an attack to which Ole- ander is homoeopathic, the mental functions must necessarily suffer. Among the effects of the drug Ave likewise find: An indisposition to work ; Dullness of ideas, want of good humor; Sad mood, Avant of confidence in one's-self; Irritable and irascible temper. LECTURE CIV. OLEUM CKOTONIS, (Croton-oil.—Nat. Order:—Euphorbiace^.) The seeds from Avhich the croton-oil is obtained, are the fruit of the croton tiglium, a bush groAving in the East Indies. The yellowish- white kernel is enveloped in a dark-brownish, brittle shell. AVhen cheAved, it has at first an oily taste, which soon afterwards changes to a burning acrid taste, causing a horrid taste and an unpleasant scraping, inflammatory sensation in the throat. It is well knoAvn to most of you that this oil is possessed of violent drastic properties, Avhich may induce very violent poisonous effects. The following cases are related by Pereira. Thomas Young, aged thirty-one years, a laborer in the East India Avarehouses, Avas brought into the London hospital on the Sth of December, 1841, laboring under symptoms of poisoning by the exha- OLEUM CROTONIS. 587 lations of the croton-seed. He had been occupied about eight hours in emptying packages of these seeds, by which he was exposed to their dust. The first ill-effects observed were loss of appetite, then a burning sensation in the nose and mouth, tightness at his chest, and copious lachrymation, followed by epigastric pain. Feeling himself getting worse, he left the warehouse, but became very giddy and fell down insensible. Aledical assistance Avas procured, and an emetic was administered, stimulants were applied and he was wrapped in warm blankets. When he became sensible, he complained of his mouth being parched, and that his throat was swelling. He was then removed to the hospital. On his admission he appeared in a state of collapse, complained of burning pain at the stomach, in the throat and in the head, and of swelling and numbness at his tongue. The epigastrium felt hot and tense, the pupils were dilated, the breathing short and hurried, the countenance distressed, pulse eighty-five, surface cold. He stated that his tongue felt too large for his mouth, and appeared to be Avithout feeling, and he had bitten it two or three times to ascertain, whether there was any sensation in it. On examination, however, no change could be observed in the size or appearance of the tongue or parts about the mouth. Hot brandy and water were given to him, and he Avas put into the hot bath with evident relief. He continued in the hospital for several days, during which time he continued to improve, but still com- plained of epigastric pain. It deserves notice that his boAvels Avere not acted on, and on the day following his admission, several doses of castor-oil were given to him. A young man, aged twenty-five years, affected with severe typhoid fever, swallowed by mistake two and a half drachms of croton oil. At the end of three-quarters of an hour the skin was cold, and covered Avith cold sweats, the pulse and action of the heart scarcely perceptible, respiration difficult; the points of the toes and fingers, the parts around the eyes and the lips, blue, as in malignant cholera ; abdomen sensible to the touch, but no vomiting. In an hour and a half, there were excessive and involuntary alvine evacuations, sensa- tion of burning in the oesophagus, acute sensibility of the abdomen, skin colder, respiration and circulation difficult, the cyanosis ex- tended over the whole body, the skin became insensible; and death occurred, with some of the symptoms of asphyxia, four hours after the poison Avas swalloAved. No lesion Avas found in the gastric mem- brane. The intestines presented ulcerations such as are characteristic of typhus fever. This oil is extensively used by Old-School physicians as an altera- tive agent on account of its poAver to move the bowels. AVhen rubbed upon the skin, it causes rubefaction and a pustular or vesi- cular eruption, occasionally attended Avith an erysipelatous sAvelling of the surrounding parts. Rayer mentions a case, in Avhich thirty- two drops, rubbed upon the abdomen, produced purging; large vesicles, swelling, redness of the face, Avith small, prominent, Avhite, croAvded vesicles on the cheeks, lips, chin and nose. These remarkable effects may lead us to employ Croton-oil in 588 LECTURE CIAr. Cholera diarrheica, with watery discharges, vomiting, coldness, cyanotic appearance of the skin. Metastatic Neurosis of the brain and thoracic organs,_ tongue, oesophagus and stomach, arising from the sudden checking of a diarrhoea, either by violent means or spontaneously; the symptoms by Avhich this irritation of the cerebral nerves is characterized, are: violent dizziness, loss of consciousness, flushed face, heat in the head, numbness and sense of swelling in the tongue, burning of the throat and oesophagus, pain in the epigastric region, oppression on the chest, coldness of the surface, irritated pulse. Eczema, with violent gastro-intestinal irritation. Antidotal: Emetics; afterwards mild, emollient, demulcent drinks ; stimulants such as Ammonia and brandy; for the violent diarrhoea give Aconite, not Opium, as is recommended by the Old-School. These therapeutic uses have been confirmed by L. Cruse, who has instituted experiments Avith the seeds as well as with the oil of Croton. We transcribe them from Frank's Magazine. The experi- menter asserts that the sixth part of a seed caused in him tonic spasms of the loAver extremities. In spite of this he swallowed the half of a still larger seed at eight p'clock in the evening on the 18th of March* At first the taste was not unpleasantly sweetish, but there Avas a peculiar, scraping-burning after-taste, which became more intense in spite of the tea he drank and of the cloves he chewed. It was accompanied with ptyalism, an increased Avarmth of the whole body, especially of the face, accelerated pulse; nausea, eructations especially after drinking water; a disagreeable sensation of fullness in the region of the stomach and abdomen, with rumbling and slight colicky pains, dysphagia and dryness of the fauces. After the lapse of two hours and a half the burning and scraping abated; in the meanwhile violent tearing pains were experienced in one portion of the vertebral column; the tongue showed a white coating, the taste in the mouth was insipid, the buccal cavity felt as if it had been scorched; all these symptoms continued until nine o'clock on the following morning, when a semi-fluid discharge from the bowels took place, Avhich was followed by another fluid discharge at two o'clock in the afternoon. There was an increased secretion of a cloudy urine; for several days he experienced a certain debility, a feeling of indisposition and a swelling in the region of the palate; no cramps. The author considers it probable that the effects of the poison were moderated by the cold water which he drank. Herrmann, at any rate, asserts that the diarrhoea caused by Croton-oil, is arrested at once by drinking cold water, or even by placing the feet or hands in cold water. A whole, but smaller seed was taken with the same effect, except that it caused neither backache nor diarrhoea. On the 6th of April, at eleven o'clock in the morning, the author swalloAved a whole seed from Avhich the enveloping pellicle had been These seeds weigh from two to three, or at most four grains. OLEUAI CROTONIS. 589 removed, and which he had roasted by the fire. At first it had a \*ery pleasant taste like cocoa, but soon after the peculiar burning, nausea, dryness of the mouth, Aveariness and a feeling of sickness set in; at last he yielded to an irresistible desire to sleep, which he regarded as the result of the debility caused by Croton. The author likeAvise instituted experiments with the oil of Croton, of Avhich he SAvallowed one drop on sugar on the 17th of Aiarch, at ten and three-quarters o'clock in the forenoon. He had not taken any nourish- ment that morning except a little tea. Soon after he experienced a burning and scraping sensation at the back part of the anterior arches of the pharynx, which Avas scarcely at all felt during an inspiration, but during an expiration the more perceptibly the more ATigorously the expiration Avas executed. The appetite Avhich had still existed the moment previous, was suddenly gone; in the chest and abdomen he felt a malaise Avhich frequently obliged him to stretch; the pulse was frequent and feeble; two hours after he had a hard stool which was soon after followed by a liquid stool accom- panied with slight rumbling and colicky pains in the region of the stomach and hypochondria. The feeling of malaise, hoAvever, con- tinued, the rumbling in the bowels increased, and in half an hour another liquid discharge took place. After a short nap the burning in the fauces had so far abated that it was felt only now and then during an expiration. In one hour after, he had another copious and watery discharge, and three hours after this, still another. In the meanAvhile a certain feeling of Avarmth had spread through the mouth with an increased flow of saliva; next day the boAvels were constipated. Of a recently-prepared oil he took one drop on the 25th of Aiarch, at one and a half o'clock in the afternoon. The immediate sensations were the same as before, except that the taste seemed a little more rancid; violent colicky pains in the stomach and abdomen; after Avhich he had a short and refreshing sleep Avhich still left him Avith a good deal of burnino- and a certain feeling of sickness ; nausea and eructations were noAV felt only as often as he drank anything; in two hours he had a consistent stool followed by a discharge of mucus, and in two hours more, another copious stool the first part of Avhich Avas firm, and the last part Avatery; the nausea, feeling of malaise and the anorexia continued; next morning at seven and a quarter o'clock, he had a third watery discharge. A robust young man took one drop of the oil on the tongue; in three hours he had six discharges in succession, Avhich Avere followed by four discharges during the night; the last discharge Avas accom- panied Avith violent tenesmus. A girl of twenty years Avho Avas afflicted with worms and Avhose catamenia were too scanty, was ordered two drops of the oil rubbed up Avith forty grains of sugar, to be taken in four doses, one every mornino- and evening. After the first dose already, she had six evacuations, accompanied Avith cold sweat, especially on the fore- 590 LECTURE CIV. head; the second powder which was taken tAvelve hours after the first, caused a violent retching, vomiting, rumbling in the boAvels and twenty-four diarrhoeic stools. Brandes communicates in Hufeland's Journal the following poison- ous effects of Crotonic acid, one of the constituents of the seeds. AVhile engaged in preparing the acid, part of it escaped into the room in the shape of a vapor. The whole room was filled with a stinging, nauseous, stupefying odor. Next morning the face, lips, eyelids of the chemist were sAvollen, inflamed, and the eyes were surrounded by a broad border of small vesicles. Afterwards he felt Aveak, the arms and lower extremities felt heavy, he experienced a "burning in the fauces and bowels and lastly sopor and a weary feel- ing. In the Russian Medical Gazette, Vol. III., a case of constipation is reported which was treated Avith Croton-oil Avithout much success. The patient took first one drop and a half, and in two days two other drops. The constipation was not relieved, instead of which the fol- lowing symptoms developed themselves: profuse spitting, nausea, feeling of weakness, violent headache followed in a few hours by severe pain in the back, in the lumbar region and in the abdomen; here it became intolerable by gentle pressure or by a deep inspira- tion ; the pain was likewise felt in the shoulder, small of the back, legs and feet; afterwards pains in the chest were experienced, the breathing was oppressed and painful; cough with a copious, yellowish expectoration, spitting of blood, after which the yellowish expectoration continued for some time; febrile symptoms made their appearance, the strength vanished, he became suddenly emaci- ated, the color of the skin was slightly jaundiced, the urine yellow- ish and turbid. Another patient, laid up with quotidian fever and ague, took five drops in three doses, after which the same symptoms made their appearance as in the previous case, and with the same intensity. The fever and ague ceased when the Croton-disease developed itself. In the course of time the pains in the head disappeared first, next those in the shoulder, and lastly the pain in the renal region. In the first case the symptoms lasted four, and in the second case three weeks. The effects of the drug in either of these cases are evidently impure; the pathological tendency or condition of the organism seems to have forced the action of the drug into a channel not inherently its own. If a patient, who is suffering Avith constipation, should, by some natural cause, become moreover subject to such symptoms as the oil developed in our first case; or if, in a case of fever and ague, the disease should be superseded, through some natural influence, by a similar series of symptoms: we might feel justified, by the terms of our law, in prescribing Croton-oil, but we should never, without the strictest scrutiny, mix up impure symp- toms with a series of drug-effects, which are to guide us in the selection of remedial agents for the cure of diseases. OLEUM CROTONIS. 591 Cruse likewise experimented with the Croton-oil externally. On the 24th of March, at one o'clock in the afternoon, he rubbed four drops of the oil around the umbilicus. In half an hour he experi- enced an itching, afterwards a very painful burning which lasted until nine o'clock in the evening. On the following day a pus- tulous erythema broke out, which was particularly painful when touched; on the 26th, the pustules had changed to crusts resembling those of Tartar emetic ; the experimenter complained of fever, great pain, a feeling of sickness, and an herpetic eruption on the scrotum made its appearance. Of a liniment prepared in accordance with the rules laid down in the Prussian Pharmacopoeia for a preparation of the Hart's-horn liniment, he rubbed six grains upon the abdomen, in the umbilical region. Every trace of the former friction had disappeared. Very soon he felt a slight burning, which gradually increased until he was unable, towards evening, to bend over, or to bear the pressure of his clothes. Next day the pain seemed to abate, but it soon after returned with an herpetic eruption upon the scrotum and the glans, which was so painful that he had to wear a suspensory. Where the poison had been applied, pustules broke out, surrounded with red areolae, and resembling varicella, except that the pustules were flatter and emitted a peculiar odor. In the night following the application, the acute pain prevented him from sleeping; in the morning the abdominal integuments seemed hard and inflamed. He had to apply cold water fomentations in order to soothe the pains. They did not cease until the epidermis of the scrotum and glans came off; on the abdomen the desquamation took place some time after. In some cases the face or one side of it has been covered with these erythematous pustules. It is, however, believed by most observers that this facial eruption is not the result of absorption, but of an accidental transfer of the Croton-oil from the abdomen or the original place of application, to the face. There seems to exist an intimate relation between the skin and the sexual system. If this form of Herpes scrotalis or preputialis, involving the glans penis, should occur as a natural disease, it might be very appropriately treated by o-iving Croton-oil internally, in a much reduced quantity, and applying a weak preparation of it to the abdominal integuments, either in the groin or in the umbilical region. Eczema of the sexual organs would have to be treated in the same way. An Erythema, resembling Croton-oil pustules and inflammation of the skin, may likewise yield to the internal use of the oil, but it is probably advisable to accompany the internal use Avith the exter- nal application of a suitably reduced preparation of the oil, either directly to the eruption itself, or to the adjoining parts. In a case of Eczema or Erythema to Avhich Croton-oil seems homoeopathic, the existence of a'more or less acute irritation of the gastro-intesti- nal mucus membrane Avould corroborate our selection of this oil as the homoeopathic remedial agent in the case. 592 LECTURE CIV. ANTIDOTAL. Emetics; afterwards mild, emollient, demulcent drinks: stimu- lants, such as Ammonia and brandy; for the violent diarrhoea Aco- nite and cold Avater may be given; Opiates may sometimes be advisable. OLEUM IATR0P1LE CURCADIS, vel OLEUM INFERTILE, (Iatropha-oil) This oil is obtained from the seeds of Iatropha Curcas, a shrub Avhich is found in both Indies, in Brazils and on the island of Cey- lon. The leaves have long stalks, are broadly cordate, angular, roundish; the flowers form corymbs or cymes Avith long peduncles, the males being terminal, the females axillary. The fruit is tricoc- cous, blackish, about the size and shape of a Avalnut. Each cell of the capsule contains one seed. The seeds are rough to the touch, black, marked with a number of minute cracks; they enclose kernels enveloped in a delicate, white pellicle. Soubeiran, Avho has made an analysis of the seeds, found in them a fixed oil, a peculiar fixed acrid resin, saccharine matter, gum, a fatty acid, a free acid, glutine and some salts. The seeds are known by various names, Semen Ricini majoris, Nux Cathartica Americana, Nux Barbadensis, Ficus infernalis, Ame- rican physic nuts, Barbados seeds or nuts; the French call them gros pignon d'lnde. In England the oil has been imported as the oil of Avild Castor-seeds. It has a yellowish color, a feeble odor, and when kept in a cold place during the winter season, deposits a white solid fat, margarine or stearine. Pereira states upon the authority of others, that when fresh and pure it is odorless, colorless and quite limpid. Iatropha-oil is much less soluble in alcohol than either Castor or Croton-oil. Soubeiran swallowed a seed which at first had a sweetish taste, but afterwards a very acrid taste. After the lapse of half an hour he experienced an acrid sensation in the fauces, Avhich gradually spread towards the stomach Avith increased intensity, and finally excited vomiting. A young man experienced the same symptoms. The expressed oil, like the seed, likewise causes after some time a feeling of acridity and vomiting. Wibmer states that the acrid principle can be separated from the oil by treating it Avith alcohol. The acrid principle of the Iatropha-oil is of the same nature as Tiglin, the acrid principle of Croton-oil. AAre are informed by the London Medical Gazette, Vol. IX., page 8, that Air. Bennett swallowed four seeds, and experienced a very unpleasant sensation in the stomach and bowels, with nausea, Avhich, after an interval of nearly two hours, terminated in vomiting; their purgative effects folloAved soon afterwards and were mild; the sick- ness had then passed aAvay, but the burning sensation continued for some time longer. Professor Letheby relates the case of a laborer who swalloAved OLEUM RICINI. 593 five seeds; they caused vomiting, purging, perspiration, debility, giddiness, and delirium. Four hours after taking the poison, he walked to the London Hospital; the pupils were natural, the coun- tenance pale, the hands cold, and the pulse one hundred forty. After taking an opiate and a mild cordial, he soon recovered. Dr. Christison informs us that the residual cake from which the oil has been expressed, is still very active; a few grains of it caused violent vomiting and purging. This important observation shows that, in preparing the Barbados nut for medicinal uses, we should not simply take the oil which the kernel contains, but the entire nucleus, which may be triturated with sugar of milk, or macerated in alcohol. The action of the latropha nut, as far as it is known, leads us to infer a specific relation between this drug and certain forms of severe gastric irritation or Gastrosis, characterized by a burning distress in the stomach and oesophagus, violent retching and vomiting, coldness of the extremi- ties, small and hurried pulse, pallid countenance, loss of strength. It may likewise be in homoeopathic rapport with certain forms of Cholera Morbus, for which it seems to be more specifically adapted than for genuine Asiatic cholera, for the order of succession of its physiological effects shows that the diarrhoeic discharges Avhich constitute such a prominent feature in Asiatic cholera, occupy a subordinate position in the latropha series, where the symptoms of acute gastric irritation take the lead. We offer this suggestion for the reason that some homoeopathic physicians who derive their inspirations from the antediluvian period of Homoeopathy, and whose mental vision is bounded by an horizon of external, and therefore delusive symptoms, have recommended the latropha nut as a remedy for Asiatic cholera, superior even to Veratrum album. OLEUM RICINI, (Castor-oil) This oil is obtained from the Castor-oil plant, which was known in the most ancient times. The botanical name is Ricinus com- munis, or Palma Christi. Cailland, in the Diet. Univ. de Mat. Med., informs us that he found the seeds of this plant in some Egyptian sarcophagi, supposed to have been at least four thousand years old. Some persons imagine that this is the plant which is termed in the Bible kikayon. On this subject the pious fathers Jerome aud Augustin differed so much in their opinions that from words they proceeded to blows. This plant was termed kroton by the Greeks, and ricinus by the Romans on account of the resemblance of its seeds to the tick, that insect which infests dogs and other animals and whose Latin name is ricinus. The castor-oil plant or ricinus communis is a native of India, where it grows to a height of from fifteen to twenty feet, and endures for many years. It is also found in Spain, Italy and on the island of Creta in the Greek Archipelago: it is not quite certain, however, vol. n.—38 594 LECTURE CIV. wmether the ricini found in these parts of the world are mere varie- ties of the ricinus communis, and therefore partaking of the common properties of this agent, or whether they constitute distinct species. AV'e use the seeds of this plant, which have an oval, somewhat compressed shape, about four lines long, three lines broad and a line and a half in thickness; externally of a pale-grey, but marbled with yellowish-brown spots and stripes. The oil may be obtained from these seeds by subjecting the slightly warmed seeds to the action of a powerful screw-press. Castor-seeds possess considerable acridity. Bergius states in his Materia Medica that a man masticated a single seed at bed-time; the following morning he was attacked with violent vomiting and purging, which continued the whole day. Lanzoni, in a work on toxicology written by Marx, states that the life of a woman was endangered by eating three of the seeds. More recently, a girl sixteen years of age, died of gastro-enteritis by eating about twenty of the seeds. This case is reported in the nineteenth volume of the London Aled. Gazette. Castor-oil acts as a mild cathartic, although, if taken in large doses, of one or two ounces, it may irritate the bowels very unpleasantly. In the tenth volume of the London Med. Gazette, a remarkable case is mentioned by Dr. Ward, of a woman upon whom this oil does not operate as a cathartic, but exudes from every part of her body. Castor-oil is generally used by physicians of the other School, to evacuate the contents of the bowels. In our practice we may have to use it for such a purpose in order to remove noxious or poisonous substances from the bowels. Dr. Rau mentions the case of a man who swalloAved a whole lot of cherry-pits and came very near being attacked with serious gastro-enteritis; a large dose of castor-oil given by the mouth, removed the pits and saved the patient's life. It is certainly homoeopathic to certain forms of mucous diarrhoea, more particularly if resulting from dietetic transgressions or when accompanied by symptoms of inflammatory irritation of the gastro- intestinal mucous membrane. In gastro-enteritis, with watery or bloody discharges from the bowels, the seeds, properly triturated for homoeopathic use, may prove a valuable remedy. In domestic practice the leaves of the Castor-oil plant are applied to the breast of nursing females to promote the flow of milk. The irritating or inflammatory action of Castor-oil is antidoted by Aconite. OLEUM IECORIS MORRHILE, (Cod-liver-Oil) This oil is principally procured from the common cod, termed asellus major, hence the name ol. jec. aselli. The fish oils of commerce, are either obtained exclusively from the liver, others are procured from the adipose tissue diffused through the body of the animal generally. In the former we are prepared to find bile-constituents which are not obtainable from the latter. OLEUM IECORIS MORRHU^I. 595 The oils obtained from the livers of the different species composing the tribe Gadidiae or the cod-tribe, appear to be very similar in their physical and chemical qualities, and there is good reason for be- lieving that they agree in their medicinal properties. In different countries the mode of preparing the oil varies somewhat. Pennent, in his Arctic Zoology furnishes the following description of the mode in which the oil.is prepared by the Newfoundland fishermen: "They take a half tub and, boring a hole through the bottom, press hard down into it a layer of spruce boughs; upon which they place the livers, and expose the whole apparatus to as sunny a place as possible. As the livers corrupt, the oil runs from them, and, strain- ing itself through the spruce bough, is caught in the vessel set under the hole in the tub's bottom. We are informed by Pereira that at Newhaven, near Edinburgh, the fishermen simply boil the livers in an iron-pot and then filter the oil through a towel containing a little sand. We generally meet with three kinds of cod-liver oil, pale-yellow, brown-yellow, and dark-brown. The finest oil is that which is most devoid of color, odor and flavor. The oil, as contained in the cells of the fresh liver, is nearly colorless, and the brownish color pos- sessed by the ordinary cod-oil and used by curriers, is due to color- ing matters derived from the decomposing hepatic tissues and fluids, or from the action of air on the oil. Chemical ■ analysis lends no sup- port to the opinion at one time entertained, that the brown oil is superior as a therapeutical agent, to the pale oil. Chemistry has not discovered any substances in the brown oil which would confer on it superior activity as a medicine. On the other hand, the dis- gusting odor and flavor, and nauseating qualities of the brown oil, preclude its repeated use. Iodine is sometimes admixed by fraudulent persons Avith train-oil to imitate cod-liver oil. The presence of this substance may be readily detected by adding a solution of starch and a few drops of sulphuric acid, by which the blue iodide of starch is produced; or the suspected oil may be shaken with alcohol which abstracts the iodine. Sulphuric acid furnishes a test for the presence of bile in cod-liver. De Jongh, a Dutch chemist, who made a most elaborate analysis of cod-liver oil in the laboratory of Alulder, another Dutch chemist of immortal renown in the history of physiology, has shown that all the essential constituents of bile are contained in cod-liver oil. Hence, if these constituents are not contained in the oil, we may conclude that the oil was not obtained from the liver of the fish, but from other parts of its body. If bile is present in the oil, and a drop of concentrated sulphuric acid be added to the oil, it must strike a fine violet-red color. The experiments of De Jongh go to prove that the active principle of the cod-oil is a substance called by him gadin or gaduin. It is an odorless and tasteless substance of a dark brown color. AVhen first taken into the stomach, cod-liver oil frequently causes nausea, disagreeable eructations, and occasionally vomiting. In some cases it has brought out an eruption. Dr. Beardsley found that 596 LECTURE CIV. persons may get fat under its use. It has been principally displayed in affections of a gouty, rheumatic and scrofulous nature, more particularly in phthisis pulmonalis. In order to produce decidedly favorable results, its use may sometimes have to be continued for weeks, months and even years. As the oil contains iodine, and as it proves most successful in those maladies in which this element proves successful, it has been suggested that iodine is its active principle. Taufflied, however, denies this, and asserts that the properties of the two are not identical, for the one succeeds where the other fails. Pereira asks the question: Is Bromine the active agent? But, if either iodine or bromine were the active agent, why not use these substances in their original form ? Is it so difficult to understand that iodine and bromine are combined with the other constituents of the oil into an organized unit and that the good effects of the oil are due to the integral influence of this organic combination ? The therapeutic power which is embodied in a drug, does not reside in a portion of the drug, nor is this power a result of the molecular organization. It is a force residing, to speak met- aphorically, in the very centre of the drug, an inmost principle or factor of life, Avhich, under the vitalizing influence of the sun's heat and light, gradually develops itself into the form in which it presents itself to our senses. AVe have a few provings of this agent by Dr. Neidhard of this city, which are of sufficient importance to deserve our notice. The oil was given to a girl of seventeen years who, after taking two tablespoonfuls, experienced the following symptoms: Pains in the bones of the left arm ; rheumatic pains in the knees and arms'; pain in the knee, particularly around the patella, in- creased on pressure, and sensation of heat on touching the parts. Redness of the skin over the whole body, at night, in bed, with much itching, disappearing in the morning. The scrofulous ulcers with which the patient was affected, dis- charged a large quantity of mucus. In another person the oil caused a discharge of mucus from the urethra, with burning, every morning during an evacuation from the bowels. We infer from these few physiological effects that cod-liver oil may prove beneficial in _ Rheumatism, more particularly in arthritic or tubercular rheuma- tism, and that it seems to have some specific uses to perform in cases where a scrofulous diathesis has developed certain abnormal conditions. In scrofulous disorganizations of the osseous system, caries, rachitis, in disorganizations of the lymphatic system, swellings, abscesses, etc., in phthisis pulmonalis, chronic haemoptysis, cardial- gia, chronic diarrhoea, etc., in mesenteric consumption, cod-liver oil is a very valuable agent. So it may be in Catarrh of the bladder, as a symptom of scrofulosis. The dose varies. An adult may take from one to two table or dessertspoonfuls three times a day; children may take half this dose. Children under twelve months may take a tablespoonful night and morning. If the stomach should be unable to retain the oil, a OLEUM ANIMALE. 597 minute portion of common salt, taken both before and after the dose of oil, will sometimes enable the stomach to bear this remedy when all other devices fail. OLEUM ANIMALE. (Empyreumatic animal oil, DippeVs oil) This is a fetid, volatile oil obtained by the destructive distillation of animal substances, such as bone or hart's-horn. For homoeopathic use the oil has to be distilled over again two or three times, until it becomes perfectly limpid, nearly colorless, highly volatile, of light specific gravity, and having a penetrating, pungent, empyreumatic, but not very disagreeable smell. It has to be preserved in very small blackened vials provided with glass-stoppers, and perfectly pro- tected from light and air. We prepare a solution of it with strong alcohol, which has to be preserved with the same care as the strong oil, and has to be renewed as soon as it becomes colored and loses its limpidity. In large doses, this agent acts both as an irritant and as a nar- cotic. We have as yet no clinical experiences of this agent, but we may recommend it for asthmatic paroxysms, for hysteria and hypochon- dria, hysteric spasms and convulsions, for muscular debility, palsy, rheumatic and arthritic affections. We have extensive provings of this agent, which may lead the observing practitioner to its employment in some very troublesome derangements of the intestinal mucous membrane and of the nervous system. This agent has undoubtedly a tendency to deteriorate the mucous secretions, and, if I interpret the physiological effects of the drug rightly, this deterioration seems to result from, or to be inti- mately connected with, derangements in the functions of the liver. In acute cases the Oleum animale does not seem indicated; but in chronic cases, where the vital action seems to be blighted by some deteriorating dyscrasia, more particularly in the hepatic and gastric functions, when the patient complains of flat or sour taste, loathing and nausea, heartburn, burning and stinging in the stomach, uncom- fortable and oppressed feeling in the stomach, and feeling of weak- ness after eating, cutting pains in the bowels followed by liquid stools, or perhaps costiveness, habitually sallow complexion, depres- sion of the reproductive functions, softness and want of tonicity of the muscular fibre, nervous irritability or depression, slow pulse, decrease of the normal temperature and itching of the skin, deep seated numbness and formication in the lower extremities, fainting turns: if these and similar symptoms characterize the gastric and nervous irritation, Oleum animale may be of service. We may give it in two or three drop doses of the first and second attenuation. It is from this substance that Reichenbach obtained Kreasote to which he ascribed the supposed virtues of animal oil, a very illogical hypo- thesis, for if animal oil has any medicinal powers at %\\, it has 598 LECTURE CIV. them by virtue of the unitary combination of its principles as re- sulting from, and supported by that inmost constituent force which determines the therapeutic character of every organic or inorganic drug. OLEUM PETM, (Petroleum, Rock-oil, Mineral-tar) We have two varieties: Naphtha, a light-yellow liquid, leaving no residue when burnt, and Petroleum, from petra, oleunyso called because it is frequently found exuding in the form of an oily liquid from rocks; both kinds appear to be one of the products of the decomposition of coal. It is found in various parts of Europe, also in the States of New York and Pennsylvania. This drug has been given for Melancholia, with gastric derange- ments, such as spasmodic eructations, slimy stools, cutting in the bowels, emaciation, restless sleep, profuse sweat at night and in the morning, in the case of a corpulent man of fifty; 2. Chronic Sore Throat, with sore tongue and fetid ptyalism; 3. Weakness of the bladder, Avith dribbling of the urine ; 4. Gleet (treated by Schroen and Trinks with large doses); 5. Ulcerated Chilblains; 6. Chronic Herpes of the scrotum, and Tinea Capitis favosa; The principal sphere of action of this agent seems to be the uri- nary apparatus. In Old-School practice it is used both externally and internally; internally in doses of from three to four drops, three or four times a day, and externally in the form of a liniment rubbed upon the pubic region and the perineum. Michaelis has used Petroleum not only for ischuria induced by catarrhal exposure, but also for dysuria consequent upon acute diseases, dysentery, &c. Hence, the doctor, argues that it is adapted both for paralytic weakness and for an excessive irritability of the bladder, and it seems fair to infer from its usefulness in these so entirely different states of the organs, " that it has, above all other parts, a specific action upon the vital energy of the bladder." The meaning which Old-School practitioners seem to attach to the term specific, is that the drug has some mysterious, inexplicable, ex- clusive influence, sui generis, upon an organ, and that by virtue of this influence, it is enabled to cure any functional or any curable organic disorder to which the organ may be liable. We knoAV that this is not the meaning of specific, and that, to the mind of a homoeo- pathic physician, this term simply conveys the existence of a defi- nite relation between a remedial agent and certain pathological states, be they simply functional derangements or disorganizations resulting from them or from some constitutional diathesis. From this point of view we recommend Petroleum particularly for a Dribbling of the urine, resulting from a paralytic inability to re- tain it; the weakness may be entailed, for instance, by the pressure OLEUM TEREBINTHINJE. 599 of the head of the fetus, by rheumatic exposure, or it may charac- terize a general cachectic debility of the organism. In Gleet, this oil may not prove of much use except in cachectic states of the system, and in conditions of the bladder characterized by a general weakness of the urinary organs, especially if this weak- ness is characterized by a more or less habitual dribbling of the urine. In our first edition we have recommended Petroleum for sea-sick- ness, because the curative adaptation of the oil for this exceedingly troublesome malady had become an article of orthodox faith in the Homoeopathic School. We are satisfied, from our own as well as from the experience of a number of other practitioners that the vir- tues of Petroleum in sea sickness are all moonshine. We, therefore, do not hesitate to make this statement, having no other motive in doing so than that of subserving the truth. OLEUM TEREBINTHIK1, (Oil or Spirits of Turpentine) Turpentine is obtained from several coniferous plants, such as: the pine, fir, and common larch. We distinguish in commerce the Common Turpentine, the Venetian Turpentine, the Canada Turpen- tine, and other kinds. A hollow is cut in the tree a few inches from the ground, und the bark removed some eighteen inches above the hollow. The Turpentine runs into these excavations from about March to October, more rapidly, of course, during the warmer months. it is transferred from these hollows into casks. We obtain the oil of turpentine by submitting a mixture of American Turpentine and water, in due proportions, to distillation ; the distilled product is found to consist of oil of Turpentine floating on water. Pure oil of Turpentine is a colorless, limpid, very inflammable fluid. The action of the oil of Turpentine upon the human organism is very fully illustrated by the following experiments and accidental cases of .poisoning. Stedman relates that the oil of Turpentine given to a woman, caused a pain in the kidneys, diabetes and subsequently dropsy; in the case of another female, tAvo drachms of the oil in beer, caused strangury, haematuria, suppression of urine, fever, thirst, vomiting. AVibmer extracts the following case from Schlegel's Mat. Med. A young man drank about an ounce and a half of the oil; soon after he was seized with a frightful oppression in the precordial region, and with all the symptoms of intoxication. From evening till morning he lay drenched in sweat, in a state of stupor, from which he did not Avake until next morning, very weak anol with his head in a state of bewilderment. When undertaking to stand still, he staggered about; he was relieved by a profuse discharge of urine Avhich had the odor of violets. The following case is likewise reported by AAribmer: A man took 600 LECTURE CIV. the oil of Turpentine for taenia; on the first morning he took an ounce in two doses within an hour; in the evening the same dose was repeated; this was followed by a burning in the stomach, one turn of vomiting, fullness in the head. Next day an ounce and a half was given in the form of an emulsion in the space of an hour; soon after he experienced a violent burning in the stomach, colic, vertigo, pressure and fullness in the head, threatening apoplexy. After the lapse of three hours the cerebral irritation abated in con- sequence of a spontaneous rejection of the oil, but the breathing remained labored, and the colic continued. Five hours after the inhibition of the drug a scarlet-eruption broke out upon the body; in the evening he had two stools; on the following day, the symp- toms of gastro-enteritis made their appearance. Copeland made the folloAving experiments upon himself. He SAvallowed ten drachms; in five minutes the pulse increased from sixty-nine to seventy-five beats, and became harder; in ten minutes it increased to seventy-six beats, in half an hour to eighty; at the same time he experienced slight vertigo, chilliness, eructations, and a sensation in the region of the stomach which was a mingling of Avarmth and pain. After the lapse of an hour the pulse became small and rather hard, and increased to eighty-two beats; the ver- tigo and chilliness increased, the face became pale, collapsed, the carotids beat but feebly, he found it difficult to chain his attention; the peculiar sensation in the region of the stomach became more intense; there Avas no nausea, but a sensation as if the bowels were drawn up towards the spine, some anxiety, hunger and thirst. In the next twenty-four hours he experienced similar symptoms but of different grades of intensity. From six to eight drops promoted the urinary secretions, larger doses acted as a purgative. Purkinge swallowed for three days in succession a drachm of the oil of Turpentine every morning, either with or without sugar. Beside a general rise of the animal temperature, he became very drowsy, and found it very difficult to keep awake. His intellectual and bodily functions remained unimpaired; the bodily movements were likewise carried on without any difficulty. The day-nap did not interfere with his night's rest. He noticed that the intoxicating effect_ of wine was very much heightened by oil of Turpentine, especially the vertigo. From other experiments it appears that different organisms are endowed with different degrees of susceptibility to the action of Turpentine ; for in direct opposition to Stedman's previously related case of poisoning by two drachms of the oil, Percival did not see the least unpleasant effects caused by two drachms of the oil, either in the digestive system or urinary apparatus; on the contrary, the oil of Turpentine proved a pleasant stomachic, and the catamenia always flowed more profusely. Pereira says in reference to these antagonistic statements that OLEUM TEREBINTHIN^E. 601 ''these two cases may be regarded as the opposite extremes; and, in general, we may expect from a medium dose, a feeling of heat in the stomach and bowels, accelerated peristaltic motion, increased frequency of pulse, diaphoresis, diuresis, and sometimes irritation of the urinary organs. Occasionally it provokes the catamenia." Many experiments have been made upon horses and dogs by injecting the oil of Turpentine into the veins. A very common result of these experiments has been the development of symptoms of pneumonia, the existence of which disease was confirmed by post- mortem examinations. Upon these various experiments both upon men and animals, Wibmer bases the following summary of the effects of the oil of Turpentine: " The oil of Turpentine acts similarly to Turpentine, except that its action is more intense, more penetrating, more rapid and volatile, and that it affects more the vascular and nervous systems generally. It is a local irritant, on which account larger doses, taken internally, excite nausea, pain in the stomach, vomiting, diarrhoea, inflammation of the stomach and bowels. It is likewise absorbed, after which it acts specifically upon the urinary and respi- ratory organs which it excites and, if acting in larger quantities, irritates until strangury, haematuria, difficult respiration and symp- toms of cystitis and pneumonia result. The breath and urine acquire the odor of violets or Turpentine. It likewise acts specifi- cally upon the uterus, hence the catamenial discharge is promoted by it. The cardiac plexus is likewise influenced by this agent, the circulation is accelerated until even fever results. It acts moreover upon the higher parts of the nervous system, although less power- fully than other ethereal or spirituous substances, upon the brain and spinal marrow, its action being marked by vertigo, stupefaction, congestion of the head, sopor, tetanic spasms, etc. In reviewing the therapeutic uses of this agent, we will adopt the categories which we have uniformly followed throughout this Avork. CEREBRO-SPINAL RANGE. We have seen that when acting upon the brain, the oil of Turpen- tine causes intoxication, stupefaction, sopor, and in general a train of symptoms which closely resembles the effects of alcoholic beverages. Hence we may regard the oil of Turpentine as a useful antidotal agent in Intoxication and the milder forms of Mania-a-potu, more especially when a comatose state has super- vened, and the subsequent persistency of the signs of cerebral irri- tation and engorgement seems to call for the interference of art. The oil may be given in five-drop doses every feAV hours or even more frequently. If the cerebral symptoms should depend upon gastric conditions, these will have to be taken into account. The oil of Turpentine acts powerfully upon the larger nervous 602 LECTURE CIV. trunks, especially in the lower extremities; the pains are drawing, drawing-laming, tearing and lancing. Hence in Ischias, the oil of Turpentine may be used Avith advantage. Upon Recamier's recommendation this agent has been extensively used for neuralgia, both internally and externally, but practitioners generally have come to the conclusion that its use in neuralgic affec- tions is very limited. Pereira who is a very consciencious physi- cian, says: " My own experience does not lead me to speak very favorably of it. In a disease the pathology of which is so imperfectly understood as is that of neuralgia, it is vain to attempt any explana- tion of the methodus medendi of an occasional remedy for it. I have known oil of Turpentine now and then act most beneficially in sciatica, without giving rise to any remarkable evacuation by the bowels, skin or kidneys, so that the relief could not be ascribed to a cathartic, a diaphoretic or a diuretic operation." We would ask: why must these revulsive operations be lugged in at all, as means of treatment? They constitute at best an indi- rect method; why cannot practitioners be made to acknowledge the advent of the direct method of treating diseases ? This is the true, the specific, the scientific Healing Art which Hahnemann has dis- covered, and which his disciples are now engaged in developing, perfecting, and expounding to the present generation. This method supercedes all the old-fashioned barbarous processes of revulsion, and makes the healing art what it should be, and was designed to be by Providence, a gentle harbinger of peace and health. In Chronic Athritic Rheumatism, especially of the lower extremi- ties, more especially if the articular surfaces, and the muscular tissue, or the muscular sheaths are the seat of the disease, the oil of Tur- pentine may be of service. It may have to be used internally as well as externally in the shape of a mild liniment. It is not well, however, to expect too much from this agent in rheumatism or arth- ritis ; we are in possession of other remedial agents which act more specifically in neuralgia, arthritis and rheumatism than the oil of Turpentine. The oil of Turpentine has been employed Avith the same success as a remedy for Epilepsy, especially in those forms where the disease is what Dr. Marshal Hall terms centripetal or eccentric, or, in the language of Schoenlein, ganglionic or peripheral, and where it takes its origin in parts distant from the cerebro-spinal axis, " which becomes affected only through the incident or excitor nerves." In all such cases the drug is giyen as a cathartic and anthelmintic, and produces a deri- vative action on the head. If the attacks are caused by worms, the" curative influence of this oil in convulsions and epilepsy is readily accounted for; but we are at a loss to comprehend why the deriva- tive action of this drug should avail in purely functional forms of epilepsy, any more than the derivative action of any other cathartic; we are unable to furnish any other than purely speculative indica- tions for the employment of this agent as an antepileptic. OLEUM TEREBINTHINJE. 603 CHYLO-POIETIC RANGE. The gastro-enteritic symptoms which the oil of Turpentine develops, determine its homoeopathicity to certain forms of Gastro-enteritis; it will be found particularly applicable to the gastro-enteritis of drunkards, both acute and chronic, when there is much burning distress in the boAvels, vomiting of mucus and blood, thirst, inflamed tongue, serous, or muco-serous and bloody discharges from the bowels, frequent urging to urinate, with involuntary drib- blingof the urine, hot and dry skin, pulse fuller, harder and quicker than in the normal state. Five drops of the oil may be given every hour until the patient shows signs of improvement. There is no objection to combining the internal use of the drug with embroca- tions of the oil to the abdominal integuments. This form of gastro- enteritis is in reality a physical or traumatic disease where the external use of drugs is as justifiable, and may be as necessary as in any other form of mechanical injury. The oil of Turpentine has been extensively used by Old-School practitioners as a remedy for puerperal peritonitis. It Avas intro- duced by Dr. Brenau of Dublin, in the year 1814, and has since been recommended as an efficacious remedy by a number of eminent practitioners. Dr. Brenau gave one or two tablespoonfuls of the oil, every three or four hours, in cold water, sweetened ; and applied flannel soaked in the oil to the abdomen. In reference to this prac- tice Pereira offers the following comment: " The apparent improba- bility of a stimulant like Turpentine curing an inflammatory disease, has prevented many practitioners placing any faith in it, or even giving it a trial. In other instances, the unconquerable aversion which patients have manifested to it, has precluded its repetition. Lastly, it has failed, in the hands of some of our most accurate observers, to produce the good effects which Dr. Brenau and others have ascribed to it, and, in some instances, has appeared to aggra- vate the malady. These reasons have been conclusive against its employment, at least in the Avay advised by Dr. Brenau. But there are two valuable uses Avhich may be made of Turpentine, in puer- peral fever ; it may be given in the form of clyster, to relieve a tympanitic condition of the intestines, and for this purpose no remedy perhaps is superior to it; secondly, flannel soaked in the hot oil may be applied to the abdomen, to cause rubefaction, as a substitute for a blister, to the employment of which several objections exist." It is not our purpose, in this instance, to discuss the merits, or recommend the use of palliative injections of the oil of Turpentine in puerperal peritonitis ; the science of Medicine, applied, is not as yet sufficiently rounded off in all its parts, to justify any man, or any set of men, in laying down binding laws respecting remedial meas- ures where the high common sense Avhich should, at all times and places, rule the practice of Medicine, allows a vast share of latitudi- narian discretion to the judgment of the individual practitioner. As a counter-irritant, no homoeopathic physician will ever employ it in this or any other disease, for the simple reason that the direct method of cure, Avhich is the method of our School, and is founded 604 LECTURE CIV. in Nature and in the Providence of God, supersedes the necessity, and consequently the use of all such round-about ways of treatment. But this paragraph of the good Pereira, with whom Ave. always delight to argue on account of the straight-forward candor of his well-stocked mind, contains several inconsistencies which we desire to point out to the students and younger practitioners of our Art, in order to shoAV to them the unscientific character of the Old-School practice generally, and to habituate them to contrast its vague and unsatisfactory fabric of Therapeutics with the logical oneness and philosophically-progressive nature of the therapeutic science created by God. The first inconsistency is that because the oil of Turpentine does not cure every case of puerperal peritonitis, therefore the testimony of some of the most skillful practitioners must be overruled in con- sequence of the failure of other practitioners to realize a successful application of the oil of Turpentine in this disease as a specific. Dr. Brenau having recommended it as a specific, therefore it must cure every case of peritonitis, or else it is no specific. A second inconsistency is, that a remedy, which may possibly be a valuable agent, is rejected by the patients because they have an insuperable aversion to its taste or odor. Is there not an egregious defect here somewhere ? A remedy which, in essence, is good and perhaps necessary, is rejected on account of its repulsive/onn. AVill not alloeopathic practitioners heed this lesson ? Who more than a sick person is entitled to gentleness, to forms of beauty ? Yet with a ruthless hand the most nauseous potions are choked down his throat, the most painfully-irritating agents, from the moxa and the hot-iron to the common mustard or pepper-blister, are applied to his skin as deliverers from pain and restorers of health. What a mockery! What a parody of the humane office of a physician ! A third inconsistency is that the use of a remedial agent, the good effects of which are vouched for by eminent members of the profes- sion, is discarded for no better reason than because it is opposed to the dogmatic ignorance and fanaticism of the crowd. " The appa- rent improbability of a stimulant like Turpentine curing an inflam- matory disease, has prevented many practitioners placing any faith in it, or even giving it a trial." AVhat a blot upon the fair escutcheon of a Profession which should be distinguished above all others by the love of Truth and Humanity, and by the desire of ceaseless inquiry which this love necessarily prompts ! The oil of Turpentine is undoubtedly one of our most effectual remedies for worms, for taenia, lumbrici, and likewise for the asca- rides or thread-worms,^ which are frequently so distressing to chil- dren. If there is a perfect correspondence between the worm- symptoms and the essential nature of the remedial agent, it will not be necessary to give the large doses to which the Old-School practi- tioners so often resort. In the case of taenia, the cerebral symptoms, (vertigo, loss of recollection, pain at the top of the head,) the diges- tive symptoms and the symptoms of the abdomen, (impaired or irregular appetite, deep-seated soreness on pressure, feeling of infla- OLEUM TEREBTNTHIN^E. 605 tion, tension of the abdominal integuments, especially when lying down, etc.,) have to be carefully considered side by side with the pathogenetic action of the drug before a selection is determined upon. 'In Old-School practice the regular dose to adults is from an ounce to an ounce and a half. As many as two ounces have been administered. _ And Dr. Duncan informs us that he has seen three ounces administered without injury. He states (see Edinburgh Dispensatory) that " it has been given even to the extent of four ounces in one dose, without any perceptible bad effects, and scarcely more inconvenience than would folloAv from an equal quantity of gin." These enormous doses are in no respect proportionate to any disease for which the oil of Turpentine is adapted. In a case of taenia, where the parasite may have to be destroyed, a large dose may have to be given, and it must be left to the discretion of the physician what the dose shall be; but in all ordinary diseases, with . which the oil of Turpentine is in specific homoeopathic rapport, a moderate dose of five, ten or thirty drops, will prove sufficient for purposes of cure, if repeated at suitable intervals. Even children may take these quantities in perfect safety. For the removal of ascarides, a very effectual remedy is an enema of the oil of Turpen- tine, which is obtained by beating up one ounce of the oil with the yolk of an egg, and mixing this with sixteen or twenty ounces of barley-water. URINARY ORGANS. Experiments, as Avell as accidental cases of poisoning, have shoAvn that terebinthinate substances have a decided action upon the urinary organs. Hence it will prove efficient as a curative agent in such diseases of the urinary organs as are characterized by symptoms which, in their totality and connection, lead the mind to infer that the natural disease and the drug-disease are so closely related to each other that there is no room for any intermediate therapeutic influence; in other words, the drug-disease must consti- tute the specific neutralizer of the natural malady. We knoAV that the oil of Turpentine causes a burning in the bladder and urethra during micturition; dysuria sometimes amount- ing to actual inflammation, with painful erections as in chordee; complete suppression of urine; bloody urine; small doses cause an increased Aoav of urine; the urine deposits a thick, muddy, white- yellow sediment, looks like wine, has the odor of violets. These symptoms show very plainly that the oil of Turpentine may act as a specific remedy in urinary affections, in which it is « likewise depended upon by alloeopathic practitioners as one of their most efficient agents. In Acute, as well as in Ciironic Gonorrhea, this agent is often in- dispensable, but it has to be given in tolerably large doses. There is considerable burning at urinating, the urine may even be mixed with blood ; the urethra feels sore to the touch ; knotty; the emis- sion of urine may even be completely suppressed. In the chronic form, the discharge looks Avhitish, the urinary emissions take place quite frequently, and even involuntarily. 606 LECTURE CIV. Pereira argues that in blennorrhoea of the urethra the oil of Turpen- tine effects a cure by setting up a neAv kind of irritation in the affected membrane, Avhich supersedes the previously-existing dis- ease. " Hence," he says, " its use is not admissible in acute or recent affections of these tissues." This is Trousseau and Pidoux's doctrine of substitution, which is again Hahnemann's own doctrine as expressed in the Organon ; that the natural malady is wiped out by the artificial drug-disease, because the latter is stronger than the former. Here Ave have an illustration of the infinite mischief which this doctrine, if construed in a manner which we are satisfied the deeply philosophical mind of Hahnemann never intended, is capable of working. Consistent practitioners like Pereira, are debarred by this doctrine from the otherwise legitimate and necessary practice of combating a disease by its most reliable specific, because the disease happening to be presented in an acute form, Avould require too large a dose of the remedy to be given with safety. It is not immaterial how a doc- trine is understood; nor is it immaterial upon what doctrine our own therapeutic edifice should rest. The gross fact belongs to the domain of a crude and material empiricism; theory connects these facts into orderly series, and presents them to the reason as so many forms or substrata of an indwelling spirit; but theory itself must be a fact of the absolute mind, not an hypothesis of the finite under- standing. In Catarrh of the Bladder, and in Irritable bladder, small doses of Turpentine may often effect a cure. In Suppression of urine, the oil of Turpentine, which is capable of producing such a condition, will sometimes succeed in reproducing the urinary secretions, Avhere, according to Pereira's own admission, " other powerful diuretics had failed." The Enuresis of children when resulting from weakness of the organs, or when caused by sympathetic irritation—perhaps by worms—may require the oil of Turpentine as a curative agent. The oil of Turpentine may prove useful in some forms of Dropsy which seem to depend upon, or, at all events, be compli- cated with urinary irregularities, partial suppression of urine, irrita- ble bladder. Although Pereira affirms that this oil "is inadmissible, or contra-indicated, in dropsies accompanied with arterial excite- ment, or with irritation of the stomach or the urinary organs," yet it is vouchsafed to us to know that the very essence of the curative relation of any drug to its corresponding disease consists in an inherent power, on the part of the drug, to represent, in all its essen- tial characteristics, the very disease which it is expected to cure. Hence the oil may be indicated in acute as well as in chronic forms of dropsy; these last-mentioned forms must gradually, but from a law of physiological necessity, inevitably result from the acute form, without an essential change in the system of medication being required. Pereira recommends it in the atonic forms of dropsy, especially in leucophlegmatic subjects, attended with deficient secre- tion of the skin and kidneys; but here it can only act upon the antagonizing principle, as a palliative stimulant of those organs. OLEUM TEREBINTHIN.E. 607 THORACIC GROUP. The oil of Turpentine has developed characteristic effects in the experiments which Hertwich, Gaspard, Schubarth and others, have instituted upon animals. In the case of a dog who had swal- lowed two drachms of the spirits of Turpentine, and who died in three minutes, the bronchial passages were found filled with a bloody mucus. In other cases the animals died with all the symptoms of pneumonia. It seems fair to infer from these and similar symp- toms the existence of some specific relation between the oil of Tur- pentine and certain forms of irritation of the bronchial mucous membrane, and likewise between the oil and certain forms of pneu- monia. We may expect good results from the oil in Bronchial Catarrh, characterized by an intolerable titillation in the throat pit, and a constant inclination to cough, with expectora- tion of a muco-sanguinolent substance. Pneumonia, or rather vascular engorgements of the pulmonary parenchyma, may yield to the oil of Turpentine. The whole series of the existing pathological phenomena will haAre to determine the fact whether the oil is in specific therapeutic relation with the pul- monary symptoms. In Hemoptysis, where oil of Turpentine has been employed by Old-School practitioners, it is an exceedingly unreliable remedy. The most may be expected from it if the blood is discharged from the bronchial passages, a sanguineous exhalation from their mucous lining, with very little febrile excitement, and a good deal of tickling in the throat-pit, with barking cough. We have never employed the use of Turpentine in Angina pectoris, but its employment in this affection, if simply a functional disorder, not resulting from cardiac disorganization, may, perhaps, be advisable in some cases. EXANTHEMATIC GROUP. Turpentine produces an exanthem of a scarlet color; the eruption may be erythematous, papulous or vesicular, resembling those Avhich are apt to break out from eating molluscae or crustaceae. The presence of such an eruption Avould constitute an additional indica- tion for the use of the oil of Turpentine in the accompanying gastric or rheumatic affections. The use of the oil of Turpentine as a remedy for Burns and scalds is well known. Dr. Kentish recommended it as a stimulant, his object being to restore the part gradually, not sud- denly, to its natural state. AVe believe that the true philosophy of curing a burn or a frozen limb, consists in abstracting from the former the excess of caloric, and in giving to the latter the caloric that it has been deprived of to excess. We accomplish the former by gradually cooling the injured part, and the latter by gradually warming it. AVe have dAvelt more at length upon this subject in our introductory to this work. Respecting the oil of Turpentine it seems to be the general experience that it is of no use in burns 608 LECTURE CIV. involving considerable destruction of the soft parts. Speaking of burns we will take this opportunity of stating that it is the practice of our best surgeons to apply to the injured surface, with a very soft brush or camel's hair pencil, a pretty thick coat of white paint, which is allowed to remain until the wound is healed. Blisters are previously opened, and the skin removed with a pair of scissors. The pain is at once alleviated by the application, and the wound heals very rapidly without any untoward consequences. The indiscriminate use which some alloeopathic practitioners make of the spirits of Turpentine, as an external application in rheumatism, sometimes results in dangerous metastasis to, or inflam- mation of the heart; this is more particularly the case in arthritic rheumatism. OLEUM SUCCINr, (Oil of Amber) Amber or Succinum is found in different parts of the world. The Amber which we procure in the shops, is obtained on the coasts of the Baltic sea, in the north of Prussia. It is supposed to be dis- engaged by the action of the sea from beds of lignite. The vege- table origin of Amber is shown by the fact that it is usually associated with substances such as bituminous coal, wood, etc., which are knoAvn to be derived from plants. The exact origin of Amber, hoAvever, is not known. Some naturalists suppose that it is the pro- duct of some coniferous plant, supposed to be the now existing amber-tree; Liebig thinks, reasoning from chemical premises, that it is a product of wax or of some other substance allied to the fats or fixed oils. From this substance we obtain by distillation, an oil, the oil of amber, a volatile substance, having a pale-yellowish color which deepens by age; it has a strong, but agreeable odor. This agent is not much used; it may be used in Hysteria, for ex- cessive nervousness, with tendency to profuse and premature men- struation. This must not be confounded with Ambergris which appears to be the indurated faeces of the cachalot or sperm-whale; a solid, opaque, greyish, striated substance, having a pleasant musk-like odor which is supposed to be derived from the squid (sepia moschata) on which the animal feeds. Ambra grisea is particularly useful in Hysteria and hypochondriasis, when the intellect is impaired, or the patients are subject to fainting fits. It is also useful in the Nervous Vertigo, to which old people are subject; in nervous Hard hearing. Sexual excitement, with nocturnal emissions, and a Convulsive dry cough. We are indebted for the provings of Ambra to Hahnemann him- self, but I think he has exaggerated the importance of this article as a therapeutic agent. PL ANT A GO MA JOE, PLATINA. 609 LECTURE CY. PLANTAGO MAJOR, (Plantain.—Nat. Ord.:—Plantagine.e.) We- have several species of plantain, some of Avhich are eaten as salad and cooked as a vegetable. The species which is used in our practice, is the Plantago major, growing on grass plots and along public roads. We have some provings of this plant, but the most important use which we as yet derive from it, seems to be in the treatment of ulcers arising from injuries. It likewise manifests healing or at least soothing properties in the treatment of scrofulous and cancerous sores, mammary and other glandular abscesses. AVe make a salve of the recently-gathered leaves, boiling a peck of them in a feAV pounds of mutton-suet, until they are quite crisp and all medicinal strength has been boiled out of them. After the leaves have been removed, we add a little bees' wax and rosin, for the pur- pose of hardening the salve and preventing it from getting mouldy. Before using the salve, a little jarful of it may be immersed in hot water until it is sufficiently softened to be spread on linen. A poultice may be likewise made of the leaves, and applied to sores and sore breasts. A tincture, and still more frequently an infusion of the leaves have been employed for hemorrhoidal complaints, for gonorrhoea and leucorrhoeal discharges. A decoction of the root is used for fever and ague. PLATINA, Stapf has furnished provings of the metallic Platina. We make triturations of it. The pathogenesis of this agent is quite consider- able out of all proportion with its clinical importance. It seems to be in some specific relation Avith the sexual system of the female, and it is almost exclusively in derangements of this system that Platina has manifested reliable curative powers. Noack and Trinks sum up their range in the following series: Cataleptic condition, a sort of adynamia, with closing of the jaws, loss of voice, unimpaired consciousness; this condition alternated with paroxysms of suffocative dyspnoea; between the paroxysms the patient complained of extreme weakness, nausea, constipation; an amenorrhcea of one year's standing yielded together with these symptoms. Melancholia, with anguish about the heart, trembling of the hands and feet, small and feeble pulse, flushed face. Hysteric depression of spirits, with debility, vascular erethism. vol. ii.—39 610 LECTURE CV. Profuse menstruation, Avith cutting, labor-like pains in the uterine region. Metrorrhagia, with discharge of dark, coagulated blood, sexual excitement. Metrorrhagia, Avith thirst, and a sensation as if a ball Avere moving about in the abdomen. Nymphomania in the first stage, sexual excitement Avith shyness and depression of spirits. Hysteria uterina, characterized by excessive tingling and stitching in the uterine region. An important salt of this metal is the ChUride or Muriate of Platina, with Avhich Dr. Hoefer has insti- tuted some interesting experiments. If a concentrated solution of the Muriate of Platina is rubbed upon the skin on the dorsum of the hand, or on any other part of the body, a prickling and itching are perceived in a few minutes at this spot similar to the itching characteristic of scabies; the skin rubbed turns yellow, and rose-colored papulae spring up which disappear again in three or four minutes, whereas the yellowness of the skin con- tinues as if this organ had been touched by nitric acid; the epidermis, however, does not peel off. If the glans and prepuce are washed with this solution, a violent itching ensues shortly after, accompanied by heat and a very troublesome stinging, symptomatic of violent urethritis; the emission of urine becomes painful, and slight dysuria develops itself. A few hours after, the glans appear surrounded by a few purple-colored, not very prominent pimples, of the size of a pin's head, which a superficial examination might lead one to mis- take for syphilitic ulcers. After the lapse of eight to twelve hours, the parts resume their natural appearance. Dr. Hoefer swallowed one grain of the Chloride of Platina in a glass of water for the purpose of ascertaining its effects upon the healthy organism. It had no perceptible effect. Next day he swal- lowed four grains. This dose caused a feeling of Aveight at the stomach, accompanied by headache, the pulse remaining unchanged; every symptom of disturbance had disappeared again in twenty-five to thirty minutes. In the afternoon of the following day, Hoefer swallowed six grains at one dose in a glass of water. In a quarter of an hour, he experienced slight shivering, accelerated pulse (eighty- five in the minute,) heat and Aveight in the epigastric region, violent headache, especially in the back part of the head; contraction of the fauces so that talking and swallowing became troublesome; these symptoms were attended with loathing and disposition to vomit. These symptoms greAv worse at intervals of five or six minutes, partly through fear that actual poisoning might have taken place. In half an hour the symptoms began to abate; he only felt a disagree- able, metallic taste in the mouth Avhich continued for a couple of hours. These experiments had been made in a room. Two days after, he repeated them in the open air. The symptoms were the same, but less intense. Two grains of the Ammonio-chloride of Platina had no particular PLATINA. 611 effect. Fifteen to twenty minutes after a dose of four grains in a glass of water, he felt a heat and sense of weight in the region of the stomach, rumbling in the abdomen, passing colic and flatulence, with some headache. Eight grains caused'the same symptoms, and moreover loathing, inclination to vomit, increased secretion of urine and saliva, particularly on the morning following. The results of these heroic provings, mingled with inferences such as the analogous compounds of gold, silver, mercury and lead sug- gested, induced Dr. Hoefer to try the Muriate of Platina in syphilitic affections. Some of the results obtained by this experimenter, have been recorded by Dierbach. A man of thirty-one years had been afflicted with a chronic blen- norrhoea for ten years. Alercury and copaiva had been used in vain. One-fortieth of a grain in water was prescribed internally, and as a local application eighty grains of the Aluriate in three ounces of dis- tilled Avater. Next morning, all the signs of acute urethritis set in, and the corona glandis Avas surrounded Avith papulae. These symp- toms had disappeared on the morning following; the patient was entirely cured in one week. A girl of twenty-two years had cauliflower-excrescences in the vagina and on the vulva. The Muriate of Platina internally and externally effected a cure in one week. In four similar cases, a cure Avas effected in eight days; in five cases in twelve, and in two cases in thirteen. A man of thirty-five years: gonorrhoea with white blood-streaked discharge, burning during micturition, and chordee; the Chloride was injected into the urethra in the proportion of forty grains in ten ounces of a Avatery decoction of poppy-heads. Cured in five days. A man of twenty-five years; chancres on the inside of the prepuce and round the corona glandis, with a bubo on the right side. Chloride of Platina internally, and an ointment of forty grains and one and a half ounce of lard externally. Cured in seven days. The same result Avas obtained in three other cases. •* A man of forty-six years: secondary syphilis: pains in the back part of the mouth, worse when swallowing; nasal voice, ulcers on the velum and uvula, tonsils and probably in the region of the pos- terior nares. Cured in twenty days. A man of twenty-seven years: secondary syphilis; frequent head- ache, formication in the thighs, bone-pains, worse at night, herpes on the inside of the thigh high up. The patient took twenty pills com- posed of two grains of the Muriate of Platina, eighty grains of the extract of Guajacum and a sufficient quantity of liquorice; cured in sixteen days. A man of thirty years; herpes in the face, on the extremities and chest lips and chin. He took a solution of five grains of the Chlo- ride internally, and applied a wash of one hundred and sixty grains of this salt in ten ounces of distilled water; cured in one fort-night. A man had been suffering with rheumatic pains for ten years past which at one time assumed the form of colic, at another that of 612 LECTURE CV. pleurisy. The patient had been free from all pains of this sort for four months when the case Avas reported. Hoefer remarks that in some cases the urine was considerably increased, and a slight salivation set in, which, however, Avas pain- less, and unaccompanied with swelling of the tongue or gums. Platina does not produce any of those unpleasant symptoms which Alercury develops. The Muriate of Platina is likewise said to have afforded relief in scirrhus of the womb and stomach, and in epileptic spasms. PODOPHYLLUM PELTATUM, (May-apple, Hog-apple, Mandrake.—Nat. Order:—Ranunculaceje.) This plant is a native of the Northern parts of America; it chiefly inhabits rich loamy woodlands, but is frequently found groAving in meadows, near small streams and other low grounds. B*r. AVilliam- son, who thus defines its locality, has furnished some provings of this drug published in the Transactions of the American Institute. It flowers in May. The berry ripens in August; it has an oval shape, is about an inch and a half long, smooth, yellowish Avhen perfectly ripe, and is edible, although not very agreeable to the taste. The leaves emit a strong narcotic odor; the fresh root has a nau- seous smell and a somewhat sweetish, bitter and acrid taste; in the dried state, it has little odor, but preserves its taste. The dry powder has a grayish-yellow color. From the Podo- phyllum, Mr. Hodgson has obtained a peculiar principle to which the name Podophylline has been given, and of which he gives the following description in .the Journal of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Vol. III., page 275. " AVhen dry, this substance is in pale-brown scales of considerable lustre, is easily pulverized, is un- alterable in the air, and has a strong bitter taste. It is copiously soluble in strong alcohol, and much more so in boiling than in cold Avater, the aqueous solution retaining when cold, about a grain to the ounce. It is soluble to some extent in sulphuric ether. It is readily separated from water by muriatic acid, is colored by nitric acid, and becomes first olive or green, and subsequently purple by sulphuric acid. Exposed to heat it fuses, blackens and dissipates in black smoke." Dr. Williamson informs us that " Avhen taken in the dose of twenty or thirty grains of the_ powdered root, it causes purgation; a still larger dose will occasionally produce copious vomiting. By many practitioners it is considered one of the most safe and active cathar- tics, being slower in its operation, and less nauseating to irritable stomachs than Jalap; it produces liquid discharges, without much griping or other unpleasant effects." The late Dr. Eberle was very partial to it. According to Pereira, when given in over-doses, it POLYGONUM PUNCTATUM, PRUNUS SPINOSA. 613 occasions tormina and tenesmus, and hypercatharsis with muco- bloody discharges. " We have the concurrent testimony," says Dr. Williamson, " of a number of practitioners as to its efficacy in the treatment of mer- curial rheumatism, colica pictonum, intermittent, remittent and con- gestive'fevers, dropsy, hepatic congestions, scrofulous complaints. cough, haemoptysis, catarrhal and other pulmonary affections." It must not be forgotten, however, that the curative results Avhich are said to have been obtained Avith the May-apple in these affections, are not the fruit of its homoeopathic application, but of its alterative, emetic and cathartic action. According to Dr. Williamson and other physicians' testimony, this agent is useful in Hypochondriasis ; diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera infantum, haemor- rhoids, rheumatism, mercurial rheumatism, remittent fever, diseases Avith a slow pulse, pleurisy, heartburn, waterbrash. POLYGONUM PUNCTATUM, (Water Pepper. Nat. Order.—Polygonace^e.) The Polygonum Hydropiper of Michaux is thus termed by Dr. Joslin in his notice of this plant. It may be distinguished from the P. hydropiperoides Mich., P. mite Pers. by its acridity. A common indigenous plant, known as one of the " smart Aveeds," found in wet places, and specifically indicated by having the calyx dotted with pellucid glands. Dr. Payne, of Bath, Me., in his summary of observations on the pathogenesis of this plant, notes that there are three points which may indicate the therapeutic sphere, viz.: "the influence exerted upon the urinary organs, augmenting the quantity of urine and the fre- quency of discharge; upon the intestinal tract, producing rumbling pain and diarrhoeic stools; and upon the nerve mass, producing peculiar erratic, pulsative pains." It has in some parts of our coun- try a great reputation in acute catarrhal affections and in some rheumatic disorders. The saturated tincture in teaspoonful doses, three times a day, has proved very efficacious in the treatment of amenorrhoea. PRUNUS SPINOSA. (Sloe Tree.—Nat. Order :—Rosacea.) This bush grows wild all over Europe, along hedges, near roads, on the ed"-es of Avoods. It may also be found in the New England States. It flowers early in spring, before the leaves are full-grown. The branches are often covered Avith the densely-croAvded white flowers. AVe make a dark-yellow tincture of the flowers. Wahle has furnished some provings of this plant, which are un- fortunately not very reliable. The main results of this proving are 614 LECTURE CVI. the effects manifested in the urinary functions. It seems to have caused spasms of the bladder and urethra, preventing the free emis- sion of urine, burning and smarting in the urethra, increased emis- sion of urine, which was passed with more ease (in the case of a man who was addicted to the use of brandy, and had great trouble in voiding the urine.) In accordance with these indications, Wahle recommends Prunus spinosa for Ascites; he thinks that in very few cases more than two doses of the 30th potency will be required to cure this disease. I need hardly remark that this fanciful suggestion has never been confirmed by experience. In Germany, a tea is made of the blossoms; the power- ful diuretic properties of such an infusion have often succeeded in curing ascites, but two globules of the 30th potency have never accomplished such a feat. Will Homoeopathy ever be freed from the childish extravagancies of enthusiastic dogmatists ? PUNICA GRANATUM. (Pomegranate.—Nat. Order:—Granate^e.) The bark of this pretty shrub, which is a native of warm climates, has been employed even by the physicians of antiquity, against tenia. We give it in the form of powder, decoction or extract. In pow- der-form, Trousseau and Pidoux give from one to two drachms at a dose. A decoction is preferable. We boil two ounces of the recent bark in one pound and a balf of water, until the quantity is reduced to one pound. This quantity is taken in three parts, allowing an hour's interval between each two successive doses. If the tenia has not come away the next morning, a drastic purgative is adminis- tered. This proceeding may be renewed three times within nine days. The tenia is generally destroyed by this means. Injections of this bark may be administered for the purpose of destroying the ascarides which may have become lodged in the rectum. LECTURE CVI. RANUNCULUS BULBOSUS, (Buttercups. Nat. Order.—Ranunculace^l) One of the most praiseworthy provings with Avhich our Afateria Medica has been adorned, is that of the Ranunculus bulbosus or the bulbous-rooted crow-foot by Dr. C. G. Franz, one of the most con- scientious and reliable provers who assisted Hahnemann in building up his great work, the Materia Medica Pura. We bespeak for this ranunculus bulbosus. 615 proving a careful perusal from every student or practitioner who loves precision, clearness, correctness of delineation, philosophical observation and a classical unity of design. Dr. Franz prefaces his proving Avith the following instructive remarks : " The different species of Ranunculus owe their virtues and effi- cacy in a great measure to an acrid principle which, in our various systems of Materia Medica, where drugs are arranged in accordance with their chemical nature, has been adopted as a basis of classifica- tion for a large class of medicinal substances, and the existence of Avhich, as an original principle, is doubted by a number of chemists, for no better reason than because they are unable to exhibit it in the crucible. " According to Krapf, this principle, in the different species of Ranunculus, is neither an acid nor an alkali, and very volatile. For this reason these species lose their virtue almost entirely by transplanting, drying, etc.* " Locality, season and fructification develope a considerable dif- ference in the quantity and strength of this acrid principle. This difference even exists in the different parts of the same species,f and is particularly manifest in the different species of this plant, some of which, like the Ranunculus Thora, sceleratus, bulbosus, acris, are very poisonous, whereas others are much less so, and still others are not poisonous at all. " A natural consequence of the existence of this acrid principle as the active principle of the different species of Ranunculus, is a cer- tain uniformity of their effects, although the proving of each species upon the healthy organism develops some characteristic differences * In many regions of country, the Eanunculus repens, auricornus, even the sceleratus is eaten after being boiled; the Ranunculus Ficaria is eaten even as a salad. Virey, the author of a treatise on pharmacy, has extracted a mild and nutritious flour from the Ranunculus bulbosus; the Ranunculus aquatilis is dried in some parts of England and in the neighborhood of Strasburg, and is given to the cows in order to make them give more milk and sweeter butter. Krapf boiled twenty bulbs of the Ranunculus bulbosus in a pint of water, they became friable, crumbled into a glutinous mass like Althaea-root, had a mild and not unpleasant taste, and could be eaten without injury. The water over the boiled bulbs was clear and tasteless. f Ranunculus sceleratus, for instance, loses much of its strength in a dry soil, to such an extent that in some parts of Scotland the horses are fed with it. whereas no other animal touches it on the pasture, except goats and sheep. If gathered in May, the stem is said to be quite mild, especially those parts which are nearest the root; but in proportion as we approach the blossoms, the taste- is said to become more acrid; the young plant, moreover, is much more acrid than the old, which is near the period of efflorescence, and the maximum of its strength is said to be contained in the germen. In the Ranunculus bulbosus the acridity of the leaves and stems during the period of fructification differs considerably. The radical as well as the other leaves are the less acrid the paler and the more devoid of juice they are; the more woody the stalk the less acrid it is, so that, during the period of fructifica- tion the acridity and strength are contained in the root and blossoms, or rather in the germen; the fibres of the root are acrid previous to fructification, but after- wards they lose their strength. 616 LECTURE CVI. in the action of the drug* This uniformity has been rendered available by chemistry for the investigation and classification _ of druo-s; but it is insufficient for the determination of the curative action of drugs upon the human organism. Contrast the medi- cinal substances Avhich have been assigned to the class of acrid drugs, such as: Cantharides, Coccionella, Clematis, Chelidonium, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Scilla, Colchicum, Bryonia, Mezereum, Jacea, Gratiola, Helle- borus niger, Sambucus, Colocynthis, Sabadilla, Arnica, Asarum, Staphysagria, Cocculus, Jalapa, Ipecacuanha, Euphorbium, with each other and with the crow-foot; we shall then indeed be surprised by the accord of single phenomena, and even of whole groups of spmptoms, but Ave shall at the same time be amazed at the distinc- tion which prevails between the symptoms individually as well as between their whole series. " The different species of Ranunculus have been used in medicine from time immemorial. Even Hippocrates is said to have employed the Ranunculus ereticus and grandiflora in one of his preparations. On account of the acrid principle Avhich they contain, and which assimilates them to the class of poisons, their use has either been shunned entirely, or limited to external application. The physicians of antiquity employed them for the destruction of indurations, horny and other excrescences, in cutaneous diseases, scrofula; hence, Plinius denominated one species of Ranunculus, Strumea. " They have been recommended in place of Cantharides for the purpose of raising a blister,f and have even been preferred to this agent, which sometimes has an injurious effect upon the urinary organs. More recently, however, their use has been abandoned, be- cause they have repeatedly caused incurable ulcers, and other injuries, more dangerous and distressing than the original malady.;}: "The ignorance of physicians regarding the method of adapting the dose to the susceptibilities and the necessities of the human organism, has kept the most powerful remedial agents out of the Alateria Aledica. This has likewise happened to the Ranunculus bulbosus, Avhose poisonous properties were dreaded. This is the reason why so little information concerning it is contained in the writings of older physicians, except the few cases where it Avas em- ployed externally. Internally it has scarcely ever been used except in domestic practice. " Ranunculus acris, sceleratus, bulbosus and Flammula, when applied to the skin as vesicants, were supposed to cure the most * As regards even the external action of Ranunculus bulbosus, it is less rapid than that of the sceleratus, but more continuous, and causes more dangerous affections of the tongue, palate, gums. The risus sardonicus probably is a pecu- liarity of the Ranunculus sceleratus, which the Ranunculus bulbosus, even when administered in a very large quantity, has never yet produced. f The beggars in some regions of country use them to cause ulcers upon their persons by which means they try to excite public pity. X Murray and Tissot relate a number of sad accidents of this kind. A child was cured of fever and ague by having the root applied to the wrist; it caused an ulcer which penetrated to the annular ligament and the flexor tendons of the fingers. A soldier lost his thumb. In another, it excited a violent inflammation of the arm, with fever and delirium, which was followed by gangrene. RANUNCULUS bulbosus. 617 violent chronic headache, rheumatic and arthritic pains. Ranunculus bulbosus, by being applied to the soles of the feet was supposed capable of restoring gout which had shifted to the chest. Sennert and von Swieten pretend having prevented the return of a fever and ague paroxysm by applying this drug to the pit of the stomach in the shape of a plaster. Ldselius relates that the country people use a mixture of the juice of Ranunculus Flammula for scurvy. " According to A7illars, the country people of Piedmont and Brian con employ a decoction of the Ranunculus glacialis in a large quantity of water, for the purpose of provoking sweat in pleurisy and rheumatism. " According to Krapf and Gilibert, Ranunculus sceleratus, mace- rated in a large quantity of Avater, acts as a diuretic. It has likeAvise had good effect in some cases of asthma, phthisis, blennorrhea, ulcera- tion of the bladder, dysuria, icterus, scrofulous complaints, etc." Before proceeding to unfold and comment upon the fine series of provings which Dr. Franz has left us as an example of industry and careful observation, that is eminently Avorthy of imitation, we will transcribe from Wibmer and other toxicologists the poisonous effects Avhich the different species of Ranunculus are capable of producing. Krebs relates the following case of poisoning by Ranunculus acris in the "Heidelberger Annalen." A Avoman seventy years old, but still vigorous and frequently afflicted with pains in the limbs, had boiled a few handfuls of the leaves of Ranunculus acris. She washed her legs with this decoction in the evening, and applied a cataplasm of the leaves to the legs during the night. Roused from her sleep by intense pain, she removed the poultice and Avashed her legs Avith Avater. Next morning the patient was in a high fever, and suffered the most excruciating pain in the legs and feet, which had the appearance of being scorched up to the knees; the epidermis was hot, red, and very painful, and portions of it were raised in blisters. On the third day, some parts became gangrenous, the patient trembled, fainted aAvay on raising herself, Avas anxious, restless, the pulse became small and hurried, and her countenance looked flushed. On the eleventh day a critical sweat broke out, a critical urine was likeAvise discharged, and the sores henceforward began to improve. Ranunculus sceleratus or palustris is the most acrid and most poisonous of all the species of Ranunculus. The whole plant pos- sesses an uncommon acridity, but especially the expressed juice; the root is less acrid; the leaves, while chewed, excite a burning sensation in the mouth, accompanied Avith a profuse Aoav of saliva; if the chewing is frequently repeated, the tongue becomes inflamed, ulcerated, rough, suspend the power of tasting, cleave to the tip of the tongue, set the teeth on edge, and render the gums painful and bloody. The leaves or blossoms applied to the skin, cause in half an hour a slight itching, which is soon folloAved by redness, and in twelve hours by a blister that is slow and difficult to heal. Even the vapors of the recent plant are so acrid that they irritate the eyes and nose, and cause sneezing and lachrymation. This acridity is 618 LECTURE CVI. lost by drying, and when boiled, the plant can even be eaten as a vegetable. After dinner Krapf sAvallowed a leaf and a portion of the flower, it caused a violent and peculiar pain in the bowels. Two drops of the juice excited even a still more troublesome feeling, the entire oesophagus seemed like inflamed. He poured a quantity of the juice doAvn a dog's throat; it became anxious, vomited, screamed; after it had been killed and opened, the stomach Avas found con- tracted, some parts of it were very red, inflamed, the pylorus Avas swollen and of a red-blue color, it hardly remained pervious. Scharf relates in his Ephemerides of natural curiosities that two Italians who partook of the herb Avith vinegar in the form of salad, were attacked with pains in the stomach, oppression and anxiety, torpor of the intestinal canal, contortion of the eyes, spasmodic tAvitchings of the facial muscles and extremities, risus sardonicus, cold sweat, and that both died. Tissot relates the case of a carman, Avho applied the leaves to his arm; they soon dreAv a blister, Avhich spread over the whole arm; he was attacked with fever, delirium, inflammation of the brain, a species of hydrophobia, and finally gangrene. From these various effects of the plant, Wibmer infers that " it is an acrid poison, Avhich causes inflammation at the place where it is applied, excites an itching, burning and redness of the skin, draws a blister, causes ulceration and even gangrene; internally it causes a burning and rigidity of the tongue, fauces, oesophagus, burning and inflammation of the stomach and bowels which may even terminate fatally. AVhen snuffed up, it causes sneezing and an increased flow of tears. Some symptoms lead us to infer that it may be absorbed, after which it irritates the brain and spinal marrow, causing delirium and convulsions." The Ranunculus bulbosus or buttercup is a perennial plant, flowering throughout the summer-months and to be found all over Europe and likewise in North America. The stems are several, erect, hairy, round, leafy and many-flowered, from six to twelve inches in height; leaves stalked, variously cut, and more or less hairy; flowers terminal, solitary, on angular furrowed stalks, petals of a bright shining yellow; the root forms a round bulb about an inch in diameter, and sending out many stout fibres from its base. The tincture with which Dr: Franz conducted his provings, was obtained by the following process, a description of which prefaces the doctor's Essay in Stapf's " Additions to the Materia Medica." "The plant which was used in our provings, was gathered in June, and together with the blossoms, pounded in a mortar, after having been cut up in small pieces. The juice was strained through linen, and filled in a glass containing about a tablespoonful of alcohol, in order to prevent the decomposition of the juice, while the juice of the other portions of the plant was pressed out. The bulb was cut into twelve or sixteen pieces, from which the juice was likewise expressed in a similar manner, after they had been pre- RANUNCULUS BULBOSUS. 619 yiously stamped into a consistent paste. The whole of the expressed juice having been poured together, both that of the plant and of the bulb, it was mixed with equal parts of the strongest alcohol, and Avas set aside in a well-closed press, being shaken several times a day; the transparent, dark-brown essence was poured off into a well-, stoppered vial, leaving the sediment behind. The twelve or sixteen pieces into Avhich the bulb had been divided, and which being pounded separately, Avere moistened with an ounce of alcohol during the pounding; furnishing scarcely as much juice as was equal to the alcohol which had been added, the pounded fragments of the bulb were put into a glass and well mixed with two parts in volume of alcohol, and after having been left standing three days as above, the bright red tincture thus obtained was mixed in equal portions with the juice of the whole plant." Dr. Franz states that as regards the chronological succession and the grouping of the symptoms, a certain uniformity was observed in the different provers. He commenced his proving with eight drops of the tincture on November 26th, 1827, which he swallowed early in the morning before breakfast, in a pint of water; on the second, third, and fifth day following, he swallowed twelve drops in the same quantity of water. From these doses he elicited the following symptoms in the order in which they are here related: After the first dose, and on the first day, he experienced the fol- lowing symptoms: Pressure in the eyeballs, internally, and a pass- ing pressure in the chest, within half an hour; a pain in the eyes, as if sore, a burning in the pit of the stomach, pressure in the region of the liver, after an hour; stitches in the ears, a tingling and crawl- ing sensation on the hairy scalp, with stupefaction of the senses, slight throbs in the occiput, after two hours; pressure across the chest and the pit of the stomach, stiffness in the tarsal joint, with vertigo and irritable mood, after three hours; tearing in the temples, and itching of the hand, in four hours; stitches in the left side of the chest and spleen, pressure at the root of the nose, chilliness after dinner, in six hours; after dinner, a pinching in the bowels, and a painfulness of the abdominal integuments when touching them, attended with feverish chilliness, in seven hours; pains in the occi- put, pressure in the eyes and at the forehead, slight vertigo, con- tinual colic during the period of digestion, and a feeling of prostra- tion, in eight hours; late falling asleep and frequent waking in the first night. On the second day, after taking the same dose, the following effects were observed: on rising, pain in the left chest, weakness, feeling of prostration, tearing in the vertex, after the lapse of an hour; dullness of the head, irritable mood, and pain across the lower part of the chest and across the pit of the stomach, in two hours; pain in the toes, absence of mind, he talks to himself, in five hours; pain down the posterior side of the thigh, in the Avrist-joint and thumbs in the scapulae, a feeling in the hypochondria as if they had been bruised, so-called rheumatic pains, from five to ten hours; pain in the left chest, pinching and painfulness of the intestinal 620 LECTURE CVI. canal, deep-seated and returning periodically and in alternate pa- roxysms the whole day, when the parts are touched, attended Avith chilliness during the period of digestion; no sleep at night. On the third day, after repeating the dose : pain in the left chest, early in the morning, painful soreness in the left eye, a pungent taste in the mouth, cracking of the knees, eructations, burning and scraping at the palate, painfulness of the hypochondria, pit of the stomach and sternum, mucus in the throat, in the forenoon ; pain at the nail of the index finger, pain at the tendo Achillis; a sort of ischias, continued pain in the left chest, painful soreness of the eyes, in the afternoon; feverishness, heat in the face, with cold hands, accelerated pulse and eructation, chilliness of the hands, pinching in the bowels, continued pain in the left chest, headache over the right eye, pressure in the right scapula, oppression, congestion of blood to the head, drowsiness in the evening, and sleeplessness at night. On the fourth day, without repeating the dose; on waking, pain in the left chest, irritable mood, irascible temper, continued pain in the left chest, prostration and trembling, feverishness after dinner and in the evening, no sleep at night. On the fifth day, after repeating the dose: on Avaking, the same pain in the left chest, tearing in the temples and afterwards stitches in the ears, flowing of the saliva, in one hour; pain in the occiput, in two hours; continued pain in the left chest during motion and contact, likewise pain in the hypochrondria and back, altered taste, out of humor, in four hours; pain in the abdomen and distress in the chest, in the afternoon; pain in the occiput, oppression on the chest, soreness of the heels and toes, all these symptoms being attended with a febrile chill for two hours in the evening. On the sixth day: a good deal of nausea, pains in the abdomen, with fever after dinner, not so much pain in the chest, sleepless night. On the seventh day: headache early in the morning, during the da^ he felt alternately a pain in the chest and an undefined pain in the bowels; in the evening, a pain in the face and in the dorsal joints. On the eighth day: pain in the dorsa of the feet, oppression and pains in the chest, pain in the temples, right malar bones and eye- balls, in the forenoon ; a good deal of pain in the chest, both exter- nally and internally, in the afternoon; feverish motions, painfulness of the hypochondria, in the evening. On the ninth day: pain in the chest almost constantly, in the evening the pain was attended with cough and eructations. On the following days, up to the twenty-first: After restless and sleepless nights, he experienced considerable painfulness, externally as well as internally, in the left chest and in the whole left side, pain- fulness of the hypochondria, lassitude, laziness, frequent chills after dinner, gradual disappearance of the pains in the abdomen, with occasional turns of cough in the evening, and some fever, continuing all the time, with periodical attacks of sore eyes, aching pain in the temples and forehead, evening chilliness ; on the fourteenth day he was attacked with a genuine ophthalmia, occasionally he felt a pain RANUNCULUS BULBOSUS. 621 in the dorsum of the foot and do\vn the posterior portion of the thigh. Before proceeding to a consideration of the next series of symp- toms, Ave deem it expedient to call attention to the positive charac- ter of the symptoms recorded by this excellent prover. The pains which he experienced and which returned and con- tinued during the whole period of his proving with remarkable uni- formity, are evidently of a neuralgic character and seem to justify the empirical use of this drug in neuralgic and arthritic affections for which it has been employed in domestic practice for many years and in many European countries. The neuralgic and inflammatory pains which he experienced in the eyes, are likeAvise an important result of his experiments. The pains in the cerebellum are not to be overlooked. The pains in the abdomen, in the intestines and in the viscera per- taining to the chylo-poietic system generally, likewise constitute an interesting feature in this proving. Our prover has likeAvise developed a species of ischias postica, a neuralgia of the femoro-popliteal nerve. A remarkable facjt is the presence of chills during most of these pains, the fever setting in most generally after dinner or in the evening. It is evident from these symptoms that Ranunculus bulbosus acts upon the cerebellum, upon the pneumo-gastric and spinal nerves, and in a very marked manner upon the abdominal ganglia of the sympa- thetic. / The second proving was instituted at the same time and place by a married lady, twenty-nine years old, of a venous and irritable constitution, slender build, and some tendency to sanguineous con- gestions and haemorrhoids. She took half a drop of the tincture in an ounce of water, from which the following symptoms Avere ob- tained : Pressure in the eyes, heaviness and congestion of blood to the head, vertigo, some colic with pain in the back, in two hours; sensitiveness of the teeth, itching of the upper arms, tingling in the fino-ers and nose, headache over the right eye, nausea and drowsi- ness in three to five hours; obstruction of the nose, pains in the bowels, chills Avith cold hands and heat in the face, during the period of digestion, in seven to nine hours; stiffness of the tarsal joints Avith vertigo, stitches in the right chest and right side of the abdo- men,* hemicrania on the right side, after the lapse of eight hours; muscular twitching after tAvelve hours; during the whole day she had periodical and alternate paroxysms of obstruction and tingling of the nose, no sleep at night. _ . . . ' Second day: continued hemicrania and tingling in the nose; stitches in the chest. * This prover was often troubled with pain in the left chest; hence she felt comparatively little of this pain daring the proving; this decrease of the pain was a curative effect of the drug. 622 LECTURE CVI. Third day: heaviness of the head, pressure in the nape of the neck during the first five hours, afterwards pain in the chest, in the evening feverish tendency to start and disposition to fear. A third proving Avas instituted by a regimental surgeon, of a robust and sanguine constitution. He commenced his proving on the 20th of December, 1827, with five drops, Avhich he repeated a number of times; nine days after, he took twenty drops, and gradu- ally increased up to sixty. The prover experienced immediately a pressure in the eyes, op- pression of the chest, a feeling of distension in the head, dizziness, slight nausea; in tAvo to four hours a tingling in the hands and face, pams in the chest; in six hours an easier stool than usual, rumbling in the bowels: in the afternoon fever and chilliness after dinner, pain in the nape of the neck, frequent pains in the chest, thirst; colic in the evening; no sleep at night. Second day: pain in the chest, early in the morning, bad taste in the mouth, lassitude and rheumatic pain in the nape of the neck and arms, muscular twitchings, throbbing in the chest after dinner, Avith motions in the boAvels during the period of digestion, sleepless night. These symptoms were elicited after every fresh repetition of the dose; after a few hours: rush of blood to the head, drowsiness, headache, pain in the eyes (one paroxysm of spasms of the fauces,) passing oppression and pain in the chest, bodily unrest or slight nausea; in the evening: phlegm iu the throat, rheumatic pains in various parts, pains in the ears, shifting of flatulence, rumbling and movements in the bowels; on the following days: continual pains in the chest, especially early in the morning and restless nights, continue for some time prominent and standing symptoms, accom- panied with occasional pains in the eyes, pains in the ears, muscular twitchings, rheumatic and burning pains in the hypochondria or back, a quantity of phlegm in the throat, a feeling of lassitude and a faint feeling, etc. The following few symptoms were reported by Stapf, and Avere communicated to him by a young woman of twenty-four years, in blooming health: Dry heat in the face, with flushed cheeks, icy coldness of the feet during the heat, her mouth Avas dry and sticky, so that she was scarcely able to speak, nine hours after taking the drug; floAV of a whitish saliva, having a coppery taste, on the second day; a few violent stitches dart through the forearm, and some time after through the thumb of the left hand, on the second day; she felt chilly over her whole body, so that her teeth chattered, and she shook, accompanied with heat in the face, dry and slimy mouth; this chilliness continued for one hour in the open air which, how- ever, Avas not cold (in her room she felt the chilliness less.) These symptoms, in their totality, show, according to Franz, that the action of Ranunculus is long-lasting, the functional derange- ments which it causes, continuing upwards of five weeks, and the cutaneous affections, herpes and ulcers which succeed the former, RANUNCULUS BULBOSUS. 623 continuing even for months. Hence it is particularly adapted for chronic diseases, and may, with great propriety, be classed among the antipsorics. The excessive action of Ranunculus is best antidoted by smelling of Camphor, and by drinking large quantities of water. Krapf states that mineral acids, vinegar, wine, alcohol, honey, sugar, increase the effects of Ranunculus. Copious draughts of fresh water, mucilagi- nous and oily substances are best calculated to antidote the injuri- ous and even poisonous effects of this drug. We will now proceed to exhibit the whole series of the pathoge- netic effects of Ranunculus under our usual categories, with such comments as their relation to corresponding pathological conditions may suggest. CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. Sudden attack of vertigo, in the occiput, as if he would fall, fol- lowed by violent tearing in the right temple. Dizziness, with sensation as if the head were distended. Heaviness of the head. Violent tearing, in the evening, first in the left side of the occiput, as far as the nape of the neck; afterwards along the left lower jaAV from behind forward. Tearing in the vertex, when writing, while standing. Pain in the vertex as if the parts were pressed asunder, in the evening, upon entering a warm room from the open air, accompa- nied with pressure in the eye-ball, near the outer canthus. Pain in the temples, Avith drawing and pressure, in the evening Avhile walking, with feverish restlessness and difficulty of breathing. Occasional subdued, soft beats, not like pulsations, but at longer intervals, in the left side of the occiput. Warmth about the forehead, in the evening Avhile writing, with sensation as if sweat would break out on this part. Pressing pain in the forehead, from within outward, in the after- noon. Pressing pain in the forehead and eye-balls, early in the morning, in bed, abating after rising, Avhereas the pain in the chest increased. The hairy scalp on the forehead feels sore when touched, in the afternoon. Burning prickings in the hairy scalp, right side, Avith sensation as if the blood Avere rushing to the brain, (no heat being felt on the outside,) and with incipient vanishing of thought. Crawling and creeping in the hairy scalp, in the evening, in bed, (from the vapor while preparing the juice.)_ A careful perusal of the synoptical series which Dr. Franz has left us of his provings, shoAvs that the action of Ranunculus upon the brain, developes its characteristic effects subsequently to the eye and chest-symptoms, with the exception of the symptoms of the occipital range, and of the upper portion of the spinal cord. The action of Ranunculus upon the brain seems to be characterized by 624 LECTURE CVI. a determination of blood to the cerebellum, and subsequently to the cerebrum; this determination manifests itself by the various symp- toms Avhich we have pointed out, vertigo, loss of ideas, pressure in the frontal eminences and vertex, as if this part would split open, and various pains in the head, aching, pressive, draAving pain, a feeling of distension in the whole head, heat and redness of the face and icy coldness of the hands. The character of these symp- toms suggests the recommendation of Ranunculus in Arthritic Hemicrania of the right side of the head, or rather over the right eye, with depression of spirits Avhich seems to proceed from the chest; and likewise in what we might term Neuralgia of the Cerebellum, or rather Rheumatic Neurosis ; for the irritation Avhich Ave designate by this name, is most generally of a rheumatic origin, although, in a case for which Ranunculus is speci- fically adapted, the affection may be of a paludean or marsh-mias- matic character. This pain is in relation with pains in the chest, either in the lungs or in the muscular coverings of the thorax, Avhich is evidently of the same character as the pain in the occiput and upper portion of the spinal column, rheumatic, or of a rheu- matic neurotic character. The anatomical seat of this pain seems to be the pneumogastric nerve from its origin to its niore remote deri- vations in the chest and stomach, together with the adjoining parts. The symptoms which we find recorded of this drug in those parts of the body Avhich are most frequently the seat of neuralgic rheu- matism, viz.: the muscular tissue of the back and extremities, shoAV very conclusively that in Arthritic Rheumatism and Gout, this agent may produce good effects. AVe may record the following leading symptoms: Pain in the back, lassitude, and pain as if bruised in the region of the short ribs, Avith ill-humor; Pain as if bruised, in the back and in the hypochondriac region, especially perceptible during motion, for many days; Rheumatic pain and stitches between the scapulae, early in the morning on waking; An aching pain in the nape of the neck; a slight blow on this part causes a pain in the forehead and in the parietal bone; Rheumatic pain in both elbow and shoulder-joints early in the morning; Violent stitches dart through the forearm; some time after, they are likewise felt in the thumb ; Painful drawing in both thighs, down to the calves, posteriorly; Tearing pains from the middle of the hip, exteriorly, doAvnwards, skipping the bends of the knees, and commencing again in the calves; Weakness of the knee-joints, they give way involuntarily. These and other similar symptoms point in a more general man- ner to Chronic Arthritic Rheumatism of the back and extremities; the following symptoms seem to represent more specially an attack of RANUNCULUS BULBOSUS. 625 Gout; rigidity in the right tarsal joint, and the whole of the right leg, with vertigo deep in the brain, when walking in the open air; Pain in the tarsal joint, up to the middle region of the tibia, as if the tendons were too short when walking; Drawing-aching continuous pain in the dorsum of the right foot; Cramp in the dorsum of the foot when walking, suddenly, in the articulations of all the toes, as if he had sprained them in making a false step; Stitches in the dorsum of the left foot when sitting; Cold feeling in the big toe, in the evening, as if a current of air were rushing through; Violent stitches in the fourth toe of the left foot, when entering the room upon coming out of the open air; Stitches in the dorsa of the toes, in the evening; Stinging pain in the toes when walking; Feeling of soreness and stitches between the toes; Sore pain and stitches in the tips of the toes, in the evening; Pulsative stitches in the left heel, when standing, in the afternoon; > Acute pain in the heels, for two evenings, as if the boots were pinching him, which he had taken off, however. DENTAL AND FACIAL GROUPS. Dry heat of the face, with flushed cheeks and icy-cold feet; the mouth feels dry and sticky; Spasmodic paralytic sensation in the jaws, after lying down, in the evening; Pain in the right molares, as if pressed asunder by a knife; ORBITAL AND AURICULAR GROUP. Smarting in the eyes, nose, and fauces, the eyes run and are very painful, so that he has to stop using them for half an hour, because he is unable to see any thing; the whites are slightly inflamed, the mucus runs from the nose in torrents, the fauces feel sore during an inspiration, less during deglutition ; (from preparing the juice.) Smarting and feeling of soreness in the outer canthus of the right eye.* * Note by the prover: This symptom and other similar symptoms, arose from preparing the juice, the acrid vapor touching the parts. But these symptoms are not merely local symptoms. All those symptoms arose likewise from the internal use of the juice after it had been so much diluted with water that the acridity of the juice could neither be perceived by the taste, nor by the tact externally; hence the cause was purely dynamic. Even many of the symptoms which Krapf, Plenck, and Orfila, consider as sympathetic symptoms, for instance, the symptoms of the brain, temperament, eyes, chest, where no local contact had taken place, came on much sooner than the symptoms of the pharynx, the oesophagus and stomach, organs which were immediately touched by the drug. Except the blisters and the redness produced by many locally-applied drugs (for instance Cantharides, Mezereum, etc.,) it may be said perhaps that there exists no local symptom of any drug which cannot be realized by its internal use, although much more slowly; whereas it is on the other hand very often the case vol. n.—40 626 LECTURE CVI. Sensation as of burning soreness in the right loAver eye-lid. Swelling and redness of the left outer canthus, Avith painful sore • ness. Pressure in the e3^es, as if a hair had got in, going off by rubbing. Pressure as with a dull point in the right eye-ball, from above downward. Violent pressing pains in the right eye-balls, at times in one, at times in the other. Mistiness of sight, immediately. Stitches through the right ear, to the parietal bone. • CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. . The symptoms of this group are numerous, and those of the ab- dominal range are particularly interesting and instructive. We will note the leading symptoms, some of which are undoubtedly occasioned by the physical action of the drug upon the tissues with which it is brought in immediate contact. Stitches near the right corner of the mouth; that drugs, which are applied locally, cause a number of internal and external phenomena in distant organs and parts of the body. Thus we see psoric ulcers and chancres, together with other characteristic symptoms, occasioned by the internal as well as the external use of Sulphur and Mercury; ] have seen a number of the characteristic effects of Lead excited by a lead-plaster, etc. There seem to be as few local remedies as there are local diseases, for the so- called local symptoms are nothing else than their specific action which becomes manifest in whatever mode the remedies may be applied, with this difference, that the local application occasions symptoms with more certainty and rapidity in the place where the drug is applied than its internal use is capable of doing, which requries long circuitous routes to realize the same definite phenomenon within the same external limits. Nevertheless, although the remedy may seem to act more rapidly upon a definite spot when applied externally ; this external application is not always advisable, not even in cases where the remedy is the precise homoeopathic specific; for this reason, that it is well known that the infection of the organism by the skin is not perceived upon the skin until the internal disease has pervaded the organism, and the action of the drug upon the skin is too rapid to have the necessary influence upon the internal disease. This is shown by the unhappy results of the external treatment of chancres and the itch.* * Note by the Editor: There is undoubtedly a good deal of truth in these remarks by Dr. Eranz. No drug could manifest its so-called local effects unless the organism were endowed with an adequate and specific susceptibility to this action of the drug. Nevertheless the external application of a drug is vastly distinguished from its internal use, to such an extent that it would be impossible to develope the cutaneous symptoms of many drugs without destroying the life of the patient before any adequate manifestation of the cutaneous changes had taken place. AYe are not aware that Croton-oil has ever produced by its internal use alone, such a pustulous eruption as follows surely and uniformly the exter- nal application of this drug; on the other hand, Taraxacum, if used internally in sufficient doses, developes an urticaria which the external use has never brought out upon the skin. A drug, if applied externally, may act antagonistically to the curative efforts of the organism; on the other hand its external application may so modify the action of the skin as to predispose this organ for an increased readiness to externalize, or expel the internal disease. In such a case the exter- nal drug-disease and the internal physiological forces of the organism meet in perfect harmony RANUNCULUS BULBOSUS. 627 Scraping-burning sensation near the right portion of velum ; AVhite-coated tongue; Increased secretion of mucus in the throat; Flow of water in the mouth ; Flat taste in the mouth, also pungent taste Avhile eating dry food: Frequent eructations and a ravenous hunger before dinner, still he eats less than usual; Nausea in the afternoon, sometimes with headache; Spasmodic hiccough; The c?ay after drinking a glass of wine, he has a headache in the frontal region, and constant nausea, pressure in the upper part of the chest, and stitches in the left side of the chest; Violent burning in the region of the pylorus, with great anxiety about the heart, (in the case of four persons Avho had eaten the root of Ranunculus bulbosus boiled in chicken broth;) Burning and soreness, with pressure, in the pit of the stomach; Painful soreness in the pit of the stomach when touched. We infer from these symptoms that Ranunculus may prove ser- viceable in Acute gastrosis, when the patient complains of such pains as are here described; a burning distress in the stomach or in the region of the cardiac or pyloric orifice, with a great deal of praecordial anxiety ; the region of the stomach is exceedingly sensitive to pres- sure, and the pain is much aggravated by contact. In cardialgia, which is a paroxysmal disease, this drug will probably be found of very little use. In some affections of the abdominal viscera, this drug will undoubtedly prove useful. Let us first examine some of the lead- ing symptoms of this range. In the evening, both hypochondria and the lower ribs in the chest feel painful as if bruised; Painful soreness under the short ribs of the left side, especially when moving the trunk, for several days; Pressure deep in the region of the liver, when standing, increased by pressure; Pressure in the region of the liver, arresting the breathing, with stitches and pressure at the top of the right shoulder, when walking, after sitting. These symptoms certainly excite a suspicion that Ranunculus is in some specific relation Avith certain affections of the liver which we believe to be of the character of neurosis. In Neurosis of the Liver, Avith moderate vascular excitement, deep- seated soreness of the region of the liver, which is increased by pressure, and accompanied by the characteristic pain in the right shoulder, increased frequency of the alvine discharges and such signs of gastric irritation as characterize the action of Ranunculus, not to omit the head or chest-symptoms which generally complicate the disease, Ranunculus may be of great service to us. 628 LECTURE CVI. Among the other symptoms of the abdominal range, avo note the following group: After dinner he feels a pinching below the umbilicus, Avith sensa- tion as if the boAvels would fall out; the pinching spread to the side of the abdomen, in the shape of a drawing-aching pain; it then rose to the pit of the stomach; Immediately after dinner he feels violent stitches from the left lumbar region through the abdomen, especially beloAV the umbilicus and towards the right groin ; The Avhole day he feels a subdued pinching colic, sometimes alternating with pain in the chest; When Avalking he feels continually a subdued colic in the Avhole tract of the intestines, they are painful when pressing upon the abdominal integuments; Rumbling and pinching in the umbilical region; Colic around the umbilicus, whence a coldness ascends her back and arms; «■ At times he experiences a subdued, and at other times a sharp, colicky pain Avith pinching, attended Avith a burning-sore feeling beloAV the umbilicus, sometimes accompanied by stitches in the side of the abdomen; at the same time when pressing upon the abdomen, the intestines are painful as if ulcerated; The alvine evacuations become softer and are more frequent. We infer from these symptoms that Ranunculus acts upon the abdominal ganglia as an irritant agent, and that it may therefore be useful in some nervous affections of the bowels of the character of neurosis. AVe may sum up these affections by the commonly received name of Enterodynia or Colicodynia, which seems to be represented by the series of pains which we have described; it seems to be character- istic of Ranunculus, Ipecacuanha and other remedial agents, that these pains are aggravated or even excited by contact. SEXUAL GROUP. We note: frequent erections towards morning, Avith dizziness in the head; also an increase of leucorrhoea which, having been mild at first had become acrid and corrosive. THORACIC GROUP. The Schneiderian membrane is very violently irritated by the vapors of the plant; they cause A creeping from the tip to the root of the nose, and to the right eye-brow, or a painful creeping in the nose, like pressure; he has to blow the nose quite frequently, during Avhich blood is discharged ; Obstruction of the nose, in the evening, Avith a painful soreness of the nose, extending high up; RANUNCULUS BULBOSUS. 629 The nose is sore, even red and swollen, Avith tension in the nose, and a number of scurfs, with dryness; Nocturnal discharge of tenacious mucus from the nose. In whatever light these symptoms may be regarded, the action of Ranunculus upon the chest is marked by a train of symptoms which render it a highly valuable remedy in affections of the same charac- ter as those for which we have recommended this drug in former paragraphs; we mean Neurosis of the integuments as well as of the pulmonary paren- chyma, and more particularly of the left side of the chest. The fol- lowing series of symptoms is so lucidly expressed, and the neurotic affection seems to be delineated so perfectly in its whole length and breadth, that we cannot render a better service to the reader than by transcribing the most characteristic effects of the drug from the original records; Pressure in the chest, and shortness of breath when walking on level ground, but no oppression of breathing when going up hill; Heavy and short breathing in the evening, he has to draw a long breath frequently, with burning and fine stitches in the left chest; Oppression of the chest, with much weeping, in the evening, and a pain in the eyes as if they were sore, especially the right eye; Restless sleep, with violent aching of the chest and oppression ; Pain in the chest and restless nights, for weeks; After dinner he feels a violent beating in the chest, as if caused by a rush of blood, with inclination to lie down; Pain in the left breast, a few hours in the morning ; Pain in the chest, as soon as he wakes in the morning, as if the parts Avere bruised, with stitches in the left side above the nipple, in a space of the size of the hand, worse during contact and motion, every day for eight days; A^iolent pressure and pain as if bruised, over the left chest, imme- diately after rising in the morning; every movement of the chest causes pain; the pain spreads over the whole chest, with shortness of breath; Pressure in the upper and left side of the chest, complicated Avith stitches ; the breathing is painful, even contact is painful; Stitching pain in the left chest, as if from subcutaneous ulcera- tion, increased by motion and by turning the trunk, continuing the whole afternoon; in the evening an aching pain is felt in the right scapula; Constant pain in the chest, the Avhole afternoon, mostly in the left side; partly as if in the pectoralis major muscle, where a rheu- matic pain is felt on turning the body; at first the pain is felt ex- ternally afterwards the pain seems to recede to the internal and posterior surface of the sternum and the pit of the stomach; the pain frequently disappears, and an aching pain as from subcutaneous ulceration is felt below the liver in the right lumbar region; the pain is frequently preceded by a bitter pungent taste in the mouth, and a necessity to hawk; Stitches in the left chest, when talking, in the forenoon; 630 LECTURE CVI. Stitches in the region of the left nipple, in the chest, when walking in the open air; the stitches disappear after some walking, after which a pain is felt below the last true rib in the right side of the abdomen; Violent sticking pains in the Avhole of the right chest, early in the morning, during a walk in the open air; Violent stitches in the right, and less frequently in the left chest, the whole day; Painfulness in the left chest, the whole day, worse in the evening, with quantities of tenacious mucus in the throat; AArhen stooping he feels a pressure at the lower half of the ster- num, in the region of the xiphoid cartilage; upon raising the trunk again, he feels a beating in that place, Avhich disappears soon, after which the place is painful to the touch ; The pressure at the lower part of the sternum, spreads, within a space of the size of the hand, towards the right side of the chest and the pit of the stomach ; the outer chest becomes so painful that even buttoning his coat causes pain; this continues for three hours ; In the evening, when walking or standing, he feels a pressure and tightness across the lower part of the chest, Avith fine stitches, appa- rently in the outer part of the chest, but penetrating deep into the chest, aggravated by moving, stooping, drawing a long breath; Pain in the Avhole chest, in the evening, in bed; he is unable to lie on either side, OAving to the painfulness of the outer parts of the chest; attended Avith anxiety, tightness of breathing, accelerated pulse; Pressing-dragging pain in the chest, for many days; it is rather external, and only interferes with the breathing when he walks; Unusual chilliness of the outer parts of the chest, when walking in the open air. EXANTHEMATIC GROUP. Pain under the nail of the right index-finger, as if a splinter had been stuck in there, and had produced suppuration. May not this symptom suggest the use of Ranunculus in Whitlow ? AATe have never seen it applied in this disease, but we consider it worth a trial. It should be used internally, as well as externally ; the external use has, of course, to be conducted very cautiously. Inflammation of the arm, from the fingers to the shoulders, from blossoms and leaves being applied to Avarts, which had been pared until they bled, yet were not removed for all that. In the first quarter of an hour, the pounded bulbs, when applied to the fingers, cause an itching of these parts, which is always fol- lowed by a blister, even if the skin is not changed. On applying a piece of the bulb between the fingers, a burning Avas experienced after the lapse of two minutes, which soon ceased after the removal of the bulb ; in two hours the place became red, RANUNCULUS BULBOSUS. 631 and in ten hours a blister was formed, emitting a thin yellowish and burning fluid in large quantity. Vesicles on the fingers, especially those of the right hand, as if caused by a burn or vesicatory (of the size of a hazlenut and still larger;) after being pricked Avith a pin so as to preserve the skin of the blister, they emitted for eight days a yellowish lymph, Avith burning pains, the bright-red skin shining- through the blister, (from the skin being touched by the juice while squeezing it out.) After the blisters on the fingers had been healed a fortnight, and the new skin had likewise healed again, small, deep, transparent, dark-blue, slightly elevated blisters of the size of an ordinary pin's head Avere formed, (as if the pores had become raised in the shape of small, blue, transparent vesicles;) they were crowded together in oval-shaped groups of the size of a shilling, with intolerable burning- itching, (as is felt in the spots caused by nettles on the skin, which the vesicles resembled;) when the vesicles were opened, they emitted a dark-yellow lymph, and afterwards became covered with a herpetic, horny scurf, itching intolerably, and emitting a clear fluid when secreted, or even of itself.* After the horny scurf, which had formed after 'the vesicles had been scratched open, had crumbled away of itself within eight or ten days, neAV blue vesicles appeared again, with intolerable burning- itching, inducing frequent scratching; the scratching caused a shining-red, loose swelling of the fingers (they felt like sheep-skin), with inflammation and an intolerable burning-stinging itching. On applying hart's grease to the swollen fingers to suppress the itching, the horny scurf no longer formed, but, in places of the size of a shilling, crowded groups of small holes of the size of a pin's head formed^ emitting a yellow lymph in the shape of drops of sweat aud changing to small, flat, spreading, and difficultly-curable ulcers, with shaggy, sharp borders, and an intolerable burning itching, depriving him of rest for weeks, day and night. Ulcers on the fingers, penetrating to the flexor-tendons.; SLEEP AND FEVER. He experiences an irresistible desire for sleep for two afternoons in succession ; another prover slept every afternoon after dinner three afternoons in succession. * These dark-blue vesicles reappeared periodically even for six months, the former healing up, and new ones forming in their places. ,,...„ +, t The affection of the fingers described above came on a fortnight atter the vesicles had healed; the affection appeared first on the index and middle-fingers, which had been covered with vesicles in consequence of having been touched by the mice- afterwards it spread from finger to finger and from hand to hand, •ilthou"h no vesicles had existed on these parts. Rhus and Bryonia proved the best antidotes. Drs. Schweikert and Haubold. guided by these facts, have healed herpes on the fingers and in the palm of the hand by giving the Ranun- culus bulbosus internally, and causing at the same time the herpes to be washed externallv with a drop of the tincture diluted in water. tin the case of a child which was cured of fever and ague with subsequent dron^v (Hid hydrocele by applying the Ranunculus bulbosus to the wrist, 632 LECTURE CVI. Perfect Avakefulness at night; Restless sleep and disturbing dreams; the sleep is very much disturbed by sexual fancies and involuntary emissions. The fever-chills occur principally in the evening and after dinner; these chills seem to be rather of a nervous character, the face is sometimes flushed and dry, the feet and hands icy-cold, and he wakes at times Avith a moderate cutaneous exhalation; the pulse rises some ten or twelve beats. MENTAL GROUP. Arexed and irascible ; he is provoked even by the least jest; he is talking to himself about the insult that he fancies has been done to him. She is fearful, does not wish to be left alone, thinks she will be haunted by ghosts. RANUNCULUS SCELERATUS, (Marsh- Crowfoot) Franz calls attention to the remarkable accord existing between the pure effects of the different species of the Crowfoot tribe. Of the Sceleratus he observes that, if gathered in May, it is quite mild, and, like the other species of Crowfoot, loses its virtues almost entirely by drying and boiling. The following few symptoms are some of them taken from Kraft, and others from Gmelin's History of Vegetable Poisons. The effect of this drug is quicker or slower according as one or the other organ is touched by the herb or juice. a. When applied to the skin it causes Itching, pain, burning, redness of the skin; Blisters on the skin containing a thin, acrid, yellowish ichor. Kraft states of these blisters that they do not heal until the ichor becomes thick and purulent. If the blister is not pricked, the red areola gradually disappears, and the blister dries up. This, how- ever, likewise takes place, if the blisters are pricked; Obstinate ulcers; according to Kraft these ulcers are almost incurable, Peruvian Balsam alone has some effect upon them. b. From portions of the Sceleratus introduced into the mouth: Obstinate pains, burning, redness and inflammation of the tongue; Peeling and cracking of the tongue; Ptyalism; Dulness of the teeth, with stinging pains in the teeth at a subse- quent period; Pain, sAvelling and redness of the gums, they bleed ; Spoiled taste; AVhen boiling the plant, the vapor irritates the fauces, eyes and nose, and causes tears and mucus to Aoav. c. When introduced into the stomach: RANUNCULUS SCELERATUS. 633 Krapf swalloAved two drops of the juice which caused the follow- ing symptoms that continued for six days : Burning, continued and sometimes spasmodic (arthritic) pains of the throat and oesophagus ; Horrid pains in the stomach, with paroxysms of oppressive anxiety; Complete inactivity of the stomach; Long-lasting, very violent pains in various parts of the abdomen, which cannot be compared to any known pains, accompanied with slight fainting fits ; the pains in the abdomen are almost spasmodic. Gmelin has observed: Hiccough; Slight fainting fits; Spasms of the face, abdomen and extremities ; Cold sweats, death. The following symptoms have been observed on animals : a. Cattle: Are attacked by what the German shepherds call the " cold fire" a species of gangrenous inflammation of the bowels; the cattle re- fuse to eat, tremble, shiver, and the veins under the belly swell. (Schreber Miscell. AVritings, v. III., p. 71.) b. In the case of a dog,j'rom two ounces of the juice poured into his stomach, and left without any food for tAvo hours after: After a first experiment no apparent symptoms; After a second experiment, instituted a few days later, the dog became Anxious, howled, threw himself about, writhed, and was very restless all night. Being killed, the stomach Avas found contracted, parts of it Avere found inflamed, red, excoriated on the inner sur- face, the papillae being very prominent; the pylorus Avas swollen, of a pale-red color, contracted so as to be almost impervious. The following symptoms have been contributed by Dr. Stapf and his friends, and show the unmistakeable uniformity between the pure effects of the two species of Crowfoot which have so far been incorporated in our Materia Medica. CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. Laziness, Avant of disposition to perform any mental labor ; Sadness and grief in the evening; A^ertigo, vanishing of thoughts ; Dull pain in the occiput, the whole head feels painful externally ; Painful pressure at the vertex as with a dull instrument; Pressing in the temples, from within outwards ; Lone-continued boring-sticking pain along the A\rhole of the left fore-arm to the tip of the index-finger, where it is most violent; Frequent stitches in the dorsum of the hand; Continual gnawing in the palm of the left hand; Gnawing and boring in the phalangeal bones of the right hand ; 634 LECTURE CVI. Fleeting stitches in the tips of the ring and index-fingers, and gnawing in their bones; Stinging, itching, prickling, smarting, etc., are felt in various parts of both the upper and lower limbs ; Sudden stitches in the forepart of the right big toe, as from a needle being thrust in, recurring at short intervals ; Sudden stitches in the right big toe, changing to a burning; Boring and gnaAving in the right big toe ; Itching stitches in the toes of the left foot; Intolerable itching and prickling in the feet. These symptoms accord so perfectly with those of Ranunculus bulbosus that it is unnecessary to point out their uniformity in detail. On this occasion, hoAvever, we desire to call the attention of the reader to the probable success with which this drug may be used in a case of Chilblains, internally as Avell as externally, of course with becom- ing discretion. ORBITAL AND AURICULAR GROUPS. Pressure in the eyeballs, shortly after taking the drug, recurring periodically for many days, and lasting for hours at a time; Lachrymation, smarting, redness of the conjunctiva from the vapor; Stitches through the right ear; Aching pain in the right ear, with aching pain in the head, and drawing in all the teeth. FACIAL GROUP. Slight drawing and feeling of coldness above the right eyebrow down to the cheeks as far as the corners of the mouth, for half an hour in the evening ; Feeling of coldness in the face ; Sensation as if the face were covered with cobweb. Risus sardonicus. Franz asks : Is this symptom peculiar ? At all events risus sardonicus is a prominent symptom in cases of poisoning by the Alarsh-Crowfoot; on which account some, like Dalechamp, regard it as the Herba Sarcloa of the ancients ; this, however, is contradicted by Sprengel and Haller, who consider Oenanthe crocata in this light. PHARYNGEAL GROUP. The direct action of the herb upon the teeth and tongue has been described. Its action upon the tonsils is characteristically indicated in the folioAving symptom: "Stitches in the tonsils; swelling of the tonsils, with shooting stitches in the same." Whether this symptom can be relied upon as an indication for Ranunculus sceleratus in RANUNCULUS SCELERATUS. 635 Chronic Tonsilitis, remains to be confirmed by experience. If Ranunculus should prove homoeopathic in such a case, additional symptoms will corroborate its use, especially the choking sensation which the Marsh-Crowfoot causes in the throat, and the copious secretion of viscid phlegm of which the provers of the bulbous Crowfoot have complained. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. This group presents almost the same symptoms as the bulbous CroAvfoot, such as: Pressure and sensation of fullness in the pit of the stomach, in- creased by external pressure, most violent in the morning ; Stitches in the pit of the stomach and in the skin of this region, causing an acute pain ; Burning soreness behind the xiphoid cartilage; Stitches in the hepatic region; Pressure, as with a dull instrument, below the right false ribs, increased by a deep inspiration ; Acute stitches in the region of the gall-bladder; Long stitches in the region of the spleen, Avorse when draAving a long breath. These last mentioned symptoms show that Ranunculus sceleratus has some specific action upon the liver and spleen, and that these symptoms confirm very fully the specific relation which the bulbous Crowfoot was found to have to the same organs. It may not be superfluous to again call the reader's attention to the specific uses Avhich the Crowfoot tribe, and more especially the two species of Avhich we possess very full and reliable provings^ may fulfill in Hepatalgia, or as we have previously defined it, Neurosis of the liver, and in that frequently so distressing affection, Splenetalgia, especially when acute stitches constitute the chief symptoms of this trouble, in Avhich case it might likewise be de- scribed as Splenetic Stitches; the name is really immaterial, provided the essential relation, and the corresponding elements of the iavo series are fully grasped and clearly comprehended by the professional intellect. Among the other abdominal symptoms we notice: Rumbling and pinching in the bowels; A screAvmg pressure behind the umbilicus, at night; Sensation as if a plug had lodged behind the umbilicus, especially in the morning, for several days; The abdominal Avails are painful to contact; Sudden violent jerks in the lumbar region, during a Avalk in the open air, arresting the breathing; The stools are watery and frequent, fetid, or there is a frequent uro-ino- as if diarrhoea Avould set in, whereas a natural evacuation takes place. 636 LECTURE CVII. THORACIC GROUP. The chest feels weak and sore, he frequently draAVS a long breath ; Painful stitches in the right chest, not aggravated by breathing; Stitches in the region of the heart; Frequent stitches behind the xiphoid cartilage; Contracting, pinching pain in the chest, right and left side, Avith stitching pain in the left side ; The integuments of the chest feel sore; Pressure on the sternum causes stitches through the chest; Prickling and formication in the other parts of the chest and back. SLEEP AND FEVER. Wakefulness after midnight, frightful dreams about dead bodies, serpents, battles, etc.; Chilliness while eating; He wakes after midnight for many nights in succession Avith heat over the whole body and violent thirst; the pulse is full, soft, accele- rated, eighty beats; after the fever a perspiration breaks out OArer ■ the whole body, especially on the forehead. LECTURE OVII. RATANHIA, KRAMERIA TRIANDRA. (Rhatany, Nat. Ord : Polygalee) The name of the genus Krameria is derived from Kramer, a German botanist. The shrub from Avhich we obtain the Rhatany - root, Avas first dicovered by Ruiz and Pavon in 1779, in South America; it grows very abundantly in several provinces of Peru. Pereira gives the following description of the root: " Rhatany-root is brought from Peru. It consists of numerous woody, cylindrical. long branches, varying in thickness from that of a writing-quill upwards. These pieces consist of a slightly fibrous, reddish, brown bark, having an intensely-astringent and slightly bitter taste, and of a very hard, ligneous meditullium, of a yellowish or pale-red color. The largest quantity of astringent matter resides in the bark, and therefore the smaller branches (which have a larger proportion of bark) are to be preferred." According to the analysis which Trommsdorf, Gmelin and other chemists have made of this root, it contains a very large quantity of Tannin, to the presence of which Rhatany OAves its extraordinary astringent qualities. Old-School practitioners use it as an astringent tonic in a variety of conditions where astringent or tonic effects are KRAMERIA TRIANDRA. 637 desirable from their standing-point. Pereira sums up the uses of Rhatany-root in the following short but sufficient paragraph: " Rhatany-root is adapted to all those cases requiring the employ- ment of astringents; such as profuse mucous discharges (as humid catarrh, old diarrhoeas, fluor albus, etc.;) passive haemorrhages (especially metrorrhagia); and relaxation and debility of the solids. It is sometimes used as a tooth-powder, (as Avith equal parts of orris root and charcoal.) Dentists sometimes employ tincture of Rhatany diluted with water as an astringent mouth-wash." We may use an infusion, one ounce of the root being boiled in a lightly-covered vessel, in a pound of water, for four hours, until the quantity of water is reduced to half a pound, after which the liquid is strained; the Old-School dose of this infusion is from one to tAvo ounces. A\re likewise prepare an alcoholic tincture, six ounces of the powdered root being macerated for fourteen days in two pounds of dilute alcohol, after which the liquid is strained. The Old- School dose of this liquid is from one to two fluid-drachms. There is one very distressing affection which Pereira has failed to note, and where Rhatany has, hoAvever, manifested the happiest results; we mean fissures of the anus. Trousseau and Pidoux have devoted an interesting chapter to this subject in their treatise of Therapeutics, which we prefer transcribing entire for the benefit of our readers to presenting it in a mutilated form. " Boyer who was the first to give a correct description of anal fissures, made them chiefly consist in a spasmodic constriction of the sphincter, accompanied with more or less deep and more or less extensive cracks. These cracks were only a complication or an accessory of the disease, and it was sufficient to relax the sphincter by cutting its circular fibres, in order to at once put an end to the spasmodic constriction and bring about a cure. " At the present time a small number of surgeons share Boyer's opinion concerning the little importance which should be attached to the fissure itself) and concerning the pathological preponderance of the constriction ; in this respect tAvo opposite parties started up, some only caring for the constriction and neglecting the fissure; and the other party only regarding the fissure and believing that the constriction, which Avas only the consequence of the former, Avould cease of itself as soon as the cause had been removed. " Accordingly, two different modes of treatment were pursued. The former cut the fibres of the anus itself outside of the fissure, or resorted to relaxing ointments in which the extracts of the poison- ous Solancae played the most important part; the latter, on the contrary, cut the fissure itself in order to transform it into a simple wound, the reason of Avhich it is difficult to comprehend, touched it with caustics, and applied to it a variety of pomatums like those which are applied to rebellious sores in other parts of the body. " Be this as it may, the incision prevailed, no matter where and for what object it Avas practised. " Doubtless, if avc behold our surgeons pre-occupied, some exclu- sively, and others too much so, Avith the spasmodic constriction of 638 LECTURE CVII. the sphincter, Ave cannot be rationally led to inject into the rectum substances Avhich naturally tend to increase this constriction, Rhatany, for instance. " Bretonneau has, however, done so, basing himself upon the following considerations. " If the constipation and the pressure made by the faecal mass against the sphincter which was distended and often torn, evidently were in many cases the cause of the fissure ; on the other hand, the constipation formed the greatest obstacle to a cure. "Now it so happens that the constipation is very frequently ac- companied by a remarkable change in the last portion of the rectum ; immediately above the sphincter the rectum dilates in the form of a pouch, and then becomes again contracted on a line with the sacro- vertebral prominence. The faecal mass accumulating in this pouch, forms a ball of an enormous size, so that the pains which the patient has to endure whenever he attempts to evacuate the bowels, re- semble the pains of child-birth. " Bretonneau conceived the idea, in order to overcome these constipations, whether or not complicated with fissures, to restore the elasticity of that portion of the rectum which constitutes the pouch, and the Rhatany seemed to him perfectly adapted to this end. In simple constipation, with dilatation of the rectum, he con- tented himself with giving injections containing the extract of Rhatany dissolved in Avater, to which he added the alcoholic tincture of Rhatany. " A lady whom he treated in this manner for constipation, had at the same time a fissure at the anus which caused her the most horrid suffering; she took every day one-fourth part of an injection of Rhatany, and the constipation and fissure had soon disappeared. "Other patients were cured by the same method; he noAV sub- jected fissures without constipation to the same treatment, and the result was equally striking." Trousseau and Pidoux are very well satisfied with Bretonneau's success in the treatment of fissures. But now comes a stumbling- block—his treatment is not rational. If the fissures were always complicated with constipation, the treatment would be rational, but many fissures are accompanied with diarrhoea, or, at least, are not complicated with constipation; hence Bretonneau's treatment is not rational, but the patients recover, which is the main point. The question then would seem to be, and, indeed, it is asked by Trousseau and Pidoux, whether Rhatany has some specific curative influence over this distressing disease. They are umvilling to con- cede this as a fact, and they argue that other substances which con- tain a good deal of Tannin, Avould probably have the same curative results as Rhatany. Indeed, they inform us that Drs. Payen and Manec have cured fissures with Alonesia, which is supposed to be the bark of the Chrysophyllum glycyphlaeum, and was applied by these gentlemen externally to the fissured anus in the form of a salve. This bark contains a considerable quantity of Tannin. But Ave would ask, by what fatality should Rhatany have to cure every KRAMERIA TRIANDRA. 639 fissure to the exclusion of such barks as Alonesia or even Tannic a^!? ? ^e are somewnat surprised that men like Trousseau and Pidoux, who apprehend with such a keen eye the errors of the old- fashioned Specific Method, should have fallen, on this occasion, into the very sophisms which they have so forcibly refuted in their brilliant Introductory. They administer the Rhatany in the following manner: Every morning the patient has to take a simple injection of bran-water or slippery-elm in order to evacuate the bowels; half an hour after the injection has been expelled, he takes an injection composed of five ounces of water and one to two drachms and a half of extract of Rhatany, to Avhich one drachm of the tincture is added. This in- jection is only retained for a moment, and is repeated in the evening. By dint of management, and the use of some accessory means. Trousseau and Pidoux often cure in this way cases where nothing seemed left to a patient but to submit to the operation. Very many most obstinate and painful fissures are cured by the external application of Rhatany alone. _ If the fissure is high up, the injection has to be sent up with suffi- cient force to reach the difficulty ; at the same time the patient bears down in order to expel the liquid which is taken up in this way three or four times by the syringe, and introduced into the rectum. There are cases of anal fissures Avhere the constipation is so ob- stinate that the wound is torn open afresh every time the patients try to expel the faecal mass. Under these circumstances Trousseau and Pidoux administer one-twentieth or one-fourth of a grain of powdered Belladonna at night before retiring, and if this should be insufficient, they give, shortly after, ardessert-spoonful of Castor Oil ; these two combined will procure an early evacuation which Avill not interfere with the curative action of Rhatany. If these frequent evacuations of the bowels should cause a good deal of pain, which sometimes continues uninterruptedly in the case of patients Avho, in order to escape from the horrid distress, had gradually managed to reduce their motions to two a week, it will be advisable to administer but one injection a day, until the parts begin to improve, and two injections can be administered safely without causing too much suffering in consequence of the excessive sensitiveness of the parts. If the treatment is so far advanced that no pain is any longer felt by the patient, one injection a day 'is sufficient until the number can be gradually reduced to two or three injections a week. In regard to the different modes of using this drug in cases of fissure, every intelligent practitioner will undoubtedly know how to vary its application in different cases agreeably to the nature of each case respectively. Trousseau and Pidoux state that they have cured Avomen who would not submit to the operation, and who had been afflicted Avith fissures for years, by continuing the application of the Rhatany for a Avhole year. 610 LECTURE CVH. It remains to be told that Rhatany is used by Old School practi- tioners with much benefit for Fissures of the nipples. Trousseau and Pidoux employ a pretty strong wash, consisting of about four ounces of distilled Avater in which one drachm and a half of the extract of Rhatany, and three drachms of the tincture are mixed. At the same time they insert into the deeper cracks a sort of paste composed of the white of egg and the extract of Rhatany. Previous to nursing the breast is care- fully Avashed. They use this Avash likewise in simple excoriations of the nipple. Instead of the Rhatany-root, some practitioners use the above-mentioned bark which goes in the shops by the name of Monesia and, according to the learned naturalist Aurey, is derived from the Chrysophyllum glycyphlaeum, a tree of middle height, which is found in the neighborhood of Rio Janeiro, and furnishes wood used by cabinet-makers. Trousseau and Pidoux likeAvise recommend Rhatany as an excel- lent means of palliating the distress of mercurial stomatitis by means of a wash composed of eight ounces of water in which three drachms of the extract of Rhatany and ten drachms of the tincture are mixed. Old-School physicians extend the palliative use of remedial agents much further than we are justified in doing in our own. How far homoeopathic practitioners may be allowed to use awash of Rhatany as a means of alleviating pain, must be left to their own discretion and sense of duty. As far as we are concerned, Ave have no hesita- tion in proclaiming the fact that in our creed, the alleviation of suffering, if consistent with the demands of an enlightened reason and a quickening and active humanity, is a duty paramount to any other. In psoriasis of the hands, the keen suffering Avhich is sometimes caused to sensitive individuals by the deep and bleeding fissures of the skin, has sometimes to be soothed by a mild lotion of Rhatany. The provings of Ratanhia which Ilartlaub and Trinks have pub- lished in their Materia Medica, are too much in the old style to be of much practical value. Trousseau and Pidoux who have used this agent very extensively as an internal remedy, in doses of ten, fifteen and twenty grains of the extract, state "that it produces in the region of the stomach a very painful sensation of Aveight, and some- times a pinching pain; the digestion is more difficult and the bowels become constipated almost immediately. "A few hours after taking the drug, the patient experiences a general malaise which is not very marked if the Ratanhia is taken by a man in perfect health, but which is, on the contrary, felt very sensibly by individuals to whom the drug is given for the purpose of arresting an haemorrhage, and provided this object has been attained. This general feeling of discomfort shows itself by fre- quent yawning, by repeated and labored attempts to draw a long breath, and by a sort of distressing constriction across the chest. These effects are peculiar to Tannin, to Kino, Dragon's-blood, Catc- RHODODENDRON CHRYSANTHUM. 611 chu, in one Avord to all substances containing a large amount of Tannin." It will at once be inferred from these symptoms that Rhatany may prove a very useful agent in Dyspepsia characterized by similar symptoms, excessive weight at the stomach, especially during the period of digestion, constipation, oppressive constriction across the chest, flow of water from the mouth, etc. The first or second trituration of the root may be sufficient for our purposes. RHODODENDRON CHRYSANTHUM, (Yellow rose of Siberia. Natural Order:—Ericaceae.) This plant Avhich attains a height of twelve to eighteen inches, is found on the mountains of Siberia and Kamschatka, and is called by the inhabitants of those countries Chei or tea, because they make an infusion of the blossoms and leaves Avhich they use as a tea for chronic rheumatism and gout. For this purpose they take two drachms of the dried stems and leaves, pour from nine to ten ounces of boiling water upon them in an earthen vessel which they close hermetically and place over night in an oven. The infusion must never boil. In the morning the patient drinks the whole of this at once. If the infusion should cause the patient to feel thirsty, he has to abstain from drinking cold water, which would cause him to vomit. In a few hours all unpleasant effects of the infusion are over, and the action of the drug terminates in procuring t\vo or three loose evacuations. Dr. Seidel, to whose zeal we are indebted for an interesting and careful proving of this drug, has published a few cases which illus- trate to some extent its therapeutic character. A laborer of a robust constitution, aged fifty-five years, had been afflicted for a fortnight with a tearing pain commencing at a small spot on the outside of the right upper arm, whence it spread to the nape of the neck and back, and thence passing to the legs, where it assumed a stitching form; the heels were particularly painful; he found Avalking difficult, and it seemed to him as though leaden balls were suspended from his feet; the pains were Avorse during rest and in a change of weather. A dose of Rhododendron removed these pains entirely. A woman of thirty-four years, of tolerable bodily strength, had been suffering for six days past Avith stiffness in the nape of the neck and tearing pains, which gradually spread over half the back, and were much Avorse during rest and at night in bed, so that she had to get up. This trouble was speedily and perma- nently removed by a dose of Rhododendron. A printer, thirty-three years old, had been affected Avith vol. n.—41 612 LECTURE CVII. syphilis for the last six months, which was first treated homoeopath- ically, and afterAvards allceopathically Avith large doses of Alercury. After the removal of the sj^philitic symptoms, he was attacked with violent tearing pains in the limbs, with swelling and redness of single joints, and, at the present time, of the right knee, elbow-joint, and of the finger-joints of the left hand ; in the morning the swelling and redness Avere particularly troublesome, causing a tension and rigidity of the joints. After having been treated ineffectually for seven weeks by alloeopathic physicians, he was finally cured by one dose of Rhododendron. A robust man of thirty-eight years, in consequence of having sexual intercourse with his Avife, who was affected Avith leucorrhoea, contracted a painless discharge of thin mucus, and a swelling of the left testicle, with draAving pains in the testicle and spermatic cord. These symptoms Avere accompanied with a \riolent draAving-digging- pain in the left hip-bone, spreading periodically to the middle of the femur, and becoming almost intolerable during rest and at night, in bed. A dose of Rhododendron removed the whole diffi- culty permanently. Dr. Seidel states that the experiments Avhich have been made by himself and his associates, and the clinical observations Avhich have been recorded of this agent, have pointed out the following morbid conditions as the therapeutic range of the Rhododendron crysan- thum: A7ertigo; dullness of the head; a drawing-aching pain in the frontal and temporal regions, more particularly in the bones; the headache is aggravated by drinking wine ; itching of the hairy scalp in the evening; Dryness and burning of the eyes; otalgia; obstruction of the nose, early in the morning, especially high up in the left nostril; a draAving-tearing pain in the molars, excited by cloudy and rainy Aveather; Although his appetite is good, yet he is speedily satiated; oppres- sive pain in the pit of the stomach, Avith tightness of breathing; a sort of splenetic stitches in the left hypochondrium ; Various pains in the abdomen, caused by incarceration of flatu- lence ; Urging to stool, yet the evacuation takes place very sloAvly ; the soft faeces are expelled with great difficulty ; disposition to papescent or loose stool; Itching, perspiration and shrinking of the scrotum, feeling of soreness between the sexual parts and thighs; SAvelling and hard- ness of the testes; contusive pain and drawing in the testes and spermatic cords; copious and fetidly-smelling urine; the menses, Avhich had been suppressed heretofore, reappear; Coryza and other catarrhal difficulties; oppression of the chest; rheumatic, drawing pains in the cervical and posterior cervical musles; digging, drawing (arthritic and rheumatic) pains in the extremities: the pains are worse or appear during rest, in bed, or RHODODENDRON CHRYSANTHUM. 613 they become worse or reappear in cloudy and rough weather, or when a thunder-storm is approaching; formication and itching of various parts of the extremities; the sleep before midnight is very sound; the morning-sleep is disturbed by pains and bodily restless- ness ; increased warmth in the hands: listless mood, Avith indispo- tion to attend to any kind of Avork. It is to be observed that the effects of the drug sometimes intermit for a longer or shorter period, from two to three, or even twelve days; nothing is felt during these intervals, until the symptoms again become manifest for several days, especially in cloudy and stormy weather. Seidel's experiments have been instituted on persons of both sexes, in good health, of various ages, constitutions and tempera ments, in different seasons and states of Aveather. Dr. AVahle made his experiments with five to thirty drops of the tincture; Dr. Henke with six, twelve and tAventy-four drops of the tincture; one experi- ment was made with the sixth attenuation ; Dr. Herzog employed ten, fifteen, twenty, thirty, fifty drops of the tincture in his various experiments, except in one experiment which he instituted with the third attenuation. Dr. Helbig instituted his experiments Avith twenty to sixty drops of the tincture. All the other provers employed ten, twenty and twenty-four drops of the tincture respectively. We will now proceed to furnish a condensed but complete synop- sis of the pathogenesis of this drug, without omitting the important parallel of the pathological conditions for Avhich our drug seems more prominently designed. CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. Rhododendron causes the following symptoms which seem to indi- cate the use of this drug in certain forms of Rheumatic and Arthritic Headache, or in certain more general constitutional affections of which the subsequent cerebral symptoms constitute integral parts: Vertigo and stupefaction; cloudiness; intoxication ; Dullness of the head, Avith a drawing sensation in the eyes, worse in the open air ; also with buzzing in the ears and stoppage of the nose; Pain throughout the brain as if pressed too hard against the skull; Shooting stitches in the left hemisphere of the brain; Tearing or throbbing pain in the right hemisphere; Ulcerative pain at the vertex when touching it; A violent draAving distress in the left frontal bone, followed soon after by a cold, passing shudder over the face; A fine draAving-tearing pain close above the frontal bone, Avhich seems like a dragging distress, and is made Avorse by taking a glass of Avine ; QU LECTURE CVII. Painful pressure at the left frontal bone, as if with the thumb; A sensation of tension in the left frontal bone ; A subdued, cold craAvling above the temporal region; A hard-pressing pain in the left temporal region, as if on the bone ; A tearing-boring pain in the left temporal region; A pressure deep in the occiput, Avith paroxysms of a drawing distress, or with a sensation as if some foreign substance Avere wedged in there; Sensation when walking as if the whole brain were shaken; Itching and soreness of the hairy scalp. The effects of this drug upon the nerves of the back and extremi- ties denote more particularly its range of action as a powerful reme- dial agent in Rheumatic and Arthritic Diseases ; the various effects of the drug have been recorded writh great care by the provers, and there is no difficulty in determining the peculiar forms of chronic rheumatism or gout for which Rhododendron is especially suitable. Rhododen- dron causes Rigidity of the small of the back; Aching-drawing pains in some parts of the back; Lancinating pain when turning the back ; Rheumatic pain, and stiffness of the nape of the neck; The pains which Rhododendron causes in the extremities may be summed up under the folloAving general sensations : tearing and drawing pains, feelings of Aveariness and heaviness, shooting stitches, tingling pains, formications and numbness, digging-up and laming pains, pain as if sprained; crampy pains in the lesser joints, oedema- tous swelling of joints. It may be rendering a service to the reader to exhibit the more particular features of the drug-disease which Rhododendron excites in the tissues of the upper and lower extremities. 1. Upper Extremities. Tensive pain in the left cervical muscles, even during rest; Painful sensation in the outer neck, as if it were swelling ; Tearing pain in the shoulder, early in bed; Boring, throbbing pain in the right shoulder-joint; A laming-rheumatic pain in the right shoulder, early in bed, sometimes extending beyond the elbow, and passing off by turning to the other side; A violent tearing-boring pain in the left shoulder-joint, the arm goes to sleep, a prickling sensation is experienced in the tips of the fingers, returning for several days; A digging and draAving pain in the back, shoulders and arms, early in the morning, in bed, the whole body feels sore as if bruised; A drawing and digging pain in the joints of the arms, especially the left, during rest; Heaviness and tremulous, laming weakness of the right arm, during rest; A fine drawing and twitching in the right arm and left hand; RHODODENDRON CHRYSANTHUM. 615 Stitching pain in the right arm; Sensation as if the blood in the arms had ceased to circulate, with weakness and heaviness of the arms, and prickling and Avarmth in the fingers, during rest; A crampy, laming pain in the left arm ; Weakness in the right arm, with prickling in the tips of the fingers; Fine tearing in the periosteum of the right upper arm and elboAV- joint; Dislocation-pain in the right arm; Drawing pain in the upper arms; Digging, draAving, dislocation-pains in the wrist-joints; The hands tremble, both during rest and motion; Sudden formication in some fingers ; Itching of the middle and ring-finger, of the right hand, with er}7sipelatous redness; Itching and laming pain in single fingers, and finger-joints. 2. Lower extremities. Dislocation-pain in the right hip ; Digging pain in the right hip Avhen lying on it; In the evening, while sitting, he feels a pain now in .one muscle, and then in another, as if it had been contused; Weakness and heaviness in the Avhole of the right lower limb; A feeling of weariness in the muscles of the right thigh ; Feeling of burning soreness between the thighs and the sexual parts; A fine tearing or sore pain deep in the knee-joints, during rest and when bending the knee; A tensive dislocation-pain in the right knee when bending it; Drawing and afterAvards tearing pains in the right knee joint, continuing for several hours ; Above the knee he experiences a cold, undulating sensation doAvn to the patella; After his siesta the knees feel as if they would give way, he is sad and desponding; Tearing pains in the right tibia ; A boring and throbbing pain in the right tibia; Numbness and tingling in the left tibia; Formication in the left leg; Oedematous swelling of the legs and feet; Stino-ing, tingling in the right foot and hand ; Pains in the toes, balls and soles of the feet, like the pains of chronic chilblains A sudden stitch darts through the heel. The pains in the extremities attack more particularly the forearm and leg of the same side, down to the fingers and toes; they are like a crampy drawing; The pains seem to be seated in the bones and periosteum, attack most frquently circumscribed localities, and break out again in damp Aveather; 646 LECTURE CVIL Slight twitching and draAving pains in the whole body, here and there, especially in the joints ; Formication in the affected parts ; Spasms; Vacillating gait, Aveakness, weary feeling in the whole body. FACIAL AND ORBITAL GROUPS. Burning and prickling in the cheek, under the right eye; this sensation is felt every noAV and then, for several months; A stinging-aching "pain around the margin of the left orbit, with spasmodic contraction of the left eyelids; The lids are swollen and somewhat red; Lachrymation, aggl urination of the lids; Burning, itching, dryness and pressure of the eyes; Dilatation of the pupils, followed by contraction. These symptoms show very clearly the adaptation of Rhododen- dron to certain forms of Chronic Ophthalmia, more especially Conjunctivitis, either without or in conjunction with symptoms of a general rheumatic irritation. AURICULAR AND DENTAL GROUPS. Buzzing and ringing in the ears; Twitching pain in the left ear and temporal region; Violent otalgia in the right outer ear, continuing almost the whole day; Periodical attacks in and around the ears, the first day. A sort of draAving, pressing and cutting pain in the teeth precedes every approach of a storm or of cloudy and windy weather; this pain was in relation with a similar pain in the ear and right side of the head. These symptoms likewise show that Rhododendron is adapted for the treatment of arthritic and rheumatic affections, although but feAV cases may occur where this drug is specifically suitable for toothache or earache. If Rhododendron is homoeopathic to these pains, we shall find that they constitute elements of more extensive rheumatic or arthritic affections. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. As a matter of course, if Rhododendron is so eminently suitable for rheumatism and gout, it must have a considerable influence over the chylo-poietic organs. The series of the effects which the drug- elicits in tfiis range is, indeed, very extensive. We find'the follow- ing symptoms recorded: Greenish coating on the tongue, with bitter taste; Flat taste; An acid and salt taste in the mouth, all the time; RHODODENDRON CHRYSANTHUM. 647 Foul taste early in the morning; FIoav of saliva in the mouth; Dryness of the mouth; Burning and astringent sensation in the fauces; Scraping sensation in the fauces, as if a good deal of phlegm had collected there; Troublesome thirst; Empty eructations; Uncomfortable feeling after eating; Nausea, vomiting of a green and bitter substance; Gnawing sensation in the region of the stomach, before a meal; Troublesome pressure in the region and pit of the stomach; Pressure and crampy drawing deep in the pit of the stomach, an hour after eating; the pain often increases until it causes oppression of breathing, anxiety and heat in the face; A quickly-passing pain from the chest to the left hypochondrium, almost like splenetic stitches ; A stitching pain in the right hypochondrium; Rumbling and pinching in the bowels; Avith a sensation of dis- tension and fullness; Diarrhoea which, however, does not weaken him; Soft stool, but it has to be pressed out with great difficulty; Throbbing or stitching pain in the rectum ; We may be called upon«to relieve patients of certain rheumatic affections of the bowels which are characterized by such pains in the stomach and boAvels, alterations of taste, and derangements of the alvine evacuations as we have here .described. Such a train of symptoms may either develope itself from the start as a rheumatic affection in consequence, perhaps, of the prevailing type of the rheu- matic affection; or, as the sequel of an acute disorder Avhich may have entailed the chronic Aveakness on account of bad management, or in consequence of a constitutional diathesis having been roused into an active form, in Avhich the rheumatic disease becomes im- planted as seed in kindred soil In either case Rhododendron may prove the true remedy for the pathological condition. URINARY AND SEXUAL GROUPS. The Siberian rose seems to cause an increased secretion of urine which has a pungent, offensive smell. Its action upon the urinary organs, however, is evidently of a subordinate or rather critical nature • if occurring in a natural pathological group to Avhich the drug is homoeopathic, this profuse secretion of urine Avill likeAvise be found to be of a critical nature attended with a general relief of the pains. Its action upon the sexual organs is described by those Avho have made use of the drug as a therapeutic agent, as adapted to certain disorganizations of the testicles Avhich may have been caused by rheumatism, or by the mercurial-syphilitic miasm. In the few 618 LECTURE CVIT. cases of cure Avhich Ave have reported, the curative influence of Rhododendron in certain swellings and indurations of the testicles has been illustrated to some extent. It may not be improper to describe these organic disorders as Chronic Orchitis, Avhere the following symptoms may occur as pathognomonic pains and appearances of the disease. Itching and increased dampness of the scrotum; Tendency of the scrotum to shrink, especially when Avalking or standing, for many days; The testicles are drawn up, somewhat swollen and painful; The testicles, especially the epididymis, are very sensitive Avhen touched; Continual tingling pain in the testicles (from one-tenth of a grain of the powder); A drawing-stitching pain in the right testicle and spermatic cord; Progressive decrease of a hard swelling of the testicles, which had continued for years; it finally disappeared, and the testicles resumed their natural size (curative effect). The first effect of Rhododendron seems to be to depress the sexual instinct and power. RESPIRATORY GROUP. Troublesome dryness of the nose; Itching of the nose; * • Alternate stoppage of the left and right nostrils; Increased secretion of the Schneiderian membrane; Fluent coryza; Dryness of the trachea; Dry cough, with titillation in the throat-pit; Very violent aching pain deep in the chest, arresting the breath- ing, for some days; Lancinating pains in the left chest, aggravated by turning the body; An anxious, undulating sensation from the abdomen accelerates the breathing; Suffocative sensation on the chest; Violent congestions of the chest, more or less violent for two days; For some days the thorax feels as if sprained and bruised. SLEEP AND FEVER. This drug seems to be endowed with a certain degree of narcotic power; at any rate the first effect of the drug seems to be to cause drowsiness and a deep sleep; in the morning the provers become restless, and their sleep is disturbed by anxious or voluptuous dreams. Febrile motions, Avith prickling and itching of the skin; A paroxysm of fever at six o'clock in the evening; the head feels very hot, the feet are cold, he does not feel thirsty; he complains of RUTA GRAVEOLENS. 649 a violent pressing pain in the head from within outward, burning in the eyes, dryness of the nose and a burning sensation in the nose when breathing through it, a feeling of lassitude and a bruising sen- sation in the limbs; restless and almost sleepless night, with vivid dreams, dry heat of the skin ; towards morning he perspires and has a nap. This attack returned in a less degree the two following evenings; Icy-cold feet; A chilly feeling spreads from the knee up to the hip ; As soon as he enters the Avarm room, he feels oppressed and anxious; Burning heat in the face, every now and then; The hands frequently feel warmer than usual, even in the cold air. The lower extremities perspire very slightly; Richter says that Rhododendron inclines to excite perspiration, with itching and tickling of the skin; the perspiration has an odor like spice; Profuse SAveat; The pulse becomes slower; Koelpin states that immediately after taking the drug, the pulse becomes feeble, small and slow. MENTAL GROUP. Frightful phantasmas; The intellect becomes confused; A sort of delirium; Sudden loss of recollection ; Irascible, listless mood. The symptoms of the last mentioned groups are, of course, inci- dental to the main affection, be it rheumatic, arthritic; and located in one or the other organ or tissue; it is therefore to the main affec- tion that the alterations of the pulse, the increase or decrease of the animal temperature, and the state of the mind and temperament will have to be referred. LECTURE OVIII. RUTA GRAVEOLENS, (Common Rue. Nat. Order:—Rutace.e.) A branching undershrub, formerly called herb of grace, because it was used by the priests to sprinkle holy water on the people. Flowers yellow, Avith four petals; leaves of a bluish-green, and an unpleasant, strong odor. It has been used for the purpose of pro- curing abortion. Ilelie, of the city of Nantes, France, has published 650 LECTURE CVIII. three cases of this kind; it produces all the effects of an acro-nar- cotic poison: giddiness, confused vision, delirium, somnolence or reverie, tottering gait, convulsive movements, pulse down to thirty, fainting, debility, cold skin; vomiting, colic, inflamed tongue, sali- vation, feverish thirst. The experiments which Helie made upon pregnant females with Rue, led him to the following general conclusions: Rue is an irritant; it inflames the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum; in the ileum the inflammation is not very intense, and the colon, as a general rule, is not much attacked by this agent. The inflammation generally manifests itself by pain in the epigastrium, and by vomiting of the ingesta as well as of bilious masses. Besides this inflammation, the nervous functions become disturbed, the uterus is irritated; between these last mentioned phenomena, however, and the inflammation, a causal relation does not necessarily or at all times exist; nor are these phenomena the sympathetic result of the inflammation, yet they frequently are in- versely related to the latter, as far as intensity is concerned; Avhich shows more than any thing else that the poison had been absorbed and had produced constitutional effects. The effect upon the ner- vous symptom is not a pure narcotism, but a narcotism combined with symptoms of irritation of the nervous centres and of the mus- cular system. The influence which Rue exerts upon the uterus, seems to consist in active congestion, and in irritatiofi of the uterine muscular fibres, by which means their contraction and consequent expulsion of the fetus are brought about. This effect of Rue is general, and only takes place after a certain period and perhaps requires several repetitions of the usual quantity. The uterine con- tractions brought about by this means, are governed by the same laws as the contractions during natural labor; they seem to be less spasmodic, less vehement, than the contractions excited by spurred rye. The recent plant is more efficacious than Avhen dried; every part of the plant seems to possess the same active properties, least of all, however, the root; the efficacy of the plant very probably depends upon an essential oil of a strong and disagreeable odor and an acrid and bitter taste. Pliny informs us that a gardener who had been handling Rue for some days, was attacked with erysipelas of the hands and forehead. Bulliard relates in his Plantes Veneneuses de la France, that a moderately large dose of this drug causes restlessness, fever with yawning, dryness of the mouth and pains in the throat; after touch- ing it for some time, the skin becomes inflamed and the hands swell. In Buchner's Toxicology we find the following case reported by the apothecary Roth of Aschaffenburg, Bavaria. In the month of June, 1823, after several very hot days, he cut-off a considerable quantity of Rue, after Avhich he stripped the leaves from their stems; RUTA GRAVEOLENS. 651 the plant happened to be in full bloom. Next morning he observed that both his hands were remarkably red and warm. On the third day the redness and pain had increased to such an extent that the sensation was as if both hands had been exposed to scalding vapors. He rubbed them gently with SAveet oil; toAvards evening they were densely covered with watery blisters, especially at the tips of the fingers which had been most exposed to the pollen. On the fourth clay the swelling of the hands still continued to a considerable ex- tent, between the blisters they showed a dark-red color with a bluish tinge. On the fifth and sixth day the swelling likeAvise spread over the posterior surface of the arm as far as the elbow. Embrocations of Chamomile and Elder-flowers Avere applied, and the blisters were opened. Within the space of four Aveeks the epidermis of the hands gradually peeled off; even in localities Avhere no blisters had existed. Orfila has made several experiments upon dogs by forcing quan- tities of the extracted juice into the stomachs of dogs and afterwards closing the oesophagus Avith a ligature; such experiments are of no value in a therapeutic point of view. AVibmer sums up the action of Rue in the following short para- graph ; " Rue, especially when fresh, is an acrid irritant, which, Avhen applied externally, causes inflammation and swelling, redness, and even draAvs blisters; internally, if taken in small quantities, it ex- cites the stomach and digestion, and provokes perspiration; the local action of larger quantities determines inflammation of the stomach and duodenum; if absorbed, the poison causes some nar- cotism with restlessness and nervous excitement, and finally irrita- tion of the uterus, and, if impregnated, leads it to expel the fetus, which is very frequently accompanied with signs of danger. The local and remote effects of the poison do not seem to be necessarily connected with, and sometimes hold even inverse relations to each other. The active constituent seems to be a volatile acrid oil which is principally contained in the pollen." Rosenstein, and afterwards Swedjaur and Chomel extol the effi- cacy of Rue in dimness of sight caused by straining the eyes by excessive reading. Hahnemann accounts for these good effects by the manner in which the drug affects the eyes of persons in good health. In proving Rue upon himself, Hornburg developed the folloAving symptom : " He experiences a sensation in the eyes as if he had strained them by excessive reading; " And C. Th. Herrmann experienced the following symptom; "A slight pain, like pressure, in the right eye, the surrounding objects are somewhat obscured, as after observing too steadily an object which fatigues the eyes." The eye-symptoms elicited by other provers, likewise afford use- ful indications of the therapeutic sphere of this drug in ophthalmic affections. It is evidently indicated in Amblyopia whether arising from too much reading, or from strain- 652 LECTURE CA7III. ing or exposing the eyes by some other occupation. In addition to the foregoing symptoms our provers report: Dimness of sight, as if shadows were hovering before the eyes; Itching of the canthi and lower lids, Avith lachrymation after scratching; A pressure on the upper Avail of the orbits, Avith a tearing pain in the eyeballs; A pressure in both eyeballs, and a spasm of the loAver lids, for some days; The tarsus is spasmodically moved to and fro; after the spasm abates, water runs out of both eyes, for an hour and a-half. He stares involuntarily at one and the same object, with contrac- tion of the pupils. The irritant character of this drug is clearly revealed by the symptoms of the CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP, Which we will briefly communicate; we have Sudden attacks of vertigo, everything turns round in a circle; this is followed by a glowing heat of the cheeks; A headache after dinner, like a pressure on the Avhole brain, attended with extreme mobility of the nervous system, and a rest- lessness in the whole body which compels him to keep moving about; Heat in the head in the evening, with feverish restlessness, and anxiety; A stupefying headache in the right side of the forehead, with nausea and a feeling of heat in the face; Paroxysms of boring stitches in the right side of the forehead; An itching gnawing on the left side of the hairy scalp; A contusive pain in the pericranium from the temporal bones to the occipital bone. Langhammer reports the following symptom which seems to show that Ruta has some specific action upon the periosteum of the facial bones, and upon the pericranium: "A crampy-tearing pain at the malar bone, attended with a stupe- fying- ache in both sides of the forehead." AURICULAR AND FACIAL GROUPS. The symptoms of these groups corroborate the idea suggested by some of the former symptoms that Ruta has some specific relation to the periosteum, and that it may be of eminent use in Contusions of the periosteum and bones. We read: Sensation in the ear as if the parts were scraped and pressed upon with a dull stick of wood ; Pain in the cartilages of the ear as if they had been contused; RUTA GRAVEOLENS. 653 Stupefying pain in the facial bones as after a fall or blow, the pain penetrates to the teeth and jaws; A pain high up in the nose as if a plug had been pushed across the cavity, causing a scraping and pressing sensation; Gnawing pain in both cheeks. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. The symptoms reported by Langhammer, Franz, and Hornburg deserve our particular attention; they show that Ruta has a highly irritating action upon the chylo-poietic organs, and may therefore prove useful in several affections of the boAvels where these symp- toms of irritation constitute prominent objects of cure. They may denote the presence of Avorms, or they may result from the irritating action of bile. AVe read : Strong desire for cold water in the afternoon; He has an appetite, but as soon as he eats anything, he feels a tension across the epigastrium as though he had eaten enough; Frequent hiccough; A sort of nausea with urging to stool, momentarily relieved by the emission of flatulence; Pressure near the pit of the stomach exciting an uneasiness; Burning gnawing at the stomach ; An empty feeling and gnawing at the stomach, as.if he had not partaken of any nourishment for a long time ; A coldness in the umbilical region, interiorly, with sensation as if something was becoming detached ; Acute stitches in the umbilical region, interiorly, obliging him to draw in his abdomen ; A gnaAving pain, with pressure, in the region of the liver; A cutting pinching in both sidles of the abdomen, with pressure, as from incarcerated flatulence ; A pinching pain with pressure, in the abdomen, as if he had taken cold; Coolness in the abdomen and chest, folloAved by heat; Fetid flatulence; Tearing stitches in the rectum, when sitting; also in the urethra ; The faeces are hard, like sheep-dung; Feelino- of nausea in the abdomen, followed by tAvo soft alvine evacuations which he has to expel by dint of hard straining; Frequent urging, with prolapsus of the rectum, and emission of flatulence; the prolapsus took place from the least strain on1 the loAver bowels; this tendency to prolapsus and the actual falling con- tinued for several days. These symptoms account in a measure for the fact that Rue has been used as a medicine for Worms, especially lumbrici, and likeAvise as a remedy for Flatulent Colic in the case of children; in both these affections the burning and pinching pains in the boAvels, nausea, gnawing at the stomach, and so forth, may be present in a very marked degree; 654 LECTURE CVIII. Rue evidently is in some specific relation with a peculiar weak- ness of the rectum characterized by , Prolapsus; the last mentioned symptom by Franz, and the tearing in the rectum, together with the diminished contractile power of the muscular fibres of the bowel, points to this weakness which is very frequently so very distressing to children. URINARY AND SEXUAL GROUPS. Our provers have uniformly experienced the following effects from Rue : An increased and more frequent urging to urinate, Avith a renewal or a continuance of the urging after a discharge of urine. This condition of the bladder generally co-exists Avith the intestinal irritation. In Menorrhagia, with pressing-down pains, stitches in the small of the back, nausea, chilly hysteric spasms, and determination to the brain, flushed cheeks, vertigo, obscuration of sight, Rue may be the required remedy. FEVER-GROUP. Rue does not exactly develop fever, yet it disturbs to some extent the equilibrium of the animal temperature. It causes a sensation of chilliness along the back, and over other parts of the body; on the other hand, the opposite condition has been reported by our provers, such as: internal and external heat in the face Avhich looks flushed : in the afternoon he experiences a heat over the Avhole body, and a feverish restlessness with an anxiety, as though he should die; it takes away his breath, and is attended Avith great heat, especially in the face, without thirst, white coating on the tongue, and a sensation of roughness and dryness on the same; For three evenings in succession he feels great restlessness, an op- pressive headache and feverish heat. These fever-symptoms may be accompanied by a variety of rheu- matic pains, the principal of which are described in the folloAving symptoms elicited by our provers : Throbbing over the left iliac bone, posteriorly, both during rest and motion, after a long walk; it darts down to the knee on the anterior surface of the thigh; Stitches in the spine, while sitting, attended with a quickly-arising anxiety; A draAving and bruising pain in the spine, frequently arresting the breathing; A_ drawing-stitching pain at the point of the shoulder-blade, while moving it, he has to let his arm hang at once ; Acute pain in the shoulder-joints as if dislocated; when raising the arm, the pains abate, but they return immediately on letting the arm hang down. Crampy drawing in the biceps muscle; Pain in the left elbow-joint as from a blow, the arm feels weak; SABADILLA. 655 Dull tearing in the bones of the arms; The radius feels as if it had been smashed: The carpal and metacarpal bones are painful as if they had been bruised, during rest and motion ; Pains in the fingers as if they had been bruised or contused, dur- ing rest. The sensation as if the periosteum had been injured by a blow or fall, is a very prominent effect of Rue in the lower extremities. Hornburg, a very careful prover, reports a number of symptoms where this effect of the drug is expressed : Pain in the bones around the hips, as if they had been injured by a fall or bloAv ; He is unable to stoop ; every joint is painful as if he had received a blow; AVhen feeling the painful parts, especially the hip bones and tibiae, a pain is experienced as if the parts had been bruised; The anterior surface of both femurs feels as if bruised; After sitting, he is unable, to rise at once; the bones feel as if broken; > The tarsal bones are painful, with a feeling of heat; A burning and smarting pain in the tarsal bones, during rest; A stitch-like pain, with pressure, first in the left, then in the right heel; Burning pains in the toes as if they had been bruised or contused; Crampy tearing with pressure, noAV in the upper, then in the lower extremities, Lassitude and restlessness are common effects of Rue. If homoeopathic practitioners recommend Rue in injuries of the periosteum, such as bruises and contusions, their recommendations are evidently based upon a physiologico-therapeutic foundation. But it is likewise evident, from the character of the foregoing drug- effects, that Rue must prove specifically adapted for some forms of Rheumatosis of the periosteum and of the articular cartilages. MENTAL GROUP. Rue causes great irritability and an uncommon inclination to ap- prehend unpleasant things, or deception. In Langhammer this apprehensive mood became so strong that he could not even hear anv one open the door, without at once being seized with the idea that they came to conduct him to prison. He mistrusted his best friend. SABADILLA, VERATRUM SABADILLA. (Indian Barley.—Nat. Ord :—Ateratrle.) Properly Cebadilla from cebada, barley. Semina Sabadillae Alexi- camv. On the eastern side of the Mexican Andes, also in the neigh- 656 lecture cvih. borhood of Vera Cruz. The seeds are the follicles, loose seeds, stalks and abortive flowers of Asagraea officinalis, also of Areratrum sabadilla, a species of Veratrum growing in the same region, and of similar properties. Large doses cause burning and pain in the throat and stomach, nausea, vomiting, purging, prostration of strength, convulsions, delirium, and sometimes a cutaneous eruption. Plenck speaks of a young man who was rendered insane by rubbing the ointment on his head. Lentin says: a child whose nurse had sprinkled the powder in its hair, died in convulsions. Sabadilla is an anthelmintic, and is used for pin and tape-worms. It is used for the removal of lice and crab-lice. The seeds of Sabadilla contain Sabadillin, a white crystalline solid, possessing alkaline properties ; and likewise pure Veratria, a drachm of which can be obtained from one pound of the seeds. But, be- cause the Mexican Cebadilla and the white Hellebore furnish the same alkaloid, it would be wrong to infer that the medicinal virtues of these tAvo substances are alike. There is undoubtedly a certain resemblance in the gross, but the specific differences between their effects are so unmistakable, and point to pathological conditions re- spectively so distinct that a purely chemical method of determining the therapeutic character of drugs, is rejected as unreliable by the tribunal of Common Sense. At the present time Ave are acquainted with but one true mode of ascertaining the therapeutic sphere of drugs: it is the proving of drugs upon healthy persons of both sexes, and of various ages. We have taken frequent opportunities of saying upon this subject all that seems needful. Even a cursory perusal of the following pathogenesis which has been executed with great care by Hahnemann himself, and a number of his most de- voted and conscientious disciples, among Avhom we find the names of Langhammer, Schulz, Ruckert, Kromada and others, Avill at once impress upon the reader the striking peculiarities of pathoge- netic action, and consequently of therapeutic power, which establish a radical distinction between Sabadilla and the white Hellebore. CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. The action of Sabadilla upon the cerebral nerves is characterized by a variety of symptoms Avhich render this agent a valuable remedy in some forms of Nervous and Congestive Headaches, whether the headache exists as an independent affection, or as a state of cerebral irritation ; depend- ing upon some other more general or more deep-seated disease. AVe read: Vertigo, with constant nausea ; he is relieved by lying down ; A sensation of pressure and heaviness in the head; he Avas scarcely able to raise it, immediately after taking the medicine; A dull, oppressive ache in the anterior portion of the head, abat- ing by pressing the flat hand against the forehead ; in the forehead he feels an increase of Avarmth, which is followed a few minutes SABADILLA. 657 after by a continued coldness in the hairy scalp ; even the hair felt cold to the hand, as if cold water had been poured over the head ; A stupefying, aching pain in the frontal region, causing a feeling of giddiness, and making him stagger from side to side like one intoxicated ; Headache as if a thread had been draAvn through the brain, over the temples, from the forehead towards the occiput, leaving a burn- ing sensation behind;, Sensation as if the head were in a vice; Headache as if caused by a violent pressure, spreading from the temples to the vertex and thence to the base of the occiput; Headache like a shock from the upper part of the occiput through the forehead; Headache after every walk; on re-entering the room, she is attacked by a Avrenching, screwing pain commencing in the right side of the head, seizing upon both temples where it is felt very keenly, Avhence it spreads over the whole head, after retiring; it returns every day; Headache Avith confusion, attended with a burning and itching of the scalp, this feeling spreads over the Avhole body; In the evening, while reading, he feels pains in the head as if single portions of the brain were pressed against sharp corners ; Heat in the head and face, after drinking much wine ; Fine prickling stitches in the frontal integuments, when getting heated from ascending the stairs ; Violent itching of the hairy scalp, she had to scratch until blood came. All these symptoms point to a more or less violent irritation of the cerebral nerves, accompanied with local or general congestion of the brain. Yet an attentive examination of the form of these signs of cerebral irritation shows that it is not sufficient, as is un- fortunately the fashion Avith the Old-School therapeutists, to indulge in these general appellations of irritation, congestion, and the like; each symptom speaks its own language, appeals to the observing reason in its own peculiar manner, and exists as a distinct feature in the tableau of objective and subjective phenomena which, when acting as an integral unit upon the pathological series of which it constitutes the typical counterpart in the drug-world, extinguishes this series not by such violent processes of revulsion, counter-irri- tation or chemico-physiological antidoting of the disease, as the Old- School is in the habit of resorting to, but by means of the influences of an attractive affinity which leads the morbid forces gently and unresistingly out of the organism, even as the lightning-rod leads the destructive .fire of the heavens, without any convulsive signs, into the bosom of mother earth. The symptoms which this drug causes in the region of the back and in the extremities, lead us to infer that it has a marked in- fluence over the derivations of the cerebro-spinal axis as well as of the ganglionic system. These symptoms may indicate Sabadilla in VOL. II.—42 658 lecture cvhi. Neuralgic Rheumatism, more particularly if the functions of the liver are very much interfered with; a description of the drug-dis- ease will supersede the necessity of furnishing a more detailed account of the symptoms of the natural disease for which the Mexican Saba- dilla is specifically suitable. In the region of the back we have the following characteristic symptoms: In the right shoulder as far as the chest, she feels a pain as if the circulation of the blood Avere interfered with by a slight bandage; at times she experiences the same symptom in the left shoulder; the pain lasts almost the Avhole day, and is worse in the open air and in the cold ; A pain in the back as from weariness, relieved by pressing against the back; Stitches in the right side of the back, following each other in rapid succession; Pain in the back, when sitting, as if bruised; Pain in the small of the back, Avith chilliness; A pain near the superior anterior spinous process of the ileum, which is aggravated Avhen he is sitting down, and abates Avhen he is walking about. In the extremities the pains are eminently characteristic of a nervous disorder, Avhich may be rheumatism or a general irritation of the nervous system, and may perhaps be aptly designated as Nervous Debility or Nervous Irritation ; very often such a compre- hensive series of symptoms of irregular nervous action is prelimi- nary to some incurable disease, such as Marasmus or Nervous Consumption. These pains may be summed up under the following general heads : Pinching in the flesh, stitches, drawing and tearing pains in the muscles, painful pressure under the joints, when bending them ; twitching of the joints, tingling in the toes, trembling of the hands, burning in the joints, weariness. Some of these pains seem so peculiarly characteristic that they deserve special mention: When writing, his right hand trembles as if from old age; Cramp of the right hand especially in the fingers, so violent that the hand becomes quite rigid and the fingers are contracted ; A fine, burning stitch in the tips of the fingers of the left hand ; this is at once followed by a glaring heat in the parts, whereas the other parts of the hand were quite cold ; A painful pressure in the right hip-joint, which is particularly felt when lying upon it; Stitching sensation in both thighs at the same time; Violent pains in both thighs, as if they had been compressed, relieved by continued movement; Stitches in the right knee; Burning of the knees ; Her feet are swollen and painful when she attempts to walk about; A tearing-tensive pain in the calves, in bed, soon after midnight; SABADILLA. 659 Prickings in the toes, as if gone to sleep ; A painful draAving deep in the long bones, relieved by rest, for many days; Tingling in the limbs ; Drawing pain in the right lower extremity, for eight days. The following general symptoms shed additional light upon the manner in which the nervous system is affected by our drug; In various parts of the body, at times in one, at other times in another part, a pain is felt as if the part had been bruised ; Soon after taking the drug he experiences a shuddering over the whole body; Soon after taking the drug he felt a violent burning at the tip of the tongue, in the throat and in the abdomen; five minutes after- wards he felt a violent rumbling in the bowels, and passed a bloody stool, after which he felt very much exhausted, had a nap, from which he aAvoke brighter than ever ; He felt a keen pain in the bones, especially in the joints, as if the inside of the bones were scraped and cut Avith a sharp knife; Dull stitches in various parts of the body, sometimes like a pressure, and sometimes like pinching, intermitting occasionally and scarcely ever felt in the same locality twice, in the cheek, tip of the tongue, epigastrium, lumbar region, penis, lower arm, metacar- pal bones of the little finger, for some days. Tremulous sensation and actual trembling of the upper and lower limbs; He feels better lying doAvn than standing or Avalking; Excessive weariness; His limbs feel heavy the Avhole day, especially in the last hours of the forenoon and towards evening. ORBITAL AND AURICULAR GROUPS. The symptoms belonging to this range do not present any cha- racteristic features; the nervous irritation and congestion which constitute the prominent elements of the Cephalic Group, likeAvise make up the substance of the Eye and Ear-Group. We have such symptoms as Burning and weeping of the eyes ; Obscuration of sight; Burnino- prickling in the lobules of the ear, and behind the ears; Buzzino- and reports in the ears, etc.; all these symptoms are evidently of a subordinate character, and acquire a therapeutic value only through their connection with a more comprehensive scries. FACIAL, BUCCAL AND DENTAL GROUPS. This remark applies in a great measure to the symptoms of these croups; the physical contact of the drug, moreover, causes various sensations which, from a therapeutic point of view, are only of 660 LECTURE CVIII. secondary importance ; Ave will present the leading features of this drug-picture: The cheeks look flushed and burn : His nose bleeds twice and profusely ; A burning-itching, tingling, and prickling of the lips, as if they had been scalded; The epidermis of the upper lip is cracked on the inner surface of the lip; He experiences a throbbing and twitching in the muscles of the left upper jaw; A slight beating and drawing in the teeth, generally when he is taking a walk, not all the time; A fine stinging at the tip of the tongue, in the lips and gums, attended with a repulsively-bitter taste in the mouth and a nauseous sweetishness. (This symptom is taken from Murray's Apparatus Medicaninum, p. 168.) The tongue feels sore and as if it were blistered; The buccal cavity feels as if scalded. PHARYNGEAL GROUP. The throat feels as if swollen ; Scraping sensation in the throat, with pain when swallowing, which he is obliged to do all the time; His throat feels as if a cord were tied around it; A burning sensation and a feeling of pressure in the throat, as if a lump were lodged in it; When swallowing, his throat feels dry and parched; A burning-prickling sensation in the palate. These drug affections constitute the beginning of a series from which they cannot be separated therapeutically as they can anatomi- cally. If these symptoms should occur as a prominent pathological group, with which Sabadilla seems in specific therapeutic rapport. we shall find, upon further examination, that the morbid process involves to a greater or less extent the tissues and functions of the stomach, and perhaps of the chylo-poietic organs generally. In common parlance we hear this condition described as a Dyspeptic Sore Throat, which is a very excellent name for it in the place of the more learned sounding appellation of nervous or dyspeptic Angina faucium that may often yield to a few doses of Sabadilla, if it were only known that this drug possesses the power of curing this distressing weakness. A careful study of the symptoms of the CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP, is, however, absolutely necessary in order to enable the practitioner to determine with perfect accuracy the forms of angina to which Sabadilla is specifically homoeopathic. We here present the leading symptoms of this comprehensive and important series: SABADILLA. 661 A flow of sweetish saliva in the mouth ; A scraping sensation in the throat, as if vapor were ascending in it, with a bitter taste, almost like heartburn; Immediately after swallowing the drug, a bitterish-sour taste rose in the fauces, attended with a sort of burning in the chest; A sort of qualmish and bitter taste in the mouth; Aversion to food, Avhich continued until the next meal; Aversion to food, yet he feels hungry; A ravenous desire for honey and farinaceous food alternates with aversion to meat, wine and sour things; No appetite, the whole day; in the evening he is suddenly seized with a ravenous desire for supper; He feels thirsty, has a desire for cold water, beer and milk ; Painful eructations, they are frequently arrested in the middle of the chest; Empty eructations, with shuddering over the whole body; A sort of heartburn, with heat ascending from the abdomen through the stomach and oesophagus, and a flow of saliva; Hiccough, several times; Nausea, waterbrash and vomiting; Nausea, with spitting up of insipid water all the time; Nausea and rising of a bitter phlegm which leaves a greasy taste in the mouth as if he had swallowed tallow ; Nausea and retching, followed by vertigo and pressing headache, for some minutes; A qualmish, uncomfortable and cold feeling in the stomach ; The region under the pit of the stomach feels painful as if sore, when pressing upon it and during an inspiration; Immediately after swallowing the drug, he experiences a slight burning rising from the stomach to the pharynx, and becoming so intense in half an hour that it seemed as if burning coal were lodged there; Immediately on waking he felt a frightful burning in the stomach rising up to the pharynx ; he felt oppressed even to suffocation ; A subdued pressure in the stomach, with sensation as if it were very much distended; A feeling of warmth in the praecordia; Sudden oppression in the pit of the stomach, with anxiety. To the attentive reader the group of symptoms which we have here presented, reveals a remarkable correspondence with certain forms of Nervous Dyspepsia, where Sabadilla alone will be able to afford the much sought-for relief. The symptoms are so fully expressed in the druo--seri.es that it almost seems a waste of material to repeat them in describing the pathological disease. Suffice it to say that the main features of this disease may be grouped under the catego- ries of burning, irregular appetite changing from canine hunger to a perfect loathing of food, occasional flow of a sweetish or insipid water from the mouth, oppression and soreness in the praecordia. The condition of the throat to which attention has been directed in 662 LECTURE CVIII. the pharyngeal group, should not be OA'erlooked, nor is it unimport- ant to consider the general condition of the nervous system which will be found to present many of the abnormal states expressed in the cerebro-spinal category of our drug-effects. Having said this much, we now proceed to complete our description of the chylo- poetic series without a full knowledge of Avhich no practitioner can determine with satisfactory certainty whether Sabadilla is specifi- cally homoeopathic, or homoeopathic both in form and essence, to the various affections of the digestive apparatus, for Avhich it seems adapted. Pain in the stomach and abdomen as if a stone were lodged there; Pain in the bowels as if cut up with knives; Burning in the bowels ; Sensation as if a ball of thread were winding itself up in the bowels; Colic with shuddering, and violent urging to stool, with some faeces being passed of which he is not conscious; Immediately after swallowing the drug he feels a warmth through the bowels and an urging to stool, Avithout any discharge taking place; The burning in the bowels and rectum continues a whole hour after every discharge; A burning sensation around the umbilicus for many days; A good deal of rumbling in the bowels, Avith emission of flatu- lence, and stitches and pinching in the urinary bladder; A warm feeling in the right hypochondrium, soon after taking the drug; A digging pain in the right lobe of the liver, with soreness when pressure is made on the part: Stitches in the region of the liver; _ Sensation as if the back of a knife were scraped and pressed over the liver; A violent sticking pain in the right, then in the left side, pressing out tears; Stitches are likewise felt in the left side of the abdomen; Emission of short flatus, after which a shudder is felt along the back; Slippery, liquid stool, mixed with mucus and blood; A large dose produces several discharges every day; after a small dose the bowels remain constipated for four days; Violent urging to stool, with flatulence, followed by an enormous discharge, and soon after by a second one which is mixed with blood and succeeded by a burning distress in the bowels lasting eight days ; For six days every discharge from the bowels was preceded by a horrid burning at the anus ; Itching at the anus, obliging him to scratch, after which a burning is felt; Tingling and itching at the anus alternating with an itching at the wings of the nose and around the outer meatus auditorius. • SABADILLA. 663 These symptoms embody many of the characteristic features of an attack of Hepatalgia and Enterodynia, for which Sabadilla may prove a specific remedy, provided the drug-disease is the exact counterpart of the natural malady: a careful and comprehensive study of the whole chylo-poietic series of the drug may be required to confirm or deter- mine the essential homoeopathicity of the drug to the pathological condition of the parts. This homoeopathicity will undoubtedly in- clude an unmistakable resemblance of the external symptoms, for the simple reason that the drug-effects are so peculiar, so essentially distinct from the effects of any other drug that, if the drug-disease can be depended upon at all as a safe guide of cure, it certainly must delineate all the essential features of the natural malady in cases where originality, uniformity, and other striking evidences of the truthfulness and reliability of the proving constitute incontro- vertible, claims to scientific precision. Some of the symptoms force themselves upon the reader's attention spontaneously, without any effort on his part to grasp them as important objects of observation. Among these symptoms we may class the peculiar symptom of a pressing and scraping pain in the region of the liver, as if a "dull knife were scraping over the surface of the organ; the burning dis- tress in the bowels before and after stool; the sensation as if a ball of thread were winding itself up in the bowels; the various stitches experienced in the hypochondria, and so forth. Some of these pains show the great use which we may derive from Sabadilla in the treatment of Hysteria, hysteric colic; or Colica flatulenta, or spasmodica- and in Worm-affections, Avhich are distinctly indicated by the peculiar movements in the bowels, and by the itching and burning Avhich our provers have experienced at both ends of the mucous expanse, the nostrils and meatus auditorius and at the anal orifice. In Old-School practice Sabadilla has been prescribed for Tape- Worm, especially if the presence of the parasite was indi- cated by the following paroxysms: Spasms, loss of speech, convul- sive rotations of one arm; as much as half a drachm has been given every day for ten consecutive days. This species of empiricism may entail dangerous consequences. URINARY AND SEXUAL GROUPS. Burning in the urethra, betAveen the acts of micturition, attended with urging to urinate ; Violent burning in the urethra, during micturition, as if the urine were like scalding Avater; Violent urging to urinate; she only discharges a few drops, after which the ur«-ing becomes much worse; it is attended with a trouble- some burning in the urethra ; The urine becomes thick, like loam-water ; A tino-ling sensation is felt in the testicles; it sometimes seems 664 LECTURE CVIII. to proceed from the middle of the thighs, where it feels like a buzzing; The sexual instinct is at first much depressed, afterwards height- ened, yet only in the fancy. The only comment Avhich these symptoms require at our hands, is that they have to be considered in connection with the Chylo- Poietic Series, more especially the abdominal symptoms which refer to Hysteria, Helminthiasis, etc. RESPIRATORY CROUP. It is well known that the powder of Sabadilla is one of the most powerful errhines of the Materia Medica; hence, in pulverizing the seeds of Sabadilla care has to be taken to prevent the dust from irritating the Schneiderian membrane, lest a spasmodic sneezing fit should be excited in susceptible individuals. We may avail our- selves of this property for the purpose of relieving the excessive irritability of the Schneiderian membrane with which some indi- viduals are affected and which often causes interminable sneezing fits, accompanied with lachrymation and other signs of catarrhal irritation of the eyes. It may be advisable to snuff up a very moderate quantity of the poAvder. Sabadilla causes a few symptoms in the respiratory organs which may enable us to use it with advantage in some forms of Cough, most probably, however, of a sympathetic character ; we read: Shortness of breath, dry and hacking cough, cardialgia ; Violent paroxysms of a dry cough, immediately after taking the drug; Short cough, with a flow of tears; also with stitches in the left and right sides of the chest; Dry cough at night, he feels hot and perspires ; Cough with expectoration all night, with stinging in the right chest; he cannot lie on this side. It may likewise prove available in Dyspnea, Asthmatic shortness of breath ; in this respect we read : Oppression on the chest, as if a stone were resting upon it; Some provers who were subject to oppression on the chest, felt much easier after taking the drug. Langhammer experienced prickling stitches in the right chest, both internally and externally, during an expiration/ EXANTHEMATIC GROUP. Our provers report a violent itching and soreness of the hairy scalp. In connection with this symptom we may state that an ointment of Sabadilla has been used in Europe as an effectual SABADILLA. 665 means of destroying vermin on the head. For this purpose the pulverized seeds have been scattered over the scalp, which has to be done very cautiously, lest immoderate quantities should cause dan- gerous accidents, more particularly if the skin is broken. Of its action upon the skin Pereira says: " Rubbed on the skin, the tincture causes a stinging sensation similar to that produced by Areratria. After its use, for some days, a slight eruption appears on the skin. Rubbed over the cardiac region, it in some instances reduces the frequency and force of the pulse in a marked degree." These effects have been brought out much more fully by our provers, and are embodied in the following statements : The abdomen, hands and chest are dotted Avith red spots, which become still redder in the open air, of the size of a pin's head, but not raised; Red spots and stigmata on the left arm, not raised; they cause a sensation of heat, do not itch, and remain unchanged in the open air; Small pimples on both forearms, seated in the skin, and causing a burning itching; A red streak traverses the left forearm in an oblique direction; YelloAV spots on the fingers; One hand becomes red, and breaks out in red spots; Both hands are dotted with red spots; A sort of itch between the fingers of the right hand, the itching is only felt at night, nothing can be seen in the day-time ; A Avhite papula is seen on the left knee, Avith a red border and a burning pain; Erysipelatous inflammation on the right tibia, with a violent burning pain; Prickings under the skin, for many days, especially in the toes and fingers; Burning tingling in the whole body, here and there ; Flying stitches in the whole body, here and there; A sort of heat and painful feeling in the skin; washing with cold water affords relief, after Avhich the sensation changes to a slight tension, especially on the left side of the face. These various abnormal sensations and eruptions are incidental to the gastric and rheumatic irritations for which Sabadilla is indicated as the specific remedy. SLEEP. Every prover of Sabadilla complains of drowsiness and an in- creased desire for sleep, as the primary effect of the drug; even in the day-time the desire for sleep is often overwhelming. In some the night's rest is disturbed by dreams and by a furious itching of the skin ■ some are suddenly roused from their sleep Avith a start, contrary'to habit; 'some are frequently awakened by frightful dreams, and feel icy-cold on awaking. 666 LECTURE CVIII. FEArER. The Sabadilla-fever deserves our most careful notice. In many cases we observe a regular succession of chill, heat and sweat. This may assign to Sabadilla a place among the remedies with Avhich we succeed in combating fever and ague; but these symptoms may likewise constitute so many incidental characteristics of the rheu- matic affection for which Sabadilla may have to be prescribed. The following indications furnished by our provers speak for them- selves : Throbbing in the whole body, in the evening before falling asleep ; Small, spasmodic pulse and coldness of the extremities ; Chill through the Avhole body; A chill shakes him out of his sleep; afterwards he feels Avarm, with prickling stitches in the forehead; Frequent attacks of shuddering, eight or ten Avithin a short time, followed by attacks of heat, the breath seems hot; Burning heat of the face, with chilliness of the rest of the body; Shuddering over the back as if cold water had been poured over it, followed by warmth all over, and then sweat; next night he is attacked with stitches in the chest and cough; Shaking chill in the evening, in bed, followed by oppressive heat and drenching SAveat; Inconquerable desire for sleep, with yawning, icy-cold shudder without shaking, continued nausea: A burning heat, internally, alternated with a feeling of coldness, externally. MENTAL GROUP. Soon after taking the drug he becomes melancholy as though he were the most guilty criminal; The whole day he is absorbed in profound reverie; He is anxious and restless, inclines to start; He has all sorts of fanciful ideas about his body, such as; that his body is sunken in like that of a dead person, that his stomach is corroded, etc., he knows that these notions are mere fancies, yet he adheres to them; Irascible temper, rage. These mental conditions must be regarded as incidental symp- toms. The rage which Plenck mentions as the effect of the drug, may occur as a natural disease in consequence of the violent sup- pression of some eruption on the scalp, or as a natural form of cere- bral irritation which may yield to Sabadilla as its natural remedy. SANGUINARIA CANADENSIS, (Blood-root.—Nat. Ord.:—Papaverace^:.) An early spring-flower on the sunny side of hills. It bears hand- some white flowers. A bloody juice oozes out of the root which is SCAMMONIA. 667 couched horizontally and has an acrid and bitter taste. Dr. Downey of Mayland, swallowed twenty grains of the root, and eight of the extract.- These doses caused; Nausea and vomiting, Avarmth and heat in the stomach, quick pulse, headache. The root irritates the fauces and causes diarrhoea. The seeds occasion: torpor, languor, disordered vision and dilatation of the pupils. Large doses cause : violent vomiting, burning in the stomach, faintness, vertigo, alarm- ing prostration. By virtue of these diversified effects, Old-School physcians have classed it among the emetics, diaphoretics, cathartics, narcotics, stimulants. In accordance with the peculiar physiological action of the root, we have prescribed it in Sore throat, bronchial irritations, pneumonia, with full pulse, or a soft, vibrating and compressible pulse, flushed face, headache, diffi- cult expectoration. / Cholera-infantum, and Chronic Gastro-enteritis. A proof of the poisonous qualities of this drug is furnished by the Journal of Commerce Avhich relates the case of four men who were engaged to clean and white-wash the apothecary shop of Bellevue Hospital. They found a demijohn which they supposed contained brandy or spirits of some sort, of which they drank very freely. They were seized with severe racking and burning pains in the stomach and bowels, intense thirst, and all died. Professor Mitchell relates this case in his Materia Medica; it is upon his authority that I relate it. We learn from these provings and toxicological effects of San- guinaria that this drug is possessed of considerable power to excite congestive conditions and narcosis. We may employ it for _ Inflammatory Gastralgia, with vomiting, burning in the epigastric region, fainting, vertigo, prostration. Bronchial and Pulmonary Irritation, with full pulse, or vibratory and compressible pulse, with frontal headache, flushed face, dry cough and difficulty of hawking up any thing. Enteralgia, of an inflammatory character, with narcotic symptoms, dilatation' of the pupil, disordered vision, languor. Some physicians profess to derive good results from it in the Derangements incidental to the critical age, particularly the flashes of heat to which such females are subject. It is certainly adapted to Hysteria, when the paroxysms are characterized by depression of the pulse, languor, uneasiness and warmth at the stomach, faint- ness, vertio-o, prostration; and likewise to some forms of Neuralgic hi /? PI 177) flfl S77? The dose may vary from the tincture to the sixth potency. SCAMMONIA, (Convolvulus Scammonia, Scammony. Nat Ord.:—CoNAdJLVULACEJE.) This gum-resin is obtained from the tuberous root of a plant the botanical name of which is Convolvulus Scammonia and Avhich groAvs along hedges and in bushy places in Greece and the Levant 668 LECTURE CIX. The root is perennial and tapering, from three to four feet long, Avith an acrid, milky juice. Dr. Russell, in his Aiedical Observations and Inquiries, informs us of the mode in Avhich Scammony is obtained. He writes: Having cleared away the earth from the upper part of the root, the peasants cut off the top in an oblique direction, about tAvo inches below where the stalks spring from it. Under the most depending part of the slope they affix a shell, or some other con- venient receptacle, into which the milky juice flows. It is then left about twelve hours, which time is sufficient for the drawing off of the Avhole juice; this, hoAvever, is in small quantity, each root affording but a few drachms. This milky juice of the several roots is put together often into the leg of an old boot, for want of some more proper vessel, when in a little time it grows hard and is the genuine Scammony. Pure Scammony comes to us only in small quantities; it is generally adulterated with other substances. Pure Scammony is designated in trade by the name of Virgin or Aleppo Scammony. Virgin Scammony readily takes fire and burns Avith a yellow flame. Its odor is somewhat analogous to that of old cheese; its taste is slight at first, afterwards acrid. The fractured surface of pure Scammony is resinous, shining, greenish-black. Scammony is a powerful drastic, and is therefore homoeopathic to Diarrhea accompanied with symptoms of inflammatory irritation of the intestinal mucous membrane, and griping pain. In inflammatory irritation with constipation, it would be inadmissible, unless the con- stipation was the result of a previously-existing inflammatory irrita- tion with diarrhoea, or consisted in an ineffectual urging, with inability to expel the faeces. LECTUEE CIX. RADIX SUMBUL. SUMBUL ROOT. (Sumbul. Sambul. Musk-Root) Sumbul is an Arabic word which signifies an ear or spike, and has been applied to several odoriferous drugs, as for instance to the true Spikenard, Nardostachys Tatamansi, De Cand., the Sumbul Hin- dee or Indian Sumbul of the East; for whick Pereira refers the reader to Sir William Jones on the Spikenard of the Ancients, in his Asiatic Researches, vol. II., 405, and vol. IV., Ill ; also Rich- ardson's Persian, Arabic and English Dictionary, word Sumbul, vol. L, 544; London, 1806. We take the following historical and descriptive notice of the Sumbul-root from Pereira's Materia Medica: " This drug was introduced into Germany from Russia about the year 1840 ; more recently it has been brought under the notice of the medical profession in England. RADIX SUMBUL. 669 " The botanical origin of Sumbul-root is involved in obscurity; from a resemblance which it bears to Angelica, there is reason to think it is afforded by some nearlv allied umbelliferous plant. It has been supposed a native of Persia; but we think there is greater reason to conclude that it is produced in some of the more remote regions of Central Asia. Dr. Granville states that it is brought into the Moscow drug-market by way of Kiatka. Two varieties of Sumbul have appeared in English commerce viz.: "1. Russian Sumbul-Root. (Radix Sumbul Muscovitici) The Sumbul imported from Russia occurs in nearly circular pieces, formed by the transverse section of a large root; these pieces, which have a dirty, somewhat Avorn appearance, are from about two and a half to five inches in diameter, and from three quarters of an inch to one and a half inch in thickness at the edge, which, owing to unequal contraction in drying, is thicker than the central portion. On the outer edge they are covered with a dusky-brown, rough bark, frequently beset with short bristly fibres ; the interior consists of a spongy, coarsely fibrous, dry, yellowish-white mass, of a some- what farinaceous appearance; some pieces, constituting the crown portion of the root, are covered with a papery bark. The root has a pure musky odor. Its taste is rather bitter, and very slightly acrid. " 2. Indian Sumbul Root. (ChineseSumbul Root?) Radix Sum- bul Indici. A second variety of Sumbul-root has been imported into England from Bombay. It is stated to be of closer texture, firmer, denser, and of a more reddish tint than the Russian sort. Some of the pieces are said to bear a slight resemblance to inferior rhubarb. In odor it is perhaps less poAverful than the Russian. " Sumbul-root has also been brought to England via China. A sample in our possession, said to have been thus obtained, is in smoothly cut slices, having the cut surface of a dusky-yellow or reddish-brown, surrounded with a pale zone. The external thin bark has been mostly peeled off, leaving visible a pale-yelloAv inner bark. The pieces which, from their regular edges, appear to have been cut from a dried root, are smaller than those of the Russian Sumbul, dense, and sometimes almost of an unctuous aspect. The odor resembles that of the Russian Sumbul, though rather weaker; the taste is bitter, and slightly suggestive of Ammoniacum. Judging from the description of Indian Sumbul-root given in the Pharma- ceutical Journal, this variety is identical with it. "Sumbul-root has. been analyzed by several German chemists the results of whose investigations show it to contain a volatile oil; two balsamic resins, one soluble in ether, the other in alcohol; Avax, starch, etc. In addition to these, a crystallizable acid has been obtained in minute quantity by Dr. Reinsch, and named by him Sumbulic acid." Dr. Altschul, of the University of Prague, has subjected the Sum- bul-root to several interesting, although still very imperfect experi- ments, for which purpose the strong tincture, the pulverized root 670 LECTURE CIX. and an attenuated preparation of the root were used. The tincture was obtained by macerating one drachm of the root for twenty-four hours in an ounce of alcohol of the strength of 83. Every prover was in the enjoyment of good health, and carefully avoided e\rery article of diet which might have interfered with the action of the drug. Dr. Altschul commenced his experiments by taking ten drops of the tincture. Ten minutes after taking the drug, he experienced a slight dull- ness of the head, with a moderate pressure and a contractive pain in the left half of the forehead, and a sort of dizzy and wavering sensation before the eyes; he experienced a stupefying pressure in the eye, and a passing dimness of sight. The pulse was considerably accelerated, and the skin warmer than usual. The determination to the brain lasted about an hour. Next morning the prover felt rather languid, and the power of thinking Avas not quite as clear as usual. Shortly after taking the drug, the prover had eructations which had the odor of musk; he ate his dinner with great appetite, and the slight diarrhoea of which he happened to be suffering was suc- ceeded by a constipation Avhich lasted two days. The urinary secretion was somewhat less, and the urine had a strong ammonia- cal odor. Dr. Altschul attributes these astringent effects to the Tannin which Fuhrer of Prague has discovered in it. Ten days after this proving, the doctor swallowed tAventy drops of the tincture. The same effects were developed, in addition to which he felt a scraping in the throat, a tickling in the larynx, a sensation of dyspnoea, with a diminished secretion of mucus. The constipation lasted three days. Fuhrer sAvallowed ten drops of the tincture. Shortly after, he experienced some cloudiness, a contractive sensation in the fore- head, diminished power of vision and vibratory movements before the eyes. These symptoms terminated entirely in eructations which had the odor of Musk; after this, he experienced a pleasant sensa- tion of warmth in the stomach and abdomen; the constipation was very obstinate. Sonnenwendt, a young man of twenty-two years, commenced his experiments Avith six drops of the tincture. In a' few minutes he experienced a contraction of the frontal integuments, a slight vertigo which only lasted a short time, vibratory movements before the eyes, and soon after violent eructations having the odor of Musk. The diarrhoea with which he happened to be afflicted, was at once arrested, instead of which, a constipation, which lasted tAvo days, set in. From the day that he took the root, he had every now and then a violent bleeding at the nose. .Kalmus, a student of medicine, twenty-one years old, of robust frame, and in excellent health, proved the Sumbul-root in infusion and likewise in the form of tincture. He commenced his experi- ments with eight drops of the tincture in half an ounce of distilled RADIX SUMBUL. 671 water. Soon after he experienced eructations having the odor of Musk, and lasting in all about an hour; occasional noise in the bowels as of gas; pressure in the frontal region; dullness of the head ; depression of spirits, whereas he was habitually cheerful. Altschul regards this as an alternate effect of Sumbul. Kalmus made an infusion of half an ounce of the root to a pint of water, and poured the whole into a bath which he took and from which he rose much strengthened. His friend who was suffering with a diarrhoea, took a similar bath; his diarrhoea at once disap- peared, and his bowels remained constipated the whole of the next day. Kalmus instituted his next experiment with an infusion of one drachm of the root to half a pint of water. A diarrhoea ensued. The same effect took place after chewing the root and sAvalloAving the saliva impregnated with the drug: in the last case the diarrhoea came on more rapidly; he likewise observed a troublesome itching at the nose, and the nose bled three times that same day. A decoction prepared with the same quantity caused a feeling of nausea and loathing. For his next experiment he swallowed twelve drops of the tinc- ture. The results were: eructations, pressure in the frontal region, increased feeling of Avarmth in the whole body, great sensitiveness to cold air, slight cloudiness of sight, sexual excitement, diarrhoeic evacuation whereas he Avas habitually costive, after Avhich his bowels again became constipated for several days. His next experiment was made with twenty drops of the tincture in half an ounce of distilled water, in the afternoon. The results obtained were: great feeling of warmth, especially in the face, accelerated and full pulse, cheerful mood, slight eructations and headache ; considerable increase of the appetite, great sensitiveness to cold air, drowsiness in the cold air; sAvelling of the upper lip, gums and fingers, pain in the region of the knee Avith rigidity of the foot, which impeded walking. The next experiment was made by myself and Kalmus Avith tAventy grains of the pulverized root, which elicited all the previous symptoms, but in a more intense degree. Fischer, a vigorous youth of seventeen years, Avho enjoyed perfect health with the exception of a diarrhoea which he had contracted in consequence of having taken cold, swalloAved eight drops of the tinc- ture on an empty stomach, in half an ounce of distilled water. A few minutes after swallowing the drug, he experienced slight eruc- tations having the odor of Musk, and an inclination to vomit. Ten minutes after, he complained of a stinging pain extending from the left cervical muscles to the temporal region ; he likewise experienced a sensation of internal coldness and shudder, and a trembling sensa- tion in the feet; pinching in the bowels, feeling of emptiness in the stomach Avhich was followed by a canine hunger which had to be gratified at once ; his spirits Avere elated and bright. In a few hours all the symptoms had disappeared. 672 LECTURE CIX. A lady of thirty-tAvo years who was troubled with hysteric attacks, and had taken a good deal of medicine for her affection, swallowed ten drops of the tincture. The general effects where the same as those of the other provers, but in a much less degree of intensity. Sumbul caused a delay of the menses. These few symptoms which are, however, very interesting and instructive, shoAV that Sumbul affects powerfully the cerebral nerves, the retina and some branches of the trigeminus; this is evident from the dullness of the head, the pressure in the frontal region, the cloudi- ness and dimness of sight which most provers experienced. The nose-bleed which some of the provers suffered, shows that the Sumbul-root is capable of exciting an abnormal determination of blood to the brain. We should not omit to notice the fact that Sumbul excites the arterial system and that this excitement is attended with an increase of the bodily temperature; in the case of some of our provers this increase is preceded by an inward sensation of chilliness, and sensitiveness to the cold air. It is evident that Sumbul may be of service to us in Rheumatic Affections, although the indications developed by our provers are not as yet very numerous; among them Ave may range the following symptoms recorded by Kalmus: Extreme sensitive- ness to the cold air, drowsiness in the cold air; swelling of the fingers (accompanied with swelling of the upper lip and gums), pain in the region of the knee, stiffness of the foot; and the following symptom by Fischer: stitching pain in the left cervical muscles extending up to the temporal region. In affections of the digestive system, this drug may become valu- able, especially in affections of the class of Nervous Dyspepsia or perhaps Gastralgia. Additional provings Avill be required to determine the curative sphere of the drug in this respect. The symptoms obtained so far, authorize us to recommend Sumbul for paroxysms of dyspepsia characterized by the following symptoms: Loathing and nausea accompanied with an inward sensa- tion of shuddering and trembling sensation in the feet, and succeeded by an irrepressible sensation of canine hunger, which is immediately preceded by a pinching in the boAvels and a feeling of emptiness in the stomach. It is evident that Sumbul, if taken in moderate doses, constipates the bowels, and that this constipation is accompanied with arterial excitement, determination of blood to the head, heat and redness of the face, inward warmth; in a case of Constipation, or of dyspepsia where constipation is a leading symptom, these few indications may prove of great service to the practitioner. AVe should not disregard the fact that Sumbul has induced diarrhoea followed by constipation. NICOTIANA TABACUM. 673 TABACUM, NICOTIANA TABACUM. ( Virginian Tobacco.—Nat. Ord.:—Solaneje.) We are indebted to Pereira for the folloAving short historical sketch of Tobacco : " The inhalation of the fumes of burning vege- table substances, both for causing inebriation and for medicinal pur- poses, seems to have been very anciently practised. Herodotus tells us that the Babylonians and Scythians intoxicated themselves by this means; and both Dioscorides and Pliny speak of the efficacy of smoking Tussilago in obstinate cough. _ Humboldt says that the tobacco-plant has been cultivated, from time immemorial, by the natives of Oronoko. It does not appear, however, to have been known to Europeans prior to the discovery of America; though it is not improbable that the Asiatics were acquainted Avith it long before that time, as Pallas, Rumphius and Loureiro have supposed. But rt is not probable, I think, that the Europeans learned the use of it from the Asiatics, as Ulloa has endeavored to show. When Columbus and his followers arrived at Cuba, in 1494, they, for the first time, beheld the custom of smoking cigars. Hernandez de Toledo introduced the plant into Spain and Portugal; and, from the latter place, John Nicot sent the seeds of the plant to France, about 1559, 1560. In 1586, on the return of Sir Francis Drake, with the colonists from Virginia, the practice of smoking was intro- duced into England ; and, being adopted by Sir Walter Raleigh and other courtiers, soon became common. Various attempts by writings, imposts or bodily punishments, were made in Europe to restrict or put down its use. It is said that upwards of a hundred volumes were written to condemn its employ- ment, and not the least curious of these is the celebrated Counterblast to Tobacco of James I. Despite, and partly, perhaps as a consequence of these attacks, the use of Tobacco rapidly spread, and is now uni- versal throughout the world. The generic appellation Nicotiana is obviously derived from Nicot, the name of an individual above referred to. The origin of the specific name Tabacum is less satisfactorily ascertained. It is probable, however, that the word is derived from tabac, an instru- ment used by the natives of America, in smoking this herb ; though some derive it from Tabago, others from Tobacco, a tOAvn in NeAv- Spain." The tobacco plant is extensively grown in many States of our Union. Virginia, especially, is celebrated for its culture of tobacco. Tobacco is likeAvise raised in many European countries as a govern- ment monopoly. In England, according to Loudon's Encyclopaedia of Agriculture, only half a pole is allowed "in a physic or university o-arden, or in. any private garden for physic or chirurgery." For medicinal purposes we employ the leaves of Arirginian tobacco. The active principle of this plant is supposed to be an alkaloid, Nicotiana or Nicotina, or Nicotine. This alkaloid has been detected vol. n.—lo 674 LECTURE CIX. in every part of the plant, in the leaves, root and seeds; it has even been found in the smoke of tobacco leaves. Nicotina is a colorless liquid alkaloid, Avith an acrid odor and an acrid burning taste. It restores the blue color of reddened lit- mus, and renders turmeric broAvn. One hundred parts of Virginia or Kentucky tobacco contain about six or seven per cent, of Nicotine. In 1821, Hermbstaedt discovered another active principle in tobacco, which he denominated Nicotianin. It is a concrete volatile oil, obtained by submitting tobacco leaves, Avith water to distillation. Six pounds of the leaves yield eleven grains of oil Avhich floats on surface of the liquor. It is solid, has the odor of tobacco and a bitter taste. Nicotianin excites, in the tongue and throat, a sensa- tion similar to that caused by tobacco-smoke. Hermbstaedt swal- loAved a grain of it and experienced, soon after, giddiness, nausea, and inclination to vomit. Applied to the nose it causes sneezing, (Pereira.) A few cases of poisoning will best aid us in obtaining a correct and full knoAvledge of the injurious effects Avhich tobacco exerts on man's health. The following case is taken from Frank's Magazine: "A woman of forty years, who was nursing an infant, had partaken for her dinner of half an ounce of freshly roasted coffee to sixteen cups of water. The woman herself had drank one-half of it, a daughter of twelve years had drank two cups, and a daughter of eighteen years, and a seamstress of the same age had each partaken of three to four cups. All drank the coffee mixed with milk, and ate bread and butter without noticing any thing peculiar in the taste. Previous to drinking the coffee they had felt quite Avell, except that the seam- stress and the daughter of eighteen years had been subject to occa- sional attacks of headache and slight palpitation of the heart. " Hardly had the coffee been drunk, when the seamstress suddenly complained of vertigo, and, at the same moment, fell from her chair without consciousness, and was attacked with convulsions. At the same moment the daughter of eighteen years was attacked with A-ertigo, nausea, trembling of the limbs and inability to hold herself erect, but did not altogether lose her consciousness. The other daughter likewise felt giddy and vomited the contents of the stomach, after which she continued to feel languid and prostrate, and had a pale, yelloAvish-gray complexion, but was otherwise Avell. The woman herself, barring the consequences of her fright, had not experienced any unpleasant effects. " The seamstress, whose health had generally been good, and who was of small stature, pale-red complexion and sanguine temperament, was now lying on the floor with flushed but cool cheeks, violently • throbbing carotids, distended veins of the neck which had a dark-blue appearance, eyes most of the time open and staring upwards, so that only the Avhites could be seen, with the pupils somewhat dilated and insensible to light, injected conjunctiva, head bent backwards as if by a tetanic spasm, slow respiration, slow, hard and full pulse, sixty beats in the minute, cold feet and tips of the fingers, generally quiet NICOTIANA TABACUM. 675 except that the extremities were occasionally moved by clonic qi?SIuS; durin° whicn trie head remained tetanically convulsed. She had lost her consciousness; pressure upon the abdomen with the flat hand seemed to excite the clonic spasms. "The eldest daughter, a solid, phlegmatic girl, sat on a chair; she was supported behind and on both sides by other persons; her arms were hanging down relaxed, her head inclining backAvards, her face had a dingy-jaundiced color, her eyes Avere habitually closed, but could be easily opened; every now and then she trem- bled all over, she moaned and groaned; pulse one hundred, of unequal strength, apparently full, but, actually soft and large; the carotids throbbed violently, the respiration was hurried and anxious. She had preserved her consciousness so far as to be able to answer the questions which were addressed to her, with yea or no; in this way the doctor who reports this case, learned that she had violent palpitation of the heart, with synchronous beating in the head, buzzing in the ears, dryness and scraping in the throat, but no nausea or pains in the bowels or stomach." A careful investigation revealed the fact that the beans which, when chewed slowly, developed a very acrid taste in the mouth, had not been bought of a grocer, but had been picked up in the forenoon from the sweepings of a store, which principally consisted of fragments of tobacco leaves, among which the beans had been mixed, and which had been lying for some days and nights in the street, exposed to a warm rainy weather. The doctor at once con- cluded that the remnants of tobacco leaves had been soaked by the rain, and that their strength had become extracted and communi- cated to the beans. All these patients were restored. This case illustrates to some extent the extraordinary narcotic powers of Nicotiana, and likewise shows that tobacco is endowed Avith some of the characteristic properties of an acrid poison. A girl of twenty-three years, who was affected with the itch, pre- pared a decoction of three ounces of the leaves of tobacco in a sufficient quantity of water, with Avhich she soaked compresses and wrapped them round her leg in the evening. After having lain in bed for three hours, she felt a shudder throughout her whole body, which was followed by nausea and violent vomiting, with convul- sions in the arms, lower limbs and even in the muscles of the back. These symptoms had continued from one o'clock at night until four in the morning, Avhen the physician arrived. The pulse Avas small and very frequent, a deathly pallor on the face, the patient vomited up pure blood in the doctor's presence, she had already vomited a large quantity of it before. There was no blood in the faeces. The compresses were at once removed, and she was bled; after vomiting mucus three times, she Avas soon restored. For a fortnight longer, she had a weak stomach and no appetite; Opium removed this condition. A woman scattered some pulverized tobacco leaves upon the 676 LECTURE CIX. heads of her two daughters who had had tinea favosa, and Avhose hair had been cut off. About eight or ten hours after the opera- tion, her daughter of four years was attacked with vertigo, vomiting, profuse sweats, trembling of the limbs and slight fainting fits. While these symptoms were still continuing, the little patient was likewise attacked with pains in the bowels, increased secretion of urine and some diarrhoeic stools. About a day after the tobacco had been applied, a doctor was sent for, who found the patient with a countenance alternately red and livid, in a state of sopor with her eyes half closed, staring look, pupils dilated, hurried breathing, violent beating of the heart and carotids, excessive thirst during the waking moments, profuse sweats and cold extremities. With appropriate treatment the patient Avas soon restored. A young man of nineteen years, when making his first attempt at smoking, smoked a whole pipe at one sitting, without spitting. Sud- denly he was attacked with violent syncope and excessive vomiting. After having recovered somewhat, he went home, complaining of headache, but was able to undress himself and go to bed without assistance. Soon after he fell into a state of stupor, with stertorous and labored breathing. The doctor found him in the following con- dition : Face having a dark-livid hue, eyes without any lustre, conjunctiva injected, right pupil very much contracted, left pupil dilated and angular; both pupils insensible to the light; fingers interlaced and rigidly contracted, and the whole body spasmodically drawn up; the breathing exceedingly oppressed and stertorous; pulse pretty natural, the alvine and urinary evacuations had ceased. He was bled from the temporal artery, drank vinegar, vomited once after sAvallowing a dose of Ipecacuanha, and had the bowels moved by an injection with evident relief. He had a good night's rest, but next morning, when attempting to get up, he fainted. He complained of violent pains in the head and eyes; the eyes and lids were red, ecchymosed, pulse normal, tongue had a brownish coating; the feet were cold, there was a con- stant inclination to sleep. He was bled from the arm. On the third day the drowsiness, headache, nausea and disposi- tion to vomit continued; the face had a more natural expression, the pupils looked normal and had become sensitive to the light, he had an involuntary motion of the bowels. ToAvards evening the stupor, the spasmodic contraction of the hands and the stertorous breathing returned again with considerable intensity; the face was no longer livid. He was bled six ounces from the temporal artery, internally he took vinegar, a fly blister was applied to the forehead, and mustard-plasters to the feet with considerable relief. In the next four days he gradually recovered, but the bowels remained torpid for some time. This case is reported by Marshall Hall in the tAvelfth vol- ume of the Edinburgh Aledical and Surgical Journal, from which Frank has transferred it to his valuable Magazine. From apoplexy, to Avhich the case seems to resemble at first sight, the author dis- NICOTIANA TABACUM. 677 tinguishes it by the absence of all paralytic symptoms ; the invasion, by the spasmodic symptoms, of both sides of the body; the normal pulse and the succession of the symptoms (fainting, nausea, vomiting, and afterwards the cerebral affection), and then again groups the characteristic symptoms of the action of Tobacco together in the following order: fainting, succeeded by nausea and afterwards violent headache, coma, stertorous breathing without paralysis, and with but slight irritation of the pulse, disposition to syncope from every change of position and from the least attempt at motion, and feeble circulation in the extremities. This case is exceedingly instructive in so far as it shows that Tobacco may cause that very condition of the nervous system for the removal of which it is generally prescribed by Old-School prac- titioners. Instead of relaxing the muscular action, Tobacco, on the contrary, produced an obstinately-persisting spasmodic rigidity of the hands and lower extremities. We have seen in a previous case of poisoning that Tobacco produced an opisthotonic spasm of the muscles of the neck. As regards the antidotal treatment instituted by the celebrated author, we now know that the effects of a narcotic poison can be antidoted by much simpler means. Emetics and cathartic injections are useful and necessary; vinegar may do much good; mustard- draughts may be resorted to; strong doses of coffee are eminently useful, and affusions of cold Avater along the spine from a sufficient height, are far better than the old-fashioned bleeding in sucha case as this, which, to some minds at least, appears simply stupid and absurd. A robust farmer, seventy years old, who had to be operated on for incarceration of scrotal hernia, received an injection of thirty grains of common Tobacco, of good quality, in ten ounces of water. He did not know of what ingredients the' injection was composed. Almost at the same time he lost the clearness of his mind, shouted to the smokers in the room to leave it, (though nobody did smoke,) saying that the tobacco-smoke took away his breath, etc. Soon after he again became calm, continued, however, to utter delirious talk, with his eyes wide open and staring, after which he raised him- self somewhat, recovered his consciousness and witnessed the opera- tion quietly without uttering a sound. He recovered in three weeks. The delirium lasted about half an hour. A woman who had recovered from a recent confinement, and was suffering with constipation, took an injection of one ounce of com- mon tobacco. The injection came away again at once and was followed by a copious evacuation. She was attacked with vertigo even unto loss of consciousness, and with violent vomiting, after which a retching remained; the pulse became small and feeble, the kin cold and covered with a clammy sweat, the eyes were closed ud dreaded the light, the patient was only able to speak m a low 678 LECTURE CIX. tone and with frequent intermissions, and complained of exhaustion, dullness and confusion of the head, and a taste of musty tobacco in her mouth. After an injection of Valerian and vinegar, the retch- ing ceased, the vertigo and stupefaction continued for three hours, after which she fell into a sound sleep, from which she woke quite well. A young clergyman complained of constant excitement of the blood, excessive heat, vertigo, stupefaction, headache, sleeplessness, buzzing in the ears, loss of appetite, constipation, burning in the urethra during micturition, and a feeling of great prostration, dry- ness of the mouth, violent thirst and pains in all the limbs; pulse 120 ; face hot and deeply flushed. This person smoked every day three-quarters of a pound of tobacco, which brought on all this distress. He was relieved without taking any medicine, by simply smoking in moderation. This group of symptoms points to an extensive and acute irrita- tion of the cerebral and ganglionic nerves which may occur as a natural disease, and, as such, may take its starting-point in some sudden and acute irritation of that portion of the ganglionic system which is more immediately charged with the regulation of the biliary functions. A squadron of hussars placed Tobacco-leaves on their breasts for the purpose of smuggling them across the frontier. Every man of the squadron, although a passionate smoker, was attacked with headache, vertigo and vomiting. The fumes of Tobacco may cause asphyxia. On the third of August, 1815, the Royal tobacco factory at Toulouse burnt down. Many individuals who were exposed to the fumes of the burning tobacco, suffered more or less from their pernicious influence upon the brain. One soldier who helped to save property from the burning build- ing, was suddenly struck down by the following symptoms: Com- plete intoxication, dark-red face, sparkling eyes, strong and full pulse, labored breathing, relaxation and coldness of the extremities. The consciousness which he had lost quite suddenly in the factory, returned during the passage to the hospital. After a venesection his limbs became tetanically convulsed, the abdominal muscles were violently contracted, the head was drawn back; the breathing was labored, and the cerebral vessels engorged. He complained of in- tense thirst. Stimulating injections, Tartar emetic, lemonade, fric- tions with coarse linen soon restored him. Another soldier was without consciousness and motionless; ap- parently without breath; pulse small and slow; face having a slight red-broAvn color, violent contraction of both jaws, yellowish mucus in the mouth, the limbs were flexible, the animal temperature was entirely suspended, the extremities were cold and had a bluish ap- NICOTIANA TABACUM. 679 pearance^ Frictions, dry or with the spirits of Camphor, and tick- ling the inside of the nose with a feather, provoked a few feeble sighs and slight movements. Cold affusions and injections of vine- gar gradually restored the breathing and circulation, and trans- ported the patient from a state of stupor into a state resembling the pleasantest sort of intoxication; the patient sat up in bed, uttered ludncous speeches, which he articulated in the most comic manner and accompanied with convulsive gesticulations; the facial muscles were likewise spasmodically agitated. His eyes seemed disposed to close ; after numberless assurances that he was not intoxicated, he partook of a little nourishment, and fell into a sound sleep from which he woke quite well. A young woman, thirty years old, of sanguine temperament, had been sitting on a bench in the open air in the neighborhood of the wet tobacco, from 8 o'clock in the morning untif 2 o'olock in the afternoon. At first she felt very uncomfortable, complained of headache, coughed almost continually, and experienced a sensation of burning in the larynx ; there was a copious discharge of a watery mucus from the nose; she had pain in the stomach. Soon after she was attacked with vertigo, and a cold perspiration over the whole body. On attempting to leave she fell doAvn without con- sciousness. She was taken to the hospital, where she arrived in the following condition: suppression of respiration, almost imper- ceptible pulse, light violet color of the face, rigidity and coldness of the extremities. Same treatment as in the previous cases. The patient now complained very vehemently of pain in the stomach, and attempted to vomit. Tartar emetic induced vomiting of phlegm. The pain in the epigastrium increased, with frequent eructations, general emprosthotonic convulsions of the trunk, exten- sion of the limbs, some subdued groans on account of pain in the stomach. Frictions eased her, the pain continued. Of a solution of twenty drops of Sulphuric Ether in four ounces of water, she swallowed a tablespoonful every now and then. The pain ceased at once. Some sleep; next morning disagreeable feeling of weak- ness, loss of appetite, vehement thirst; same symptoms on the day following, with copious stools. Drank vinegar and water, and was well again in a few days. From the various cases of poisoning, and from the experiments which have been made upon animals, Wibmer draws the following conclusions regarding the effects of tobacco-leaves.: " They are an intensely active substance, the active principles of which are chiefly Nicotianin and Nicotine, and can be extracted by means of water. " The local action of tobacco-leaves, or of their preparations, is that of an acrid poison, on which account their internal employment is succeeded by vomiting and diarrhoea, pain in the stomach and bowels, and inflammation; when applying them externally, the place where the application takes place becomes inflamed ; snuffing up the tobacco causes sneezing, smoking causes an increased flow 680 LECTURE CIX. of saliva, Beside this local action, the drug has a general or con- stitutional effect, which becomes manifest in consequence of a previous absorption of the efficient principles. This remote action bears, on the one hand, upon the intestinal canal, the lungs and heart, and, on the other hand, upon the nervous centres, the brain, and the spinal marrow. The action upon the digestive tract is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, pain and inflammation of the stomach, and of portions of the intestinal canal; these sym- toms being likeAvise consequent upon the external application; the action upon the lungs is evidenced by an accelerated, anxious, irregular respiration; after death the pulmonary parenchyma is denser and more vascular, and engorged with blood. The action upon the heart is manifested by an irregular, generally retarded beating of the heart; the irritability of the heart becomes extinct more speedily than is usual after death. "The principal constitutional effect is directed towards the brain and spinal marrow ; hence, after the internal, as well as after the external use, but most speedily after an injection into the rectum, the following phenomena develop themselves : vertigo, heaviness of the head, headache, stupefaction, intoxication, staggering, trembling of the limbs, lassitude, spasmodic contractions of the muscles, con- vulsions, general insensibility, relaxation, death." Pereira sums up the physiological effects of Tobacco upon the animal organization in a maimer so concise and yet so comprehen- sive and instructive that we feel ourselves called upon to transfer his interesting statements to our pages: (a) " On animals generally.—In the carnivora Tobacco causes nausea, vomiting, sometimes purging, universal trembling, stagger- ing, convulsive movements and stupor. Five drachms and a half of rappee introduced into the stomach of a dog, and secured by a ligature on the oesophagus, caused death in nine hours. In another experiment, two drachms applied to a wound killed the animal in an hour. Sir Benjamin Brodie found that the infusion of tobacco injected into the rectum, paralyzed the heart, and caused death in a few minutes. But, if the head of the animal be previously removed, and artificial respiration kept up, the heart remains unaffected; proving that Tobacco disorders this organ through the medium of the nervous system only. 'In the herbivora, the effects of Tobacco as of other vegetable poisons, are much less marked; vomiting does not occur. Schubarth gave four ounces of the leaves to a horse, at three times within two hours. The pulse became irregular, then sloAver, afterwards quicker; respiration and the pupils were scarcely affected, For two days the stools and urine were more frequent. Moiroud observed no remarkable effects from the exhibition of four ounces of Tobacco to a horse. " It is remarkable that the empyreumatic oil of Tobacco does not possess the same power of paralyzing the heart. Applied to the tongue of a cat, one drop caused convulsions, and in two minutes death. On opening the body, the heart was beating regularly and with force. Its operation, therefore, is analogous to that of hydro- NICOTIANA TABACUM. 681 cyanic acid. Dr. Morries says it has less tendency to induce convul- thoraa T empyreumatic oils of foxglove, henbane or the • ^u +'i°n man-~In sma11 doses, Tobacco causes a sensation of heat in tne throat and sometimes a feeling of warmth at the stomach; tliese effects, however, are less obvious when the remedy is taken in a liquid form, and largely diluted. By repetition it usually operates as a diuretic, and less frequently as a laxative. Accompanving these effects are oftentimes nausea and a peculiar feeling usually described as giddiness, but which scarcely accords with the usual acceptation of this term. As dropsical swellings sometimes disappear under the use of these doses, it has been inferred that the remedy promotes the operation of the absorbents. In larger doses, it provokes nausea, vomiting and purging. Though it seldom gives rise to abdominal pain, it produces a most distressing sensation of sinking at the pit of the stomach. It occasionally acts as an anodyne, or more rarely promotes sleep. But its most remarkable effects are languor, feeble- ness, relaxation of muscles, trembling of the limbs, great anxiety, and tendency to faint. Vision is frequently enfeebled, the ideas confused, the pulse small and weak, the respiration someAvhat labori- ous, the surface cold and clammy, or bathed in a cold SAveat, and, in extreme cases, convulsive movements are observed. In excessive doses, the effects are of the same kind, but more violent in degree. The more prominent symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and in some cases, purging, extreme weakness and relaxation of the muscles, depression of the vascular system (manifested by feeble pulse, pale face, cold sAveats and tendency to faint), convulsive movements, followed by paralysis, and a kind of torpor, terminating in death. " Taken in the form of snuff, its principal effect is topical. It causes increased secretion of nasal mucus, and, in those unaccus- tomed to its use, sneezing. Getting into the throat it produces a feeling of acridity, and sometimes nausea. From some kinds of rappee I have experienced giddiness and great prostration of strength. Lanzoni* states that an individual fell into a state of somnolency, and died lethargic on the tAvelfth day, in consequence of taking too much snuff Reasonable doubt, however, may be entertained, I think, Avhether these accidents really arose from snuff. The habitual use of this substance blunts the sense of smell and alters the tone of voice, but I am unacquainted with any other Avell ascertained effects, though Cullen ascribes loss of appetite and d}rs- pepsia to it; and Dr. Prout observes, that 'the severe and peculiar dyspeptic symptoms sometimes produced by inveterate snuff-taking are well known; and I have more than once seen such cases termi- nate fatally Avith malignant diseases of the stomach and liver.' I have knoAvn several inveterate snuff-takers who, after many years' use of this substance, have discontinued it with impunity; But Dr. Cullen thinks, that when discharge of mucus is considerable, the ceasino- or suppression of it, by abstaining from snuff, is ready to occasion the very disorders of headache, toothache, and ophthalmia, * See Christison, on Poisons. 682 LECTURE CIX. which it had formerly relieved. There do not appear to be any good grounds for the supposed baneful effects of the manufacture of snuff on the workmen. Sir W. Temple recommended the introduction of a tobacco leaf into the nostrils for the relief of affections of the eyes and head. "The smoking of Tobacco by those unaccustomed to it gives rise to all the above described effects of large and excessive doses. A very interesting case, Avhich had almost terminated fatally, is related by Dr. Marshall Hall* It Avas that of a young man who, for his first essay, smoked two pipes. Gmelinf mentions two cases of death from smoking, in the one of seventeen, in the other of eighteen pipes at a sitting. " In habitual smokers, the practice, when employed moderately, provokes thirst,.increases the secretion of saliva and buccal mucus, and produces a remarkable soothing and tranquillizing effect on the mind, which has made it so much admired and adopted by all classes of society, and by all nations, civilized and barbarous. I am not acquainted with any well ascertained ill-effects resulting from the habitual practice of smoking. A similar observation is made by Dr. Christison. Yet Dr. Prout says it 'disorganizes the assimilating functions in general, but particularly, as I believe, the assimilation of the saccharine principle. I have never, indeed, been able to trace the development of oxalic acid to the use of Tobacco; but that some analogous and equally poisonous principle (probably of an acrid nature,) is generated in certain individuals by its abuse, is evident from their cachectic looks, and from the dark, and often greenish- yellow tint of their blood.' There do not appear to be any good grounds"for supposing that smoking is a prophylactic against conta- gious and epidemic diseases—an opinion at one time entertained. "The practice of cheAving tobacco is principally confined to sailors,;]: and is less frequently submitted to our observation; so that we are not so competent to speak of its effects, which, probably, are similar to those caused by smoking. " The application of Tobacco to abraded surfaces is a very danger- ous practice, and has in some instances been attended Avith violent and even fatal results. Air. Weston has related a case in Avhich the expressed juice of Tobacco was applied to the head of a boy, aged eight years, for the cure of tinea capitis. Death took place three hours and a half after the application. "In the form of clyster, Tobacco has frequently proved fatal, sometimes from the use of inordinate doses by ignorant persons, and occasionally in the hands of the well-informed practitioner. Desault has witnessed the smoke prove fatal. Sir A. Cooper has seen tAvo drachms, and even one drachm, destroy life. In a case related by Sir Charles Bell death probably occurred from the same cause. Dr. Copland saw half a drachm in infusion prove fatal. * Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal, Vol. XII., p. 11. t Quoted by Christison. X This is true in regard to England and Germany; but in our own country this practice is unfortunately prevalent among all classes of our people. NICOTIANA TABACUM. 683 "The operation of Tobacco resembles that of Lobelia inflata. With foxglove, Tobacco agrees in several circumstances, especially in that of enfeebling the action of the vascular system, though its power in this respect is inferior to foxglove. In its capability of causing relaxation and depression of the muscular system, and trembling, Tobacco surpasses foxglove; as it does, also, in its power of promoting the secretions. From Belladonna, Stramonium, and Hyoscyamus, it is distinguished by causing contraction of the pupil, both when applied to the eye and when taken internally in poisonous doses; and also by the absence of delirium and of any affection of the parts about the throat. Vogt and Sundelin have considered the effects of Tobacco as closely allied to those of Aconite; but to me the resemblance is less obvious. The poAver possessed by the last- mentioned substance of paralyzing the sentient nerves, sufficiently distinguishes it from Tobacco." Ranging the known effects of Tobacco under our usual categories, they present the following series. CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. Our cases of poisoning have shown that Tobacco causes Vertigo; it is a death-like sort of vertigo, accompanied, or very soon followed by nausea; attended with debility, trembling, pallor of the face, or sudden heat in the face. If going on increasingly, it may result in # Loss of consciousness, or it may terminate m _ Fainting; this may, however, occur without any previous vertigo, cr at anv rate only a very moderate degree of it. We a/e not awe that Tobacco is much used for these conditions; but it may prove eminently useful in certain miasmatic mSltacks, Avhich n4y occur in certain ™ amRegion of country. In such a case, violent pams in the head and limbs may be present. We may observe thai.bilious derangem^tewhich find their remedy in Tobacco, have to be traced to the brain as the primary centre from which the abnormal irritation is transferred to tTbilYary system. In regard to the pulse ^%*^^™* the body the symptoms characterizing these attacks, may differ and may even seem antagonistic to each other according as the attack Is more or less acute or chronic. The cheeks, for instance may be flashed and cool, or the patient may «penencea burmng sensation in the cheeks, or they may exhibit a deathly pallor ihe sensation i observed in the pulse; it may be slow, W and " hTrried and apparently full, although the pulse is tallv soft and without much, if any, resisting power; or it may really soft ana av ^ accelerated. Similar antagonistic Editions m^ be observe! in' regard to the temperature of the T r which may either be dry and warmer than in the normal state otSbToSS ST/covered wii a clammy perspiration, or even with PrHow ZtL organs may be involved in such an attack, cannot 681 LECTURE CIX. be determined by theory, but has to be learned by observation. It is safe, however, to assume that bilious paroxysms or bilious de- rangements characterized by paroxysmal exacerbations of the symp- toms which require for their remedy an agent that has such a deep, powerful and comprehensive influence over the central portions of the nervous system, must present a series of abnormal phenomena embracing^, very Avide range. Hence we may find among the signs of cerebral disturbance various abnormal appearances of the pupil, such as contraction of the pupils, or contraction of one (right) and dilatation of the other (left) pupil, which has, moreover, an angular appearance; or both pupils may be dilated and insensible to the light, or they may be very sensitive to the light. These differences may depend upon corresponding differences in the degree of intensity of the cerebral disturbance. As a matter of course, the power of the motor nerves must be shaken in such attacks. Hence Ave find that the prominent effects of tobacco upon the motor nerves, staggering, trembling of the extremi- ties, languor and prostration, likewise constitute elements of the bilious paroxysms which require tobacco for their specifically- homoeopathic antidote. The nausea which characterizes these attacks, is not a simple nausea, but a nausea of a deathly character, resulting in severe retching and vomiting of bile, mucus and even blood. We infer from our cases of poisoning that tobacco may be adapted to the treatment of certain forms of Apoplexy, although the cases of this disease, to which tobacco is homoeopathic, are very rare. Such cases may occur as purely functional derangements, but we have never seen any, nor are we aware of such cases having ever been met with by any of our col- leagues. Tobacco produces a train of symptoms which certainly may stand for an attack of apoplexy; yet the tobacco-apoplexy will be found to differ a great deal from the apoplexy to which Aconite or Belladonna are the most prominent types in the domain of drugs. The tobacco apoplexy is preceded by a train of symptoms denoting a state of severe bilious irritation, such as fainting, nausea, violent headache, sluggish, strong and full pulse, pallor or dark redness of the countenance, drowsiness, coldness of the extremities, imperfect consciousness; the real attack seems to constitute the acute or culminating point of this series, and sets in with all the essential characteristics of apoplexy, coma, stertorous breathing, dilatation and insensibility of the pupil of the affected side ; hemiplegia may result from the abuse of Tobacco if this abuse is continued for a long time; many such cases have been published by the most eminent practitioners of Europe whose names are frequently mentioned in Professor Lizard's interesting Treatise on " The Use and Abuse of Tobacco." Convulsions, opisthotonic and emprosthotonic spasms with severe contractions of the hands and body, even lockjaw, have been caused NICOTIANA TABACUM. 685 by tobacco. It is our opinion that in attacks of this kind for which tobacco may be administered as a specific remedy, we shall find upon a careful investigation of the pathology of the case, that the convulsions are symptomatic of a severe and deep-seated derange- ment of the biliary functions, the incipiency of which has to be traced to that province in the brain which determines and preserves the harmony of the biliary system. _ In one of our previously related cases the paroxysm of convul- sions was ushered in by a shudder through the whole body, which was followed by nausea and vomiting, after which the convulsions set in. In our judgment such paroxysms illustrate, and have to be accounted for in accordance with the doctrine which we have expressed. Professor Siebert of Jena, in his " Treatise on the Diseases of the Belly," 1855, gives the following striking case of Spinal Irritation, which leads us to infer that there are forms of this distressing malady, to the treatment of which Tobacco seems adapted. We should recollect, however, that if we desire to produce curative effects with Tobacco, a purely symptomatic similarity is not suf- ficient, and that the essential nature or, in other words, the patho- logical character of the natural disease must be specifically met by the drug-disease as an unitary group of physiologically-connected phe- nomena. Physiological, in this sense, evidently stands for logical. We transcribe the case from Professor Lizard's " Treatise on the Use and Abuse of Tobacco." " Advocate T----, in B----, a robust, muscular and athletic man, was under an affection of the spine from 1840 to 1815. He had peculiar sensations in different parts of the spinal cord, Avhich, according to the changing central seat, produced radiating effects throughout the system. When this central point mounted up to about the seventh vertebra of the neck, he experienced a numbness in the forearms and hands, Avith a sense of pressure in the breast, and a short, broken cough. If the pain was in the upper part of the spine, then there were other accentric symptoms, such as palpitation of the heart. If lower down in the spine, then pain in the stomach, Avant of appetite, and vomiting. These gastric symptoms disappeared when the pain went down towards the cauda equina, and then there was disturbance in the sacral region, cramp in the sphincter ani, nightly pollutions, sickly appearance, and hypochondriacal voice. When the entire spine was affected, then there Avere disturbances in the lower extremities; not properly palsy, but devious movements, and difficulty in standing steadily or moving directly, so that he could not get easily over a stone—an effort causing him anxiety; and he was obliged often to hold by the Avail through giddiness. Sometimes when the pain Avent into the left hemisphere of the brain, the patient saw objects double. Various remedies were tried, prep- arations of iron, etc., but Avithout effect. The patient was a smoker ; and Professor Siebert discovered that he Avas uniformly Avorse after smokin°- cigars. With much difficulty the doctor got him to abstain 686 LECTURE CIX. from this practice for a short time, as a trial; and the consequence Avas a relief from the symptoms of which he had so long complained. He got gradually better, and ultimately regained his health. Subse- quently, the Professor met his patient in the inn called the Three Crowns, in B----; when, in the midst of their enjoyment and conver- sation, the latter, with somewhat of a pitiful look, inquired of his doctor if he might once again enjoy the luxury of a cigar. The doctor forbade; but the advocate insisted and took his own way. After the second cigar, he became pale, speechless, and hollow-eyed, left his seat and went out. The doctor followed him, and heard him confess that he felt come upon him the whole symptoms of his former disease. He was again treated with medicine, and, having recourse to no more cigars, he was again restored to health—a clear proof, as the Professor says, that the tobacco was the cause of^ his ailment." Whether Tobacco may prove useful in some forms of Acute Mania, is a subject worthy of investigation. We have learned from our cases that it may cause an irritation of the brain resembling mania of the mirthful kind, a sort of wild intoxication Avith irrational gesticulations and spasmodic tAvitchings of the mus- cles of the face. Considering the great power which Tobacco possesses, of disturbing the functions of the liver, and depressing the spirits to the lowest point, it is fair to presume that Tobacco may likewise prove serviceable in forms of acute mania arising from intense anger, fits of jealousy, disappointed or wounded pride. In- deed it has been successfuly used by Old-School practitioners for such derangements, of course in large, revulsive doses in the form of injections. It may be worth while to try the curative power of smaller doses, in cases where the drug is specifically indicated. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. The deathly nausea and the racking vomiting which Tobacco causes, may be arrested by this same agent, if an attack of acute irritation of the stomach is characterized by these symptoms. We have known such attacks to occur without any apparent cause, as the manifestation of a certain constitutional diathesis. Tobacco has even been recommended as a palliative for sea-sickness, where these symptoms sometimes cause a vast amount of distress to sensitive individuals. There is no harm in trying it, but we are sorry to inform such sufferers that theory, in their case, will not be substi- tuted by practice. The reader will recollect that'one of our patients, the young girl who kept a stand near the heaps of wet tobacco leaves, suffered acute pain at the stomach as one of the most distressing effects of the poison. Hence we recommend Tobacco for a paroxysm of Acute Cardialgia, with horrid nausea, vomiting, even vomiting of blood. Intense thirst may likewise be present. Another person complained of pain in the bowels, followed by diarrhoeic stool, and attended with increased flow of urine. We may therefore recommend Tobacco for NICOTIANA TABACUM. 6S7 Enteralgia characterized by such symptoms. The attack might be described as a case of _ Enterodynia, where these symptoms constitute part of a group; violent thirst may be present, sopor, trembling, Aveak and hurried pulse, vomiting. It will be recollected that our clergyman was suffering with con- stipation instead of diarrhoea, although diarrhoea is usually the primary effect of tobacco. Cases, however, may occur, Avhere Constipation may be relieved by this agent. It may be necessary and proper to use it as a palliative in Ileus, especially if occasioned by strangulated hernia. In such cases the drug has been shamefully abused by many physicians, for no other reason than because they were too_ obstinate' or stupid to learn better; but, for all that, a tobacco injection cautiously administered, may sometimes prove useful, even in the hands of an homoeopathic physician. From 15 to 20 grains of Tobacco infused in 6 ounces of boiling Avater for ten minutes, may be used for an injection, and, if necessary, a second injection of the same strength may be given in one hour. It should be observed, however, that, if these injections are to do any good, they must be resorted to at the very commencement of the trouble, or as soon as Ave have become satisfied that our more specific means of relieving the spasmodic constriction of the gut, such as Aconite and Nux vomica, but especially the former, will fail us. These cases will be few. Professor Lizars affirms that Tobacco has caused gangrene of the tons;ue of the colloid form. If this be true, the observation is of very little practical value in a therapeutic point of view. Gangrene of the tongue will never be cured by Tobacco. If such a case should ever come before any homoeopathic practitioner, he may try the effects of Tobacco, as a curative agent; the patient is doomed, any how, and the drug may be used in connection with any palliative means of relief that the case may admit of. URINARY AND SEXUAL ORGANS. We are unable to say how far Tobacco may be of service in the treatment of Diabetes ; it is ranked among the diuretics by Old-School prac- titioners, and a celebrated English authority, Dr. Prout, we think, accuses Tobacco of destroying the saccharine element in the liver; it may therefore be a legitimate inference, from the homoeopathic standing-point, that Tobacco may be useful in the treatment of diabetes insipidus as well as mellitas. Impotence is one of the effects of Tobacco ■; hence it may prove very serviceable in Impotence Avith absence of sexual desire, brought on by excessiA'e abstemiousness, and more particularly by excessive abuse of such beverages as coffee, and intense mental application. 688 LECTURE CIX. RESPIRATORY GROUP. We have seen that Tobacco causes a suffocative oppression on the chest, a scraping sensation and dryness in the air-passages, cough and a burning sensation at the larynx. These sjunptoms may indicate the use of Tobacco in acute attacks of Dyspnea or even Apnea brought on by some suddenly acting cause, a violent fit of jealousy or anger, or exposure of the chest to a keen blast. The burning at the larynx may point to Incipient Laryngeal Phthisis; eminent Avriters, Laycock of the University of Edinburgh and others, assert that Tobacco has caused pulmonary phthisis. Let us remember that our Art is still imper- fect, and that experiments which are suggested by, and conducted in accordance with the spirit and letter of our law, are legitimate and indispensable to the further development of the Science and Practice of true Medicine. Antidotal Treatment and Dose. The antidotal treatment has been fully indicated in the cases of poisoning which we have described. We depend principally upon cathartic action, cold-water affusions, vinegar and water as a beve- rage and in the form of injections. Large quantities of strong coffee may likewise be administered. If the pulse is very low, Am- monia and brandy may be resorted to; mustard-draught may be applied to the calves of the legs and pit of the stomach in order to relieve local pain or to counteract the remaining cerebral irritation. If the poison has been swallowed, it has to be removed by an emetic, for which purpose from 20 to 30 grains of the Sulphate of Zinc may be given. TARAXACUM, LE0NT0D0N TARAXACUM, (Dandelion.—Nat. Ord.: Composite.) The leaves of this well-knoAvn plant which grows abundantly in meadows and on our grass-plots, are eaten like spinach. It is sup- posed to be an excellent remedy for torpid liver, and is brought to market in the spring of the year for those who believe in its efficacy of renovating the liver. Old-School physicians seem to have had an obscure perception of the therapeutic uses of this agent, which are thus indicated by Pereira: " It is employed as a resolvent, aperient, and tonic, in chronic diseases of the digestive organs, especially hepatic affections; as jaundice, chronic inflammation or enlargement of the liver, dropsy dependent on hepatic obstructions and dyspepsia attended with deficient biliary secretion. In some very susceptible conditions of the stomach it proves injurious. It has been employed in affections of the spleen, chronic cutaneous diseases, uterine obstructions, etc."' There is no doubt that the specific sphere where this drug mani- fests its most prominent effects, is the biliary system. "But," observes Pereira, " where the digestive organs are weak, and readily TARAXACUM. 689 disordered, Taraxacum is very apt to occasion dyspepsia, flatu- lency, pain, and diarrhoea." This mode, however, of defining the specific curative range of laraxacum, or of any drug, is essentially faulty in so far as it con- nects a remedial agent with an anatomical region, instead of con- necting it with certain definite pathological alterations to which the functions or the structural tissue of the organ are liable. What these alterations are, can only be positively known by instituting provings upon the healthy. The provings Avhich Hahnemann's disciples have instituted with Taraxacum upon themselves, reveal to the careful observer some of the characteristic features of the pathogenetic tableau which this drug incloses within its bosom. An attentive perusal of the symptoms which our provers have recorded for our benefit, shoAvsthat Taraxa- cum acts primarily upon the venous system of the liver, causing engorgements and a variety of those pains by which these passive engorgements are characterized and made manifest to the senses. It would be well for our patients and for the Healing Art, if the morbid effects which a drug produces, could always be traced, as a connected unit, to one common origin and central focus. In regard to Taraxacum we have no hesitation to affirm that these morbid sensations all represent, and are derived from one pathological state, viz : Venous engorgement commencing in the ramifications of the portal system, whence the engorgement is carried onward throughout every portion of the superficial veins, in the trunk, ex- tremities, and the viscera of the thoracic and abdominal cavities. When we trace the abnormal sensations which our provers have recorded as pathogenetic effects of Taraxacum, to portal engorge- ments as their common centre, Ave desire to represent these engorge- ments as the unitary pathological generalization in which the morbid action of Taraxacum is summed up as in its leading effect; this effect itself is the immediate result of a morbid irritation which is first perceived, and subsequently transmitted, by the ganglionic nerves. This explanation renders the remarkable action of Taraxa- cum upon the skin, of which a remarkable illustration Avill be furnished in the Exanthematic Group, intelligible as a physiological possibility. Keeping this explanation of the pathological relations of the pathogenesis of Taraxacum in view, let us now proceed to give an account of the characteristic effects of this drug under our usual categories. CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. Staggering gait in the open air, with vertigo as if he were to fall forward; . ..... At times he experiences a sensation of contraction and tingling in the forehead, over the nose; at times a painless sensation as if the brain were distended here and there; Sensation as if the brain Avere gently pressed together from a'l sides; vol. n.—44 690 LECTURE CIX. A pressure low down in the occiput, with heaviness of the occiput; Heaviness of the head, with heat and redness of the face ; Stupefying ache in the forehead, as after intoxication; r Drawing and tearing pains, also, pricking pains in the left side of the forehead; ORBITAL GROUP. Agglutination of the lids; Burning in the eyeballs ; Burning and prickling in the left eyeball and lids; Pressure as from a grain of sand in the right inner canthus. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. Burning stinging in the left side of the tongue; White-coated tongue; The tongue is lined with a white fur, it feels raw, peels off in patches, leaving dark-red, very sensitive places; Early on waking, the tongue is dry and has a brown coating; Sharp pressure at the anterior wall of the pharynx and larynx, exciting a cough, and passing off during deglutition; Flow of sour water in the mouth ; The butter, phlegm in the' mouth, and the broth when touched with the tip of the tongue taste sour; Bitter taste rising in the pharynx ; Bitter eructations and hiccough; Empty eructations, especially after drinking; Nausea as from overloading the stomach with fat food; he fancied that he would have to vomit, this was accompanied with a stupefy - ing-oppressive pain in the forehead; he felt better in the open air; Chilliness after eating, especially after drinking ; Rumbling in the umbilical region ; Sudden and continued movements in the abdomen, as if air- vesicles were breaking; Tension in the pit of the stomach, and pressure at the xiphoid cartilage, when stooping; Pinching in the abdomen; Stitches in various parts of the abdomen, also burning or with pressure; Titillating itching at the perinaeum, scratching causes a burning sensation; Three hard discharges from the bowels on the same day. We have purposely refrained from mentioning any specific path- ological conditions to which many of the foregoing symptoms may point. We might have named Dyspepsia or Flatulence as one of these conditions. If we have expressed ourselves clearly to the student of Homoeopathy regarding the therapeutic character of Taraxacum, he will have no difficulty in determining in accordance with the received nomenclature of nosology the various pathologi- TARAXACUM. 691 cal derangements to the treatment of which our drug is adapted. If he should be in doubt as to the specific name of the disorder which we have delineated in the list of symptoms, we will state for his convenience that ^ Bilious Dyspepsia is a name eminently suitable for this condition ; it will be found characterized by wind on the bowels, oppression in the pit of the stomach, sour and bitter taste in the mouth, furred tongue Avhich inclines to peel off, and to present sensitive, reddish- looking patches, constipation, weariness, occasional attacks of nau- sea, stupefying headache in the forehead or temples, etc. URINARY GROUP. The primary effect of Taraxacum upon the urinary secretions is to^ increase the frequency and quantity of the emission of urine; this is generally followed by frequent urging, but correspondingly diminished secretion of urine. In accordance with these indica- tions, Hahnemann thinks that Taraxacum may possibly be of use in simple Dia.betes, but that it cannot be rationally employed in dropsy, for Avhich it is advised by Old-School physicians. THORACIC GROUP. We have no particular symptoms to mention in this direction; the main and almost the only symptom is stitches, sometimes accom- panied with pressure, or boring and digging stitches, but all denot- ing the condition to which we have alluded, venous engorgement. The same remark applies to the symptoms which our provers have recorded in another anatomical region, the UPPER AND LOWER EXTREMITIES. A careful inspection of the symptoms of this range at once reveals their true character. All these pains, if viewed in connection with the general series, point to venous engorgement proceeding from engorgement of the portal veins as its reservoir, as the pathological solution of this problem. The pains are stitches of various forms and degrees of intensity, with pressure, boring, burning or tearing: or the pains are a sensation as if the muscles had been strained, or were sore and pressed upon; a twitching of parts, and an icy-cold- ness of the toes are likewise complained of. These pains are expe - rienced in various parts of the limbs, from the shoulders to the finders and from the hips to the toes; independently they do not present any pathological form which would suggest the use of Ta- raxacum, but as parts of the whole series, bilious engorgement of the venous capillaries and superficial veins, the presence of these pains would not only confirm our diagnosis of the true pathology of the disorder before us, but would likewise enable us to select with a sort of unerring certainty the remedial agent Avhich would put an end to the patient's distress. 692 LECTURE CIX. SLEEP. A common effect of Taraxacum is to cause droAVsiness, anxious and vivid dreams which cannot be recollected; tossing about in bed, and afterwards frequent waking. FEVER. The equilibrium of the bodily temperature is somewhat interfered with. One prover (Langhammer) reports a violent chill, but with- out thirst or subsequent heat; another prover (Gutmann) a chill lasting several hours, and accompanied with a headache. At a later period, parts of the body, especially the face and hands, feel Avarm, the face looks flushed, and a gentle moisture breaks out over the whole body; Langhammer even states that he was quite wet Avith perspiration; this prover likewise states, that Avhile the skin was perspiring, he felt a biting sensation all over his body. It is easily understood that in such a general derangement of the economy, the spirits must be more or less disturbed, and that the patients are disposed to be dissatisfied and irritable; some of our provers, however, experienced a disposition to laugh and talk unceasingly. EXANTHEMATIC GROUP. The following case of poisoning by Taraxacum is reported in the January number of the London Lancet, 1846. The eruption which is here described seems symptomatic of a peculiar form of bilious- gastric derangement. " A lady took a dessertspoonful of Hooper's fluid extract of Tarax- acum prepared in vacuo, twice a day, for bad liver, as she termed it, and continued it without intermission for somewhat more than a week, when the following symptoms made their appearance: Feels uncomfortable and restless in herself, a sort of fidgetiness as she expressed it, and general uneasiness, for which she could not account, as she had often been much more indisposed without experiencing such miserable feelings; she had, moreover, some nausea, and an uneasy sensation of sinking in the praecordia; her nights were also restless, and her boAvels had become confined, rather an unusual occurrence with her. To remedy the latter, she took some aperient pills, which operated mildly, Avith relief to all the symptoms, so that she felt more comfortable, and continued the Taraxacum steadily. In the course of tAvo or three days more, hoAvever, the constipation, nausea and all the other uneasy feelings again returned, when she again took, of her own accord, this time, some Magnesia, which also operated on the boAvels Avith the same relief as before. At first she did not feel particularly uneasy, or trouble herself much concerning these matters, thinking they might be the proper effects of the remedy she Avas taking; accordingly she made little complaint about them, but persevered regularly to take the Taraxacum, fully expect- TARAXACUM. 693 ing, as she said, that it Avould, in the end, have the beneficial effect she had been led to anticipate. This vain hope, however, soon vanished, and, with it, all further confidence in the virtues of the medicine, Avhen, on awaking in the morning, to her great discomfort and amazement, she discovered the upper part of her body covered with a rash to which her attention was first directed in consequence of its incessant tingling and itching; the itching, in short, was so urgent, that, at first, she could not possibly refrain from scratching, which afforded much satisfaction and relief for the same; but, as the relief proved only temporary whilst the operation seemed greatly to increase rather than diminish the irritation, by producing a greater abundance of the eruption and increased redness of the skin, she was, therefore, afraid to indulge in it. Her condition now became completely wretched, and, feeling altogether much alarmed lest she had done herself some serious and permanent injury by taking this medicine without the sanction of professional authority, my attend- ance was requested. When I saw her, there was no eruption on the face, but it was slightly swollen and exhibited merely patches of effloresence or redness, without any thickening or elevation of the cuticle. On the forearms and hands, the eruption, when ex- amined by me, appeared to be of a mixed character—lichen and urticaria combined; the lichenous or papular eruption (the papula about the size of a pin's head, and of a purple or dark-red color) Avas dispersed over the whole of the arms, back and front, but thicker about the wrists and bindings of the elbows than any- where else, in Avhich places it was also clustered together in patches upon an inflamed base. The heads of numerous papulae appeared to have been broken off, and afterAvards covered with a brownish incrustation, as if blood had first exuded and then become hardened; but this, no doubt, was occasioned partly by the friction of the dress, and partly by the scratching, to Avhich the parts were, in the first instance, subjected, for the purpose of allaying the distressing tingling and itching from which there is scarcely any respite in such cases. The urticaria occupied principally the front of the arms; the wheals or the elevations were not very numerous or prominent, unless friction was had recourse to, by which they could be pro- duced almost to any extent; they were stated to come out and go in again two or three times in the course of the day, and to be ahvays very large and abundant in the morning; the chest and around the waist were also said to be thickly covered, and the redness intense, but I was not permitted to inspect these parts. The pulse Avas con- siderably accelerated, full, but soft; and there was also much febrile action, with rather severe frontal headache; the tongue was thickly coated on the back part Avith a yellowish-brown fur, and there was much complaint of dryness of the throat, in Avhich there was a cir- cumscribed ring of inflammation surrounding the isthmus faucium; the bowels were much confined, and the urine high-colored, and considerably diminished in quantity. The treatment, of course, Avas simple, and consisted merely in the administration of saline aperi- ents, together with restricting the patient to the use of a vegetable and cooling diet for a few days; to allay the irritation of the skin, the 694 LECTURE CIX. affected parts were to be sponged with vinegar and water twice a day, or, indeed, at any time when the urgency of the tingling-and itching rendered this step necessary. The Taraxacum, having been discontinued by the patient herself, previous to my seeing her, was, of course, not resumed; nor would it, perhaps, have been an easy matter to have persuaded her to have done so under existing cir- cumstances. Under this mode of treatment the eruption and other unpleasant symptoms speedily disappeared, and in the course of five or six days there was scarcely a vestige of the disease remaining, ex- cepting, perhaps, a little desquamation of the cuticle from off the parts where the eruption had been." THEA SINENSIS. (The Tea-Tribe.—Nat. Ord.: Ternstromace^e, hindley.) Two kinds of tea are sold in our markets, black and green tea, or Thea Bohea and Thea viridis. There still exists considerable diver- sity of opinion regarding the point, whether these two kinds of tea come from the same plant or from two distinct species. Recent investigations lead to the belief that the different kinds of tea which are used as a beverage, come from two different plants growing in different parts of the Chinese Empire. The black tea comprises the following kinds of commercial tea: tea Bou, Congo, Campoi, Souchong and Pekoe ; to the green tea belong the folloAving sorts: Twankay, Hyson, Imperial or Soulong, and Gun- powder. Both black and green teas have been repeatedly analyzed; according to Frank (in Gmelin's Manual of Chemistry), and Sir H. Davy, black tea contains more Tannin than green ; Brande, on the contrary, arrives at an opposite conclusion. Popular experience likewise tends to establish the fact that green tea is more astringent than black. Be this as it may, the difference in the amount of Tannin contained in each kind, is not very great. About twenty- five years ago Oudry discovered a crystalline alkaloid in Souchong. to which he gave the name Theine. A few years later Jobst main- tained the identity of Theine and Caffeine. This identity is how- ever, only apparent, for daily experience demonstrates more cer- tainly than chemical analysis, the positive difference betAveen the effects, and hence between the active principles of tea and coffee. Much has been said concerning the good and the pernicious effects of tea. The probability is that both parties, the advocates as well as the opponents of tea, have gone too far, the former in their praise, the latter in their denunciation of this beverage. There is but one true and safe method of determining the quantitative and qualita- tive effects of tea upon the human frame ; it is to make careful and systematic provings, upon persons in perfect health with well authenticated specimens of tea-leaves, and to keep an exact record of the effects in their chronological order and physiological con- nection. THEA SINENSIS. 695 # We find a short case of poisoning by black tea in Frank's Maga- zine, which shows that tea has a poAverful effect upon the brain and upon the motor nerves. A man who was suffering with a common catarrhal sore throat, swallowed within the space of three hours an infusion of black tea consisting of one ounce and a half to thirty cups of water. While drinking the tea, his thirst became more and more intense, until finally delirium set in. The patient was in the highest state of ecstasis; his consciousness was gone, he laughed incessantly, spoke in rhymes, assured those near him that he felt quite well, swallowed Avith perfect ease, and had vomited several times. His muscular strength was very much depressed, the pulse was normal, the skin dry. A similar group of symptoms may occur as a paroxysm of Hysteria, for which a good cup of tea or perhaps a few drops of an alcoholic tincture repeated at short intervals may prove an excel- lent remedy. Wibmer quotes a number of authorities concerning the toxical and medicinal effects of tea. Lettsom states in his Natural History of the tea-plant, that a physician lost his appetite for dinner, if he drank a cup previous to his meal, and that a cup of tea taken before retiring, kept him awake for a few hours. The same author states that thirty grains of tea in powder, SAval- loAved three or four times a day, cause debility, decrease of'temper- ature, disposition to sleep, to perspire and to vomit. A double dose increases the inclination to vomit, the sick feeling and the disagree- able feeling in the stomach. Whytt relates of himself that a cup of strong tea taken upon an empty stomach before breakfast, caused great debility, a hurried pulse and vertigo. Murray relates of himself that on a certain occasion, when his nerves felt rather weak, he swallowed a cup of strong tea which caused intoxication, weakness of memory and languor. Tode states that a child was attacked with epilepsy in conse- quence of drinking a cup of strong tea. Percival relates: A man drank a quantity of strong tea; he expe- rienced oppression on the chest, labored and irregular breathing, violent palpitation of the heart, spasmodic pain in the region of the heart, disposition to faint, and his pulse was feeble, intermittent and irregular. Opium and brandy restored him. Erdmann remarks in Hufeland's Journal, Vol. 64, that the con- tinued use of tea in some causes vascular excitement and sleepless- ness and in others constipation. Newnham communicates some interesting observations on the 696 LECTURE CTX. virtues -of green tea in the London Medical and Phys. Journal, 1827. Green tea afforded him instantaneous relief for his tormenting hemicrania Avith violent throbbing of the carotids; after trying antiphlogistic remedies Avithout any other result than some mitiga- tion of his sufferings, a cup of strong green tea at once afforded him the most exquisite relief. The abatement of the head:vhe was, however, followed by palpitation of the heart and oppression in the praecordia ; these symptoms, however, soon subsided. If taking tea at supper, he generally experienced a slight feeling of anxiety in the precordial region, and a sleepless night; but if his brain was more than ordinarily excited by a lively conversation or by continued thinking, the anxiety disappeared, and he had a refreshing sleep. He likeAvise experimented upon three other individuals, each of Avhom swallowed one-third of an infusion made of one ounce of the best green tea digested for tAventy minutes in a pint of boiling water. Each was attacked Avith oppression of the chest and heart; the pulse Avas first accelerated, afterwards diminished, irregular and even intermittent, at the same time each experienced a feeling of anxiety and trembling. If Avihe or beer was drank after the tea, the sleeplessness and general malaise were not experienced. But if strong beer was drank before taking the tea, this beverage dimin- ished the frequency of the pulse, and afforded a feeling of comfort and increased buoyancy of mind and body. From' these facts Wibmer draAVS the conclusion that good and moderately strong tea tranquillizes and quickens the nervous system; whereas strong tea, especially in the case of irritable individuals, is apt to cause vertigo, sleeplessness, palpitation of the heart, oppres- sion of the chest, debility and trembling of the extremities, eA^en fainting fits; very frequently tea constipates the bowels and causes thirst; if drank constantly and in large quantities, it relaxes the nerves and the bodily strength, causing A^arious affections of the nervous system, weakness of digestion, hysteria, hypochondria, palpitation of the heart, chlorosis, leucorrhoea, etc. These effects of tea amply justify its use in states of muscular exhaustion, weariness and mental depression, induced by a continual and severe strain upon the bodily and mental faculties; a cup of tea under these circumstances will seem to send a fresh flow of strength through the weary tissues, and will quicken the mind with a renewed energy. Sleeplessness from over-exertion will likewise .yield to a cup of tea. Mild attacks of Dyspepsia, with oppression and anxiety at the pit of the stomach, more particularly when induced by a moral or mental cause, or by a little over-eating or partaking of something that did not exactly agree with the stomach, may meet with their remedy in a cup or half a cup, or even a few spoonfuls of very strong tea. Newnham's observation likeAvise shows that the unpleasant excite- ment of the circulation and nerves which may haATe been caused by URTTCA URENS. 697 beer or wine, may be caused by tea. We might consider-this excitement as a mild form of Intoxication or even Delirium tremens. The large quantity of Tannin contained in tea, fits it for an anti- dote m cases of poisoning by substances containing vegetable alkalies, or by Tartar Emetic. The November number of the .London Lancet, 1833, contains a case of poisoning by opium where the patient's life was saved by a strong infusion of green tea. The patient had swallowed an ounce of the tincture, and was taken to the hospital in a state of stupor, and the pupils very much contracted and insensible to the light. The stomach pump was used without any relief. He was now made to swallow three-quarters of a pint of a strong infusion of green tea, and was bled from the arm. From this moment the stupor left him, and next day he left the hospital. URTICA URENS. Nettle-worts.—Nat. Ord.: Urticace^, Endl) The different species of Nettle are distinguished by little bristles or hairs with which the leaves are garnished. Most persons have experienced upon their skin the acridity of the liquid contained in the epidermoid gland at the base of each hair. In former times a common method of treating dropsy was to flagellate patients with the Urtica dioica, or the larger species of Nettle. Nettles not only irritate the skin and cause a very unpleasant rash which stings and burns, but the internal use may likeAvise de- velop poisonous symptoms. Wibmer relates the following case. A woman, thirty-eight years old, had drank a strong infusion of tAvo cups of Urtica urens for cardialgia, shortly before retiring to bed. At four o'clock in the morning the skin of her face, arms, shoulders and chest burnt frightfully, the patient complained of itching and burning, as if the skin were scorched; the lips, nose and ears Avere swollen, the eyelids Avere oedematous as if full of water, and they Avere closed. At noon the upper part of the body, doAvn to the umbilicus, was enormously swollen, but rather pale and dropsical than inflamed, and covered with confluent, small, trans- parent vesicles filled Avith serum, sudamina. In other respects the patient was free from pain, the breathing and circulation were undisturbed. Fiard Avho was the attending physician, and who originally re- ported this case in the Bulletin de Therapeutique, having remained for two days in perfect ignorance of the origin of this trouble, and beino- desirous of relieving his patient of her burning distress and anxiety, bled her and ordered footbaths and mustard-plasters; he likeAvise pricked the swollen parts, from which a quantity of serum Avas discharged, after Avhich the swelling went down. On the third day the eruption caused violent itching, on the sixth desquamation set in. What is remarkable is that the patient Avho had had twelve 698 LECTURE CIX. children of whom she had not nursed any, noAV saw her breasts swell and fill with a serous and afterwards with a milky fluid. For tAvelve days she did not emit a drop of urine, although she com- menced to eat on the fourth day, and had alvine discharges. This case shows that an infusion of Urtica urens must be useful for burns where the integuments and subjacent tissues are not de- stroyed, and where the injury is confined to the epidermis. If an infusion can be had, we should prefer it to the alcoholic tincture. The infusion should be taken in teaspoonful doses pretty frequently, the tincture in doses of no less than five drops every half hour until the patient is relieved. At the same time a compress moistened with 40 to 50 drops of the tincture in half a pint of warm alcohol may be applied externally. The juice of the Urtica urens as well as of the Urtica dioica, has been successfully used by Old-School practitioners for haemor- rhage from the urethra, from the nose, stomach and principally for metrorrhagia. Experiments were made by order of the French Academy. In several very acute cases of metrorrhagia after con- finements, the flow of blood was arrested very speedily. In a case of metrorrhagia which had resulted from a violent fright shortly after the cessation of the menstrual flow, and which had lasted more or less uninterruptedly for two months and a half, the patient who was unable to sit up, and had become oedematous and exceedingly reduced, was finally saved by means of Urtica dioica. She drank half a glassful of an infusion every two hours; next day the haemor- rhage was arrrested and she recovered very speedily. This experience may be of great use to homoeopathic physicians Avho, as all other physicians, find it sometimes very difficult to arrest the haemorrhage which occasionally sets in at the critical period. The infusion which was administered in the above-mentioned cases was obtained from the leaves and root. The recent plant was cut in small pieces, moistened with water, and the whole pressed through a linen strainer. Inasmuch as an infusion can only be obtained in certain seasons and often only in the country, the alcoholic tincture will have to be depended upon. In all such cases it will be found indispensable to use the concentrated tincture in tolerably massive doses. UYA URSI, ARBUTUS UVA URSI. (Bearberry. Nat. Ord.: Ericlne^e.) This plant groAVs on dry heaths ; leaves of a dark shining green, bitter and astringent, entire, the leaves of the red whortleberry are sometimes substituted; these are minutely toothed, hence the fraud can be readily discovered. The berries are of a scarlet-red. This plant has diuretic properties, causing burning in the urethra, and is said to have caused discharges of blood and pus from the urethra. It relieves ascites arising from organic affections of the VALERIANA OFFICINALIS. 699 heart and liver. In such a case large doses have to be given ; a de- coction is often preferable to the tincture. In inflammatory irritation of the urethral and vesical lining mem- brane, with discharge of pus and blood, this agent may prove useful. Kopp relates a case of haematuria which he cured with a decoction ol the leaves; and we find other cases related, more particularly one where the haemorrhage resulted from a fall on the small of the back, and where a speedy and permanent cure was effected by the same means after the usual styptics had been employed in vain. In this last mentioned case, Arnica and Aconite, which would most pro- bably have arrested the flow of blood without any difficulty, were not tried. J J VALERIANA OFFICINALIS, (Valerian.—Nat. Ord.: Valeriane^e.) This perennial plant is a native of Europe and North America. It flowers from June to August; the stem grows to a height of several feet, and bears beautiful, small flowers of a reddish-Avhite color, forming large, dense, corymbiform panicles at the extremity of the stem and branches. The root is composed of several long, slender fibres, of a dusky-brown color, issuing from one head. Cats are intoxicated by it. Barbier relates in his Materia Medica that a patient in the hotel-dieu of Amiens, after taking six drachms daily for some time, woke up delirious, fancying that one side of the room was in flames. Large doses cause headache, mental excitement, visual illusions, (scintillations, flashes of light, etc.,) giddiness, restlessness, agitation, and occasionally spasmodic movements. We have tAvo excellent provings of this drug, one instituted by Professor Joerg and his disciples, and the other by Doctor Franz and his friends. Joerg made his provings with an infusion made of the finely cut- root over which boiling water was poured, Avhich was alloAved to stand for fifteen minutes in a covered vessel, after which the liquor was strained. The infusion was used before it had entirely cooled. On the 12th of December, 1822, Engler swallowed the fourth part of a pint at four o'clock in the afternoon; he spent the evening in a more cheerful mood than usual. The same quantity next day, pro- duced the same effect. The same dose, on the third day, seemed to induce more quick- ness in the operations of the mind; next morning the urine looked turbid, with a thin, whitish sediment. December 16th. SAvallowed six ounces; had a restless night, the urine was turbid, with a slimy sediment which seemed to dissolve after shaking the vessel. Gientz swallowed two scruples on the 9th of December; on the 700 lecture cix. 10th, one drachm, on the 11th, one drachm and a half; on the 12th and 13th, tAvo drachms on each day without any effect. The strength of the infusion was from tAvo to four ounces of the root to a pint of Avater. December 14th. Took three drachms; next night he experienced a slight headache and restless sleep. December 16th. After the same dose; slight attack of general headache until evening; restless sleep, bran-like sediment in the urine. December 17th. Same dose and same result. December 18th. Took two drachms of an infusion of three ounces, without any result. Haase swallowed the fourth part of an infusion of three drachms to one pound; this caused some eructations. Half an ounce caused eructations and scraping. December 14th. Half an ounce of six ounces to a pound, caused profuse urination. December 18th and 19th, after the same quantity of an infusion of one ounce to one pound, same result; eructations and diuresis. Heisterbergk swallowed the favorite part of an infusion of six drachms to one pint, with repeated eructations. December 17th; same dose, followed by an increase of Avarmth over the whole body, attended with eructations tasting of Valerian. December 18th: Same dose, same result, only more permanent. December 19th : Same result, urine had a white sediment. Kneschke experimented with one-quarter of an infusion of three ounces to one pound, without eliciting any symptoms. Hummer swalloAved one-fourth of an infusion of three drachms to one pound. Soon after, several eructations tasting of the drug; in three hours a slight headache from the forehead to the vertex, but more decidedly to the eyes, where a pressure is felt after straining them. December 13th. Took three ounces of an infusion of one drachm. In the evening, dullness of the head changing repeatedly to an aching and drawing pain in the forehead; slept soundly, and woke in the morning with a feeling of constriction of the pharynx which lasted two hours. December 14th. One-fourth of an infusion of five ounces. Soon after, eructations, aching pain in the right frontal region, periodically shifting to the left. December 16th. Three ounces of an infusion of one drachm and a half; eructations, and in a few hours, aching pain in the right side of the forehead, gradually spreading over the whole head, periodi- cally disappearing and reappearing, passing off during sleep, but returning again for some hours next afternoon. December 18th. Took three ounces of an infusion of tAvo drachms. Eructations tasting of Valerian; in a few hours, aching pain from VALERIANA OFFICINALIS. 701 the right frontal region over the whole head, sometimes as far as the eyes which became sensitive to moderate exertions; several times he left as if the limbs would go to sleep, at such times the headache was a pressing pain, and spread to the right angle of the loAver jaw. Winkler had no symptoms except a sediment of brown flocks in the urine. December 15th. Same result. December 17th. Excessively lively; urine deposited a brick-red sediment, like sand. December 18th. Same result, the lively mood rather abating, pulse quicker, urine cloudy. Giintz commenced his proving on the 2d of June, 1824, with an infusion of half a drachm to ten drachms; had rumbling and cutting in the bowels, followed by two diarrhoeic stools. June 9th. One drachm to ten. In half an hour: scraping in the throat, with a feeling of fullness in the head. June 13th. Two drachms to two ounces and a half; same result. Urine someAvhat turbid. Kneschke, on June 2d, 1824, took half a drachm to ten, without effect. June 3d. One drachm to two ounces and a half. In tAvo hours, the pulse rose to 75, with feeling of fullness in the head and Avarmth of the face. June 9th. Took tAvo drachms to t\vo ounces and a half. In half an hour, fullness in the stomach, and congestion about the head. Pienitz experimented with half a drachm to ten drachms, on the 2d of June, 1824, without any result. June 3/1. With one drachm to t\vo ounces and a half, without effect; after one drachm and a half in three and four ounces, taken in the morning, the prover experienced all day a feeling of pressure and heaviness in the stomach, and had two papescent stools in the afternoon. Siebenhaar experimented with half a drachm to ten. Felt a scraping sensation in the fauces, rumbling in the lesser boAvels, and in a few hours an indescribable, troublesome, nauseous taste. After one drachm, rumbling and cutting in the boAvels, especially in the umbilical region for half an hour. Professor Joerg experimented in 1822 and 1824; he only gives the results of his last proving. June 9th. At eight o'clock in the morning. One drachm to ten. The peculiar taste of Valerian changed in fifteen minutes to a taste resemblino- the odor of violets. The Avhole body seemed someAvhat excited • pulse accelerated by 4 to 5 beats, but not fuller. Fetid flatulence in the afternoon. Burning and cardialgic pains in the region of the stomach. 702 LECTURE CIX. June 10th. Two drachms to two ounces and a half. Soon after, fullness in the stomach without eructations, changing to canine hunger (the prover had not yet taken anything for breakfast except two cups of coffee at five in the morning.) A quarter of an hour after taking the drug, slight cutting in the umbilical region, feeling of fullness in the head, especially under the vertex, for one hour; pulse accelerated by five beats ; after the sensation of canine hunger, the prover not only felt the stomach and abdomen as if full, but there was a constant rising of a peculiar scraping and nauseous irritation in the oesophagus; urine very bilious; sleep disturbed for one hour by a cardialgic pain, by dreams and a profuse SAveat. Next day the head felt gloomy, stool more frequent than usual, but in small quantities. June 13. Three drachms to four ounces. In fifteen minutes, slight congestion about the head, slight pressure under the parietal bones, distension of the abdomen; in one hour, cutting in the bowels, the same acrid rising as before, and, in the afternoon, frequent indica- tions of headache, in one or another part of the head; urine rather dark-brown. Enders swallowed on the 23d of January, 1830, half a drachm of the poAvder in one ounce of water, without effect. January 24th. One drachm: red sediment in the urine, violent aching pain in the right side of the forehead. Engler took half a drachm January 23d. Next morning, slimy sediment in urine. January 24th. One drachm; very lively in the evening, restless sleep, same sediment in urine. January 31st. Two drachms; same result. Giintz took half a drachm on January 20th, and one drachm January 25th, without effect. January 27th. One drachm; frequent eructations tasting of Vale- rian; afterwards nausea, malaise, fullness in the stomach and head- ache ; restless sleep, sediment in urine. Haase swallowed one drachm, January 25th; frequent urination. January 27th. The taste of the drug is so offensive that it causes him to shudder. Heisterbergk swallowed half a drachm, one drachm, and one drachm and a half without effect. January 28th. Two drachms, cloudy urine next morning. January 30th. Same experiments, same results. Kneschke swallowed half a drachm, and even two drachms with- out effect. Stroeffer, January 20th. Half a drachm of the powder in one ounce of water; frequent eructations tasting of Valerian, nausea VALERIAN OFFICINALIS. 703 unto vomiting, headache, especially in the frontal region, the whole evening, and a moderate sweat in the night. January 23d. Same eructations, increased nausea, headache over the top of the head. Winkler, January 20th. Half a drachm, without effect. _ January 22d. One drachm; urine deposits brownish flocks over night. Januay 25th. Urine deposits mucus. January 27th. Two drachms and a half in one ounce and a half of water; feels very uncomfortable, low-spirited, no appetite; next morning, languid; urine deposits a brick-dust sediment for several days. Kneschke, June 10th, swallowed one drachm of the powder in one ounce of water; fullness in the stomach. June 11th. One drachm and a half; same symptoms as yesterday, determination of blood to the head. January 12th. Two drachms in an ounce and a half of water, feeling of fullness and pressure in the cardiac region, same deter- mination to the head. Siebenhaar, 10th of June, swallowed one drachm in an ounce of water. Shudder, on account of the bad taste; eructations tasting of Valerian, rumbling in the bowels. June 11th. Almost the same symptoms. January 12th. Two drachms in two ounces of water; the symp- toms of the digestive tube still more marked; fullness of the stomach, frequent eructations tasting of Valerian, and occasional disposition to vomit. After dinner the fullness of the abdomen was still more troublesome, and the inclination to vomit increased ; no disposition to bodily or mental labor. The results of these interesting experiments, are perhaps less comprehensive than the empirical use of the drug might have led us to expect, but the beauty of Joerg's provings consists in their perfect reliability and instructive clearness. We will now proceed to arrange the pathogenesis of this drug under its appropriate categories, in connection with the pathogenetic results obtained by Franz, and point out the parallel of the drug-disease in the domain of pathology. CEREBRO-SPINAL GROUP. The symptoms at once point out Valerian as a remedy for Hysteria; the fitfulness of spirits, the sudden and immediate elation side by side with the gloomy depression confirm our state- ment. . We likewise are led to recommend Valerian as a remedy for Hysteric Headache, and for Hemicrania, or a general Nervous Headache, with painful pressure in the sides of the fore- 704 LECTURE CIX. head, vertex, a sort of stupefying headache, attended Avith symptoms of intestinal derangement. A leading symptom of this headache is a stitching pain, a sort of Stitching Hemicrania, which Hahnemann mentions as an effect of Valerian in his Fragmenta de Viribus Medicaminum. The special symptoms of these different headaches need not be repeated here; they can be read over in the statements of the different provers. Gross, however, mentions a symptom Avhich it may be useful to note: "A passing pain as if he had been dealt a severe blow on the vertex; a painfully-stupefying, contractive sensation which, pro- ceeding from the vertex, spreads over the whole head, and first disappears from the other parts of the head before it leaves the vertex." Stapf reports: "A violent pressure in the forehead, followed in a few minutes by a stitching in the forehead, and more particularly in the orbits; soon after the stitching again changes to a pressure, and so on in rotation; the stitching seems as if the stitches would dart through the eye-balls; it continues for*some hours." Neuralgic pains in the tips of the toes as if ulcerated, with sensa- tion as if a current of cool air were passing along the sole to the calf. Tabius Columna, a physician and author of the latter half of the sixteenth century, informs us that he cured himself of Epilepsy Avith Valerian ; it may be useful in epilepsy, developing itself out of hysteric spasms. Valerian is adapted to the treatment of Neuralgic Rheumatism. Franz and his co-provers have elicited a number of symptoms from this drug, which very clearly show its homoeopathicity to this affection. We note: A keen pain in the left lumbar region, over the hip, as from a violent strain, worse when standing and sitting than when Avalking. Rheumatic pains in the shoulder-blades; A crampy jerk repeatedly darts through the humerus, like an electric shock; DraAving pain from the deltoid muscle to the elboAV, Avhen the arm is resting on the table; but Avhen it is hanging doAvn, the draw- ing is felt to the tips of the fingers, the arm feels heavy; Drawing-tearing from the shoulder to the fingers, disappearing with a stitch in the knee, during a walk, after Avhich she felt a drawing pain up and doAvn the leg; A bruising pain in the bends of the elbows, when Avriting, extend- ing upwards to the head of the biceps; A burning pain in the left hip, in the evening, in bed; A fleeting jerking in the left thigh, while standing, after which the part feels as if bruised; VALERIANA OFFICINALIS. 705 After a violent stitch in the left knee, a pain moves up and down from the left knee to the toes, which afterwards affected the other leg; this pain was preceded by a similar pain from the shoulder to the fingers; A tensive pain from the bend of the knee through the whole calf; Heaviness in the calves; when walking, she finds it difficult to get along; When placing the right leg over the left, he feels a tearing pain in the left calf; Pulsative tearing in the right calf, when he is sitting ;* Drawing and darting pains, or jerking pains like electric shocks, or pains as if the parts had been bruised and strained, are very com- monly mentioned by our provers, as affecting the legs and feet. Some provers report: Lancing pains in the knees, elbows and shoulder-joints, when he stops walking; Drawing in many parts of the body, like shooting jerks ; A smarting pressure or dull stitching as with a dull instrument in various parts of the body. The rheumatic pains of Valerian are very apt to be felt suddenly, sudden jerking, darting, crampy pains. ORBITAL GROUP. Smarting in the eyes as from smoke; continuing off and on for several months; A burning smarting in the eyes; Pressure in the eyeballs; the margin of the eyelids feels swollen and sore, especially near the left inner canthus; they look red; Dimness and soreness of the eyes, as if he had not slept enough; Scintillations before the eyes; In the evening, in the dark, he saw a light before his eyes, so that he was almost able to distinguish objects; at the same time his sense of tact was much keener than usual, so that he was almost able to feel objects near him; he afterwards, upon examination, found that they were really in those places; m From the above-mentioned case of poisoning, we infer that Vale- rian possesses the faculty of causing illusions of color, such as, that half the room is on fire. . These symptoms afford us most useful hints in regard to tne ophthalmic affections for which Valerian may prove useful; we may recommend it for _ m Sore Eyes, especially Avhen the nervous integrity of the eyes seems somewhat impaired, a state of _ Amblyopia, with haziness of sight and illusions of color. This * In a note Franz remarks that the last four symptoms proved very obstinate, and reappeared off and on for several months. vol. H.—45 706 LECTURE CIX. form of sore eyes, or chronic conjunctivitis, and photopsia, may like- wise be traced to the presence of scrofula or struma. The excessive afflux of light, which one of the prOvers experienced, may be regarded as a peculiar element of hysteria or Hysteric Photopsia, a state of physical clairvoyance, which, in this prover's case, was accompanied with a similar intensified acute- ness of the sense of tact. AURICULAR AND FACIAL GROUPS. Ringing in the ears, he imagines he hears the ringing of bells. This symptom may be another sign of the peculiar keenness of the senses which sometimes characterizes a state of hysteria. The cheeks become flushed and hot in the open air; in a quarter of an hour, a perspiration breaks out over the whole body, especially in the face. Individuals with a very nervous temperament, especially females, are subject to these flashes of heat in the face from the least excite- ment. This symptom may perhaps serve as an indication that Valerian is generally suitable to such persons for the nervous ailments to which they are liable. It may quiet their nervousness, remove their wakefulness, calm their excited circulation, hush, for a time at least, the irritability of the heart, and procure a general feeling of ease and comfort to their excited frames. The occasional use of Valerian for such palliative purposes as we have here enumerated, is not only legitimate under the homoeopathic law, but it is at times indispensable. A nervous paroxysm may be subdued by a dose of Valerian, and yet the diathesis or consti- tutional psora from which this paroxysm may spring, may continue to exist in the very framework of the organism, and renewed provo- cations may give rise to other paroxysms. This same palliative practice may be carried on with Nux vomica, Aconite, Belladonna, and many other remedies. A momentary paroxysm, an attack of bilious colic, of hysteria, of rheumatism or gout, may be efficiently controlled, and the disease may seem cured, yet this appearance of a cure may again be dispelled by the reality of another paroxysm. The doctrine used to be that, under these circumstance, an antipsoric remedy must be resorted to in order to exterminate the psoric miasm. There is no objection to resorting to such a proceeding; but we warn the practitioner against such a misapprehension of this doctrine, as might lead him to abandon the specifically-homoeopathic palliative, from which the patient derives at least certain and posi- tive comfort, although only for a time, for the antipsoric remedy which is to stop up the fountain-head from which the constitutional misery flows. The antipsoric may be blended with the palliative treatment, and a wise discretion may both palliate and cure. DENTAL GROUP. Gross reports: Fleeting shooting jerks or shocks in the right VALERIANA OFFICINALIS. 707 ramus of the lower jaw, resembling electric shocks; and Hahne- mann reports: Shooting pains in the teeth. Another symptom reported by Gross, is : A drawing in the teeth of the lower jaw from before backwards, and afterwards a draAving m the teeth of the upper jaw from behind forward. These symptoms commend Valerian to our attention in Toothache, where similar pains occur, in toothache of a purely nervous character, induced by rheumatic exposure or nervous excitement. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP. We have seen that Valerian causes a variety of abnormal sensa- tions in the digestive range which may make it a valuable remedy in certain forms of Dyspepsia and Cardialgia. Our provers have complained of Eructations, rancid or tasteless; Taste in the mouth resembling the odor of violets ; Nausea and vomiting; Fullness in the stomach and bowels after eating; Excessive distension of the abdomen ; Pinching and digging pains in the bowels folloAved by soft or papescent stool; Rumbling and cutting in the umbilical region, and sometimes in the bowels generally; These symptoms may constitute an habitual state of weakness of the digestive system, or such a state may be characterized by occa- sional paroxysms represented by the above-mentioned series of pains and derangements. It is particularly persons with nervous tempera- ments, or liable to attacks of hysteria, that are likewise liable to such paroxysms of digestive derangements. They are generally attended with headache, frontal or temporal. Some of the symptoms in these affections which have been developed by the provers of Valerian, are sufficiently characteristic to deserve special notice : Hahnemann reports the following exceedingly interesting symp- toms; Nausea, with desire to vomit, as if a thread were hanging in the throat; it arises from the umbilical region, gradually rising to the pharynx, and causing a profuse flow of saliva: She feels sick at the stomach, with fainting, her lips become dis- colored, and the body is icy-cold ; this is followed by vomiting of bile and mucus, Avith a severe chill; A sudden pressure in the epigastrium, passing off with a rumbling sensation in the bowels; The epigastrium and the hepatic region are painful to the touch ; A pain, as if bruised, in the hypogastrium, especially on the pubic bones, increasing paroxysmally like a painful pressure or drawing; 708 LECTURE CIX. Violent urging in the anus, after rising from the stool; this dis- appears, but in a few hours he has another natural evacuation ; Boring pain in the rectum. URINARY GROUP. Valerian causes various sediments in the urine, such as : Slimy, brick-dust and bran-shaped sediments ; also; Brown flocks after standing. These sediments may occur in the course of various nervous derangements, hysteria. SLEEP AND FEVER. Disturbed sleep, sleeplessness. The pulse rises by five or ten beats; the body feels pleasantly warm, with an anxious and tremulous sensation as if proceeding from the abdomen; The pulse is irregular, sixty beats in one minute, and ninety in another; Chilliness and creeping chills over the whole body; In the evening the cheeks feel hot, pulse at sixty, without thirst or previous chilliness; Increased warmth the whole day, a perspiration breaks out in the face, pulse eighty to ninety ; Frequent sweats; Tremulous feeling, he has no rest any Avhere, as when an agree- able event is impending; Palpitation of the heart; We have already stated that some of Joerg's provers experienced an excessive buoyancy of spirits from Valerian ; Franz and some of his co-provers report an opposite state, sadness and hypochondriac state of mind, a feeling of lonesomeness. These are the effects of com- paratively small doses, large doses produce the opposite symptoms. Valerian has been used against fever and ague, but our provings- show that it is only capable of causing febrile conditions of a very simple nature, and that it is therefore only adapted for simple nervous derangements with febrile symptoms, such as simple paroxysms of hysteria or nervous irritation arising from excessive excitement, a sudden surprise, an intensely exciting conversation. These febrile symptoms may likewise develop themselves as con- sensual effects of a state of gastric irritation to which Valerian is homoeopathic. YERBASCUM THAPSUS. (Great Mullein, High Taper.—Nat. Ord.: Solane^:.) This plant is found in most of our Northern and Western States, and in Europe. It grows on barren soil. About the period of VERBASCUM THAPSUS. 709 flowering we collect the flowers and leaves, of whieh we make a oiTq having a dark jellowish-brown color. Uld-School practitioners have used this drug for fomentations and cataplasms to be applied to haemorrhoidal tumors and indurated glandular swellings. It has likewise been used for gargles in sore throat. It is classed among the emollients and demulcents, and has likewise been supposed to be possessed of narcotic properties. Hahnemann has left us a short proving of this drug, which, how- ever, abundantly confirms the fact, that this drug affects poAverfully the nervous equilibrium or, as the French physiologists so express- ively term it, life of relation—vie de relation—betAveen the brain and liver, givingrise to some important and highly characteristic symp- toms Avhich indicate the use of this drug in some severe forms of Bilious-nervous Headaches and likewise in Prosopalgia, the symptoms whereof are so clearly defined in the pathogenesis of the drug that a mere recital thereof will be sufficient to guide the practitioner in the relation of this agent. In the CEPHALIC GROUP We range the following symptoms: Dull and painful heaviness of the head ; Stupefying drawing in the left temple, in a draught of air; Violent painful pressure in the brain, from within outwards; Violent, stupefying, deep pressure in the right frontal protuber- ance, on passing from a cold to a warm temperature; Pressure, with tearing, in the right brain ; Stupefying pressure in the whole left side of the head and face ; Aching, stupefying pain in both sides of the forehead, in any position ; Stupefying, deeply-penetrating sticking in the right temple, during dinner, aggravated by external pressure; in a few hours the pain shifts to the upper teeth of that side, and changes to a tearing; Slow, long stitch through the left brain, from behind forwards, with pressure; Deep, sharp, intermittent stitches between the left frontal eminence and the protuberance of the left parietal bone ; Sensation as if both temples were pinched with pincers; Constant pressing in the forehead, from within outwards, particu- larly between the eyebroAvs; Tension on the left side of the vertex, gradually changing to a sharp pressure, with a sensation as if the ramus of the left lower jaw were pressed against the upper jaw. Burning and prickling in the left temple. ORBITAL GROUP. In this direction, the action of the drug, as a bile-disturbing agent. is made manifest by the following symptoms, representing a form of Amblyopia, or weakness of sight; Heat in the eyes and sensation as if the orbits were contracted; 710 LECTURE CIX. Hazy and Avatery dimness of sight, objects becoming indistinct and groAving larger; The light of day seems to grow darker, the pupils are dilated. The symptoms of the AURICULAR AND FACIAL GROUPS likewise point to a disturbance of the life of relation or vie de relation, betAveen the brain and liven We note the following as the most characteristic: Painful tearing and drawing in the left ear, from without in- wards ; Sensation as if the left ear were drawn inwards;. Sensation as if the ears were obstructed, first the left, then the rig/ht. These symptoms represent a form of Otalgia; the following symptoms may be said to represent a form of Prosopalgia ; Stupefying, intermittent pressure in the upper border of the left malar bone; Sensation as if violent pressure were made on the left malar bone, as far as the ear, aggravated by pressure with the hand, frequently during the day, in the evening before falling asleep, and in the morning on waking; Dull pressure in the region of the articular process of the tem- poral bone, increasing to a stupefying tension ; Tension in the left malar bone, in the articular process of the temporal bone, and in the frontal eminence, when exposed to a <. urrent of air, and when the air blows on the parts; Intermittent horrid sticking in the left malar bone. CHYLO-POIETIC GROUP The symptoms of this group again confirm our theory that the biliary functions are principally invaded by the disturbing action of the great Mullein. We find the following symptoms recorded by our provers: Early on rising, and in the forenoon, the tongue shows a brown coating at the root, the taste is flat and nauseous; No appetite, although the prover feels hungry and desires to par- take of nourishment; Bitter eructations, with disposition to vomit; Gulping up of an insipid fluid; Sensation of great emptiness in the pit of the stomach, going off by rumbling in the left hypochondrium ; Sticking pinching in the right hypochondrium ; Stupefying violent cutting below the left ribs, or a deep stitch causing one to start; Pain in the umbilical region as if the bowels adhered to the peri- toneum and were to be pulled out; VINCA MINOR—VIOLA ODORATA. 711 Frequent constrictions of the abdomen in the umbilical region; 1 ressure at the umbilicus as from a stone, aggravated by bending forward; °° J ° Sticking in the umbilical region, especially after dinner, aggravated oy bending forwards and by drawing a long breath, also in the region of the dorsal vertebrae; Lancinations in the abdomen from above downwards; Distension of the abdomen with rumbling and eructations; Scanty discharge of stool, like sheep's dung with straining. These few symptoms can hardly be designated by any pathological name. ^ We might range them in the category of Bilious Dyspepsia ; but they are of a consensual nature rather than the effects of a primary action of the drug. The brain and the tri- geminus receive the first and main shock of the drug from which the pains and functional derangements which our provers have recorded in the abdominal range and in the extremities, emanate as consensual effects through the action of the ganglionic system. YINCA MINOR, (Periwinkle.—Natural Order: Apocyne^e.) This creeping evergreen is found in shady woods, and on stony slopes; it is also cultivated in gardens; the flowers are funnel- shaped, blue or violet. We prepare a tincture of the plant during the flowering season, having a brown-green color. We have cured with the tincture a species of Herpes Crustaceus on the head, face and behind the ears, emitting an offensive odor. In Plica Polonica it is likewise said to have effected some good. VIOLA ODORATA, (Sweet Violet.—Natural Order; VIOLACE.E.) These well-known flowers emit a fragrant odor, and are cultivated in our gardens as an ornamental plant. They have a slimy and somewhat bitter taste. The root has medicinal virtues. Boullay has detected an acrid principle in the leaves, flowers and seeds, but principally in the root, which he has termed Violine, and which is possessed of properties similar to those of Emetine, on which account he has given to it the name of "Indigenous Emetine." The dried root is almost inodorous, and has an acrid, bitter, nauseating taste. For years past the emetic and cathartic properties of the root have been known to the profession. Caste and Willemet gave half a drachm of the root in a feeble decoction of the leaves, after which the patient vomited once, and had three alvine discharges. From forty to sixty grains caused vomiting three times and from four to six stools; a larger quantity 712 LECTURE CIX. of the powder cannot be" swallowed on account of the loathing it causes. According to Orfila's experiments Violine is very poisonous to dogs. Chomel states that the effect of Violine is uncertain; that at times it causes vomiting, and at other times diarrhoea, and these effects at one time are produced by small, and at other times by larger quantities. We have a few provings of this drug, Avhich are, however, too incomplete to be of any practical value. The odor of violets seems to have a stupefying effect upon some persons, and has caused faint- ness and giddiness. The syrup of Violet is employed as a test; it is reddened by acids and made green by alkalies; by this means the genuine syrup can be distinguished from the counterfeit. VIOLA TRICOLOR. (Jacea, Pansy. Nat. Ord.: Violace^e Hindi.) The fresh herb has a somewhat bitter, acrid, slimy taste. Small quantities have a tendency to increase the secretion of urine and the cutaneous exhalations. According to some, it imparts to urine the odor of cats' urine; others deny this. Wibmer states that larger doses cause catharsis and emesis. He attributes this effect to the Violine which they contain. Joerg experimented upon himself and others with an infusion of one to three scruple to two ounces of water; it caused nausea, some colicky pains, pain in the stomach, and frequent alvine evacuations. The root has a more acrid taste than the herb, and probably con- tains a larger quantity of Violine. This plant, more particularly the root, has been given in Crusta lactea with the happiest results. Frank states that Schnei- der (see " Allgem. mediz. Annalen," by Pierer and Pabst,) has cured numbers of cases with a decoction of one drachm in milk, the whole of which is consumed every day by the patient, and which is like- wise applied externally. A tablespoonful of such a decoction threAV a cat into frighful convulsions. A syphilitic crusty eruption in the face likewise disappeared in four weeks under the use of this drug. Gentlemen, having displayed before you, as far as it seemed profitable and in accord with reliable observation, the wonderful powers and benign objects of the drug-world, let me ask the privi- lege of concluding my labors with a few general remarks. The operation of our drugs may be facilitated or retarded by the influences Avhich operate upon the patient while he is under our treatment. You are aware that what has been termed a homoeo- pathic diet, is a very rigid system of abstinence from many things, the use of which has been rendered familiar and even necessary to us by long habit and hereditary taste. Diet constitutes an important influence, or series of influences, bearing upon the action of our REMARKS ON DIET. 713 remedial agents in the human organism. We are in the habit of forbidding acids, spices, aromas of any kind; all artificial stimulants are strictly interdicted during treatment; even the most delicate and perhaps scarcely perceptible fragrance of a flower, would not be tolerated by a strict adherent to our dietetic rules within even a respectful distance of the mysterious globule. To an enlightened and liberal-minded follower of Hahnemann, it is interesting to trace the gradual unfolding of those strict dietetic rules which have fright- ened numbers of otherwise desirable patients away from the beauti- ful resources of our art. In his remarkable Essay, entitled : " Are the obstacles to certainty and simplicity in practical medicine insur- mountable ?" Hahnemann develops in a feAV masterly strokes his ideas concerning diet such as they existed in his untrammelled mind previous to the period when a certain love of dogmatism becomes distinctly perceptible in his writings "A universal diet, like a uni- versal medicine, is an idle dream." " I once knew an ignorant over-officious practitioner prescribe such a severe diet to a healthy young woman after a favorable first- labour, that she was on the eve of starvation. She held up for some days under this water-gruel diet—all meat, beer, wine, coffee, bread, butter, nourishing vegetables, &c, were denied her: but at last she grew excessively weak, complained of agonizing after-pains, was sleepless, costive, and, in short, dangerously ill. The medical atten- dant attributed all this to some infraction of his dietetic rules. She begged to be allowed some coffee, or broth, or something similar. The practitioner, strong in his principles, was inflexible : Not a drop ! Driven to desperation by his severity and her hunger, she gave way to her innocent longings, drank coffee, and ate in moderation what- ever she fancied. The practitioner found her, on his next visit, much to his surprise, not only out of danger, but lively and re- freshed ; so he complacently noted down in his memorandum-book the excellent effects of slop-diet in the treatment of lying-in women. The convalescent took good care not to hint to him her natural transgression. This is the history of many, even published observa- tions ! Thus the disobedience of the patient not unfrequently saves the credit of the physician." There is a fund of good sense sparkling in every line of this para- graph, which should not be lost upon his disciples. We cannot lay down dietetic rules applicable to every case and to every constitution. Coffee is a perfect blessing to some, it is poison to others. How absurd it would be to refuse all patients indiscriminately a glass of Avine or mild beer, without considering idiosyncratic or hereditary tastes or necessities! A homoeopathic physician inquired whether it was proper that a lady who was recovering from pneumonia, but who still Avas under treatment, should taste a little claret. She Avas a French lady and had been accustomed to the use of such stimulants from her childhood. This gentleman had studied Homoeopathy out of books, forgetting that her golden rules are intended for living organisms, and, that the good sense of the practitioner has to_ interpret and' adapt'them agreeably to the Avants of the living machinery, the harmony of Avhich he is desired to restore. We cannot operate 714 LECTURE CIX. Avith our delicate preparations outside of those ten thousand artificial influences which are essential constituents, as it Avere, outgroAvths of civilization. Let us therefore act wisely, with a humane and accom-- modating spirit, and, if we are treating a lady whose very soul delights in the cultivation of flowers, who worships flowers as emblems of beauty, let us not rudely crush her sweet longing for the sight of a rose-bud or a gentle violet, lest the offended majesty of our globule scorn to render her the desired assistance. Gentlemen, let me assure you that our delicate preparations have more sense than many of those who prescribe them. I consider it the duty of every homoeo- pathic physician to use all his influence for the purpose of refining and elevating the tastes and habits of his patients. Place Homoeo- pathy before your mind's eye as she exists in inmost principles in the bosom of nature, a system of delicate and most accurate percep- tions ; a drug-power refusing to operate, unless it is perceived and accepted as a power by the pathological condition which we desire to impress. No rude violations of the suffering organism! The medicinal agent is tendered by gentle hands, with due regard for the rights of the enemy whom we are desired to lead out of the house which the pure spirit of health and sweet peace should inhabit. We desire the hostile intruder to accept the proffered globule as a friend, in perfect freedom, yea to go to it, and cling to it, with the irresistible force of a superior attraction, even as one loving spirit clings to its true partner in spontaneous and indissoluble harmony. No com- pulsory proceedings in the bosom of our School. Freedom is the soul of order in all things, and likewise in the harmonious relation of the drug and the disease upon which it can act. Should not this fact exercise an harmonizing influence upon the habits and tastes of both patient and physician ? Just so far as this fullness of percep- tion, and this perfect freedom of choice on the part of the disease, are interfered with by extraneous influences, just so far is the saving power of the remedial agent impaired and the purity of our essen- tially humane art tarnished. Most of the artificial tastes which civilization has created, some of which are impure and disharmoniz- ing, are in direct antagonism with the gentle agencies that constitute our means of cure. We will naturally seek to remove them; but let us discard all harsh, rigid, exacting dogmatism; let us advise mildly, let us chide kindly. " A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench." An important auxiliary to the operation of homoeopathic medi- cines, beside diet, is water of various degrees of temperature. The use of water, as resorted to in hydropathic establishments, may be in accordance with theory, but it is not the legitimate offspring of natural science. A delicate organism shrinks back from such vio- lent proceedings as packing, a powerful douche, and the like. I do not mean to say that such appliances are inherently objectionable. By no means. Let those who are willing or who delight in such powerful revulsions, be afforded an opportunity of enjoying the stimulating influences of Avater to their fullest extent, provided the use thereof is justified by the exigencies of the case. It is the abuse of water that is condemnable, such abuse of it as water-cure physi- WATER. 715 cians are sometimes disposed to permit themselves. Gentlemen, the petty despotism which some hydropathic physicians consider it their privilege to exercise, is not compatible with the humane and tran- quillizing character of our practice. If some of you should feel disposed to associate the systematic use of cold water with the exhibition of homoeopathic medicines, I would advise you to be ever mindful of the delicate sensibilities of this living machine of ours. Rude shocks are unbecoming the peaceful dignity of our practice; they are unnecessary. If the prostrated organism calls for help, tender this help at all times with gentle and discreet care. There is a deep truth in the instinctive antipathies and sympathies of our nature. Listen to these mysterious and magic revealings. If an alloeopathic physician were a man; if the habitual perpetration of gross wrongs had not utterly extinguished in the dreary wilderness of his heart every spark of noble and kindly feeling for the out- raged susceptibilities of his patients, he might have inferred from the instinctive loathing which his calomel and jalap excite in the unsophisticated nature of a child, that such compounds are not acceptable to the suffering organism. Why should not the spon- taneous demands of human nature be respected in all things, if they are not in themselves illegitimate and improper ? The parched tongue of a patient who is burning up with fever, desires to be refreshed by a cooling draught; why refuse it the blessing of cold water ? Oh no, let the heavenly nectar diffuse comfort and vitaliz- ing energy through every avenue of the prostrated organism. I remember the time when it was considered contrary to the rules of sound therapeutics to give a poor little fever patient a drink of fresh Avater. Oh no, my dear child, water is poison; here, take a little hot Avine spiced with cinnamon; this will make you perspire and will do you good. God whispers to that child through the unerring instincts of his nature that a drink of cold water would be a blessing to it, but the doctor says that it would be poison, and—the doctor knows best. A young woman out West was confined to her bed with bilious fever. An Old-School physician, incrusted with all the miserable abominations of his abominable system had tried in vain to break it. Cold water had been strictly prohibited during the whole course of his treatment. The pitiful bungler had exhausted his whole stock of empirical routine, and had left his last nostrum with an in- timation that he did not expect to see the patient alive next morn- ino-. A lady friend of mine who was a strong believer in cold water and Homoeopathy, offered to sit up Aviththe patient that night. The patient's tongue was parched; she craved cold water. My friend took the responsibility of giving it to her. It was like balm in Gilead. For the first time since she had been sick she per- spired. A little more water, and a little more. She was drenched with perspiration, had to be changed a number of times, and when her physician arrived in the morning, expecting to find her a life- less Avreck, he found her free from fever, and in a fair Avay of recov- ery. Of course, he congratulated himself on the brilliant results of his last prescription; this time he had hit the right remedy, and, 716 LECTURE CIX. for aught I know, the poor fool is still hitting away as hard as ever with his calomel and jalap, a living type of mental perversitv and folly. How soothing is a sponge-bath to a fever patient! moisten a sponge with tepid or cold water, as the patient may find it agreeable, and sponge the body at suitable intervals. So far from interfering with the operation of homoeopathic medicines, the tranquillizing influence of water administered in this way, will prove a powerful auxiliary to the working out of those beneficent changes which the patient expects at our hands. Wet bandages are likewise appropriate, if patients desire to try them. Many a sore throat has been effectually relieved by wrapping a wet bandage around it over night. Of course one or two thick- nesses of dry flannel should be tied over the wet compress. Similar bandages may be applied to the chest, bowels, extremities; they are admirably adapted to rheumatic difficulties; some patients like to wear them day and night, others only at night; if carefully used they may confer benefit upon the patient and materially aid the operation of our drugs. One or two tumblerfuls of cold water just before bed-time, Avill sometimes prove sufficient to arrest the development of an incipient influenza. Cold water thus used, often proves a natural means of exciting perspiration and starting a reaction which terminates in recovery. A pint or two of cold water upon an empty stomach is an excellent regulator of the bowels; cold water injections, an hour after breakfast, are likewise commendable in cases of chronic consti- pation when depending upon habitual torpor of the bowels. Packing, as carried on in water-cure establishments, may prove of benefit in many forms of arthritic, rheumatic or medicinal dys- crasia. Try the wet pack in the first case of chronic poisoning Avith mercury or quinine you are called upon to treat, and you will soon perceive the great advantages of this mode of sweating the poison, as it were, out of the tissues with which it had become amalgamated. The wet pack not only proves an agreeable stimulant, but a purifier and renovator of the organism. We may avail ourselves of cold water as a means of effecting immediate contraction of the fibre for the purpose of arresting haemorrhage or evacuating the contents of the bladder. In a case of confinement the bladder remained perfectly inactive after the child was born. The mother had not passed a drop of urine for thirty six hours. The region of the bladder was enormously distended, and the urea coursing through the blood-vessels giving rise to dangerous arterial excitement. I applied a towel, soaked with cold water, to the region of the bladder, and the result was immediate contraction and a perfect flood of relief. In atony of the uterus after protracted labor; accompanied perhaps with dangerous haemorrhage, the appli- cation of cold water to the uterine region is often productive of similar life-giving results; at any rate, it does not interfere with the operation of specific agents, such as Secale, Ipecacuanha, Aconite. Homoeopathic physicians should use every legitimate influence in PROGRESSIVE nOM030PATHY. 717 their poAver to promote the external and internal use of water, I look: upon water as an emblem of innocence and truth. In a com- munity, where cold water is habitually used as a drink and for purposes of cleanliness, the mind will become naturally fond of per- ceptions of beauty and gentle impulses. And, what is equally important m a medicinal point of view, sickness will become more manageable under homoeopathic treatment, and the development of those inherent tendencies to disease which the numerous deviations from Nature's laws, that characterize our present social mechanism, seem to foster, will be effectually prevented. Gentlemen, your moralists and philosophers will tell you that we must return to the ways and manners of our forefathers in order to secure health, and freedom from those many weaknesses with which our organisms are tainted. Ah, there are no return-steps in the busy march of Humanity to a destiny of greatness and stainless glory. No, we never return. Onward is the watchword inscribed upon Humanity's banner as it flutters in the breeze that moves this ever-varying and teeming life. Progress, eternal progress is God's law. We cannot return to past conditions, but we may elevate our- selves to conditions of a higher and nobler social life. We can never remove from our bones the liability to break; but we may adopt such architectural and administrative arrangements in the manage- ment of our streets, and such general means of safety in the perform- ance of our daily duties, as to considerably lessen and gradually do away with, the possibility of an accident. Many a limb is broken by a fall on the ice, or by slipping over a piece of orange peel or even, horrendum dictu, over a quid of tobacco. There is no necessity for such accidents. How easily they might be avoided! And why should it not be given to man to gradually establish such culinary processes, and to use such articles of diet as shall be in perfect accord with the true laws of his being ? Why should it not be in his power to gradually convert labor, from a mere soul-degrading drudgery which it now is, into a beautiful expansion of man's physical and intellectual powers ? In the presence of this absolute idea of soul and body-quickening harmony, our remedial agents dwindle down to very small instruments of human warfare. Return to what ? To the nakedness and poverty of the primitive hut ? No, friends, Chris- tian nations never return to past conditions. God has giA*en us an organism with affections, intellectual powers and physical necessities, and he has given us Reason, wherewith to mould outAvard Nature into such forms as will prove most fully adapted to the develop- ments of the marvellous activities of the human microcosm. Is human life a failure ? To be sure, we meet with exhibitions of life that seem essentially contrary to what the life of a God-created, rational being should be; but is human life a failure in the aggre- gate ? Has not the Divine Father sent a vital Principle into the world that has been operative for nearly two thousand years, and that has outworked the beginnings, at least, of a life that bids fair, at some future period, to be resplendent Avith angelic beauty? Friends Ave do not return to the past, we elevate ourselves to a new and nobler future. Christ has implanted in the inmost life of 718 LECTURE CIX. Humanity a new power of goodness and truth, of which the very system which we advocate is a legitimate result, a result Avhich the Savior of the world accepts as the offspring of his teachings, which He protects with His omnipotent shield, and against Avhich the powers of Hell are as impotent as the ranting of a fool in the presence of Eternal Truth. Gentlemen, it is the united desire of our faculty to make every exertion to raise this college to the highest rank in public confi- dence and usefulness. Will you aid us in these endeavors ? Will you go forth out of these halls as generous and untiring champions of the great truth which Hahnemann has been permitted to announce to the world? When Napoleon was on the point of fighting his first great battle in Egypt, he appealed to his soldiers in these memorable words: " Soldiers, forty centuries look down upon you from these Pyramids." Gentlemen, not the traditions of the Past, but the exalted hopes of the Future, should stimulate our energies. The age of torture is fast passing away. The living tissues shall no longer be lacerated, scorched and poisoned by the sacrilegious hands of rude and inflated empirics. A new tabernacle has descended from heaven, where the poor sufferer may rest upon the bed of hope, undisturbed by the foul compounds of a deceitful art. The bow of promise which kind Providence has spread out in the heavenly azure of Truth, shall never again disappear in the night of Ignorance. Heretofore the human organism has been outraged with the most cruel violence by the very men whom God had appointed to guard it as a precious deposit; hereafter another law shall rule, not the law of force, but the law of spontaneous attraction. Yes, the principle of freedom out of which God unfolds the matchless order of his Government, shall even be the law that shall lead the prostrate organism back again to health and beauty. We do not impose our remedial agent upon the disease ; gently and beautifully we proffer it as a friend; if the disease inclines to the remedial agent, it does so with all the spontaneousness of freedom, simply obeying the irresistible impulse of an attractive affinity, leaving the tissues which repel it as a disorganizing intruder, and gradually identifying itself with those atomic materialities that seem like nothing and yet transform with magic force the unbridled fury of an intangible destroyer into an insignificant molecule of matter. More science is wanted to explain this mystery, but that it will be accounted for, at some future period, as a phenomenon of the great law which governs all the phenomena of God's Universe, is a truth which I behold and worship in the inmost recesses of my reason, with all the fervor of religious enthusiasm. To sum up, this then is the doctrine of Homoeopathy Avhich 1 desire to impress upon your minds as the one Living Truth of Therapeutics: Drugs typify diseases; . The drug is to the disease what the body is to the spirit, its exter- nal form, covering or substratum; PROGRESSIVE HOMCEOPATHY. 719 No disease can be curatively acted upon by a drug which is not its typical form or symbolic representative in Nature; Diseases can only be curatively acted upon by their drug-types; Diseases and their drug-types unite by an elective or attractive affinity; l J A cure depends upon this union. Gentlemen, in your silent musings revert to the great subjects that have engaged our attention; revert again and again to the myste- rious forces which create both drugs and diseases; revert to the law which unites them into an One, and, by this union, frees the organism from the presence of the inimical agent; admire the great unity of God's government which regulates the treatment of diseases by the same law that shapes the molecules of Nature into forms of beauty, causes the activities of the mind to gravitate towards kindred sub- jects, leads the Avorm to its food and preserves the matchless harmony of worlds. Gentlemen, I feel that we are co-workers in a great cause, the cause of suffering man; it is not personal gain, it is the love of truth that should ever stimulate our hearts; we are commissioned to redeem our fellow-creatures from the suffering which disease and the cruel genius of barbarous systems of treatment have inflicted upon them. Banded together for this noble end, God will be with us; may He enlighten your paths and may the genius of love guide you to the temple of exalted and stainless manhood! CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. [In the following index, a number immediately preceding the name of a remedy, refers to the page in the work, where the symptomatic indications for the use of this remedy are more minutely described. The Roman number II. prefixed to any ordinary number, indicates that this number refers to the second volume ; where no Roman is prefixed, the first volume is intended to be understood.] Abdomen, dropsy of, see Ascites. Abdominal organs, see Inflammation of. Abrasions of prepuce, 253, Arnica. Abscesses from congestion: 159, Aeon, in phlegmasia alba dolens ; 160, Aeon, in adenitis ; 367 and 394, Bellad. in chronic glandular swellings ; 564 Jod. ; 621 Merc. viv. in swelling and inflammation of the inguinal glands. Abscesses of breasts, II. 371, Silic. Abscess of liver, 151, Aeon. ; 564 Jod.; 616 Alerc. viv. in chronic enlargement of the liver and hepatitis. Abscess, lumbar, see 159, Aeon, in abscess from congestion ; 365 Bell, in psoitis and colonitis; 401 Bry. in psoitis ; II. 130, Calc. phosph.; 564 and 565 Jod. in scrof- ulous swellings and abscesses ; 634, Merc. Jod. in scrofulous affections of the lym- phatic system ; II. 371, Sil. ; 814, Sulph. in chronic arthritic, rheumatic, scro- fulous inflammations. Absence of mind, 205, Aeon. ; 524, Hyos. ; 811, Sulph. Acid stomach, 178, Aeon. ; (also with burning) II. 3, Ac. acet.; II. 6, Ac. citr.; II. 60 Ac. sulph. 306, Ars. Acidity of the stomach, see acid stomach. Acne rosacea, 213, Ant. cr. ; II 128, Calc. carb. ; 808, Sulph.; 762, Rhus tox. Acne rosacea of drunkards, II. 168, Carb. an.; II. 462, Agar. ; 713, Op. Acne rosacea of young people, II. 49 : Ac. phosp.; Borax. Adenitis, 160, Aeon.; 613, Merc.; 367 Bell. Adipsia, 381 Bell. After-pains, exhausting, spasmodic, II. 205, Coff. cr.; Opium. II. 355, Sec. corn. After-pains, violent, II. 21, Ac. hydroc. Agalactia, 191, Aeon. ; 387, Bell.; II. 109, Asa f. ; 752, Puis. ; II, 63, Agn. cast. Albuminuria, 187, Aeon.; 310, Ars. • U. 509, Coccus cacti; 464, Coloc. II. 2bl, Dulcam ; 621, Merc.; 737, Phosph.; II. Ac. gall., Ac. nitr.; II. 46, Ac. phosph. ; II. 114, Aur. mur.; 387, Scill. mar. Alkaline'urine, see urine, alkaline. Alopecia, 335, Ars.; 631, Merc. viv. Amaurosis, 100, Aeon.; 169 Aeon ; 248, Am.; 374, Bell.; II. 140, Camph.; II. 198 Cocc.; Cic.476; Con.mac; 4,0,Dig.; II. '265, Euphr.; 518, Tly.-seyain Iod.; 604,M'rc; 738, Phosp ; 7 34 Phosph.; II. 327, Plumb, met.; <4b, nils. VOL. II-—46 Amaurosis, with general depression of the nervous system, 831, Verat. alb. Amaurosis, II. 397, Staphys.; 779, Stram.; 815, Sulp. Amaurosis, with illusions of color, II. 192, Cina. Amaurosis, from repelled itch, 815, Sulp. Amaurosis, partial, II. 187, Cic vir.; II. 222, Con.; 831, Verat. alb. Amaurosis, rheumatic, 126, Aeon.; II. 261, Dulc. Amaurosis of scrofulous persons, 553, Jod. Amaurosis of arthritic and rheumatic per- sons, II. 377, Spig. Amblyopia, 170, Aeon.; II. 464, Ammon- iacum ; 375, Bell.; II. 126, Calc. carb.; II. 149, Cannab. sat.; II. 170,Carb. veg.; 476, Dig.; II. 514, Cyclam.; 604, Merc; II. 651, Ruta.; II. 362, Senega.; II. 377, Spig.; II. 398, Staplivs.; 779, Stram.; II. 705, Valer. off.; II. 709, Verbase. thaps. Amblyopia, caused by onanism or exces- sive use of the eyes, II. 45, Ac. phosp. Amblyopia, rheumatic, II. 467, Asar. Amenorrhoea, 190, Aeon. 254, Arn ; 385, Bell.; 407, Bry.; 416, Cham.; II. 516, Cyclam.; 479, Dig.; Hyper, perf.; 558, Jod. ; II. 279, Kali. carb.; 676, Nux. vom.; 752, Puis.; 822, Sulp.; II. 341, Sabina. Amenorrhoea* of chlorotic females, 498, Ferr. Amenorrhoea of long standing, II. 222, Con. Amenorrhcea of a typhoid character, 385, Bell. Amenorrhoea from exposure to wet, 763, Rhus tox. Anasarca, II. 4, Ac. acet.; 103, Aeon.; II. 73, Ap. mel.; 335, Ars.; 408, Bry.; 486, Dig. 449, Ferr.; II. 283, Kali nitr.; II. 344, Samb.; II. 387, Scil. marit.; II. 365, Senega.; II. 606, 01. Tereb. Anasarca of the extremities, 630, Merc. Anasarca with excessive emaciation, II. 330, Plumb, met. Anasarca, as sequela of acute eruptions, 809, Sulp. Anasarca, after fever and ague, II. 115, Aur. mur.; 331, Ars. Anasarca after scarlatina, Hell. Ars. Dig. Anasarca from enlarged spleen, 441, Chin. 6ulph. 722 CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Anasarca and Albuminuria, II. 519, Coccus cacti. Anaemia, 196, Aeon.; 407, Bry.; 433, China.; 495, Ferr.; 501, Ferr. eitr. and Quinia. Anaemia of the lungs, 196, Aeon. Anaesthesia, deep-seated and superficial, II. 326, Plumb, met. Aneurism of the aorta, 157, Aeon.; 485, Dig. Aneurism of the aorta, incipient, 825, Sulp. Aneurism of arteries, 157, Aeon.; 486, Dig. Angina faucium, 100, Aeon.; 176, Aeon ; II. 72, Ap. mel.; 365, Bell.; 378, Bell.; II. 481, Berb. vulg.; 530, Ignat.; II. 306, Lob. inn.; 612, Merc; II. 310, Mez. Angina faucium, chronic, II. 89, Arg. nitr, II. 172, Carb. veg ; II 279, Kali bich.; II. 598, 01. Petras. Angina faucium, as a symptom of dyspep- sia, II. 660, Sabad. Angina faucium, from arthritic metastasis, 459, Coloc Angina diphtheritica, 230, Ant. tart. Angina gangraenosa, 302, Ars.; II. 172, Carb. veg.; Sang. Angina faucium, malignant, II. 545, 547, Led. pal. Angina, mercurial, II. 32, Ac. nitr. Angina putrida, see sore throat, putrid. Angina in malignant scarlatina, II. 59, Ac. sulp. Angina, syphilitic, II. 32, Ac. nitr.; see also Merc. sol. and iod.; Kali hydriod.; Plat. mur. Angina tonsillaris, 176 Aeon.; 367, Bell.; 612, Merc. Angina, traumatic, II. 187, Cie. vir. Angina uvularis, see Angina faucium. Angina pectoris, 198, Aeon.; II. 23, Ac. hydroc; II. 99, Arg. nitr.; 321, Ars., Bell.; II. 545, Lauroc; II. 607, 01. Te- reb.; 835, Verat. alb. Anger, consequences of, 206, Aeon.; also Opium. Angor. nocturnus, 541, Ipec Anguish, paroxysms of, II. 224, Con. Anorexia, II. 149, Cannab. sat. Anorexia, as a symptom of scrofulosis, II. 126, Calc carb. Anosmia, 125 Aeon., II. 126, Calc carb. St. Anthony's lire, see Erysipelas. Anthrax (see also Pustula maligna), 302, Ars. Anthrax of horses, 303, Ars. Anthrax, malignant, Rhus tox. II. 353, Sec. corn. Anus, excoriations of, 184, Aeon. Anus, prolapsus of the, 184, Aeon. Anus, soreness of, 184, Aeon. Anus, soreness and excoriations of, see Soreness and Excoriation. Anus, stricture of the, 184, Aeon. Anxiety, care, consequences of, 206, Aeon. Aorta, aneurism of the, see Aneurism. Apathy of mind, 541, Ipec. Aphonia, 193, Aeon.; 319, Ars.; 389, Bell.; 625, Merc. Aphthae, II. 26, Ac. mur. ; II. 59, Ac. sulph.; II. ll^, Borax.; 608, Merc. Apnoea, (Aeon. Lauroc.) II. 688, Tabac. Apoplectic conditions of the braiD, 100, Aeon.; 105, Aeon. Apoplexy, IT. 461, Agar.; 245, Am.; II. 17, Ac hydroc; 104, Aeon.; 114, Aeon.; 165, Aeon.; 279, Ars.; 344, Bell.; 344, Bell.; 437, Chin, sulph.; II. 220, Con.; 515, Hyoscyam.; II. 544, Lauroc; 715, Morph. acet.; II. 492, Nitro glyc.; 657, Nux. vom.; 701, Op.; II. 684, Tabac.; 831, Verat. alb. Apoplexy, pulmonary, 109, Aeon.; II. 17, Ac. hydr.; 727, Phosp. Arachnoiditis, see also Meningitis, 361, Bell. Arcus senilis of old people, 304, Ars. Anus and rectum, soreness, excoriations, exudations of the, 819, Sulp. Arthrocace, II. 130, Calc. phosp. Arthralgia, see Arthritis articularis. Arthritic conditions, 434, China. Arthritic Rheumatism, see Rheumatism, arthritic. Arthritis, 160, Aeon.; II. 215, Colch.; 459, Coloc; II. 221, Con ; II. 625, Ran. bulb.; II. 644, Rhodod.; 761, Rhus tox. Arthritis, articular., II. 74 Arg. met. Arthritis articularis, II. 325, Plumb, met.; 761, Rhus tox. Arthritis of the ankle-joint, rose-colored, 732, Phosp. Arthritis of the heel, 747, Puis. Arthritis, chronic, 257, Arn.; II. 560, Mang.; 814, Snlph. Arthritis, metastatic, II. 216 Colch. Arthritis nodosa, Ac. benz.; 733, Phosph. Arthritis, sub-acute, II. 400, Staphys. Ascarides, 312, Ars.; II. 127, Calc carb.; 434, China.; 396, Ferr.; 532, Ignat. ; 539, Ipec; 621, Merc; II. 614, Pun. gran. Ascarides, II. 379, Spig. Ascites, Aeon.; II. 4, Ac. acet.; 408, Brv.; 487, Dig. ; 508, Hell.; 631, Merc; 640, Merc, dulc; II. 73, Ap. mel.; II. 614, Prun. spin. ; II. 365, Senega. ; II 387, Scil. marit. Ascites, chronic, II. 127, Calc. carb. Ascites consequent upon fever and ague, 331, Ars. Ascites, resulting from disease of the liver and kidneys, 335, Ars. Ascites, depending upon diseased liver, Ac nitr.; II. 115, Aur. mur. Ascites saccatus, 335, Ars. Ascites, scrofulous, 384, Bell. Asthma, 111, Aeon.; 198, Aeon.; II. 99, Arg nitr. Asthma, 323, Ars.; II. 521, Coccus cacti.; 487, Dig.; 780, Stram. Asthma, chronic, II. 545, Led, pal. Asthma, hystericum, II. 101, Asa f. Asthma, nightly paroxysms of, 753, Puis. Asthma, spasmodic, 131, Aeon.; II. 200, Cocc; II. 206, Coff. cr.; II. 258, Cup. acet.; 540, Ipec; II. 301, Lob. inll.; 678, Nux vom.; II. 332, Plumb, acet.; 835, Verat. alb.; II. 424, Zinc. ox. Asthma from suppressed herpes, II. 269, Graph. Asthma Millari, 102, Aeon.; 122, Aeon.; 194, Aeon.; II. 347, Samb. Asthma, suffocative, II. 23, Ac. hydroc. Asthma, suffocative, II. 178, Carb. veg. Asthma, thymicum, see Larj'ngismus strid- ulus. CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDKR. 723 Asthmatic complaints, 198, Aeon. Asthmatic conditions of the air-passages, 6ee Bronchia. Asthma, see also Dyspnoea. Atony of the stomach, see Stomach. Atrophy, see Marasmus. Atrophy of children, 281, Ars. Atrophy of the upper extremities, rheu- matic, 744, Puis. Atrophy of the genital organs II. 97, Arg. nitr. Atrophy of the liver, 314, Ars. Atrophy of spinal marrow, see Consump- tion, dorsal. Atrophia meseraica, see Consumption, mes- enteric. Atrophia nervosa, see Consumption, ner- vous. Atrophy of the testes, 215, Ant. cr. Backache, rheumatic, Aeon.; Arn. 751, Puis. Backache from suppression of piles, Aeon. Nux v. Sulph. Bad taste in pharynx, 178, Aeon. Balanitis, 189, Aeon.; II. 68, Amm. mur.; 623, Merc. sol. Balanorrhoea, see Balanitis. Baldness, see Alopecia. Barbers' itch, see Sycosis menti. Bed-sores, with incipient gangrene, II. 61, Ac. sulph. Bites of insects, II. 551, Led. pal.; Ammo- nia. Bladder, catarrh of the, see Catarrh of the bladder. Bladder, acute inflammation of, 153, Aeon.; 186, Aeon.; (see also Cystitis.) Bladder, rheumatic inflammation of, 153, Aeon.; 186, Aeon. Bladder, irritable, 187, Aeon.; II. 75, Arg. met.; II. 98, Arg. nitr.; II. 476, Bar. mur.; II. 289, Kali hydriod.; II. 606. 01. Tereb.; II. 400, Staphys.; 821, Sulp. Bladder, paralysis of, 186, Aeon. Bladder, paralysis of neck of, 253, Aeon. Bladder, paralytic-rheumatic affections of the, 406, Bry. Bladder, weakness of the, 821, Sulp., (see, also, Urine, dribbling of.) Bleareyedness, see Lippitudo. Blennorrhoea of the bladder, see Catarrh of the Bladder. Blennorrhagia of the bowels, II. 227, Cop. Blennorrhoea of the bronchia, II. 464, Am- moniacum. Blennorrhoea of the vagina, II. 464 Ammon- iacum. Blennorrhoea of the urethra and vagina, goo at ere • Bleph'arophthalmia, 169, Aeon.; II. 115, Aur. mur.; 375, Bell.; 404, Bry.; II. 221, Blepharophthalmia, scrofulous 304, Ars. II. 125, Calc carb.5 II. 131, Calc sulp. Blepharophthalmia, scrofulous, 761, Rhut, Blepharophthalmia, with ulceration of the lids 779, Strain. . Blepharophthalmia scrofulosa,II. 37,,Spig. Blepharophthalmia scrofulosa, II. 41., Blepnaro^asmus, 413 Cham, 376, Bell, 518, Hyoscyain, 605, Merc Blepharophtitis, 747, Puis.' Blepharophtosis 832, Verat. alb. Bloody cough, see Haemoptysis Blood, rush of blood, 142; Aeon. Bloody urine, see Haematnria. Blue disease, 6ee Cyanosis. Boils, Aeon. Arn. II. 122, Brom, II. 168. Carb. an, II. 576, Nux jugl, 809, Sulp. Boils, with burning pain, 465, Coloc. Boils of an unhealthy character, 213, Ant. cr. Boils upon the lids, inflamed, 404, Bry. Bones, inflammation of, 159, Aeon. Bones, scrofulous or syphilitic affections of, 629, Merc. Bones and cartilages, congestive and in- flammatory affections of, II. 75, Arg. met. Bone-pains, 291, Ars, Merc. Mcz. Bone-pains, syphilitico-mercurial, II. 559, Mang. Bone-pains, syphilitic, nocturnal, 59o, Merc. sol. Bowels, congestion of the, see Congestion. Bowels, passive congestion of, 164 Aeon. Bowels, inflammation of, see Enteritis. Bowels, ulceration of the, see Ulceration. Bowels, weakness of, 218, Ant. cr. Brain, acute congestion of the, 99, Aeon, 119, Aeon, 345, Bell. Brain, disease of the, with delirium, II. 325, Plumb, met. Brain, dropsy of the, see Hydrocephalus. Brain, hyperaemia of the, 730, Phosp. Brain, inflammation of, 153, Bell. Brain, inflammation of the. see also Menin- gitis. Brain, nervous irritation of, 121, Aeon. Brain, rheumatic irritation of, Aeon. 247, Arn. Brain, oedema of the, 730, Phosph. Brain;, softening of the, see Encephaloma- cia. Brandy-mania, II. 61, Ac. sulp. Brain, paroxysms of acute pain in the, II. 424, Zinc. ox. Breasts, sore, see Sore breasts. Breath, fetor of the, 200, Aeon, II. 113, Aur. met. Bright's disease of the kidneys, 316 Ars, II. 157, Cauth, Cocc. cact, II. 261, Dulc, 622, Merc, Merc corr. Bright's disease, see also Albuminuria. Bronchia, asthmatic conditions of the, 4S4. China. Bronchia, catarrhal irritations of the, 4o4, China. Bronchial irritation, 218, Ant. cr. Bronchia, congestion of the, see Conges- tion. Bronchia, inflammation of, see Bronchitis. Broncho-pneumonia, see Bronchitis capil- laris. Bronchitis, 147, Aeon, 11.178, Carb. veg, Spong. Bronchitis, acute and chronic, 401, Bry. Bronchitis, capillary, 193, Aeon.; 11.131, Calc. sulph, II. 262, Dulc, 540, Ipe- cac. Bronchitis, suppurative stage in chronic, 434, China. Bronchitis, chronic, 193, Aeon, n. 29, AC mur, II. 48, Ac. phosph.; 11.66, Amm carb, 218, Ant. crud, 5*1, Jod.; II 724 CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. 290, Kalihydriod.; II. 306. Lob. infl, TI. 565, Mang, 626, Merc, 634, Merc, jod, 738, Phosph. Bronchitis, chronic or sub-acute, II. 388, Scil. mar. Bronchitis, acute and chronic, II. 385, Spong. tosta. Bronchitis, asthenica, see Pneumonia notha. Bronchocele, see Goitre. Bubo, syphilitic, 621, Merc, Sol, see also Syphilis. Bulimia, 178, Aeon, II. 75, Arg. met, 461, Coloc, 478, Dig., Kali nitr, 555, Jod, 735, Phosp. Bulimia of hysteric females, II. 311, Mosch. Bulimia, with emaciation, II. 353, Sec. corn. Burns, II. 61, Ac. sulph, II. 181, Carb. veg, II. 484, Euphorb. off, II. 296, Kreas, 740, Phosp. Burns and scalds, II. 607, 01. tereb. Burns, II. 698, Urtica ur. Bursal enlargements, see Ganglia. Calculi, renal, 187, Aeon, II. 157, Canth, II. 307, Lye Calculi, urinary, II. 317, Natr. carb, II. 553, Magnes carb. Cancer of the breast, 370, Bell. Cancer of chimney-sweep, 304, Ars. Cancer of the lace, 303, Ars. Cancer of the lip, 303, Ars, 370, Bell. Cancer of the neck of the womb, 370, Bell. Cancer of the tongue, 303, Ars. Cancer of the womb, 11.168, Carb. an, II. 223, Con. Cancerous degeneration of the skin, II. 298, Kreas. Cancrum oris, 174, Aeon, 378, Bell, Jod, 608, Merc. . (See also Stomatitis and Stomacace.) Canine hunger, 178, Aeon. Carbuncles, Aeon, 11.159, Canth. Carbuncle, contagious, 303, Ars. Carcinoma, see Cancer. Cardialgia, II. 2, Ac. acet.; II. 18,19, Ac hydroc, II. 32, Ac. nitr, II. 43, Ac oxal, 11.45, Ac. phosph, 182, Aeon. II. 90, 91, Arg. nitr, II. 495, Aristol virg, 241, Arn, 249, Am, 250, Arn. 307, Ars, II. 109, Asa. f, 381, Bell, II 117, Bism, II. 126, Calc. carb, 405 Bry, II. 149, Cannab. sat, II. 162 Caps, II. 141, Camph, II. 173. Carb veg, 414, Cham, II. 504, Chelid. maj. 433, China; 433, Chin, sulph, II. 521 Coccus cacti, 461, Coloc.; II 222, Con. II. 257, Cup. acet, 478, Dig.; 495, Ferr. II. 534, Indigo; 538, Ipec, II. 280, Kali bich, 11.279, Kali carb. Kali nitr, II 306, Lob. infl, II. 564, Mang.; 614 Merc, II. 575, Millef.; II. 316, Natr carb, 667, Nux vom, 706, Op., Phosp. II. 328, Plumb, met, 750, Puis, II. 336 Rheum. Cardialgia, inflammatory, II. 667, Scamm. II. 359, Senega, 818, Sulp, II. 672 Snrnb, II. 686, Tabac, II. 707, Valer off, 833, Verat. alb, II. 423, Zinc, ox II. 425, Zinc. ox. Cardialgia of drunkards, Agar., 308, Ars, 668, Nux. vom, Cannab. sal. Carditis, Aeon, 362. Bell. Carditis polyposa, 326, Ars.; II. 151, Can- nab. sat. Carditis scorbutica, 326, Ars. Carditis serosa, 326, Ars. Caries of bones, II. 292, Kali hydriod, II. 310, Mez, 741, Phosp. Caries, mercurial, II. 50, Ac. phosph. Caries of bone, scrofulous, II. 49, Ac. phosph.; II. Ill, Asa f. Caries syphilitica, 629 Merc. sol. Caries of bones, with curvature, 565, Jod. Caries, syphilitic or scrofulous, 645. Merc. corr. Caries of bones, nasal, palatine, mastoid, II. 113, Aur. met. and mur. Caries of the zygomatic process, II. 32, Ac. nitr. Caries and exfoliations of bones, II. 372, Sil. Catalepsy, II. 17, Ac. hydroc, 168, Aeon, II. 500, Artem. vulg, II. 186, Cic vir, II. 326, Plumb, met, 11.609, Plat, met, II. 424 Zinc. ox. Cataract. 248, Arn, II. 149, Cannab. sat, II. 222. Con. Cataract, from repelled itch, 815, Sulp. Catarrh of the nose, chronic, -II. 21, Ac. hydroc. Catarrh, 191, Aeon. Catarrh, dry, 192, Aeon Catarrh, dry or fluent, 417, Cham. Catarrh, nasal, II. 88, Arg. nitr, 388, Bell.; II. 164, Caps., 749, Puis, 752, Puis. Catarrh, acrid, corrosive, Arsen. Catarrh, incipient, 533, Ignat, 687, Nux. vom. Catarrh, old, 677, Nux vom. Catarrh of children, dry, II. 346, Samb. Catarrh of the head and nose, chronic, 823, Sulph. Catarrh, chronic bronchial, II. 22, Ac hydroc, 192, Aeon, II 75, Arg. met, 554, Jod, II. 113, Aur. met. and mur.; 11. 290, Kali hydriod, 734, Phosph. Catarrh, pulmonary, traceable to alcohol, II. 461, Agar. Catarrh, chronic pulmonary, II. 271, Guaj, II. 279, Kali carb, II. 331, Plumb. acet, 11.667, Scamm, 11.369, Senega. Catarrh of the bladder, II. 20, Ac. hydroc, 218, Ant. cr, II. 68, Amm mur, II. 163, Caps, II. 233, Cop.; 497, Ferr.; II. 289, Kali hydriod, 622, Merc, 075, Nux vom, II. 606, Ol. Tereb, 751, Puis, II. 365, Senega, II. 400, Staphys, 821, Sulp, Uva ursi. Catarrh of the bladder as a symptom of scrofulosis, II. 596, Ol. Jecoris. Catarrh, bronchial, traceable to alcohol, II. 461, Agar. Catarrh, bronchial, II. 66, Amm. carb, II. 68, Amm. mur.; II. 122, Brom, II. 194, Cina. Catarrh, bronchial, II. 233, Cop ; II 267, Euphr, 533, Ignat, 11.294, Kali brom, II. 493, Nitro-Glyc, II. 607, Ol. Tereb.; 738, Phosph, II. 667, Scamm, II. 369, CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. 725 CaJacr0rJ» senilVH- 22, Ac. hydroc; 197, SSrS' SG^Ie' 8-ee als° Pneumonia notha. Catarrh, suffocative, 121. Aeon notha' Suffocative' 8ee also Pneumonia Ctt3tS,rStoSn!,e Urethra' IL 37°' Spig'; n' Catarrh, ulcerous, 414, Cham Catarrh, suppressed, II. 138, 143, Camph. Uatarrh with apnoea, suppressed, II. 143, Camph. ' ' Catarrh, suppression of nasal, II. 265 Euphr. ' Catarrh from metastatic gonorrhoea, pul- monary, II. 234, Cop. Catarrhal irritation of Schneiderian mem- brane, 319, Ars. Caphalalgia, see Headache. Chancre, see Syphilis. Chancre, chronic, 638, Cinnab. Chancre, flat, superficial, II. 98, Arg. nitr. Chancres on the scrotum and prepuce, flat, II. 115, Aur. mur. Chemosis, 373, Bell. Chilblains. Agar, II. 296, Kreas.; 663, Nux vom, 740, Phosp, 747, Puis.; II. 034, Ran. seel. Chickenpox, Aeon., Puis., Sulph. Children, cries and restlessness of little, see Cries. Cholera, Asiatic, n. 20, Ac. hydroc, 110, Aeon, 113, Aeon.; 130, Aeon, 221, Ant. tart, 231, Ant. tart, 311, Ars.; II. 141, Camph.; II. 175. Carb. veg., Cupr. met.; 507, Hell, 539, Ipec.; 737, Phosph, II. 354, Sec. corn, 834, Verat. alb. Cholera diarrhoeica, 311, Ars, II. 588, Ol. Crot. Cholera encephalitica, 557, Jod. Cholera infantum, 183, Aeon, 311, Ars ; 406, Bry, 619, Merc, Pod. pelt, II. 667, Scamm. Cholera-morbus, 110, Aeon, 130, Aeon.; 231, Ant. tart, 311, Ars.; II. 468, Asar.; II. 528, Gum. gutt, II. 593, Jatr. Cure, 671, Nux vom.; 737, Phosph. Cholerine, 11.34, Ac. nitr, 183, Aeon, II. 46, Ac. phosph., Ars.; Ol. Crot. Chordee, mercurial, 557, Iod. Chorea with albuminuria, II. 46, Ac. phosp. Chorea, II, 59, Ac. sulph, 131, Aeon. Chorea, II. 461, Agar, 227, Ant. tart. 229, Ant. tart, II. 86, Arg. nitr. Chorea, 284, Ars.; II. 501, Artem vulg. 352, Bell, II. 186, Cic vir, II. 254 Cup. acet.; 516, Hyoscyam.; II. 529 Indigo, 661, Nux vom.; II. 353, Sec cor.; II. 396, Stann. mur, 777, Stram. II. 424, Zinc. ox. Chorea, minor or muscularis, 16S, Aeon. 352, Bell, II. 282, Kali nitr. Choroiditis, 373, Bell. Chlorosis, Aeon., II. 127, Calc carb, 498, Ferr. ' Chlorosis with scrofulosis, 501, Ferr. jod. Chlorosis, 599, Merc. Chlorosis, 73S, Phosph. Chromatopsia, 370, Bell, 476, Dig, 518, Hyoscyam. Cirrhosis, II. 474, Aeth. cyn, 313, Ars., Dig.; 736, Phosph. Clap, see Gonorrhoea. Claudicatio spontanea, see Coxarthrocace. Clavus hystericus, 228, Ant. tart.; 528, Ignat. Cold in the head, 191, Aeon.; 319, Ars, 025, Mere. (See also Catarrh.) Cold stone in. the stomach, sensation of, 181, Aeon. Cold tongue in cholera, 175, Aeon. Colic, 309, Ars., Bell., Cupr.; 47S, Dig, II. 534, Indigo. Colic, bilious, 182, Aeon.; II. 204, Coff. cr.; 415, Cham, 461, Coloc, 539, Ipec, 617, Merc ; 637, Mere rub. Colic, congestive, 381, Bell. Colic, flatulent, Aeon., 415, Cham ; 3S1, Bell, 617, Merc, 669, Nux vom, II. 653, Ruta. Colic, haemorrhoidal, 669, Nux vom., Sulph. Colic, helminthic, n. 192, Cina, 462, Coloc ; II. 376, Spig, 820, Sulp. Colic, worm, see Colic, helminthic. Colic, hepatic, 669, Nux vom. Colic, see also Enteralgia. Colic, hysteric, 405, Bry.; II. 663, Sabad. Colic, inflammatory, 182, Aeon, 405, Bry, 637, Merc, II. 667, Scamm. Colic, lead-, see Colic, painters'. Colic, menstrual, II. 200, Cocc; 463, Co- loc; II. 357, Sec. corn ; 669, Nux vom. Colic, uterine, Cocc, 752, Puis. Colic, nephritic, 385, Bell, 669, Nux vom. Colic, neuralgic, 461, Coloc, 539, Ipec Colic, painters', II. 60, Ac. sulph.; II. 63, Alum.; 707, Op, II. 329, Plumb met. Colica plumbea, see Colic, painters'. Colic of pregnant females, 405, Bry, 669, Nux vom. Colic, spasmodic, 182, Aeon, 381, Bell, 405, Bry.; 461, Coloc; 669, Nux vom., Plum. met. Colic, spasmodic, 833, Verat. alb. Colic, umbilical, II. 43, Ac. oxal; Aeon. Colic, 182, Aeon. Colicodynia, II. 43, Ac. oxal.; 252, Arn. ; 381, Bell. ; II-141, Camph, 730, Phosph, 750, Puis. ; II. 628, Raa. bulb. ; II. 663, Sabad.; 833, Verat. alb. Colliquation, see Phthisis. Colonitis, 365, Bell. Colors, seeing, see Chromatopsia. Coma, see Typhus, Apoplexy. Concretions, arthritic, II. 6, Ac. benz. Concussion of^the stomach, brain, spine, thoracic viscera, etc, 245. Arn. Condylomata at the anus, and in the sex- ual organs, II. 37, Ac nitr. Condylomata at the anus and on the pre- puce. II. 115, Aur. mur. Condylomata, II. 342, Sabina. Condylomata, syphilitic, see Sycosis. Condylomata, sycosis, II. 415, Thuja. Congestions, passive, 164, Aeon. Congestions, acute, 164, Aeon.; 368, Bell. ; 602, Merc. Congestion of bowels, passive, 104, Aeon. Congestion of the bowels, 40S, Bell. ; 602, Merc. Congestion of the brain, acute, 99, Aeon. 119, Aeon. 726 CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Congestion of the brain, apoplectic, 105. Aeon. Congestion of the brain, 345, Bell. Congestion of the brain, intermittent, 437, Chin, sulph. Congestion of the brain, 602, Merc Congestion of the brain, bilious, 603, Merc. Congestion of the brain from abuse of alcohol, 658, Nux vom. Congestion of the bronchia, 164, Aeon.; 368, Bell.; 602, Merc. Congestion of the heart, chronic, II 23, j Ac. hydroc Congestion of the heart, passive, 165, Aeon. Congestion of the heart, 199, Aeon. Congestion of the heart, oppression and anguish in, 389, Bell. Congestion of the heart, 710, Op. Congestion of the heart, venous, 753, Puis. Congestion of the kidneys, 104, Aeon. Congestion of the kidneys, acute, 123, Aeon. Congestion of the liver, passive and also acute, 165, Aeon. Congestion of the liver, 368, Bell. Congestion of the liver, sub acute, 415, Cham. Congestion of the liver, 602, Merc Congestion of the lungs, passive and acute, 164, Aeon. Congestion, hysteric, pulmonary, II. Ill, Asaf. Congestion, pulmonary, 240, Arn, Congestion of the lungs, 368, Bell. Congestion of the lungs, oppression and anguish in, 389, Bell. Congestion of the lungs, 602, Merc.; 710, Op. Congestion of the spleen 368, Bell. Congestion of stomach, chronic, 104, Aeon. Congestion of stomach, bilious, 181, Aeon. Congestion of the womb, 363, Bell. ; 368, Bell. Conjunctivitis, (see also Conjunctivitis, catarrhal,) 168, Aeon.; 371, Bell. ; 373, Bell. Conjunctivitis of new-born children, 413, Cham. Conjunctivitis, catarrhal, Aeon, Ap. mel., II. 267. Euph.; 603, Merc.; 747, Puis.; 815, Sulp. Conjunctivitis, chronic, TI. 86, Arg., nitr.; 734, Phosph. ; II. 646, Rhodod. Conjunctiva, disorganizations of the, II. 86, Arg. nitr. Constipation with acid stomach, II. 10, Ac. gall.; II. 62, Ac. tann. Constipation from spinal irritation, 185, Aeon. Constipation from liver-complaint, 185, Aeon. Constipation from abuse of cathartics, 186, Aeon. Constipation in acute affections, 185, Aeon. Constipation of drunkards, II. 461, Agar.; II. 149, Connab. sat. Constipation and diarrhoea of drunkards, alternate, II. 461, Agar. Constipation, with dry faeces, II. 63, Alum. Constipation, followed by diarrhoea, with abdominal congestion, II. 496, Aristol. virg. I Constipation, 311, Ars.; 11/109, Asa foetida; 406, Bry.; II. 163, Caps.; 415, Cham.; 433, China ; 464, Coloc.; II. 222, Conium ; 620, Merc; II. 532, Indigo; II. 321, Natr. mur. ; 673, Nux vom. ; 708, Op. ; II. 329, Plumb, met.; 750, Puis.; II. 360, Sep.; II. 672, Sumb.; II. 304, Stann.; II. 399, Staphys., Sulph.; II. 414, Thuja, Zinc. Constipation with bloating of the bowels, chronic, II. 126, Calc. carb. Constipation, obstinate, II. 174, Carb. veg. Constipation, consequences of, 443, Chin. sulph. Constipation, with cerebral congestions, 496, Ferr. Constipation in hysteria, 521, Hyoscyam. Constipation, paralytic, 532, Ignat. Constipation of pregnant females, II. 555, Magnes. carb. Constipation, also partial, 640, Merc, dulc Constipation, symptomatic 708, Op. Constipation, chronic, 818, Sulp; 11.481, Berb. vulg.; II. 307, Lye Consumption of the bowels, II. 34, Ac nitr. Consumption, dorsal, 282, Ars. . Consumption, dorsal, from sexual abuse, 731, Phosp. Consumption, dorsal, II. 327, Plumb, met. Consumption, excessive expectorations in, II. 9, Ac. gall. Consumption, galloping, II. 179, Carb. veg. Consumption, mesenteric, 283, Ars.; 312, Ars. ; 563, Jod.; II. 596, Ol. Jec Consumption, mesenteric, see also Gangli- onitis, mesenteric. Consumption, pitnitous, II. 202, Dulc ; II. 279, Kali carb.; II. 291, Kali hydriod. ; II. 331, Plumb, acet.; IT. 346, Samb.; II. 395 Stann. Consumption, nervous, 280, Ars.; see also consumption, dorsal. Consumption, pulmonary, II. 23, Ac. hydroc ; II. 48, Ac. phosp. ; II. OS, Amm. mur.; 320, Ars.; 499, Ferr.; II. 545, Lauroc.; II. 566, Mag. ; 626, Merc.; II. 596, Ol. Jec. Consumption, scrofulous, with swelling of the testes, II. 476, Bar. mur. Consumption, tubercular or scrofulous, Aeon., 824, Sulp. Consumption, suppurative stages of scrof- ulous, 501, Ferr. jod. Consumption, tubercular, II. 179, Carb. veg. ; II. 297, Kali carb., and Kali hy- driod. Contractions, deficient uterine, 752, Puis. Contraction of tendons, rheumatic, 162, Aeon. Contractions, hour-glass, see Hour-glass. Contusions of the periosteum and bones, 653, Ruta. Convulsions of children, II. 138, Camp Convulsions, dental, 113, Aeon. ; 353, Bell. ; 413, Cham.; II. 425, Zinc ox. Convulsions, epileptiform, 117. Aeon. ; II. 197, Cocc. Convulsions, epileptic, II. 67, Amm. carb.: 362, Bell.; 357, Bell. Convulsions, epileptic, 516, Hyoscyam.; II. 326, Plumb, met ; II. 353, Sec corn. Convulsions caused by colic, 131, Aeon. CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Convulsions, from fright, 113, Aeon. Convulsions, depending upon gastric irri- ntation, 592, Ignat. Convulsions, general, II. 25, Ac. mur.; 287, Ars.; II. 326, Plumb, met.; II' 424' Zinc ox Convulsions, helminthic, 131, Aeon • 413 Cham ; II. 191, Cina. Convulsions, hydrocephalic, II. 425 Zinc ox. Convulsions, hydrophobic, II. 154, Canth.- 777, Stram. Convulsions, spurious hydrophobic, 778. Stram. Convulsions, hydrophobic, see also hydro- phobia. Convulsions, with collapse of pulse, cold extremities, 831, Verat. alb. Convulsions, hysteric, 113, Aeon.; 352 Bell, 399, Bry.; II. 186, Cic vir ; 516, 529, Ignat., Mosch., 01. anim., Sec corn.; Stram., Zinc ox. Convulsions from self-abuse, II. 59, Ac. sulp. Convulsions, puerperal, 11.07, Amm. carb, 117, Aeon.; 190, Aeon; 353, Bell.; II. 185, Cic. vir.; 516, ITvoscyam, II. 493, Nitro-glyc, 702, Op, 780, Stram, 8<34, Verat. alb. Convulsions, tetanic, II. 17, Ac. hydroc. II. 67, Am. carb, 352, Bell., Camph.; II. 186, Cic. vir, 516, Hyoscva.; 659, Nux vom, 704, Op, 777, Stram, II. 684, Tabac. Convulsions, traumatic, 113, Aeon, 399, Bell. Convulsive conditions, 167, Aeon. Convulsive paroxysms, irregular, 352, Bell. Cornea, chronic disorganizations of the, 815, Sulp. Cornea, opacity of the, II. 86, Arg. nit, II. 222, Con. Cornea, spots on the, with epiphora, II. 360, Senega. Cornea, syphilitic ulceration of the, Ac. nitr. Corneitis, 372, Bell, 373, Bell. Corns, 809, Sulp. Costiveness, see Constipation. Coryza, see Catarrh. Cough, arthritic and rheumatic, Aeon., 254, Arn. Cough, bloody, see Haemoptysis. Cough, catarrhal, 407, Bry. Cough, catarrhal or rheumatic, 195, Aeon, Bell. Merc, 753, Puis. Cough, convulsive, dry, II. 608, Ol. Succ. Cough, chronic, II. 463, Ammoniacum, Bell., Merc, II 280, Kali bich, II. 346, Samb., 824, Sulp. Cough, chronic consumptive, 626, Merc. Cough, croupous, II. 258, Cup. acet. Cough, induced by absorption of purulent matter, 235, Ant. tait. Cough, paroxysms of dry, hacking, 625, Merc Cough, dry, exhausting, ol9, Arn Cough, with hectic fever, 321, Arn. Cou"h, hysteric, Aeon., II. Ill, Asa f. Cough after measles, chronic, Aeon., II. 223 Con., Cina. Cou«-h nervous. II. 205, Aeon., Coff. cr., Ignat, 533, Ignat. Cough, consequences of suppressed expec- toration in, II. Ill, Asa f., Aeon., Op. Cough, phthisicky, Aeon., 389, Bell. Cough, with expectoration of sweetish an 1 saltish mucus, 626, Merc. Cough, paroxysmal, dry, racking, 417, Cham. Cough, spasmodic, 197, Aeon., Bell.; 407, Bry.; 540, Ipec; 677, Nux vom. Cough, dry, spasmodic, II. 41S, Zinc. met. Cough, dry, titillating, 738, Phosp. Cough, dry, with vomiting of food, 407, Bry. Coxalgia, see Arthritis, articular. Coxarthrocace, 163, Aeon. Coxarthrocace, 402, Bry., Calc. carb. Coxarthrocace, 812 Sulp. Cracks, see Rhagades. Cramp in the calves, chronic, 814, Sulp. Cramps, from rheumatic exposure, II. 260, Dulc. Cramps, uterine, II. 557, Magnes. mur. Cramps of varicose veins, 416, Cham. Craniomalacia, II. 129, Calc phosp. Craziness, see Dementia. Craziness, restless, unsteady, illogical, 206, Acou. Cries and restlessness of Tittle children, II. 204, Jalap, Coff. cr. Crick in the neck, 155, Aeon.; 392, Bell. Croup 147, Aeon, 194, Aeon.; 233, Ant. II. 122, Brom.; II. 131, Calc. sulph.; £60, Jod.; II. 280, Kali bich.; 739, Phosp ; II. 385, Spong. tosta. Crusta serpiginosa, 334, Ars, 809, Sulp. Crusta lactea, Aeon., II. 128, Calc carb. Crusta lactea 762, Rhus tox. Crusta lactea, II. 712. Viol. trie. Crusts in the face, syphilitic, II. 712, Viol. trie Curvatures, spinal, IT. 49, Ac, phosp, II. 129, Calc. phosh, 595. Jod, Cyanosis, 157, Aeon.; 480, Dig. Cystirrhcea, see Catarrh of the bladder. Cystitis, acute, 153, Aeon.; 180, Aeon. ; II. 73, Ap. mel.; II. 150, Canth. Cystitis, chronic, 751, Puis. Cystitis, chronic, 6ee also Catarrh of blad- der. Cystitis, rheumatic, 153, Aeon. Cystitis, from suppressed Gonnorrhrea, II. 231, Cop. Cysts, ovarian, 565, Jod. Deafness, II. 26, Ac. mur. ; II. 88, Arg. nitr. ; 125, Aeon. ; 249, Arn.; 377, Bell. ; 404, Bry. ; 748, Puis. Deafness with buzzing, 442, Chin, sulph. Deafness, chronic, 816, Sulp. Deafness, partial II. 45, Ac. phosp. ; 170 Aeon. ; II. 407, Asar. ; II. 222, Con. ; II. 250, Cup. acet.; 606. Merc ; II. 608, 01. Succ. ; 107, Aeon.; II. 201, Dulc. Deafness, scrofulous, 306, Ars. Deafness, scrofulous or syphilitic, II. 32, Ac nitr. Deafness with otorrhoea, scrofulous, II. 3,s;j, Spong. tosta. Deafness in strumous persons, 734 Ph-.s. Deafness, after suppression of fever and ague, II. 126, Calc. carb. Debility, IT. 23, Ac. hydroc 728 CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Debility caused by sexual excesses, II. 44, Ac. phosph. Debility, 280, Ars. Debility from loss of animal fluids, 433, China. Debility, 255, Cup, acet. Debilitv, general, 599, Merc. Debility, II. 326, Plumb, met. Debility, nervous, II. 658, Sabad. Delirium tremens, II. 461, Agar.; 226, Ant. tart. ; 277, Ars. ; 436, Chin. sulp. ; 515, Hyoscyam.; 701. Op. ; II. 697, Thea sin. Delirium tremens, see also Mania-a-potu. Dementia, with derangements of tbe chylo- poietic system, 466 Coloc. Dementia, 119, Aeon.; 395 Bell.; II. 186, Cic vir.; II. 139, 140 Camp.; II. 224, 524, Hyoscyam. ; 632, Merc. ; II. 581, Oleander ; 836, Verat. alb. Dementia, shy, artful, II. 256, Cupr. acet. Dengue, 202, Aeon. Dentition, difficult, II. 126, Calc. carb. ; 414, Cham. Derbyshire-neck, see Goitre. Diabetes mellitus, II. 46 Ac. phosph.; 316 Ars. ; II. 156, Canth.; II. 295, Kreas ; 621, Merc ; 675, Nux vom. ; see also Al- buminuria. Diabetes insipidus, Aeon.; II. 97, Arg. nitr.; II. 75, Arg. met., Aur. mur. ; II. 156, Canth. ; II. 387, Scil. marit. ; II. 687, Tabac.; II. 691 Tarax. Diaphragmitis, Aeon., 400, Bry., Bell. Diarrhoea, 217, Ant. cr, 309, Ars, II. 109, Asa f.; II. 163, Caps.; 427, China ; II. 227, Cop.; 478, Dig, 520, Hoscyam. Diarrhoea, acrid, II. 320, Natr. mur. Diarrhoea, atonic, II. 94, Arg. nitr. Diarrhoea, bilious, 109, Aeon.; 129, Aeon, 63, Aloes ; H. 93, Arg. nitr.; 415, Cham.; 618, Merc; 671, Nux vom.; II. 337, Rheum. Diarrhoea, gastric, bilious, II. 505, Chelid. maj.; 11/204, Coff. cr.; 539, Ipec. Diarrhoea, catarrhal, 182, Aeon., Cham. ; 539. Ipec.; 618 Merc Diarrhoea, chronic, II. 28, Ac. mur.; II. 34, Ac nitr.; 183, Aeon.; 252, Arn. ; II, 464, Angust; 210, Ant. cr. ; II, 481, Berb. vulg. ; 464, Coloc.; II, 227, Cop ; 557, Jod. ; 672, Nux vom.; II. 596, Ol. Jec.; . 737, Phosph. ; 819, Sulp. Diarrhoea choleraica, II. 60, Ac. sulph.; II. 532. Indigo. Diarrhoea, colliquative, Amm. mur.; II. 127, Calc. carb.; 496, Ferr. Diarrhoea, with cutting pain in the lower bowels, 671, Nux. vom. Diarrhoea, debilitating, II. 199, Cocc Diarrhoea during dentition, 183, Aeon.; II. 127, Calc. carb. Diarrhoea, bloody or watery, 406, Bry. Diarrhoea dysenterica, II. 3t, Ac. nitr. Aeon. ; II. 94, Arg. nitr.; 382. Bell. ; 406, Bry.; 671, Nux vom.; II. 613, Podop. pelt.; 763, Rhus tox. ; II. 399, Staphys. Diarrhoea encephalica, II. 532, Indigo. Diarrhoea, faecal, II. 548, Led. pal. Diarrhoea with griping pain, II. 668, Scamm. Diarrhoea, whitish-gray, II. 46, Ac. phosph. Diarrhoea, helminthic, 183, Aeon. Diarrhoea, from indigestion, 183, Aeon. Diarrhoea, involuntary, 833, Verat. album. Diarrhoea, mucous, 750, Puis. Diarrhoea, mucoso-bilious, II. 594, Ol. Ricin. Diarrhoea, painless, sero-bilious, II. 321, Natr. sulph. Diarrhoea, nervous, 183, Aeon. Diarrhoea, nocturnal, 750. Puis. Diarrhoea, rheumatic, 183, Aeon.; II. 515, Cyclam Diarrhoea, arthritic and rheumatic, 460, Coloc. Diarrhoea, papescent, with rheumatic sore- ness of the bowels, colic, II. 548, Led. pal. Diarrhoea, slimy and bloody, 490, Ferr. Diarrhoea, slimy or watery, 706, Op. Diarrhoea of scrofulous children, slimy, fae- cal, II. 174, Carb. veg. Diarrhoea of children, from a cold or from teething, 415, Cham. Diarrhoea of scrofulous children, 433, China; 556, Jod. Diarrhoea of infants, II. 275, Jalappa. Diarrhoea of children, green, frothy, sour, II. 555, Magnes. carb. Diarrhoea of children, yellowish, greenish, II. 556, Magnes. sulph. Diarrhoea of children, 640, Merc. dulc. Diarrhoea of children, sour, II. 337, Rheum. Diarrhoea of scrofulous, nervous children, involuntary, 818, Sulph. Diarrhoea of scrofulous children, fetid, wa- tery, 818, Sulph. Diarrhoea of scrofulous persons, watery or slimy, II. 122, Brom. Diarrhoea, consequences of sudden suppres- sion of, 184, Aeon. Diarrhoea, watery, with colic and tenesmus, II. 528, Gum. gutt. Diarrhoea in typhus, II. 3, Ac. acet. Diarrhoea in typhoid or gastric fevers, 382, Bell. Diarrhoea, watery, catarrhal, II. 261, Dulc Diarrhoea, watery, Aeon., 532, Ignat.; II. 275, Jalappa, Merc Diarrhoea from weakness of the bowels, 818, Sulph. Diarrhoea and constipation, alternate, 819, Sulph. Diarrhoea followed by hard stool, 671 Nux vom. Diarrhoea and costiveness, alternate, in hys- teria, II. 580, Nux mosch. Digestion, weak, see Dyspepsia. Dilatation of the ventricles, with hypertro- phy, 485, Dig. Diphtheria, 176, Aeon, 300, Ars, 307, Bell, II. 281, Kali chlor., Merc. jod. Diphtheritic inflammation of the mouth, 164, Aeon. Diphtheritic ulceration of the throat, II. 32, Aeon. nitr. Diphtheritis, II. 26, Ac. mur, 226, Ant. tart, 230. Ant. tart. ; 366, Bell, 378, Bell.; II.'172, Carb. veg., Jod., Merc viv., Merc, jod., 376. Diplopia, Bell, II. 514, Cyclam, see also Amaurosis. Dislocations, 258, Arn. Dizziness, see Vertigo. Dolores osteocopi, see Bone-pains. Dropsy, acute, 103, Aeon. Dropsical distension of abdomen, 203,105, Aeon.; 122, Aeon., CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. 729 Dropsy, partial, 335, Ars. T£"y,£?m 8uPP'ession of fever and ague, *o^, China. Dropsy consequent upon Albuminuria 464 Coloc. ' ' Dropsy of chlorotic or anaemic females 499 b err. ' ' Dropsy of the brain, see Hydrocephalus. Dropsy of the chest, see Hydrothorax. Dropsy of the pericardium, see Hydro-neri- cardia. Drowsiness, habitual, 204. Aeon. Dysecoia see deafness. Dysentery, inflammatory, 146, Aeon. Dysentery from abuse of Aloes, II. 63, Aeon. Dysentery, II. 63, Aloes; 252, Arn.; 310 Ars, II. 174, Carb. veg.; 464, Coloc, 646, Merc. brom. Dysentery, bilious, 637, Merc, rub, II. 329, Plmb. met. Dysentery, bloody, II. 227, Cop.; 539, Ipec. Dysentery, every summer, IT. 280, Kali bich. Dysentery, 619, Merc, Podoph. pelt. Dysentery, with frightful tenesmus, 644, Merc. corr. Dysentery, intermittent. 439, Chin, sulph. Dysentery, malignant, II. 199, Cocc. Dysentery, mucous and bloody, 640, Merc. dulc. Dysentery, typhoid, II. 175, Carb. veg. Dysentery, chronic, see Diarrhoea. Dysmenorrhoea, 190, Aeon.; II. 66, Amm. carb, II.73,Ap. mel.; IT. 109, Asa f, 385, Bell, II, 176, Carb. veg, 416, Cham, II. 199, Cocc; II. 205, Coff. cr, II. 516, Cy- clam.; 55S, Iod, II. 580, Nux mosch.; 676, Nux vom, 752, Puis, II, 356, Sec. corn, II. 400, Staphys. Dysmenorrhoea of chlorotic females, 498, Ferr. Dysmenorrhoea from suppressed herpes, II. 269, Graph. Dysmenorrhoea of scrofulous females, II. 385, Spong. tosta. Dyspepsia with emaciation, acid stomach, etc., II. 2. Ac. acet. Dyspepsia, II. 27, Ac mur.; II. 32, Ac. nitr.; 100, Aeon, 180, Aeon, 182, Aeon, 104, Aeon. Dyspepsia, IT. 464, Ammoniacum ; II. 91, Arg. nitr.;II. 495, Aristol. virg, 250, Arn, 281, Ars, 307, Ars, 405, Bry. ; II. 162, Caps, II. 108, Carb. an, II. 173, Carb. veg.; 414, Cham, 433, China; 443, Chin. sulph, II. 199, Cocc.; II. 204, Coff. cr.; 460, Coloc, 470, Dig, 495, Ferr, 555, Jod., Ignat, 538, Ipec; II, 280, Kali bich.; II. 306, Lob. infl, II. 563, Mang.; 614, Merc, 607 608, Nux vom.; 730, Phosph, 749, • Puis • II. 641, Ratan, II. 336, Rheum ; 702 Rhus tox, II. 363, Senega ; II. 707, Valer. off, 833, Verat. alb, II. 417, Zinc met. „ TT .01 Dyspepsia, bilious, 113, Aeon.; II. 481, Berb. vulg.; II. 691, Tarax, II. 711, Verb, thaps. Dyspepsia, chronic, 231, Ant. tart, 818, DvSsnepsia nervous, 113, Aeon, n. 99, JK nitr.; 241, Arn.; 309, Arseu, II. 661, Qoivid • II. 072, Sumbul. Dyspepsia of drunkards, 668, Nux vom. Dyspepsia, mild attacks of, II. 697, Thea sin. Dysphagia, Aeon.; 250, Arn, II. 172, Carb. veg.; 381, Bell.; II. 257, Cup acet. Dysphagia, paralytic, II. 199, Cocc. Dysphagia, spasmodic, 2^9, Ant. tart.; II. 222, Con.; 478, Dig., Lob. infl.; 605. Xux vom.; II. 328, Plumb, met, 833, Verat. alb. Dyspnoea, 109, Aeon, n. 534, Indigo ; II. 664, Sabad.; 780, Stram.; II. 688, Tabac. Dyspnoea, from repelled eruptions, Lob. infl. Dyspnoea in hydrothorax, II. 178, Carb. veg. Dysuria, ISO, Aeon.; 218, Ant. cr.; 232, Ant. tart.: II. 521, Coccus cacti; 540, Ipec; 751, Puis, II. 342, Sabina ; 821, Sulp. Dysuria of children, 416, Cham. Dysuria, spasmodic, II. 534, Indigo. Dysuria, from suppressed gonorrhoea, II. 231, (op. Dysuria, paralytic, II. 354, Sec. corn, S34, Verat. alb. Ears, inflammation of the, 160, Aeon, 171, Aeon. Ears, sore, see also Otitis, 214, Ant. cr. Earache, 170, Aeon. Earache, see also Otalgia. Ecchymoses of the eyes, 663 Nux vom. Eclampsia, see Convulsions, puerperal. Ecnosa ecstatica, II. 139, Camph. Ecstasis, 205, Aeon. Ecstasy, such as is caused by Opium, II. 153, Cannab. sat. Ecthymatous eruption, 213, Ant. cr. Ecthyma, Aeon, 236, Ant. tart. Arg. nitr.; II. 280, Kali bich. Elephantiasis, II. 38, Ac. nitr.; 334, Ars, II. 296, Kreas. Eczema, acute, 202, Aeon. Eczema, II, 128, Calc. carb. Eczema, chronic, II. 128, Calc. carb. Eczema, II. 280, Kali bich. Eczema, II. 310, Mez. Eczema, with gastro-intestinal irritation, II. 588, Ol. crot. Eczema of axillae, II. 5 6, Nux jugl. Eczema of the sexual organs, II. 591, Ol. crot. Efflorescences, cutaneous, chronic, II. 56S, Mang. Emaciation, II. 255, Cup. acet. Emaciation from chronic vomiting, see vomiting. Emprosthotonos, see Convulsions, tetanic. Emissions, iuvoluutary, seminal, II. 46, Ac. phosph.; 189, Aeon, II. 470, Bar. mur.; 385, Bell.; II. 127, Calc. carb.; II. 158, Canth.; 410, Cham.; 134. China.; 497, Ferr., II. 312, Mosch.; 075, Nux vom.; 751, Puis, II. 400, Staphys, II. 008, Ol. Succ. Empyema of drunkards, II. 151, Cannab. sat. Encephalitis, see Meningitis. Encephalitis potatorum, see Mania-a-potu. Encephalomacia, 340, Bell, 594, Merc; 658, Nux. vom. Encephalopathia, see, Brain, disease of the. Enchondroma, II. 352, Sil. Endocarditis, rheumatic, 156, Aeon.; II. 509, Act. racein, II. 117, Bism. ALPHABETICAL ORDER. 730 CLINICAL INDEX IN J Enlargement of the spleen, see Physconia lienis. Enlargement of the heart, see Heart. Enlargement of the liver and spleen, con- sequent upon fever and ague, 331, Ars. Enlargement of the liver, see Liver. Enteralgia, see also Colic Enteralgia, II. 92, Arg. nitr.; 252, Arn, II. 257, Cup. acet. Enteritis, sub-acute, II. 66, Amm. carb. Enteritis, 150, Aeon., 364, Bell.: 401, Bry, 459, Coloc, 478, Dig, II. 329, Plumb. met. Enteritis, mucous, 150, Aeon, 732, Phosp. Enteritis, typhoid, Bell'., Hyosc, 645, Merc. corr, 552, Jod. Enteritis, from retrocession of a rash, Camph.; 763, Rhus tox. Enterodynia, II. 19, Ac. hydroc. Enterodynia, rheumatic, 400, Bry. Enterodynia, II. 534, Indigo. Enterodynia, II. 687, Tabac. Enuresis, Ac. nitr, 186, Aeon.; II. 515, Cvclam., Digit., Lye, II. 601!, Ol. Tereb, 675 Nux vom.; II. 387, Scil. marit., Sulph. Enuresis, nocturnal, 187, Aeon, 157, Aeon, II. 157, Canth.; 415, Cham, II. 193, Cina; 497, Ferr.; II. 289, Kali hy- driod, 675, Nux vom, II. 387, Scil. marit, II. 379, Spig, II. 394, Stann.; 821, Sulp. Enuresis, with pale urine, II. 285, Kali nitr. Enuresis of rickety children, nocturnal, 763, Rhus tox. Enuresis, with cardiac or gastric derange- ments, 479, Dig. Enuresis, with fetid urine, II. 37, Ac. nitr. Enuresis of scrofulous and debilitated indi- viduals, 497, Ferr. Epilepsy, II. 16, Ac. hydroc; II. 59, Ac. sulph, II. 461, Agar.; II. 82, Arg. nitr.; 286,-Ars, 11.496, Artem.vulg.; 11.138, Camph, 529, Ignat ; II. 528, Indigo; 730, Phosph., II. 185, Cic. vir.; II. 255, Cup. acet, 661, Nux vom, II. 602, Ol. Tereb.; II. 612, Plat, mur.; 744, Puis, II. 395, Stann, 777, Strain, H. 704, Valer. II. 424, Zinc. ox. Epilepsy, ganglionic, 286, Ars. Epilepsy, idiopathic, 286, Ars, II. 327, Plumb, met. Epilepsy, intermittent, 439, Chin, sulph. Epilepsy from self-abuse, II. 221, Con. Epilepsy, syphilitic, 597, Merc. Epilepsy, see also Convulsions, epileptic. Epiphora, II. 125, Calc. carb. Epistaxis, acute, 158, Aeon. Epistaxis, 244, Arn, 248, Arn, 537, Ipec, II. 241, Croc, II, 328, Plumb, met, II. 35r, See. corn. Erections, nocturnal, II. 115, Aur. mur. Erections, spasmodic, Opium. Ergotism, II. 350-352, Sec. corn. Eruptions, acute, such as measles, scarla- tina, etc., II, 72, Ap. mel., Aeon. Eruptions, acute, if not coming out fairly, 781, Stram. Bell., Opium. Eruptions, itching, II. 310, Mcz. Eruptions with furious itching and burn- ing, syphilitic, 645, Merc. corr. Eruptions, sudden retrocession of acute, Op. Eruptions, secondary syphilitic, II. 38, Ac. nitr.; 616, Mere, corr., Merc, brom., Merc, sol., Kali hyd., Merc, jod., Plat. mur. Erysipelas, malignant, II. 49, Ac. phosph, 297, Ars. Ervsipelas, vesicular, II- 72, Ap. mel, 762, Rhus tox. Erysipelas of the scrotum, 297. Ars. Erysipelas, acute, 151, Aeon, 369, Bell. Erysipelas of the joints, 408, Bry. Erysipelas, chronic, II. 132, Calc sulph. Erysipelas of scrotum of infants, 703, Rhus tox. Erysipelas of the arms, legs, face, chronic, 808, Sulph. Erythema, pustulous, II. 591, Ol. Crot. Excitement, sexual, II. 395, Stann. Excoriations and exudations of the anus, II. 175, Carb. veg. Excoriations of anus,184, Aeon, 620, Merc. Excoriations of the prepuce, II. 176, Carb. veg. Exostosis of skull and pelvic bones, II. , 113, Aur. met. Exostosis, syphilitic, II. 310, Mez. Exoncosis, see Glossoncus. Eyes, inflammation of the. see Ophthalmia. Eyes, weak and sore, see Weak and sore. Eye-lids, inflammation of, 169, Aeon, (see also Blepharophthalmia.) Eyes, weak and sore, 169, Aeon. Eyes, sore, see Sore eyes. Eye-lids, scrofulous soreness of, 214, Ant. cr. Eyes, wounds of the, 248, Arn. Aeon. Face, rheumatic inflammation of, 172, Aeon. Face, inflammation of the, see Inflamma- tion. Face, swelling of the, see Swelling. Fainting, see also Syncope. Fainting, 199, Aeon. II. 683, Tabac. Fainting, II. 67, Amm. carb. Fainting turns, 475, Dig. Fainting fits, with cold extremities, col- lapse of pulse, 831, Verat. alb. Falling, see Prolapsus. Fatty degeneration of the heart, see Heart, fatty defeneration of. Fatty degeneration of the liver, 314, Ars, 727, Phosp. Far-sightedness, see Presbyopia. Feet, fetid sweat of the, II. 179, Carb. veg. Fetor of the breath, 200, Aeon, Aur. mur. Fetor of the nose, 554, Iod. Fever, adynamic, II. 23, Ac. hydroc, 200, Aeon.; 740, Phosp. Fever, arthritic, see Fever, rheumatic. Fever, asthenic, 258, Arn, IT. 144, Camph. Fever, bilious, 111, Aeon, 174, Aeon, 201, Aeon, 228, Ant. tart, 409, Bry, 417, Cham, II. 201, Cocc, 627, Merc Fever, bilious remittent, 236, Ant. tart, 103, Aeon.; 327, Ars. Fever, bilious congestive, 627, Merc. Fever, congestive, 202, Aeon.; 391, Bell. Fever, catarrhal, Acou.; 389, Bell, 417, Cham.; 11.262, Dulc, 627, Merc. Fever, dandy, 203, Aeon. Fever from dentition, Aeon, 391, Bell.; 418, Cham. CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. '31 Fever, eruptive, Aeon, 392, Bell. * ever, gastric, 111, Aeon.; 174, Aeon ; 201 fAc"n-! 328, Ars.; 228, Ant. tart, 236 An C tart.; 380, Bell.; 409, Bry. Fever gastric, 627, Merc; 678, Nux. vom. lart. emet. Fever, hectic, IT. 23, Ac. hydroc- II 48 Ac phosph.: 201, Aeon.; 201, Acon.i 333, Ars. ; 027, Merc ; II. 340, Samb. 825, Sulp. Fever, hectic, with night-sweats, II. 128 Calc. carb. Fever, hectic, from a syphilitic origin 645 Merc. corr. Fever, helminthic, II. 372, Sil. Fever, hemorrhagic, see Fever, scorbutic Fever, inflammatory, 110, Aeon. ; 118 Aeon, 131, Aeon.; 145, Aeon, 200,'Aeon! Fever, intermittent, II. 38, Ac. nitr. Fever and ague, see Fever intermittent. Fever, intermittent. 258, Arn.; 329, Ars.; II. 143, Camph.; II. 165, Caps.; II. 179, Carb. veg, II. 502, Cedron.; 428, China; 440, Chin, sulph.; II. 194, Cina.; II. 206, Coff. cr.; II. 263, Dulc, II. 482, Eup. perf, 533,Ignat.; 541,Ipec, II. 573, Men- yan. trif.; II. 321, Natr. mur.; 679, Nux vom.; II. 609, Plant, maj.; 754, Puis.; II. 666, Sabad. Fever, quartan, Ars., II. 577, Nux. jugl. Fever, spring-, intermittent, If. 464, August. Fever, apoplectic, intermittent, II. 143, Camph. Fever, apoplectic, intermittent. 713, Op. Fevers, obstinate quartan, 500, Ferr. Fever, intermittent quartan, 508, Hell. Fever, intermittent, with typhoid symp- toms, 440, Chin, sulph. Fever, marked, intermittent, 442, Chin. sulph. Febris intermittens larvata, see Fever, masked. Fever, infantile-, remittent, see Ganglion- itis, mesenteric. Fever, malarious, 236, Ant. tart. Fever, mercurial, II. 38, Ac. nitr. Fever, milk, Aeon. Bell. 417, Cham. Fever, mucous, 201, Aeon, 236, Ant. tart, 328, Ars, 378, Bell, 409, Bry.; 628, Merc. Fever, petechial, 331, Ars. Fever, childbed, see Fever puerperal. Fever puerperal, Aeon.; 385, Bell, 410, Bry, 754, Puis.; 763, Rhus tox. Fever, remittent, 200, Aeon. Fever, rheumatic, 109, Aeon ; 119, Aeon.; 328, Ars, 392, Bell, 409, Bry, II. 165, Caps. ; 417, Cham. ; II. 262, Dulc, IT. 550, Led. pal, 627, Merc; 679, Nux vom, II. 666, Sabad.; II. 345, Samb. Fever, scorbutic, II. 38, Ac. nitr.; II. 48, Ac phosp, 202, Aeon.; 333, Ars. Fever, sweating, 201, Aeon. Samb. Fever, traumatic, 258, Arn. Fever typhoid, 201, Aeon.; 258, Arn.; 331, Ars, 378, Bell, 379, Bell. Fever, typhoid, 380, Bell.; 563, lod. Fever, typhoid, see al60 Typhus. Fever remittent, typhoid, 835, Verat. alb. Fever' yellow, 168, Aeon.; 127, Aeon.; 201, Aeon, 228, Ant. tart.; Ars. Fever blackvomit in yellow, II. 180, Carb. veg.'- 835, Verat. alb, 730, Phosp. Fig warts, see Sycosis. Fissures of the anus and rectum, II. 639, Ratan. Fissures of the nipples, II. 040, Ratan. Fistula lachrvmalis, II. 125, Calc carb. Fistula of the rectum, TT. 227, Cop.; II. 34, Ac. nitr.; n. 127. Calc. carb. Fistula pulmonalisj II. 130, Calc chlor. Flatulence on the stomach, 181, Aeon. Fluor albus, see Leucorrhoea. Foul taste in pharynx, 178, Aeon. Fractures, reunion of bones in cases of, II. 130, Calc. phosp. Fright, consequences of, 200, Aeon. Frost-bitten limbs, II. 461, Agar. Aeon. Puis. Fungus haematodes, 394, Bell. Fungus haematodes, congenital, II, 429, Zinc mur. Fungus medullaris, 370. Bell.; 394, Bell. Furor uterinus, $ee Nymphomania. Furuncles, see Boils. Galactirrhoea, 190, Aeon. ; Asa foetida. ; 387, Bell.; 559, lod.; 752, Puis. Ganglia, 564, lod.; II. 372, Sil. Ganglionitis, mesenteric, see also Con- sumption mesenteric. Ganglionitis, mesenteric, 101, Aeon, 333, Ars. ; 367, Bell,; II. 555, Magnes. carb.; 635, Merc. iod. Gangrene, dry, II. 353, Sec. corn. Gangrene, humid, 300, Ars, 431, China. Gangrene, senile, II. 50, Ac. phosp, Carb. veg, 566, lod, 713, Op.; 754, Puis. Gangrene, traumatic, II. 539, Lachesis, Gangrene, termination of acute inflamma- tion, 369, Bell. Gangrene of the arm, 432, China. Gangrene of the bronchia, 301, Ars. Gangrene of the extremities, 300, Ars, 506, Iod. Gangrene of the fauces, 302, Ars. Gangrene in hospitals, 300, Ars. Gangrene of the lungs, 301, Ars. Gangrene of the lungs, incipient, II. 178, Carb. veg. Gangrene of the lungs, II. 312, Me.sch. Gangrene of the mouth, II. 298, Kreas. Gangrene of the penis, 299, Ars, II. 544, Lauroc. Gangrene of the scrotum, 431, China. Gangrene of the stomach, 731, Phosph. Gangrene of the tongue, 299, Ars. Gangrene of the mucous lining of the va- gina, 432, China. Gangrene of the vulva, 299, Ars. ; 433, China. Gangrenous disorganizations of the mu- cous lining, 302, Ars. Gangrenous sores, II. 159, Canth. Gastralgia, see Cardialgia. Gastric derangements, with flow of alkaline water fronfthe mouth, II. 64, Alum. Gastric derangements, II. 48, Ac. phosph. 218, Ant. cr.; 379. Bell.; II. 504, Chelid maj. ; II. 120, Calc. carb.; 434, China. 541, Ipec; 254. Puis.; II. 027, Ran. bulb Gastritis, acute, W, Aeon. ; 120, Aeon 149, Aeon.; 2:M, Ant. tart.; 295, Ars. 381, Bell. ; II. 162, Caps.; II. 257, Cup acet.; 731, Phosph. Gastritis, chronic, II. 9, Ac fluor. 732 CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Cop.; II. 244, Cub.; II. 2S5, Kali nitr, 622, Merc, II. 609, Plant, maj, II. 611, Plat, mur.; 751, Puis. Gonorrhoea, chronic, II. 163, Caps, 638, Cinnab. Gonorrhoea, chronic, II. 289, Kali hydriod, II. 599, 01. Petne.; II. 370, Sepia, 821. Sulp. Gonorrhoea, chronic, see Gleet. Gonorrhoea, neglected or mismanaged, II. 115, Aur. mur. Gonorrhoea, sycosic, II. 414, Thuja. Gonorrhoea from suppressed tetter, II. 261, Dulc. Gout, see Arthritis. Granular liver, Aethusa cyn. Gravel, see Calculi, renal. Gums, rheumatic inflammation of, 173, Aeon. Gum, white, 212, Ant. cr. Gummata, 629, Merc. Gutta rosacea, see Acne rosacea. Gastritis, chronic, II. 2S, Ac mur.; H. 33, Ac. nitr, Bism. Gastritis, acute and chronic, when caused by alcoholic drinks, II. 461, Agar. Gastritis, chronic, 230, Ant. tart. Gastritis, chronic, II. 90, Arg. nitr. Gastritis, gangreuous, 299, Ars. Gastritis mucosa, II. 470, Bar. mur, 644, Merc. corr. Gastro-ataxia, II. 162, Caps. Gastrodynia,' 222, Ant. tart.; 231, Ant. tart, 241, Arn.; 213, Arn, 249, Arn, 250, Arn. ; 307, Ars. ; 507, Hell. ; 532, Iguat, 736, Phosph, Tart. emet. Gastrodynia, see also Cardialgia. Gastro-enteralgia, II. 257, Cup. acet, II. 281, Kali. nitr. Gastro-enteritis, II. 43, Ac. oxal, 211, Aut. cr, 218, Ant. cr. ; 221, Ant. tart. ; 231, Ant. tart, 294, Ars, II. 227, Cop, II. 198, Con.; 668, Nux vom. Gastro-enteritis, II. 257, 'Cup. acet, II. 484, Euphorb. off, 552, Iod, II. 310, Mez.; 731, Phosp, 750, Puis, II. 386, Scil. mar., Tart. emet. Gastro-enteritis, sub-acute, II. 64, Alum. Gastro-enteritis, chroDic, II. 481, Berb. vulg. Gastro-enteritis, chronic, II. 607, Scamm. Gastro-enteritis mucosa, II. 476, Bar. mur. Gastro-enteritis, when caused by alcoholic drinks, II. 461, Agar. Gastro-enteritis, with watery, mucous and bloody discharges, Ol. Ricini. Gastro-enteritis, see also, Enteritis and Gastritis. Gastromalacia, 309, Ars, 644, Merc, corr.; II. 354, Sec. corn. Glanders, 303, Ars. Glands, induration of, see Induration. Glands, indurations and enlargements of, II. 291, Kali hydriod. Glands, induration of salivary, see Indura- tion. Glands, schirrous indurations of, see Schir- rous. Glands, scrofulous indurations of the sub- maxillary, 808, Sulph. Glands, inflammation of, 160, Aeon, (see also Adenitis.) Glandular swellings, see Swellings. Glands, swelling of, see Swelling. Glands, swelling and inflammation of in- guinal, 621, Mere. Glans penis, inflammation of, 189, Aeon. Gleet, sie Gonorrhoea, chronic. Globus hystericus, 105, Aeon.; H. 109, Asa f, 309, Ars.; 529, Ignat. Glossitis, 175, Aeon.; II. 72, Ap. mel, 378, Bell, 611, Merc Glossoncus, 378, Bell., 610, Gil, Merc. viv. Goitre, indurated, II. 107, Carb. an. Goitre, 551, 563, Iod.; II. 291, Kali hy- driod, 634, Merc iod, II. 381, Spong. tosta. Gonagra, see Arthritis, articular. Gonitis, Aeon, 746, Puis. Iod. Gonorrhoea, acute, 187, Aeon. Gonorrhoea, H. 63, Agn. cast. Gonorrhoea, acute and chronic, 218, Ant. cr.; II. 605, Ol. Tereb. Gonorrhoea, II. 98, Arg. nitr.; II. 150, Cannab. sat, II. 157, Canth, H. 228, Haematemesis, II. 32, Ac. nitr, II. 59, Ac. sulph.; 104, Aeon.; 179, Aeon, 251, Arn.; 538, Ipec; II. 282, Kali nitr, IT. 574, Millef.; II. 321, Natr. mur.; 667, Nux vom., Stann, II. 357, Sec corn. Haematemesis, chronic, 309, Ars. Haemorrhage, acute, Ac tann, 157, Aeon. Haematuria, 253, Arm; 315, Ars.; II- 157, Canth, 540, Ipec, II. 574, Millef.; II. 330, Plumb, met, 751, Puis, II. 099, Uva ursi. » Hallucinations, ecstatic, 205, Aeon. Haemoptysis, II. 3, Ac. acet, II. 48, Ac. phosp.; 197, Aeon.; 254, Arn. Haemoptysis, 320, Ars, 480, Dig, II. 549, Led. pal, 020, Merc; II. 310, Mez.; II. 321, Natr. mur.; II. 007, Ol. Tereb.; 710, Op, II. 332, Plumb, acet.; II. 388, Scil. mar, II. 357, Sec. corn, 781, Stram. Haemoptysis, chronic, II. 178, Carb. veg, 434, China, 825, Sulp.; II. 590, Ol. Jec Haemoptysis, metastatic, II 342, Sabina. Haemorrhage, varicose, II. 39, Ac. acet. Haemorrhage from the bowels, chronic, 819, Sulp.; 539, Ipec. Haemorrhage from the rectum, II 574, Millef. Haemorrhage from the eyes, 376, Bell, II. 171, Carb. veg, 413, Cham. Haemorrhage from the gums, II. 293, Kreas. Haemorrhage from lungs and bowels, in- termittent, 439, Chin, sulph. Haemorrhage, pulmonary, see also Pneu- morrhagia. Haemorrhage, pulmonary, 158, Aeon, II. 273, Ham. virg. Haemorrhage from the womb, 189, Aeon. Haemorrhage from the womb, during preg- nancy and confinement, 159, Aeon. Haemorrhage from the womb, see also Metrorrhagia. Haemorrhoids, 184, Aeon ; II. 63, Aloes, II. 175, Carb. veg.; 497, Ferr.; 621, Merc, 674, Nux vom.; II. 103, Caps.; II. 609, Plant, maj ; II. 613, Podop. pelt, 819, Sulp. Haemorrhoids, suppression of, Aeon, 150, Puis. CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. 733 Hf^0rohoid8' consequences of suppressed, o20, Sulp. Haemorrhoidal tumors, 312, Ars.; Hamam. virg. Haemorrhoidal tumors, torpid, II. 34 Ac. nitr. Hard-hearing, 170, Aeon. Head, trembling of the, see Trembling Headache, apoplectic, 166, Aeon.; 226,"Ant tart.; II. 492, Nitro-Glyc. Headache, arthritic, 247, Arn.; 475 Di<>- Headache, arthritic, II. 613, Rhodo'd. ? Headache, bilious, 166, Aeon.; 412,Cham.- II. 504, ( helid. maj.; 537, Ipec, 593, Merc, 657, Nux vom.; 744, Puis. Headache, bilious-nervous, II. 709,Verbasc. Thaps. Headache, catarrhal, Aeon; II. 161, Caps.; 528, Ignat.; 592, Merc, 656, Nux vom.| II. 345, Samb. Headache, obstinate, chronic, II. 58, Ac. sulph. Headache, chronic, 217, Ant. cr, II. 544, Lauroc, Sep.; 811, Sulp. Headache, congestive, II. 16, Ac. hydroc, 166, Aeon, II. 113, Aur. met, 343, Bell, 398, Bry.; II. 149, Cann. sat.; 495, Ferr.; II. 532, Indigo; II. 544, Lauroc; 657, Nux vom, 701, Op, 11.656, Saba- dilla. Headache, bilious congestive, 105, Aeon, 113, Aeon, 593, Merc. Headache, nervous, congestive, II. 311, Mosch. Headache, frontal, n. 311, Mosch. Headache, gastric, 166, Aeon, 244, Arn, 11.481, Berb. vulg, 11.161, Caps, II. 203, Coff. cr, 475, Dig, 527, Ignat, 657, Nux vom, 744, Puis. Headache, hysteric, 166, Aeon, II. 241, Croc; 475, Dig, 657, Nux vom. Headache, intermittent, 431, China. Headache, periodical, 437, Chin, sulph. Headache, menstrual, 744, Puis. Headache, nervous, 166, Aeon, 343, Bell, 412, Cham, 527, Ignat, 550, Iod, II. 656, Sabadilla; II. 397, Staphys, II. 703, Valer. off. Headache, nervous, see also Hemicrania. Headache, rheumatic, 247, Arn.; II. 407, Asar, 343, Bell, II. 161, Caps.; 537, Ipec; 592, Merc, 657, Nux vom, II. 643, Rhodod, II. 345, Samb. Headache, bilious-rheumatic, II. 510, Act. racem. Headache, rheumatic-nervous, n. 260, Dulc. Headache, sick, 166, Aeon, 11.370, Sepia. Headache, violent pains in the scalp, II. 325, Plumb, met. Headache, subsequently developing opthal- mia, 456, Coloc. Headache, with alteration of the pulse, 474 Dig- Headache, with vertigo, 549, Jod. Headache, with painfulness in the nape of the neck, II. 495, Aristol. virg. Headache, with fulness of the head, alter- nating with nausea, II. 301, Lob. infl. Headache, from sudden suppression of the menses, piles, coryza, 167, Aeon. Headache, rheumatic and arthritic, also with syphilitico-mercurial complica- tions, II. 560, Mang. Headache, mercurial, II. 32, Ac. nitr. Headache, syphilitic, II. 32, Ac. nitr. Headache, congestive, mercurial or syphili- tic, II. 81, Arg. nitr. Headache, mercurial-syphilitic, II. 113, Aur. met. and mur. Headache, syphilitic-nocturnal, 593, Mere. Hearing, hard, 170, Aeon. Heart, affections of the, 481, Dig. Heart, passive congestion of the, 165, Aeon. Heart, congestion of the, 199, Aeon. Heart, venous congestion of the, II. 380, Spig. Heart, dilatation of the, see Dilatation. Heart, fatty degeneration of the, 326, Ars. Heart, hypertrophy of the, II. 122, Brom. Heart, hypertrophy of the, 6ee Hyper- trophy. Heart, irritable, II. 76, Arg. met. Heart, abnormal irritability of the, 825. Sulp. Heart, palpitation of the, 199, Aeon.; II. 493, Nitro-glyc. Heart, plethora of the, II. 496, Aristol. virg. Heart, plethora of the, see Plethora. Heart, rheumatism of, 140, Aeon, see also Rheumatism. Heart, spasms of the, 199, Aeon. Heart, spasm of the, see also Spasm. Heart-disease, II. 23, Ac. hydroc; 140, 107, Aeon.; II. 510, Act. racem. Digit. Heart's action, irregular, caused by alco- hol, II. 461, Agar. Heart, paralysis of, 104, Aeon. Heartburn, II. 10, Ac. gall, II. 32, Ac. nitr, II. 43, Ac. oxal. Heartburn, 105, Aeon, 178, Aeon.; 306, Ars, II. 126, Calc. carb, 11.102, Caps.; II. 172, Carb. veg, II. 204, Coff. cr, 477, Dig, II. 300, Lob. infl, 667, Nux vom, II. 613, Podop. pelt. Helminthiasis, II. 94, Arg. nitr, 11.188, Cina, II. 192, Cina, 11.663, Sabad, II. 399, Staphys.. Helminthiasis, see Colic, helminthic; Fe- ver, helminthic ; and Convulsions, hel- minthic. Hemicrania, II. 44, Ac. phosph, 166, Aeon, II. 461, Agar, 277, Ars ; 343, Bell, II. 161, Caps, II. 170, Carb. veg, II. 190, Cina, II. 197, Cocc; II. 203, Coff. cr, II. 513, Cyclam, 537, Ipec, II. 306, Lob. inflata ; 527, 528, Ignat,, Puis., Sep. Hemicrania, 11.414, Thuja; n. 703, 704, Valer. off. Hemicrania, every evening, 644, Merc. corr. Hemicrania, see also Headache, nervous. Hemicrania, arthritic, Aeon, 277, Ars.; 398, Brv.; 457, Coloc, II. 115, Aur. mur.; 728, Phosp, 701, Rhus tox. Hemicrania, chronic, II. 131, Calc. sulph. Hemicrania, hvsteric, Aeon.; II. 109, Asa f, II. 113, Aur. met, II. 125, Calc. carb. Hemicrania, neuralgic, Aeon.; 457, Coloc. Hemicrania, intermittent, 437, Chin. sulph. Hemicrania, periodical, 657, Nux vom. 734 CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Hemicrania, rheumatic, 277, Ars, 398, Bry.; 412, Cham. Hemicrania, with retching, 831, Verat alb. Hemeralopia, 375, Bell., 831, Verat. alb, (see also Amaurosis.) Hemiplegia, 516, Hyoscyam, 730, Phosph, (see also Paralysis.) Hepatalgia, 167, Aeon, 400, Bry, II. 504, Chelid. maj, II. 635, Ran. seel, II. 663, Sabad. Hepatic spots, II. 119, Borax. Hepatitis, 150, Aeon, 400, Bry, 615, Merc. Hepatitis, chronic, II. 28, Ac. mur, II. 34, Ac. nitr, 151, Aeon, 674, Nux vom, 820, Sulp. Hepatitis, chronic, see also Liver-com- plaint. Hernia of children, inguinal, 415, Cham, II. 199, Cocc. Hernia of children, recent, 670, Nux vom. Hernia, strangulated, 150, Aeon.; 383, Bell, 539, Ipec, 670, Nux vom, 708, Op, 763, Rhus. tox. Herpes, pustulous, II. 20, Ac. mur. Herpes, scorbutic, on the eyelids and ears, II. 31, Ac. mur. Herpes, squamosus, crustaceous, etc., II. 477, Bar. mur. Herpes furfuraceus, 408, Bry. Herpes, scurfy, II. 128, Calc. carb. Herpes, prasputialis and scrotal!*, II. 591, Ol. Crot, 704, Rhus tox, II. 132, Calc. sulph. Herpes, inveterate, II. 180, Carb. veg. Herpes, exedens, II. 510, Clem, erecta. Herpes, crusty, humid, II. 223, Con. Herpes, humid, II. 202, Dulc. Herpes on the labia majora, II. 262, Dulc Herpes, ulcerous, II. 268, Graph.; II. 568, Mang. Herpes, consequences of suppressed, II. 269, Graph. Herpes, crustaceous, of the face, II. 270, Graph. Herpes, yellowish, 508, Hell. Herpes, dry, mealy, II. 308, Lye Herpes, facialis, II. 568, Mang. Herpes, praeputialis, 628, Merc. Herpes, furfuraceous, 628, Merc. Herpes, syphilitic or scrofulous, 645, Merc. corr. Herpes, II. 310, Mez. Herpes of the skin, generally, II. 319, Natr. mur. Herpes on the cheek, II. 319, Natr. mur. Herpes, consisting in round spots over the whole body, 740, Phosp. Herpes, with exudations of a serous fluid, 763, Rhus. tox. Herpes circinnatus, n. 371, Sep. Herpes, crustaceus, II. 396, Stann. mur, H. 711, Vine. min. Herpes on lower ribs, II. 400, Staphys. Herpes of various forms, such as humidus, squamosus, crustaceous, furfuraceous, phagedenicus, etc., 808, Sulph. Herpes, dry or scaly, over the whole body, n. 419, Zinc. met. Herpes, gonorrhoeal, on the tonsils, velum, etc, from suppressed gonorrhoea, II. 419, Zinc. met. Hiccough, n. 59, Ac. sulph. Hiccough, spasmodic, II. 306, Lob. infl, n. 424, Zinc. ox. Hiccough, see also Singultus. Hip-joint, acute or chronic rheumatism of, 163, Aeon. Hip-joint, scrofulous inflammation of, 103, Aeon. Hip-joint, scrofulous inflammation of the, see also Coxarthrocace. Hives, 202, Aeon. Hoarseness, catarrhal, 193, Aeon, 417, Cham.; 025, Merc. Hoarseness, chronic evening-, 193, Aeon. Hoarseness, Aeon., 319, Ars, 625, Merc. Hoarseness, chronic, II. 178, Carb. veg. Hoarseness, also from repelled herpes, II. 262, Dulc. Hoarseness, syphilitic, 566, Iod. Hordeolum, see Stye. Hospital-gangrene, see Gangrene of hos- pitals. Hour-glass contractions, 388, Bell. Hunger, canine, 178, Aeon. Hydatids of cellular tissue, see Ascites saccatus. Hydrargyria, 816, Sulp. Hydrocele, 565, Iod. Hydrocephalus, acute, 246, Arn.; 345, Bell, 475, Dig, 506, Hell, II. 286, Kali hydriod, 593, Merc; 831, Verat. alb. Hydrocephalus, chronic, 346, Bell. Hydrocephalus, chronic, 811, Sulp. Hydrocephalus, congenital, 346, Bell. Hydrocephalus, metastatic, 228, Ant. tart. Hydrometra, II. 357, Sec. corn, II. 365, Senega. Hydro-pericardia, 325, Ars, 487, Dig. Hydrophobia, 353, Bell., Canth, 519, Hy- oscyam., Stram. Hydrophobia, see also Convulsions, hy- drophobic. Hygroma of the knees, 566, Iod. Hydrothorax, 103, Aeon, II. 73, Ap. mel, 327, Ars, 408, Bit.: 485, Dig.; 486, Dig, 507, Hell, 027, Merc, 11. 365, Senega. Hypertrophy of the heart, Aeon.; 482, Dig. Hypertrophy of the heart, with dilatation, 484, Dig. Hypertrophy of the liver, 314, Ars, 615, Merc, 564, Iod. Hypertrophy of the liver, scrofulous, II. 470, Bar. mur. Hypertrophy of the liver, when caused by abuse of alcoholic stimulants, II. 461, Agar. Hypertrophy of the spleen, see Physconia. Hypertrophy and induration of the uterus, schirrous, II. 223, Con. Hypochondria, II. 24, Ac. hydroc, 205, Aeon, n. 76, Arg. met, II. 113, Aur. met, II. 108, Asa f, II. 224, Con, 533, Ignat, 567, Iod, II. 579, Nux mosch.; 680, Nux vom, II. 608, Ol. Succ, II. 613, Podop. pelt, II. 401, Staphys, II. 393, Stann, 825, Sulp. Hypochondria from sexual abuse, H. 50, Ac. phosph. Hypochondria of chlorotic persons, 500, Ferr. Hypochondria of delicate, nervous females, 755, Puis. CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. I oO Hypopyon, II. 185 Calc. carb n 360 Senega. ' J Hysteralgia, 107, Aeon. Hysteria, 105, Aeon.; II. 24, Ac. hydroc, carb. II. ,0, Arg. met.; II. 92, Arg. TW1"-? "Vt108' Asa f>; IL ll3> Aur. met 207, Coft. cr.; II. :>40, Croc.; II. 256 Cup acet, 520, Hyoscyam.; 529, Ignat.; 530, Ignat; o32 Ignat.; 533, Ignat!; IL S«' ^°Soh'; IL i'7i'' Nux mosch. II. S??'^?1; Suce-; ]L «09. 610, Plat, met.: a*, Puis, 751, Puis.; II. 667, Scamm. 780, Strain.; II. 393, Stann ; II. 400, 401 Staphys, 777, Stram.; 825, Sulp.; IL 09), Thea. sin, II. 703, Valer. off.;" II. 424, 425, Zinc. ox. Hysteria, with uterine and cerebral con- gestions, II. 528, Eupat. perf. Hysteria, fitful appetite in, 405, Bry. Hysteria, with rush of blood to the head, vertigo, 811, Sulp. Hysteria, caused by menstrual suppres- sion, 754, Puis. H> steria of chlorotic females, 500, Ferr. Hysteria, monomaniacal, 205, Aeon. Hysteria, abnormal nasal secretions in, 389, Bell. Hysteria, cutting pain in the bowels and dark menstrual blood during, 407, Bry. Hysteria, with spasms, II. 287, Kali hy- driod. Hysteria, with spasmodic laughter and crying, II. 301, Lob. infl., Hysteria of young women, II. 45, Ac. phosp. Hysteria, spasms in, II. 354, Sec. corn. Hysteria, tremor of the heart and oppres- sion in, 389, Bell. Hysteria spinalis, 814, Sulp. Hysteria, with sexual excitement, see Sexual excitement. Hysteria, uterine, II. 200, Cocc. Hysteric and hypochondriac spasms, see Hysteria and Hypochondria. Ichthyosis, 334, Ars. Icterus see Jaundice. Icterus niger, see Jaundice, black. Icterus senilis, 313, Ars. Idiocy, 122, Aeon.; II. 333, Plumb, acet, n. 353, Sec. corn. Ileus, 383, Bell.; 539, Ipec, 708, Op. Imbecility, 632, Merc; 713, Op. Imbecility, from sexual abuse, 731, Phosp. Impetigo, 202, Aeon, II. 280, Kali bich. Impotence, II. 40, Ac. phosph.; II. 63, Agn. cast, 218, Ant. cr, II. 142, Camph, II. 205, Coff. cr, 497, Ferr, 521, Hyoscyam, 533, Ignat, II. 294. Kali brom, II. 312, Mosch, 676, Nux vom, 709, Op. • Impotence, 738, I'hosph, II. 330, Plumb. met, 822, Sulp, II. 087, Tabac. Impotence, with cold penis, 11.158, Canth. Impotence, from excessive abstemiousness, II. 222, Con. Impotence, with atrophied testes, 557, Iod. Impotence, from sexual abuse, 024, Merc. Incontinence of urine, see Enuresis. Incubus, see Nightmare. Indigestion, acute, 180, Aeon, 380, Bell.; II. 204, Coff. cr.; 749, Puis. Indigestion, dyspeptic, 555, Iod. Indurations, glandular, II. 107, Carb. an.; n. 223, Con, 634, Merc iod. Indurations of the submaxillary glands, see Glands. Indurations of glands, schirrous, see Schirrous. Induration of the liver, 314, Ars, 674. Nux vom. Indurations of mammae, schirrous, see Schirrous. Induration of neck of womb, 387, Bell. Induration of the nipples, 407, Bry. Induration of the nipples of infants, 418, Cham. Induration of the pancreas, II. 470, Bar. mur. Induration of the salivary glands, 613, Merc. Induration of the tongue, 010. Merc. Induration of the testes, see Testes. Induration and inflammation of glands and the testes, II. 475, Bar. mur. Infants, screams and restlessness of, II. 274, Jalappa. Inflammations, acute, 152, Aeon. Inflammations, carbunculous, 103, Aeon. Inflammations, diphtheritic, 151, Aeon. Inflammations, erysipelatous, 151, Aeon. Inflammations, neuralgic, 151, Aeon Inflammations, rheumatic, 151, Aeon. Inflammation of various parts, rheumatic, 402, Bry. Inflammations, scrofulous, 151, Aeon. Inflammation of abdominal organs, 149, Aeon. Inflammation of bladder, acute, 153, ISO. Aeon. Inflammation of bladder, rheumatic, 153, 180, Aeon. Inflammation of the neck of the bladder, 479, Dig. Inflammation of bones, 159, Aeon. Inflammation of bowels, 150, Aeon. Inflammation of the bowels, see Enteritis. Inflammation of brain, 153, Bell. Inflammation of the brain, see also Men- ingitis. Inflammation of the bronchia, 147, Aeon. Inflammation of the bronchia, chronic, 193, Aeon, 218, Ant. cr. Inflammation of the choroid coat, see Choroiditis. Inflammation of the colon, see Colonitis. Inflammation of the conjunctiva, 108, Aeon. Inflammation of the conjunctiva, see also Conjunctivitis. Inflammation of the cornea, see Corneitis. Inflammation of the diaphragm, see Di- aphragmitis. Inflammation of the ears, 160, 171, Aeon. Inflammation of the ears, see also Otitis. Inflammation of the eyes, see Ophthal- mia. Inflammation of the eyelids, 169, Aeon. Inflammations, exudative stage in, 400, Bry. Inflammation of the face, rheumatic, 172, Aeon. Inflammation of the face, 371. Bell. 736 CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Inflammation of the skin of the face, chronic, 817, Sulp. Inflammation of the throat, see Angina faucium. Inflammation of the fauces, diphtheritic, see Diphtheritis. Inflammation of the fauces, see Angina faucium. Inflammation of glands, see Adenitis, and Glands, inflammation of. Inflammation and swelling of inguinal glands, see Glands. Inflammation of mesenteric glands, 161, Aeon. Inflammation of the mesenteric glands, see ' Ganglionitis. Inflammation of the parotid gland, see Parotitis. Inflammation of the glans penis, 189, Aeon. Inflammation of the penis, H. 158, Canth. Inflammation of the gums, rheumatic, 173, Aeon. Inflammation of the gums, scorbutic, 173, Aeon. Inflammation of internal organs, syphilitic, n. 115, Aur. mur. Inflammation of the heart, see Carditis. Inflammation of hip-joint, scrofulous, 163, Aeon. Inflammation of the hip-joint, scrofulous, see also Coxarthrocace. Inflammation of the iris, 160, Aeon. Inflammation of the iris, see also Iritis. Inflammation of joints, scrofulous, 553, Jod. Inflammation of the knee, see Gonitis. Inflammation of the knee-joint, scrofulous, Jod., 402, Bry. Inflammation of the larynx, 194, 147, Aeon. Inflammation and swelling of the lips, scro- fulous, 817, ^ulp. Inflammation of the liver, 150, Aeon. Inflammation of the lungs, 130, Aeon, see also Pneumonia; 233, Ant. tart.' Inflammation of lungs, rheumatic, 153, Aeon. Inflammation of the mammae, see Mastitis. Inflammation of spinal marrow, 102, Aeon. Inflammation of the spinal cord, see also Myelitis. Inflammation of meningeal membranes, rheumatic, 153, Aeon. Inflammation of the mouth, diphtheritic, 164, Aeon, see also Diphtheritis. Inflammation of muscular tissue, traumatic, Aeon.; 257, Arn. Inflammation of the nose, 160, Aeon. Inflammation of the nose, see Nasitis. Inflammation of the omentum, see Omen- titis. Inflammation of the oesophagus, 176, Aeon. Inflammation of the oesophagus, see also Oesophagitis. Inflammation of ovaries, 146, Aeon, see also Ovaritis. Inflammation of the pancreas, see Pancrea- titis. Inflammation of pericardium, 156, Aeon, see also Pericarditis. Inflammation of periosteum, 159, Aeon. Inflammation of peritoneum, 150, Aeon. Inflammation of the peritoneum, see also Peritonitis. Inflammation of the pharynx, larynx, tra- chea, and oesophagus, chronic, II. 59, Ac. sulph. Inflammation of the pleura, 148, Aeon, 195, Aeon. Inflammation of the pleura, see also Pleu- ritis. Inflammation of the prepuce, 189, Aeon. Inflammation of the psoas-muscle, see Psoitis. Inflammation of the retina, 168, Aeon. Inflammation of the retina, see also Reti- nitis. Inflammation of the sclerotica, 168, Aeon. Inflammation of the sclerotica, see also Sclerotitis. Inflammation of the stomach, 149, Aeon, 231, Ant. tart. Inflammation of the stomach, chronic, 230, Ant. tart. Inflammation of the stomach, see also gas- tritis. Inflammation of the stomach and bowels, see Gastro-enteritis. Inflammation of testes, 146, Aeon, 189, Aeon. Inflammation of the testes, see also Orchi- tis. Inflammation of the left tibia, with suppu- ration and ulceration of the calf, II. 319, Natr. mur. Inflammation of the tongue, 175, Aeon. Inflammation of the tongue, see also Glos- sitis. Inflammation of the tonsils and uvula, see Angina faucium. Inflammation of the urethra, see Urethri- tis. Inflammation of the veins, 159, Aeon., Hamamelis virg. Inflammation of the vagina, see Vagini- tis. Inflammation of the vulva, see Vulvitis. Inflammation of the womb, see Metri- tis. Influenza, 191, Aeon. Influenza, common, 193, Aeon. Influenza, 232, Ant. tart. Influenza, 319, Ars, 407, Bry.; II. 143, Camph, II. 164, 165, Caps, II. 266, Euphr, 823, Sulp. Influenza, epidemic, II. 545, Led. Pal, 823, Sulp. Insanity, see Dementia. Insolation, see Sunstroke. Intertrigo infantum, II. 128, Calc. carb.; 418, Cham., II. 320, Natr. mur.; 808, Sulp. Intoxication, alcoholic, II. 153, Cannab. sat, II. 601, Ol. Tereb, II. 697, Thea sin, see also Delirium Tremens and Mania-a-potu. Irritable bladder, 187, Aeon. Irritable stomach, 230, Ant. tart. Irritation of the brain, nervous, 121, Aeon. Irritation of the brain, rheumatic, 247, Arn. Irritation of the bronchia, catarrhal, see Bronchia. Irritation of the cerebral nerves, 102, Aeon. Irritation of the cerebral and ganglionic nerves, acute, Aeon, II. 474, Bar. carb. CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. '37 Irritation, excessive nervous, II. 204, Coff. Irritation, nervous, II. 658, Sabad. irritation of the spermatic cord, spas- modic, 385, Bell. ' * Irritation, spinal, 163, Aeon.; II. 461 Agar. ' Irritation, spinal, 291, Ars, 529, Ignat.; II- 282, Kali nitr.; 814, Sulp.;'lL 685 Tabac. ' Ir«& If0' Ac°n-; 373' Bell-5 373> Bell.: 604, Merc. corr. Iritis, scrofulous or syphilitic, 644, Merc corr. Iritis, syphilitic, 604, Merc. sol. and Merc. corr. Ischialgia, see Ischias. Ischias intermittens, 429, China, Ischias nervosa, 413, Cham., Coloc; 745, Puis, II. 602, 01. Tereb.; 761, Rhus tox. Ischuria, 186, Aeon.; II. 73, Ap. mel.; 315, Ars, II. 156, Canth.; II. 205, Coff. cr ; II. 606, Ol. Tereb, II. 330, Plumb, met. Ischuria, from suppressed gonorrhoea, n. 231, Cop. Ischuria, paralytic, 384, Bell. Itch, see Scabies. Itching of the scrotum, 189, Aeon. Itching of the scrotum, violent, 763, Rhus tox. Itching and burning of the skin, II. 144, Camph. Jaundice, 108, Aeon, 127, Aeon, 203, Aeon, 312, Ars, 313, Ars.; 408, Bry, II. 504, Chelid. maj, 433, China; II. 258, Cup. acet, 479, Dig, II. 577, Nux jugl, 614, Merc, 740, Phosp, II. 330, Plumb. met. Jaundice, chronic, II. 36, Aconite, 617, Merc, 674, Nux vom. Jaundice, black, II. 330, Plumb, met. Jaundice, originating in fever and ague, 313, Ars. Jaundice, dyspeptic conditions remaining after, 313, Ars. Joints, rigidity and creaking of the, II. 198, Cocc. Joints, arthritic swelling of joints, see Swelling. Joints, scrofulous ulceration of the, see Arthrocace. Joints, caused by the suppression of inter- mittents, acute swelling of, 6ee Swelling. Knee-joint, chronic swelling of the, see Swelling. Kidneys, acute congestion of, 104, 123, Aeon. Labor, severe, 254, Arn. Labor-pains, exhausting, II. 205, Coff. cr. Labor-pains, spasmodic, 416, Cham, 752, Puis, IL 355, Sec corn. Labor-pains, spurious, 416, Cham. Laryngeal phthisis, II. 22, Ac. hydroc. Laryngeal phthisis, scrofulous or syphil- itic, IL 38, Ac. nit. Laryngeal phthisis, II. 178, Carb. veg. Laryngeal phthisis, II. 2o9, Dros. _ Laryngeal phthisis, II. 290, Kali hydriod. Laryngeal phthisis, syphilitico-murcurial, II. 559 Mang. Larvn-eal phthisis, II. 385, Spong tosta. Laryngeal phthisis, incipient, II. 688, Tobac VOL. IL- 47 Laryngeal phthisis, see also Phthisis. Laryngismus stridulus, 194, Aeon, H. 312, Mosch, II. 385, Spong tosta. Larvngitis, 147, Aeon, 194, Aeon, II. 270, Guaj, 739, Phosp. Laryngitis, chronic, II. 76, Arg. met, II. 98, Arg. nitr, 389. Bell, H. 223, Con.; 561, Jod, II. 565, Mang. Laryngitis, chronic, when caused by the syphilitico-mercurial virus, II. 559. Mang. Laryngitis, chronic, scrofulous or syphil- itic, II. 38, Ac. nitr. Laryngitis, see also Croup. Larynx, inflammation of, see Laryngitis. Larynx, phthisis of, see Laryngeal phthisis. Larynx, ulceration of, see Ulceration. Larynx, spasmodic, see Hysteria. Lepra, syphilitic or scrofulous, 645, Merc corr. Lepra, see Leprosy. Leprosy, 334, Ars, 213, Ant. cr, 508, Hell. Leucoma, 304, Ars, II. 125, Calc. carb.: 815, Sulp. Leucorrhoea, 190, Aeon, 232, Ant, tart.: II. 176, Carb. veg, II. 200, Cocc.; II. 233, Cop, 498, Ferr, 558, Jod, II. 289. Kali hydriod, II. 557, Magnes. mur.; 677, Nux vom, II. 609, Plant, maj.; 752, Puis, II. 357, Sec. corn, H. 395, Stann. Leucorrhoea, corrosive, 318, Ars. Leucorrhoea, acrid, II. 222, Con. Leucorrhoea, inflammatory, II. 98, Arg. nitr. Leucorrhoea, foul, II. 296, Kreas. Leucorrhoea, with ulceration of the neck of the womb, IL 298, Kreas. Leucorrhoea, itching, II. 310, Mez. Leucorrhoea, thin, acrid, II. 46, Ac. phosp. Leucorrhoea in the place of the menses, II. 342, Sabina. Leucorrhoea, scrofulous or syphilitic, II. 37, Ac. nitr. Leucorrhoea of scrofulous females, II. 555, Magnes. carb. Leucorrhoea, yellowish, acrid, 822, Sulp. Lienteria, 207, Ant. cr, 496, Ferr. Lichen, II. 576, Nux. jugl, II. 693, Tarax. Lichen agrius, 212, Ant. cr. Lichen lividus, 212, Ant. cr. Lichen simplex, 212, Ant. cr. Lichen urticatus, 212, Ant. cr. Lichen urticatus, see Rash, vesicular. Lids, falling of the, see Blepharophtosis. Lips, inflammation of the, see Inflamma- tion. Lip, warty excrescences on lower, see Warty. Lippitudo, II. 426, Zinc. ox. Limbs, numbness of the, see Limbs. Liver-complaint, organic, II. 34, Ac. nitr. Liver-complaint, 151, Aeon, 463, Colic ; 674, Nux. vom. Liver-complaint, see also Hepatitis, chro- nic. Liver, abscess of, 151, Aeon. Liver, atrophy of the, 314, Ars. Liver, cirrhosis of the, 313, Ars. Liver, passive congestion of the, 165, Aeon. Liver, congestion of the, see Congestion. Liver, sub-acute congestion of the, 415, Cham. Liver, enlargement of the, 429, China. 738 CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Liver, fatty degeneration of the, 314, Ars. i 727, Phosp. Liver, fungus of the, II. 35, Ac. nitr. Liver, hyperthropy of the, 314, Ars. Liver, induration of the, 314, Ars. Liver-grown, see Congestion. Liver, inflammation of, see Hepatitis. Liver, schirrus of the, 314, Ars. Liver-spots, 808 Sulp. Liver, tuberculosis of the, 314, Ars. Lochia, foul, fetid, 385, Bell. Lock-jaw, 107, Aeon, 228, Ant. tart. Lock-jaw, see also Trismus. Loquacity, monomaniacal, 113, Aeon. Loss of voice, see Aphonia. Lumbago, Aeon, II. 431, Zinc, valer, Lumbrici, 434, China, 621, Merc, II. 379, Spig, II. 392, Stann. Lungs, anaemia of the, 196, Aeon. Lungs, congestion of the, see Congestion. Lungs, inflammation of, see Pneumonia. Lungs, oedema of the, see Oedema. Lungs, passive congestion of, 164, Aeon. Lungs, rheumatic inflammation of, 153, Aeon. Lungs, spasm of the, 507, Hell. Lungs, suppuration of the, 427, China. Lungs, scrofulous or syphilitic ulceration of the, see Ulceration. Lupus, 334, Ars. Lupus of the face, II. 131, Calc. chlor. Luxation, see Dislocation. Lymphatic swellings, see swellings. Lymphatic vessels, suppuration and ulcera- tion of the, see Suppuration. Maculae, brown, 523, Hyoscyam. Maculae, impetiginous, 628, Merc. Maculae, stigmata, II. 665, Sabad. Maculae, Byphilitic or scrofulous, 645, Merc. corr. Mammae, hardness of the, Aeon., Bell., 418, Cham. Mammae, schirrous induration of, see Schirrous. Mania, acute, II. 140, Camph, n. 484, Euphorb. off, H. 186, Cic. vir, 632, Merc ; 713, Op, II. 686, Tabac. Mania, with diarrhoea, n. 427, Zinc. acet. Mania, disputative, 205, Aeon. Mania ecstatica, 776, Stram. Mania errabunda, 776, Stram. Mania ferox, 119, Aeon, 122, Aeon, 395, Bell, 524, Hyoscyam, II. 326, Plumb. met, 766, Stram.; 836, Verat. alb. Mania, fitful, 105, Aeon, 205, Aeon, II. 207, Coff. cr. Mania, with hallucination of being kings, etc., II. 153, Cannab. sat. Mania, fitful or with hallucinations, or fan- cying he is alone in the world, 776, Stram. Mania, with howling, II. 256, Cup. acet. Mania, intermittent, 436, Chin, sulph. Mania loquax, 776, Stramonium. Mania, caused by violent suppression of the itch, 825, Sulph. Mania, with incontrollable laughter, n. 153, Cannab. sat. Mania, from suppressed leucorrhoea, H. 426, Zinc. ox. Mania, with melancholy, fright, etc., n. 333, Plumb, acet. Mania caused by menstrual suppression, 577, Puis. Mania, paroxysms of, n. 224, Con. Mania-a-potu, H. 69, Ammonia liquida; 346, Bell.; 361, Bell, n. 203, Coff. cr, 515, Hyoscyam.; n. 601, Ol. Tereb, 701, Op, 776, Stram. Mania, puerperal, 190, Aeon, 385, Bell, 508, Hell, 522, Hyoscyam, 704, Op, 780, Stram.; 834, Verat alb. Mania, saltatoria, II. 461, Agar. ; 776, Strain. Mania, from sexual abuse, 731, Phosp. Mania of suicide, II. 113, Aur. met, 680, Nux vom. Marasmus, 218, Ant, 280, 281, Ars ; 550, Jod, II. 658, Sabad, II. 327, Plumb. met, II. 420, Zinc, ox, II. 428, Zinc sulph. Marasmus from sexual abuse, 731, Phosp. Marasmus of children, 281, Ars, 550, Jod. Marasmus of drunkards, 284, Ars. Marasmus, mercurial, 550, Jod. Marasmus senilis, 281, Ars. Mastitis, 367, Bell, 386, Bell, 407, Bry, 738, Phosph. Measles, 202, Aeon.; Apis m, 392, Bell, 754, Puis, 765, Rhus tox. Megrim, see Hemicrania. Melancholia, 336, Ars.: II. 241, Croc, II. 256, Cup acet, II. 530, Indigo ; II. 598, Ol. Petrae; II. 609, Plat, met, II. 424, Zinc ox. Melancholia, caused by menstrual suppres- sion, 755, Puis. Melaena, II. 173, Carb. veg.; 736, Phosp. Memory, weakness of, 205, Aeon. Memory, loss of, 205, Aeon. Meningitis, acute, II. 72, Ap mel, 153, 345, Bell, 361, Bell, 400, Bry.; 514, Hy- oscyam, II. 286, Kali hydriod. ; 776, Stram. Meningitis, rheumatic, 153, Aeon. Meningeal membranes, rheumatic inflam- mation of, 153, Aeon. Meningitis from concussion of the brain, 362, Bell. Meningitis, tubercular, 346, Bell. Meningitis, from the sudden retrocession of some acute rash, II. 138, Camph, 159, Aeon, 190, Aeon. Menorrhagia, II. 63, Aloes; 407, Bry ; 434, China ; II. 193, Cina, II. 205, Coff, cr. Menorrhagia, 465, Coloc.; n. 242, Croc.; II. 515, Cyclam, 521, Hyoscyam.; 533, Ignat, 558, Jod.; 540, Ipec, 738, Phosp, 676, Nux vom, II. 654, Ruta.; II. 610, Plut. met, n. 357, See. corn.; 822, Sulph. Menses, premature, Aeon. II. 199, Cocc, n. 109, Asa feet, II. 68, Amm. mur. Menorrhagia of scrofulous females, H. 385, Spong. tosta. Menorrhagia of debilitated females, 493, Ferr. Menorrhagia, typhoid, 780, Stram. Menostasia, 738, Phosph, H. 341, Sabina. Menostasia, with dragging painB, II. 356, Sec. corn. Menses, dark, foul, 385, Bell. Menses, foul, premature, II. 296, Kreas. Menses, irregular, II. 370, Sepia. Menses, while nursing, H. 119, Borax. CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. 739 MLae8' profuse' with BtllPor, II. 544, Menses, suppression of, see Amenorrhoea. Menstruation, profuse, see Menorrhagia Mentagra, 213, Ant. cr.; 808, Sulp. Mercurial diseases, antidotes to, 646 Mesenteric glands, inflammation of, see Ganglionitis. ' MTTrioLSi a*6' Acon-; 363> Bell-; 558, Jod, il. 354, Sec. corn. Metrorrhagia, II. 46, Ac phosph.; H. 60 Ac- su]Ph.; 189, Aeon.; 253, Arn, 407! Bry.; 416, Cham.; II. 242, Croc.; 497, Ferr, 521, Hyoscyam.; 533, Ignat, 540, Ipec; II. 574, Millef.; II. 610, Plat. met. II. 341, Sabina ; Sec. corn. Metrorrhagia, during pregnancy and'after confinement, 159, Aeon. Metrorrhagia, passive, H. 176, Carb. veg. H. 354 ; Sec. corn. Milk-leg, 160, Aeon. Milk, excessive flow of, 190, Aeon. Milk, excessive flow of, see also Galactir- rhoea. Milk, suppression of, see Agalactia. Mouth, soreness of the corners of the, 817, Sulp. Mouth, diphtheritic inflammation of, see Diphtheritis. Mouth, nursing sore, see Nursing sore mouth, and Stomatitis. Miliaria, 331, Ars. Miliaria of children, see Rash. Mind, dullness of, II. 44, Ac. phosph. Miscarriage, Aeon. II. 243, Croc, 498, Ferr.; II. 341, Sabina ; II. 355, Sec. corn, 822; Sulph. Miscarriage, caused by accident, Aeon. 254, Molesj n. 159, Canth.; II. 357, Sec. corn. Molluscum, 213, Ant. cr. Monomania of murder, 336, Ars. Monomaniacal states of the mind, 205, Aeon. Monomaniacal loquacitv, 113, Aeon. Morbus maculosus simplex, 157, Aeon. Morbus maculosus werlhofii, see Purpura haemorrhagica. Morning-sickness of pregnant females, 380, Bell.; 179, Aeon.; II. 555, Magn. carb. Natr. mur. Mumps, see Parotitis. Muscae volitantes, see Amaurosis, Ambly- opia. Muscae volitantes, 476, Dig. Muscular pains, see Pains. • Myelitis, 162, Acpn, 362, Bell. Myelitis, chronic, 163, Aeon. Naevi materni, n. 298, Kreas. Nails, falling off of the, 335, Ars. Nails, scrofulous ulceration of the, 631, Merc. Nails, syphilitic ulceration of the, 631, Merc. Nasitis, 160, Aeon, 371, Bell, 607, Merc. Nasitis, scrofulous, II. 126, Calc. carb, 816, Sulp. Nausea of pregnant females, see Mornmg- sickness. Nausea, bilious, 1,9, Aeon. Nausea, chronic, II. 199, Cocc. Nausea, nervous, 179, Aeon. Neck, crick in the, 155, Aeon. Neck, wry, 155, Aeon. Neck of uterus, swelling of, n. 159, Canth. Neck of the womb, engorgements and dis- organizations of the, II. 73, Ap. met. Neck of womb, induration of, see Indura- tion. Neck of womb, swellirg of, see Swelling. Neck of womb, ulcerations, II. 296, Kreas.; II. 98, Arg. nitr. Neck of womb, malignant ulceration of, II. 167, Carb. an. Necro-pneumonbi, see Gangrene of the lungs. Nephritis, Aeon, n. 157,158, Canth. Nephritis, desquamative, H. 523, Coccus cacti. Nervousness, see Irritation, nervous. Nervous complaints from repelled itch, 6ee Itch. Nettle-rash, 202, Aeon. Nettle-rash, see also Urticaria. Neuralgia, 100, Aeon, 167, Aeon.; 347, Bell, 413, Cham, 662, Nux vwn. Neuralgia, II. 431, Zinc valer. 7 Neuralgia, inflammatory, II. 284, Kali nitr. Neuralgia, intermi tent, 438, Chin, sulph. Neuralgia ischiadica, 429, China. Neuralgia, rheumatic, II. 299, Kreas, 594, Merc. Neuralgia of the abdominal walls, 252, Arn. Neuralgia from eallou6 cicatrices, II. 100, Arg. nitr. Neuralgia of the crural nerve, 457, Coloc. Neuralgia of the coeliac plexus, 438, Chin. sulph. Neuralgia, spinal, II. 43, Ac. oxal, 663, Nux vom, II. 424, Zinc. ox. Neuralgia of the face, 167, Aeon.; 290, Ars. Neuralgia of the face, see also Prosopalgia. Neuralgia from suppressed gonorrhoea, II. 231, Cop. Neuralgia of the heart, Aeon. H. 509, Act. racem. Neuralgia of the jaws, 105, Aeon. Neuralgia from repelled itch, 814, Sulp. Neuralgia of the liver, 167, Aeon. Neuralgia of the iufra-orbital nerve, II. 81, Arg. nitr. Neuralgia supra-orbitalis, 430, China. Neuralgia of the rectum, 167, Aeon. Neuralgia of the spleen, 441, Chin, sulph, II. 635, Ran. seel. Neuralgia of the toes, II. 704, Valer. off. Neuralgia of the womb, 167, Aeon.; 438, Chin, sulph. Neuralgic pains, 122, Aeon, II. 461, Agar. Neuralgic pains in the muscles or bones, II. 198, Cocc. Neuralgic pains, 290, Ars.; 427, China. Neuralgic affections, 429, China. Neurosis of the brain, metas atic, II. 588, Ol. crot. Neurosis of the liver, II. 627, Ran. bulb. Neurosis of the integuments of the chest, II. 629, Ran. bulb. Neurosis of the lungs, II. 629, Ran. bulb. Night-mare, 204, Aeon, 427, China. Night-mare from abuse of spirits, bad di- gestion, 080, Nux vom. Nightmare, 825, Sulp. Night-sweats, in phthisis, n. 3, Ac. acet. Night-sweats, II. 61, Ac. sulph. ALPHABETICAL ORDER. 740 CLINICAL INDEX IN . Nipples of infants, induration of the, see Induration. Nipples of infants, swelling of the, see Swelling. Nipples of infants, ulceration of the, see Ulceration. Nipples, inflammation, suppuration and disorganization of, II. 319, Natr. mur. Nipples, sore, 254, Arn. « Nipples, ulceration of, n. 101, Arg. nitr. Nipples, induration of the, see Induration. Nodes, 629, Merc. Nodes, syphilitic, 645, Merc. corr. Noma, II. 429, Zinc mur. Nose, inflammation of, see Nasitis. Nosebleed, see Epistaxis. Numbness of the limbs, paralytic, n. 43, Ac. oxal. Nursing sore mouth, 174, Aeon, 496, Ferr, 608, Merc. Nyctalopia, 375, Bell, 831, Verat. alb. Nymphomania, 385, Bell, II. 158, Canth, II. 205, Coff, II. 262, Dulc, 521, Hyos- cyam, 710, Op, II. 610, Plat, met, 780, Stram,5»834, Verat. alb. Odontalgia, see Toothache. Oedema of the feet, hands, etc., 336, Ars. Oedema of the feet, face and hands, conse- quent upon fever and ague, 331, Ars. Oedema of the lungs, 507, Hell. Oedema of the penis, 623, Merc. sol. Oedema of the scrotum, 318, Ars. Oesophagitis, 176, Aeon, 365, Bell, II. 199, Cocc. Oesophagitis, chronic, 613, Merc Oesophagus, inflammation of, 176, Aeon. Omentitis, 364, Bell. Onychia, see Whitlow. Ophthalmia, II. 279, Kali bich. Ophthalmia, chronic, II. 646, Rhodod. Ophthalmia, sub-acute, 169, Aeon. Ophthalmia, arthritic, 131, Aeon, 373, Bell, 404, Bry,; 747, Puis, 815, Sulp. Ophthalmia, catarrhal, Aeon, II. 72, Ap. mel, 372, Bell. Ophthalmia, catarrhal. II. 161, Caps. Ophthalmia, catarrhal, II. 264, Euphr. Merc. viv. Ophthalmia, erysipelatous, II. 72, Ap. mel. Ophthalmia, consequent upon cerebral ir- ritation, 530, Ignat. Ophthalmia, granular, 475, Dig. Ophthalmia, granular, 605, Merc. Ophthalmia from suppressed herpes, chronic, II. 269, Graph. Ophthalmia, after measles, Aeon, 748, Puis. Ophthalmia, intermittent, 439, Chin, sulph. Ophthalmia purulenta, wheiher scrofulous or syphilitic, II. 32, Ac. nitr. Ophthalmia, purulent, II. 87, Arg. nitr, 230, Ant. tart, 373, Bell. Ophthalmia of newborn children, purulent, 374, Bell. Ophthalmia, rheumatic, Aeon, II. 72, Ap. mel, 372, Bell, 404, Bry, II. 547, Led. pal, 644, Merc. viv. and corr. Ophthalmia, chronic scrofulous, II. 45, Ac. phosp. Ophthalmia, scrofulous, 104, Aeon, 131, Aeon, 162, Aeon, 304, Ars, 373, Bell.; II. 125, Calc. carb, II. 131, Calc. sulp. 604, Merc, 644, Merc, corr, 747, Puis, 761, Rhus tox. Ophthalmia, scrofulous, 815, Sulp. Ophthalmia, syphilitic, 644, Merc, corr, 604, Merc. sol. Ophthalmia, traumatic, 169, Aeon.; 248, Arn. Opisthotonos, see Convulsions, tetanic. Orcheocele, II. 384, Spong. tosta. Orchitis, 146, Aeon, 159, Aeon.; 189, Aeon, 253, Arn, 385, Bell, 751, Puis. Orchitis, chronic, II. 76, Arg. met, 318, Ars, II. 113, Aur. met. and mur, II. 383, Spong. tosta, II. 648, Rhodod. Orchitis, from suppressed gonorrhoea, II. 231, Cop. Orchitis, chronic, from suppression of gon- orrhoea, n. 292, Kali hydriod. Orgasm, see Excitement, sexual. Orthopncea, 113, Aeon. Osteosarcoma, 735, Phosph. Otalgia, 170, Aeon, 377, Bell, 413, Cham, 606, Merc, 748, Puis. Otalgia, 762, Rhus tox, 816, Sulph, II. 710, Verbasc. Thapsus. Otalgia, chronic, II. 26, Ac. mur. Otitis, acute, 160, Aeon.; 171, Aeon, 377, Bell, 404, Bry.; 605, Merc, 748, Puis, . 816, Sulph. Otitis, syphilitic, 636, Merc. rub. Otorrhoea, 170, Aeon. ; 377, Bell.; 816, Sulph. Otorrhoea, chronic, 171, Aeon, 748, Puis. Otorrhoea, fetid, II. 88, Arg. nitr. Otorrhoea, purulent, scrofulous or syphili- tic, II. 32, Ac. nitr. Otorrhoea, with caries of the ossicula, II. 113, Aur. met. and mur. Otorrhoea, scrofulous, II. 126, Calc. carb. Ovaries, inflammation of, see Ovaritis. Ovaritis, 146, Aeon, II. 159, Canth. Ovarian cysts, see Cysts. Ozaena, II. 126, Calc. carb, 554, Iod, II. 279, Kali, bich, 607, Merc. Ozaena, syphilitic and scrofulous, II. 88, Arg. nitr. Ozaena, with caries of the nasal bones, scrof- ulous, mercurial, syphilitic, II. 113, Aur. met. Ozaena, scrofulous, II. 131, Calc. sulph, II. 223, Con. Ozaena, syphilitic, IT. 32, Ac. nitr, 11.292, Kali hydriod.; 607, Merc. Paedarthrocace, 813, Sulph. Pains, muscular, 663, Nux vom. Palpitation of the heart, 199, Aeon, 408, Bry. Palpitation of the heart, arising from loss of blood, or from a rheumatic or arthritic diathesis, II. 113, Aur. met. Panaritia, see Whitlow. Pancreatitis, 364, Bell. Pannus, 373, Bell.; II. 360, Senega. Papulae, 333, Ars. ; II. 280, Kali bich.; II. 568, Mang, 764, Rhus tox. Papulae, bilious-gastric, II. 505, Chelid. maj. Papulae, syphilitic or scrofulous, 645, Merc. corr. Paralysis, general, 167, Aeon, 358, Bell, 662, Nux vom, 778, Stram. Paralysis, chronic, 814, Sulp. CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. 741 Paralysis after apoplexy, 358,Bell.; II. 220 Con. Paralysis of the brain, II. 255, Cup. acet. Paralysis of the brain, incipient, II. 417 Zinc. met. Paralysis, general or partial, 288, Ars. Paralysis, general and partial, II. 326, Plumb. Paralysis of the extremities, 104, Aeon. Paralysis of the extremities, 399, Brv.; 551 Iod.; H. 353, Sec. corn. Paralysis of upper and lower limbs, II. 475, Bar. mur. Paralysis of the lower extremities, 439, Chin, sulph.; 644, Merc, corr.; 745, Puis. Paralysis of the extremities, painless, cold, 761, Rhus tox. Paralysis of the left and then the right side, alternate, 105, Aeon. Paralysis of the muscular fibre, 123, Aeon. Paralysis from exposure, 597, Merc. Paralysis of the heart, 104, Aeon. Paralysis of the auditory nerves, 359, Bell, 436, Chin, sulph. Paralysis of the jaws, rheumatic, 611, Merc. Paralysis of the optic nerves, 359, Bell, 436, Chin, sulph. Paralysis of painters, II. 581, Oleander. Paralysis, rheumatic, 125, Aeon, 257, Arn, 359, Bell, II. 261, Dulc, 662, Nux vom, 761, Rhus tox. Paralysis depending upon concussion or organic disease of the spinal cord, 761, Rhus tox. Paralysis of the sphincters of tlie anus, 359, Bell. Paralysis of the sphincters of the anus, 383, Bell. Paralysis of the sphincters of the rectum, 383, Bell. Paralysis of the rectum, 674, Nux vom. Paralysis of bladder, rheumatic, 126, Aeon. Paralysis of the bladder, 186, Aeon. Paralysis of muscular fibres of bladder, 104, Aeon. Paralysis of neck of bladder, 253, Arn. Paralysis of the sphincters of the bladder, 359, Bell, 384, Bell, 763, Rhus tox. Paralysis of the sphincters, ani et vesicae, 521, Hyoscyam. Paralysis of the special senses, 436, Chin. sulph, II. 544, Lauroc. Paralysis of sentient nerves, 121, Aeon, 125, Aeon. Paralysis of the spinal cord, 723, Phosp. Paralysis of organs of speech, 120, Aeon, 174, Aeon, 378, Bell.; II. 584, Oleand. Paralysis of the tongue, rheumatic, 359, Bell.; II. 261, Dulc Paralysis, partial, 358, Bell, 438, Clun. sulph, IL 197, Cocc . Paralysis, partial, see also Paraplegia. Paralytic conditions, 102, Aeon. Paralysis, precursory symptoms of, 10b, Paraphimosis, 465, Coloc. Paraphimosis', syphilitic, 623, Merc sol. Paraplegia, 715, Morph acet. Paraplegia, 730, Phosph Paraplegia, see also Paralysis, partial. £ Otitis Aeon, 394, Bell, 014, Merc. ?aro 'after scarlet-fever,' 762, Rhus tox. ?ellagraofMilan,334,Ars. Penis, oedema of the, 6ee Oedema. Pemphigus, 333, Ars, H. 128, Calc. carb, 764, Rhus tox. Perforation of the stomach, see Gastrom- alacia. Periostitis, 159, Aeon. Periostitis, syphilitico-mercurial, II. 310, Mez. Periostitis, rheumatic, 747, Puis. Periosteum, inflammation of, see Perios- titis. Pericarditis; 156, Aeon, 325, Ars, n. 510, Act. racem. Pericardium, inflammation of, see Pericar- ditis. Peritoneum, inflammation of, see Peritoni- tis. Peritonitis, 150, Aeon.; 363, Bell, 400, Bry, II. 198, Cocc, 459, Coloc. Peritonitis, puerperal, 522, Hyoscyam. Peritonitis, rheumatic, 402, Bry. Peritonitis, typhoid, 763, Rhus tox. Petechiae, erysipelatous, purple-colored, II. 223, Con. Petechiae, resembling purpura haemorrha- gica, II. 353, Sec. coru. Pertussis, see Cough. Phlebitis, see Inflammation of veins. Phthisis florida, see Consumption. Phthisis, intestinal, 312, Ars. Phthisis, laryngeal, 194, Aeon, 499, Ferr, 561, Iod, 626, Merc. Phthisis, meseraica, see Consumption, me- senteric. Phthisis of the lungs, 6ee also Consump- tion, pulmonary. Phthisis, mucous, 197, Aeon, 322, Ars. Phthisis, pituitosa, see phthisis mucosa. Phthisis, tracheal, 197, Aeon, 499, Ferr. Phthisis, tubercular, 322, Ars, 739, Phosph. Phthisis, ulcerous, 218, Ant. cr. Phthisis of the urinary mucous lining, 497, Ferr. Phthiriasis, 566, Iod, II. 400, Staphys. Phimosis, 385, Bell. Phimosis, syphilitic, 623, Merc. sol. Phlebitis, 159, Aeon, II. 273, Ham. virg, 732, Phosp. Phlegmasia alba dolens, 160, Arsn. Photophobia, II. 222, Con. Photophobia, purely nervous, 530, Ignat. Photopsia, 376, Bell, 476, Dig. Photopsia, a symptom of hysteria, H. 700, Valer. off. Phrenitis, see Meningitis. Phlyctaenae, 815, Sulp. Physconia lienis, 429, China, 441. Chin. sulph. Piles, 184, Aeon. Piles, white, 184, Aeon. Piles, consequences of sudden suppression of, 184, Aeon. Piles, see also Haemorrhoids. Pityriasis, 335, Ars.; II. 585, Oleander. Placenta, adhesion of the, II. 342, Sabina. Placenta, retention of, with paroxysms of congestive headache every evening, 439, Chin. sulp. Plethora, passive, 142, Aeon. Plethora of the heart, 485, Dig. Pleura, inflammation of, see Pleuritis. Pleuritis, 148. Aeon, 195, Aeon, 401, Bry. Pleurisy, bilious, 148, Aeon. 742 CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Pleuritis serosa, II. 262, Dulc. Pleurisy, serous effusion in, 256, Arn. Pleuritis plastica, 825, Sulp. Pleurisy, protracted cases of, 148, Aeon, 553, Iod. Pleurisy, spurious, see Pleurodynia. Pleurodynia, 255, Arn. Pleuro-pneumonia, 195, Aeon, 400, Bry, 727, Phosph. Pleuro-pneumonia, scrofulous, II. 291, Kali hydriod. Pleuro-pneumonia, see also pneumonia. Plica Poloniea, II. 223, Con, 508, Hell, II. 308, Lye; II. 711, Vine. min. Pneumonia, 130, Aeon, 233, Ant. tart, 362, Bell, 400, Bry, H. 607, Ol. Tereb, 727, Phosp.; 732, Phosph, II. 388, Scil. marit, II. 418, Zinc. met. Pneumonia, adynamic, II. 312, Mosch. Pneumonia, chronic, II. 178, Carb. veg, II. 566, Mang.; 732, Phosph, 825, Sulp. Pneumonia, bilious, 401, Bry, II. 150, Cannab. sat. Pneumonia, neglected, 401, Bry, II. 178, Carb. veg. Pneumonia notha, 320, Ars. Pneumonia, rheumatic, 153, Aeon. Pneumonia, slow, torpid, II. 48, Ac. phosp. Pneumonia, stage of white hepatization, 323, Ars. Pneumonia, incidental to typhus abdomin- alis, 401, Bry. Pneumonia of old, emaciated persons, II. 38, Ac. nitr. Pneumonia, traumatic, 256, Arn. Pneumonia, typhoid, 11.48, Ac. phosp, II. 544, Lauroc, 732, Phosph.; 763, Rhus tox. Pneumonia, typhoid, see also Typhus pul- monalis. Pneumorrhagia, 159, Aeon.; 500, Ferr.; II. 574, Millef. Polydipsia, II. 60, Ac. sulph. Polypus of the nose, 634, Merc, jod, 712, Op.; 734, Phosph. Polypus, uterine, 713, Op, II. 357, Sec. corn. Prepuce, inflammation of, 189, Aeon. Presbyopia of old people, II. 222, Con. Presbyopia, 518, Hyoscyam. Pricking pains, terminating in burning, 541, Ipec. Priapism, with retraction of the testicles, 465, Coloc. Proctalgia, 167, Aeon.; 382, Bell, 532, Ignat, 674, Nux vom. Prolapsus of the anus, II. 34, Ac. nitr, 184, Aeon, 532, Ignat, 674, Nux vom. Prolapsus of the rectum, II. 654, Ruta. Prolapsus of the vagina, during pregnancy, 498, Ferr. Prolapsus of the vagina, 624, Merc. Prolapsus of the womb, 387, Bell, 822, Sulp. Prolapsus of the womb and vagina, 676, Nux vom. Prosopalgia, 167, Aeon, 460, Coloc, n. 101, Caps, II. 398, Staphys, II. 709, 710, Verbasc. Thapsus, II. 417, Zinc. met. Prosopalgia, intermittent, II. 404, Angust. Prosopalgia Fothergilli, H. 378, Spig. Prostate gland, diseases of the, H. 414, Thuja. Prostration, excessive, 280, Ars. Prostration from chronic vomiting, see Vomiting. U Prurigo, 202, Aeon, 335, Ars, n. 176, i Carb. veg.; 465, Coloc, 533, Ignat, 679, Nux vom. Prurigo of vagina, 388, Bell. Psellismus, see Stammering. Psoas-abscess, II. 130, Calc. phosp. Psoitis, 401, Bry. Psoriasis, 808, Sulp. Psoriasis diffusa, 334, Ars. Psoriasis of the hands, 628, Merc. Psoriasis, scrofulous or syphilitic, 649, Merc. corr. Psydracia, see Scabies Puerperal convulsions, see Convulsions, puerperal. Puerperal mania, see Mania, puerperal. Ptyalism, catarrhal, 610, Merc. Ptyalism with stomacace, II. 328, Plumb. met. Ptyalism, mercurial, II. 32, Ac. nitr, n. 59, Ac. sulp, 226, Ant. tart.; 230, Ant. tart, II. 476, Bar. mur.; 378, Bell, II. 131, Calc. sulph.; 478, Dig, 554, Iod, H. 398, Staphys.; 832, Verat. alb. Purple-rash, 202, Aeon. Purpura haemorrhagica, 157, Aeon, n. 61, Ac. phosph, II. 61, Ac. suiph.; 333, Ars, 391, Bell, 410, Brv.; 554, Iod, 599, Merc; 740, Phosp, 704, Rhus tox. Purpura miliaris of children, 418, Cham. Pustula maligna, 302, Ars, 764, Rhus tox, II. 353, Sec. corn. Pustulous eruption over the whole body, H. 380, Kali bich. Pustules on the hairy scalp, 212, Ant. cr. Pustules, II. 505, Chelid. maj. Pustules, groups of large, 523, Hyoscyam. Pustules, 679, Nux vom. Pustules in the face, II. 187, Cic. vir. Pustules on the vulva, 232, Ant. tart. Putrescence of the uterus, 302, Ars, 364, Bell, n. 177, Carb. veg. Putrid sore throat, II. 59, Ac. sulph, 366, Bell, 378, Bell, II. 281, Kali chlor. Putrid sore throat, see also Sore throat, putrid. Pyrosis, see Heartburn. Quinsy sore throat, 100, Aeon, Bell. Quinsy sore throat, see Angina tonsillaris and Angina faucium. Rage, see Mania. Ranula, 564, Iod.; Merc, 611. Rash, acute, 202, Aeon. Rash of children, with diarrhoea, 418, Cham. Rash, chronic, II. 128, Calc. carb. Rash, dental, 212, Ant. cr. Rash, fine, red, 679, Nux vom. Rash of lying-in women, and nursing in fants, 408, Bry. Rash, papular, H. 280, Kali bich. Rash, vesicular, II. 461, Agar. Raucedo, see Hoarseness. | Rays, seeing, see Photopsia. Reins, congestion of the, see Nephritis. CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. 743 Retention of urine, paralytic, 675, Nux Retention of urine, see Urine. SSfc in^ommati01i of the, see Retinitis. rS v,' 168' Acon-5 373' Bell-5 373, Bell, 004, Merc. corr. R 604> Merc. sol. and Retenitis, scrofulous or syphilitic, 644, Merc corr. ' Rhachitis, II in, Asa f., Jod.; H. 596, 01. Jec, Kali hyd.; 809, Sulp. Rhagades in the corners of the mouth, 612, Merc Rhagades of lower lip ulcerous, 414, Cham. ' Rhagades of the nipples, II. 298, Kreas. Rheumatic affections, 107, Aeon.; 429 China. Rheumatic pains, chronic, H. 279, Kali bich, n. 672, Sumb. Rheumatic irritation, see Rheumatosis. Rheumatism, II. 644, Rhodod. Rheumatism, 761, Rhus tox. Rheumatism of abdominal muscles, 156, Aeon. Rheumatism of the abdominal walls, neu- ralgic, 252, Arn. Rheumatism, arthritic and articular, 103, Aeon. Rheumatism, arthritic, 219, Ant. cr, II. 191, Cina.; 459, Coloc, 746, Puis, II. 024, Ran. bulb, II. 058, Sabad. Rheumatism, sub-acute, arthritic, II. 400, Staphys. Rheumatism, articular, 154, Aeon, 402, Bry, 351, Bell. Rheumatism, arthritic and tubercular, II. 596, Ol. Jec. Rheumatism, chronic, II. 221, Con. Rheumatism, chronic, articular, II. 545, Led. pal. Rheumatism, chronic, II. 566, Mang. Rheumatism, chronic, articular, II. 602, Ol. Tereb. Rheumatism of muscles of back, congestive and neuralgic, 155, Aeon. Rheumatism of the dorsum of the foot, 746, Puis. Rheumatism, chronic arthritic, of the ex- tremities, 495, Ferr. Rheumatism of deltoid muscle, acute, 152, Aeon. Rheumatism from suppressed gonorrhoea, articular, II. 231, Cop. Rheumatism of the heart, 140, Aeon, 156, Aeon. Rheumatism of the heart, II. 509, Act. racem. Rheumatism of the heel, 747, Puis. Rheumatism of hip-joint, acute or chronic, 163, Aeon. Rheumatism, inflammatory, 114, Aeon, 152, Aeon, 402, Bry, 595, Merc. Rheumatism, intermittent chronic, 439, Chin, sulph. Rheumatism of the jaws, 172, Aeon. Rheumatism of the left kidney, II. 522, Coccus cacti. Rheumatism, mercurial, II. 75, Arg. met, II 270, Gual, II. 613, Podop. pelt. Rheumatism of lateral cervical muscles, 155, Aeon. Rheumatism of posterior cervical muscles, 155, Aeon. Rheumatism of the muscular and tendinous tissue of the back and other parts, 257, Arn. Rheumatism, neuralgic, 160, Aeon.; n. Ill, Asa f, 351, Bell, II. 122, Brom.; 402, Bry.; II. 191, Cina.; II. 217, Colch.; II. 573, Menyan. trif, 594, Merc. Rheumatism, neuralgic, II. 704, Valer. off. Rheumatism of sterno-cleido-mastoidena muscle, 155, Aeon. Rheumatism of the scalp, 140, Aeon, 156, Aeon.; 398, Bry.; 457, Coloc, 592, Merc. Rheumatism, vague or wandering, II. 510, Act. racem.; 369, Bell.; II. 221, Con. Rheumatosis of the brain, 247, Arn, II. 546, Led. pal. Rheumatosis of the lungs, n. 469, Asar. Rheumatosis of the periosteum and of the articular cartilage, II. 655, Ruta. Rhus-poisoning, II. 144, Camph. Ring-worm, see Herpes circinnatus. Risus sardonicus, II. 634, Ran. seel. Roseola, II. 234, Cop. Rough feeling in stomach, 181, Aeon. Rush of blood, 142, Aeon. Rush of blood to the bladder, 143, Aeon. Rush of blood to the brain, 142, Aeon. Rush of blood to the head, sudden, II. 493, Nitro-Glyc Rush of blood to the heart, 142, Aeon. Rush of blood to the lungs, 142, Aeon. Rush of blood to the stomach, 142, Aeon. Saburrae, see Gastric derangement. Saburral derangements, 218, Ant. cr. Salivation in stomatitis, see Stomatitis. Satyriasis, II. 158, Canth.; 737, Phosph. Scabies humida, 212, Ant. cr. Scabies, inveterate, II. 223, Con. Scabies, mismanaged, suppressed, II. 371, Sep. Scabies, purulenta, 212, Ant. cr. Scabies, sicca, II. 180, Carb. veg. Scabies, eruptions resembling, II. 400, Staphys. Scabies, eruptions from repelled, II. 400, Sulp., Sep., Staphys. Scabies, spurious, 213, Ant. crud. Scabies, vesicular, 629, Merc; 804, Sulph. Scabies, nervous complaints arising from repelled, Graph., Sep., Sulph. Scalds, see Burns. Scaldhead, see Tinea capitis. Scalp, rheumatism of the, 140, Aeon. Scorbutic affections of the mouth, 226, Ant. tart. Scarlet-efflorescence, 202, Aeon. Scarlet-rash, 202, Aeon, 393, Bell, 705, Rhus tox. Scarlatina laevigata, 393, Bell. Scarlatina, malignant, II. 30, Ac. mur, II. 38, Ac nitr.; II. 49, Ac. phosp. Scarlatina miliaris, malignant, 333, Ars. Scarlatina putrida, II. 67, Amm. carb. Scarlatina, bastard form of typhoid, 259, Arn. Scirrhus indurations of mammae, 394, Bell. Scirrhus of the breast, II. 167, Carb. an. Scirrhus indurations of glands. 394, Bell. Seinhus indurations, II. 291, Kali hydriod. 744 CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Scirrhus of the liver, 314, Ars. Scirrhus of lower lip and tongue, 809, Sulp. Scirrhus of the stomach, 309, Ars, II. 612, Plat. mur. Scirrhus of the stomach, see also Stomach. Scirrhus of the womb, II. 168, Carb. an.; II. 612, Plat. mur. Scirrhus, see also Cancer. Sciatica, see Ischias. Sclerotica, inflammation of, see Sclerotitis. Sclerotitis, 168, Aeon, 371, Bell, 373, Bell. Scotopsia, 376, Bell, II. 140, Camph, 476, Dig. Screams and restlessness of infants, see In- fants. Scrofulosis, 501, Ferr. jod. Scrofulous affections of bones, see Bones. Scrofulosis, II. 577, Nux jugl. Scrofulosis, TI. 596, 01. Jec. Scrotum, itching of the, 189, Aeon. Scrotum, oedema of the, 318, Ars. Scurvy, II. 6, Ac. citr, 202, Aeon, II. 66, Amm. carb, 554, Iod. Scurvy of the gums, see Stomacace. Scurvy, mercurial, II. 171, Carb. veg. Scurvy, scrofulous, II. 171, Carb. veg. Scibala, 464, Coloc. Seasickness, II. 199, Cocc. Self-abuse, consequences of, 189, Aeon, IT. 98, Arg. nitr, 676, Nux vom, 731, Phosph. Sexual excitement, abnormal, II. 142, Camph, 709, Op. . Sexual excitement in hysteria, II. 312 Mosch. Sexual excitement of male persons, II. 312, Mosch. Sexual organs, weakness of the, see Impo- tence, Shaking of the head, spasmodic, II. 197, Cocc. Shingles, see Zona. Sick-headache, see Hemicrania, Clavus. Singultus, as a symptom of dyspepsia, 306, Ars. Singultus, spasmodic, Aeon.; 280, Bell, 520, Hyoscyam, 665, Nux vom. Sleeplessness, 204, Aeon. Sleeplessness of drunkards, 680, Nux vom. Sleeplessness, nervous, 714, Op. Sleeplessness, II. 396, Stann. Small-pox, 219, Ant. cr, 224, Ant. tart, 629, Merc, 765, Rhus tox. Small-pox, malignant, Ars, II. 30, Ac. mur. Smell, illusions of, in hysteria, 816, Sulp. Smell, loss of, see Anaemia. Smell, morbid alterations of the sense of, 371, Bell. Smell in hysteria, sensitive, 172, Aeon. Sneezing, spasmodic, 192, Aeon. Sneezing, paroxysms of, 506, Hell. Softening of the brain, see Encephalomacia. Softening of the skull-bones, see Cranioma- lacia. Softening of the liver, 314, Ars. Softening of the stomach, see Gastromala- cia. Somnambulism, II. 500, Artem. vulg, II. 426, Zinc. ox. Sopor, 714, Op. Sore breasts, 625, Merc. Sore breasts in confinement, 822, Sulp. Sore eyes, 169. Aeon, II. 481, Berb. vulg, II. 171, Carb. veg. Sore eyes, II. 287, Kali hydriod, 603, Merc; 663, Nux vom, II. 361, Senega, IT. 705, Valer. off, 832, Verat. alb. Sore eyes, chronic, II. 26, Ac. mur, II. 264, Euphras. Sore eyes, chronic, scrofulous, II. 383, Spong. tosta. Sore eyes, scrofulous, II. 398, Staphys. Sore eyes, with inflammation and swelling of the lids, 815, Sulp. Sore eyes, caused by alcohol, II. 462, Agar. Sore eyelids and ears, 214, Ant. cr. Sore nipples, 254, Arn, 822, Sulph. Sore nose, scrofulous, II. 398, Staphys Sore throat, chronic, II. 26, Ac. mur ; TI. 43, Ac. oxal, 176, Aeon, 379, Bell, 554, Jod.; 665, Nux vom, II. 563, Mang. Sore throat, putrid, 366, Bell, 641, Merc. dulc. Soreness of anus, 184, Aeon, 620, Merc. Soreness of infants, see Intertrigo. Soreness of the corners of the mouth, see Mouth. Sores, of cachectic persons, 500, Ferr. Sores, II. 310, Mez. Sparks, seeing, see Scotopsia. Spasmodic condition, 167, Aeon. Spasmodic affections of the throat, 102, Aeon. Spasms, cataleptic, see Catalepsy. Spasms of the chest, II. 143, Camph. Spasm of the eyeballs, 518, Hyoscyam. Spasms of the heart, 199, Aeon, 678, Nux vom. Spasms of the neck, 516, Hyoscyam. Spasms of the neck and chest, tertian, 439, Chin, sulph. Spasmodic pains in spermatic cord, 670. Nux vom. Spasms, depending upon gastric irritation, 529, Ignat. Spasms, with watery diarrhoea and enure- sis, 516, Hyoscyam. Spermatic cord, spasmodic pains in, sec Spasmodic pains. Spermatorrhoea, 113, Ac. acet, 385, Bell, il. 158, Canth, 434, China, Li. 245, Cub.; 497, Ferr, 024, Merc. Sphacelus, see Gangrene. Spina bifida, IT. 129, Calc. phosp. Spinal marrow, inflammation of, see Mye- litis. Spinal irritation, see Irritation, spinal. Spinal cord, neuralgia of the, see Neuralgia. Spleen, congestion of the, see Congestion. Spleen, enlargement of the, see Physconia. Splenetalgia, see Neuralgia of the spleen Splenetic stitches, 251, Arn. Spontaneous limping, see Coxarthrocace. Spots, see Maculae. Sprain, 203, Aeon, 258, Arn. Stammering, 597, Merc Staphyloma, 373, Bell. Sterility, II. 159, Canth. Sterility of chlorotic females, 498, Ferr. Sterility, II. 231, Plumb, met. Sterility, II. 342, Sabina. Stitches, splenetic, 251, Arn, II. 635, Ran. seel. CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. 745 Bt2?2aCre,' IL 45' Ac- phoeP--' 164> Acon, -««. Ant. tart, 230, Ant. tart.; II 89 Mete *& ™%' Al'S-; 554' Iod-! ^7, Merc.; 644, Merc, corr.; 664, Nux vom S omacace, malignant, 636, Merc rub 554aCJod mer°Uria1'297' Ar8>; 164' Ac0n-5 Stomach, acidity of the, II. 3, Ac. acet. Stomach acidity of the, II. 60, Ac sulph, II. 6, Ac. citr. * ' Stomach, atony of the, 706, Op. Stomach, catarrh of the, II. 68, Amm. mur. Stomach, chronic congestion of, 104, Aeon. Stomach, bilious congestion of, 181, Aeon. Stomach, contraction of, 182, Aeon. Stomach, disorganizations of the, II. 257 • Cupr. m. ' Stomach, disorganization of the mucous lining of, II. 289, Kali hydriod. Stomach, inflammation of, see Gastritis. Stomach, irritable, 230, Ant. tart. Stomach, miliary affections of the, II. 91 Arg. nitr. ' Stomach, rough feeling in, 181, Aeon. Stomach, scirrhus of the, IT. 91, Arg. nitr. Stomach, scirrhus indurations of the, 736, Phosph. Stomach, sensation of cold stone in, 181, Aeon. Stomach, sensation of swelling of,181,Acon. Stomach, uneasiness of the, II. 19, Ac. hy- droc. Stomach, weakness of, 182, Aeon. Stomach, feeling of weight in, 182, Aeon. Stomatitis, 174, Aeon, II. 72, Ap. mel, 378, Bell., Jod, 607, Merc, II. 328, Plumb, met. Stomatitis of children, 641, Merc. dulc. Stomatitis, follicular, 608, Merc. Stomatitis, mercurial, 306, Ars. Stomatitis of scrofulous persons, II. 398, Staphys. Stomatitis, syphilitic, 609, Merc. Stomatitis, pseudo-membranous, 608, Merc. Strabismus, 170, Aeon, II. 514, Cyclam, 663, Nux. vom, 832, Verat. alb. Strangury, II. 73, Ap. mel., Aeon, II. 501, Artem. vulg, II. 142, Camph, II. 156, Canth., Digit., Lye, 675, Nux vom. Stricture of the anus, 184, Aeon, 382, Bell. Stricture of the rectum and colon, II. 475, Bar. mur. Stricture of rectum and anus, 674, Nux vom. Stricture of sphincter ani, spasmodic, II. 329, Plumb, met. Stricture, urethral, 187, Aeon, II. 512, Clem, erecta. Stricture of the urethra, chronic, 557, Jod, 751, Puis. Stricture of os uteri, 387, Bell. Strophulus, 212, Antim. crud. Strophulus volaticus, 212, Antim. crud. Styes, 747, Puis. Subsultus tendinum, II. 310, Mez, see also Chorea and Typhus. Summer-complaint, see Cholera infantum. Sun-6troke, Aeon., 361, Bell ; II. 138, Camph., II. 493, Nitro-glyc. Sun-stroke, sequelae of, II. 139, Camph. Suppuration of the lungs, see Lungs. Suppuration and ulceration of the lym- phatic vessels and sebaceous follicles, II. 392, Sil. Swellings, chronic glandular, 394, Bell.: 634, Merc jod. Swelling of the mesenteric glands, Carbo. an., Merc, viv, II. 222, Con. Swelling of glands, 641, Merc. dulc. Swellings, arthritic-rheumatic, 664, Nux. vom. Swellings, old glandular, 740, Phosp. Swellings, hard and cold glandular, 765, Rhus tox. Swellings, glandular and lymphatic, II. 371, Sil. Swellings, glandular, II. 415, Thuja. Swelling and inflammation of inguinal glands, see Glands. Swelling of the hands, ankle-joints, etc., 392, Bell. Swelling of joints, arthritic, 402, Bry. Swelling of joints, caused by the suppres- sion of intermittents, acute, 754, Puis. Swelling and inflammation of cheek, lips, nose, etc., induced by a fall or blow, 248. Arn. Swelling of the face, 371, Bell. Swelling of the face, hard, inflamed, II. 576, Nux jugl. Swelling of the nose, II. 417, Zinc met. Swelling of the knee-joint, chronic, Calc, Aeon., Bell., Iod, 746, Puis., Sil. Swellings, lymphatic, 564, Jod.; II. 596, Ol. Jec. Swelling of the nipples of infants, 418, Cham. Swellings, osseous, see Exostosis, syphil- itic. Swelling of stomach, sensation of, 181, Aeon. Swelling of neck of womb, 387, Bell. Swellings, scrofulous, II. 475, Bar. mur.; 564, Jod. Scrofulous swellings, see Swellings. Swelling and drawing up of the testes, 676, Nux vom. Swelling of the testes, painful, II. 330, Plumb. Swelling of the tongue, see Glossoncus. Swelling of the tonsils, see Tonsils. Swelling, white, 746, Puis , Sil., Jod , Calc Sycosis menti, 213, Ant. cr, II. 308, Lye Sycosis, 623, Merc sol. Syncope, 199, Aeon, 280, Ars. Syphilis, 566, Jod., Merc sol. Syphilitic affections of bones, see Bones. Syphilitic eruptions, see Eruptions, syphil- itic. Syphilis, primary, secondary, etc., II. 292, Kali hydriod. Syphilis, eruptions characterizing second- ary, 628, Merc. sol. Syphilis, secondary, II. 611, Plat. mur. Tabes nervosa, see Consumption, nervous. Taste, bad or foul in pharynx, 178, Aeon. Taenia, II. 527, Filix mas, II. 535, Kousso; IT. 614, Pun. gran.; II. 663, Sabad, II. 392, Stann. Teeth, organic affections of the, II. 132, Calc. fluor. Teething, see Dentition. Telangiectasia, see Naevi materni. Tendons, rheumatic contraction of, 162, Aeon. 746 CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Testes, atrophy of, 218, Ant. cr, II. 164, Caps. Testes, atrophy of the, see Atrophy. Testicle, enlargement and induration of a, II. 98, Arg. nitr. Testes, induration of the, 557, Jod. Testicles, inflammation of, see Orchitis. Testes, paroxysms of spasmodic retraction ] of the, II. 354, Sec. corn. Testes, swelling of the, II. 222, Con, 821, Sulp. Testes, swelling and drawing up of the, see Swelling of the testes. Tetanus, hysteric, see Convulsions, hys- teric. Tetanus, traumatic, see Convulsions, trau- matic Tetanus, see Convulsions, tetanic Tetter, see Herpes. Throat, chronic sore, see Angina faucium, chronic. Throat, inflammation of the, see Angina • faucium. Thrush, see Aphthae. Tic douloureux, see Neuralgia. Tinea capitis 214, Ant. cr. ; II. 477, Bar. mur, II. 128, Calc. carb, II. 180, Carb. veg., n. 200, Cocc, 629, Merc, II. 310, Mez, II. 581, Oleander. Tinea capitis, scaly, 741, Phosp. Tinea capitis consisting of suppurating and coherent crusts, II. 308, Lye. Tinea capitis, with exudation of yellowish, fetid matter, 764, Rhus tox. Tinea capitis humida, II. 400, Staphys. Tinea capitis melliflua, II. 132, Calc sulph. Toothache, congestive, 173, Aeon, 377, Bell. Toothache, neuralgic, 173, Aeon. Toothache, grumbling and digging, II. 89, Arg. nitr. Toothache, arthritic, 249, Arn. Toothache, nervous, rheumatic, II. 467, Asar. Toothache, rheumatic, neuralgic, 377, Bell. Toothache, rheumatic, 404, Bry. Toothache of pregnant females, n. 126, Calc. carb, 665, Nux vom. Toothache, neuralgic, 414, Cham. Toothache, rheumatic, 414, Cham, II. 524, Coccionella septemp. Toothache, arthritic, 460, Coloc. Toothache, rheumatic, 460, Coloc. Toothache, rheumatic, II. 514, Cyclam. Toothache preceded by cerebral irritation, 530, Ignat. Toothache, rheumatic, n. 533, Indigo. Toothache, rheumatic, II. 547, Led. pal. Toothache, arthritic, H. 562, Mang. Toothache, rheumatic, 611, Merc. Toothache, hysteric, II. 579, Nux mosch. Toothache, 665, Nux vom, 749, Puis, II. 379, Spig, II. 398, Staphys. Toothache, arthritic, 762, Rhus tox. Toothache, rheumatic, 762, Rhus tox. Toothache, nervous, 817, Sulp, H. 706, Valer. off. Tongue, coldness of the, in cholera, 175, Aeon. Tongue, induration of the, see Induration. Tongue, inflammation of the, see Glossitis. Tongue in typhoid fever, numbness of the, 175, Aeon. Tongue, paralysis of the, 174, Aeon. Tongue, swelling of the, see Swelling. Tongue, ulceration of the, see Ulceration. Tonsilitis, chronio, II. 635, Ran. seel. Tonsils, inflammation of the, see Tonsilitis, Angina. Tonsils, swelling of the, 379, Bell. Torticollis, 155, Aeon., 392, Bell. Tracheal phthisis, see Phthisis. Tracheitis, Aeon., Bell., II. 270, Guaj. Tremor, nervous, 131, Aeon, 168, Aeon. Tremors, from sexual abuse, 731, Phosp. Tremors, mercurial, 284, Ars, 551, Jod, II. 286, Kali hydriod. Tremor from mental exhaustion, muscular, 433, China. Tremors from rheumatic exposure or over- exertion, 597, Merc. Tremors, spasmodic, 529, Ignat. Trembling of the head, 811, Sulp. Tremor of the limbs, II. 43, Ac. oxal, 284, Ars, 550, Jod. Trembling of the extremities, with collapse of pulse, cold extremities, 831, Verat. alb. Trismus, idiopathic, 172, Aeon. Trismus, traumatic, 172, Aeon., Arn. Trismus, intermittent, 439, Chin, sulph. Trismus, rheumatic, Aeon., 377, Bell. Tubercles of the vulva, 624, Merc. Tuberculosis, Aeon, II. 122, Brom, 501, Ferr. jod. Tuberculosis of the liver, 315, Ars, 562, Jod. Tuberculosis, pulmonary, 562, Jod. Tumors, glandular, 564, Jod. Tumor, lymphatic, near tarsus, 466 Coloc. Tumors, ovarian, see Cysts. Typhus abdominalis, II. 38, Ac. nitr. Typhus abdominalis, pulmonalis, H. 48, Ac. phosph. Typhus, 331, Ars, II. 144, Camph. Typhus intestinalis or abdominalis, 332, Ars, 390, Bell, 524, Hyoscyam, 754, Puis, 765, Rhus tox.; 781, Stram. Typhus biliosus, H. 474, Aeth. cyn, 332, Ars, 390, Bell, 765, Rhus tox, 347, Bell. Typhus cerebralis, 390, Bell., 515, Hyos- cyam.; 524, Hyoscyam, 702, Op, 713, Op, 777, Stram, 781, Stram. Typhus gastricus, 390, Bell, 765, Rhus tox. Typhus, hospital-, 409, Bry. Typhus, leutescent, II. 200, Cocc, 508, Hell. Typhus mucosus, 390, Bell. Typhus, paralytic stage in,II. 29, Ac. mur.; 739, Phosp. Typhus petechialis, II. 61, Ac. sulph, 332, Ars, 390, Bell, 781, Stram. Typhus puerperalis, 332, Ars, 522, 523> Hyoscyam. Typhus putridus, H. 66, Amm. carb, II, 179, Carb. veg. Typhus pulmonalis, 390, Bell, 400, Bry.; 524, Hyoscyam. Typhus rheumaticus, 390, Bell. . Typhus versatilis, 409, Bry. Ulceration of the bowels, 644, Merc. corr. Ulcers on the extremities, II. 308, Lye. Ulcers on the feet, II. 181, Carb. veg, II. 297, Kreas. CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. 747 Ulcer on the forehead, II. 297, Kreas. Ulcers upon the glans and prepuce, sup- purating, 821, Sulp. Ulceration of joints, scrofulous, see Ar- throcace. Ulceration of larynx, II. 280, Kali bich. Ulceration of the lungs, scrofulous or sy- philitic, 644, Merc. corr. Ulceration of the nails, scrofulous or syphil- itic, see Nails. Ulceration of the nipples of infants, 418 Cham. Ulceration of the sternum, 753, Puis. Ulceration of the tongue, 610, Merc. Ulcers in the urethra, n. 37, Ac. nitr. Ulceration of neck of womb, 387, Bell. Ulcers, blackish, II, 223, Con. Ulcers, bleeding readily, 809, Sulp. Ulcers, symptomatic of cachexia, 432, China. Ulcers, common, painless, II. 39, Ac. nitr. Ulcerated crusts high up in the nose, II. 414, Thuja. Ulcers, dark, with over-hanging edges, II. 280, Kali bich. Ulcer in fever and ague, by metaschema- tismus, 432, China. Ulcers, fetid and burning, II. 30, Ac. mur. Ulcers, foul, II. 131, Calc. chlor. Ulcers, with foul pus, II. 181, Carb. veg. Ulcers, gangrenous, II. 181, Carb. veg. Ulcer, glandular and putrid, 419, Cham. Ulcers, herpetic and scrofulous, II. 115, Aur. mur. Ulcers, foul, indolent, II. 296, Kreas. Ulcers of the breast, fistulous, malignant, II. 297, Kreas. Ulcers, fistulous, 741, Phosp. Ulcers, inveterate, II. 49, Ac. phosp; 419, Cham. Ulcers, malignant, 304, Ars. Ulcers, mercurial, II. Ill, Asa f, 394, Bell. Ulcers, phagedenic, II. 631, Ran. bulb. Ulceration, scirrhus, 419, Cham. Uleer, scrofulous, 203, Aeon, II. Ill, Asaf, 394, Bell., Jod, II. 292, Kali hydriod, 631, Merc, II. 371, Sil, 809, Sulph, 408, Bry, II. 130, Calc. phosph. Ulcers on the glans, scrofulous, II. 127, Calc. carb. Ulcers, scrofulous, scorbutic, phagedenic, 418, Cham. Ulcers, sensitive, 418, Cham. Ulcers of the mammae, syphilitic, II. 37, Ac. nitr. Ulcers on the labia, penis, nose, etc., chan- crous, II. 37, Ac. nitr. „._„_ A Ulcers, syphilitic, secondary, II. 115, Aur. mur. Ulcers, svphilitic, II. 511, Clem, erecta. Ulceration of velum, syphilitic, 566, Jod. Ulcers, syphilitic, in throat, etc., II. 2V)2, Kali hydriod. Ulcers in throat, syphilitic, II. 2S0, Kali Ulcers', mercurial and syphilitic, II. 415, TTlccreVaricose, II. 39, Ac. nitr, II. 181, UCarb. veg, 754 Puis; 809, Sulp. rTmbilicus, retraction of, 251, Am. TT^tlra inflammation of, see Urethritis. Urethra; stricture of, 187, Aeon. Urethritis, 188, Aeon, 385, Bell, II. 342, Sabina. Urethritis, chronic, II. 97, Arg. nitr. Urethritis, gonorrhoeal, II. 95, Arg. nitr. Urine, alkaline, II. 60, Ac. sulph. Urine, burning, II. 319, Natr. mur. Urine, dribbling of the, II. 51)8, Ol. Petrre; Urine, incontinence of, II. 156, Canth.; II. 307, Lye; H. 114, Aur. mur.; 709, Op.; 821, Sulp. Urine, milky, n. 46, Ac. phosp. Urine, retention of, 123, Aeon. Urine, paralytic retention of, II. 20, Ac. hydroc. Urine, retention of, 709, Op. Urine, retention of, see also Ischuria. Urticaria, 202, Aeon.; II. 234, 235, Cop.; 764, Rhus tox, II. 693, Tarax. Urticaria, caused by poisonous crabs and ovsters, 212, Ant. cr Urticaria, chronic, 334, Ars, II.12S, Calc. carb, II. 262, Dulc. Uterus, inflammation of, see Metritis. Uvula, inflammation of the, see Angina faucium. Vagina, inflammation of, see Vaginitis. Vagina, prolapsus of the, see Prolapsus. Vaginitis, 146, Aeon. Vaginitis, chronic, 146, Aeon, 624, Merc. Valvular disease, 483, Dig. Varicose veins, see Veins, varicose. Variola, see Small-pox. Variola, malignant, 333, Ars. Varioloid, bastard form of, 259, Arn. Varioloid, see Variola. Veins, varicose, II. 39, Ac nitr.; 418, Cham, Hamam, 754, Puis, 869, Sulp. Velum, ulceration of, see Ulceration. Verrucae, see Warts. Vertigo, II. 44, Ac. phosph. Aeon, 244, Arn.; 344, Bell, II. 203, Coff. cr, II. 254, Cup. acet, II. 513, Cyclam, 592, Mercur, 657, Nux vom, 776, Stram, II. 683, Tabac. Vertigo, chronic, II. 153, Cannab. sat. Vertigo, with collapse of pulse, etc., 831, Verat. alb. Vertigo, resembling intoxication, II. 197, Cocc. Vertigo, paroxysmal, H. 16, Ac. hydroc. Vertigo, nervous, 121, Aeon, 311, Mosch.; II. 608, Ol. Succ, 761, Rhus tox. Vertigo, with sinking pulse, as if the brain were floating off, 402, Chin, sulph. Vertigo, with slow pulse, 475, Dig. Vertigo, spurious, 247, Arn. Vertigo, spurious, 530, Ignat, 663, Nux vom, 743, Puis. Vertigo, sudden, II. 137, Camph. Vesicles, dark-blue, on the fingers, II. 631, Ran. bulb. Vitus', St., dance, see Chorea. Voice, loss of, see Aphonia. Volvulus, see Ileus. Vomit, black, 127, Aeon. Vomiting, chronic, II. 310, Natr. carb.; II. 320, Natr. mur.; 007, Nux vom. Vomiting, chronic, spasmodic, 328, Plumb. met, IL 353, See. corn, 833, Verat. alb. Vomiting, spasmodic, 667, Nux vom. 748 CLINICAL INDEX IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Vomiting of food, chronic, II 428, Zinc. sulph. Vomiting of green bile, 105, Aeon. Vomiting of blood, 104, Aeon. Vomiting of blood, 179, Aeon. Vomiting of blood, see Haematemesis. Vomiting of drunkards, chronic, II. 461, Agar. Vomiting of drunkards, or sour vomiting of children, 706, Op. Vomiting of hysteric females, II. 296, Kreas. Vomiting of infants, II. 126, Calc. carb. Vomiting, nocturnal, 538, Ipec. Vomiting of pregnant females, 496, Ferr, 538, Ipec, II. 320, Natr. mur, 667, Nux vom. Vomiting of cachectic pregnant females, II. 354, Sec. corn. Vomiting of pregnant females, see also Nausea, and Morning Sickness. Vomiting from over-eating, II. 204; Coff. cr. Vomiting remaining after typhus, II. 257, Cup. acet. Vomiting, emaciation from chronic, 433, China. Vomiting, prostration from chronic, 433, China. Vulva, tubercles of the, see Tubercles. Vulvitis, 146, Aeon. Wakefulness, II. 206, Coff. cr. Warts, 809, Sulp. Warts, common, II. 415, Thuja. Warty excrescences on lower lip, 817, Sulp. Waterbrash, 90, Arg. nitr, 250, Arn, II. 176, Carb. veg, 614, Merc. Weakness of the bowels, 218, Ant. cr, 406, Bry. Weak digestion, 182, Aeon, 218, Ant. cr. Weak eyes, 169, Aeon, 748, Puis.; 832, Verat. alb. Weak eyes of strumous persons, II. 562. Weak eyes, see also Sore eyes. Weakness of mind, memory, and the sen- ses, II. 71, Anac. or. Wetting the bed, see Enuresis, nocturnal. White swelling of the knee, II. 292, Kali hydriod. White swelling of the knee-joint, see Scrof- ulous inflammation. White swelling, see Swelling. Whitlow, II. 8, Ac. fluor, II. 128, Calc. carb, Hepar. sulph ; 631, Merc.; 740, Phosp.; Sil.; II. 630, Ran. bulb, 809, Sulp. Whitlow, gangrenous, 104, Aeon. Whooping-cough, II. 29, Ac. mur.; II. 22, Ac. hydrioc; 197, Aeon, II. Ill, Asa f, 389, Bell, 417, Cham.; II. 522, Coccus cacti, II. 202, Coff. cr.; II. 259, Dros.; 523, Hyoscyam.; 540, Ipec.; II. 194, Cina, II. 279, Kali carb, II. 545, Led. pal, 710, Op. Whooping-cough, 781, Stram, 835, Verat. alb. Whooping-cough with expectoration, II. Dulc. 262. Wind on the stomach, 181, Aeon. Womb, congestion of the, see Congestion. Womb, dropsy of the, see Hydrometra. Womb, haemorrhage from, see Metror- rhagia. Womb, inflammation of the, see Metritis. Womb, prolapsus of the, see Prolapsus. Womb, putrescence of the, 302, Ars, 364, Bell, II. 354, Sec. corn. Womb, scirrhus hypertrophy of the, see Hypertrophy. Worm affections, see Helminthiasis, and also Worms. Worms, II. 476, Bar. mur, II. 555, Magnes. carb. Worms, lumbrici, II. 653, Ruta. Worms, with cerebral irritation, II. 376, Spig. Worms, see also Lumbrici, Helminthiasis. Wounds, with incipient gangrene, II. 61, Ac. sulph. Laches. Wounds of the eyes, Aeon. 248, Arn. Wounds, incised and suppurating, II. 147, Calend. Wry neck, 155, Aeon. Bell. Zona, acute, 202, Aeon. Zoster, see Zona. t NATIONAL LIBRARY NLM 0357t0tS a ■ * <» H ^'5!;»{! ■ !■ ■ itaiii ■ HI m NLM032760652