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THE 


HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER, 


A  MONTHLY  JOURNAL 


Devoted    to    Homoeopathic    Medicine   and    Surgery, 


VOXjXTON^B   I. -1881. 


V  r  .    /. .  i 


:    % 


VVM.  C.  RICHARDSON,  M.  D.,  Editor. 

J.  T.  KENT,  A.  M.,  M.  I).,  J.  T.  BOYD,  M  D.,  .).  VV.  THKASHKR,  M.  U, 

A.-irtOciatc  K«lit<>ri*. 


SAINT    LOUIS: 

H.  L  VERDIER,  PUBLISHER,  721  CHESTNUT  STREET, 

i88i. 


jiJy.:   i:  :•  ;.:  vv. 


,  •» 


INDEX. 


Ai)ppIicator,  Rectal,  Kent's 22 

Abuse  of  Electricity 'J3 

Absurdities ,  Gynsucological 86 

Aspermatism  IM 

Applicators,  Probes,  Dilators 239 

Atlaress  to  Grad.  Class  of  Horn.  Med.  Col.  of  Mo. ,  Thrasher,  Pruf 241 

Abstracts  from  Cnn*ent  Med.  Literature 203,  325 

A  Fair  Description  of  A  llopathy 326 

A  Good  Elastic  Glue * 344 

Boyd,  Prof 4,  65,  74,  129, 193,  257 

Book  Reviews  ...     54 

Eaton  on  Diseases  of  Women 54 

Fat  and  Blood  and  How  to  make  Them 5.'> 

The  Lawct  of  Therapeutics 55 

Is  Consumption  Contagious? 56 

Trans,  of  Am.  Horn.  Uph.  and  Ob.  Society 56 

Physicians'  Mem.  Book 57 

New  Index  Remm  57 

Teething  and  Croup 57 

Index  of  Comp.  Therapea 121 

Objective  Points  in  Ti-eat.  of  Phthisis 122 

The  Man  of  the  Future 123 

Ingersollism 184 

How  to  See  with  the  Microscope 185 

Trans.  World's  Hom.  Convention 187 

Catarrhal  Diseases  of  Nasal  and  Respiratory  Organs 1^7 

Surgical  Therapeutics 247 

Am.  Man.  of  Parliamentary  Law 248 

The  Prevention  of  Congeaital  Malformations,  etc 371 

Spectacles  and  How  to  choose  Them 371 

How  to  Use  the  Forceps 372 

Diseases  of  Children 372 

Bodines 3:2 

The  Turkish  Bath 373 

Minor  Surgery 373 

Aids  to  Diagnosis 373 

Hernia,  Strannglated  and  Reducible 874 

A  Guide  to  Clinical  Ex.  of  Patients,  etc »74 

Greenback  Tracts 374 

Brain  and  Mind,  Observations  of hi 

Bromide  of  Ethyl  as  an  Anesthetic 233 

Biliary  Calculi. »47 

O- 

Condeused  Materia  Medica 12 

Cerebral  Traumatism 82 

Cerebral  Localization 23 

Clinical  Cases 17,  93, 114,  160, 180, 244 

Cases,  Interesting  Obstetrical  39 

Cancer,  Inoculable,  Is? 49 

Colleges 62 

Catarrh ,  Uteri ne 105 

Consumption 121> 

Calcarla  Slllcata IftH 

Cases  for  Advice,  Nervous  Pains 244 

Carbonate  ot  Llthia 273 

Cases  in  Practice 275 

Correspondence 310 

Calculi,  Biliary 347 

Chionic  Rheumatism 348 

(  hloroform  During  Sleep 350 

Case  for  Advice 378 


\ 


INDEX. 


Diaplucements,  Msmagemeut  of , 25 

1  )effree,  Now  03 

Diphtheria,  Path.,  Dif.  Diag.  and  Treatment  of 74 

Diagnosis,   Surgical,   Gilchrist Ill 

Dilators,  Probes,  Ajujlirators 26« 

Diseases  of  the  Heart,  Functional *257,  321 


Electricity,  Abuse  of 23 

Eaton.  A.  M..  M.  D 3J) 

Ergotism  in  Russia.  Ex>idemic  of 270 

Electric  Light  on  Vision 273 

Eucolypus  in  Bronchi tis  348 

Eczema 349 

C3-. 

Gynaecological   Hobbles 37 

Gilchrist,  Prof.  J.  G  Ill 


Hobbies.   GynoBCological 37 

Health ,  Planetary Jnfluence  on  «5 

Howe,  Prof.  A./ r 290,87 

Hemorrhage,  Post  Partnm,  Hot  Water  Injections  for KW 

Hemorrhoids ... 177 

Heart.  Diseases  of.   Functional  2.i7,  321 

Hemorrhage  After  Surgical  Operations 290 

I- 

Iritis,  !*yphilitic 48 

Intermitteuts,  Pernicious 830 

Iodoform 344 

Inflammation  of  the  Great  Sciatic  Nerves 360. 

0". 

Jones,  S.  A.,M    D  13 


Kent,  Prof 22,23,25,91,93,158,204,275,278 

Medicine,  Rational 4 

Mulerta  Medlca.  Condensed 12 

Managements  of  Displacements 26 

Managing  Editor's  Easy  Chair 58,  124,  1S8,  249,  315,  875 

Mind,  Matter  and  Memory  102 

Mor.il  Insanity  and  Dei>ravity,  and  the  Hypothetical  Cafse 280 

]^(odern  Medicine  and  aled.  Practice 327 

Melancholia  354 

Nerve  Influence  on   Tissues 103 

Nerve  Centers 105 

Nitro-Glycerine  in  Bright's  Disease 345 

Nitro-Glycerine  in  Vascular  Tension  of  the  Aged 345 

o. 

Ordway,  L.  S  ,  M .   D 106 

Orgauuu,  The 147 

Phelan,  Prof 17 

Personals 02,  1-27,256,318,377 

Planetary  Influence  on  the  Health  6.5 

Psychological  Science  In   Curriculum 1*8 

Post  Partum  Hem. ,  Hot  Water  Injections  for 108 

Prolapsn«  Ani  1 19 

Position  In  Labor 235 

Probes,  Dilators  and  Applicators 289 

Picrotoxine,  Psychological  Action  of 271 

Prostatitis  Resulting  in  Abcess 288 

Paraphymosis,  Local  Treatment  of 292 

Protoplasm 3.Tr 

Pernicious  Intermitteuts » J9 

Prolapsus  Ani 349 

Pilocari^ine  in  l^iptheria 349 


INDEX. 


Rational  Mediciiu* •* 

KtH'tal  A])pl icator,  Kuiit'si •i'i 

Richardson.  Vvof 2:t.>,  2U4,  :.6 

Rui>t«iro  of  tlu*  Uterus.  A  Case  of •ii»4 

Rupture  t»l*  tlie  Uterus '^M 

Rust 34.1 

Resiirnatiou :»7.> 

s. 

Salutatory I 

Syphilis 4--» 

8vphilltic  Iritis ^-^ 

8(»ciPtv  Reports :'»(»,  (M»,  1S2,  -iW 

Sciatica,  Trt»atment  of i»l 

Science,  Psych(»l«»glcal lfr< 

f urgical  Diagnosis Ill 

8vi»hilis,  Suppression  of '2'  4 

singing  as  cause  of  Uterine  Diseases 270 

S]iinal  Curvature •ib'.» 

Society  Meetings  Critici»e«l 211 

Society  Meetings •.  210 

Scarlet  Fever,  To  Prevent  Spreading  of Il'l.') 

Society  Transactions ;^5y 

Thrasher,  Prof 42,  114,  177,  l^<0,  i.Jl ,  241 ,  2s,s,  2tit> 

The  Eve  114 

Tubercular  Phthisis p. 121) 

Theraj»eutics,  L.  1*.  Harris,  31 .  D  22:{ 

They  Should  Follow  the  Law *-7"i 

To  Prevent  Spreading  <»f  Scarlet  Fever .*ivJ.'» 

.  TrRn»i)arent  Paint  for  Glass 345 

The  1  nie  Physician 361 

The  Am.  Med.  Assoc.  Lash •'J7«; 

TJ. 

Uterine  Catarrh H''> 

Uterine  Disease,  Singing  as  Cauae  of 27n 

Uterus,  Rui)ture  of        2t*4 

Uterus ,  Rupture  of 21H; 

What  is  it,  Rati<»nnl  Medicine  4 

Wounds,    Dressing 231 


t. 


The  Homoeopathic  Courier. 


Vol.  I.  January,  1881.  No.  1. 


SALirrATOKY. 


'%Vith  the  new  year  we  launeli  into  the  domain  of 
Medical  journalism — the  Homckopathic  Courier — 
a  journal  wedded  to  no  dogma,  but  to  be  devoted 
exclusively  to  Medicine  and  its  allied  Sciences, 
from  a  Homceopathic  standpoint. 

Homoeopathy  in  the  Southwest  has  never  had  a 
representative  eJournal,  and  it  is  intended  that  the 
Courier,  while  avoiding  everything  in  the  way  of 
a  sectional  character  in  the  profession,  shall  demon- 
strate that  this  great  field  is  as  prolific  of  practical 
workers,  scientific  thinkers  and  writei's  as  any  other 
part  of  the  common  countiy. 

A  Medical  Journal  intended  for  the  masses  of 
the  profession  should  furnish  that  kind  of  infonna- 
tion  which  will  prove  most  useful  to  them  in  their 
every  day  work.  It  shall  be  the  aim  of  the  Cou- 
rier to  go  out  each  month  laden  with   such  mate- 


INDEX. 


Dis]>lacem(mt8,  Mana.r^emeDt  of , 25 

I)pjr>'**t^.  ^iww  63 

Diphtheria,  Path.,  Dif.  Diajf.  act!  Treatment  of 74 

Diagnosis,   Surgical,   Gilchrist Ill 

Dilators,  Probes,  A]>|)lirator8 WA 

Diseases  of  the  IIe>art,  Functional 257,  321 

KltM!tricity,  Abuse  of 23 

Eaton.  A.  M..  M.  D 3J) 

Kryr«)ti8ni  in  Russia.  Epidemic  of 270 

Electric  Li^ht on  Vision 273 

Sucolypus  lu  Bronchitis 318 

Eczema 349 

C3-. 

livHc'ecological  Hobbles 37 

Gilchrist,  Prof.  J.  G  Ill 


Hobbies.   GynoBCOloeical 37 

Health.  Planetary  J  n  11  uence  on  «5 

H.jwe,  Prof.  A.  J. T 290,  87 

Heraorrhajce,  Post  Partum,  Hot  Water  Injections  for 1«8 

Hemorrhoids  .     177 

Heart.  Diseases  of,   Functional  2.57,  *-»! 

Hemorrhage  After  Surgical  Operations 290 

I- 

Iritis,  -Syphilitic 48 

Intermltteuts,  Pernicious 830 

Iodoform 344 

Inflammation  of  the  Great  Sciatic  Nerves 860. 

0". 

.Jones,  S.  A.,M    I)  13 


Kent,  Prof 22,  23,  25,  91 ,  93,  l.Vi,  204,  275,  278 

M«Hliclne,  Rational  4 

Mulena  Me<Uca.  t  ondensed 12 

Mana'.remenl8  of  Difiplacements 25 

MHnu>?injr  Editor's  Easy  Chair ."W,  124,  1^8,  249,  315,  375 

Min«l,  Matter  and  Memory  162 

Monil  Insanity  and  Dei)mvitv,  and  the  Hyi)0thetical  Case 280 

M«Mi»»rn  Medicine  an«l  Med.  Practice 327 

.Melancholia  354 

Nerve  Influence  on   Tissues 103 

Nervi*  Centers 165 

Nllro-Glycerlne  in  Bright's  Disease 345 

Mtro-Glycerlne  in  Vascular  Tension  of  the  Aged 345 

O- 

Onlwny.  L.  S  ,  M.    D  106 

t>rganiju,  The 147 

Ph«-lan,  Prof 17 

rer«*onals 62,  127,  256,  318,  377 

Planetary  Influ<»nre  on  the  Health  65 

Psvch'd<rgiral  Science  in   Currieulum 1«8 

Post  Partuin  Hem.,  Hot  Water  Injections  for 108 

Pri>la|>'»n<i  AnI  119 

Position  in   I^ibor 2.S5 

Proljes.  Dilators  and  Applieat«»r8 2S9 

PicrtjtoxIne,  Psyrbolo^ricnl  Action  of 27* 

prostatitis  Resulting  in  Abo'ss 2i^ 

Paraphvmosis,  Local  Treatment  of 292 

Protopfasm  837 

Pernicious  Intermlttents *B) 

Prolapsus  Anl 349 

Pilocari*inelnI>lptherla  349 


INDEX. 


Rational  McMlicine 4 

Kcctal  A])|ilicator,  Kent's  2ri 

Richardson,  Prof 2;t:>,  '2\n,  iB 

RuptHire  of  tin*  Uterus.  A  Case  of 2i«4 

Rui>turo  of  the  Uteniy tKMi 

Kust 345 

Repiirnatlon 'M^ 

s. 

Salutatory 1 

Sy|»hili8 Ai 

Syphilitic  Iritis 4> 

SociPty  Reports 5«,  <Ui,  IS2,  ITA 

Sciatica,  Treatment  (»r ui 

Science,  Psychological HS 

f urjxical  Diagnosis Ill 

Pyiiliilis,  Suppression  <if    '1*4 

Singing  as  cause  of  Uterine  Diseases 270 

Spinal  Curvature •>'.« 

Society  Meetings  Criticised 21 1 

Soci<»ty  Meetings '.   21«> 

Scarlet  Fever,  To  i'revent  Spreading  of 'Xl't 

.Society  Transactions .%*» 

rr. 

Thrasher,  Prof 42,  114,177,  IH),  2:U,  241,  iK--,  2«> 

The  Eve  114 

Tubercular  Phthisis m. 12'.> 

Theraj>eutics,  L.  P.  Harris,  M.  D  22.} 

Thev  Should  Follow  the  Law -T' 

To  Prevent  Spreading  of  Sc«rlet  Fever :i:i'> 

.  Transparent  Paint  for  ijlass ;U.'> 

The  Tnic  Physician 361 

The  Am.  Med.  Assoc.  Lash 3"<) 

TJ. 

Uterine  Catarrh lo.'» 

Uterino  Disease,  Singing  as  Cause  of 27i» 

Uterus,  Rupture  of       2t«4 

Uterus,  Rupture  of 2*>»; 

What  Is  It,  Rational  Medicine  4 

Wounds,    Dressing 231 


^ 


The  Homoeopathic  Courier. 


Vol.  I.  Jaxuary,  1881.  No.   1. 


SALL^rATOKY. 


With  the  new  year  we  launeli  into  the  domain  of 
Medical  journalism — the  H()M(Eopathic  Courier — 
a  journal  wedded  to  no  dogma,  but  to  be  devoted 
exclusively  to  Medicine  and  its  allied  Sciences, 
from  a  Homoeopathic  standpoint. 

Homoeopathy  in  the  Southwest  has  never  had  a 
representative  Journal,  and  it  is  intended  that  the 
Courier,  while  avoiding  everything  in  the  way  of 
a  sectional  character  in  the  prof ession ,  shall  demon- 
strate that  this  great  field  is  as  prolific  of  practical 
workers,  scientific  thinkers  and  writei's  as  any  other 
part  of  the  common  countiy. 

A  Medical  Journal  intended  for  the  masses  of 
the  profession  should  furnish  that  kind  of  infonna- 
tion  which  will  prove  most  useful  to  them  in  their 
every  day  work.  It  shall  be  the  aim  of  the  Cou- 
rier to  go  out  each  month  laden  with   such  mate- 


INDEX. 


Rational  MiMlicinf 4 

KiTtal  A]>iilicator,  Kt'iit't*  ti 

Richanlwon.  l»r«.f 2.r),  -iiU,  ;.8 

KuptKiri'  of  tlu*  Uterus,  A  C  »se  i>l' .ii»4 

Kuj»turtM»rthf  Utt'inib -iiHi 

Ku»t 345 

Ucpiirnation :>75 

s. 

Salutatory 1 

SypliiliK Ai 

Sviihilltlc  Iritis 4- 

8(>ci«»ty  Kcuortsi '>(),  (U»,  Isi,  -^54 

Sciatica,  ln*atnient  <»r JM 

SciiMJCt*,  Pbvcholojrical Hs 

hurijical  UiaguoHiH IH 

8vj»hilis,  Supprt'Hsion  <»f J'  4 

Sinj^iuK  H8  cauHr  of  UtiTiiu"  I)i8t>arie» 'iTo 

Spinal  Curvature '>1» 

Society  Meetings  (JriticijKMl -ill 

8oci<»t.v  Meetiii)r8 •.   '2I«> 

Scarlt't  Fever,  To  i'revent  Spreadiuy  of .Tl.'» 

Society  TrauBactions :{«;'.» 

rr. 

Thrasher,  Prof 4-2,  1 14,  177,  l.<0,  i.il ,  241 ,  2ss,  '>i> 

The  Kve  114 

Tubercular  Phthisic » 1-1> 

Therai»eutic8,  L.  P.  Harris.  M.  I) )tli 

They  SUouIjI  Follow  the  Law -K 

To  Prevent  SnreartinK  of  Scarlet  Fever .'i.T» 

.  TrRn8])arent  Paint  for  ijilu>» 34.'» 

The  True  Physician 361 

The  Am.  Med.  Ahboc.  Lash 37«; 

Uterine  Catarrh H'.'» 

Uterine  Disease,  SlnKin*r  as  (Jau:)e  of 27<» 

Uterus,  Rupture  of        •it«4 

Uterus,  Rupture  of 2^m; 

What  is  it,  Ratlonul  Medicine  4 

Wounds,   Dressing 231 


I 


The  Homoeopathic  Courier. 


Vol.  I.  January,  1881.  Xo.  1. 


SALirrATOKY. 


'AV^ith  the  new  year  we  launch  into  the  domain  of 
Medical  journalism — the  Hom(K<)PATHIC  Courier — 
a  journal  wedded  to  no  dogma,  but  to  be  devoted 
exclusively  to  Medicine  and  its  allied  Sciences, 
from  a  Homoeopathic  standpoint. 

Homoeopathy  in  the  Southwest  has  never  had  a 
I'epresentative  Journal,  and  it  is  intended  that  the 
Courier,  while  avoiding  everything  in  the  way  of 
a  sectional  character  in  the  profession,  shall  demon- 
strate that  this  great  field  is  as  prolific  of  practical 
workers,  scientific  thinkers  and  wintei-s  as  any  other 
part  of  the  common  countiy. 

A  Medical  Journal  intended  for  the  masses  of 
the  profession  should  furnish  that  kind  of  infonna- 
tion  which  will  prove  most  useful  to  them  in  their 
every  day  work.  It  shall  be  the  aim  of  the  Cou- 
rier to  go  out  each  month  laden  with   such  mate- 


2  THE   HOMCEOPATHIO    COURIEK. 

rials  as  the  demands  of  the  profession  may  from 
time  to  time  require. 

While  PROGRESS  shall  ever  be  the  motto  of  this  . 
journal;  it  may  be  as  well  to  state  that  it  is  not 
called  into  existence  to  champion  any  especial  re- 
forms in  medicine,  or  the  collateral  sciences,  but 
will  rather  adhere  to  a  conservative  policy  by  giv- 
ing more  attention  to  the  development  and  exten- 
sion of  established  facts  and  information.  Esj^ec- 
ially  is  it  to  be  desired  that  a  more  perfect  knowl- 
edge of  Hahnemann's  Organcm,  and  our  already 
over-plethoric  Materia  Medicii,  should  be  estab- 
lished. The  maxim,  ^'^  Prove  all  things^  holdfast 
that  which  is  good^^'^  shall  always  be  kei)t  in  view. 

Original  articles  from  able  writers  in  the  sev- 
eral departments,  will  appear  each  montb,  and  these 
will  be   supplemented   by   extracts   from  the   best 

* 

current  medical  literature  of  the  day,  both  home 
and  foreign  journals  being  made  to  contribute. 

It  is  thought  that  the  plan  of  having  the  journal 
ari'anged  into  departments  will  prove  especially 
valuable  to  readei's,  as  this  plan  will  make  it  much 
easier  to  find  and  studv  what  is  wanted. 

The  editors  in  charge  of  these  dei)artments,  mak- 
ing them  their  especial  study,  will  be  able  to  gar-» 
ner  rich  harvests  from  their  respective  fields  of 
research,  and  this  will  be  carried  forth  bv  the 
CJouKiKK  in  monthly  installments,  m  that  by  the 


THE    IIOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  3 


end  of  the  yeai*  our  patronil  will  be  possessed  of  all 
that  is  worth  knowhig  hi  the  whole  realm  of  eiir- 
i*ent  medical  literature. 

Xew  books  appearing  will  be  reviewed  by  com- 
petent authorities.  Society  proceedings  will  re- 
ceive due  attention.  Peitinent  questions  will  be 
answered  publicly  in  the  journal.  Pei*sonal  and 
other  items  of  professional  interest,  will  be  pub- 
lished in  each  issue,  and  finally  friendly  contro- 
vei-sy  shall  be  courted  rather  than  shunned. 

In  conclusion,  let  us  say  to  you,  subscribe  for 
the  Courier;  read  it,  write  for  it,  give  it  your 
full  support,  and  it  in  turn  will  do  you  good. 

W.  C.  K. 


Department   of   Theory  and  Practice. 

Pkof.  J.  T.  Boyd,  M.  D.,  Editor, 

(623J^  Olive  Street.) 


RATIONAL    MEDICINE  —  WHAT    IS   IT? 


There  has  been  considerable  written  on  this  sub- 
ject, but  the  wnters  do  not  seem  to  ag^'ee  as  to 
what  it  is. 

Rational  Medichie  in  contra-distinction  to  empir- 
icism, must  be  a  science  founded  on  well  known 
laws,  and  in  i)ei'fect  harmony  with  all  the  other 
physical  laws. 

To  be  a  science,  it  nmst  have  a  primitive  fact,  or 
law,  on  which  its  princii)les  are  foimded  ;  and  this 
law  must  not  conflict  with  any  other  [)nmitive  fact 
or  law.  According  to  Lord  Bacon,  ''A  science 
must  be  like  a  dome,  suppoiled  on  all  sides  by 
other  scientific  laws.'' 

Then,  Rational  Medicine  nmst  be  a  science,  reg- 
ulated andgovenied  by  reason,  and  nmst  be  in  per- 
fect harmony  with  all  other  [)nmitive  facts  that  have 
anv  relation  to  it.  Now,  where  will  we  find  such 
a  Medical  Science? 

It  is  not  found  in  Allopathy  ;  for,  according  to 
its  best  fi-icnds,  it  has  no  such  primitive  facts  and 
is  not  a  science.  Dr.  John  Hughes  Bennett,  an 
(icknowledged  authority  in  that  school,  says,  *'Med- 


THE   HOM(EOPATHIC   COURIER.  5 


ieine  in  its  present  state  possesses  no  primitive  fact. 
A  truly  scientific  Medicine  is  yet  to  be  created/'  '^ 

Another  of  that  school  has  said  that,  "It  is 
not  a  science  for  a  methodic  mind,  but  is  a  shapeless 
conglomerate  of  inexact  ideas,  as  oddly  conceived 
as  fastidiously  arranged,  and  is  allied  to  sorcery 
and  other  quackery."  f 

Another,  of  a  later  day,  and  still  more  eminent, 
said,  ' '  Such  hi  truth  do  we  believe  the  state  of 
Medicine  is  in  to-day,  it  cainiot  be  worse  ;  it  must 
mend  or  end."  X  ^^^^^  ^*^'^  later,  a  writer  of  the 
History  of  Medicine  said,  ''The  only  tnie  ptUn  of 
mechcine  is  enlightened  empiricism.''  § 

It  is  not  m  Eclecticism,  with  its  poly-pharmacy 
pi'escriptions,  contauiing  from  six  to  ten  ingredi- 
ents, many  of  them  chemically  incompatible,  and 
more  of  them  are  therapeutically  so. 

The  conscientious  educated  Allopathic  physician 
stumbles  on  in  the  darkness,  barking  his  shins 
against  obstructions  that  he  cannot  see,  and  tearing 
his  garments  on  thorns,  that,  although  he  can  feel, 
he  cannot  see  or  avoid.  So,  he  has  been  flounder- 
ing along  for  thousands  of  years,  out  of  one  bog  of 
theory  into  another,  mitil  the  more  intelligent  of 
their  number  have  landed  at  last  in  the  quagmiiv  of 
medical  skepticism.  Before  them  for  the  last  half 
century  has  appeared  the  beacon  light  of  Ilomceo- 
pathy .  Most  of  them  look  at  it  and  affirai  that  it  is 
an  ignu  fatuus^  which  if  followed  will  lead  into  the 


*  Bennett's  Practice. 

Bichat. 
X  Forbes. 
§  Kenourd. 


6  THE  HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 


swamp.  Some  of  the  more  liberal  and  thinking 
ones,  who  believe  that  skepticism,  either  religious  or 
medical,  is  an  unnatural  condition  for  mankind ;  that 
man  endowed  with  a  mind  that  can  weigh  the  planets 
and  read  the  laws  that  govern  all  physical  exist- 
ence— must  have  settled  convictions  on  all  subjects 
or  he  is  in  an  unnatural  state. 

Some  of  these  men  while  floundering  about,  ask. 
What  is  Homceopathy  V  The  ignorant  and  big- 
oted exclaim,  nonsense  !  The  more  enlightened  re- 
ply like  the  befogged  inebiiate,  ^^damjinoy  Once 
in  a  while  a  conscientious  inquirer  will  seek  to  fol- 
low the  beacon  light,  hoping  it  may.  lead  him  out 
of  the  slough  of  skepticism ;  knowing  that  any 
change  must  be  an  improvement  from  that  wherein 
he  is — '^  that  which  cannot  be  worse"  which  '*must 
either  mend  or  end' \ — and  by  following  this  light 
he  soon  gets  on  the  solid  ground  of  the  law  of 
SIMILARS,  and  there  he  rests  while  wandeinng  in 
the  thick  woods  of  gi*oss  medication,  when  if  he 
would  but  follow  the  light  still  further  he  would 
annve  at  the  open  day  of  dynamization . 

But  he  sees  in  the  gloom  some  dishonest  unprin- 
cipled fellow ;  who  while  pretending  to  have  at- 
tained to  a  higher  altitude,  and  to  be  using  the 
high  attenuations,  is  covertly  using  gross  medi- 
cine. The  inquirer,  thinking  that  all  who  be- 
lieve in  dynamization  are  imbecile  exti'emists  or 
liai-s,  contents  himself  to  still  wander  on  in  the 
gloom.  When  an  Allopathic  physician  gets  his 
eyes  opened  by  studying  Homoeopatliic  books,  he 
at  first  gives  in  his  adhesion  to  the  law^  of  similars. 


T^HE   HOMffiOiiATHIC^COmttEft.  7 

as  the  true  law  of  cui'e ;  but  he  still  adheres  to  his 
large  doses  of  medicine,  under  the  idea  that  he 
must  in  this  way  produce  another  disease — and  this 
he  calls  Kational  Homceopathy  !  The  higher 
attenuations  he  ignores,  or  perchance  despises. 
We  know  how  it  is  ourself — we  have  been  there. 

The  Dynamization  theory  is  Rational  Homceopa- 
thy,  as  it  fits  all  the  requirements  of  a  science.  The 
chemical  laws  of  affinity  teach  it.  Dalton's  law  of 
atomic  combination  of  monogenic  and  polygenic 
elements,  teaches  it.  Gay  Lussac's  law  of  com- 
bining volumes,  teaches  it.  The  law  of  definite 
and  multiple  propoiilons,  teaches  it.  The  law  of 
electro-affinity  teaches  it. 

The  Atomic  law  is  a  primitive  fact  in  chemistry. 
' '  An  atom  is  the  smallest  paiticle  of  matter  that 
can  enter  into  the  composition  of  a  molecule."  ''A 
molecule  is  a  gi'oup  of  atoms  held  together  by 
chemical  force,  and  is  the  smallest  particle  of  any 
substance  that  can  exist  in  a  free,  or  uncombined 
state  in  nature."* 

Every  law  relating  to  matter,  has  relation  to  the 
ultimate  atoms^  whether  it  is  the  law  of  definite 
proportion,  multiple  proportion,  chemical  affinity, 
or  elective  affinity.  These  laws  all  have  relation  to 
the  ultimate  atoms  of  matter ;  not  to  matter  fai  the 
aggregate.  When  a  change  is  made  in  any  sub- 
stance, it  is  in  its  ultimate  atoms.  If  an  acid  and 
an  alkali  are  put  together  and  left  free  to  act,  the 
change  takes  place  in  their  ultimate  atoms.  When 
double  decomposition  takes  place,  the  acid   leaves 

♦Dal  ton. 


THE    HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 


one  base  to  unite  with  the  base  of  another  acid. 
Thus  they  change  partners ;  all  these  changes  tak- 
ing place  in  the  ultimate  atoms.  Again,  all  lifei  is 
in  the  cell,  and  disease  first  commences  in  the  cell, 
according  to  Virchow ;  consequently  all  curative 
action  must  commence  in  that  \ital  \mvt  of  the  cell 
where  disease  first  commences. 

Nature  performs  all  her  works  by  the  law  of  dy- 
namization  ;  there  is  not  a  salt  or  medicinal  extract 
in  the  c^lls  of  any  plant,  that  was  not  put  there  by 
this  law.  Tlie  Sun,  as  he  rolls  in  majesty  in  the 
heavens,  shedding  life  and  light  to  all  around,  is 
depositing  in  the  plants  part  of  his  substance,  (ac- 
cording to  Prof .  Proctor) ,  and  from  the  rays  of 
this  glorious  orb  the  plants,  obtain  their  chromofil, 
even  sending  it  through  the  glass  that  sometimes 
covers  them. 

Now  here  are  some  pinmitive  facts,  and  if  we  ad- 
mit these  we  must  admit  dynamization,  for  the 
medicine  that  is  to  affect  the  cell  must  be  reduced 
as  near  to  its  ultimate  atoms  as  is  possible,  or  it  will 
be  obstructed  in  its  action.  The  acid  and  the  car- 
bonate in  the  Baking  Powder  are  kept  apart  by  the 
flour,  or  other  substances  ;  and  although  they  have 
an  affinity  for  each  other,  yet  they  cannot  act  on 
each  other,  because  they  cannot  be  brought  into 
contact  until  by  the  addition  of  water  they  ai'e  both 
itiduced  to  their  atomic  condition  ;  when  the  carbonic 
acid  is  evolved.  Solution  favors  their  disintegra- 
tion. Another  primitive  fact  is,  that  medicines 
have  an  aflSnity  for  certain  parts  of  the  body,  and 
spend  their  influence  on  that  part. 


THE    IIOMCEOPATIIIC    COURIER.  9 


Again,  there  is  an  increased  sensibility  of  the 
diseased  part,  and  consequently  articles  that  pro- 
duce no  sensible  effect  in  a  state  of  health  will  be 
very  sensil)ly  felt  in  disease.  Toxicology  teaches 
another  primitive  fact,  that  it  is  the  remote  effect  of 
the  poison  that  destroys  life,  not  its  local  effect ; 
and  that  each  class  of  poisons  effect  certain  organs 
by  the  principle  of  elective  affinity.  Magendie 
says,  '*  Tartrate  of  antimony  has  a  specific  effect 
on  the  lungs,  whether  taken  into  the  stomach  or 
injected  into  the  veins.*"  * 

Another  primitive  fact  is,  that  the  appropriate 
remedy  goes  to  the  part  diseased,  and  effects  it 
only.  Prof.  E.  H.  Clark,  of  Harvard  University, 
when  speaking  of  stryclmine  as  a  remedy  foi*  par- 
alysis, says :  '^  It  is  a  singular  fact  that  its  action 
is  directed  first  to  the  diseased  part."  f 

Pereira  says,  ''  Some  substances  exercise  a  most 
potent  influence  over  the  organism,  without  produ- 
cing any  obviously  mechanical  or  chemical  changes 
iri  the  organic  tissues.  Such  substances  are  said  to 
act  dynamically,  as  hydrocyanic  acid,  moiphia, 
strychnia,  etc."  X 

The  law  of  antidotes  is  another  primitive  fact. 
It  is  well  known  that  albumen  is  an  antidote  to  Cor- 
rosive Sublimate,  and  yet  even  the  Allopathic  phy- 
sician will  give  this  poison  in  the  small  dose  of  one- 
twelfth  of  a  grain.  Wlien  this  article  is  taken  into  the 


*  Magendie ^s  Physiology. 

t  New  American  Cyclopedia,  Article,  Strychnine. 

X  Pereira's  Materia  Medica, 


10  THE  ttOMCMOPATHtC  COtRtEtt. 

.■     ■  ■■       •  ■.■■..       ...  ,1. 

stomach  it  meets  the  albumen  and  would  be  decom- 
posed imless  it  imderweut  some  dynamic  change. 

The  law  of  crystalization  is  a  primitive  fact,  and 
yet  who  can  tell  wherein  resides  the  power  of  crys- 
talization? It  will  burst  any  vessel  that  seeks  to 
confine  it.  The  French  Academicians  bui-st  a 
brass  globe  that  would  require  a  force  of  several 
tons  to  sever  its  paiiicles,  by  freezing  water  in  it, 
( crystalization . )  What  becomes  of  this  power 
when  the  crystalized  salt  is  dissolved  in  water  ? 
What  has  become  of  the  dynamic  force  V 

The  law  of  catalyses  is  another  primitive  fact — 
i,  e.^  that  a  substance  by  its  mere  presence  in  a 
compound,  exercises  an  influence  over  anotlier  ai'- 
ticle,  producing  a  change  in  that  article  without  it- 
self undergoing  any  change  whatever.  As  the 
peroxide  of  manganese,  by  its  mere  presence  with 
chlorate  of  potassa,  causes  it  to  part  with  its  oxy- 
gen at  a  much  lower  heat  than  it  othei-wise  would, 
yet  the  manganese  undergoes  no  change  itself. 
All  these  primitive  facts  culminate  in  Dynamiza- 
tion,  and  lead  us  to  the  belief  that  the  appropriate 
remedy  has  such  an  aflinity  for  the  diseased  organ 
that  it  goes  to  the  organ  affected,  not  by  the  cir- 
culation, but  directly.  Consequently,  crude  drugs 
cannot  effect  a  cure^  and  those  who  use  them,  un- 
less for  destroying  parasites,  are  not  practicing 
Rational  Homceopathy.  It  follows,  then,  that 
Rational  Medicine  requires  us  to  attenuate  medi- 
cinal substances  so  as  to  facilitate  their  action. 

Then,  to  what  extent  shall  this  attenuation  be 
canned?     In  reply  to  this  we  can  only  say  we  should 


THE  ttOMOaOPATHlC   COtTHtER.  11 


endeavor  to  separate  the  various  atoms,  if  possible. 
But  as  there  is  a  point  beyond  which  matter  is  not 
divisible,  may  we  not  carry  our  attenuations  so  far 
that  we  may  have  in  the  mixture  some  doses  in 
which  an  atom  of  the  divided  matt€»r  may  not  ap- 
pear? Possibly ;  but  it  has  been  proven  that  par- 
ticles of  lead  have  been  seen  in  solid  substance,  by 
the  microscope,  as  far  as  the  12th  dec.  dilution ; 
so  of  the  trituration  of  mercury  the  microscope  re- 
vealed it  in  the  10th  dec.  trituration.  And  Pereira 
and  Kane  mention  strychnia  as  tasting  bitter  in  the 
6th  dec.  dilution. 

These  instances  show  that  these  articles  were  not 
yet  attenuated  beyond  their  obvious  physical  char- 
acteristics. And  toxicology  teaches  us  that  the 
test  for  some  of  the  mineral  poisons  reveals  them  in 
sen8il)le  characteristics  beyond  the  10th  dec.  dilu- 
tion. No  doubt  the  atoms  of  some  sul)stances  are 
larger  than  those  of  others,  and  may  be  reached, 
much  sooner  by  attenuation. 

This  philosophy  of  dynamization  accoimts  for 
the  development  of  the  power  in  substances,  which 
in  their  crude  state  are  totally  inert.  The  Allo- 
path concedes  this  when  he  uses  hi/drargia  cum  creta^ 
which  is  only  a  mere  me(*hanical  division,  with 
chalk,  of  a  substance  that  in  its  cnide  state  is  inert, 
and  yet  becomes  by  division  a  medicine  of  admit- 
ted power  in  the  human  economy. 

According  to  Apjohn  most  of  the  poisons  never 
enter  the  blood,  and  after  death  can  only  be  found 
in  the  organs  for  which  they  have  an  affinity  dur- 
ing life.     This  should  teach  us  an  important  fact 


V2  THE   IIOMCEOPATIIIC   COURIER. 


in  drug-action,  and  ceitainly  points  plainly  to  dy- 
naniization. 

Have  we  not  proved  that  with  tliis  law  Ho-- 
laceopathy  is  Rational  MedicmeV  and  that  it  is 
a  science,  having  all  the  requirements  of  Lord 
Bacon's  "  dome."  It  is  supported  on  all  sides  by 
other  pnmitive  facts  or  laws,  and  will  stand  secure 
through  all  ages  to  come,  becommg  brighter  and 
brighter  as  its  laws  become  better  understood,  and 
living  to  bless  mankhid  when  Allopathy  and  her 
pompous  advocates  are  forgotten  in  the  dust  of 
obli\non. 


A  COXDEXSED  MATERIA  MEDICA, 

BY  8.  A.  JOKES,  M.  D., 
[Professor,  Ann  Arbor,  Mich.] 


The  schismatic  saints  of  that  '  immaculate  con- 
ception' which  chipped  the  ^gg  at  Milwaukee  in 
fJune  last,  see  only  the  '  mark  of  the  beast'  in  the 
yearning  for  a  Condensed  Materia  Medica. 

Much  have  I  thought  of  this  lately,  being  led 
thereto  by  many  lettei"s  urging  me  to  signalise  my 
manumission  by  preparing  such  a  work.  Some  of 
these  appeals  have  come  from  soinx-es  so  respecta- 
ble that  I  have  felt  obliged  to  consider  them  ;  not, 
indeed,  so  much  with  a  view  of  attempting  to  sup- 
ply the  demand,  as  to  detennine  the  need  for  it, 
and  the  probability  and  possibility  of  meeting  it. 


THE    H()M(E0PATHK;    (M^UUIKK.  13 


Rightly  understood,  one  cannot  deny  that  sci- 
ence should  cuhninate  in  a  Condensed  Materia  Med- 
ica.  Condensed^  mind  you — not  curtailed;  not  a 
caput  mortuum.  Of  these  we  have  already  had 
more  than  enough  in  the  so-called  AUentown  Jahr, 
Hull's  Jahr,  Lippe's  Text  Book,  Hering's  Con- 
densed, andCowperthwait's  rechauffe  of  these  last 
two.  All  of  these  are  misconceptions;  cm-tail- 
ments,  not  condensations ;  abbreviations,  not  ana- 
lytical eliminations  of  the  '  active  principle,'  or 
princi/>aZ. 

The  grand  desideratum  could  not  be  until  Allen's 
grand  Encyclopaedia  had  been,  and  the  completion 
of  his  work  is  the  first  step  towards  a  Condensed 
Materia  Medica.  The  gathering  of  this  vast  store 
of  material  was  the  indispensable  initiative ;  the 
winnowing  is  a  far  more  arduous  endeavor. 

Hering  had  clear  conceptions  of  the  only  safe 
winnowing,  ^aidi  festina  cenfe  was  his  creed.  He 
knew  that  the  '  proving'  could  win  its  spurs  only 
in  its  clinical  application  and  verificafion.  He  was 
right ;  all  other  criteria  have  but  a  subsidiary  val- 
ue ;  many  of  them,  indeed,  are  only  '  scientific" 
ignes  fafui^  beguiling  into  a  slough  of  desi)ond,  af- 
ter the  manner  of  all  such  '  lights.' 

Holding  views  so  sound,  Hering' s  '  Condensed' 
is  a  misnomer;  Hering' s  Abbreviated^  gives  the 
letter  and  spirit  of  the  fact.  The  tnith  of  this  is 
made  evident  in  his  Guidinq  Symptoms  ;  and  in  this 
work  we  have  Coxstantine  Hekixg's  only  at- 
tempt at  a  Condensed  Materia  Medica. 

As  this  work  will  require  eight  posthumous  vol- 
umes, in  addition  to  the  two  which  came  out  under 
the  veteran's  eye,  my  calling  it  '  Condensed'  may 
excite  a  smile  in  those  who  are  dismayed  by  the 
profusion  of  Allen's  Encyclopfjedia ;  but  surely  these 
men  have  not  discerned  Hering' s  supreme  endeavor 


14  THE   HOMCEOPATHIC    COURIER. 


to  apprehend,  (aje^  lay''hold-of)j  the  gist  of  the 
remedy.  This  grand  old  workman  kiiew  that  the 
letter  killeth,  but  the  spirit  giveth  life ;  and  for 
more  than  half  a  century  he  sought  for  that  spirit 
where  alone  it  can  be  seen  and  felt — in  the  clinical 
application  of  the  data  of  the  '  proving.' 

Some  have  felt  that  he  violated  the  essential 
unity  by  incorporating  symptoms  derived  from  the 
use  in  disease.  Xot  so ;  a  '  proving'  is  from  the 
natureof  things  incomplete — a  proving  does  not  pro- 
duce vertebral  canes — a  similar  disease ;  state  is 
pre-Raphaelistic  to  the  veinmg  of  a  leaf,  and  we  find 
in  the  calcic  phosphate  a  similimum  for  one  fomi  of 
vertebral  caries,  in  its  entirety.  Having  endeav- 
ored to  let  disease  supply  details  where  the  proving 
had  given  ( could  give )  only  outlines^  he  has 
largely  succeeded,  and  they  who  ignore  his  '  Guid- 
ing Symptoms'  needlessly  limit  their  own  useful- 
ness. 

From  our  standpoint,  then,  it  is  evident  that,  in 
the  clinical  application  of  the  '  proving'  we  find  the 
chief  avenue  to  the  obtaining  of  a  Condensed  Ma- 
teria Medica. 

To  be  sure,  this  very  avenue  can,  and  does,  lead 
to  fallacies  innumerable,  as  much  '  High  Potency 
Practice'  amply  evidences ;  but  shallow  cerebral 
convolutions  will  abeiTate  in  any  avenue,  and  the 
avenue  must  not  be  blamed !  A  searchmg  analysis 
of  all  published  '  cases'  is,  then,  an  indispensable 
]>reliminary,  and  such  symptoms  as  can  rightly 
wear  the  stars  of  generalship  for  "services  in  the 
field,"  will  form  the  safest  contribution  towards  a 
Condensed  Materia  Medica. 

Altogether  secondary  to  this  is  a  pruning  of  the 
redundancies  in  the  Encyclopaedia.  The  duplica- 
tion, triplication,  quadiiiplication  of  a  symptom  is, 
as  many  provers  believe,  a  most  desirable  evidence 


THE    HOMCEOPATHK^    COUKr^U.  15 


of  legitimacy ;  it  at  least  suggests  one  and  the  same 
father,  and  provei^s,  we  know,  are  suspected  of 
'  easy  vii^tue,'  as  the  word  goes.  It  is  also  proper 
to  have  these  evidences  of  legitimacy  duly  recorded 
in  an  Encyclopaedia ;  but  in  a  Condensed  Materia 
Medica  only  one  statement  of  the  same  fact  is  al- 
lowable. 

Some  have  wished  that  this  plan  had  been  ap- 
plied to  Allen's  Encyclopaedia;  but  somewhere 
they  must  be  recorded  in  all  their  actual  multiplic- 
ity, and  the  Encyclopaedia  is  the  place. 

Xo  other  abbreviation  is  to  be  tolerated  except 
such  as  is  justified  by  clinical  experience,  and  these 
two  methods  would  largely  lessen  our  Encyclopae- 
dic storehouse. 

But  if  a  Condensed  Materia  Medica  is  to  include 
only  such  symptoms  as  appeared  to  the  majority  of 
the  pro  vers,  we  shall  surely  omit  some  of  the  most 
valuable,  for  idiosyncracy  has  claims  which  must  be 
respected  in  every  '  proving' — and  if  we  incorporate 
only  such  as  have  been  clinically  verified  we  shall 
doubtless  condemn  many  a  symptom  because  it  has 
not  happened  to  have  had  a  hearing  in  the  filinical 
court.  If  the  developing  of  our  Materia  Medica 
has  requu'ed  a  century,  why  not  a  century  or 
two,  or  three,  for  its  verification?  We  can 
make  a  '  proving'  at  will ;  we  can  demonstrate  its 
verity  only  when  the  golden  opportunity  comes  to 
us.  That  may  come  to-mon-ow,  and,  may,  per- 
haps, only  m  ^Plato's  year.'  Hence  Heking's 
profomidly  prescient  Festina  Cenfe! 

Mine  eyes  look  not  for  the  Condensed  Materia 
Medica.  It  may  come  in  '  Plato's  year,'  or  when, 
with  clearer  views,  we  can  see  in  it  all  the  gi*and 
simplicity  that  marks  the  works  of  Him  whose  in- 
scioitable  plan  hid  virtues  in  the  flowers  of  the  field. 

If  it  shall  come,  it  will  be  as  the  last  of  a  series 


16  THE    HOMCEOPATHIO   COURIEK. 


of  eliminations,  a  series  that  will  gradually  e^^clude 
the  generic  in  each  remedy  by  cancellation,  until, 
at  last,  only  the  specific — the  absolute  value — of 
the  remedy  will  be  left.  This  feature  will  be  writ- 
ten in  a  single  line,  as  the  aiixiety  of  aconite,  the 
asthenia  of  pinissic  acid,  the  restlessness  of  rhiis, 
and  so  on.  Each  remedy  will  have  its  voice,  and 
be  known  by  it,  as  was  King  Lear,  in  that  night  of 
stonn  and  darkness. 

That  this  is  not  a  mere  dreamer's  fancy  is  shown 
by  the  fact,  that  in  the  ''  key  notes,"  or  character- 
istics, we  have  a  foreshadowing  of  the  ultimate 
identification  of  a  remedy  by  its  intrinsic  individu- 
ality ;  and  this  individuality  is  not  shown  by  Aratic 
warts  and  birth-marks,  as  your  Repertoiy  makei's 
imagine.  A  truant  lock  of  hair  might  have  hidden 
Cromwell's  wart  at  Edgehill ;  but  what  could  hide 
the  voice  of  him  who  commanded  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord  God  of  Hosts?  We  want  not  warts  and 
telangiectasic  birth-stains,  but  the  simkit,  and  this 
we  shall  reach  when  we  get  through  the  rind  of 
things.  AVe  must  drop  synthesis  for  analysis,  and 
though  this  may  seem  to  lead  us  to  several  centres 
in  a  drug's  action,  all  essential  to  its  unity,  yet 
we  must  kee])  on  and  on,  until,  at  last,  is  revealed 
to  us  the  punctum  saliens, 

**  So  nins  my  dream ,  but  what  am  I  ? 

An  infant  cryino^  jn  the  night  ; 

An  infant  cryin<j  for  the  light, 
And  with  no  language  but  a  cry." 


THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER.  17 


CASES  FROM  PRACTICE. 

BY  R.  A.  PHELAN,  M.  D., 

[Prof,  of  Materia  Medica  in  the  HomcBopathic  College  of  Missouri.] 


Miss  P.,  19  years  of  age,  was  sunstruck  in  the  summer 
of  1864,  from  which  time  till  the  17th  of  July,  1868,  she . 
had  been  insane.  After  repeated  efforts  of  medical  men 
had  failed  to  restore  her  to  health,  she  was  sent  to  the 
State  Lunatic  Asylum  in  the  spring  of  1865,  and  kept 
under  treatment  and  discipline  thereof,  during  a  full 
term,  at  the  expiration  of  which  she  was  returned  to  her 
father's  home  without  any  amendment  whatever  in  her 
condition. 

At  the  close  of  another  year,  seeing  that  she  was  get- 
ting worse,  and  becoming  almost  unmanageable,  she  was 
sent  back  to  the  Asylum,  and  kept  there  during  the 
course  of  a  second  term,  and  again  returned  to  her  fa- 
ther's house  as  incurable. 

What  the  symptoms  that  characterized  her  case  during 
all  this  time  were,  we  did  not  learn,  except  in  a  general 
way,  not  essential  to  be  mentioned  here  ;  but  in  her  pe- 
culiar fetate  she  continued  until  the  17th  of  July,  afore- 
said, when  she  came  under  our  treatment. 

The  condition  expressive  of  her 'derangement,  and  for 
which  we  prescribed,  were  the  following,  viz :  Unstead- 
iness of  purpose,  ^vith  almost  constant  tendency  to  move 
some  part  of  the  body ;  indisposition  to  converse,  espec- 
ially with,  but  making  deteimined  answers  to  strangers  ; 
and  an  occasional  exhibition  of  silly  laughing  during  her 
agreeable  intervals.  When  her  wishes  to  go  into  the 
streets  met  with  the  opposition  of  her  parents  j  she  flew 
into  a  rage,  and  used  all  the  force  at  her  command  to  car- 
ry out  her  determination — she  would  cut  wth  a  knife  if  it 


18  THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 

came  in  her  way — and  when  she  got  out  she  walked  has- 
tily on  her  way,  singing  and  dancing,  and  laughing,  and 
waving  her  hands.  These  circumstances  were  observed 
to  be  much  aggravated  in  the  afternoon  and  evenings, 
and  especially  at  the  approach  of  and  during  the  first  day 
of  the  menstrual  period ;  particularly  the  eyes  when  in 
anger,  the  pupils  of  which  seemed  to  be  more  than  ordi- 
narily dilated  most  of  the  time — ^the  menses  being  pre- 
mature, dark,  clotted  and  rather  scanty. 

These  indications  taken  in  conjimction  with  the  very 
characteristic  original  cause  whereby  they  were  genera- 
ted, and  as  a  consequence  of  which  they  continued  to  ex- 
ist, marked  definitely  enough  the  course  to  be  pursued  in 
their  eradication. 

What  was  the  cause  ?  The  alternation  of  remedies  ? 
Here  was  a  good  case  for  that  practice.  The  exhibition 
of  Bellad.  and  Hyos.,  if  you  please.  But  we  cannot  al- 
ternate y  because  that  is  not  the  style  of  Homoeopathy ; 
not  even  if  such  a  practice  were  allowable  should  we  re- 
sort to  it,  for  the  reason  that  we  should  be  afraid  lest  the 
modifying  influence  possessed  by  one  remedy  over  the 
action  of  the  other,  might  compromise  the  chances  of 
success  so  as  to  prevent  us  from  restoring  to  home  and 
society,  a  once  beautiful  and  accomplished  young  lady. 
What  was  then  left  us  to  do  in  so  important,  and  to  her 
friends,  so  hopeless  a  case?  Nothing,  but  as  a  true 
Hahnemannian,  to  carefully  individualize  in  selecting  the 
proper  remedy,  and  having  found  it,  to  administer  it 
in  the  smallest  quantity  capable  of  curing  the  case.  Now 
*which  of  the  two  named  remedies  covers  the  case  the 
most  perfectly?  Both  have  laughing,  singing,  furious 
actions,  rage,  attempts  to  strike,  and  aggravation  of 
S3rmptoms  in  the  afternoon  and  evening,  and  before  and 
during  menstruation — in  common,  individualize  farther. 


THE  HOMCBOPATHIC   OOUKIBR.  19 

With  Bellad.,  however,  and  not  with  Hyos.,  do  we  find 
ihe  dislike  to  conversation,  the  constant  disposition  to 
move  some  part  of  the  body,  especially  the  hands  ;  the 
condition  of  the  eyes  ;  the  majority  of  the  S3naiptoms  con- 
nected with  the  menstrual  appearance,  and  to  the  cause 
of  the  disease ;  it  stands  in  the  very  highest  order  as  a 
remedial  agent.  Bellad.  was  therefore  the  remedy,  and 
accordingly,  we,  on  thq  17th  of  July,  1868,  gave  the  pa- 
tient one  dose  thereof,  in  the  4000  potency  (Lentz's 
preparation),  with  the  usual  allowance  of  Sac.  Lac.,  for 
one  week,  and  departed. 

On  the  afternoon  of  July  the  19th,  the  lady's  father 
informed  me  that  she  had  been  unusually  excited  the  pre- 
vious evening,  and  during  that  day,  and  thought  the  med- 
icine might  be  too  strong.  This  was  an  aggravation. 
This  was  an  aggravation.  July  24th,  found  the  patient 
unusually  quiet — ^had  been  so  for  three  or  four  days — 
was  more  communicative,  and  general  appearance  favor- 
able. Sac.  Lac.  furnished  for  one  week — July  27th,  her 
father  called  to  see  me,  and  informed  me  that  she  was 
"getting  along  finely" — ^was  making  herself  generally 
useful  about  the  house,  without  being  asked,  and  evinced 
no  desire  to  leave  home  on  any  accoimt.  July  31st,  pa- 
tient wonderfully  improved,  almost  natural  in  her  con- 
duct— no  excitement  or  restlessness,  conversed  with  ap- 
parent ease ;  parents  delighted,  but  feared  a  return  of 
her  difficulties  at  approach  of  menstruation — a  natural 
fear  which  was  shared  in  even  by  ourself .  Sac.  Lac.  for 
one  week. 

August  7th,  still  gaining  in  every  respect,  very  quiet 
and  orderly — ^patient  sewing  when  we  reached  the  house. 
Placebo  for  another  week.  August  14th,  menstruation 
present  one  day  too  soon ;  and  much  to  the  gratification 
of  all,  accompanied  by  no  aggravating  circumstances,  ex- 


20        THE  HOMCKOPATHIC  OOURIEB, 

f 

^  — — ^—  ■■— ^-^^— ■— ■■  •^^^■—  _^iM^^  m^^m^^ 

fjepting|that  she  appeared  more  reserved  in  her  manner. 
Placebo  continued. 

Suly  22d,  was  informed  that  menstruation  passed  off 
almost  naturally — ^was  much  more  profuse,  and  not  dark 
and  clotted  as  formerly ;  patient  gained  much  in  strength, 
and  certainly  in  appearance.  Sac.  Lac.  for  one  week. 
At  the  end  of  two  weeks  more,  viz :  on  the  5th  of  Sept., 
it  was  almost  impossible  to  notice  the  difference  in  her 
actions,  from  those  of  other  people ;  she  was  then  at- 
tending church,  and  visiting  her  friends,  as  naturally  as 
she  ever  did  in  her  life,  and  nothing  of  her  old  difficul- 
ties remained  to  be  discovered,  except  in  the  impression 
amongst  her  friends  and  acquaintances  that  she  once  was 
insane.  Her  father  remarked  that  he  would  be  delighted 
if  he  thought  the  great  change  would  continue  when  she 
dropped  off  taking  medicine.  The  remark  was  made  in 
that  spirit 'which  betokens  an  over-anxious  ingratitude  (if 
we  might  so  express  it)  ;  Homoeopathy  must  cure  at  once 
what  his  favorite  system  (Allopathy)  had  failed  to  do  in 
four  years.  How  much  of  this  we  see  !  We  informed 
the  gentleman  that  the  cure  was  complete ;  and  on  that 
day,  being  six  months  from  the  time  we  began  the  treat- 
ment, surrendered  the  young  lady  to  her  father  and 
mother  in  a  perfect  state  of  health. 

I  saw  the  lady  as  late  as  the  11th  of  October,  when  she 
continued  perfectly  well,  and  wonderfully  improved  in 
general  appearance ;  and  as  late  as  the  14th  of  Novem- 
ber, her  father  told  us  "he  could  see  no  end  to  her  im- 
provement." We  have  no  disposition  to  become  popu- 
lar by  giving  such  cases  to  the  public,  but  in  important 
ones  of  this  sort,  when  a  system  2000  years  old  has  so 
utterly  failed  to  effect  a  cure,  we  regard  it  as  due  to  the 
friends  of  the  Homoeopathic  law  of  cure  throughout  the 
world — that  the  principles   of  pure  Homoeopathy  which 


THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIEB,  21 

they  so  much  admire,  find  an  echo  even  in  *^^he  great 
Southwest  where  it  has  been  supposed  that  only  mongrel- 
ism  flourished.  The  case  is  also  a  refutation  of  the  mate- 
rialistic tendency  of  the  day,  in  proving  conclusively  that 
the  infirmities  to  which  our  poor  nature  is  ^subject,  can 
be  safely  and  surely  removed,  even  the  most  deep-seated 
of  them,  by  infinitesimal  doses  of  medicine.  They  cannot 
be  cured  in  any  other  way ;  and  if  they  could,  gentlemen 
ought  to  spare  poor  human  nature  by  guarding  her 
against  the  evil  consequences  that  must  necessarily  fol- 
low the  administration  of  crude  medicines.  Reflect  on 
this  case  which  was  cured  by  one  single  dose  in  the  4000 
potency.     Follow  Hahnemann  and  you  can  all  do  well. 


Department  of  Electroiogy  &  Neurology. 

J.  T.  Kent,  M.  D.,  Editor, 


A  NEW  RECTAL  APPLICATOR. 


In  managiny  some  forms  of  nervous  affections, 
attention  is  drawn  to  indiu-ation  and  other  structu- 
ral changes  of  the  anus  and  rectiun,  as  a  primaiy 
cause.  Medication  of  the  anal  outlet  has  been 
more  embarrassing  than  of  any  other  regions,  and 
mechanical  treatraent  has  been  fomid  andi'ologeous. 
The  following  improved  anal  plug  or  Rectal  Ap- 
plicator, has  served  a  valuable  pui-pose  in  a  two- 
fold way  : 


It  affords  a  means  of  dilatation  as  well  as  a  con- 
stant suppository.  The  screw  plunger  may  be 
turned  at  will,  constantly  forcing  out  such  medica- 
ments as  are  placed  within  the  cavity  of  the  Appli- 
cator, lodofonn  and  cosmoline,  or  ergotine,  ex- 
tract of  I'hatany,  with  any  convenient  unguous 
substance,  may  be  used.  This  instrument  is  pre- 
sented to  the  profession  as  an  improvement  on  the 
old  anal  plug. 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  23 


THE  ABUSE  OF  ELECTEICITY. 


The  abuses  of  Electricity  are  becoming  so  com- 
mon, it  behooves  that  a  word  be  spoken  to  prevent 
honest  minds  from  falling  into  the  practice  of  mis- 
using this  valuable  force. 

A  patient  may  enter  the  office  of  any  doctor  and 
relate  a  history  of  spinal  irritation,  which  is  ele- 
gantly cured  by  general  faradization  properly  ap- 
plied, and  the  doctor  places  himself  in  a  fine  chair, 
passing  currents  in  every  direction  through  the 
body  and  extremities,  the  patient  of  course  not 
much  benefited  only  for  the  time.  The  fact  is  the 
patient  has  been  humbugged  by  the  conveniences 
of  an  electrician.  Such  may  be  mentioned  as  one 
of  the  abuses  of  electricity. 

The  same  patient  can  be  cured  in  a  short  time 
by  being  placed  on  a  common  stool,  with  his  feet 
upon  a  common  foot-pad,  and  the  operator  at  the 
side  of  the  patient  applying  a  sponge  to  the  tender 
points  in  the  spinal  cord.  This  takes  time,  and 
perhaps  the  exercise  of  brains ;  but  it  is  the  only 
way  to  cure. 

There  is  no  place  for  the  electrician,  as  a  spe- 
cialist. The  eye,  ear  or  lungs,  or  any  part  of  the 
human  body,  may  be  selected  for  a  legitimate  spe- 
cialty. But  electricity  must  be  used  by  every  doc- 
tor as  a  part  of  his  means  for  the  cure  of  the  sick. 
It  is  not  imcommon  to  find  a  doctor  who  claims  to 
practice  entirely  by  the  use  of  electricity — he  cm-es 


24  THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER. 

everything  by  electricity (?).  He  has  electro-mag- 
netic  chairs,  electric  batteries,  etc.  The  people  have 
only  to  treat  themselves ;  make  a  diagnosis  of  the 
case,  and  prescribe  for  themselves  these  electrical 
contriyances,  and  go  to  these  places  of  resort  and 
buy  so  many  Ohlms  of  electricity  and  be  healed. 
The  doctor  in  charge  is  not  of  the  kind  to  advise 
other  ti'eatment  for  this  case,  but  to  m-ge  a  contin- 
uance through  an  indefinite  period,  at  one  dollar  a 
seance  I 

Electricity  is  perhaps  as  useful  as  any  force  in 
our  hands  to  apply.  But  it  should  be  held  in  the 
background  like  any  other  agent,  until  the  time 
comes  for  its  use,  when  it  should  be  used  with  in- 
telligence, and  not  the  same  kind  or  quality  for 
eveiy  case.  A  doctor  who  does  not  know  how  to 
administer  electricity,  does  not  know  whether  elec- 
tricity will  cure  a  certain  case  or  not ;  hence  the 
folly  of  sending  patients  to  an  electrologist  to  re- 
ceive electricity.  It  is  a  common  occm-rence  for 
us  to  receive  patients  from  doctors,  with  the  follow- 
ing advice :     ' '  This  patient  is  suffering  from 

he  needs  electricity ;  will  you  be  so  kind  as  to  at- 
tend to  him?"  Many  times,  if  we  were  to  cany 
out  this  advice,  the  patient  would  not  recover,  and 
electricity  would  be  condemned.  But,  to  please 
the  doctor,  the  patient  receives  the  electricity,  and 
a  single  dose  of  medicme ;  but  in  such  cases  it 
is  the  latter  which  cm'es  the  patient,  though  the 
electricity  gets  the  credit. 

There  are  many  cases  not  well  managed  by  med- 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  25 


icme,  that  yield  to  electricity.  It  is  as  necessary 
to  know  what  conditions  can  be  cured  by  electric- 
ity as  to  know  tiie  law*  of  the  Materia  Medica ; 
and,  also,  it  is  necessary  to  know  what  is  the  best 
manner  of  applying  the  force.  The  doctor  who 
has  no  time  to  devote  to  the  use  of  electricity  in 
the  cure  of  these  troublesome  chronic  diseases — or 
who  is  too  lazy  to  stand  on  his  feet  a  half  hom*,  to 
relieve  one  of  the  chronic  sufferers — had  better  not 
bother  his  head  with  electricity,  as  he  will  not  be 
likely  to  cure  many  patients. 


MANAGEMENT  OF  DISPLACEMENTS  OF 
THE  UTEEUS  IN  NERVOUS 

WOMEN. 


After  a  satisfactory  examination  has  determined 
that  a  displacement  of  the  uterus  is  present,  and 
also  the  true  nature  of  the  displacement,  the  organ 
should  be  replaced  in  its  natural  position  in  the  pel- 
vis, as  near,  at  least,  as  can  be  accomplished  by 
the  methods  in  vogue,  of  which  the  operator  may 
take  his  choice. 

The  most  natural  inquiry  now  is  before  us,  viz, : 
How  can  the  organ  be  held  in  position?  Mechani- 
cal support  is  often  worthless,  and,  in  unskilled 
hands,  it  has  been  the  cause  of  untold  injmy.  Yet 
it  is  not  our  purpose  to  decry  pessaries,  as  we  have 


26        THE  HOMCEOPATHIO  COURIER. 

accomplished  some  good  with  them.  But  we  shall 
in  this  paper  attempt  to  shgw  the  mamier  of  treat- 
ing these  troubles  physiologically. 

During  the  treatment  that  we  shall  direct,  the 
uterus  must  be  restored  as  often  as  displaced. 
When  the  posture  and  the  index  finger  will  perform 
the  work,  it  is  better  than-  the  too  frequent  use  of 
the  sound.  When  the  relaxation  is  great,  in  debili- 
tated patients,  we  immediately  put  them  to  bed — 
of  which  we  shall  have  more  to  say  before  closing 
this  paper.  The  milder  forms  must  first  receive 
our  attention.  Such  cases  are  generally  able  to  go 
about  the  house,  and  attend  to  their  duties  with  no 
inconsiderable  degree  of  irksomeness,  nevertheless, 
they  work,  and  come  to  the  office  for  their  treat- 
ment. With  the  above  injunctions  in  view,  the 
treatment  of  displacements  and  prolapsus  in  all  de- 
grees is  the  same. 

The  causation  and  immediate  condition  of  the 
pelvic  viscera  must  be  studied  cursorily,  in  connec- 
tion with  the  means  of  relief.  It  must  appear  at  a 
glance,  thet  relaxation  is  always  present,  not  sim- 
ply confined  to  the  suspensory  ligaments,  but  ex- 
tendiQg  to  the  entire  pelvic  viscera  and  abdominal 
muscles.  Then,  to  effect  tonicity  and  contractility 
must  appear  to  be  the  all-important  object  to  be 
accomplished. 

There  are  many  causes  mentioned  by  which  these 
results  are  brought  about,  but  one  we  cannot  re- 
frain from  mentioning,  as  it  figures  so  often  in  pre- 
venting our  cases  from  a  satisfactory  recovery.  It  is 


THE  HOMCBOPATHIO  OOURIBR,  27 

sexuality.  We  have  not  seldom  had  to  compel  a 
temporary  separation,  sendmg  the  wife  on  a  visit 
for  a  period,  before  treatment  would  result  in  any 
benefit.  "We  do  not  so  much  refer  to  sexual  excess, 
as  to  imperfect  coition — unrequited  passion.  Sex- 
ual excesses  are  not  so  often  the  perpetrating  cause, 
as  many  authors  would  have  us  believe ;  but,  in  the 
sense  of  unrequited  passion  and  mismanagement  of , 
the  sexual  functions,  we  are  firm  beUevers,  as 
giving  rise  to  more  mischief  than  all  other  causes 
combmed.  Indeed,  if  any  class  of  patients  we  were 
to  avoid,  it  would  be  the  managing  of  the  uterine 
disorders  of  maidens ;  and  few  maidens  reach  ad- 
vanced years  without  suffering  from  prolapsus,  or 
some  of  the  common  displacements,  unless  my  ex- 
perience differs  widely  from  that  of  other  observers. 
The  mere  mention  of  sexuality  as  we  have  given, 
will  be  quite  sufficient  to  convince  any  person  that 
we  are  advocates  of  marriage  for  the  ciu-e  of  pro- 
lapsus m  maidens,  and  we  are  not  writing  without 
experience.  We  are  perfectly  convinced  that  nor- 
mal coition  is  conducive  to  health  in  all  beings.  Af- 
ter correcting  any  mismanagement  in  sexuality,  we 
next  direct  attention  to  cleanliness^  which  is  no  less 
important  in  the  treatment  of  these  cases ;  without 
cleanliness  not  much  should  be  expected  from  any 
method  of  treatment.  It  may  be  thought  best  to 
accomplish  this  end  sunply  by  warm  mjections, 
with  a  vaginal  syringe,  m  conjunction  with  proper 
bathing  and  brisk  friction.  By  tx)o  warm  applica- 
tions  great  good  will  not  so  hkely  result,  and  will 


/ 


28  THE   HOMCBOPATHIO  OOUBIBB. 

only  increase  the  relaxation,  the  reverse  of  what  is 
most  desired.  When  cold-water  injections  are 
agreeable,  they  should  be  used ;  but  some  females 
suffer  from  neuralgia  after  the  use  of  cold  injec- 
tions, and,  in  such  cases,  warm  water  must  be  sub- 
stituted, with  simply  the  chill  taken  off.  Lifting 
overgrown  children,  running  sewing  machines,  too 
long  walks,  running  up  and  down  stairs,  etc.,  must 
all  be  avoided. 

After  we  have  looked  into  the  perpetuating  in- 
fluences of  these  disorders,  we  may  advise  intelli- 
gently, but  often  we  do  not  find  them  all,  until  a 
failure  to  cm-e  threatens  us,  and  urges  us  to  look 
further  into  the  surroundmgs  of  our  patient.  The 
mild  cases  which  we  are  now  especially  consider- 
ing, we  propose  to  treat  by  electrization.  The  lar- 
ger portion  of  these  cases  will  be  much  improved 
by  general  and  localized  Faradisation.  We  place  the 
patient  in  a  chair,  with  the  back  and  abdominal  sur- 
face accessible  to  the  hand,  or  sponge  electrode — 
her  feet  are  placed  in  contact  with  a  zinc  foot-plate, 
well  padded  with  sponge  and  wetted  when  in  use. 
If  there  be  much  tenderness  along  the  spinal  cord, 
which  is  quite  commonly  the  case,  we  connect  the 
cathode  with  the  foot-plate,  and  apply  the  anode 
sponge  to  the  spinal  column,  sometimes  using  the 
hand  instead,  also  stroking  the  muscles  of  the  ab- 
domen, combining  massage  with  electrization.  The 
muscles  of  the  abdomen  are  vigorously  nibbed. 
The  current  should  not  be  of  strength  to  produce 
painful  contraction  of  muscles,   but  the  muscles 


THE  HOM(EOPATHIO  COURIEB.  29 

should  all  be  made  to  contract  perceptibly  for  pas- 
sive exercise.  .  To  the  tender  places  over  the  cord, 
the  anode  should  be  applied  for  five  minutes  at  a 
time.  The  general  Faradisation  should  be  contin- 
ued as  long  as  twenty  or  thirty  minutes  each  se- 
ance. This  should  be  repeated  as  often  as  every 
four  days.  The  localized  electrization  should  be 
commenced  immediately,  by  the  introduction  of  an 
intra-uterine  electrode ;  if  too  much  irritation  be 
present,  a  vaginal  electrode  must  be  substituted ;  a 
small  sponge  upon  an  insulated  holder,  will  answer 
the  purpose  in  the  latter  case.  When  great  ten- 
derness (hypercestfiesia)  y  is  present  in  the  orggn, 
the  anode  should  always  be  used.  The  cathode  may 
be  used  over  the  muscles  of  the  abdomen,  lumbar 
cord  and  cauda  equina,  also,  sometimes  introduced 
into  the  rectum  or  bladder.  At  no  time  should  the 
current  be  painfully  strong.  We  do  not  hesitate  to 
remark  that  intelligent  electrization,  not  electricity, 
added  to  other  proper  measures,  will  restore  nearly 
every  case  of  the  broken-down  females  of  our  pe- 
riod. 

This  leads  to  a  class  of  patients,  materially  dif- 
ferent in  constitution  and  general  surroundings. 
They  are  nervous,  unable  to  exercise,  anaemic,  and 
suffering  from  long  illness.  The  causes  are  nu- 
merous and  their  condition  deplorable.  We  some- 
times begin  even  these  bad  cases,  if  they  are  not 
entirely  bedridden,  by  the  above  process,  and  gen- 
erally fail ;  after  which  we  put  them  to  bed  and  pur- 


THE  HOMCBOPATHIO  CODRIEK. 

sue  Mitchell's*  treatment,  wliich  eonelsta  of  rest, 
massage,  electricity  and  diet ;  rest  in  bed  from  three 
to  four  weeks,  with  daily  massage,  by  an  experienced 
masseiu-,  electrization  and  physiological  feeding, 
will  be  found  highly  important  measures,  and  well 
worth  careful  and  candid  consideration.  Massage, 
as  a  means  of  depriving  rest  of  its  evils,  is  a  most 
satisfactory  agency,  and  has  l)een  too  much  left  to 
chai'Iatans. 

In  returning  to  individual  measures,  it  is  quite 
necessary  to  remark,  that  local  electrization  is  in- 
sufficient to  effect  a  cm"e  in  most  if  not  all  cases, 
buj  it  will  assist  in  brining  about  local  tonicity, 
after  the  entire  system,  and  especially  the  vegeta- 
tive centers,  have  been  brought  under  the  mfluenee 
of  the  current.  In  cases  of  great  debility,  we  gen- 
erally delay  the  localized  electrization  until  the  pa^ 
tient  is  eating  well,  and  shows  some  signs  of  im- 
provement in  nutrition.  With  a  short  continuance 
of  general  Faradisation,  the  patient  will  be  so  im- 
proved that  local  electiization  may  be  commenced 
and  continued  in  alternation  witli  general  Faradisa^ 
tion,  with  increasing  improvement.  When  relax- 
ation is  extensive,  and  general  and  localized  Fara- 
disation have  been  continued  two  or  three  months, 
without  any  perceptible  improvement,  the  galvanic 
ciUTent  should  be  resoi-ted  to,  by  centrally  galvan- 
izing the  sympathetic,  and  locally  galvanizing  the 
uterus  and  its  ligaments,  also  the  abdominal  mus- 

•  Vide,  "  Fat  and  Blood,  and  How  to  Make  Thorn,"  by  S.  Wier 


THE  HOMCBOPATHIO   OOUBIBR.  31 

cles.  The  nutritive  processes  are  markedly  favored 
in  some  cases,  by  changing  Faradic  to  the  galvanic 
current. 

It  may  be  asked,  why  we  do  not  say  something 
about  electrotonus,  or  more  about  the  differentia- 
tion of  poles,  as  applied  to  electrization  of  these 
disorders  ?  In  answer  to  such  a  question,  we  must 
say  that  the  point  is  sometimes  important,  but  not 
so  important  as  it  might  at  first  appear.  This  sub- 
ject must  be  duly  considered  before  venturing  very 
far  into  electro-therapeutics.  It  is  a  question  be- 
longing essentially  to  electro-physiology,  and  it  is 
but  reasonable  to  suppose  that  any  physician  has 
made  himself  familiar  with  his  electro-physiology 
before  advancing  far  in  electro-therapeutics.  In 
this  connection,  it  is  proper  to  add  that  the  effect 
of  electricity  in  acting  upon  the  tissues  and  produ- 
cing changes  in  the  human  body,  is  not  unlike  the 
action  of  drugs-*,  e.,  manifests  a  primary  and  sec- 
ondary  action  upon  cell  life,  and  in  modifying  the 
functions  of  organs.  To  know  when  the  one  or 
the  other  may  be  produced,  we  must  have  had  ex- 
tensive experience,  and  these  are  at  this  time  open 
questions.  That  we  produce  an  electrotonus  and 
catelectrotonus  at  the  respective  poles,  is  not  a 
question ;  but  that  greater  changes,  in  a  therapeu- 
tic aspect,  will  follow  the  one  or  the  other  pole 
uniformly,  is  a  question.  In  attempting  to  restore 
tonicity  by  stimulating  the  nutritive  changes,  is  the 
chief  aim,  but  we  have  observed  very  little  differ- 
ence in  the  use  of  poles  when  confined  to  this  ao- 


32  THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   OOURIBB. 

tion.  When  well  defined  clinical  rules  are  not  at 
command,  the  physiological  laws  must  ever  be  our 
guide.  Medicinal  agents  are  useful,  but  in  fegard 
to  which  we  have  nothing  new  to  offer.  Our  treati- 
ses are'  ample  in  marking  out  the  use  of  agents  of 
this  character. 


A  CASE  OF  CEREBRAL  TRAUMATISM. 

BY  DR.  DANIEL  KUHN. 

Mrs.  F.  received,  April  14th,  1880,  at  four  o'clock  in 
the  evening,  a  shot  from  a  small  pistol.  When  I  saw 
her,  twenty  minutes  after  the  accident,  she  was  con- 
scious, but  vomiting.  The  ball  entered  just  above  and 
in  front  of  the  right  ear,  at  the  termination  of  the  helix, 
and  passed  downward,  backward  and  inward.  The  probe 
followed  the  track  until  opposite  the  auditory  canal,  hav- 
ing entered  the  bone  ;  blood  flowed  from  the  ear  showing 
that  this  canal  had  been  injured,  and  immediately  after 
probing,  the  patient  had  a  severe  convulsion,  in  which 
she  turned  to  the  left  side  ;  the  face  was  drawn  to  the 
left  side.  The  convulsion  lasted  about  te^^  minutes,  after 
which  the  patient  went  into  a  deep  stupor  witi.  bierter- 
ous  breathing ;  the  stupor  continued  one  hour  at  this 
time.  She  had  another  convulsion  similar  to  the  first, 
with  turning  to  the  left  side,  and  followed  also  by  stupor. 
About  the  time  of  her  recovery  from  this  stupor,  three 
hours  after  the  accident,  Dr.  Hodgen  saw  her,  she  was 
then  restless — sick  at  stomach — and  inclined  the  head  to 
left  side.  During  the  night  heavily  complained,  when 
awake,  of  dizziness  in  the  head,  and  asked  frequently  that 


THE    HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  33 

something  should  be  given  her  to  relieve  it.  The  dizzi- 
ness was  much  intensified  when  she  turned  to  the  left 
side,  or  allowed  the  head  to  rest  on  the  left  side ;  had 
darting  pains  through  the  right  ear.  She  remained  very 
much  in  the.  above  condition,  except  the  vomiting  and 
convulsions,  until  the  16th,  when  she  complained  of  a 
constant  hammering  up-stairs  ;  when  told  that  there  was 
no  hammering  up-stairs,  she  referred  it  to  her  head  ;  was 
much  disturbed  by  it,  and  asked  her  attendants  to  listen 
that  they  might  hear  it  also.  Lightness  of  head  and 
nausea  continued.     Has  had  no  more  convulsions. 

April  16th. — The  nausea  is  less,  the  dizziness  less,  but 
is  increased  when  she  turns  to  the  left  side,  and  she  can- 
not  get  up  because  of  the  dizziness. 

April  20th. — The  noise  in  the  head  has  ceased ;  the 
hearing  is  almost  perfect.  When  she  walks  there  is  a 
constant  tendency  to  tiirn  to  the  left ;  the  g^t  is  very 
unsteady. 

April  23d. — Patient  is  improving  rapidly,  in  every 
respect. 

On  the  10th  of  May,  I  called  to  inquire  about  her,  and 
found  her  quite  recovered,  and  she  so  continues  to  this 
day. — Alienist  and  Neurologist. 


CLINICAL    ILLUSTRATION   OF    CER|:BEAL    LO- 
CALIZATION. * 

BY  H.  H.  MUDD,  M.  D.,  ST.  LOUIS. 

William  Ford,    colored,    aged   32,    and   healthy,   was 
struck  mth  a  stone  on  the   left  side  of  the  head   about 


*  Being  part  of  a  paper  on  *  Cerebral  Localization'  read  before 
the  Missouri  State  Medical  Association,  May  18th,  1880,  at  Carthage 
Mo. — Ed. 


34  THE   HOMEOPATHIC   COURIER. 

one  and  three-(|uarter  inches  to  the  left  of  the  sagittal 
suture,  in  a  vertical  line  drawn  three-quarters  of  an  inch 
in  front  of  the  parietal  eminence.  The  lilow  produced  a 
sculp  wound,  but  did  not  render  the  patient  unconscious, 
and  he  ctfuttnued  at  work  as  teamster,  for  four  or  five 
days,  when  headache  and  dizziness  compcllod  rest. 

I  saw  the  patient  at  6  p.  M.,  Oct,  27,  seventeen  days 
after  the  injury,  and  found  the  scalp  wound  healed  ;  no 
thickening  or  cedema  about  it,  but  slightly  sensitive. 
There  was  very  little,  if  any,  irregularity  detected  in  the 
bone  by  firm  pressure.  He  was  at  this  lime  suffering 
with  epileptic  convulsions,  which  commenced  on  the 
night  of  Oct.  24,  by  irregular  jerking  of  the  right  hand. 
He  next  observed  the  same  involuntaiy  jerking  in  the 
right  leg.  The  first  general  convulsion  occuired  at  12 
M.,  the  27th  inst.  The  convulsion  involved  only  the 
right  side  at  first,  but  fijially  included  convulsive  action 
of  all  paits.  He  was  entirely  rational  between  attacks, 
but  lucid  intervals  became  shorter,  and  convulsions  more 
prolonged  and  severe, 

I  gave  bromide  of  potash,  grs.  xl,  at  a  dose,  and  the 
ccHivulsions  became  less  frequent  and  severe,  during  the 
early  part  of  the  night ;  but  the  next  morning,  uothwith- 
standing  continuance  of  use  of  bromide,  they  became 
more  severe. 

At  9  :  30  A,  M.,  the  2Sth  inst.,  I  trephined  at  site  of 
cicatrix  in  scalp,  and  found  upon  denuding  the  bone  that 
thefewas  a  line  of  fnictureabout  three-eigliths  of  auinch 
long,  showing  a  slight  depression,  possibly  one-eighth  of 
au  inch  long.  I  found  the  inner  plate  very  slightly  de- 
pressed, and  the  l)one  at  the  site  of  injury  congested  and 
somewhat  softened  ;  dura  mater  not  injured,  but  seemed 
to  be  tense.  As  aucesthesia  passed  off,  the  twitching  in 
in  the  right  arm  and  leg  reappeared ;  but  at  4  p.  m,,  the 
same  day,  all  convulsive  twitching  disappeared. 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COUEIEB.  35 


Nov.  28.: — ^Wound  healed ;  feels  well,  and  has  not  had 
convulsion  or  headache  smce  operation.  April  27,  '80. — 
The  wound  afterwards  inflamed  and  suppurated,  and  he 
had  epileptic  spasms,  which  were  relieved  when  the  pus 
was  freely  evacuated.  Since  it  permanently  healed,  he 
has  at  intervals,  varying  from  three  weeks  to  four 
months,  had  an  epileptic  seizure.  It  is  possible,  I  think, 
that  these  have  been  produced  by  thickening  about  the 
wound,  in  consequence  of  continued  suppuration. 

This  case  presents  some  interesting  features.  The 
convulsions  supervened  on  the  seventeenth  day  after  in- 
jury, and  were  preceded  by  twitchings  of  the  arm*  and 
hand,  but  prior  to  the  development  of  general  convul- 
sions, no  evidence  of  inflammatory  action  was  present, 
no  marked  depression ;  the  line  of  fracture  could  not  be 
determined  through  the  natural  scalp  ;  inner  plate  of  cra- 
nium did  not  press  upon  or  injure  the  cerebrum ;  the 
dura  mater  was  not  broken  or  inflamed,  but  was  irritated 
by  the  focus  of  irritation  in  the  bone,  which  was  unnatu- 
rally vascular  and  somewhat  softened. 

The  muscles  involved  in  the  spasm  indicated,  the  site 
of  the  lesion,  and  the  removal  of  this  point  of  irritation 
relieved  this  epileptic  spasms. — Alienist  and  Neurologist. 


DEPARTMENT  OF  OBSTETRICS, 

W.  C.  RioiLAHDSUN,  M.  D.,  Erlitor. 


GTNiEtJOLOGICAL    HOBBIES    AND    AB- 
SURDITIES. 


Much  has  been  winttwi  and  said  about  the  sub- 
jects thnt  head  this  Hi'ticlc.  It  seems,  however, 
that  there  are  still  men  who  though  gtmeraJly  accred- 
ited with  a  fair  aniuiuit  of  common  sense  in  other 
affairs,  eveiy  now  and  then  take  it  into  their 
heads  to  nin  annick  of  the  poor  women. 

The  art  of  Gynasculogy,  like  all  other  speeial  de- 
partments in  medicine,  had  to  rise  up  through  crude 
empuicism.  First,  we  had  the  pesaai-y  fashion, 
duinng  wliieli  pei-iod  nearly  every  woman  tliat  was 
ailuig,  no  matter  what  or  where  the  trouble  was, 
had  to  have  a  [K'ssary.  Pessaries  were  introduced 
in  oases  of  bronchitis   and   ophthalmia. 

Next  we  had  the  cauterization  crazi;,  dining 
which  abcn-ation  evci-y  woman  that  could  be  reach- 
ed by  the  would-be  gyna'cologist,  was  supposed  to 
have  an  ulceration,  and  had  to  submit  to  some  kind 
of  caustic  application. 

The  next  mania  was  the  most  audacious,  if  not 
the  most  useless  of  all — hysterotomy.  Every  case 
of  painful  menstniatinn  it  was  thought  could  be  i-e- 
lieved  only  by  slitting  up  the  ntcnis. 

Of  late  years  the  manias  are  not  so  deep-seated, 
and  a  hobby  or  absurdity  usually  lasts  but  a  year 


TUK    HOMCEOPATllIC    CDUKIEH.  37 

or  two,  as  may  Imve  been  noted  by  acute  oijaervers. 
We  have  lately  been  afflicted  by  our  gyutecologiste 
with  their  sub-involution,  recto-ophurotomy,  and 
lacerated  cervix  manias. 

The  last,  or  lacerated  cervix  absurdity,  is  the 
most  proijosterous  of  all.  AVc  do  not  mean  to  be 
understood  as  wishing;  to  convey  the  idea,  tliat  there 
are  not,  here  and  there,  coses  in  which  there  may  be 
present  the  pathological  eoiiditions  i-efeiTed  to, 
or  in  which  any  one  of  the  operations  mentioned 
may  not  become  necessaiy. 

A^Hiat  we  do  most  vigorously  protest  against, 
however,  is  tlie  blind,  reckless  indiseriminatiou, 
with  which  a  majority  of  our  speciallete  in  diseases 
of  women,  nish  insanely  after  the  suggestions  or  in- 
timations ()f  tlie  great  lights  of  the  profession. 

Let  a  Wells.  Thomas  or  Hewitt  have  half  a  doz- 
en cases,  out  of  a  couple  of  thousand,  that  demand 
a  certain  imusual  oi"  extraordinary  operation,  or 
method  of  ti-eotment,  and  immediately  all  the  small 
men  will  take  up  the  cue,  and  out  of  a  scant  him- 
dred  or  two  patients,  find  f oi-ty  or  fifty  to  wliich  the 
new  pi-oeeediu^  in  their  opinion  is  just  the  thing. 

Batty,  with  his  several  succesefid  operations  of 
removing  the  ovaries,  has  started  a  fm-or  that 
threatens  to  supercede  everything  else.  But  for- 
tunately there  is  rather  too  much  danger  connected 
witli  this  procecdure  to  make  it  of  any  lasting  pop- 
ularity, besides  its  rival,  as  a  novelty,  laceration  of 
the  cerv'ix,  Is  not  only  considerably  less  formida^ 
ble,   but  also  reqiui-es  less  skill. 

We  have  heard  of  one  or  two  cases  in  wliich  our 


38 


TliK    HOMfEOPATIlIC    COUKTER. 


genus,  s|jeciali»5t  in  gynaecology,  has  even  diagno- 
sed and  projjosed  to  treat  lacerations  in  the  virgin 
uterus  1  On  the  other  hand  we  have  a  class  of  men 
who  try  to  make  themselves  notoiions,  and  build 
up  a  practice  by  boasting  that  they  never  examine 
physically,  never  operate,  and  never  treat  locally 
uterine  diseases.  This  last  class  of  practitioners  is 
perhaps  the  most  absurd  of  all. 

The  moral  to  be  attained  by  studying  these  vari- 
ous hobbies,  from  a  rational  standi)oint,  is  that  the 
careful  observer,  by  weighing  them  all,  may  be 
able  to  gather  some  small  amount  of  good  from 
each ;  and  in  the  meantime  the  art;  is  advancing 
slowly,  and  at  the  expense  of  much  suffering  on 
the  part  of  women,  to  something  like  a  scientific 
basis.  While  rash  and  venturesome  ones  fly  off 
on  a  tangent,  at  the  merest  suggestion,  the  really 
conservative  are  ti'casuring  up  valuable  and  useful 
knowledge. 

The  instruments,  skill  of  manipulation,  knowl- 
edge of  pathology  and  treatment  of  to-day,  arc  ui- 
calculably  far  ahead  of  what  they  were  before  hob- 
bies were  in  vogue.  And  we  look  to  the  day  as 
not  far  distant — it  is  in  fact  dawning — when  gyii- 
fficological  surgery  and  therapeutics  will  no  longer 
be  a  reproach  to  the  profession. 


TUE   HOJHEOPATIUC   COURTER. 


INTERESTING  OBSTETRICAL  CASES. 

BY  M.  M.  EATON,  M.   D.,   CrNCINNATI. 


Mr.  Editor: 

Accepting  your  invitation  to  write  something  for 
your  journal,  I  will  report  two  cases  of  obstetrics, 
which  were  of  interest  to  me.  The  firat  is  that  of 
Mrs.  L.,  of  this  city,  aged  26  yeare,  spare  build, 
light  complexion.  She  retiu-ned  from  New  York 
thi-ee  weeks  since,  at  wliich  time  she  was  six 
months  advanced  in  pregnancy,  with  her  fii-st  child. 
The  day  following  her  i-etiim  home  there  was  a 
gush  of  water  from  the  vagina,  and  I  was  called  to 
see  her.  I  found  her  feelijig  well,  and  upon  mak- 
ing a  digital  examination  per  vaginam  I  foimd  the 
OS  uteri  closed,  or  nearly  so,  and  the  cervix  uteri 
long  and  hard.  The  movements  of  the  cliild  were 
still  noticed ;  I  advised  rest  in  the  recumbent  posi- 
tion, and  left  secale,  6th,  to  be  given  if  there  wei-e 
any  pains  experienced. 

The  next  day  I  found  everything  in  statu  quo, 
the  flow  of  water  being  profuse,  with  no  blood,  and 
only  feeble  uterine  contraction,  which  the  eecale  at 
once  arrested ;  movements  or  the  child  lees  dis- 
tinct. Thus  things  went  on  for  twelve  days,  the 
flow  of  wati'r  being  so  profuse  as  to  often  saturate 
three  napkins  in  an  liour.  On  the  twelfth  day  the 
pains  came  on  sti'ongly,  and  having  given  up  all 
hope  of  saving  the  child,  I  applied  Bell  Ointment^ 
diluted  one  half  with  vasseline,  to  the  os  uteri,  and 


gave  Home  chloroform.  After  obtaining  some  di- 
lation of  the  OS,  I  made  out  a  back  pi-esentation, 
(or  rather  no  presentation,  with  a  transverse  posi- 
tion.) I  succeeded  in  turning  the  child  by  exter- 
nal manipulation,  and  brought  the  head  to  the  in- 
ternal 08.  A  few  honrs  afterwards  I  fomid  a  hand 
presenting  by  tlie  side  of  the  head,  and  after  a 
while  the  fimis  came  down  also ;  still  I  could  feel 
the  sutures  and  fontanells  distinctly.  Pains  now 
ceased,  and  J  gave  the  patient  a  rest.  The  nest 
day,  on  visiting  my  patient,  I  found  her  siiffeiing 
severe  pains,  and  an  examination  revealed  no  cord, 
no  hand,  no  head ;  but  in  their  place  a  breech  pre- 
sentation. I. dilated  the  os  by  using  Sell  Oint- 
ment and  manipulation,  gave  chloroform  to  aid  re- 
laxation, and  finally  delivered  a  dead  cliild,  by  the 
breech.  Now  bow  did  that  child  get  tunied  com- 
pletely around  ?  The  vast  amount  of  amniotie 
fluid  discharged  is  another,  wonder.  The  placenta 
was  easily  delivei'ed,  and  the  mother  is  nearly  re- 
covered.  . 

CASE   SECOND. 


While  attending  the  ease  just  narrated,  I  also  at- 
tended a  case  of  confinement  at  full  term.  Patient 
30  years  of  age,  pregnant  with  second  child.  I 
arrived  before  the  membranes  were  rujitured,  and 
at  the  proper  time  iiiptured  them  myself,  though 
there  was  no  bag  of  water.  The  pains  being  rath- 
er inefficient,  I  expected  advantage  from  rupturing 
membranes,  the  os  being  well  open  and  the  head 
presenting  in  first  position,  but  no  liquor  amnii  was 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  41 

discharged  then  or  at  any  other  time,  during  the 
delivery,  I  discovered  none,  the  bedding  was  not 
soiled  or  wet.  I  delivered  a  healthy,  strong  female 
infant,  weighing  eight  and  a  half  pounds.  The 
mother  had  been  well  dining  gestation,  both  moth- 
er and  child  are  now  well  and  sti'ong. 

I  do  not  see  .  how  this  child  got  along  so  well 
with  no  amniotic  Uquor.  The  first  case  seemed  to 
secrete  it  in  quantity  beyond  belief ;  the  second  was 
as  dry  as  the  desert.  I  have  never  before  seen  such 
a  dry  case  as  this  last,  nor  so  wet  a  one  as  the  first. 
They  lived  but  two  squares  apart,  therefore  not 
due  to  locality ;  both  slender,  therefore  not  due  to 
excess  or  want  of  adipose ;  both  had  kind  husbands, 
who  pay  promptly;  therefore,  no  mental  strain. 
Well,  I  give -in;  call  them  freaks  of  nature,  etc. 
But  that  child's  turning,  end  for  end,  after  I  had 
left  it,  beat  me  the  worst ;  but  it  died  doing  it,  the 
prolapsed  cord  pulsated,  showing  the  child  alive. 
After  he  turned  around,  and  I  got  him  to  back  out, 
he  was  dead  as  a  nit.  A  warning  to  other  un- 
born childi'en  not  to  cut  up  in  that  way,  even  to 
escape  a  flood. 


DEPARTMENT    OF   SURGERY, 

J.  W.  Thrasher,  M.  D.,  Editor. 


SYPHILIS. 


It  is  ail  acknowledged  fact  that  the  exact  nature 
of  Bypiiilitic  ijoison  is  little  known.  We  use  a  term 
to  designate  a  condition,  ae  in  malaria,  and  how  lit- 
tle we  know  of  the  real  nature  of  such  a  poison. 
We  only  know  the  effects  of  a  epecifie  poiBon 
called  syphilis.  Its  phenomena  are  well  known, 
and  the  devastation  it  leaves  in  its  course.  What 
the  poison  is  outside  of  its  name,  is  a  problem 
veiy  unsatisfactorily  demoneti-ated.  There  is, 
perhaps,  no  condition  to  which  the  human  race  is 
subject  to.  where  moi'e  skill  and  care  are  needed, 
than  in  this  loathsome  disease.  And  still,  no 
class  of  individuals  is  more  imposed  upon,  drug- 
ged, or  duped  by  charlatans  and  quacks.  Kearly 
every  one  yon  meet  has  some  kind  of  a  nostrum  or 
recipe  for  venereal  diseases.  And  doctors  are  veiy 
little  better,  and  especially  the  i-egular,  who  has  his 
favorite  formula  for  the  different  foiins  of  venereal 
affections.  The  ti-eatment  is  just  as  varied  and  mi- 
satisfactory  as  our  knowledge  of  the  character  of 
the  poison. 

Theories  of  eveiy  conceivable  land  have  been 
advanced,  as  to  the  mode  of  treatment,  the  possi- 
bility of  eliminating  the  poison,  etc.     By  some  it  is 


THE    HOMCEOPATHIC    COURIER.  43 

thought  that  the  poison  can  never  be  eliminated, 
and  if  its  ravages  ai-e  stayed  it  haa  made  its  impress 
upon  the  syeteni  which  will  modify  the  patient's 
health  during  the  remainder  of  his  life,  and  prone 
at  any  time  to  make  its  appearance  in  the  most 
destiuctive  mamier.  Othei-e  advocate  as  strongly 
its  entire  removal  froni  the  system.  It  seems  that 
more  depends  on  the  manner  of  the  patient's  habit, 
mode  of  Uving,  and  liis  power  to  resist  the  poison, 
than  either  of  the  exti-eme  arguments.  A  patient 
who  is  strictly  temperate,  and  occupation  such  that 
he  may  protect  himself  from  cold  and  wet  weather, 
may,  to  all  ap]}earance,  be  classed  with  the  former ; 
and  the  i)atient  who  seemed  as  radically  cured  as 
the  latter,  from  a  want  of  temperate  habits  and 
the  natin'al  comforts  of  life,  might  be  classed  with 
the  former.  Hence,  like  most  of  subjects,  it  has 
advocates  on  cither  side,  who  are  wholly  absorbed 
in  tlieir  own  ideas,  and  determined  to  bear  their 
side  of  the  question  to  victory,  if  all  else  is  wiped 
into  oblivion. 

In  too  many  instances  investigation  and  success 
are  liindered  by  prejudice,  personal  strife  and  sec- 
tarian differences,  which  are  sm-e  to  hinder  the 
physician  from  treating  the  disease  scientifically 
and  successfully.  There  is  not  a  vestige  of  science 
in  treating  any  disease  by  recipes.  jViiy  old  wo- 
man, without  any  knowledge  of  medicine,  whatev- 
er, can  do  m  well  as  the  physician  who  ti-eats  his 
patients  by  formulas.  Nothing  is  better  calcula- 
ted to  dwarf  the  intellect,  dry  up  the  channels  of 
thought,  and  make  a  brainless  head  than  such   a 


u 


THE    H0M(EOPATUIC    OOUKEER. 


metliod  of  pi'actice.  It  is  a  prolific  source  of  indo- 
lence. It  requires  research  and  thought  to  find  the 
exact  remedy  in  each  ease,  the  neglect  of  which  la 
the  cause  why  so  many  Homceopaths  fail. 
Wlienever  a  physician  fails  to  seek  out  the  true 
similiar  in  each  caeo,  he  fails  to  ply  a  grand 
pi-ineijjle,  and  fails  as  a  Homoeopatli.  And  the 
great  tendency  of  the  busy  practitioner  is  to  glide 
into  a  sort  of  routine  practice,  giving  the  same  rem- 
edy to  patients  suffering  from  the  same  disease, 
irrespective  of  the  conditions  present.  We  might 
as  well  give  one  remedy  foi"  all  cases  of  dian'hcea,  as 
to  give  mercury  in  every  case  of  syphilis. 

There  is,  perhaps,  a  greater  difference  in  the 
treatment  of  primary  cliancre,  than  in  the  secoiid- 
aiy  and  tertiary  foi-ms.  Allopathic  autliorities 
generally  advocate  the  destruction  of  the  chan- 
cre, and  if  destroyed  within  five  days  of  inocu- 
lation, the  probabiUties  ai'e  that  theit*  will  be  no 
systemic  contamination.  Other  authorities,  just 
noted,  claim  that  there  is  no  need  of  destroying 
the  local  sore,  that  it  becomes  a  constitutional  dis- 
ease the  moment  of  inoculation — wliich  fact  is 
pretty  well  established — and  should  be  ti-eated  eon- 
stitutionally  from  the  beginning.  There  is 
doubt  but  what  the  system  absorbs  the  poison  as 
Boon  as  inoculated,  and  continues  to  absorb  it  afi 
long  as  there  is  a  destruction  of  the  tissues  at  the 
pomt  of  inoculation.  And  not  only  is  a  fresh  sup^ 
ply  being  furnished  by  the  chancre,  but  that  al-* 
ready  in  the  system  is  uniting  its  intensity,  and 
doubling  its  forces ;  so  much,   that  the    sm-geon 


THE   lIOMfBOPATmO  OOUIWEK. 


45 


has  a  dual  battle  of  neutralizing  the  poison  already 
in  the  system,  and  aiTeeting  the  continued  accumu- 
lation of  the  i>oi8on ;  whereas,  if  he  were  to  thor^ 
ouglily  desti-oj'  the  fouutain-head,  tlie  effects  could 
be  more  easily  arrested.  Thei-e  would  be  httle  use 
in  tiying  to  dry  up  or  change  the  bed  of  a  river,  by 
interfering  with  its  tributaries.  Hence,  we  con- 
elder  it  better  to  proceed,  at  once  destroy  and 
cut  off  the  supply  of  the  poison,  and  then  look  af- 
ter the  phenomena. 

From  the  fact  there  are  numerous  cases  on 
record,  to  prove  conclusively  that  the  mischief  is 
not  near  as  general  and  desti-uctive  where  the  ehaa- 
crc  is  desti-oyed  c-arly,  as  when  let  mn  ita  com-se, 
as  many  cases  recover  and  escape  eecomiary  symp- 
toms for  veal's,  with  no  other  treatment  than  the 
destruction  of  tlie  primaiy  sore.  From  this  it 
seems  rational  to  dry  up  the  source  of  the  poi- 
son from  whence  the  system  absorbs  the  offend- 
ing clement,  and  proceed  at  once  to  neutralize 
or  eliminate  the  poison,  if  it  be  possible  to  elimi- 
nate such  a  mischief,  which  can  be  done  now  much 
easier  than  when  the  solids  and  fluids  of  the  body 
are  all  permeated  with  the  poison.  The  question 
is,  how  shall  this  done  ?  "With  caustics,  in  the  de- 
struction of  the  sore,  making  a  simple  sore  of  a. 
mahgnant  one — or,  with  cautery  and  constitutional 
ti-eatment  combined  ?  A  gi-eat  many  of  the  regu- 
lai"  authors  tell  ns  that  mercuiy  should  not  be  giv- 
en in  the  primaiy  stage,  that  it  aggravates  and 
produces  conditiohs  more  grave  than  the  disease, 
That  is  true  f  i:om  an  Allopathic  standpoint,  but  the 


opposite  from  a  HomcEopathic  point  of  view.  The 
former  give  it  in  doses  only  ealciilatetl  to  deplete, 
and  produce  difficulties  that  are  ae  serious  as  the 
malady  in  its  worst  forms. 

It  is  tliis  heroic  treatment,  so  called,  that  lias 
caused  so  many  to  discard  it  in    the   primaiy    form 
of  syphilis.     If  given  honiGeoiJatlucally  it  is  capar 
ble  of  pi-oducing  the  very  best  effects,  and  is  not  at 
all  liable  to  produce  any  conditions  but   what  are 
desu-able    and  advantageous  to  the   patient.     We 
can  readily  conceive  why  our   illustinous    founder, 
Hahnemann,    took   the    extreme    opposite    in     the 
treatment  of  chancre.     And  it  is  mysterious  why 
men  that  know  the  havoc  produced  by  merem-y,  iu 
such  doses,  will  continue  its  administration  in  such 
unreasonable  quantities,  even  when  given,  as  they 
claim,  wisely,  is  to  push  it  just  far  enough  to  show 
evidences  of  pytilism,  and   no    farther.     If   given 
homoeopathically  it  is  the  very   best  remedy   that 
can  be  given  in  such  a  disease.     We  have   yet   to 
meet  the  first  case  of  chancre  that  cannot  be  suc- 
cessfully treated  by  the  destruction  of  the  primary 
sore,  and  a  strictly  homceopathic  medicatioji   em- 
ployed.    When  we  say  homceopathic,  we   do   not 
mean  to  prescribe  mercury  in  evei-y  case,  but  give 
any  remedy  indicated  at  the   time   of  prescribing. 
For  instance,  if  the    mucous    membranes    are    in- 
volved, we  should  consider  arsenlcum  alb.  and  sim- 
ilar remedies,  or  the  skin  stillingia — not  the  fluid 
extracts  of  the  common  drug  shop — but  the  moth- 
er tincture  in  di-op  doses ;  or,  kali  iodi,  the  first  or 
second  triturations — not  in  60  and  ICKI  grahi  doses, 


THE   nOMffiOPATinC   COURIER. 


47 


as  we  once  heard  a  professor  teach  in  one  of  om" 
hospitals.  He  also  claimed  that  "  he  did  not  know 
why  he  gave  it,  but  it  was  the  only  remedy  that 
would  do,  and  was  no  good  unless  given  in  large 
doses. 

Mercury  should  also  be  given  not  lower  than  the 
third,  and  higher  if  mdicated,  Corydalis'  foramosa 
the  motlier  tincture,  or  1st  dil,,  seiTes  a  good  pm^ 
pose,  especially  if  the  patient  has  been  abused  with 
mercui-y  and  potassium  iod.,  in  which  the  latter 
cannot  be  given  in  large  doses  and  for  any  length 
of  time  without  destruction  to  the  stomach.  Nitric 
acid  is  indispensable  where  there  is  a  tendency  to 
ulceration  at  different  parts  of  the  body.  'In  addi- 
tion to  the  above  ti'eatment,  stiictly  hygienic  meas- 
ures should  be  enforced,  for  vrithout  this,  all  treat- 
ment, ever  so  well  directed,  will  prove  futile — es- 
pecially alcoholic  liquors  should  be  proscribed,  and 
every  other  excess.  The  popular  method  in  this 
city,  by  a  certain  class  of  physicians,  is  to  send  the 
patient  to  the  Hot  Spiings  as  a  last  resort,  after 
they  have  faithfully  tried  venesection  on  their  pock- 
ets, to  the  dissatisfaction  of  both  patient  and  doc- 
tor. Whereas,  if  they  had  treated  the  patient  ho- 
moeopathically,  this  expenditure  of  money  and 
time,  and  mental  toi-ture,  would"  have  been  pre- 
vented, and  the  practice  of  medicine  respected. 
Lately  we  have  had  several  of  those  so-called  in-  . 
curable  cases  at  our  College  clinique,  and  every 
one  recovered  rapidly  under  homoeopathic  medica- 
tion. 


THE   IIOMfEOPATHIC    COTJRIER. 


SYPHILITIC  IRITIS. 

Dr.  G.  S.  Ryerson,  of  Toronto,  thinks  it  ia  often  in 
consequence  oft  its  insidious  onset  and  painless  chai'acter, 
thtit  tlie  onset  of  this  disease  is  overlooked.  He  ag 
with  Mr.  Hutchinson  in  thinking  the  subjects  of  infantile 
iritis  are  more  frequently  of  the  female  than  of  the  male 
sex.  The  ago  of  iive  mouths  is  the  period  of  life  at  op 
about  which  8yi)hilitic  infante  are  most  liable  to  suffer  from 
iritis.  It  is  often  symmetrical,  but  quite  ivs  frequently 
not  so.  As  it  occurs  in  infants,  it  is  seldom  complicated, 
and  is  attended  by  but  few  of  the  more  severe  symptoms 
which  characterize  the  disease  in  adults,  Notwithstjiud- 
ing  the  ilUcharacterized  phenomena  of  acute  iuflamma- 
tion,  the  effusion  of  h-mph  is  usually  very  free  and  the 
danger  of  occlusion  of  the  pui>il  great.  Mercurial  treafr- 
meut  is  most  signally  effii-aciOus  in  curing  the  disease. 
and  if  recent,  in  procuring  the  complete  absorption  of 
the  effused  lymph.  Mercurial  treatment  preriouely 
adopted  does  not  prevent  the  occurrence  of  this  fonn  of 
iritis.  The  subjects,  though  often  puny  and  cachetic, 
are  also  often  apparently  in  good  condition.  Infants  suf- 
fering from  iritis  almost  always  show  one  or  other  of  the 
well  recognized  symptoms  of  hereditary  taint. 

Most  of  those  who  suffer  are  those  bom  within  a  short 
period  of  the  date  of  the  primai-y  disease  in  their  parents. 
It  otrcurs  rarely  in  the  ])riniary,  more  counnonly  in  the 
tertiary,  and  most  frcqmmtly  in  the  secondary  stages  of 
the  syphilis.  Fifty  lo  sixty  percent,  of  all  infected  suf- 
■fer  from  it.  The  diagnosis  depends  on  the  mstduuus  add 
painless  onset.  If  there  be  pain  it  is  usually  at  night;  &■ 
muddy,' aqueous  humor,  the  existence  of  gummy  tumors, 
the  presence  of  other  eye  affections,  and  a  history  of 
chancre,  skin  eruptions,  etc.     The  pupil  is  contracted  as 


THE   HOMOBOPATHIC   COUKIER.  49 

in  other  forms  of  iritis.  The  treatment  consists  in  the 
early  and  persistent  use  of  a  solution  of  atropine  (grs. 
iv,  ad.  3j).  This  gives  rest  to  the  iris,  and  by  dilating 
it  prevents  central  adhesions.  Of  mercurials  he  prefers 
hydrargyrum  cum  crAta,  in  grain  doses,  until  slight  ten- 
derness of  the  gums  is  produced.  Occlusion  of  the  pu- 
pils, or  iritic  adhesions,  may  necessitate  an  iridectomy. — 
Canada  Lancet^  June,  1880. 


IS  CANCER  INOCULABLE  ? 

Dr.  J.  L.  Sulsserott  has  found  many  indications  which 
would  lead  him  to  answer  affirmatively.  Among  the 
most  prominent  indications  is  the  rapid  increase  of  can- 
cer. For  seventy  years  the  mortality  from  cancer  in 
Philadelphia,  has  been  a  little  more  than  eleven  deaths  in 
one  thousand,  of  the  mortiility  from  all  causes — appa- 
rently not  a  large  proportion  ;  yet  the  sum  of  the  deaths 
from  this  disease  during  that  period,  aggregate  six  thou- 
sand, or  more  than  half  the  deaths  from  small  pox.  Du- 
ring the  five  years  from  1807  to  1811,  the  proportion  of 
deaths  from  cancer  to  the  mortality  from  all  causes,  was 
4.5  per  thousand ;  while  in  the  period  from  1872  to  1876 
the  ratio  became  16.4 — an  increase  in  sixty-five  years  of 
nearly  four  hundred  per  cent.  In  London,  from  1845  to 
1874,  the  rate  advanced  from  3.4  per  ten  thousand  in- 
habitants living,  to  5.7  per  ten  thousand — an  increase  of 
seventy  per  cent. — Philadelphia  Med.  Times,  Sept.  1880. 


THK    ITDMmoPATHIO    COUBIER. 


HERING  MEDICAL  SOCIETY. 

Ill  piir.'iiiaruiii  of  the  circiihir  iwsuod  hy  the  fncnds  of 
the  hite  Dr.  Constant  hie  Heriii^,  I'equesthig  a  meothig 
of  the  Hoiineoi»rthic  physiciaiia  lu  every  quarter  of  the 
globe,  Oil  Octohfi-  10th,  IHHO,  the  meinhers  of  the  pro- 
fession ill  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  mot  and  orgauized  by  electing 
Dr.  R.  A.  Pheluu,  a  foiiner  pupil  of  Dr.  Ht-ring, 
chainnan . 

RE-^LVRK-S  OP  DR.  R.  A.  PllELAN. 

Ou  taking  the  chair,  Dr.  Phelan  delivered  a  toiK'liing 
address,  dwelling  on  tiie  noble  and  kindly  uliuj-iiiti.T  pos- 
sessed by  Dr.  Hering,  in  both  his  social  and  professional 
relations.  The  most  methodical  habits  in  professional, 
literary  and  educational  matters,  were  Hering's  chief 
characteristica — these  coupled  with  his  indefatigable, 
never-ending  labor,  alt  directed  into  one  channel=— the  de- 
velopment of  Homceopathy — made  his  life  a  complete 
fructification  of  all  his  ambitions.  The  world  has  never 
l»rodueed  a  ihhic  unceasing,  tireless  worker,  in  any  de- 
paitment  of  science.  His  own  work  is  his  most  eloqueDt 
(>iilfi<?y,  and  at  the  same  time  hi.s  most  enduring  monu- 
nieiit. 

BIOUIUPIIICAL  SKETCH  BY  DE.  W.  C,  RICHAUDSOS. 

The  next  thing  on  the  progi'amme,  was  an  interesting 
hiogniphical  sketch  by  Dr.  Wm.  C.  Richai'dson.  Tliis 
sketch  embraced  tlie  most  accurate  history  of  Dr.  Her- 
ing's public  life,  coraniencing  with  the  student  days, 
when  the  great  light  of  Ilomeueoputhy  first  dawned  on 
him,  and  showed  how  at  that  time,  as  well  as  in  all  hia 
after  life,  he  stood  fairly  in  its  most  dazzling  rays,  adding 
to,  nither  than  diminishing  ith  effulgence. 


THE    HOMCEOPATHIC    COURIER.  51 

PANEGYRIC  BY  DR.  JNO.  CONZELMAN. 

Dr.  John  Conzelman  then  arose  and  pronounced  a  me- 
morial panegyric,  full  of  tribufes  to  the  memory  of  our 
deceased  friend  and  ])enefactor. 

ADDRESS  AND  RESOLUTIONS  BY  DR.  J.  T.  BOYD. 

Dr.  J.  T.  Boyd  then  presented  the  following  address  . 
and  resolutions,  which  resolutions  were  unanimousljrd^ 
adopted  : 

The  good  that  good  men  do,  live  after  they  have 
passed  away.  Their  acts  are  like  a  beautiful  perennial 
plant,  shedding  its  fragrance  on  all  around.  It  is  surely 
not  man- worship  to  worship  what  is  God-like  in  man.  It 
is  fitting  then  that  we  meet  around  the  grave  of  a  good  and 
great  man,  and  lament  his  loss,  and  speak  of  his  noble 
actions  performed  during  life.  I  come  to  mingle  my 
tears  with  yours,  and  while  standing  around  the  grave,  to 
cast  my  sprig  of  evergreen  into  the  open  grave  before  us, 
and  to^add  my  tribute  to  the  uni  that  contains  so  many  ex- 
cellent eulogies  to  the  woith  of  our  .departed  master. 

He  whom  we  this  night  lament  was  no  grasping  Dives, 
who  had  become  rich  and  influential,  merely  from  the 
amount  of  gold  and  bank  stock  that  he  possessed.  He 
was  no  wily  politician  who  had  attained  to  position  and 
power,  by  pandering  to  the  prejudices  of  the  ignorant  nml- 
titude.  He  was  no  great  warrior,  "  with  garments  rolled 
in  blood,"  who  owed  his  eminence  to  his  success  in  de- 
strovinc:  human  life.  Our  hero  was  a  warrior,  but  his 
campaigns  were  against  disease  and  suffering  ;  his  weapons 
were  the  pen  and  the  pocket-case,  and  he  waged  a  life- 
Ions:  contest  airainst  the  cause  of  the  miseries  of  life. 
Forgetful  of  self,  he  lived  only  for  the  good  of  otliers ; 
and  through  obloquy  and  poverty,  he  spent  a  long  life 
for  the  £:ood  of  mankind. 

The  first  dawn  of  the  Nineteenth  century  came  with  a 


52 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 


New  Year's  gift  to  humanity.  On  that  diiy  Constantine 
Hering  was  born.  After  he  had  obtained  a  very  liberal 
education  in  the  claasies',  at  an  early  day  he  entered  the 
Medical  profession,  talking  as  the  subject  of  his  thesiHj 
De  Medicina  Futura — in  which  thesis  he  advocated  the 
law  of  similare,  thus  "  bearding  the  lion  in  his  deu.' 
How  much  the  future  as  well  as  the  present,  is  indebted 
to  his  pen,  can  hardly  be  estimated)  either  in  this  or  the 
immediately  succeeding  age. 

He  came  to  Philadelphia  when  he  heard  thsit  the  chol- 
era was  spreading  its  baleful  wings  over  that  devoted 
city,  and  he  that  could  have  tilled  the  highest  positions 
in  his  own  country,  abandoned  all,  and  cast  his  lot  with  a 
few  noble  men  who  were  struggling  to  establish  n  more 
rational  and  successful  plan  of  combating  disease  i  and 
risking  his  own  life.  Casting  behind  him  all  the  wealth 
and  eminent  positions  that  were  temptingly  offered,  if 
he  would  only  succumb  to  the  bigotry  and  intolerance  of 
the  age — but  he  chose  rather  to  cast  in  his  lot  with  the 
seekers  after  truth,  than  to  enjoy  the  pleasures  and  pat- 
ronage of  the  great  foi'  a  season. 

The  best  e\-idence  that  we  can  give  of  the  sincerity  of 
our  sorrow  is,  that'  we  follow  in  the  footsteps  of  him 
whose  death  has  brought  us  together  this  night.  Let  his 
devotion  to  the  cause  of  humanity,  and  the  sacrifices  that 
he  made,  be  ever  in  view  ;  and  at  this  altar  let  us  take 
anew  the  Hippocratic  oath,  and  resolve  to  labor  more 
earnestly  and  faithfully  to  exalt  our  beloved  cause,  and 
to  emulate  his  ttrtues  by  devoting  our  lives  wholly  to  the 
good  of  suffering  hunmnity,  ti'uating  for  a  reward  in  an- 
other and  a  better  world. 

It  is  meet,  then,  that  we  give  some  expression   of   our 
,  therefore,  I  would  offer  the  following  : 


THE    nOMCEOPATHIC    COUHIER. 


53 


Whekeas,  Th«  Almighty  Disposer  of  events  haa  seen 
priiper  to  remove  from  tliis  life  our  esU-'eiiied  friend  and 
beloved  teaeher.  Dr.  Conataiitiiie  Hering,  Tbeiefoi-e, 

Resolved,  That  m  thi»  afflictivejdispensiition  of  Provi- 
dciiee  we  have  lost  the  moat  able,  earnest  and  devoted 
friend  of  Homceopathy,  in  the  United  States.  "  He  rests 
from  his  labor,"  but  hia  works  will  live  furever. 

He^olvcd,  That  wtt  will  cherish  his  memoiy,  and  en- 
deavor to  emulate  his  viiluea,  and  to  advance  the  cause 
for  which  he  labored  so  faithfully. 

Resolved,  That  in  this  call  we  all  realize  that  the  time 
will  surely  come  when  we  too  will  be  called  to  lay  aside 
our  earthly  tabernacle,  and  to  leave  all  cares  and  pleas*- 
urea  of  this  life  ;  may  we  be  so  prepared  for  that  event 
that  we  can  give  a  good  account  of  our  stewardship. 

Resolved,  That  to'  commemorate  his  name,  and  the 
great  benefit  his  works  have  conferred  on  humanity,  we 
Wiis  night  pledge  ourselves  to  organize  and  incorporate  a 
Homoeojiathic  Medical  Society,  under  the  name  of  the 
Uering  Medical  Society. 

Shortly  after  the  memorial  meeting,  above  alluded  to, 
and  in  pursuance  of  the  resolution  then  adopted,  the 
Hering  Medical  Society  was  duly  organized  and  incor- 
porated under  the  laws  of  the  State  of  Missouri. 

The  Hering  Medical  Society  is  the  first  legally  char- 
tered HomoBOi>athic  medical  organization,  outside  of  the 
College,  instituted  in  the  State  of  Missouri. 

Its  meetings  are  held  twice  each  mouth,  and  with  the 
grandly  illustrious  name  it  boars  aloft   on   its   banners, 
promises  to  perpetuate  and  continue  in  the  great  South-  . 
west  the  work  of  the  renowned  physician  whose  name  it 
bears. 


THK    HOMOCOPATHIC   COITRTER. 


Book  Reviews. 


Eaton  on  Disease.s  o 


Wu: 


This  is  u'roj'al  octavo  volume  of  8iX)  iin.gns,  gotten  up  iu  the  best 
rt.  The  type  is  large  and  cletif,  the  press 
and  the  hinding  superb.  So  much  tor  the 
[  the  book,  anil  now  let  us  see  what  it  con- 


style  of  the  prim 
work  above  c 
extern  si  appenraniie 

Aa  is  iiBual,  the  firat  thing  after  the  title-page  is  the  preface,  and 
the  first  thing  in  U  is  the  author's  reason  for  issuing  the  book. 
This  thing  of  publishing  one's  reasons  for  getting  out  a  book,  is, 
we  think,  uncalled  for.  It  is  nobody's  busiiiuss  why  A  or  B  decides 
U>  do  such  a  thing,  and  all  the  public  has  to  say  in  the  matter,  is  to 
weigh  the  work,  and  if  it  is  well  done,  all  right,  and  success   is   as- 

The  next  thing  is  the  table  of  contents,  which  shows  that  the  au- 
thor has  mlopted  a  new,  convenient  and  sy■8telllatil^  arrsugeraent 
of  his  topics.  He  starts  out  with  normal  menstruation,  followed 
by  the  most  common  disorders  of  that  function ;  this  leads  to  the 
inflammatory  conditions,  and  diseases  I'csulting  therefrom.  After 
this,  he  take^  up  surgical  diseases,  including  tumors,  Ijoth  iiteriae 
and  ovarian,  of  all  kinds  and  description.  Next — but  we  forbear. 
It  would  take  up  too  much  space  to  give  even  an  outline  of  all  the 
diseases  that  are  treated  of  in  this  book,  and  we  hasten  to  review, 
briefiy,  the  manner  of  treatment. 

Our  author  has  taken  occasion  to  say,  that  the  book  is  not  in- 
tended as  a  Materia  Medicii,  bcDce  ho  only  gives  the  salient 
points  in  the  indieations  for  the  few  most  prominent  remedies  that 
he  suggests  for  each  disease.  We  rather  like  this  unusual  feature 
in  a  Homceopathic  book,  and  so  long  as  the  works  on  Materia-Med- 
icaare  so  numerous  and  minute,  and  so  universally  owned  and 
studied  by  11  omceopathists,  specialists  in  other  departments  will 
do  well  to  follow  this  plan.  The  local  or  topical  treatment  is  given 
in  all-sufflcieat  fullness,  and  seems  to  be  carefully  and  judi- 
ciously selected. 

The  book  is  altogether  a  valuable  one,  and  with  only  two  excep- 
tions has  our  most  hearty  approval.  The  exceptions  referred  to 
are  the  treatment  of  atresia  and  pessaries;  our  friend  Eaton  will 
pardon  us  for  recording  our  objections  right  here.  In  the  after- 
treatment  of  atresia  he  follows  the  u^ual  conrse  of  gynecologists, 
and  uses  the  conical  plug  that  so  frequently  renders  the  operation  a 


THE    IIOMCEOPATHIC    COUBIKR. 


failure,  and  brings  reproach  on  ihc  opemtor.  The  plain  Ferguson 
Bpeculura  is  the  best  plug,  anil  makes  the  operation  a  success. 

Id  the  matter  of  pessaries,  he  favors  emphntically  the  use  of  tbe 
abdoTninnl  supporter,  intra-yaginal  stem  and  cup,  and  inflated 
air-b^s.  Our  experience,  like  tbe^author's,  leads  ux  to  the  conclu- 
sion thai  pessaries  are  perhaps  used  too  often,  but  when  indica- 
ted, we  Qtid  that  of  all  of  the  numerous  tribes  of  these  instruments 
he  has  ca^t  his  lot  with  the  worst. 

Abdominal  supporters  are  well  enough  (or  the  alidomen,  hut  they 
will  not  dii  for  the  uterus.  Stem  pessaries  are  rigid,  uneomfortable, 
painfnl,  and  only  in  some  exceptional  cases  do  we  ever  find  them 
indicated.  Air-bags  or  globes  of  any  description,  distend  the  walla 
of  the  vagina,  destroy  its  tonicity,  and  thus  actually  rob  the  uterus 
of  one  of  its  natural  supports. 

The  book  is  well  indexed — an  important  item — is  well  arranged, 
covers  many  more  subjects  and  diseases,  than  any  other  treatise  un 
IKscases  of  Women,  that  we  know  of  ;  and  Dr.  Ealon  merits  the 
thanks  of  the  profession  for  his  effort.  W,  C,  K 

Fat  and  Blood  and  How  to  Make  Then.  By  S.  Weir  Mitchell, 
M.  D.,  etc.,  ete.,  etc.  Published  by  R.  Lippincott  *  Co.,  Phila- 
delphia.   Price  $1.25. 

This  is  a  small  8vo.  volume  of  106  pages,  gotten  up  in  good 
style  and  filled  with  some  most  excellent  advice  in  tbe  treatment  of 
dyspeptic  patients  and  those  suffering  from  nervous  diseases.  I'he 
name  does  not  properly  iuilicate  the  subject.  This  little  book  is  an 
epitome  of  a  plan  of  treatment  undoubtedly  useful  Ui  physicians  of 
alt  schools,  in  so  far  as  it  relates  U>  ntst,  seclusion,  electricity  and 
massage ;  tliis  last  Is  an  improvemenL  on  the  Sweedisb  movement 
cure.  But  his  medical  treatment  is  wretched;  think  of  giving 
"dialysed  oxide  of  iron  in  nine  grain  doses  four  times  a  day; 


Btrych.  sulph.,  one-tbirlielh  of  a  grain  tlir 


for 


several  months,  together  with   the 
patients 


a  day,  kept  Up 


and    maUr 


It  is 


spite  of  tbe  medical  ireal- 


However,  tlie  Honiraopath  would  be  benefited  by  reading  this 
work,  as  he  would  easily  see  the  remedies  indicated,  and  would  not 
need  to  resort  to  such  gross  medication.  J.  T.  B, 

The  Laws  of  Thbrapelitics.     By    foseph  Kidd,  M.  D.     Pub- 
lished by  Lindsay  &  Bliikiston,  Philadelphia.     Small  8vo.,  200 
pages.     Pric8?1.75. 
This  little  work  is  from  the  pen  of  an  English  physician.     It  is 

on  "the  rational  Homteopatbic  *^  plan  and  in  size  of  the  dose,  and 


56 


THE    HOMfEOPATIIIC    COUKtER. 


tbe  use  of  "  adjuvants,"  is  very  nearly  allied  to  allopathy.     The 
title  of  till!  booK  should  hiive  been  ralhei'  Tfie  Instiluies  of  Medicine, 


u  tbe  author  dwiills  t 
history,  than  on  therapeutics. 
be  moderate,  leas  than  the  dos 
effacts,  still  aot  too  smalt  o 
The  author  then  gives  sn' 
and  from  reading  Lhem,  o 


n  the  philosophy  of  medicine  aud 
"  The  dose  in  fact,  in  similarity,  must 
e  which  produces  the  futl  physiological 
r  it  may  prove  useless," 
rei'al  cases  that  he  treated  successfully, 
e  would  harldy  think  that  the  treatment 
IS  Homceopalhiu ;  at  least  not  as  we  understand  it  in  this  country ; 
still  there  aro  some  valuable  thoughts  in  this  book,  and  it  will 
repay  the  pertisal.  J.  T.  B. 

Is   CONSiTHPTiON   CoNTAQiODa?    By  Herbert  C.  Clapp,  A.  M.,  M. 

D.,  Physician  to  the  Massachusetts  Hospital,  Editor  ol  the  New 

EugUnd  Medical  QasseUe,  otQ.     Published  by  Otis  Clapp  &  Son., 

Boston.     Small  6vo.,  178  pages.     Price  $1.35. 

This  is  a  most  excellent  work  on  a  dL'^pnted  point.  The  author 
handles  the  subject  in  a  masterly  manner.  Every  physician 
should  get  this  little  work  and  study  it,  for  no  physician  will  regret 
the  time  spent  in  its  perusal. 

The  author  freely  examines  all  the  arguments  pro  and  con,  on 
this  vexed  question,  and  his  conclusion  arrived  at  aft«r  careful 
study,  will  help  young  physicians  to  form  an  correct  opinion  on  a 
difficult  subject.  J.  T.  B. 

Tbansactiohs  op  the  Amekican  Homocopathic,  Oputhalmo- 
LOQiCAL  AM>  Otologicai.  SOCIETY.  Fourth  Annual  iUeeting, 
held  at  Milwaukee,  June  16th  and  17th,  1880.  Price  60  cents. 
This  is  one  of  the  best  reports  that  we  have  had  the  pleasure  of 
perusing  (or  a  long  time.  The  articles  contained  are  all  original 
and  instructive.  The  history  and  work  of  the  late  W.  H.  Wood- 
yatt,  M.  D.,  is  worth  the  price  of  the  report.  Any  physician  in 
search  of  knowledge  on  diseases  of  the  eye  and  ear  will  find  it  a 
profitable  investment  to  send  the  Secretary.  F.  Park  Lewis, 
M.  D„  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  60  cents  and  receive  a  copy  free  by 
mail.  There  are  a  number  of  articles  by  well  known  gen- 
tlemen, viz :  Notes  on  the  Action  of  Duboisin,  Chas.  Dradj, 
M.  D.;  Amblyopia  Nicotina,  Geo.  S.  Nortoo,  M.  D,;  A  Peculiar 
Sclero-Corneal  |New  Formation,  Alfred  Wanstall,  M.  D. ;  Aural 
Therapeatics,  F.  Park  Lewis,  M.  D. ;  Symblepharon,  U.  J.  McUuire, 
M.  D. ;  Keflex  Aphasia  from  a  Glaucomatous  Bulbus.  Alfred 
Wanstall,M.  D. ;  Conjunctivitis  Diphtheritici,  J.  H.  Buffum,  M.  D, ; 
Conical  Cornea,  J.  H.  Winsluw,  M.  D. ;   Pathological   Cuntribu- 


THE   HOMfEOPATHIC    COURIER. 


tlooa,  J.  H.  Buffam,  M.  D. ;  The  Cotton  Drumhead,  J.  H.  BuSUiii, 
M.  D. ;  Anomalous  Case.  C.  H.  Vials.  M.  D.  J.  W.  T, 

The  Phtsician's  Meuorandum  Book.  A  woekly  Tisittng  list 
''  wilh  cliQical  culunins  naA  ledger  sheets.     Address  Joel  A.  Miner, 

publisher,  Ann  Arbur,  Mich.    Price  81. OU. 

This  new  visiting  list  has  all  the  general  adrantftges  of  books  of 
its  olassj  ita  sise  is  that  preferred  by  most  physicians,  and  its 
variety  of  blanks  covers  all  that  is  usually  required  in  such  books. 
It  is  good  for  any  year  and  any  time  of  the  year,  and  more  or  less 
than  a  page  can  be  used  each  week. 

'I'be  page  facing  the  weekly  record  in  most  books  is  substantially 
a  blank  one  for  any  memoranda.  In  this  book,  this  second  page 
may  be  used  for  any  purpose  for  which  a  blank  page  may  be  used. 
The  columns  are  made  by  blue  linea  and  are  diaregarded  when  the 
apace  is  wii«hed  for  other  memoranda.  Many  Umes  homosopalhic 
phyaicians  use  the  colums  (seven  in  number)  for  a  daily  record  of 
the  medicines  given  out.    It  is  one  of  the  very  bett  published. 

W.  C.  R. 

A  Nkvt  Indkx  Rerum,  arranged  to  minimize  the  l&bor  of  indexing 

and    to    classify   all    indeTed    subjects.    Price    tl.7S.    Joel  A. 

Miner,  Ann  Arbor,  Mich.,  publisher. 

The  general  advantages  of  using  an  index  rerum  are  easily  set 
forth.  For  students  and  professional  men  it  preserves  a  ready  ref- 
erence to  all  that  is  valuable  iu  their  reading.  It  arranges  in  one 
plaoe  all  related  references,  so  that  when  consulted,  it  brings  to 
mind  all  of  one's  reading  ujtoo  that  subject,  and  thereby  secures 
a  fullness  of  information  otherwise  impossible.  It  provides  ugunst 
the  large  lapses  of  memory  inevitable  to  all  brain  workers:  It 
keeps  the  fund  of  one's  knowledge  a  constantly  accumulating  one, 
as  no  valuable  fact  or  thought  can  pass  beyond  his  power  of  recall. 
It  gives  the  student  a  chance  to  apply  to  his  reading  the  serviceable 
habit  of  I'eview. 

No  methodical  worker  can  a&ord  to  be  without  an  index  rerum 
and  this  is  one  of  the  best  published.  W.  C.  R. 

TsKTEirNO  AND  Croup.  By  W.  V.  Drury,  Lomdun.  Enriched 
with  notes  by  T.  C.  Duncan,  M.  D.  Duncan  Bros.,  publishers, 
Chicago. 

Thi-isasmall  book  of  58  pages,  treating  in  a  very  lucid  man- 
ner the  two  diseases  considered.    It  is  well  worth  aperusal. 

W,  C.R. 


58 


THE    HOMtEOPATHIC   COtlKrER. 


Managing  Editor's  Easy  Chair. 


I 


In  additioii  to  what  lias  beun  aaid  in  our  "  Salumtfiry,''  we  de- 
sire to  inform  our  numerous  friends  who  have  made  inquiry,  that 
the  CouRiEB  is  not  ealled  iuto  exii^tence  as  the  orgHii  of  any  faction, 
ooUege,  or  cliquti.  It  will  always  champion  homieopathic  medi- 
cine, and  from  this,  its  chief  aim,  nothing  shall  divert  it.  Utiving 
declared  our  purposes,  wc  take  the  liberty  to  publish  the  following' 
extracts  (rum  letters  received  from  our  friends : 

I  have  your  circular  and  am  glad  to  know  thai  we  are  to 
have  a  journal  superior  to  any  now  published.  ^Vbat  we  want 
is  belter  rather  than  more  journals,  and  if  you  make  one  thai 
ia  better  we  will  excuse  you  even  if  it  gives  one  more.  I  shall  await 
your  CouRiEH  with  interest.  I.  T.  Talbot. 

Your  favor  annoancingtbe  issue  of  a  new  journal  asking  me  to 
write  for  you  just  received.   While  I  fail  to  see  the  need  of  so  many 

Journals  as  we  have  in  this  country  fur  the  benefit  of  honirEopathy, 
say  to  you,  as  I  say  to  all,  I  will  do  what  I  can  in  bi'lialf  of  the 
beat.  If  you  make  such  a  joarnal  as  your  plan  oalts  fur,  1  shall 
be  pleased  to  do  what  I  c:lii  for  its  spi'ciid  by  pen  and  voire.  Give 
na  a  scientific  treat — things  above  traditions  and  fancies. 

J.  P.  Dakb. 
I  will  uylfl  have  you  an  article  ready  for  the  first  number  in 
Jannai'y.  K.  C.  Franklin. 

I  hope  yonr  ambition  will  be  fulfilled  and  that  you  may  make 
the  jonrnal  all  you  predict.  Certainly,  such  a  journal  as  that  you 
propose  to  inaugur.ite  ia  needed  and  its  sucoess  will  amply  attest 
the  iwsion  of  its  founder. 

E.  A.  GriLBBRT. 

It  had  been  my  intention  to  retire  from  journiilism,  and  perliaps 
vour  appeal  will  keep  one  lingering  on  the  sta^e  when  Le  should 
have  left  it.    I  may  not  be  wholly  useless  Ki  you  in  your  enterprise. 
Sam'l  a,  Jones. 


I  have  no  time  to  write  i 
thing  in  a  future  number 
success,  I  am  yours,  etc.. 


t  present,  but  will  promise  yon  some- 
of  your  journal.  Wishing  yon  every 
T.  E,  Allen. 
congratulate  you  on  your  enterprise.  The  editor  of 
one  of  our  latest  and  best  "Obstetries"  cannot  fail  to  give  us 
h  journal  worthy  of  himself  and  his  iichool.  I  shall  be  glad  Ui  aid 
you  as  far  as  I  am  able.  F.  Park  Lewis. 

I  am  in  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  30th  inat,  and  will  endeavor 
to  write  one  or  two  articles  for  your  new  journal.  Wishing  you 
sucoess  in  your  work,  I  am  yours  fraternally,      S.  R.  Beckwitb, 


I  will  conti-iliute.  A.  McNeil. 

I  ain  mooh  gi'^iifipd  to  iearn  what.  !  do  from  vour  favor  of  the 
16th  inst.    I  win  be  gUd  to  aid  yoi:  if  I  cnn. 

A.  C.  COWPKKTHWAITK,  M.  D. 


I  shall  be  glud  to  give  you  b  piiper  sliortly.     In  — 

rc«ive  my  thanks  for  your  flattering  request  and  beat  wishes  for 
your  undertaking.  J.  R.  Gilchrist. 

BOOKS  TO  APPEAR. 

A  new  work  on  minor  surgery  by  Dr.  J,  G.  Gilchrist  is  now  in 
press  ilpd  will  shortly  be  is^ted. 

The  same  autlior  ia  hard  at  work  on  another  book  on  "  Surgiciil 
Emergencies,"  which  will  also  appear  very  soon. 

There  is  in  preparation  a  new  book  entitled  ■■  The  Homceopathio 
Phjsicians  nod  Surgeons  of  Anaeiicn,"  edited  by  Henry  M.  Guernsey, 
M.  D..  and  Joseph  (J.  Guernspy,  M.  T).  "The  object  is  to  present 
&  cnmprehensire  and  compact  epitome  of  homteupathic  labor  in 
ibis  country.  Naturally  biographical  in  form,  the  rei.-ord  will  in- 
clude only  sueh  biographical  detail  as  is  absolutely  necessary,  but 
will  be  full  on  all  points  i>f  professional  interest. 

"The education  of  nphysici&n,  his  original  provings  and  methods 
of  treatment,  special  line  of  practice,  and  medical  writings,  with 
particulars  of  publication,  wilt  be  carefully  noted. 

"A  local  index  will  offer  a  ready  directory  by  which  practitioners 
may  guide  patients,  about  to  move  or  travel,  In  search  of  the  best 
advice  at  any  point," 

We  hope  and  believe  Ilits  book  will  not  prove  to  be  an  advertis- 
ing dodge  for  the  purpose  of  personal  puffing,  like  biographical 
eflbrts  heretofore  have  usually  degenerated  into. 

Dr.  Geo.  F.  Adania,  of  311  N.  Seventh  street,  is  preparing  and  will 
shortly  issue  anew  Look  on  the  Turkish  bath.  If  the  Doctor's 
book  proves  as  good  as  his  baths,  which  we  have  Irequentlly  en- 
joyed.with  benefit  to  our  health,  it  will  be  veryuseful. 

Duncan  Bros,  are  about  to  isaue  a  new  edition  of  I.ikIImu's 
Diseases  of  Women.  From  the  author's  acknowledged  ability,  and 
from  advance  pages  received  by  us,  we  predict  a  grand  book.  It  ia 
to  be  freely  illustrated. 

We  are  in  receipt  of  the  followiug  note : 

Officb  C.  A.  Harvev,  Jb.,  409  M,  Street,  N.  W.  ( 
Washington,  Dec.  10,  1880.  \ 

Dear  Sir: — For  the  purpose  of  statistical  information  of  a  valua- 


THE  HOMfEOPATHIC   COmilER. 


ble  character  1  would  earnestly  request  to  the  following  questions : 

Do  Tou  iofer  from  your  proiesstimal  eiperieuce  that  rbeumatio   | 
troubles  are  uauged  by  an  acid  in  the  bloodP 
n  tDat  the  acid  if 


Answer  bj  postal  card. 


C.  A.  Uaryet,  Jb. 


SOCIETT  TRANSACTIONS   AND  ITEMS. 

We  note  the  following  in  the  Advance : 

"  Transactions  of  the  American  Institute  of  fforwBopathy,  1880.— 
It  seems  like  old  times  to  have  the  proueedings  of  this  so- 
ciety placed  so  promptly  in  our  hands.  Thanks  to  Secretary  Burgher 
that  we  have  the  volume  bo  soon  and  in  sucb  admirable  shape. 
The  present  form  is  a  great  improvement  over  the  method  of  imb- 
lishing  previously  followed.  The  pre.ieut  year's  work  is  eomelhing 
to  be  pi'oud  of.  We  expect,  with  a  continuation  of  the  QQei^gy  dis- 
played in  getting  out  thia  report,  to  find  the  membership  largely 
increased.  This  oook  alone  is  worth  twice  what  it  costs  to  join  the 
Institute." 

These  flattering  aud  eulogistic  remarks  may  bo  all  well  enough 
aa  a  personal  acknowledgement  to  the  Secretary,  but  for  the  life  of 
ua  we  L'an't  see  that  he  officially  merits  any  thanks.  He  is  paid 
roundly  for  doing  a  work  that  has  ocuupied  him  four  or  five 
months,  and  which  could  have  been  done  in  two,  or  less. 

We  know  of  half  a  dozen  organizations  whieh  have  their  trans- 
actions published  (some  of  them  quite  twice  as  voluminous  as 
those  of  the  Americao  Institute)  in  as  good,  or  better,  shape,  year 
after  year,  in  from  six  weeks  to  two  mouths  after  the  adjournment 
of  the  sessions. 

We  do  not  wish  to  be  understood  as  hypercritical  in  thia  matter, 
but  we  are  plain  and  outspoken.  Considering  the  fact  that  the 
articles  submitted  to  the  several  bureaus  are  always  gotten  up  ia 
the  best  style  their  respective  ;iuthorB  are  capable  of,  for  the  meet- 
ing of  the  institute  is  a  grand  occasion  and  members  invariably  do 
their  best  in  the  way  of  diction,  chirographj,  etc.,  there  absolutely 
remains  nothing  bat  for  the  Secretary  to  get  up  the  minutes,  and 
in  this  he  is  assisted  by  a  ateaographer. 

The  members  of  the  Institute  have  been  shamefully  abused  in 
the  past,  something  that  no  business  organization  would  have  6v«t 
submitted  to.  The  present  Secretary  has  done  better  than  his 
predecessors  and  we  believe  be  can  still  improye,  at  least  let  him 
try. 


THE   HOM(EOPATHIC  COUBIER. 


TranscKUioMofthe  World's  Momaopalhtc Convention,  1876.— "Dr. 
J.  C.  Guernsey  wYites  ub  that  he  u  hard  at  work  upon  the  above 
volumes, 'and  that  one  of  them,  the  historic,  i.i  ull  in  type,  excepts 
ing  only  the  i;bapl«r  on  "literature."  He  fnlly  expected  this  volume 
would  be  issued  by  Deoember  Ist,  but  it  has  taken  a  much  longer 
time  to  procure  and  complete  the  many  missing  links  in  this  im- 
portant work  than  he  anticipated.  Meanwhile  he  has  had  seven 
hundred  and  five  pases  of  proof  struck  from  the  stereotyped  plates 
uf  the  remaining  volume." 

"  The  profession  will  thus  see  that  the  work  is  well  forwarded,  and 
that  the  volumes  will,  in  due  time,  be  ready  for  distribution  to  all 
those  who  are  square  in  their  accounts  with  the  treasurer  of  the 
American  Institute  of  Homoiopathy." 

This  piece  of  news  mu^it  be  gratifying  to  the  outraged  members 
of  the  Institute.  Think  of  it,  five  years  in  which  to  get  out  a 
single  volume! 

Two  or  three  parties  have  been  paid  to  work  on  this  book  when 
one  mnn  cuuld  have  got  it  out  in  less  than  a  year. 

Why  ia  the  Institute  taxed  with  the  extra  expense  of  stereotyping? 
Is  It  intended  to  print  another  edition  of  this  rare  book  on  the  oc- 
casion of  our  next  centennial?  Hardly,  we  thiuk,  for  the  first 
edition  will  not,  from  present  appearances,  be  old  by  that  time. 

The  meeting  of  the  Canadian  JnalituCe  of  Homceopathy  was 
held  In  the  Court  House  at  St.  Thomas,  on  Wednesday,  October, 
27,  1880. 

The  annual  meeting  of  the  Vermont  State  BomtKopathtc  Medical 
Society  was  held  at  Montpelier,  Oct.  20  nnd  21.  The  meeting  was 
called  to  order  by  President  Brighara. 

The  International  Homixopatkio  Convention  in  1881  will  assem- 
ble in  London  on  July  11,  and  a  cordial  invitation  has  been  exten- 
ded to  American  physicians  to  attend.  The  undersigned  were 
appointed  by  the  American  Institute  of  Homceopathy  a  committe*, 
with  full  powers  to  make  arran^menta.  In  uraer  to  do  this  in  the 
most  satisfactory  manner,  it  is  important  to  know  thu  approximate 
number  of  those  who  will  attend.  By  communicating  at  once  to 
one  of  this  committee  the  names  of  such  physicians  as  now  intend 
to  go.  and  the  number  to  acuompany  tnem,  the  work  will  be 
facilitate"  I. 

I.  T.  Talbot,  66  Marlborough  Street,  Bo.ston,         ) 

Wm.  Tod  Helmuth,  299  Madison  Av.,  N.  Y.,  SCouimitlee. 

Bushrod  W.  James,  18th  and  Gi-een  streets,  I'liila. ) 


THE    IIUIICEOPATHIC    COURIER. 


PERSONAL. 

We  received  a.  call  some  time  since  from  Dr.  Weatqver,  of  St, 
Joaeph,  Mo.  The  Doctor  is  chairman  of  the  Bureau  of  Obstetrlog 
in  the  Miasonri  Institute,  and  promises  to  make  hia  department  ia< 
tereatiiig  at  the  meeting  to  be  held  ftt  Sweet  Springs  next  year. 

Dr.  J.  C.  Burgher,  of  Booneville,  Mo.,  dropped  in  on  us  soma- 
time  since.  He  reports  Homceopathy  as  progressing  in  the  esteems 
and  confidence  of  the  people  in  his  vicinity. 

Dr.  J,  P.  Bahreuburg,  of  Red  Bud,  Ills.,  was  in  town  on  a  brief 
visit  a  few  weeks  since. 

Dr.  J.  W.  Cleramor  hiia  moved  to  Columbus,  Ohio,  and  taken' 
the  ofliee  formerly  occupied  by  Dr.  J.  H.  Coulter,  deceased. 

Dr.  T.  F.  Pomeroy  is  located  at  547  Bramhall  aveuue,  Jei-se;^ 
City. 

Or.  P.  B.  Hoyt  has  moved  from  Paris,  III.,  to  Norwalk,  O. 

Dr.  Brown,  oculist  and  aurist,  has  opened    an    office  at 
Olive  street,  St.  Louis,  Mo. 


We  are  called  on  to  chronicle  the  death  of  Dr.  J.  Uiivold,  ot 
Illinois.  Dr.  Ravold  was  a  member  of  the  first  graduating  class  ot' 
the  Homteopathic  Medical  College  of  MIbhuui'I  in  1SS9,  and  up  to 
the  time  of  his  death  was  treasurer  of  the  A I  muni  Society, 
shall  miss  hirt  genial  (riendsliip  and  the  family  has  our  condolei 


COLLKGES. 

Wi;  nuti?  the  following  in  the  Uomteojjalhic  Wvrld,  of  London,  fur 
December : 

The  Proposed  College  of  Eomceiopathic  Phyiicians  oTtd  Surgeons. — 
There  are  nineteen  ways  into  tbe  niodical  profession  in  Great  Brit- 
ain, i^capectivelj  nineteen  examining  boards,  or  bodies,  some  of 
these  are  universities,  oi'  studia  generalia,  from  the  good  old  Catho- 
lic limes,  and  some  of  theui  are  royal  coilego^. 

How  many  ot  these  are  favorable  to  HomtEopaihyi"     Not  one. 

How  many  of  Ihem  teach  Homceopathy  openly  and  properly? 
Sol  one. 

How  many  of  them  examine  in  Homoeopathy?    Not  oneP 

How  sad  it  is  to  think  Ihat  in  this  country  the  only  really  soien- 
tlfic  principle  in  therupi-'iiiics  is  nowhere  recogniu^d,  and  nowhere 
taught,  except  at  our  scliuol. 

It  is  proposed  to  eslaljliwh  a  College  of  Homo'opaibic  Physicians 
wilh  powers  and  duties  analogous  to  Ihose  of  the  Royal  College  of 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COUKIER.  63 


Physicians  of  London.    When  established  it  is  proposed  to  proceed 
to  obtain  a  royal  charter  or  the  same. 

How  much  longer  is  Homoeopathy  to  be  kept  out  in  the  cold? 
Wo  invite  a  free  discussion  of  the  wholo  subject  on  the  broad 
grounds  of  liberty  in  science  and  proper  protection  for  the  homoe- 
opathic public  against  incompetent    practitioners. 

Homoeopathic  Medical  College  of  Missouri. — The  twenty-first  regu- 
ular  coui*se  of  lectures  in  this  well  known  institution  is  being  atten- 
ded by  a  large  and  appreciative  classs.  The  dispensary  in  connec- 
tion with  this  school  is  a  great  advantage  in  the  way  of  affording 
opportuniUes  for  clinical  instructions. 

A  New  Degrek. — "Among  the  by-laws  adopted  by  the  Homoe- 
opathic Medical  College  of  Missouri,  under  the  recently  amended 
charter,  were  the  following,  viz: 

'*  There  shall  be  two  degrees  conferred  by  this  corporation:  first, 
the  usual  degree  of  Doctor  of  Medicine ;  and,  second,  the  degi'ee  of 
Master  of  Homoeopathic  Medicine. 

**  The  applicant  for  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Medicine  must  be 
twenty -one  years  old ;  he  must  have  studied  medicine  under  the  in- 
struction of  s  >rae  reputable  physician  for  three  full  years,  including 
the  time  spent  in  attendance  on  college  lectures;  he  must  have  atr 
tended  two  full  courses  of  medical  lectures  and  dissections,  the  last  of 
which  shall  have  been  in  this  college,  and  must  have  a  good  repu- 
tation and  character. 

*'As  the  degree  of  Master  of  Homoeopathic  Medicine  confers 
greater  distinction  and  higher  honors  than  the  other  degree,  the 
applicant  must  have  superior  qualifications.  He  must  be  twenty- 
one  years  old;  he  must  have  studied  medicine  for  three  full  years, 
besides  the  time  spent  in  attendance  on  medical  lectures  under  the 
instruction  of  some  reputable  physician ;  he  must  have  attended 
three  full  courses  of  medical  lectures  and  dissections  in  some  reputable 
college,  the  last  of  which  must  have  been  in  this  college ;  he  mus^ 
first  have  received  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Medicine  from  some 
reputable  college ;  he  must  successfully  pass  an  extra  examination 
on  the  various  branches  of  medical  science ;  he  must  pass  a  suc- 
cessful examination  in  the  ordinary  branches  of  English  education; 
a  diploma  from  some  literary  college  or  institution  will  be  ac- 
cepted in  lieu  of  an  examination  in  literature. ^^ 

These  addional  requirements  it  is  believed  will  produce  a  lauda- 
ble emulation  with  students  to  attain  to  a  greater  proficiency  in 


64  THE   HOMODOPATHIC   COUKIBB. 


medical  knowledge,  and  result  in  a  higher  standard  with  the  physi- 
cians of  our  school  and  a  better  class  of  physicians  in  the  coming 
generation. 

The  Medical  Record  says: 

**Thb  Wrst  Still  Ahead/^ — The  new  medical  school,  some- 
where in  Minnesota,  which  started  o£f  with  such  a  firing  of  guns  on 
account  of  its  adopting  a  four  yearns  graded  course,  has  not,  it  is 
said,  a  single  student. 

Locations  fob  Homceopathic  Physicians. — There  are  good 
openings,  we  understand,  at  Trinidad,  Colorado,  a  live  town  of 
5,000  inhabitants ;  at  Almont,  Illinois,  population  1,000,  and  at 
Strasbourg,  Shelby,  Co.,  Ills.,  German  preferred. 


The  Homoeopathic  Courier. 


Vol.  I.  February,  1881.  No.  2. 


Department  of  Theory  and  Practice. 

J.  T.  Boyd,  M.  D.,  Editor. 


PLANETARY  INFLUENCE  ON  HEALTH. 


♦*  Through  the  dark  gloom  of  some  tempestuous  night, 

Orioh's  dog  (the  year  when  autumn  weighs), 

And  o'er  the  feebler  stars  exerts  his  rays; 

Terrific  glory!  for  his  burning  breath, 

Taints  the  red  air  with  fevers,  plagues  and  death.  •' 

IB^mer'^s  Iliad. 

'*  Incensed  with  indignation,  Satan  stood 
I' n terrified,  and  like  a  comet  burned, 
That  fires  the  length  of  Ophiuchus,  huge. 
In  the  arctic  sky,  and  from  his  horrid  hair, 
Shakes  pestilence  and  war.'' 

[  Paradise  Lost, 

The  hmiian  mind  is  prone  to  favor  what  is  mar- 
velous or  occult ;  there  is  about  as  much  supersti- 
tion to-day  as  there  was  in  the  time  of  Homer,  al- 
though it  may  not  be  so  gross. 

The  ancients  believed  in  the  baleful  influence   of 


; 


ii 

I 


66  THE    HOMOEOPATHIC    COURIER. 


the  planetary  bodies,  hence  their  efforts  to  propi- 
tiate the  deities  represented  by  these  bodies. 

M.  Arago  tells  a  good  story  illustrating  the 
hold  that  the  marvelous  has  on  the  human  mind. 
He  mentions  that  a  friend  of  Euler,  the  gi'eat  math- 
ematician, once  in  a  conversation  lamented  the  lit- 
tle interest  that  the  people  took  in  great  truths. 
Euler' s  friend  was  a  minister  of  Berlin,  and  in  his 
complaint  told  Euler  that  people  even  went  to  sleep 
under  his  sermons,  when  he  was  explaining  the 
great  truths  of  the  Bible. 

"  Try  another  plan,"  said  Euler;  "  tell  them  of 
the  magnitude  of  the  sun  and  the  planets ;  tell 
them  that  the  sun  is  1,200,000  times  larger  than 
the  earth ;  tell  them  that  although  light  flies  with 
the  great  rapidity  of  186,000  miles  a  second,  yet  it 
takes  three  years  to  reach  us  from  the  nearest  fixed 
star;  see  how  these  thoughts  will  interest  them." 

The  next  time  they  met,  the  friend  complained 
that  his  audience  lost  their  respect  for  the  sacred 
edifice,  in  their  enthusiasm,  for  they  had  applauded 
him  Imidly! 

*  In  a  late  number  of  the  American  Observer^ 
there  is  rather  a  well  written  article  on  the  ' '  Peri- 
helia and  the  Plagued  The  writer  attempts  to 
revive  the  belief  that  the  approach  of  the  great 
planets  to  their  perihelia,  will  be  the  cause  of  fear- 
ful mortality.  If  such  a  phenomenon  could  be  at- 
tended with  the  great  results  that  the  forebodings 
of  the  writer  leads  him  to  expect,  it  would  be  a 
very  important  subject  for  medical  investigation. 
But  we  will  try  and  quiet  the  agitated  mind  of  the 


THE    HOMCEOPATUIC    COURIER.  67 


writer,  and  of  those  whom  his  article  has  thrown 
into  so  great  perturbation. 

When  we  consider  the  immense  distance  that 
these  planetary  bodies  are  from  iis,  even  in  their 
nearest  approach  to  our  planet,  and  that  the  law  of 
attraction,  as  well  as  other  influences,  are  inversely 
as  the  square  of  the  distance  of  the  object  from 
our  earth,  we  can  easily  see  that  they  can  exert 
no  appreciable  effect. 

We  do  not  adopt  the  Pythagorean  notion,  that 
**^The  seven  planets  have  each  its  own  sphere, 
and  acts  independently  of  the  others,"  but  that  of 
Xewton,  that  "  Every  particle  of  matter  in  the 
Universe  attracts  every  other  particle  with  a  force 
directly  as  to  the  masses  of  the  two  particles,  and 
inversely  as  the  square  of  the  distance  that  separ- 
ates them . " ' 

Therefore,  those  great  planets,  Jupiter  and  Sat- 
urn, being  at  such  an  immense  distance,  the  influ- 
ence would  hardly  be  perceptible.  Jupiter  passed 
his  perihelion  on  the  25th  of  last  September ;  Mars 
will  pass  his  on  the  25th  of  March  next,  and  during 
the  same  year  Xeptune  will  pass  his  ;  Uranus  will 
pass  his  in  1882,  and  Satuni  in  1885.  The  only 
effect  that  these  planets  could  have,  would  be  to 
increase  the  minor  axis  of  the  earth's  orbit  as  it 
passes  towards  its  i)erihelion,  and  shortens  corres- 
pondingly its  major  axis ;  but  as  this  perturbating 
force  can  only  exist  for  a  short  time — no  perma- 
nent impression  can  be  made  on  the  earth,  either  in 
its  physical  existence  or  orbital  motion. 

Prof.  Stanley  Jevons  has  recently  endeavored  to 


(58  THE    HOM(EOPATHIC    COURIER. 


connect  the  sun-spots  with  commercial  crises ;  so 
prone  are  we  to  find  some  celestial  cause  for  those 
tribulations  that  are  not  well  miderstood.  He  says : 
*  *  It  is  now  pretty  generally  allowed  that  the  fluct- 
uations of  the  money  market,  though  often  appar- 
ently due  to  exceptional  and  accidental  events, 
such  as  wars,  panics,  and  so  forth — ^yet  do  exhibit 
a  remarkable  tendency  to  recur  at  intervals  approx- 
imating to  ten  or  eleven  years. 

"  Thus  the  principal  commercial  crises  have  hap- 
pened in  the  yeai-s  1825,  1836,  1847,  1857,  and 
1866,  and  I  was  almost  addmg,  1879,  so  con- 
vinced do  I  feel  that  there  will,  within  the  next  few 
years  be  another  great  crisis.  Xow,  if  there  should 
be,  in  or  about  1879,  a  gi'eat  collapse,  compara- 
ble with  those  of  the  years  mentioned,  there  will 
have  been  five  such  occurrences  in  fifty-four  years, 
giving  almost  exactly  eleven  years  as  the  average 
interval — which  sufficiently  approximates  to  eleven 
years,  the  supposed  exact  length  of  the  sun-spot 
period,  to  warrant  speculations  as  to  their  possible 
connectioh." 

Thus  Prof.  Jevons  takes  what  is  a  mere  coinci- 
dence, as  having  the  relation  of  cause  and  effect. 
Political  economists,  however,  do  not  need  to  go  as 
far  for  the  cause  of  connnercial  disasters,  as  the 
sun.  Shfldes  of  M.  Bastiat,  Prof.  Peny,  Adam 
Smith,  Bonemy  Price,  Carey,  Mill,  Say,  and  all 
the  saints  of  the  Calendar  of  Political  Economy ! 
What  becomes  of  your  tariff,  interest,  over-pro- 
duction, balance  of  trade,  extravagant  speculation, 
etc.,  if  Prof.  Jevons'  theoiy  is  true  V 


It  is  the  same  with  seasons  of  prevaihiij^  e})i(leni- 
ie.  If  they  should  oeeur  only  when  the  planets  were 
at  their  perihelia  and  near(»r  the  earth,  (vvhieh  is 
not  the  case) ,  it  would  only  be  a  remarkable  coin- 
cidence, and  would  require  some  more  evidence  to 
convince  us  of  their  influence  as  being  a  cause  of 
such  diseases. 

Let  us  see  what  influence  these  j>lanets  could 
have.  Jupiter,  as  we  have  before  said,  passed  his 
perihelion  on  the  25th  of  last  Sej^tember ;  he  was 
then  385,00(),0tK)  miles  from  our  earth.  Xow,  ac- 
cording to  the  law  of  attraction,  alluded  to,  his  in- 
fluence could  only  be  just  one-third  more  than  at 
his  greatest  distance  from  the  eai*th,  which  Is  567,- 
0()0,(K)()  miles.  Then  what  influence  could  he  pro- 
duce, according  to  the  above  law?  We  labor  un- 
der the  difficulty  of  not  having  diagrams  to  present 

to  the  reader,  but  probably  we  can  make  it  plain  by 
compaiison . 

Let  us  reduce  the  scale  to  one  millionth  part, 
and  represent  the  smi  as  a  globe,  ninefeet  in 
diameter,  raised  on  a  high  elevation.  About  one- 
third  of  a  mile  distant  we  will  place  Mercuiy, 
about  the  size  of  a  pea ;  then  three-fourths  of  a 
mile  from  the  sun  we  place  Venus,  the  size  of  a 
marble  about  seven-eighths  of  an  inch  in  diameter ; 
then  the  Earth  about  the  size  of  a  marble,  one  inch 
in  diameter,  one  mile  distant  from  the  sun ;  then 
Mars,  three-fourths  of  an  inch  in  diametei-,  and  one 
and  a  half  miles  distant ;  then  Jupiter,  a  ball  nine 
inches  in  diameter,  five  miles  distant  from  the  sun ; 
then  Saturn,  a  ball  about  eight  inches  in  diameter, 


to  titffi  HOMdloi^AtHtC  COUftlBR. 


with  lings  two  feet  in  diameter,  at  the  distance  of 
nine  and  a  half  miles  from  the  sun  ;  then  Uranus, 
about  three  and  a  half  inches  in  diameter,  "nine- 
teen miles  distance,  and  Neptune,  about  four 
inches  in  diameter,  thirty  miles  distance  from  the 
sun. 

It  will  be  seen  that  the  sun,  immensely  larger 
than  Jupiter,  (more  than  ten  times  his  diameter, 
and  one  thousand  times  his  substance),  in  his 
nearest  approach  to  the  earth,  is  nearly  four  times 
nearer  to  us  than  Jupiter,  consequently  Jupi- 
ter can  exert  but  little  influence  on  our  planet, 
ex(*ept  to  deflect  it  slightly  from  its  orbit  from  the 
sun.  But  in  a  few  months  our  earth  will  swing  as 
as  much  back  as  it  was  atti'acted  from  its  orbit, 
possibly  giving  us  an  eai'ly  spring  to  compensate 
for  the  cold  winter  which  resulted  from  its  slight 
deviation  from  its  orbit  in  perihelion  passage. 
We  merelv  mention  this  to  calm  the  fears  of  the 
writer  of    the  Observer  article. 

But  Prof .  Xevvcomb   says:     **  The  distance   of 
the  sun  and  the  ])lanets  being  so  immensely  great, 
compared  with  that  of  the  moon,  their  attraction 
upon  the  earth  and  the  moon  is  at  all  times  very 
nearly  equal.'" 

The  writer  in  the  Observer,  quotes  Prof.  Nich- 
olls.  If  he  had  read  the  matter  carefully  he  would 
have  found  that  Prof.  Xicholls  has  examined  this 
subject  carefully,  and  comes  to  the  conclusion  that 
planetary  bodies  have  no  influence  that  we  can  ap- 
preciate, on  the  earth. 

When  we  compare  the  Moon  in  size  with  the  ap- 


THiJ   rtOMcEOt»ATHic  COmitEft. 


pearaiice  of  Jupiter  in  the  heavens,  we  find  that 
the  latter  would  make  but  a  mere  speck  on  the  disc 
of  the  Moon,  and  his  uifluence  is  ever  less  than  that 
comparatively. 

If  we  were  to  place  Jupiter  at  the  same  distance 
that  the  Moon  is,  it  would  have  just  about  5,000 
times  more  influence  on  the  eai*th  in  the  power  of 
attraction  than  the  Moon  lias.  Let  us  now  square 
the  distance  that  Jupiter  is  from  us,  say  about 
500,000,000  miles,  and  then  it  would  lessen  his 
influence  in  that  ratio ;  that  is,  one  25(),()0(),(XK),- 
()(K),000th  part  of  that  influence  that  it  would  have 
at  the  distance  of  the  Moon .  Xow  let  us  divide 
this  mfluence  by  5,(K)0,  the  difference  in  the  size 
of  the  two  planets,  and  the  i-esult  would  be  just 
the  proportion  of  the  influence  that  Jupiter  has  less 
than  the  Moon,  and  that  is  an  inconceivable  frac- 
tion. 

Or,  let  us  take  another  illustration.  The  Moon 
has  an  attractive  influence  on  the  earth,  measiu'ed 
by  the  ocean  tides.  Suppose  that  the  Moon's  at- 
traction is  sufficient  to  cause  a  tide  of  100  feet 
high ;  now  suppose  you  place  Jupiter  in  the  place 
of  the  Moon,  at  the  same  distance,  but  about  5,(XX) 
times  greater,  or  5, OCX)  multiplied  by  100,  equals 
500,000  feet  liigh ;  now  place  Jupiter  back  in  his 
orbit,  and  his  atti'active  power  would  be  inversely 
as  the  square  of  the  distance  that  he  is  removed — 
that  is,  250,000,000,000,(XX),000.  Let  this  be  the 
denominator  of  the  fraction,  and  the  500,000  feet 
reduced  to  hundreds  of  inches  as  numerator,  and 
we  will  then  have  the  fraction  of  the  hundredth  of 


72  THE   HOMCEOPATHtC    COUfelEii. 

an  inch  that  Jupiter  could  influence  the  tide — = 
that  is  TTTviiTTTT ;  and  this  is  presuming  that  the 
specific  gravity  of  Jupiter  is  the  same  as  the  Moon, 
when  it  is  only  but  one-fourth ;  and  as  Satimi 
is  twice  the  distance  from  us  that  Jupiter  is,  and 
the  other  piquets,  Uranus  and  Neptune,  still  far- 
thei-  away,  they  can  exert  still  less  influence,  so 
that  all  combmed  cannot  by  their  attractive  power 
influence  the  tide  on  the  earth  one  hair's  breadth. 

In  this  we  have  only  measured  the  atti*active  in- 
fluence of  these  planets,  as  they  are  not  self-lumin- 
ous, nor  in  an  active  incandescent  state,  their 
chemical  influence  must  be  exceedingly  small. 

In  fact,  the  Moon  has  infinitely  more  influence 
'  on  the  earth  than  all  the  other  planetary  .bodies 
excei)t  the  sun  ;  and  we  are  yet  in  doubt  as  to  the 
amount  of  influence  on  health  that  the  Moon  ex- 
erts, but  it  also  nmst  be  exceedingly  small. 

The  plague  is  not  limited  in  its  visits  to  the  time 
-  of  the  perihelia  of  these  planets,  but  as  Baron  Lai'- 
rey  says,  that  it  is  an  annual  occurrence  in  Egypt. 
He  says  :  ''In  Egypt  it  is.  said  to  arise  every  au- 
tumn, and  to  prevail  till  the  beginning  of  June,  of 
the  succeeding  year ;  its  ravages  then  cease,  and 
its  contagion  is  extinguished,  or  remains  in  abey- 
ance during  the  summer,  to  be  again  called  into 
existence  or  activity,  in  the  autumn.  The  vernal 
equinox  is  the  period  of  greatest  fatality  of  the 
disease. 

-'About  this  time,  we  learn,  southerly  winds 
blow  with  great  violence.  They  last,  ordinarily, 
three  or  four  horn's,  and   are   frequently   renewed 


trtE   rtOMdSOPATHtC   COtTHTKR.  73 

• 

daily  for  fifty  successive  days.  Tliey  are  very 
warm,  passing  over  the  burning  deserts  which  bor- 
der Egypt  on  the  South,  and  they^are,  moreover, 
loaded  with  putrid  emanations  exhaled  from  the 
animal  and  vegetable  substances  which  are  decom- 
posed in  the  lakes  formed  by  the  retiring  of  the 
waters  of  the  Xile,  or  in  the  cemeteries  which  its 
inundation  has  reached.  At  this  sickly  season, 
diseases  of  all  kinds  assume  a  malignant  character. 
It  was  at  this  season  of  thi^  year,  that  after  the 
great  inmidation  of  1801,  the  plague  committed 
the  greatest  ravages  among  the  inhabitants  of 
Cairo,  and  Upper  Egypt."" 

Sydenham  says  that  the  plague  visits  Xortheni 
Europe  every  thirty  or  forty  years. 

It  is  very  certain,  then,  that  we  must  look  to 
teirestrial,  not  to  celestial  influences,  for  the  cause 
of  the  plague  and  other  great  epidemics ;  and  in 
place  of  calculating  astronomical  problems,  or  tak- 
ing parallaxes  of  the  stars,  we  should  devote  our 
energies  to  quarantine  and  hygienic  measures, 
and  the  most  efficient  remedies  to  cure  the  dis- 
eases, should  any  epidermic  visit  our  country. 

It  is  unfortunate  for  both  Jevons,  and  the  writer 
in  the  Observer^  that  they  were  not  born  until  the 
present  time.  What  a  great  thing  it  would  be,  to 
have  been  born  under  such  a  grand  catalysis  as 
the  combined  perihelia  of  so  many  planets  ?  And 
then  the  world  would  have  been  a  gainer  by  hav- 
ing been  spared  tlie  infliction  of  such  articles  as 
that  of  Jevons',  and  of  the  Observer's  coiTespond- 
ent. 


fm 


A  THK  iioMd^:oi>ATHic  cotiiiteR. 


THE   PATHOLOGY,   DIPFEREXTIxU^    DI 
AGXOSIS  AND  TREATMENT   OF 

DIPHTHERIA. 

BY    J.    T.    BOYD,     M.   I). 


(Kead  before  the  Western  Institute  of  Hom(L»opalhy.) 

Oertel,  ill  that  splendid  work,  Zieiiisseirs  Cyclo- 
pedia, says  : 

' '  Diphtheria  makes  its  appearance  under  two  dif- 
ferent series  of  symptoms — as  a  locals  and  a  gen- 
eral disease — and  is  in  the  greater  number  of  cases 
followed  by  a  third  series  of  disturbances,  which 
have  been  classed  as  secondary  j^rocesses,  or  .sr- 
queke  of  the  disease.  The  description  of  diphtheria 
comprehends  these  three  forms  of  disease,  although 
they  do  not  always  manifest  themselves  in  each  in- 
dividual case. 

'"  The  local  disease  makes  its  appearance  as  an 
iiiHammatory  i)rocess  upon  certain  mucous  mem- 
branes and  denuded  parts  of  the  skin  which  are  ex- 
posed to  the  air,  and  leads  to  the  formation  upon 
them  of  a  greyish  white,  false  membranous  deposit. 

''  The  general  affection  has  the  character  of  in- 
fectious disease,  and  holds  a  position  somewhere 
between  simple  excitement  of  the  circulatory  sys- 
tem, and  the  severest  forms  of  typhoid  fever  and 
pyiiBmic  poisoning. 

''  The  sequelce,  which  follow  the  healing  of  the 
local  process,  and  disappearance  of  the  febrile 
symptoms,  are  for  the  most   part,  disturbances  of 


*HE  riOMClldPATHtC  OOURrER.  7^5 


the  muscular  system,  which  may  vary  from  a  paral- 
ysis of  single  muscles  to  complete  ataxia ;  on  the 
other  hand,  in  a  few  cases  extreme  disease  of 
the  kidneys,  with  dropsy  and  changes  in  the  for- 
mation of  hlood  and  lymphatic  growths,  have  been 
noticed. 

*'  The  first  task  in  an  etiological  study  is  to  ex- 
plahi  the  diseased  process  itself,  and  the  question 
at  once  arises,  in  what  relation  do  the  appearances 
and  symptoms  stand  to  one  another,  and  how  do 
they  influence  each  other  reciprocally?" 

'"  The  relations  of  local  and  general  disease,  admit 
of  the  possibility  of  two  explanations,  which  are 
contradictory  to  each  other,  and  thus  allow  two 
distinct  theories  of  the  disease,  accordhig  to  the 
solution  of  the  question,  which  causes  the  other  V — 
the  secondary  disturbances  being  always  consid- 
ered dependent  upon  the  disease  which  has  prece- 
ded them.  The  question  to  de(*ide,  therefore,  is 
whether  diphtheria  is  at  first  a  general  disease,  and 
the  poisonmg  of  the  blood  and  the  affections  of  the 
mucous  membrane,  are  merely  secondary  localiza- 
tions— or,  whether  it  bi'gins  by  infection,  as  a  local 
disease',  and  at  a  definite  time  becomes  general." 

That  diphtheria  is  a  general  disease,  is  very  evi- 
dent from  the  fact  that  it  has  all  the  characteristics 
of  the  other  contagious  diseases.  It  may  result 
from  inoculation  from  the  germs  floating  in  the  at- 
mosphere, that  becomes  attached  to  the  nmcous 
membrane  that  is  in  a  suitable  condition  for  devel- 
oping the  disease. 

Oertel  says,  again  : 


76  tHE  HOM(EOPAfriiC  crtURiEii. 


' '  Whenever  the  diphtheritic  infecting  agent  finds 
a  foot-hold  upon  the  l)ody,  it  always  excites  a  local 
affection  in  the  place  where  it  attaches  itself,  and 
it  will  depend  upon  the  anatomical  relations  of  the 
dffected  part — the  facility  with  which  ^the  tissues 
may  be  penetrated  by  the  poison,  and  their  power 
of  absorption,  how  soon  this  contagion  will  extend 
its  domain — how  soon  the  sinking  of  the  whole  or- 
ganism, the  general  disease  of  infection  will  devel- 
ope  from  the  local  infection. 

' '  Diphtheria  occurs  sporadically  as  well  as  epi- 
demically, and  may,  in  certain  localities  especially 
favorable  to  it,  become  an  endemiq  disease.  It  de- 
velopes  spontaneously,  its  origin  being  a  miasm, 
and  induced  by  contact  with  objects  and  pei'sons 
infected  with  diphtheria.  Diphtheria  is  therefore  to 
be  considered  a  miasmatic^  contagious  disease. 

''The  most  important  question  in  the  whole 
chapter  of  etiology,  is  that  concerning  the  relatio^i 
ofcertaiii  vegetahle  substances  to  diphtheria;  wheth- 
er their  presence  is  determined  by  accident,  and 
l)y  the  existence  of  a  soil  favorable  to  their  growth, 
such  as  is  found  in  the  products  of  the  disease — or 
whether  they  stand  hi  causal  relation  to  the  diphthe- 
ritic process?  And  the  discussion  of  these  quest- 
ions involves  that  relating  to  the  nature  arid  char- 
acter of  the  diphtheritic  contagion." 

This  disease,  as  its  name  indicates,  is  a  pseudo- 
membranous exudation  on  the  mucous  membranes ; 
generally  of  the  throat  and  mouth. 

Some  writt^i-s,  as  Bretoneau  and  Wagner,  regard 
this  disease,  and  membranous  croup,  as  the  same — 


THE    HOMCEOPATHIC    COURIER.  77 


differing  only  in  the  severity  of  the  attending  in- 
flammation, and  the  locality  of  the  part  affected. 

Virchow  diffei*8  from  Bretoneau,  considering 
croup  but  a  simple  local  disease,  affecting  the  sur- 
face of  the  mucous  tissues,  while  diphtheria  involves 
the  substance  of  mucous  tissues,  as  well  as  the 
sub-cellular  tissue. 

Wagner,  however,  concluded  that  diphtheria  con- 
sisted, not  in  throwing  a  fibrinous  exudation  on 
the  surface,  but  upon  a  peculiar  metamorphosis  of 
the  epithelium,  a  sort  of  fibrinous  degeneration. 

Henton  and  Oertel  regard  the  disease  as  consti- 
tutional, and  that  there  was  a  blood  disease,  devel- 
oping bacteria  or  micrococci ;  while  croup  they  re- 
gard but  as  a  simple  form  of  inflammation,  at- 
tended with  fibrinous  exudation. 

The  microscope  reveals  not  only  the.  fibiinous 
character  of  the  exudation,  but  also  epithelial 
scales,  broken  down  tissue,  blood  and  pus  glob- 
ules, etc. 

In  diphtheria  the  constitutional  symptoms  are 
very  marked.  The  low  form  of  typhoid  fever,  the 
general  depression  of  the  vital  energies,  etc.,  are 
much  more  marked  than  in  croup. 

The  location  of  the  pseudo-membranous  exuda- 
tion, at  first,  is  also  a  diagnostic  sign.  In  diphthe- 
ria it  commences  in  the  mouth  and  fauces,  extend- 
ing sometimes  to  the  larynx  and  nasal  fossa ;  while 
in  croup  the  exudation  commences  in  the  laiynx, 
and  may  extend  to  the  fauces. 

In  the  initial  period,  the  exudation  is  very  simi- 
lar ;  but  hi  either  case  it  is  more  than  a  simple  ex- 


78  THE    HOMCBOPATIIIC    COURIER. 


udation  from  a  peculiar  inflainiiiation  of  the  parts 
affected.  While  in  croup  there  is  no  prominent 
phenomena  bul  the  exudation  and  the  dyepnoea. 
But  in  diphtheria,  the  exudation  is  not  the  disease, 
nor  the  cause  of  the  disease.  What,  then,  is  the 
character  of  this  exudation?  It  is  a  fungous  growth, 
not  a  generation  of  micrococci ;  but  these  parasites 
are  the  consequence  of  the  low  \'itality  of  the  dis- 
eased parts,  but  the  fungus  is  the  well  known  OidU 
7tm  Albican.s^  a  cryptogamic  plant,  whose  spores 
are  floating  in  the  atmosphere,  ready  to  pounce 
upon  any  diseased  tissue,  where  the  conditions  are 
favorable  for  their  development. 

About  a  year  ago  a  member  of  our  society 
thought  that  he  had  discovered  the  cause  of  yellow 
fever,  because  he  found,  during  the  prevalence  of 
that  disease,  a  peculiar  fungous  plant  on  one  of  the 
glasses  of  his  microscope.  Had  he  been  familiar 
with  the  use  of  other  optical  instruments,  he  would 
have  known  that  this  hazy  or  web-like  appearance, 
is  but  the  effect  of  the  devek)pment  of  this  fun- 
gous growth  attaching  its  spores  to  the  damp  lens. 

Prof.  Proctor  mentions  this  in  his  "  Half  Hours 
with  the  Telescope."  The  Prof  essor  says  :  ''If 
dani})  gets  betAveen  the  glasses,  it  produces  a  fog 
(which  opticians  call  a  sweat),  or  sea  weed-like 
vegetations,  by  which  a  valuable  glass  may  be  ru- 
ined.    (See  page  29.) 

Chambers'  Encyclopedia  has  the  following,  viz. : 
''Oidium  Albicans,  grows  on  diseased  animal  and 
vegetable  substances.  They  consist  of  minute  tu- 
bular threads,  forming  flocks,  white  in   some   spe- 


THE  UOMCEOPATHK^  COURIER.        79 


cies,  brightly  colored  in  others,  simple  or  irregu- 
larly branched,  assuming  in  their  upper  part  the 
form  of  strings  of  beads,  (probably  the  micrococci 
of  Wagner),  which  finally  break  up  into  elliptical 
spores.  *  *  *  Among  the  most  important  of 
the  vegetable  parasites  of  man  is  the  Oidium  Albi- 
cans^  which  is  found  on  the  epithelium  in  the  mouth 
and  throat,  in  the  disease  called  aptha  or  thrush^ 
and  of  the  throat  in  diphtheria ;  also,  sometimes  in 
the  nostrils,  stomach  and  intestines,  on  the  nails, 
nipples  and  other  places."  It  is  more  common  in 
children  and  old  persons. 

''  It  occurs  in  the  last  stages  of  many  diseases, 
when  the  mucous  membrane  is  covered  with  nitro- 
genised  decomposable  matter.  Indeed  it  would 
seem  that  whatever  may  be  the  case  as  to  other 
vegetable  parasites,  no  species  of  the  Oidium  be- 
gins its  attack  upon  a  perfectly  healthy  surface, 
either  animal  or  vegetable ;  a  diseased  state  of  the 
tissues  being  to  these  fungi  a  necessary  condition 
of  vegetation.  Just  as  the  yeast  plant  will  not  act 
in  a  fermentable  fluid  ;  that  is  in  a  solution  which 
in  addition  to  the  sugar,  contains  some  decomposa- 
ble albuminous  matfer. 

'"  Oidium  Albicans  appears  to  the  naked  eye  as 
a  white  pasty  substance,  slightly  elevated  above 
the  mucous  membrane  to  which  it  adheres,  but  un- 
der the  microscope  its  filamentous  structure  is  easily 
perceived.  Its  seat  is  at  first  on  the  upper  surface 
of  the  epithelial  cells,  but  its  filaments  soon  pene- 
trate deeply  between  them  ;  and  the  upper  epithel- 


80  THE    HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER. 


ial  layers  are  soon  worn  out  and  thrown  off  by  the 
rapid  growth  from  below. 

' '  However  incapable  the  Oidium  Albicans  may 
be  of  attacking  a  healthy  surface,  there  can  be  no 
doubt  that  it  greatly  contributes  to  the  extension 
of  the  disease  ;  and  that  it  is  very  readily  commu- 
nicated from  one  j)atient  to  another,  when  there 
is  cataiTh  or  other  inflammatory  affection  of  the 
mucous  membrane. 

''It is  not,  however,  always  easy  to  determine 
whether  Oidium  is  the  direct  cause  of  disease,  or 
whether  the  diseased  tissue  has  merely  afforded  a 
suitable  nidus  for  its  development." 

On  this  subject  Prof.  Aitken  says  :  ''  It  is  cer- 
tain that  whenever  the  normal  chemical  processes  of 
nutrition  are  impaired,  the  incessant  changes  be- 
tween solids  and  fluids  slacken — then,  if  the  part 
can  furnish  a  proper  soil,  the  cryptogamic  parasites 
will  appear.  The  soil  they  select  is,  for  the  most 
part,  composed  of  epithelium  or  cutical^  acid  or 
mucous  exudation  ;  and  certain  atmospheric  condi- 
tions seem  favorable  to  the  occurrence  of  these  veg- 
etable parasites." 

From  these  facts  we  conclude  tliat  the  disease  in 
diphtheria  only  furnishes  the  necessary  soil,  and 
proi)er  degree  of  inflannnatory  debility  for  the  de- 
velopment of  this  parasite.  The  membranous  phe- 
nomenon is  not  the  disease  although  the  rapid  throw- 
ing off  of  the  spores  from  the  development  of  the 
Oidium  that  form  the  membranous  patch,  may,  and 
undoubtedly  does  assist  in  spreading  the  conta- 
gion— as  a  fly   may   inoculate  a   person   with   the 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC    COURIER.  81 


small  pox,  the  virus  of  which  it  has  carried  on  its 
feet  from  a  pustule  on  the  body  of  a  small  pox  pa- 
tient, to  a  healthy  person,  and  by  lighting  on  this 
healthy  pei^son  thus  convey  the  disease. 

The  spores  of  the  Odium  Albicans  are  not  di- 
gested, but  pass  through  the  body,  and  may  be 
thrown  or  driven  from  the  discharges  of  the  patient, 
by  the  au%  and  conveyed  to  another  person  ;  also, 
the  air  of  the  sick  room  is  impregnated  with  the 
spores,  and  thus  the  disease  is  more  readily  com- 
municated to  the  healthy  person  by  their  multitude. 
Diphtheria  is  of  the  same  character  as  scarlet  fe- 
ver, if  it  is  not  really  one  form  of  that  malady. 

TREATMEVr   OF    DIPHTHERIA. 

The  treatment  of  diphtheria  nuist  be  both  local 
and  general. 

The  rapid  exudation  on  the  nmcous  membrane  of  c 
a  ciiist  composed  of  the  fungous  gi'owth  of  the  Odi- 
um, broken  down  blood,   corpuscles  and  epithelial 
scales,  thickened  nuicous,  etc.,  and  burrowing  on 
this  mass  ai'e   the   micrococci,    bacteria,   and    pus. 
globules. 

This  crust  may  be  but  a  thin  membranous  exu- 
dation of  small  patches  on  the  fauces,  or  it  may  be 
of  the  thickness  of  one  fourth  of  an  inch,  contain- 
ing in  its  meshes  all  the  germs  of  contagion,  as 
well  as  exei'ting  a  septic  influence  over  the  system. 

In  the  simple  catarrhal  form  of  this  disease, 
when  the  fever  is  slight,  the  patches  light,  little  or 
no  suffering — \nth  a  sense  of  dryness  or  prickling 


82  THE    HOMCEOPATHIC:    COURIER. 


pain  in  the  throat,  in  swallowing — the  treatment  is 
simple.  The  throat  should  be  gargled  with  a  solu- 
tion of  aqua  ammonia,  and  a  dose  or  two  of  iod. 
of  mer.,  bell,  or  sulphur,  will  afford  relief,  and  a 
cure  will  speedily  follow. 

But  in  the  more  severe  form  of  the  disease,  where 
the  fever  is  high,  the  inflanmiation  and  thick  de- 
posit of  fibrinous  exudation  on  the  fauces  is  great, 
and  increasing  rapidly,  the  case  is  veiy  different. 

The  mild  or  catarrhal  f  omi  may  progi*ess  so  si- 
lently as  to  be  hardly  recognized,  for  the  patient,  if 
a  child,  will  sometimes  utter  no  complaint  and  the 
disease  may  exist  for  some  time  before  it  is  discov- 
ered. But  in  the  croupalform  of  this  disease,  the 
objective  symptoms  are  much  more  clearly  devel- 
oped, and  are  made  plain  at  once  by  the  hoaree 
cough  or  breathing,  and  chilly  sensations.  The 
fever  increases,  the  pulse  rises  rapidly,  becomes 
very  much  increased  in  frequency.  The  com'se  in 
these  cases  is  rapid,  and  the  disease  may  terminate 
in  ieath,  or  progress  to  the  thu'd  or  septic  form. 

In  this  form  of  the  disease  it  requires  prompt  and 
efficient  remedies,  if  the  life  of  the  patient  is  saved. 

As  a  local  application,  the  best  is  the  ammonia, 
either  alone  or  in  combination  with  carbolic  acid, 
both  diluted  with  water,  applied  with  a  swab  to  the 
throat. 

LACHESIS.  • 

The  constitutional  treatment  is  first,  laches  is  ^  es- 
pecially if  the  disease  commenced  on  the  left  side 
of  the  throat ;  and  where  the  disease  is  apj)roach- 


THE    HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER.  83 


ing  the  gangrenous   character,  and  the  pulse   ac- 
celerated but  small  and  weak,  fetid  odor,  etc. 

LYCOPODIUM. 

The  next  best  constitutional  remedy  is  lyco- 
podium^  especially  if  the  disease  commenced,  on 
the  right  side;  quick  respiration,  running  pain 
downards,  eyes  sunken  and  pupils  dilated,  enlarged 
totsils,  woi'se  about  the  middle  of  the  afternoon, 
etc. 

Besides  these  remedies,  we  may  find  indications 
for  the  use  of  the  following  : 

Rhus  Tox — If  the  inflammation  be  dark  red  ; 

Iodide  of  Mercury.     Dr.  Ludlow  says  : 

"'  Mercurius  iodotus  is  most  appropriate,  first,  to 
those  examples  and  epidemics  of  diphtheria  in  which 
the  deposit  is  located  upon  the  mouth,  tonsils,  uvu- 
la, velum  palati,  the  pharynx,  or  some  portion  of 
the  alimentary  tract. 

"^  Second,  to  those  cases  in  which  the  functions 
of  the  mucous  follicles  are  so  deranged  as  to  pro- 
duce, in  considerable  quantity,  the  tough  and  viscid 
secretion . 

''  Third,  the  deposite  should  be  of  limited  extent, 
of  feeble  organization,  ti'ansparent,  pillicular,  albu- 
minous, and  easily  detached. 

''  Fourth,  to  those  cases  in  which  there  is  but  a 
feeble  effort  at*  reorganization  of  the  false  mem- 
brane, when  it  has  been  removed,  or  has  dropped 
off  spontaneously. 

*' Fifth,  to  such  examples  of  diphtheria  as  are 


I'HE    llOMtEDl'ATlIlC 


eharactenzcfl  by  iiiarki-d  disordiT  nf  one  portion  or 
another  of  the  alimentiiry  system."* 

In  the  septic  form  of  this  disease,  t]ie  breath  be- 
oonies  fetid,  the  exudation  of  false  membrane  be- 
comes a  dii"ty,  grey  color,  thick  and  shagg-y  ;  and 
the  crust  becomes  dark  brown  and  semi-solid  ;  tlie 
saliva  becomes  ichorous  and  bloody,  and  constantly 
flows  from  the  mouth  with  intolerable  fetor. 

The  rapidity  with  which  decomposition  takes 
place  in  some  cases  of  diphtheria,  is  much  more  than 
the  dead  flesh  out  of  the  body,  in  the  s:tme  temper- 
ature, and  with  the  same  anmunt  of  moisture. 

-  There  is  evidently  some  destructive  energy  at 
work  in  this  diseaee.  that  produt^^s  such  effects 
in  so  short  a  time — some  chemical  effect  that  the 
virus  of  the  disease  possesses,  that  destrt)y8  animal 
tissues  sooner  than  the  ordinary  decay  could 
possibly  accomplish. 

This  is  the  virus  of  the  disease — the  contagion — 
the  living  disease-germ  that  hastens  disorganiza- 
tion. 

Billroth  says  :  "In  diphtheria  there  is  great  dan- 
ger that  the  products  of  an  extensive  disorganiza- 
tion of  the  tissues  may  pass  into  the  circulation, 
and  that  a  poisonous  action,  similar  to  that 
caused  by  products  of  puti'efaction  in  general,  may 
manifest  itself.  It  is  only  in  rare  cases  that  the 
toxic  symptoms  appear  permanently  on  the  firet  or 
second  day,  leading  in  a  short  tinje  to  the  fat^l  i*(j-. 


HitK  ttOM(KOt»ATttlC  ootrttifift.  86 


suit.     As  a  rule,  however,  they  develop  gradually, 
after  the  disease  has  existed  for  some  time/' 

Oertel  says :  " '  The  cases  are  very  rare  in  which 
diphtheria  is  followed  by  recovery,  when  once  the 
symptoms  of  septic  intoxication  have  appeared/' 
Such  a  sweepingly  unfavorable  prognosis  will 
not  be  sanctioned  by  those  who  pursue  the  homoeo- 
pathic practice.  Some  of  the  most  remarkably  un- 
favorable cases  have  been  cured  by  homoeopathic 
treatment. 

The  local  treatment  m  such  cases  should  be  with 
the  use  of  a  sti'ong  solution  of  aqua  ammonia  and 
carboUc  acid,  in  alcohol,  applied  to  the  fauces  with 
a  soft  swab,  three  times  a  day,  and  one  or  two 
doses  of  lachesis  or  lycopodium  administered,  and 
an  improvement  will  generally  be  observed  almost 
immediately.  But  not  more  than  three  doses 
should  be  given  in  any  case,  and  probably  the  thir- 
tieth dilution  will  be  found  to  be  most  profitable,  to 
be  followed  by  whatever  remedy,  or  no  remedy ^ 
that  the  case  requires. 

The  other  features  and  complications  of  this  dis- 
ease, muscular  paralysis,  etc.,  must  be  treated  with 
appropriate  remedies,  such  as  the  pathological 
symptoms  indicate. 

As  to  the  local  treatment  of  diphtheria,  there  is 
a  very  important  fact  to  be  borne  in  mind,  and  that 
is,  that  the  sequelae  of  the  disease  may  prove  as 
'troublesome  and  serious,  as  any  part  of  the  phe- 
nomena during  its  most  mtense  state.  Xow  if 
caustics  are  used,  and  the  disease  aborted^  may  we 
not  look  for  a  far  more  dangerous  sequelae  to  fol- 
low? 


f)6         ittB  uoaaaoPAmtG  oomttciti 


'    ^.ItL.  (t^..!.    I 


;.-i(Ad.M     - '' 


If  this  disease  belongs  to  the  class  exanthamaid^ 
and  our  knowledge  of  the  disease  leads  us  to  be- 
lieve it  does,  it  is  manifestly  improper  to  prevent 
the  different  developing  changes  that  naturally 
take  place  in  that  class  of  diseases ;  so  that  all 
caustic  applications  that  destroy  the  tissues,  are 
unphilosophical,  and  will  result  in  a  far  more  seri- 
ous organic  change  of  the  tissues,  and  probably  of 
paralysis. 

Therefore,  let  the  treatment  be  principally  con- 
stitutional. The  use  of  ammonia,  or  bromide,  with 
water  or  alcohol,  may  be  used  either  in  the  form  of 
vapor  in  the  room,  or  applied  as  a  spray  to  the 
mouth  and  nose ;  or  as  a  wash  or  gargle  for  the 
throat.     The  hot  bath  is  also  of  service. 

The  vapor  of  boiling  vinegar  in  the  room,  is  also 
a  good  agent.  Let  the  air  of  the  apartment  be 
constantly  impregnated  with  this  vapor;  it  will 
destroy  the  germs  of  the  Oidium,  as  well  as  other 
contagious  agents,  and  let  the  balance  of  the  treat- 
ment be  strictly  homce()]jathic,  and  a  cure  is  suix?  to 
follow  in  almost  every  case. 

Our  article  is  already  too  long,  and  we  must 
close,  hoping  that  some  new  thoughts  have  been 
exhibited,  and  some  sound  treatment  proposed  that 
will  remove  some  of  the  great  anxiety  connected 
with  the  treatment  of  this  serious  malady. 


Department  of  Electrology  &  Neurology. 

J.  T.  Kent,  M.  D.,  Editor. 


SOME   DESULTORY  OBSERVATIONS  ON 
THE  BRAIN  AND  THE  MIND. 

BY  A.  J.  HOWE,  M.  D. 


There  is  a  naturalness  in  some  actions  which 
commends  it  to  one's  consideration.  When  a  dis- 
tressed individual  falls  upon  the  knees  and  looks 
upward,  as  if  to  the  Infinite,  for  consolation  and  help 
the  action  and  attitude  are  not  altogether  dramatic, 
but  natural,  mstinctive,  and  rational  expressions  of 
nund  and  body.  In  unconscious,  paralytic,  and 
dying  states,  man  falls  to  the  ground — he  is  sub- 
dued, humbled,  powerless  and  prostrate.  To  that 
attitude  he  consciously  inclines  when  he  feels  his 
incompetence;  and  looking  upwards  implores 
strength  and  aid  from  the  Invisible  who  ruleth 
above.  The  humble  posture  and  the  briiised  spirit 
are  in  accord  and  artistically  manifested.  There  is 
an  intimate  and  harmonious  relation  between  that 
bowed  body  and  humiliated  mind. 

A  man  confident  and  challenging  in  spirit,  as- 
sumes the  upright  attitude  and  a  pugnacious  pose. 
Self-reliance  and  an  aggressive  attitude  go  togeth- 
er. The  mental  and  the  physical  properties  of  the 
individual  blend,  or  tend  to  unity.  Duality  is  sub- 
jugated.    The  double,  dual,  or  duplicate  state  of 


an  animal  is  not  s^^iBciently  well  considered.  We 
pofiSess  two  legs  and  twin  anns — two  Iddneya,  two 
lungs,  and  two  thoracic  cavities- two  tonsils,  two 
eyes,  two  nasal  orfiaiis,  and  two  cars — and  we  have 
twin  brows.  But  these  twos  act  in  concert,  or  in  the 
same  direction.  "We  cannot  think  one  set  of  ideas 
with  one  braiu,  and  another  set  with  the  other,  but 
the  products  or  emanations  of  the  two  brains  are  as 
near  alike  as  the  secretions  of  the  parotid  glands, 
and  are  as  physical  in  oiigin.  The  two  sides  of 
the  body  are  not  exactly  alike,  but  they  are  typi- 
cal, representative,  and  counterpart. 

If  the  right  cerebi*uni  l)e  deprived  of  blood 
by  embolism  of  the  right  internal  carotid, 
thinking  still  goes  on  m  that  pail:  of  the  brain, 
l)ccau8e  the  basilar  artery  still  beai"s  blood  to 
both  brains ;  but  embolism  of  the  loft  internal 
cai'otid,  and  jilugging  of  the  basilar  will  rob 
that  side — the  k-ft — of  nutritions  supplies  and 
mind-making  material.  However,  intelligence  will 
still  Ik-  fvolvcfi  from  tlie  other  and  Kn|iplied 
brain,  hut  with  conditional  im|)ainneut,  .\  man 
with  one  ear  bears  well,  but  not  as  well  as  he  would 
if  he  had  two  unimpaired  ears  ;  and  so  witli  sight 
and  smell.  Double  organs  are  luxuries,  but  not 
necessities  for  functional  existence.  The  higher 
radiates  first  exhibit  duality  in  a  single  organism. 
The  sponge  and  the  fresh  water  polyp  have  not 
twin  sides,  but  lli  ■  octopus  has  a  pair  of  eyes,  and 
other  lateral  eharaeteristics.  The  lobster  has  as 
clearly  two  halves  to  its  body  as  a  horse. 

A  feature  of  our  organization,  is  that  the  intelli- 


Till!!  noumopArmc  cormtsn.  89 

gence  which  comes  from  om*  brain,  does  not  aid  in 
the  intelligently  conducted  functions  of  our  bodies. 
In  the  mending  of  a  broken  femur  there  is  an  ex- 
hibition of  purposive  actions,  or  of  intelligent  oper- 
ations ;  but  mind  has  nothing  to  do  with  these  wise 
movements.  They  seem  to  be  earned  on  by  intel- 
ligences inherent  in  living  matter — the  intelligen- 
ces of  vital  activities,  and  are  possibly  related  to 
the  intelligent  forces  of  the  inorganic  world.  They 
may  constitute  the  essential  and  substantial  part 
of  miiversal  intelligence — the  Creator. 

If  we  place  our  hands  upon  two  different  objects, 
we  appreciate  two  sensations  at  the  same  time,  and 
if  we  have  ten  varying  objects  so  arranged  that 
each  finger  may  touch  one  at  the  same  instant,  we 
have  sufficient  mental  scope  to  instantly  imderstand 
the  multiple  impressions,  and  without  consecutive 
thought.  Appreciation  through  our  several  senses 
is  single  and  comprehensive,  yet  the  seat  of  this  is 
in  hemispheres  made  one  through  commissures. 

It  is  a  singular  fact  that  a  hawk's  beak,  wings, 
and  talons  correspond  with  the  bird's  desires  and 
digestive  powei'S.  The  evolutionist  would  say 
that  the  hawk's  bram — or  the  ^mind  coming  from 
it — fashioned  the  curved  beak  and  sharp  claws ; 
and  the  advocate  of  the  Mosaic  record  would  say 
that  God  created  the  hawk  in  the  "beginning"  just 
as  it  is  at  present,  adapting  brain  to  stomach,  and 
beak  to  talons,  all  quaUties  making  a  harmonious 
whole. 

Ancient  philosophers  queried  whether  man's  In- 
tellect was    superior  on     accomit   of  his   handS;, 


so  fttti  HOMtKotiArmc  OOtffltKtt. 

ol'  wlietlK'i"  lie  liild  hands  on  account  of  liis  eupenoi' 
intflk'ct.  But  the  query  awakens  no  new  thoughts. 
The  (piestion  would  awaken  clearer  suggestions  if 
it  had  asked  if  a  cat's  foot  andhrain  wei-e  not  parts 
of  one  machine,  or  organism.  The  folhie  brain, 
without  the  feline  paw.  would  be  an  illogical  anom- 
aly. 

The  turtle  possesses  an  organization  as  hanuo- 
nious  in  its  paite  as  that  of  a  rabbit,  or  an  ante- 
lope. There  is  a  harmony  of  proportion  in  nature. 
The  fossil  scale  of  a  ganoid  shadows  the  teeth. 
Jaws,  fins  and  general  make-up  of  the  fi.sh ;  the 
tooth  of  the  fossil  shark  indicates  the  shape  of  tJie 
uiaxillaries,  and  the  unequal  division  of  the  tail. 
In  fact  each  isolated  part  outlines  the  configura- 
tion of  the  entu-e  or'ganisui. 

It  is  said  Leonardo  da  Vinci  trained  his  hands  to 
do  different  kinds  of  work  at  the  same  time,  in  or- 
der that  he  might  acconijilish  niork  work.  He 
schooled^his  right  hand  to  handle  the  brash,  and 
his  left  to  use  the  pen  ;  and  the  story  goes  that  he 
could  paint  and  wnte  at  the  same  tune.  It  is  certain 
that  he  wTote  from  the  inght-hand  side  of  the 
page  to  the  left,  after  the  mannei'  of  the  oiientals. 
His  writings  cannot  be  read  without  the  aid  of  a 
mirror,  or  without  looking  at  the  back  of  the  man- 
uscript agamst  the  hght. 

It  is  an  interesting  fact  that  a  pei-eon  who  is  af- 
fected with  aphasia  (speechlessness),  can  coninui- 
nicate  ideas  by  iriaimal  and  other  signs,  but  has  so 
far  lost  the  memory  of  words  that  a  sentence  can- 

t  l>e  constructed.     From  what  is  known  thi-ough 


¥tti!!  noaaoPA'mtc  MtmBH.         01 


it  i 


dissections,  after  cerebral  diseases  and  injuries  that 
affected  speech,  it  would  seem  that  vocal  volubil- 
ity is  located  m  a  coil  of  gi'ay  brain-substance,  sit- 
uated on  a  level  with  the  top  of  the  orbit,  and  in 
the  region  of  what  is  popularly  called  the  temple. 
If  a  certain  portion  of  a  particular  convolution  in 
that  part  of  the  cerebrum  be  lacerated  or  disor- 
dered, language  or  vocal  speech  is  lost.  This,  as 
far  as  it  goes,  indicates  that  different  parts  of  the 
brain  have  special  functions. 

When  several  regions  are  definitely  imderstood, 
others  may  be  learned  infercntially,  or  in  the  way 
other  problems  are  solved.  One  point  helps  to  dis- 
cover another,  is  accepted  of  every  puzzle.  The 
l)rain  is  not  the  mysteiy  it  w;a8  twenty-five  years 
ago,  and  within  the  next  twenty-five  years  its  anal- 
ysis will  be  quite  complete.  Charcot  and  Ferrier 
have  done  more  than  Rolando  and  Flourens.  Even 
the  somewhat  fantastic  notions  of  Gall  and  Spurtz-' 
heim  have  contributed  no  insignificant  fact  in  the 
progress  made. 


TREATMENT  OF  SCIATICA. 


For  many  yeai*s  galvanism  has  been  lauded  as 
a  remedial  measure  hi  sciatica.  It  has  often  ac- 
complished very  much  in  the  way  of  permanent 
good,  and   very  often  the   disease  has  returned  or 


92 


THE  MOMtMofAttllC  COtmiEH. 


attacked  some  distant  locality  and  bi-ought  the 
i-emedy  into  disrepute.  No  patient  sbonM  lie  trea- 
ted by  galvanism  withont  resorting  to  the  proper 
(constitutional  remedy  in  eonneetiun  with  galvan- 
ism. However,  a  patient  may  present  no  constitu- 
tional disorder  for  the  time,  d^l^ing  hie  woi-st  suf- 
fering, as  the  whole  systemic  disease  has  located 
itself  within  the  sciatic  nerve  and  its  investing 
sheath.  The  proper  constitutional  remedy  cannot 
at  all  times  be  selected ;  hut  if  galvanism  be  ap- 
plied the  immediate  localization  of  the  disease  %vill 
be  disnipted  and  subjective  symptoms  will  appear 
leading  to  the  proper  constitutional  ti-eatment. 
This  is  nioi-e  especially  tnie  when  the  sciatica  has 
become  localized  from  a  primary  constitutional 
disorder. 

Galvanism,  when  pmpevly  applied,  generally  re- 
lieves the  suffering,  anil  when  the  disease  is  purely 
'a  local  one,  the  relief  gained  fi'om  day  to  day  will 
he  pemianent.  The  disease  may  he  considered  a 
local  one  when  no  new  symptoms  appear  after  a 
few  applications  of  the  galvanic  current.  The 
proper  etjiistitutional  remedy  should  be  the  one  that 
fits  the  case,  and  ]iot  an  agent  recommended  to 
cure  sciatica.  We  have  cured  veiy  severe  eases  of 
sciatica  with  ten  applications  of  the  constant  cur- 
rent, used  daily  ;  and  again,  twenty  have  been  re- 
quired. It  is  usual  to  expect  relief  from  the  first 
application,  but  the  absence  of  relief  at  the  first 
sitting  is  no  evidence  that  galvanism  is  not  cura- 
tive. The  most  distressed  suffering  ever  witnessed 
was  caused  by  the  first  application  of  the  constant 


THE    HOxMCKOPATHIC    COUKIER.  93 


current  yi  sciatica.  But  after  the  first  day  of  pain 
the  patient  speedily  hegan  to  improve.  The  im- 
provement was  so  rapid,  that  in  one  week  he  con- 
sented to  another  sitting,  which  was  even  agreeable 
during  its  entire  course. 


CLINICAL    CASES    OF    THE   HOMCEO 
PATHIC  MEDICAL   COLLEGE 
OF  MISSOURI. 

SERVICE  OF  J.  TYLER  KEXT,  M.   I). 


[  Reported  by  E.  B.  Thomas,  Student.] 

Case  1.  Mr.  D.,  aged  68 ;  fii'st  visit,  Nov.  12  ; 
heavy  set,  weighs  about  170  pounds ;  gi'ay  hair, 
stoop  shouldered  ;  of  previous  active  habits  ;  came 
to  the  cUnic  well  muffled  about  the  face,  head  and 
neck,  and  bearing  marks  of  inattention  to  person ; 
had  epileptic  form  of  convulsions  for  a  number  of 
years,  always  falling  backwards ;  attacks  coming 
on  without  warning ;  head  badly  biniised  and  swol- 
len from  falling  in  the  last  attack ;  never  had  a  fit 
in  the  house;  occur  always  in  the  open  air;  don't 
go  to  sleep  after  the  fit ;  they  occur  two  or  three 
times  a  week ;  has  been  ha^ang  these  attacks  two 
or  three  years,  accompanied  with  loss  of  conscious- 
ness ;  occasionally  bites  his  tongue  and  froths  at  the 
mouth,  accompanied  with  loss  of  consciousness ; 
hot  feet  and  head ;  burning  sensation,  as  if  some 
small  thing  was  creeping  in  his  muscles,  causing 


94 


Till";    EIOM(EOPATH[r    COURIKH. 


psiii.  llaB  attended  the  elinit'  of  the  H(mne(i|iathu- 
College  (if  Physicians  and  Surgeons  fur  some 
months,  withont  any  improvement. 

Sulphnr.  3(>th.  was  given,  and  continued  for  two 
weeks,  dunng  which  time  he  had  only  one  attack, 
and  that  in  the  house,  which  lasted  ten  minutes : 
he  remained  conscious  all  the  time.  He  continued 
on  sulphnr,  200,  for  six  weeks,  improving  all  the 
time.  Home  of  his  previous  symptoms  retunied  ; 
he  was  put  on  cal..  2(M>,  under  which  he  has  con- 
stantly improved,  and  is  fast  regaining  his  health  ; 
hut  one  fit  occurring  since  he  has  heen  under 
treatment. 

Cane  2.  A  young  marned  woman,  some  25 
yeara  of  age,  applied  to  us  for  titatment.  She 
c<)mi)lained  of  great  pain  in  the  left  ovaiy,  and 
there  was  great  pain  on  pi-essure.  dai-tiug  back 
through  the  iliiun ;  and  there  was  a  dragging 
down  pain  in  the  pelvis.  She  complained  of  a  sore 
pain  in  the  vagina,  prohibiting  intercourse.  There 
was  a  constant  burning,  voluptuous  pain,  in  the 
vagina,  and  about  the  labia  and  nions  veneris,  of- 
ten accompanied  with  piimtus.  She  was  an- 
noyed by  nightly  venereal  orgasms  and  erotic 
dreams ;  the  mensti-nal  discharges  were  jtrofuse, 
too  soon,  and  lasting  too  long.  There  was  a  pro- 
fuse leueoirhiea  dvmng  the  interim  ;  the  discharge 
excoiiated  her  genitals  and  thighs.  Her  erotic  ex- 
altation amounted  almost  tt>  a  nympluiniania ;  she 
suffered  from  smarting  hi  the  urethra,  and  her 
mine  dribbled.  She  had  suffered  from  three  abor- 
tions ;  slie  had  been  under  medical  tretttraent  sev- 


THE    HOM(EOPATIlIC    COUBIER.  *  95 


eral  years,  for  this  most  troublesome  disease,  and 
was  cured  in  one  month  by  Thuya.   2  x. 

Case  3.  Mrs.  H. ;  has  been  a  constant  sufferer 
for  20  years,  with  a  '"  sour  stomach"  (gastric  neu- 
rosis), and  symptoms  something  as  follows:  Du- 
ring bright  pleasant  weather,  she  has  beeu  moody 
and  even  disposed  to  melancholy.  In  stormy, 
wet,  cloudy  days,  she  has  felt  a  perfect  relief,  and 
was  light-spirited,  talkative,  and  free  from  all  sad- 
ness ;  always  better  in  the  open  air ;  coldness  in 
the  dorsal  region,  with  weakness  in  the  back,  about 
the  lumbar  region.  Feels  better  after  eating; 
can't  eat  fats  or  acids ;  lives  on  lean  meats ;  she 
has  almost  constant  "' growling  headaches"  ;  can- 
not bear  any  pressure  on  the  head;  even  the 
weight  of  a  hat  annoys  her.  Her  head  aches  when 
she  has  been  up  a  few  hours,  and  continues  to 
grow  worse  during  the  forenoon,  and  when  the 
sun  goes  down  she  is  free  from  pain  in  the  head. 
She  has  for  20  years  suffered  with  som*  einictations, 
beginning  three  or  four  hours  after  every  meal, 
lasting  until  she  has  eaten  a*gain.  She  is  always 
worse  when  the  stomach  is  empty.  There  has  been 
a  constant  smai*ting  and  bmiiing  in  the  stomach, 
extending  up  the  oesophagus,  with  heart-burn  and 
sometimes  waterbrash  ;  wandering  neuralgic  pains 
have  often  been  present. 

Xitric  acid,  3  x,  cured  this  case  ui  three  days. 
She  continued  the  medicine  but  one  week.  She 
has  been  well  seven  months,  and  can  eat  any  kind 
of  food  desired. 

Case  4*     Mrs.  (j.,  from  Memphis,   came  here 


m 


THK    JIOMQ':OPATIII(_' 


for  treatment ;  aged  23  ;  the  mother  of  two  healthy 
children ;  short,  and  presents  a  well  nounshed 
body  ;  has  never  been  sifk  and  knows  of  no  [jains 
or  aches ;  her  bodily  health  has  always  been  ex- 
tremely good  ;  objectively  tlieiv  ai'e  facial  lines  de- 
noting nil-ntal  disti'css,  the  natnre  of  which  it  seemed 
hard  tuobtaui.  The  result  of  a  lengtliy  examination 
revealed  the  following:  She  has  snffered  since 
puberty  with  a  peculiar  mental  anguish,  somewhat 
changeable  in  character ;  her  mind  is  absorbed  by- 
one  object,  which  nhe  dwells  upon  for  days  and 
weeks ;  sometimes  it  is  one  thing,  and  sometimes 
another  ;  can't  rid  herself  of  it ;  it  annoys  her  to 
an  extent  that  prevents  sleep.  It  is  of  a  philosoph- 
ic nature  in  character,  generally,  and  is  of  first 
cause.  She  is  diverted  from  it  only  at  shoit  pei'i- 
ods.  by  the  presence  of  strangers  or  fiiends ;  the 
))re8enee  of  husband  or  mother  is  no  i-cstraint ;  her 
efforts  to  rid  hei-self  of  the  subject  [wssessliig  her 
mind,  has  resulted  in  a  mental  anguish  that  makes 
lier  life  miserable. 

Sometimes  it  is  a  knife,  sometimes  it  is  a  piece 
of  furnituiv.  that  is  the  cause  of  her  worriment. 
The  perplexing  pi-oblem  with  her,  is — "Who  made 
the  knifeV"  Answer,  man.  "Who  made  man?" 
(rod.  "Whomade  God,  etc.?"  and  the  same  form 
of  questioning  recui-s  day  after  day.  for  weeks  and 
months,  during  her  wakeful  houi's.  Her  present 
worriment  is  about  the  sun.  moon,  light,  nature 
and  (iod — and  who  made  them,  and  who  made 
(iod.  She  has  raved  in  despair  at  times  from  be- 
ing unable  to  solve  these  tilings,  and  broken  fumiT 


ture  and  looking-glasses  in  her  frenzy.  She  dj-eads 
behig  alone,  and  craves  company,  although  in  her 
family  she  scolds  the  children  and  treats  them  in- 
differently. She  fears  she  may  lose  her  mind  at 
times,  or  do  them  harm,  and  is  at  all  times  capable 
of  reasoning  on  her  ow]i  condition.  She  has  been 
treated  for  hysteria,  and  told  to  stop  thinking  on 
snob  subjects,  and  such  effort  on  her  part  has  gen- 
erally reBulted  in  a  mental  excitement  bordenngon 
despair.  The  more  she  sought  to  lone  herself  in 
household  duties,  the  higher  her  mental  excitement 
rose.  The  general  philosophy  of  natm-e,  and  the 
laws  of  nature,  have  become  a  horror;  she  was 
afraid  to  think. 

Treatment.  She  wa-s  adviaed  not  to  resist  think- 
ing, hut  to  think  on  anythmg  she  pleased,  as  long 
as  she  pleased,  and  as  often  as  she  pleased ;  was  told 
she  never  could  harm  her  family — could  never  get 
insane  with  all  her  thinking  on  that  which  ti-onbled 
her  most.  Sniphur,  6th,  one  dose  a  day,  was  pre- 
sciibcd,  then  blanks.  There  were  no  symptoms  of 
her  malady  for  six  weeks,  when  signs  of  its  return 
appeared.  She  took  sulphur.  200,  one  dose,  and 
ie  now  well  and  happy.  She  had  been  under  treat- 
ment for  thirteen  years  constantly,  and  smilingly 
remarked  that  her  friends  South  would  laugh  at  her 
for  being  cured  by  a  Homoeopathist,  she  having 
taken  no  homoeopathic  treatment  up  to  this  time. 

Casp  3.  Mrs.  B. ;  was  advised  to  visit  us,  by 
Mr.  H..  of  Cliicago.  Had  sick  headache,  and  had 
been  medicated  for  it  a  long  period  ;  also,  a  troub- 
lesome cough,  pai-ticularly  when  getting    wann    in 


98        THE  HOMOQOPATHIC  COURIER. 


bed ;  has  empty  feeling  in  pit  of  the  stomach,  with 
constipation ;  could  not  at  anytime  completely 
evacuate  the  rectum,  and  there  was  a  weight  as  of 
something  remaining  after  stool.  Also  a  sense 
of  weight  in  the  uterine  region,  and  a  pressing  down 
as  if  the  uterus  might  escape  from  the  ostium  va- 
ginsB ;  has  often  prepared  herself  with  a  napkin  to 
guard  this  opening,  so  great  was  the  fear  of  pro- 
trusion ;  she  had  sometimes  crossed  the  limbs  for  the 
same  purpose. 

The  character  of  the  sick  headache  was  not  fur- 
ther investigated,  and  the  patient  was  sent  home 
with  sepia,  12th.  She  is  now  entirely  free  from 
all  her  troubles — a  healthy  woman. 


PSYCOLOGICAL  SCIENCE  IN  THE  CURRICU- 
LUM. 

BY    A.  WILDEK,    M.    D. 


The  addition  of  psycology  tt)  the  category  of  sciences, 
in  the  medical  curricuhmi,  is  a  welcome  innovation  upon 
an  old  precedent.  It  has  long  been  felt  by  others  than 
the  Scottish  King,  in  the  drama,  that  it  was  the  province) 
of  the  physician  to 

'*  Minister  to  :i  luiiul  disoasM; 
Pluck  from  tho  memory  a  rooted  sjorrow ; 
And  with  some  sweet,  oblivions  antidote 
Cleanse  the  stuff'd  boj»om  of  that  perilous  Mtn|!f 
Wluch  weighs  upon  the  heart/* 


THE   HOMOQOPATHIC   COUBIER,  99 


Several  institutions  have,  therefore,  placed  the  name 
of  the  intricate  science  in  their  announcements,  and  as- 
signed it  to  a  department  of  pathology,  where  it  was  con- 
sidered as  appropriately  belonging.  The  various  neuro- 
ses and  mental  aberrations  have  thus  been  treated  as 
though  they  included  what  was  known  concerning  psyco- 
logical  medicine.  It  is  more  or  less  unfortunate  as  tend- 
ing to  mislead.  That  insanity  in  its  various  phases,  as 
well  as  other  "  diseases  of  the  nervous  system,"  should 
be  regarded  as  pathological  in  a  mental  as  well  as  corpo- 
ral sense,  I  am  not  disposed  to  question.  The  disor- 
dered mind  and  rooted  sorrow,  trouble  of  brain  and 
weight  upon  the  heart,  are  all  psychical  ailments,  and  must 
be  treated  as  such,  in  order  to  be  remedied.  But  the 
science  which  regards  solely  or  chiefly  these  neuroses  and 
aberrations,  and  contemplates  them  principally  from  the 
physical  side,  is  psychological  only  according  to  an  in- 
verse view.  It  is  like  studying  life  from  dry  bones  and 
corpses,  and  health  from  the  bloated  and  ulcerated 
^vretches  that  people  a  lazar-house.  The  higher  and. 
more  accurate  knowledge,  however  well  it  may  be  illus- 
trated by  such  contrasts,  may  not  thus  be  obtained. 

A  mentul,  if  not  moral  obliquity  of  vision  is  occasioned 
bv  such  methods  of  exploration.  We  note  analogous  ejc- 
fimples  in  other  vocations,  The  average  lawyer  seems  to 
consider  everybody  a  knave,  and  physicians  often  think 
and  speak  of  health  as  always  being  imperfect..  A  pol- 
iceman looks  upon  every  man  as  deserving  to  be  arr 
rested  ;  and  many  persons  deny  the  existence  of  virtue, 
integrity,  or  probity  in  man  or  woman.  *'A11  men  are 
liars,"  cried  a  Hebrew  poet,  in  his  haste,  taking  the  in- 
verted view  of  the  universe ;  but  the  judgment  of  such 
critics  is  certain  to  react  upon  themselves.  A  man  or 
woman  who  steadily  contemplates  a  disagreeable  object, 
or  cgni^iderQ  ai^  objept  in  a  disagreeable  lijght,  is  ipevita^ 


100       ^         THE   HOMtEOPATHIC  COURIER. 

bly  certain  to  be  or  become  subatantially  of  a  like  charac- 
ter. If.  as  the  apostle  Paul  declares,  *'  we  all.wltli  open 
face,  beholding  as  in  a  glass  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  are 
changed  into  the  same  image,  fram  one  gi-adation  to  an- 
other"— then  conversely,  by  contemplating  what  is  ill, 
we  will  undergo  like  transformation  into  the  same,  which 
can  but  bo  poorly  compensated  by  any  extraordinary 
knowledge  or  astuteness  which  chances  to  be  thus  ac- 
quired. 

The  plane  of  true  psycological  science  is  on  a  higher 
altitude.  It  is  a  deeper  learning  for  us  to  know  man, 
from  his  motives,  than  from  the  incidents  and  phenomena 
of  his  existence.  Physiology,  us  it  is  now  regarded,  the 
science  of  organs  and  functions,  can  only  approach  this 
department  of  knowledge.  It  is  an  error  to  suppose  that 
the  mind  is  only  the  outcome  and  product  of  the  corpo- 
real or  cerebral  structure.  A  human  being  is  no  more 
the  aggregate  of  the  jihysical  organism,  than  a  govern- 
ment is  the  sum  of  the  districts  and  territories  which  it 
controls.  It  serves  to  maintain  social  and  political  rela- 
tions, but  is  discreet  in  character  and  constitution. 

The  subordination  of  the  whole  body  to  the  nervous 
system,  is  a  recognized  fact.  The  digestive,  circulatory, 
secernent  and  respiratory  apparatus  are  its  servitoi-s.  It 
concentrates  all  the  energy  which  is  ministered  from 
without,  for  the  puriiosc-  of  physical  development.  Tliis 
is  the  history  of  every  individual.  All  the  way  from 
germ  and  embiyo  to  infant,  adolescent  and  mature  adult, 
there  is  a  constant  discarding  of  former  conditions  for 
those  more  perfect.  It  is  indeed,  "first  the  blade,  then 
the  ear.  and  then  the  full  corn  in  the  ear."  At  the  lat- 
ter point,  ■'  when  that  which  is  perfect  is  come,  that 
which  is  in  part  shall  be  done  away."  The  rejection  of 
straw  and  chaff  does  not  imply  the  destruction  of  the 
yraiu  itself-     They  perish  because    they    cannot    partici- 


I 

fUt  liOMCfiOPATinC  COURIER.  101 

pate  in  the  higher  development.  The  grain  subsists 
without  them.  The  house  stands  when  the  scaffolding  is 
withdrawn,  which  was  once  necessary.  So  the  human 
soul,  having  survived  the  various  changes  of  the  body, 
continues  to  exist  when  the  corporal  structure  is  entirely 
removed.  The  gradual  decline  of  the  menta,l  faculties 
involves  no  wasting  away  of  the  physical  entity.  The 
workman  may  not  be  able  to  display  his  wonted  skill 
when  his  tools  become  blunted  and  old ;  but  the  skill  it- 
self  remains.  When  the  organs  of  the  body  which  have 
performed  their  functions,  perish,  a  blank  oblivion  will 
not  occur  to  crown  their  work.  The  result  of  everv 
evolution  has  been  a  higher  degree  of  completeness ; 
and  such  will  be  the  future  historv  of  the  human  soul. 

Psycological  science  accordingly  relates  in  a  superior 
degree  to  the  facts  and  phenomena  of  the  interior  man, 
including  the  neiTous  system  and  its  accidents,  as  subor- 
dinate and  ministerial.  It  brings  into  its  province  the 
various  half-scienc^es  which  have  not  yet  obtained  recog- 
nition at  the  hand  of  reputed  savanfA,  assuming  to  be 
umpinvs  of  what  may  and  what  may  not  be  received  and 
acknowledged,  however  well  understood  by  philosophers 
and  exjjlorcrjs  in  the  world  of  causes.  We  may  not  law- 
fully consent  to  the  phicing  of  dogma  above  doctrine,  of 
argumentation  above  intuition.  The  opinionable  is  to 
the  knowable  as  the  image  to  the  reality. 

Psychical  science  thus  takes  its  proper  place  above 
those  departments  of  knowledge  that  are  principally 
founded  upon  observations  of  phenomena  and  accidents. 
It  relates  to  the  primary  or  interior  qualities,  which  con- 
stitute the  soul  or  self-hood  of  the  human  being.  We 
should  not  be  startled  at  learning  that  such  endowTnents 
as  goodness,  virtue,  fortitude,  were  real  entities  from 
which  the  substance  of  life  was  evolved.*  Nor  should  we 
be  surprised  to  know  that  morality  was   a  principal  con- 


103  THE   HOMOCOPATIIIC   COUBIER. 

stituent  of  vitality.  Up  to  such  heights  our  subject  car- 
ries us.  I»  the  aimlogy  of  nature,  thsit  which  is  evolved 
must  needs  be  first  involved ;  and  so  the  mind  outcoui- 
ing  from  the  iiervoiis  structure  of  tlie  body,  is  iit  the 
same  time  the  emanation  of  the  Supreme  Good. 

Id  its  rehitions  to  tlie  physical  structure,  it  behooves  us 
to  consider  it  more  diligently.  We  perceive  our  health, 
muscular  energy,  vigor  of  thought,  even  the  very  glands 
and  associated  organs  to  be  controlled  by  the  emotions, 
as  welt  as  by  the  vigorous  exertion  of  will.  Here  is 
force  infiuitely  superior  to  the  potential  energy  treated 
of  in  our  books.  Faith  invigOTates  the  whole  being ; 
love  and  hope  empower  us  to  achieve  incredible  exploits  ; 
hate  and  anger  will  poison  the  blood  and  derange  the  in- 
tellect ;  sudden  paroxysms  of  giief  move  us  to  tears ; 
fear  and  distrust  paralyse  the  functions  or  make  them 
act  abnormally.  Phj'siology,  and  even  its  auxiliary, 
pathological  si-icnee,  cannot  account  for  these  phenom- 
ena. They  are  nearer  allied  to  the  things  in  heaven  and 
earth,  which  are  not  dreamed  of  in  a  sensuous  philosophy. 
They  pertain  to  the  "higher  law."  But  we  can  per- 
ceive that  the  numerous  derangements  characterized  as 
nervous,  are  beyond  int<?lligcnt  comprehension,  except 
these  matters  are  well  understood.  It  is  vitally  import- 
ant nt  the  same  time  to  he  conversant  ami  familiar  with 
what  has  been  noted  and  elucidated  by  the  various  spe- 
cialists in  science.  There  is  no  real  knowledge  of  which 
we  can  afford  to  lie  ignorant.  We'  should  understsuid 
about  lesions  and  other  malversations ;  nothing  pertain- 
ing to  the  human  structure  may  be  neglected  without 
loss  and  detrimcnl.  I  would  not  bale  a  line  of  technical 
knowledge.  What  1  plead  for  is  the  existence  of  an  in- 
terior and  higher  entity,  the  ruler  and  gubernator  of  the 
body,  capable  of  modifying  and  controlling  the  phys- 
ical deraagementa.     It  may  act  by  the  application  of  the 


THE  HOMCBOPATHIC  COUMeH.  103 


will,  aided  or  not  aided  as  the  case  may  be,   by   appro* 
priate  auxiliaries  to  obviate  and  remedy  them. 

Cherishing  these  sentiments,  it  seems  eminently  proper, 
to  give  its  appropriate  place  in  our  curriculum  to  that 
department  of  science  which  treats  of  the  various  quali- 
ties and  characteristics  of  our  nature  that  distinguish  U9 
from  other  living  beings,  and  constitute  the  essentials  of 
our  humanity. — Medical  Tribune. 


NERVE  INFLUENCE  ON  THE  TISSUES. 


Since  the  year  1869,  Dr.  Brown-Seciuard  has  noted  the 
power  possessed  by  the  central  nen'ous  system,  under 
the  influence  of  certain  irritations,  to  arrest  the  nutrition 
in  different  tissues  and  orj^ans.  The  maximum  arrest  of 
the  interchange  between  the  tissue  and  the  blood  is  pro- 
duced by  a  puncture  near  the  point  of  the  calamus  scrip- 
torius,  but  it  i*<  i\\m)  (\iuse^l  by  stimulation  of  other  paits 
of  the  cerebro-spinal  center,  and  even  of  the  sensory 
nerves.  After  fatal  injuries,  which  cause  death  by  sud- 
den arrest  of  these  interchanges,  and  arrest  of  the 
rei^iratory  and  cardiac  movements,  there  are  no  con- 
vulsions, the  blood  in  the  veins  is  red,  the  temper- 
ature of  the  body  rapidly  falls ;  the  functions  of  the 
spinal  cord,  of  the  nerves,  and  of  the  muscles  are  main- 
tained for  a  long  time,  and  cadaveric  rigidity  and  putre- 
faction set  in  late. 

He  hiis  latelv  found  that  the  medulla  oblonirata  and 
spinal  cord  possess  so  powerful  an  influence  on  the  inter- 
chano^es  of  material  of  the  bodv,  that  the  arrest  of  these 
can  be  produced  by   merely   flexing  suddenly  the   head 


THE    HOMfEOPATHrC   COCTtfEti. 


upon  the  thorax.  Two  effects  can  theu  be  observed — 
(1)  the  blood  in  the  veius,  previously  dark,  becomes  al- 
most immediately  bright  red  ;  (2)  the  tempemture  of  the 
animal  falls.  In  addition,  considerable  apncea  comes  on. 
The  apnoea  would  cause  the  blood  in  both  arteries  and 
veins  to  become  darker,  but  in  spite  of  this  influence  the 
blood,  even  in  the  veins,  becomes  lighter.  Dr.  Brown- 
Sequard  has  often  observed  this  phenomenon  in  cases  of 
apnoea,  with  or  without  cardiac  syncope,  produced  by 
irritation  of  the  cerebro-spinal  center  of  the  pneumogas- 
tric  nerve,  or  of  the  ganglia  of  the  abdominal  sympa- 
thetic 

It  may  be  asked,  however,  whether  the  effect  of  the 
injury  to  the  medulla,  on  the  color  of  the  blood,  is  not 
duo  to  the  stimulation  of  the  alleged  vaso-dilator  nerves. 
The  following  observation  disproves  the  hj-pothesis. 
When  there  is  an  arrest  of  the  interchange  of  material 
between  the  blood  and  the  tissues,  the  vessels,  instead  of 
being  dilated,  present  a  notable  diminution  of  caliber. 
Dr.  Brown-Sequard  found  that  in  an  animal  in  which  the 
dorsal  spinal  cord  had  been  divided,  irritation  of  the  me- 
dulla and  spinal  cord,  such  as  will  cause  the  effects  above 
described,  produces  these  everywhere,  except  in  the  parbi 
which  receive  their  nerves  from  the  portion  of  the  spinal 
cord  which  is  separated  from  the  brain.  Hence  it  is  cer- 
tain that  the  effects  are  produced  through  the  agency  of 
the  nerves  coming  fi-oni  the  medulla  or  cord,  and  acting 
upon  the  tissues. — E.  Med.  Journal,   Cin. 


DEPARTMENT  OF  OBSTETRICS, 

F 

W.  C.  Richardson,  M.  D.,  Editor. 


UTERINE  CATARRH. 

BY  L.  8.  ORDWAY,  M.  D.,  HOT  SPRINGS,  ARK. 


Dear  ' '  Courier  ' ' : 

Though  my  finst  appearance  in  your  cqlumns,  I 
believe  I  am  not  an  entire  stranger  to  all  yom* 
readers. 

In  a  residence  of  five  years  (being  in  active 
practice  all  the  time) ,  I  have  had  experience  ^th 
a  large  variety  of  cases,  and  been  able  to  note  the 
action  of  these  waters,  combined  more  or  less  with 
homoeopathic  treatment.  By  your  request,  T  will, 
from  time  to  time  write  up  different  medical  points 
as  I  see  them,  and  report  some  cases  of  interest. 

I  will  confine  this  article  to  a  general  review  of 
one  class  of  patients,  yiz.^a  large  number  of  ladies 
who  seek  this  resort  for  troubles  peculiar  to  their 
sex.  I  am  safe  m  saying  that  a  large  majority  of 
these  patients  are  troubled  with  catarrh  of  the 
uterus,  and  the  sun'ounding  organs  and  tissues. 
Hypertrophy  and  induration  being  present  in  a 
greater  or  less  degree,  in  all  cases  so  affected. 

Many  of  these  cases  have  been  shamefully 
abused  by  the  self-styled  '*  Regulars,"  before 
coming  here,  and  some  after   coming  here  (before 


106  THE   HOMfEOPATHIO  COtrRtRR. 

changing  practice),  being  frequently  diagnosed  as 
ulceration — the  discharge  (wliieh  at  alj  times  is 
great),  being  mistaken  for  an  ulcer,  and  the  pa^ 
tient  subjected  to  being  cauterized  with  nitrate  of 
silver,  eveiy  application  "  adding  fuel  to  tlic  fire," 
ueeessarily  making  worse  what  they  pretend  to  be 
<iiu-ing,  adding  bodily  injurj-  to  bodily  pain. 

I  wish  to  add  right  here  one  word  to  what  Prof. 
M.  M.  Eaton,  of  Cincinnati,  and  others,  have  aaid 
against  the  abitse  of  the  speculum  by  the  wholesale 
use  of  it  in  every  ease  of  female  trouble  that  comes 
up  for  treatment.  Like  others  who  have  wiitten 
on  this  point.  I  do  not  condemn  the  speculum,  but 
its  ahus>',.  In  many  eases,  especially  of  the  class 
mentioned  above,  a  properly  educated  finger  cai-e- 
fully  applied,  will  not  only  give  the  condition  of 
the  08,  but  the  size  and  condition  of  the  body  of  the 
uterus  itself.  Thus  gi\Tng  ten  times  the  amount 
of  information  possible  through  the  specuhnu  ;  and 
the  information  be  gained,  and  one  of  the  patient'H 
greatest  objections  to  an  examination  put  out  of 
the  way. 

It  may  be  proper  for  me  to  say  here,  that  iiaving 
treated  such  cases  before  coming  here,  as  well  as 
here,  I  am  prcpai-ed  to  say  that  bathing  and  local 
treatment  by  the  hot  douche,  together  with  the 
same  means  desirable  for  such  cases  elsewhere,  will 
not  only  hasten  a  cure,  but  make  permanent  what 
(in  many  cases  at  home)  is  only  a  i-elief  for  a  few 
months.  Such  cases  as  are  a  constant  source  of 
annoyance  to  the  general  practitioner,  always  re- 
tximiug  in  a  few  weeks,  or  at  most  months,  after 


THE    HOMCEOPATHIC  COimiEK. 


107 


being  discharged  eured.  (?)  I  have  learned  since 
coming  here  to  regard  such  cases  as  fed  by  a  dys- 
crasy  :  which  condition  of  the  blood  bemg  elimina- 
ted heiv,  the  patients  get  permanently  well. 

I  find  that  of  these  cases  of  catarrh  of  the  uterus, 
some  will,  by  judicious  use  of  the  hot  water,  by 
batluiig,  and  if  necessary,  local  douche,  recover 
\vith  astonishing  rapicUty  without  other  ti-eatment. 
Othei's  need  the  assistance  of  properly  chosen  rera- 
edicH.  and  still  othera  need  some  local  ti'eatment, 
pi*omiiieiit  among  which  I  find  the  most  frequently 
called  for,  an  application  of  the  appropriate  glycer- 
ole  on  a  tampon  of  cotton,  introduced  without  a 
speculum — that  instnmient  being  right  in  the  way  ; 
as  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten  the  tampon  should  be 
placed  in  Douglass  cul  de  sac,  which  is  occupied  by 
the  speculum  or  obliterated  by  its  dilation. 


A  Cnm.     Mre, ,  of  St.  Louis,  who  appeared 

to  be  in  perfect  health,  but  who  had  suffered  from 
"weight  and  beaiing  down  pains"  in  the  lower 
part  of  the  abdomen,  combined  with  severe  depress- 
ion of  spirits — amounting  at  times  to  intense  ago- 
ny— at  the  time  of  the  menses,  great  pain — had 
been  treated  by  her  (Regular)  physician  for  ulcer- 
ation of  the  OS  (which  never  existed),  and  had 
been  sent  down  here  twice,  each  time  getting  much 
better.  But  being  assigned  to  "  old  school"  hands 
the  abuse  was  kejit  up  while  here,  until  near  tlie 
end  of  her  second  and  last  ^^sit,  when  I  was  called 
in.  by  a  digital  examination  I  diagnosed  ca- 
tarrh  of   the   uterus,  with   extended  hypertrophy 


m 


TITK   HOMCEOI^ATmC  COtTRffiii. 


and  induration.  The  patient  was  put  upon  Cim.  2  x. 
g^lycerole  of  Bell,  applied  for  two  days  ;  then  gly- 
cerole  of  Hydrates,  every  other  day.  Bathing  con- 
tinued. In  thirty  days  the  patient  returned  homo 
well,  and  now  after  two  ycare  has  had  no  return  of 
these  troubles. 


WATER    INJECTIO^'^S   FOR  POST- 
PARTUil    HEMORRHAGE. 


The  use  of  hot  water,  as  rec-oinmended  by  Em- 
met, appears  to  be  more  and  more  appreciated 
across  the  Atlantic.  Dr.  AtthtU  (^Vnnual  Report 
of  the  Rotunda  Hospital,  Dulilin,  Dublin  Joutmal 
of  Medical  Science^  December,  1879)  says  that 
this  treatment  has  proved  eminently  satisfactory. 
It  has,  indeed,  much  to  recommend  it,  for  not  only 
is  it  a  poweful  hemostatic  and  excitant  of  uterine 
contraction,  but  it  is  also  a  general  stimulant.  If 
used  with  ordinary  cait,  it  is  not  only  harmless, 
but  beneficial,  by  thoroughly  cleansing  the  uterus 
from  clots,  portions  of  membrane,  etc.,  which  may 
have  been  left  in  its  cavity.  It  will  not,  in  Dr. 
Atthill's  opinion,  be  found  altogether  to  displace 
the  use  of  cold  water  or  the  perchloride  of  iron, 
but  rather  to  be  applicable  to  a  distinct  class  of 
cases,  in  which  the  fonner  of  those  remedies  would 
be  unsuitable,   and  the   latter   unnecessary.     The 


THE   HOMODOPATHIC   COURIEB.  109 

method  of  carrying  out  the  practice  is  exceedingly 
simple.  An  ordinary  syphon  syringe  is  the  only 
instrument  required,  though  we  now  use  one  with 
a  long  vulcanite  nozzle,  specially  constructed  for 
a  vaginal  and  intra-uterine  injection.  This  is  car- 
ried up  to  the  fundus,  and,  with  the  usual  precau- 
tions against  injecting  air,  and  securing  a  free  re- 
turn, we  inject  water  as  hot  as  can  be  conveniently 
borne  by  the  hand,  i.  c,  about  112  degs.  F.,  in  a 
full  stream  into  the  cavity,  continuing  this  until  a 
good  contraction  is  secured,  and  the  water  returns 
quite  clear  and  colorless.  Dr.  Atthill,  gives  the 
following  as  some  of  the  results  of  his  experience 
in  the  use  of  hot  water : 

1 .  In  cases  of  sudden  and  violent  hemon'hage 
in  a  strong  and  plethoric  woman,  it  is  better  first 
to  use  cold. 

2.  Where,  from  the  prolonged  and  injudicious 
use  of  cold,  the  patient  is  found  shivering  and  de- 
pressed, the  beneficial  effect  of  injecting  hot 
water  is  rapid  and  remarkable. 

3.  In  nervous,  depressed  and  anaBmic  women, 
hot  water  may  at  once  be  injected  without  pre- 
viously injecting  cold. 

•4.  In  cases  of  abortion,  where,  from  uterine 
inertia,  the  ovum,  although  separated  from  the 
uterine  wall,  is  wholly  or  in  part  retained,  the  in- 
jection of  hot  water  is  generally  followed  by  the 
jDDiost  satisfactory  results. 


110  THE   HOMCKOPATHIC   COURtBR, 


5.  Where  the  mjection  of  the  perchloride  of 
iron  is  considered  necessary,  previous  injection  of 
hot  water  dears  the  uterus  of  clote,  etc,  permit- 
ting the  fluid  to  come  directly  in*  contact  with  the 
bleeding  surface,  and  lessening  the  danger  of  sep- 
tic absorption . — Chicago  Medical  Review . 


DEPARTMENT   OF   SURGERY, 

J.  W.  Thrasher,  M.  D.,  Editor. 


•  ^ 


SURGICAL  DIAGNOSIS. 


BY  J.  Q.  GILCHRIST,  M.  D.,  DETROIT,  MICH. 


Something  in  the  art  of  surgery  is  so  fascinating 
to  the  youthful  medical  mind,  that  it  is  a  common 
occurrence  to  find  yomig  practitioners  claiming 
consideration  as  ''surgeons" — a  claim  based  en- 
tirely, in  most  instances,  upon  a  more  or  less  ac- 
quaintance with  the  principles  of  the  art^  the  more 
essential  science  being  either  imperfectly  compre- 
hended or  entirely  ignored.  The  ability  to  ampu- 
tate a  limb  or  remove  a  tumor,  is  purely  a  mechani- 
cal accomplishment,  and  can  be  successfully,  even 
brilliantly  performed,  without  a  paiiicle  of  genuine 
surgical  knowledge.  Permit  me  to  indicate  the 
direction  in  which  aspirants  for  surgical  acliievo- 
ment  should  i)ui'sue  their  studies,  supposuig  what 
I  have  to  say  as  addressed  to  the  student  and  young 
practitioner  entirely. 

In  determining,  pro  or  con^  on  a  question  of  op- 
erative interference,  the  answer  must  hinge  enth'ely 
upon  our  knowledge  of  the  condition,  the  forces  in 
operation  to  promote  repair,  and  those  tending  to 
perpetuate  the  morbid  action,  \Wth  some  approxi- 
mftt(?  knowledge  of  the  actual  condition  of  tho^tj 


forces,  as  to  states  of  plus  or  minus.  Of  what 
avail  would  be  operations  for  stone  in  the  bladder, 
when  the  stone  was  only  the  i-esult  of  morbid  states 
in  the  kidneys  entirely,  without  conjoint  treatment 
to  meet  this  condition  ?  So  thi'oug;hout  the  whole 
catalogue  of  surj>:ical  affections,  we  must  have  an 
accurate  diagnosis,  and  an  intelligent  conception  of 
etiology  at  once  to  enable  us  to  determine  the  lino 
of  treatment  to  pursue,  whether  instnunental  or 
otherwise,  and  to  establish  a  prognosis. 

None  will  deny  this,  yet  have  I  often  been  sur- 
piised  to  witness  a  practical  forgetfulness  of  it, 
when  we  had  a  right  to  expect  better  things  from 
the  offendei".  Even  our  best  text-boolcs  ai-e  singu- 
larly misleading,  in  some  respects,  in  tliis  particu- 
lar. The  whole  matter  may  be  summed  up  in  a 
few  words  :  Tlie  causes  of  morbid  action  are  ex- 
citing and  predisposing,  or  maintaining.  The  for- 
mer are  those  that  render  all  men  equally  liable ; 
the  latter  those  which  make  one  man  more  liable 
than  another.  A  man  has  an  ulcer  or  a  tumor  suc- 
ceeding the  reception  of  an  injury.  The  injmy  is 
onlf/  an  exciting  cause,  the  spark  that  warmed 
into  life  the  latent  morbid  action.  The  true  sm-- 
geoD,  the  student  of  the  science  of  his  calling,  will 
put  the  cause,  as  an  element  in  diagnosis,  entirely 
aside,  after  determining  if  it  conveyed  any  spe- 
cific infection,  and  inquire  why  should  this  man 
suffer  in  this  way,  when  hunth'eds  of  similar  cases 
have  no  such  hi.story. 

The  truth  will  be  reached  by  followuig  the  good 
old  HahnemanJiiau  method  of  securing  the  totality 


THE    HOMOCOPATIIIC   COURIER.  113 


of  the  syniptoms.  The  difficulty  seems  to  be  in  a 
misapprehension  of  the  meaning  of  the  word  *^to- 
taUty/ '  many  aj)pearin«;  to  consider  it  as  referring 
entirely  to  merely  subjective  sensations,  getting  all 
the  i)atient  has  to  tell.  The  true  method  is,  to 
pui^sue  the  legal  style,  and  take  nothing  on  heai*- 
say,  submit  everything  to  the  test  of  positive  ev- 
idence. AVe  nnist  take  nothing  for  granted,  com- 
ing from  patient  or  friends,  that  cannot  be  cor- 
roborated by  our  own  senses,  if  possible  to  apply 
such  a  test.  The  microscope,  the  test  tube,  the 
thermometer,  the  sethoscope,  the  ophthalmoscope, 
the  laryngoscope,  and  the  various  8i)eculae  of 
other  forms,  nuist  all  be  used  to  elicit  knowledge, 
and  the  evidence  that  they  furnish  must  at  all 
times  be  of  the  most  valuable  character,  and  not 
lightly  thrown  aside  for  purely  subjective  indiea- 
ti(ms,  which  often  mlfullyor  ignorantly  mislead. 
Without  such  an  examination,  our  knowledge  of 
a  case  is  deficient.  Without  such  knowledge,  our 
treatment  is  unscientific,  because  uncertain ;  and 
whatever  good  results  are  obtained,  are  often  the 
result  of  chance,  and  often  reflect  little  credit  upon 
the  practitioner.  Let  me,  therefore,  exhort  the 
surgical  aspirant,  to  devote  more  time  to  the  sci- 
ence of  the  topic  than  many  now  give,  and  if  his 
enthusiasm  outlives  his  work,  he  is  the  man  for  the 
calling;  if  not,  the  profession  can  ^ye\\  spare  him. 


THE    IIOMfEOPATIIIC    COURIER. 


THE  EYE— TWO  CLINICAL  CASE.S. 


Case  1 .     Blenorrhma  of  the  Lavhrymal  >Sac. 

Mrs.  T.,  age,  56;  mairied;  generally  enjoys 
good  health,  except  occasional  indigestion,  the  lat- 
ter Bometimes  accompanied  by  functional  disturb- 
ance of  the  heart. 

Foui-  or  five  years  ago  the  teare  from  the  left  eye 
began  to  run  over  on  the  elieek.  At  first  this  phe- 
nomenon was  noticed  only  occasionally,  and  at 
such  times  as  the  patient  was  exposed  to  the  cold 
winds,  and  other  influences  apt  to  increase  the  se- 
cretion of  the  tears.  The  intervals  during  wliicli 
the  patient  was  free  from  the  annoyance,  grew 
shorter  up  to  about  three  months  before  she  ap- 
plied for  treatment,  when  the  sac  became  distended 
and  the  patient  was  able  to  press  out  of  the  puncta 
a  muco-pm-ulent  secretion,  and  the  teai-s  flowed  " 
over  on  the  lid  as  fast  as  secreted.  The  nasal  duct 
became  stiictured,  and  the  teare  did  not  pass,  as 
they  should,  through  the  lachrymal  apparatus  into 
the  uose. 

I  From  the  fu-st  signs  of  the  mnco-purulent  secif- 
tion,  the  matter  pressed  out  becanse  more  and  more 
thick,  and  of  the  nature  of  clear  pus,  while  the  eye 
was  continually  irritated,  and  the  conjunctiva  in- 
flamed. When  I  began  ti-eatntent  of  the  case  the 
discharge  had  a  very  bad  odor. 

Treatment.  I  first  inti'oduced  a  No.  1  Bow- 
man's probe  through  the  lower  punctum  and  canal- 


THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER.  115 

iculus,  into  the  sac,  to  see  if  this  passage  would  let 
the  knife  pass ;  I  then  passed  a  probe-pointed 
knife  (N^oyes')  through  the  same,  and  slit  up  the 
canaliculus.  (The  knife  should  be  turned  toward 
the  perpendicular,  and  a  sawing  movement  made, 
in  order  to  cut  the  canthal  ligament  away  enough 
to  give  sufficient  room  for  the  probes.) 

I  then  passed  into  the  sac  different  sized  probes, 
and  tried  to  pass  the  nasal  duct,  which  I  foimcl 
narrowed  by  a  stricture  to  such  an  extent  that  I 
could  not  pass  a  probe  of  any  size,  at  first,  without 
using  more  violence  than  I  felt  justified  in  using ; 
and  therefore  for  the  first  half  dozen  calls  of  the 
patient  I  injected  into  the  sac  a  solution  of  sulphate 
of  zmc,  2  grs.  to  the  ounce ;  and  had  her  apply  lo- 
cally a  solution  of  arnica  tincture,  one  drachm  to  a 
glass  of  water.  Internally,  for  the  first  day  or 
two,  aconite ;  followed  by  pulsatilla,  for  two  or 
three  days ;  then  the  remedy  she  is  now  using, 
silicea,  30,  one  dose  a  day. 

Under  this  treatment  the  condition  of  the  appar- 
atus began  immediately  to  improve.  At  the  end  of 
a  week  the  wound  had  healed,  and  the  traumatism 
had  disappeared.  I  then  took  a  Xo.  2  Bowman's 
probe,  and  gave  it  a  slight  curve,  passed  it  into 
the  sac  with  its  convexity  backward,  and  turned 
slightly  toward  the  nose,  the  probe  leaning 
from  the  perpendicular  toward  the  nose.  I  then 
pressed  steadily  and  gently  on  the  instrument, 
which  I  could  feel  was  moving  gradually  on- 
ward. It  took  a  sudden  start,  and  passed  easily 
for  a   short  distance,    when  it    seemed    to   meet 


116  TUE    HOMCEOPATIIIC    COUKIER. 

with  another  narrow  place,  which,  however, 
did  not  offer  much  resistance.  I  removed  this 
and  immediately  passed  aftei-  it  a  No.  3.  Tlie 
next  day  I  used  No.  4.  and  so  to  Xo.  6.  which 
size  I  conchided  not  to  exceed.  Each  day  1  syr- 
inged the  Bac  witti^the  zinc  solution,  after  remov- 
ing the  probe,  which  I  would  let  remain  from  fif- 
teen minutes  to  half  an  hour  each  time. 

Result  of  treatment  three  weeks  after  the  opera- 
tion :  Blenorrhcea  nearly  all  sulisided ;  initation 
of  the  e^'u  disapjicared ;  tears  pass  down  into  the 
nose,  instead  of  flowing  over  on  the  cheek,  exeejit 
slight  quantities  occasionally,  Ko.  6  probe  passes 
easily,  although  I  always  pi-ecede  it  with  No.  5. 

I  shall  now  send  and  obtain  for  the  jjatient,  Bow- 
man's probe,  which  contauis  Nos.  5  and  (i,  and 
instruct  the  patient  or  some  one  of  her  family  how 
to  use  it,  reconunending  her  to  have  the  ^operation 
repeated  every  two  or  three  days,  for  a  month  or 
two.  and  then  once  or  twice  a  week  for  five  or 
six  months  longer.  In  order  to  be  sm'e  that  the 
passage  keeps  open,  the  probe  should  be  jiassed 
every  two  or  three  weeks  foi"  a  very  long  time. 

The  case  is  not  given  as  a  unique  one,  but.  on 
the  contraiy,  because  it  is  typical  of  a  great  many 
cases  that  will  fall  to  the  lot  of  the  general  prac- 
titioner. I  have  piu-posely  entered  into  its  details, 
hoping  thereby  to  make  it  more  instructi%-e.  By 
exercising  some  care  and  discretion,  a  man  of  ordi- 
nary surgical  ability  may  jui*f  as  well  ti-eat  such 
eases,  as  to  eoni]>el  theui  to  seek  aid  from  a  spec- 
ialist. 


¥fiE   HOMCKOPAtHIC   COURIER.  117 

Case  2.     Detachment  of  the  Hetina. 

Tanner,  a  lad  of  11  years  of  age,  in  July  last, 
while  helping  about  the  "  haying,"  was  on  a  load 
of  hay  when  a  pitchfork  was  thrown  up,  one  tine  of 
which  struck  him  on  the  temporal  region,  on  the 
outside  of  the  orbit.  It  male  a  wound  which 
healed  without  any  difficulty,  and  his  parents  did 
not  know  whether  it  penetrated  th(*  orbit  or  not ;  in  • 
fact,  they  would  hardly  have  given  the  matter  a 
second  thought  had  not  the  boy's  vision  aftenvard 
become  imj^aired. 

About  two  months  and  a  half  after  the  accident 
the  boy ^ was  brought  tome  for  examination.  I 
found  that  he  was  scarcely  able  to  count  fingers 
when  held  eighteen  or  twenty  inches  before  his 
face.  Xo  abnormal  ai)i)earance  of  the  eye  what- 
ever, except  a  slight  injection  of  the  vessels  of  the 
sclerotic.     Tension  diminished. 

Upon  examination  with  the  ophthalmoscope,  I 
foimd  the  retina  involved  in  an  extensive  detach- 
ment. The  outer  and  lower  quadrant  was  the 
least  involved. 

Refracting  media  clear. 

Prognosis :  (.-omplete  detachment  and  blind- 
ness. 

The  father,  thinking  the  prospect  so  dubious, 
took  him  to  Ann  Arbor,  to  consult  Prof.  T. 
P.  Wilson,  who  confirmed  the  ])revious  diagno- 
sis, and  for  tre^itment  directed  that  the  boy  be 
taken  home  and  placed  in  bed,  with  the  eyes  ban- 
daged, and  such  remedies  as  arnica,  apis,  andbiy., 
be  given. 


118 


THE    HOMtErtPATHiC   COURIER. 


This  pldn  was  prescribed  with  the  hope  that  ab- 
Borptiou  of  the  fluid  behind  the  retina  would  take 
plaee,  and  the  i-etina  become  reattached.  He  wa« 
kept  confined  in  this  way  for  about  ten  days,  wlien 
it  was  found  that  he  could  not  clearly  discern  any- 
thing with  that  eye.  The  ophthalmoscope  now 
showed  the  retuia  to  be  nearly  one  floating  mass. 
It  appeared  somewhat  normal  in  the  lower  and 
outer  quadrant. 

There  was  only  very  slight  tenderness  in  the  cili- 
ary region.  The  iris,  which  normally  was  blue, 
had  become  of  a  redish  brown,  and  so  remains  up 
to  the  present  time,  constituting  the  condition 
called  irido-ehoroiditis .  There  was  probably  a 
form  of  serous  choi-oiditis  which  preceded  the  de- 
tachment. 

Whether  the  fork  penetrated  the  globe,  or  the 
concussion  on  the  orbit  staited  the  retina  to  peel 
off.  or  whether  the  accident  had  anything  to  do 
with  the  disease,  is  more  than  I  can  say  positively. 
I  merely  state  the  facts  as  I  found  them. 

To  the  physician  who  is  not  skilled  in  the  use  of 
the  ophthalmoscope,  there  are  sigua  and  symptoms, 
both  subjective  and  objective,  that  will  lead  him  to 
suspect  this  trouble  whei-e  it  exists. 

The  pereons  most  apt  to  have  the  difficulty,  are 
those  "who  have  abnormally  long  eyes,  or  near- 
sighted people.  The  bulging  backward  of  the  sle- 
rotic  and  choroid,  causes  the  retina  to  peel  off,  it 
not  being  so  elastic  as  the  other  membranes.  The 
ease  above  cited  is  emctropic.  or  very  slightly  hj-- 
permetropic. 


*HE   HOMCEOPATHtC   COU&tEfe,  11 S 


Blows  on  the  eye,  exudations  between  choroid 
and  retina,  choroidal  tumors,  etc.,  are  causes  of 
the  trouble. 

The  doctor  may  suspect  that  detachment  has 
taken  place,  if  the  patient  complains  of  a  sudden 
loss  of  vision,  (partial  loss  at  first — scotoma),  gen- 
erally in  the  upper  part  of  the  field,  for  the  reason 
that  when  there  is  effusion  it  sinks  down  and  de- 
taches the  lower  part  of  the  membrane;  tension 
lessening,  and  the  patient  sees  sparks,  and  objects 
seem  to  him  distorted.     (Metamorphopsia.) 

In  partial  detachments  the  retina  may  drop  back 
and  become  reattached  to  the  choroid ;  but  it  gen- 
erally goes  on  until  it  is  all  torn  off,  and  complete 
disorganization  and  destruction  of  the  eye  takes 
place. 


A  SPECIAI.  CASE  OF   PROLAPSUS   ANI. 

BY   ALEX.  ^HARRIS,    M.    D. 

[Jeffersonton,  Culpepper  County,  Va.] 


I  was  requested  to   visit  Mrs. ,   of  this   county, 

April  1,  1880.  Patient  is  aged  about  40  years  ;  is  seven 
months  advanced  in  first  pregnancy,  and  suffering  severe 
pain  from  a  large  prolapsus  ani  —  the  tumor  being  the 
size  of  a  small  foetal  head,  and  so  much  inflamed  and 
tender,  that  she  has  been  unable  to  return  it  for  the  last 
two  days. 

After  the  liberal  local  use  of  cold,  the  tumor  was  re- 


rf^  J  -    ■ '. . 


THE    HOM(EOPATHIC   COUKtEtl. 


turned,  and  a  palliative  treatment  instituted  until  after 
recovery  from  parturition,  (then  two  months  distant), 
and  its  immediate  effeots.  The  history  of  this  case  is, 
that  the  patient  has  had  prolapsus  ani  ten  years,  always 
produced  hy  defecation,  and  lately  a  walk  across  her 
chamber  lias  heen  sufficient  to  induce  it.  General  good 
health . 

On  September  Ist,  Hiidinir  that  prolapse  had  occurred 
at  every  stool  since  the  birth  of  her  child,  now  three 
mouths  old,  and  that  the  erect  position,  maintained  for  a 
short  time,  was  capable  to  produce  it,  the  treatment  by 
ergotine  was  begun,  liy  injecting  gtt,  xij  of  a  aolution  of 
equal  parts  of  ei^otine  and  water  beneath  the  prolapsed 
mucous  membrane,  veiy  I'lowly,  withdrawing  the  needle 
after  two  or  three  minutes,  and  returning  the  prolapse. 
The  immediate  effect  of  this  injection  was  .severo  pain  in 
the  part,  passing  off,  however,  in  a  few  hours,  and  suc- 
ceeded by  general  soreness,  which  lasted  from  three  to 
four  days. 

The  effect  upon  the  prolapsed  bowel  was  marked, 
Thtwe  was  no  tendency  to  protrusion  excojit  during  defe- 
cation, and  that  to  less  than  half  the  former  extent. 
The  injections  were  repeated  at  inten'als  of  about  four 
days,  (the  subsidence  of  "  muscular  soreness"  l)eing  the 
criterion  its  to  interval,  the  prolapse  being  induced  in 
constimtly  decreasing  size  by  straining  at  stool),  until 
six  had  been  given.  After  this  the  prolapse  watt  not  in- 
duced by  a  stool,  and  the  necessity  for  the  ci^otine 
terminated. 

It  hjiH  now  been  a  month  since  the  last  injection  ;  the 
patient  has  been  in  the  active  discharge  of  the  duties  de- 
volving upon  a  housekeeper  in  the  country,  but  has  had 
no  return  of  the  malady. 

This  plan  of  treatment  was  suggested  to  me  hy  a  par- 
agraph in  Brailhwaite's  Retrospect,  for  March,  1880, 
which  credits  Dr.  Vidal.  through  the  Paris  Medical, 
with  three  cases  of  pruljipsus  ani.  sHccessfully  treated  by 
ei^otine  hypodermically,  as  well  as  the  generally  re- 
ceived doctrine,  at  the  present  day,  of  the  physiological 
action  of  ergot  upon  relaxed  tissues. 


Book  Reviews. 


An  Index  of  Compauative  Therapeutics,  with  a  pro- 
iiouneiiifi:  Dose-List  entirely  in  the  genitive  case  ;  a  List 
of  Medicines  used  in  Homoeopathic  practice,  the  atten- 
uations most  frequently  reconmiended,  and  the  proper 
pronunciation  of  each ;  Tallies  of  Differential  Diagno- 
sis, \Vci<?hts  and  Measures;  Memoranda  regarding  Ac- 
cidents, Poisons,  Obstetrics,  Urinary  Examinations, 
MicTOscopy,  etc.,  etc.  Price,  Cloth,  $2;  in  Flexible 
Morocco  Tucks,  $2.50.  By  Samuel  Potter,  M.  D., 
President  of  the  Milwaukee  Academy  of  Medicine. 
Published  by  Duncan  Bro.,  Chicago,  133  Clark  street. 

This  useful  little  book  has  at  last  made  its  appearance. 
We  have  carefully  examined  it,  and  unhesitatingly  rec- 
ommend it  to  the  young  or  l)usy  practitioner.  The  ar- 
ticle (ui  *'  Urine,  Clinical  Examinations,"  is  alone  worth 
the  price  of  the  book.  Here  we  have  all  that  is  necessa- 
ry for  the  ordinary  physician  to  know  on  this  subject, 
and  the  tests  are  sufficient,  and  up  to  date. 

There  is  one  mistake  that  the  author  makes  in  resrard 
to  specific  gravity,  and  it  is  a  mistake  that  we  frequently 
see,  and  therefore  should  be  corrected. 

Our  author  says:  ''The  specific  gi'avity  of  normal 
urine  is  about  1.018  ;  ?.  p.,  18  grs.  of  solids  in  each  fluid 


ounce." 


This  is  not  correct,  as  an  ounce  of  distilled  water 
weighs  but  437.5  grs. 

Golding  Bird,  on  "  Urinary  Deposits,"  says :  "  Thus 
if  the  degree  18  be  at  the  surface  of  the  urine,  its  spe- 
cific gravity  is  said  to  ])e  1.018,  (the  number  1,000  being 
always  added  to  the  number  on  the  stem).      This  shows 


that  a  vessel  holding,  when  quite  full,  1,000  grains  of 
distilled  water,  will  contain  just  1,018  grains  of  the 
urine,  or  other  fluid  under  examination." 

From  this  it  will  be  seen  that  1,000  grains  of  distilled 
water  would  he  more  than  two  ounces. 

The  arrangement  of  comparing  the  most  advanced  Al- 
lopathic practice,  in  pai'allel  columns  with  the  Homteo- 
pathic  practice,  is  rather  a  new  idea,  and  yet  it  may  be 
beneficial ;  not  that  a  young  physician  may  make  bis 
choice  of  the  different  practices  in  the  treatment  of  the 
case,  but  to  show  the  direction  of  the  advance  that 
Allopathy  is  making. 

The  little  book  will  be  a  valuable  Vade  Mecum  for  the 
pocket  of  the  busy  practitioner.  We  would  advise  all 
our  young  practitioners  to  get  a  copy  of  this  excellent 
little  book.  J.  T.  B. 

Objective  Points  in  tiie  Tbeatmbnt  of  Phthisis.  By 
Wm.  Porter,  A.  M.,  M.  D.,  of  St.  Louis,  Mo.  [Bead 
before  the  Tri-States  Medical  Society,  at  Louisville, 
Ky.,  Nov.  1880.] 

This  is  a  six-page,  well  written  pamphlet.  The  writer 
proposes  two  very  importJint  and  proper  questions,  for 
consideration : 

Ist.     "  Why  do  we  treat  phthisis  V" 

2d.     "  How  shall  we  treat  it  ?'" 

Then,  as  a  preliminary  step,  argues  the  question  of  the 
self-limited  nature  of  the  disease — against  Prof,  Flint — 
and  arrives  at  the  conclusioT\  that  the  disease  in  question 
is  not  self-limited.  We  think  that  Dr.  Porter  is  correct 
in  this.  Then,  if  the  disease  is  not  self-limited,  conse- 
quently the  answer  to  the  first  interrogatory  must  be  in 
the  affirmative. 

In  answer  to  the  second  interrogatory — "  How  shall  we 
treat  the  disease  ?" — the  M-riter  labors  with  a  task,  from 


^E  HOMOSOPATHIO  OOUBIBIt.  12^ 


his  Allopathic  stand-point  so  great,  that  the  mythical 
Augean  stalilos  is  but  a  morning's  recreation,  in  compar- 
ison. But  he  very  sensibly  sums  up  the  whole  treatment 
in  a  few  words  as  follows : 

'*  It  is  not  over-medication  that  is  needed,  nor  is  it  a 
dependence  upon  the  intrinsic  tendency  of  ihe  disease  to 
recovery,  that  stamps  successful  practice.  Rather,  it  is 
careful  but  decided  aid  to  nutrition,  attention  to  the  pro- 
tection of  the  body,  proper  use  of  complete  rest,  and  am- 
ple exercise,  each  in  its  place,  and  promptly  meeting  all 
waste  that  will  avail  most." 

Dr.  Porter's  treatment  for  night  sweats  in  Phthisis,  is 
'*  a  few  grains  of  Dover's  powder" — ^the  Allopaths'  great 
diaphoretic ! 

The  Doctor  is  like  the  man  whose*  eyes  were  only  part- 
ly open  ;  he  *'  sees  men  as  trees  walking."  j.  t.  b. 

The  Man  of  the  Future.  A  Lecture  by  Rev.  J.  R.  Hill, 
Pastor  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  of  St. 
Louis. 

This  is  a  most  excellent  and  timely  pamphlet.  It  is 
full  of  good  points,  on  an  important  subject,  and  is  fully 
abreast  of  the  times  in  advanced  thought. 

When  the  pulpit  joins  with  the  medical  rostrum  in 
disseminating  correct  thought  on  such  important  sub- 
jects, the  elevation  of  mankind  vnll  be  assured.  Every 
one  should  procure  a  copy  from  the  author,  and  read  it 
carefully,  and  good  will  be  the  result.  j.  t.  b. 


Managing  Editor's  Easy  Chair. 


We  have  received  from  our  friends  letters  of  commen- 
dation and  conirriitulation  on  the  appearance  and  char- 
acter of  the  first  number  of  the  Courier.  In  response 
we  desire  to  say  that  succeeding  issues  shall  in  every 
particular  be  superior  to  the  first.  Our  publisher  has 
promised  us  a  better  quality  of  paper  and  more  care  in 
correction  of  proof. 

The  new,  clear,  bold  type  bought  and  used  especially 
for  the  Courier,  strikes  every  one  favorably.  We  quote 
from  a  letter : 

'<  On  one  point,  in  your  journal,  especially,  you  have 
placed  the  reading  and  hard  worked  Doctors  under  obli- 
gations, \nz.,  its  typography.  I,  for  ones  am  obliged  to 
do  all  my  journal  reading  by  gas-light,  and  that  too, 
late  at  night.  I  find  a  very  great  difference  betwen  rea- 
ding your  journal,  and  any  one  of  the  others  I  get ;  and 
it  seems  too,  as  though  the  print  on  the  brain  was  so 
much  plainer,  and  lasts  so  much  h)nger.'' 

We  are  in  recepitof  the  following  communication,  and 
as  we  are  not  selfish  and  believe  editors  should  share 
their  many  good  things  with  their  friends,  when  practi- 
cable, we  give  it  entire  : 

Mr.  Editor.* — My  rheumatic  chirography  has  been 
•'too  much"  for  your  compositor,  and  proof-reader.  I 
thouijht  it  would  be,  because  I  omitted  to  tell  vou  that 
it  takes  a  cross-eyed  printer  to  set  up  my  manuscript. 
I  never  mention  this  fact  on  the  first  trial  of  a  new  pnn- 
ter,  because  I  sometimes  find  a  compositor  whose 
mistakes  improve  my  paper,  and  him  I  iilways  leave 
to  go  his  own  gait.  Your  compositor  isn't  one  of  that 
kind,  I  am  sorrv  to  sav.     A   red-headed   old  maid  is   a 


44 

44 

44       44 

b4 


THE  HOMOGOPATHIC  COUKIBR.        125 

success  as  a  proof-reader ;  but  you  must  take  this  on  my 
word,  as  I  decline  to  tell  you  how  I  found  it  out.  I 
mention  it  simply,  because  I  am  anxious  to  help  your 
journal.  In  return  for  my  good  will,  you  will,  no  doubt, 
insert  the  following  tiible  of 

ERRATA. 

Page  13,  line  19,  for  *'  cente,"  read  '*lente." 
*«      14,    '•      l,for  **  gist,"  read  "grist." 
"       *'      **     II,  for  '<  disease ;    state,"    read    ♦•dis- 
ease-state." 
'*       "      "     14,  for  ''  Having,"  read  *'  Hering." 
**       *'      last  line,  sor  **  pro  vers,"  read  "persons." 

15,  line  17  for  "appeared  to"  read  "appeared  in" 
"       "  31,  for  "  Cente,"  read  "  Lente." 

34,  for  "  views,"  read  "  eyes." 
IH  (>,  for  "prussic,"  read  "picric." 

You  might  imagine  from  the  milky  blandness  of  this 
note,  that  I  enjoyed  njading  your  first  number ;  but  the 
fact  is  my  office  was  full  of  condensed  theologltal  phrases 
— a  sort  of  short-hand  Westminster  catechism,  compiled 
for  use  on  special  occasions.  The  "  boss  "  phrase  pop- 
ped out  when  I  read,  inside  your  brackets,  "  Professor, 
Ann  Arbor,  Mich.  " 

My  dear  Mr.  Editor,  the  curl  in  a  pig's  tail  don't  im- 
prove the  quality  of  the  pork — moreover,  it's  somewhat 
in  the  way  when  one  wants  to  sit  down  ;  then  give  that 
caudal  curl  to  those  who  nmst  wear  it. 

Truly  yours, 

S.  A.  Jones. 

Deaths  Among  Whites  and  Negroes. — The  late  pub- 
lication of  the  official  population  of  St.  Louis,  showing 
328,000  whites  and  22,000  colored,  has  caused  the 
Health  Department  to  examine  the  ratio  of  deaths  in  the 
city  of  the  white  and  colored  people.  The  examination, 
based  upon  the  deaths  of  last^year,  shows  the  white 
death  rate  to  have  been  17.8  in  each  1,000,  and  the  col- 
pred35,4  in  each  1,000, 


126  THE   HOMOCOPATHIC   COUKIER. 


This  excessive  mortality  uuioAg  the  blucka  is  to  be  at- 
tributed largely  to  a  ladk  of  knowledge  as  to  the  niinpleat 
hygienic  rules  and  their  indifference  and  carelessness  in 
matters  of  personal  welfare.  They  are  a  happy-go-Iiioky 
kind  of  people  whose  long  years  of  bondage  seem  to  have 
robbed  them  of  their  self-reliance  and  made  them  indif- 
ferent to  their  own  wants  and  nffcessities.  Tiiey  havo 
always,  according  to  the  condition  of  their  purse,  a 
feast  or  a  famine;  in  summer  they  need  little  clothing, 
and  in  mnter  they  freeze  because  they  lack  forethought 
to  lay  up  a  few  dollars  for  coal,  rent  and  clothing. 
Their  indifference  and  irresponsibility  are  not  confined 
to  physical  matters,  but  extend  to  their  mural  disposi- 
tions as  well ;  hence  syphilis  and  other  venereal  disouses 
are  alarmingly  prevalent  among  them  as  a  class.  When 
infected,  they  do  not  ordinarily  go  to  a  physician  until 
the  disease  has  become  far  advanced,  and  made  irrepara- 
ble inroads  on  their  constitution,  leaving  them  wrecks 
for  the  remainder  of  their  lives  and  tainting  their  prog- 
eny. 

There  is  an  increasing  disposition  among  certain  classes 
of  the  blauk  race,  to  copy  after  the  whites,  in  one  par- 
ticular. We  refer  to  the  abhoiTenoe  of  child  bearing. 
In  conversation  with  an  intelligent  black  man,  on  this 
subject,  some  time  since,  he  mournfully  remarked  that 
his  people  were  getting  to  be  as  bad  as  the  whites,  and 
he  feared  the  race  was  doomed  to  extinction.  Appear- 
ances certainly  favor  his  prognostication,  and  there  is 
only  one  salvation  for  them,  which  is  education.  Whether 
the  remedy  can  be  applied  in  tinje  to  effect  its  purpose, 
is  a  problem  of  extremely  doubtful  solution. 


THE  HOMCBOFATHIC  OOUBIBR.  127 


PERSONALS. 

• 

We  had  a  call  from  Dr.  Hedges,  of  Warrensburg,  re- 
cently. The  Doctor  was  in  the  city,  attending  his  broth- 
er, B.  F.  Hedges,  Principal  of  the  Pope  school,  whose 
demise  occurred  on  Jan.  20.  The  doctor  and  family  have 
our  condolence  in  this  their  sad  affliction. 

Dr.  M.  T.  Runnels,  by  appointment  of  Gov.  Gray,  of 
Indiana,  represented  that  State  in  the  Quarantine  Con- 
vention, recently  held  in  New  Orleans. 

Dr.  William  E.  Leonard  has  returned  from  a  year's 
sei^vice  in  Ward's  Island  Hospital,  and  entered  into  ac- 
tive practice  in  Minneapolis,  Minn.,  with  his  father,  Dr. 
W.  H.  Leonard. 

Dr.  B.  W.  James,  business  manager  of  the  Hahne- 
7nannian  Monthly^  attended  the  recent  session  of  the 
American  Public  Health  Association  (of  which  he  is  a 
member)  at  New  Orleans,  where  hd  i;ead  a  paper  on 
abattoirs. 

Dr.  J.  P.  Dake,  of  Nashville,  Tenn.,  wa^  present  at 
the  annual  Public  Health  Convention,  at  New  Orleans. 
He  writes  that  it  was  a  most  profitable  and  interesting 
session.  He  urges  that  our  Homoeopathic  physicians 
should  identify  themselves  with  the  Association,  and 
make  their  influence  felt  in  its  councils  and  in  its  work. 
He  was  also  a  delegate  to  the  Quanmtine  Convention, 
having  been  appointed  by  Gov.  Marks,  of  Tennessee. 

*1(ie  Institute  of  Heredity  will  hold  an  important  meet- 
ing in  May.     Loring  Moody,  Sec'y,  Boston,  Mass. 

A  Partner  Wanted. — A  first  class  practitioner,  one 
who  is  ripe  in  experience,  cau  bear  of  a  good  field  to  en- 


128  THE   HOMOEOPATHIC   COURIBR. 


ter  into  a  copartnership,  by  addressing  E.   B.  Graham, 
M.  D.,  Cheyenne  City,  Wyo.  Ter. 

Died — A.  R.  Bartlett,  M.  D.,  Aurora,  Ills.  Many 
years  ago,  we  remember,  Dr.  Bartlett  held  the  chair  of 
physiology  in  the  Cleveland  school.  He  was  a  fine  lec- 
turer, and  a  genial  and  cultured  gentleman.  Had  teach- 
ing been  to  his  taste,  he  might  have  held  a  foremost  po- 
sition on  the  medical  college  rostrum.  Dr.  Bartlett's 
son,  F.  L.  Bartlett,  is  a  graduate  of  the  Homoeopathic 
Medical  College  of  Missouri,  and  late  President  of  the 
Alumni  Association.  He  has  our  sympathy  in  his  be- 
reavement. 

REMOVALS. 

Dr.  N.  Zilliken,  from  Milton,  Ills.,  to  Chester,  Illinois. 
The  Doctor  is  an  Honorary  Member  of  the  Missouri  In- 
stitute, and  an  active  worker. 

Dr.  H.  C.  Morrow,  from  Shelbyville,  Ind.,  to  Sher- 
man, Texas. 

Dr.  J.  S.  Clark,  from  Olney,  Ills.,  to  Mason  City,  lo. 

Dr.  W.  A.  Glover,  from  Elmira,  N.  Y.,  to  Hannibal, 
Mo. 

Dr.  O.  W.  Roberts  has  removed  from  Palmer,  to 
Ware,  Mass. 

Dr.  Emlin  Lewis  has  removed  from  Wichita,  Kan.,  to 
Buena  Vista,  Col. 

At  the  urgent  solicitation  of  friends.  Dr.  S.  C.  Delap 
has  removed  from  Emporia,  Kansas,  to  Trinidad,  Col. 

Dr.  C.  B.  Currier  has  removed  to  312  Ellis  street,  near 
Taylor,  San  Francisco,  Cal. 

Dr.  S.  P.  Starritt  has  removed  from  Minneapolis,  to 
Anoka,  Anoka  County,  Minn. 

Dr.  T.  F.  Pomeroy  has  removed  from  Detroit,  Mich., 
tp  Jersey  City,  N,  J, 


The  Homoeopathic  Courier. 


Vol.  I.  March,  1881.  No.  3. 


Department  of  Theory  and  Practice. 

J.  T.  Boyd,  M.  D-,  Editor. 


TUBERCULAR  PHTHISIS. 

[  CONSUMPTION.] 


This  disease  may  be  justly  termed  the  Oppro^ 
hium  Medicomniy  ior  a  disease  that  has  been  well 
known  ever  since  medicine  has  assumed  its  place 
among  the  sciences — and  for  which  no  satisfactory 
or  successful  plan  of  treatment  has  been  discovered, 
certainly  is  a  deep  disgrace  on  'the  medical  profes- 
sion. 

Either  false  views  have  prevailed  in  regard  to  its 
pathology,  or  else  some  successful  plan  of  treat- 
ment could  long  since  have  been  discovered. 

In  writing  on  a  disease  that  has  engaged  the 
ablest  minds,  both  of  this  coimtry  and  of  Europe, 
for  the  past  hundred  years,  it  may  look  like  pre- 


130  THE   HOMCBOPATHIO   COURIER. 

^ — ■   ■         ■ '  —  ■  ■....,■» 

sumption  in  us  to  attempt  to  throw  light  on  such  a 
difficult  subject.  We  can  only  hope  to  draw  the 
attention  of  the  profession  to  some  points  that  may 
be  studied  with  mterest  and  benefit- 

A  disease  that  is  so  uniformly  fatal  imder  all,  and 
every  form  of  treatment,  imperatively  demands  the 
attention  of  the  profession. 

Prof.  Flint,  in  his  wprk  on  Phthisis,  believes 
that  the  disease  is  self-limited,  and  reports  670 
cases,  in  only  75  of  which  the  disease  seemed  to  be 
permanently  relieved,  and  only  44  cured. 

Such  is  the  success  of  modem  treatment  in  the 
hands  of  this  most  eminent  of  Allopathic  physi- 
cians. The  disease  seemed  generally  to  have  resist- 
ed every  plan  pursued  by  this  distinguished  author. 

We  can  hardly  do  worse  in  recommending  a 
different  plan  of  treatment.  Let  us  first  examine 
its 

PATHOLOaiCAL    HISTOLOGY. 

The  best  modem  authors  believe  that  this  disease 
is  the  result  of  an  inflammation  of  "  low  intensity, 
and  of  long  continuance."  Some  writers,  howev- 
er, dispute  this. 

Lennec  believed  the  disease  was  non-inflamma- 
tory. He  says:  ^'Phthisis  pulmonalis  is  owing 
to  the  development  in  the  lung  of  a  particular  spe- 
cies of  accidental  production,  to  which  modem  an- 
atomists have  restricted  the  name  tubercle.^ ^ 

Andral  says :  ' '  This  phrase  appears  to  me  the 
most  appropriate  one  that  can  be  employed  in  the 


THE   HOM(EOPATHIC   COURIER.  131 

• 

present  state  of  the  science,  to  designate  the  change 
which  takes  place  in  the  nutritive  process^  in  the 
tissues  which  are  the  seat  of  accidental  productions. 

*  *  None  of  them  can  be  ascribed  solely  to  a  mere 
super-activity  of  nutrition,  or  to  a  diminution  of 
this  activity ;  and  they  are  very  erroneously,  in 
certain  nosological  classifications,  comprised  under 
the  head  of  a  large  class  of  diseases,  called  secre^ 
tory  irritations.  In  a  greater  number  of  cases, 
this  irritation  can  be  admitted  only  by  mere  infer- 
ence, and  this  may  lead  to  serious  errons.  There 
is  in  fact  no  proof,  in  a  great  many  cases,  that  in 
the  quarter  where  an  accidental  production  is  de- 
veloped, there  is  at  first  any  augmentation  of  the 
vital  powers,  any  uncommon  activity  of  the  nutri- 
tive function,  or  an  unusual  afflux  of  blood. 

' '  Yet  there  are  other  cases  in  which  the  diverse 
phenomena  of  inflammation,  among  which  we  must 
place  irritation,  are  manifest,  where  an  accidental 
production  is  forming.  In  these  instances^  inflam- 
mation may  justly  he  regarded  as  the  agent  by 
which  the  production  is  caused^  but  this  alone  can- 
not explain  its  development;  its  operation  is  'limi- 
ted to  that  of  a  mere  agent  of  impulsion.  It 
brings  on  a  derangement  in  the  nutritive  process; 
predisposition  does  the  rest.  The  nutrition  might 
have  been  deranged  and  perverted,  and  thus  have 
given  rise  to  an  accidental  production  without  any 
antecedent  inflammation,  active  congestion,  or  ini- 
tating  process  whatever.  If  we  imagine  we  have 
explained  the  cause,  in  ascribing  it  to  irritation y  id4 


132  THE   HOMOSOl^ATHIC   COURIER. 

have  no  further  researches  to  make^  and  the  science 
is  perfect.     (The  italics  are  our  own.) 

''If,  on  the  contrary,  while  we  admit  that  irrita- 
tion may  sometimes  intervene  as  one  of  the  agents 
in  the  development  of  accidental  productions,  we 
consider  it  a  cause  neither  necessary  nor  constant. 
K  we  are  convinced  that  even  in  these  cases,  it  has 
only  a  secondary  influence,  and  that  it  never  acts  a 
higher  part  than  that  of  an  occasional  cause — 
i^en  the  field  of  research  opens  anew,  and  we  ex- 
amine those  circumstances,  physical  or  chemical, 
which  by  deranging  the  mode  in  which  the  mate- 
rials of  the  different  tissues  are  separated  from  the 
blood,  produce  cartilage  instead  of  fibrous  tissue, 
or  tubercle  instead  of  cellular  tissue." 

Notwithstanding  these  learned  authors'  opinions 
we  do  believe  that  these  accidental  productions 
are  the  "  result  of  irritation,  and  an  uncommon  ac- 
tivity of  the  nuti'itive  function,"  and  we  will  pro- 
ceed to  give  om*  reason  for  this  belief,  and  foitify 
our  position  by  the  opinions  of  the  ablest  of  mod- 
em pathologists ;  and  if  we  succeed,  then  the  ad- 
mission of  the  eminent  writers,  that  ''  If  we  suffi- 
ciently explained  the  cause  in  ascribmg  it  to  imta- 
tiori,  we  have  no  further  research  to  make,  and  the 
science  is  perfect,"  especially  if  we  can  apply  the 
science  of  therapeutics  to  prevent  the  formation  of 
tubercle,  and  render  those  innocous  that  have 
formed. 

But,  the  first  subject  for  our  consideration  is, 
what  is  the  modus  operandi  of  irritation  and  inflam- 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIO   COURIER.  133 

mation  ?  This  we  will  now  proceed  to  ascertain, 
and  then  apply  it  to  the  condition  of  the  disease 
under  consideration. 

THE    INFLAMMATORY   PROCESS. 

Green,  the  most  recent  writer  on  Pathology, 
published  in  1878,  says : 

' '  Inflammation  may  be  defined  to  be  the  succes- 
sion of  changes,  which  take  place  in  a  living  tissue 
as  the  result  of  some  kind  of  injury,  provided  that 
this  injury  be  insufficient  immediately  to  destroy 
its  vitality.  With  regard  to  the  nature  of  the 
injury,  it  may  consist  in  some  direct  damage  to 
the  tissue,  either  by  mechanical  or  chemical  agents, 
or  by  substances  conveyed  to  it  by  means  of  the 
blood  vessels  or  lymphatics ;  or,  the  injury  may  be 
.  indirect,  as  in  some  cases  of  inflammation  of  inter- 
nal organs  arising  from  exposure  to  cold.  In  all 
cases,  however,  some  injury  of  the  tissue — an  in- 
jury which  impairs,  and  if  of  sufficient  intensity, 
would  destroy  its  vitality — precedes  the  occurrence 
of  the  local  changes  which  constitute  the  mflam- 
matory  process. 

" '  The  exact  nature  of  these  changes  has  for  the 
most  part  been  ascertained,  during  the  last  ten 
years,  mainly  owing  to  the  experimental  researches 
of  Professors  Cohnheim,  Strieker,  and  Burdon 
Sanderson. 

"  The  method  of  investigation  has  consisted  in 
the   aitifieial   production   of  inflammation  in    the 


134  THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER- 

lower  animals,  and  the  observation  of  the   process 
as  thus  induced.     This  process  comprises, 

^^  First.  Changes  in  the  blood  vessels  and  the 
circulation ; 

^^  Second.  Exudations  of  liquor  sanguinis,  and 
the  migration  of  blood  corpuscles ;  and 

''  Third.  Alterations  in  the  nutrition  of  the  in- 
flamed tissue. 

"  It  will  be  well,  ill  the  first-  place,  to  consider 
each  of  these  separately,  in  the  order  of  which 
they  occur. 

*  *  FIRST — CHANGES   IN   THE    BLOOD    VESSELS     AND 

CIRCULATION. 

' '  These  changes  which  result  in  increased  vascu- 
larity, have  ever  been  regarded  as  playing  a   most  . 
important  part  in  inflammation,  as' upon  them  prin- 
cipally depend  those  signs  of  the  process  which  are 
most  obvious  during  life. 

''  The  redness,  heat  and  swelling,  which  are  so 
constantly  met  with  in  inflamed  tissues,  are  in 
great  measure  due  to  the  attendant  hyperaemia. 
The  swelling,  however,  is  in  most  cases  dependent 
rather  upon  the  effusionj^than  upon  the  over-full- 
ness of  the  blood  vessels. 

' '  These  changes  in  the  blood  vessels  and  circu- 
lation ^^  are  essential  constituents  of  inflammation, 
both  in  vascular  and  in  non-vascular  tissues.  In  the 
latter,  which  comprise  the  cornea  and  cartilage, 
they  take  place  in  the  adjacent  vessels  from  which 


THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER.  135 

these  tissues  derive  their  nutritive  supply.  The 
nature  of  these  vascular  changes  has  been  studied 
by  the  artificial  production  of  inflammation  in  ti'ans- 
parent  tissues,  in  which  the  circulation  can  be 
readily  observed ;  the  web,  mesentery,  and  tongue 
of  the  frog,  and  the  wing  of  the  bat,  being  most 
convenient  for  this  purpose. 

"  The  first  effect  of  injury  of  the  mesentery — 
mere  exposure  to  the  air  being  sufficient  for  the 
purpose — is  to  cause  dilatation  of  the  arteries,  and 
after  some  interval,  a  similar  dilatation  of  the  veins 
and  capillaries.  The  dilatation  of  the  arteries  com- 
mences at  once,  and  is  not  preceded  by  any  con- 
traction. It  gradually  increases  for  about  twelve 
hours,  and  is  accompanied  also  by  an  increase  of 
the  length  of  the  vessels,  so  that  they  become  more 
or  less  tortuous.  This  enlargement  of  the  blood 
vessels  is  associated  at  the  commencement  of  the 
process  with  an  acceleration  in  the  flow  of  blood ; 
this,  however,  is  soon  followed  by  a  considerable  re- 
tardation in  the  circulation  the  vessels  still  remain- 
ing dilated.  These  alterations  in  the  rapidity  of  the 
blood-flow  cannot  be  owing  to  the  increase  in  the 
caliber  of  the  vessels,  which  remain  throughout  di- 
lated.        *****  *         * 

**  In  studying  the  retardation  of  the  circulation 
in  the  dilated  vessels  of  the  mesentery,  it  will  be 
found  that  this  sometimes  commences  somewhat 
suddenly,  and  that  it  is  usually  first  observable  hi 
the  veins.  It  gradually  increases,  imtil  ultimately, 
in  some  of  the  capillaries  the  blood-stream  com- 


136  THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER. 

pletely  stagnates.     This  condition  constitutes  what 
is  known  as  '  inflammatory  stasis.'         *        * 

'*  SECOND — EXUDATION  OF   LIQUOR  SANGUINIS  AND 
THE   MIGRATION   OP   BLOOD   CORPUSCLES. 

''  The  migration  of  the  white  blood  corpuscles 
(leucocytes)  through  the  walls  of  the  blood  vessels, 
was  first  described,  although  v^ry  incompletely,  by 
Dr.  W.  Addison,  in  1842.  This  observer  stated  as 
the  result  of  his  researches,  that  in  inflammation 
these  corpuscles  adhered  to  the  walls  of  the  vessels, 
and  passed  through  them  into  the  surrounding  tis- 
sues.  In  1846,  Dr.  A.  Waller  described  more  fully 
the  same  phenomenon,  and  from  his  description 
there  can  be  little  doubt  that  he  actually  observed 
the  emigration  of  the  corpuscles.  Both  these  ohser- 
vers  concluded  that  the  escaped  blood  corpuscles  be- 
came pus  corpuscles. 

''  Their  discoveries,  however,  were  little  thought 
of  and  were  soon  forgotten ;  and  it  was  not  until 
1867,  when  similar  investigations  were  instituted 
quite  independently  by  Prof.  Cohnheim,  of  Ber- 
lin, to  whose  mmute  researches  we  must  ascribe 
most  of  our  present  knowledge  on  this  subject — 
that  the  emigration  of  blood  corpuscles  came  to  oc- 
cupy an  important  place  in  the  pathology  of  inflam- 
mation. Associated  with  the  passage  of  the  blood 
corpuscles  through  the  walls  of  the  vessels,  is  an 
exudation  of  Liquor  Sanguinis.  The  exudated 
liquor  sanguinis,  which  constitutes  the  well  known 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIEK.  137 

inflammatory  effusion,  differs  from  the  liquid  which 
transudes  as  the  result  of  simple  mechanical 
congestion,  inasmuch  as  it  usually  contains  a  larger 
proportion  of  albumen  and  firibrinogenous  sub- 
stance, a  proportion  which  increases  with  the  in- 
intensity  of  the  inflammation.  It  also  contains  an 
excess  of  phosphates  and  carbonates. 

''third — ALTERATIONS     IN    THE    NUTRITION    OF 

THE   INFLAMED   TISSUE. 

''  The  remaining  constituent  of  the  mflammatory 
process,  consists  in  alterations  m  nutiition  of  the 
elements  of  the  inflamed  tissue. 

'' The  alterations  in  nutrition  which  accompany 
inflammation,  are  in  certain  tissues  characterized  by 
an  exaltation  of  the  nutritive  functions  of  some  of 
the  cellulai'  elements  involved  in  the  inflammatory 
process. 

'' This  increase  in  the  activity,  and  variation  in 
the  form  of  the  cells,  is  usually  accompanied  by 
the  growth  of  their  protoplasm,  and  frequently  by 
its  division  or  by  vacuolation  and  endogenous  de- 
velopment, and  thus  by  the  formaticm  of  new  cells. 
In  many  cases  the  protoplasm,  as  it  increases  in 
bulk,  becomes  cloudy  and  granular,  so  much  so  as 
frequently  to  completely  obscure  any  nuclei  which 
it  may  contain.  This  occurs  es])ecially  in  epithe- 
lial elements,  and  it  constitutes  the  condition 
known  as  '  cloudy  swell iag.'^  It  is  well  seen  in  the 
«3«mHnlar  epithelium  of  the  kidney,  in  acute  tubal 


138  THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COUBIER. 

"  Although  the  earlier  alterations  m  the  nutri- 
tion of  the  cellular  elements  of  inflamed  tissues  are 
thus  in  many  cases  those  of  increased  activity,  the 
subsequent  ones  are  characterised  by  impairment 
of  nutrition.  The  well  known  effect  of  inflamma- 
tion to  injure  the  part  affected  by  it.  This  injuri- 
ous influence  is  in  a  great  measure  due  to  the  blood 
stasis,  and  to  the  infiltration  of  the  tissue  with  the 
inflammatory  products  which  have  escaped  from 
the  blood  vessels.       *  *  *  * 

*  ^  It  has  been  seen  that  in  the  process  of  inflam- 
mation innumerable  white  blood-corpuscles  pass 
out  of  the  vessels  into  the  surrounding  tissues,  and 
as  these  are  indistinguishable  from  pus-corpuscles, 
it  must  be  conceded  that  one  mode  of  origin  of 
pus,  is  from  the  blood.  Further,  the  white  blood- 
corpuscles  may  multiply,  and  it  is  probable  that  by 
this  means  the  production  of  pus  may  be  greatly 
increased. 

''  The  other  source  from  which  the  cells  of  pus 
are  derived,  is  from  the  cellular  elements  of  the  in- 
flamed tissue.     ***** 

''  Such  being  the  modes  of  the  origin  of  pus,  it 
is  evident  that  the  more  abundant  the  escape  of 
blood-corpuscles,  the  more  active  the  proliferation 
of  the  elements  of  the  inflamed  tissue,  the  greater 

its  tendency  to  collect  so  as  to  form  an  abscess. 

«««««« 

*^In  inflammations  of  less  intensity  the  escape  of 
blood-rcorpuscles  is  less  abundant,  and  the  prolif- 
eration of  the  tissue  less  active,  so  that  pus  is  not 


THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COUBIBR.  139 

produced  in  sufficient  quantities  to  cause  its  col- 
lection in  the  fonn  of  an  abscess.  It  merely  infil- 
trates the  part,  and  may  require  for  its  recognition 
the  use  of  the  microscope." 

We  have  been  thus  prolix  on  this  part  of  our 
subject,  so  as  to  get  completely  before  the  mind 
the  whole  process  of  inflammation.  And  as  mod- 
ern pathologists  hold  the  opinion  that  tvhercvlar 
phthisis  is  the  result  of  inflammatoiy  action  of  low 
intensity,  then  how  do  the  miliary  tubercles  form,, 
for  the  other  forms  of  tubercle  is  but  the  result  or 
modification  of  the  miliary  variety? 

Let  us  see  what  would  be  the  result  of  slight  in- 
jury, as  a  cold,  raw  atmosphere,  on  deUcate  limgs 
having  a  hereditary  predisposition  to  tubercle ;  it 
would  initate  the  lungs  and  the  result  of  this  irri- 
tation would  be  an  inflammation  of  low  in- 
tensity, minute  pus  corpuscles  would  be  formed 
in  the  parenchyma  of  the  limgs;  and  as  pus 
cannot  be  absorbed,  would  remain  in  its  situ- 
ation and  imdergo  retrograde  metamorphosis, 
become  a  cheesy  deposit,  and  act  as  an  addi- 
tional source  of  irritation,  cause  a  proliferation 
of  further  degenerated  cells,  and  ultimately  vomi- 
caB  and  ulcerated  cavities  connected  by  openings 
into  the  bi'onchial  tubes,  giving  all  the  physical 
signs  of  dullness  on  percussion  in  the  earliest  sta- 
ges, and  pectiiloquy,  segophony  and  amphoric 
sound,  with  the  expectoration  of  pus ;  with  all  the 
attending  symptoms,  during  the  progress,  of  hectic 


140  THE    HOMCBOPATHIC   COURER. 

fever,  chills,  night  sweats,  debility,  diarrhoea,   se- 
rous effusions  into  the  tissues,  and  death. 

Kaltenbrunner  describes   curative   mflammation 
as  follows : 

"  Driven  with  accelerated  motion,  masses  of  the 
globules  of  the  blood  (here  and  there),  rush  by 
starts  from  the  capillaries,  and  pour  themselves 
into  the  parenchyma  of  the  inflamed  part.  Here 
they  lie,  as  bright  red  spots,  or  islands  of  different 
sizes.  Soon  the  whole  wound  is  sun'ounded  by 
these  islands,  and  the  intervening  tissue  becomes 
highly  tm'gid.  This  process  which  appears  at  first 
at  the  circumference  of  the  inflammation,  by  de- 
grees also  involves  the  centime  ;  completely  resemb- 
ling the  morbid  inflammation ;  and  it  is  by  its 
means  that  the  morbid  changes  produced  by  the 
latter  are  gradually  extinguished." 
'  This  is  the  result  of  curative  or  adhesive  inflam- 
mation. Should  it,  however,  in  consequence  of 
death  or  debility  of  any  of  these  globules  observed 
by  Kaltenbrunner,  undergo  retrograde  metamor- 
phosis, the  result  would  be  an  arrest  of  the 
healthy  process  going  on  in  the  tissue  and  mi- 
nute pus  globules  would  form — and  as  w^e  have  be- 
fore remarked,  they  cannot  pass  the  absorbent 
glands — the  result  would  be  tubercle. 

On  this  subject  Virchow  says : 

' '  This  matter  finds  its  simple  solution  in  the 
fact,  that  pus^  as  pus,  is  never  reahsorhed.  There 
is  no  form  by  which  pus,  in  substance,  can  disappear 
by  the  way  of  reabsorption." 


THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER.  141 

Agaiii,  Green  says : 

* '  In  both  seVof  ulous  inflammation  and  tuberculo- 
sis, there  is  a  tendency  to  the  development  of  large 
cell-forms,  and  to  the  formation  of  a  lowly  organ- 
ized and  non-vascularized  structure,  which  soon 
imdergoes  retrograde  changes.  These  characters 
of  the  inflammatory  new  growth,  appear  to  me  to 
be  probably  due  to  the  inflammatory  process  occurs 
ring^in  tissues  of  such  low  vitality  that  the  cellular 
inflammatory  products  are  incapable  of  forming  an 
organized  vascular  tissue,  but  merely  imdergo  some 
increase  in  size,  and  then  tend  slowly  to  degener- 
ate." 

«««««« 

Such,  then,  is  the  histology  of  Phthisis ;  and  we 
think  that  we  can  say  with  Andral :  ' '  We  have 
no  farther  researches  to  make  (in  this  direction), 
the  science  is  perfect." 

Then  we  have  arrived  at  a  knowledge  of  the 
true  pathology  of  tubercular  phthisis,  the  different 
changes  that  take  place,  from  the  first  deposit 
of  the  miliary  tubercle  to  the  formation  of  the  gi- 
ant cell,  and  the  large  cavity  secreting  pus  from  its 
lining  membrane,  with  fistulous  opening  into  the 
bronchi. 

But  we  must  be  careful  not  to  get  the  idea  that 
this  disease  is  merely  a  local  disease,  confined  to 
the  limgs ;  for  tuberculous  deposits  occur  in  the 
other  parts  of  the  body  as  well,  the  same  conditions 
produce  the  same  results. 


142  THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIBB. 


«h  \     i. 


TBKATMENT   OF   PHTHISIS   PULMONALIS. 

The  treatment  of  this  disease  must  be  hygienic 
and  dietetic,  as  well  as  medicinal.  The  old  plan 
of  administering  expectorants  to  enable  the  patient 
to  cough  up  the  tuberculous  deposit,  as  well  as  the 
gross  perturbing  course  of  treatment,  was  as  un- 
philosophical  as  it  was  imsuccessful. 

The  first  thing  to  be  done  for  a  patient  who  haa 
a  hereditary  tuberculous  tamt,  or  who  is  supposed 
to  be  in  the  incipient  stage  of  this  disease,  is  to  re- 
move him  if  possible  to  a  more  favorable  climate. 
The  vast  territory  of  the  south,  or  southwest,  af- 
fords the  most  inviting  prospects  to  the  consump- 
tive patient,  where  moderate  exercise  in  the  open 
air,  in  a  mild  equable  climate,  will  certainly  afford 
relief  and  stay  the  disease — and  if  not  too  far  ad- 
vanced— will  effect  a  radical  cure. 

The  Diet.  A  great  deal  depends  on  this.  Im- 
proper food,  or  imperfect  assimilation,  is  sure  to 
increase  the  degeneration  already  commenced  in 
the  most  vital  organ  in  the  human  economy. 

If  the  digestive  organs  are  feeble,  they  should 
be  assisted  with  malt  preparations,  and  with  nour- 
ishing food,  easy  of  digestion.  By  malt  prepara- 
tions, we  do  not  mean  those  villainous  compounds 
of  hops,  aloes,  alcohol  and  sewer-water — known  as 
ale,  beer,  etc. — but  the  different  preparations  of 
malt  and  pepsine  that  are  so  admirably  prepared 
by  different  manufacturing  chemists.     A  moderate 


THOC  flpMCBOPATHIC  GOUBIEB.  143 

use  of  these  will  assist  a  weak  digestion  to  assimi- 
late food  that  otherwise  could  not  be  tolerated. 

The  use  of  wholesome  animal  flesh,  especially 
game,  is  of  importance  in  the  treatment  of  this  dis- 
ease. Milk,  and  especially  cream,  from  healthy 
cows,  is  an  excellent  dietetic  remedy. 

Fi'esh  bread,  especially  that  made  from  good 
Graham  flour,  without  the  aid  of  the  almn  ' '  baking 
powders" — so  much  used  at  present — but  that 
made  by  what  is  called  ^'salt  raising,''  so  much 
used  by  farmers'  wives.  These  with  a  variety  of 
sweet  fruits,  with  moderate  exercise  in  the  open  air, 
will  aid  very  materially  in  effecting  a  cure. 

The  Mind.  The  effect  of  the  mind  has  a  good 
deal  to  do  in  the  treatment  of  any  disease ;  and 
while  it  is  characteristic  of  this  disease  that  the  pa- 
tient is  conistantly  hopeful,  and  many  times  thinks 
himself  improving  when  he  is  evidently  fast  failing, 
yet  the  buoyancy  of  hope,  and  by  keeping  the 
mind  as  much]-  off  his  complaint  as  possible — to- 
gether with  pleasant  surroundings — ^will  have  a 
good  effect. 

Clothing.  A  very  important  auxiliary  in  the 
treatment  of  this  disease,  is  good,  warm  clothing, 
suitable  to  the  vicissitude  of  the  climate,  and  the 
temperature  of  the  atmosphere.  Woolen  clothing 
should  be  worn  next  the  skin  at  all  times. 

Dr.  Wm.  Porter,  of  this  city,  concludes  a  very 
weU  written  article  on  this  disease,  as  read  before 


144  THE   HOMOEOPATHIC    COURIER. 


I- 


the  **  Tri-States  Medical  Society,"   at  Louisville, 
last  year,  as  follows : 

^ '  One  important  indication  yet  remains.  It  is 
that  all  abnormal  waste,  all  leaks,  should  be 
stopped.  Much  has  been  written  concerning  the 
night  sweats  of  phthisis,  yet  not  too  much  when 
we  think  of  the  great  waste  of  vitality  thereby. 

' '  Oftentimes  this  sympton  may  be  controlled  by 
a  few  grains  of  Dover^ s powder  at  night;  and  at 
the  same  time  rest  be  secured  from  cough.  The 
mineral  acids,  especially  the  nitro-muriatic,  are  val- 
uable here,  especially  upon  digestion. 

"  In  advanced  cases,  where,  from  the  absorption 
of  purulent  matter  in  the  lung,  there  is  hectic  and 
its  attendant  evils,  relief  can  often  be  afforded  by 
placing  the  patient  face  downward,  the  head  hang- 
ing over  the  edge  of  the  bed,  so  that  by  gravity 
and  the  pressure  of  the  body  upon  the  thoracic 
wall,  the  removal  of  the  muco-pus  may  be  hast- 
ened. In  such  cases  the  deep  inhalation  of  a  solu- 
tion of  carbolic  acid,  or  of  the  benzoate  of  soda,  in 
spray,  not  only  seems  to  render  the  pus  less  septic, 
but  aids  in  its  removal. 

''  Other  sources  of  waste,  such  as  dian'hoea,  leu- 
corrhoea  and  bronchoryhoea,  are  important,  and  de- 
mand notice. 

*'  It  is  not  over-medication  that  is  needed,  nor  is 
it  a  dependence  upon  the  intrinsic  tendency  of  the 
disease  to  recovery,  that  stamps  successful  prac- 
tice. Rather,  it  is  careful  but  decided  aid  to  nu- 
trition, attention  to  the   protection   of  the  body, 


THE    HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  145 

proper  use  of  complete  rest,  gentle  exei'cise — each 
in  its  place — and  promptly  meeting  all  waste,  that 
will  avail  most. 

*'Let  me  conclude  with  this  amendment  to  the 
proposition  already  quoted — it  is  by  treatment,  hy- 
gienic and  therapeutic,  that  phthisis  is  limited." 

This  from  an  allopathic  ph3"sician,  of  such  good 
standing,  is  very  noticeable  and  timely. 

TherapeuticH.  Tlu^-e  are  several  remedies  that 
may  be  extremely  useful  in  the  treatment  of  this 
disease,  and  Sulphur  stands  out  prominently 
among  these. 

If  the  disease  is  the  result  of  a  retrocession  of 
measles  or  some  other  skin  disease,  the  use  of  this 
remedy  and  a  hot  alkaline  bath  will  probably  restore 
the  disease  to  the  skin  again,  and  relieve  the  lung. 
Therefore  the  remedy  should  be  studied  carefully, 
as  well  as  Heper  Snip. 

Silicia.  The  well  known  effect  that  this  rem- 
edy has  over  pus-generating,  fistulous  diseases, 
would  at  once  direct  our  attention  to  this  excellent 
remedy.  It  is  worth  more  than  all  the  cod-liver 
oil  that  was  ever  manufactured  from  lai'd  and  fish 
oil,  which  long-suffering  patients  have  been 
drenched  with  during  the  last  forty  years.  There- 
fore this  should  be  carefully  studied. 

Calcaria  Carbonica.  This  is  a  remedy  depended 
upon  by  Hahnemann  as  an  anti-psoric  remedy  of 
great  power,  and  may  be  administered  when  the 
symptoms  indicate  its  use. 


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146       THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COUREEK. 

The  well  known  effect  of  these  remedies  over 
suppurating  tissues,  and  from  the  foregoing  path- 
ological states  and  the  causes  of  the  disease,  would 
point  to  their  use.  If  the  miliary  tubercles  are  the 
result  of  a  low  grade  of  inflammatory  action,  and 
start  from  a  pus-globule — as  the  pathology  would 
teach  us — then  these  remedies  that  exert  so  favor- 
able an  influence  over  pus-generating  tissues^ 
would  effect  a  cure  under  favorable  circumstances,, 
especially  if  prescribed  early. 

Let  us  suggest  a  new  remedy — the  Silicate  of 
Liiine.  (See  next  number  for  a  full  report  of  this 
remedy.) 

Sanguinaria  Canadensis  is  another  good  rem- 
edy. 

The  inhalation,  by  means  of  the  atomizei',  of  Io- 
dine, Kali,  lodatus,  Bromine,  Carbolic  Acid,  .or 
Benzoate  of  Soda,  will  produce  good  results; 
and  if  the  treatment  is  commenced  at  an  early 
day  may  result  in  a  permanent  cure. 

The  inhalation  of  the  vapor  of  tar  which  has  been 
put  on  a  warm  brick,  hi  the  bed-room,  is  also  good, 
and  should  not  be  omitted,  especially  if  the  patient 
does  not  have  the  advantage  of  inhaling  the  at- 
mosphere laden  with  the  aroma  of  the  pine  forest. 

Avoid  acids  in  food  as  much  as  possible.  J^n- 
courage  nutrition^  and  have  the  j^tient  take  daily 
exercise  in  the  open  air.  This  plan  seems  most  ra- 
tional and  best  promises  relief. 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIEK.  147 

THE  OKGANOX— SECTION  153. 

BY    P.    P.  WELLS,    M.    D.,    BROOKLYN,  N.    Y. 


In  Sect.  18  of  this  much  neglected  book,  we  read 
**  that  the  totality  of  the  symptoms  is  the  sole  indi- 
cation for  the  selection  of  remedies."     This  is  true 
if  we  understand  that  in  this  totality  are  contained 
the  symptoms  which  control  the  choice.  ,  It  is  not 
true  if  by  this  be  meant  that  all  the  symptoms  in 
this  totality  are  of  equal  aiithoiity  in  their  conti'ol 
of  this  choice.     That  this  is  not  what  the  author 
iutended  to  teach,  is  made  quite  plain  by  Sect.  153, 
which  may  be  taken  as  a  commentary  on  Sect.  18. 
In   this  Sect.  153,  he  says:     "  In  searching-  after 
the  specific  remedy  **^'  we  ought  to  be  particularly 
and  almost  exclusively  attentive  to  the  symptoms 
that  are  striking^  Hivgnlar^  extraordinary  and  jye^ 
culiar  (characteiistic)  far  it  is  to  these  latter  that 
similar  symptoms^  from   those   created   by   medi- 
cine^  ought  to  correspond,  in  order  to  constitute  it 
the   remedy  most  suitable   to  the  ciu'c.     On  the 
other  hand,  the  more  vague  and  general  symptoms 
***  merit  but  little  attention,  because   almost   all 
diseases    and    medicines    produce    something    in 
general. 

Now,  ift  seeking  for  the  specific  -  remedy  for  a 
given  case  of  sickness  according  to  the  Homoeo- 
pathic method,  a  right  understanding  of  Sections 
18  and  153  is  indispensable,  if  mistake  and  failure 
^1^  to  1)6  avoide'd.     To  find  all  the   symptoms   of 


148  THE   HOMOEOPATHIC   COURIER. 

the  case  to  be  treated,  in  a  single  remedy,  is  often 
impossible,  for  the  reason  they  are  not  in  the  rec- 
ord of  any  one,  so  to  seek  for  them  will  often  be 
only  labor  lost.  Xatural  diseases  are  not  gotten 
up  in  patterns  exactly  adapted  to  those  recorded  as 
the  result  of  the  action  of  ingested  dnigs.  The 
'"  like"  which  cures  does  not  necessarily  consist  in 
this  resemblance  in  its  entirety.  When  this  does 
obtain  and  can  be  found,  the  cure  is  for  this  reason 
the  viore  certainly  assured.  But  if  cures  were  limi- 
tel  to  such  cases  thj  practical  value  of  the  Homoe- 
opathic law  would  be  reduced  far  below  its  true 
standard. 

How  then  are  we  to  reconcile  these  two  sections 
when  we  accept  them  as  practical  guides  V  The 
one  requires  the  totality  of  the  symptoms,  the 
other,  those  most  striking^  etc.  The  one  seems  to 
<iemand  the  wJiole^  the  other  but  a  j)art.  We  an- 
swer. Sect.  18  teaches  simply  this,  that  we  have  no 
other  guides  to  the  selection  of  curatives  than  the 
symptoms  of  the  case  to  be  cured.  Its  chief  intent 
is  to  exclude  from  this  selection  all  abstract  no- 
tions and  hypotheses  of  whatever  name.  This  was 
the  more  nee(le<l  at  the  time  this  paragraph  was 
written,  for  the  reason  that  these  then  constituted 
almost  the  entire*  furnishing  of  the  then  current 
school  of  medical  practice.  It  is  still  needed  for 
the  reason  that  the  old-tinu*  poverty  in  practical  re- 
sources is  still  prevalent,  as  is  the  old  endeavor  to 
<5onceal  this  fact  by  pretences  to  knowledge  of  that 
which  only  exists  in  the  imagination — which  pre- 
tences are  not  more  respectable  bfecause  presented 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  149 

in  terms  which  time  and  teaching  have  incorporated 
into  current  medical  thought  and  practice. 
•  '^  The  symptoms  alone  the  guide !"  says  the  ob- 
jector. That  is  just  what  this  paragraph  is  intend- 
ed to  teach,  and  not  that  every  symptom  of  a  case 
is  to  be  found  in  the  record  of  its  curative  before 
it  can  be  accepted  as  such.  ^*  Then,"  continues 
the  objector  (old  school),  "  you  treat  only  symp- 
toms, and  not  diseases  at  all."  This  has  been  cast 
at  the  Homoeopathic  school  as  a  reproach,  from  the 
beginning,  and  with  as  much  of  boldness  and  arro- 
gance as  if  its  opponents  had  really  something  else 
to  treat.  "  We  treat  diseases."  Indeed !  What 
are  these  but  names,  often  arbiti*ary  and  without 
significance,  of  which  nothing  is  or  can  be  known  ^ 
except  through  manifestations  to  the  patient  or 
physician,  which  we  call  symptoms  ?  Aside  from 
these,  diseases  are,  as  to  all  knowledge  of  them^ 
but  abstract  ideas  of  things  unknown,  and  except 
through  these  manifestations,  unknowable,  as  ob- 
jects of  curative  endeavor.  The  old  school  pre- 
tence, that  it  treats  diseases  as  something  distinct 
from  these,  resolves  itself  into  the  very  empty  ab- 
stractions and  hypotheses  which  this  eighteenth 
section  was  intended  to  antagonize. 

But  if  the  symptoms  are  the  only  guides  to  the 
selection  of  the  curative  remedy,  what  becomes  of 
the  vaunted  pathology  of  which  we  hear  so  much,, 
and  so  often,  fi-om  those  who  are  slightly  informed 
as  to  its  nature,  place  or  importance  in  our  prac- 
tical duties.  To  guard  against  the  wrong  rise  of 
this  valuable    science,  was     another  occasion  for 


150  THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 

giving  us  this  eighteenth  section.  To  put  it  as  a 
teacher  in  the  selection  of  curatives,  to  the  ex- 
clusion of  the  symptoms  from  that  function,  is  to' 
put  it  where  it  has  no  place  in  a  rational  system  of 
healing ;  cei^tainly  none  under  the  conti'ol  of  a  nat- 
ural law,  which  discloses  the  curative  relationship 
as  existing  in  the  similarity  between  the  symptoms 
of  the  drug  and  the  disease.  Where,  then,  is  the 
practical  use  of  this  so  highly  prized  science  of 
pathology?  In  the  duty  of  prescribing  for  the 
sick,  its  use  is  limited  to  aiding  a  right  undei-stand- 
ing  of  the  nature  and  value  of  the  symptoms  re- 
vealed in  the  case  in  hand.  Beyond  this  it  has  no 
function  in  the  process  of  prescribing. 

Pathology,  to  illustrate,  teaches  a  difference  be- 
tween inflammations  and  neuralgias.  Both  are  at- 
tended by  pains  of  the  severest  kind ;  but  this  sci- 
ence teaches  that  these  have  a  different  significance 
and  often  different  importance,  as  the  case  in  hand 
belongs  to  one  class  or  the  other.  A  knowledge  of 
the  science  of  pathology  will  enable  us  to  relegate 
our  case  to  its  proper  class,  and  there  its  function 
ceases.  It  cannot  go  beyond  this ;  and  having  de- 
cided the  case  a  neuralgia,  say  the  remedy  is  Aco- 
nite or  Bell.,  or  Bry.,  or  Colocyn.,  or  Hyosc,  or 
Lach.,  or  Merc,  or  Xux.,  or  Puis.,  or  Rhus,  or 
Spig. ,  or  either  of  the  other  many  remedies  which 
a  given  case  may  demand  for  its  cure  under  the 
law.  To  attempt  to  give  to  this  science  this  deci- 
sion is  to  impose  on  it  a  function  wholly  out  of  the 
sphere  of  its  legitimate  use.  This  is  guarded 
against  by  the  wise  direction  of  the  eighteenth 
section. 


THE   HOMOEOPATHIC   COURIER.  151 

The  one  hundi*ed  and  fifty-third  section  of  the 
Organon^  if  taken  as  a  commentary  on  the  eigh- 
teenth, plainly  indicates  the  above  as  the  true  intent 
of  the  author  of  that  section.  The  direction  to 
have  in  our  search  for  the  specific  curative,  chief 
reference  to  those  symptoms  which  are  striking  y 
extraordinary  and  peculiar ^  paying  but  slight 
regard  comparatively,  to  those  more  common  and 
general,  confirms  this  perfectly . 

But  how  shall  we  imderstand  the  terms  of  the 
commentary?  What  by  the  words,  striking ^  eoo- 
traordinary,  etc.?  Our  first  remark  in  our  en- 
deavor to  get  at  the  true  meaning  of  these  is,  that 
by  the  **  most  stHhing^^'^  the  author  can  not  mean 
that  symptom  which  first  and  most  forcibly  seizes 
the  attention  of  the  physician,  the  patient  and  liis 
friends.  To  make  this  apparent  take  a  case  of  dys- 
entery. That  which  first  arrests  and  holds  the  at- 
tention of  all,  is  the  pain  and  tenesmus.  But  these 
are  so  general  that  they  belong  to  all  cases  of  this 
disease,  and  therefore  by  this  fact  are  relegated  to 
that  category  of  .symptoms  which  the  author  as- 
sures ''  merits  little  attention."  Without  these  no 
case  is  dysentery.  It  is  evident,  then,  the  author 
does  not  use  the  word  in  this  sense.  Its  selection 
seems  less  felicitous  than  is  common  with  him,  and 
has  led  often  to  a  wrong  conclusion  as  to  the  impor- 
tance of  these  general,  or  deflbtiing  symptoms,  in 
the  search  for  specific  remedies  according  to  the 
requirements  of  the  practical  medicine  he  taught. 
That  that  is  the  most  "  striking"  which  is  the  most 
painful  and  intrusive  on  the  attention,  has  been  the 


152  THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 

understanding  of  this  direction,  and  this  has  led  to 
giving  to  these  general  symptoms  just  the  consid- 
eration which  the  author  tells  us  they  do  not  merit. 
His  real  meaning  is  better  expressed  by  the  last 
term  employed  to  indicate  the  class  of  symptoms  to 
be  chiefly  regarded  in  our  search. 

^^  Peculiar."  This  is  it.  But  what  does  he 
mean  by  the  word  here  ?  Evidently  that  we  are  to 
give  chief  attention  to  symptoms  which  are  "  pecu- 
liar" to  the  case  in  hand.  jS^ot  necessarily  to  those 
which  cause  the  patient  most  suffering.  That 
which  is  peculiar  to  the  case  characterizes  it  as  a 
member  o^  a  family.  The  general,  or  defining^ 
symptoms,  declare  the  family  to  which  this  mem- 
ber belongs.  Then  it  is  the  peculiar,  or  specific 
symptoms,  which  are  our  chief  guides,  in  our  dis- 
covery of  the  specific  cure  of  the  case.  But  it  may 
be  asked,  is  not  that  peculiar  to  a  disease  which  is 
found  in  each  example  of  it  ?  In  a  ceilain  sense 
it  is ;  but  not  in  that  in  which  it  is  used  here.  If 
this  were  so,  then  in  a  case  of  dysentery,  for  ex- 
ample, we  should  have,  under  this  dh*ection,  only 
to  notice  the  pain,  tenesmus,  and  the  other,  defin- 
ing symptoms  which  belong  to  this  and  all  other 
cases  of  the  class,  and  find  in  the  similar  of  these 
the  cm-ative  imder  the  law.  We  have  all  tried  this 
and  have  been  disappointed  in  our  expectations  of 
the  cure  we  supposed  the. law  promised  as  the  re- 
sult of  this  proceeding. 

The  disappointment  came  from  our  misunder- 
standing of  the  requirements  of  the  law.  It  will 
come  in  eveiy  case  so  treated.     Success  can  follow 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  153 

only  in  those  where  the  remedy  chosen  happened  to 
have  in  its  record,  with  those  defining  symptoms, 
those  other  and  less  obtrusive  ones  whicli  individu- 
alize the  case,  and  in  which  curative  relationship 
between  drugs  and  diseases  alone  resides.  If  the 
cure  follows  in  cases  so  treated,  in  the  prompt  and 
pleasant  manner  a  right  compliance  with  the  de- 
mands of  the  law  assures,  it  is  because  the  practi- 
tioner has  been  guilty  of  a  fortunate  blunder. 

This  will  be  sufficiently  plain  if  we  remember 
that  Homoeopathic  prescribing  is  specific  prescrib- 
ing. That  is,  finding  and  giving  to  the  sick  the 
one  specific  medicine  the  cure  of  his  case  requires 
imder  the  law.  Homoeopathy  presumes  the  exis- 
tence of  such  a  remedy  in  every  case  of  sickness. 
It  imposes  on  the  physician  the  duty  of  finding  it. 
If  in  any  case,  as  may  well  happen,  either  from 
poverty  of  our  resom'ces,  or  from  lack  of  knowl- 
edge, the  one  remedy  can  not  be  foimd — i.  e.,  a 
remedy  which  in  its  known  effects  on  the  organism 
are  f  oimd  the  symptoms  which  constitute  it  the 
specific  in  the  case,  by  virtue  of  the  required  simi- 
larity— then  that  must  be  selected  which  has  the 
greater  similarity  to  the  elements  of  the  diseased 
manifestation  than  any  other.  This  resort  to  that 
which  is  less  perfect,  because  of  the  above  neces- 
sity, is  no  argument  agamst  the  right  of  the  pre- 
sumption of  the  existence  of  that  which  is  perfect ; 
i.  e.j  some  drug  in  which  is  the  power  to  produce 
symptoms  with  the  required  resemblance  to  consti- 
tute it  the  requu'ed  specific.  This  drug  may  not 
yet  have  been  proved,  or  if  proved,  not  known  to 


154 


THE   HOMOiOPATHIO   COUTirER. 


the  physician  ;  and  hence  the  necessity  of  this  resort 
to  that  wliich  is  less  than  perfect.  Neither  does 
the  fact  tliat  this  i-esort  is  followed  at  times  hy  a  cure 
— which  though  less  pmmpt  and  complete  than  that 
from  a  specifie  remedy,  is  nevertheless  ultimately 
a  cure —  excuse  the  prescriher  from  the  utmost  en- 
deavor to  find  that  which  is  perfect.  This  is  ever 
to  be  the  one  oljjeet  of  his  life  work,  to  find  tlie 
one  specific ;  failmg  in  this  endeavor  is  failing  in 
the  first  and  most  important  of  his  duties.  Success 
in  this  is  that  which  gives  brightest  joy  to  the  life 
of  the  physician.  The  fruits  of  this  success  are 
the  glories  whicli  erown  the  immortal  discov- 
erer of  specific  pi-cscnbing,  which  when  he  had 
found,  he  called  Homcp.opathy . 

That  the  above  view  of  the  one  hundred  and 
fifty-third  section,  which  refers  defining  symptomB 
to  a  subordinate  importance,  in  the  search  for  the 
specific  remedy,  is  the  true  one,  may  be  seen  still 
more  clearly,  if  we  attempt  a  prescriptitm  based  on 
these  as  a  chief  guide.  The  impracticability  of  this 
will  appear  if,  wlien  we  accept  these  as  our  guides, 
we  remember  that  one  remedy  is  tlie  only  specific 
for  our  ease,  and  tills,  that  it  may  be  such  it  must 
be  in  its  effects  on  the  organism  that  which  is  most 
like  those  defining  symjitoms  of  our  case.  The  case 
is  dysentery,  the  defining  symptoms  of  which  ai-e — 
J'reqfient  discharges  from  the  rectum  of  Mood  or  mu- 
cus or  both,  with  colic  pains,  tenesmufi  and  fever. 
Now  there  are,  as  to  the  first  of  these,  a  multitude 
of  eases  met  with  in  practice,  the  discharges  of 
which  are  so  much  alike,  and  so  like  those  recorded 


THE   HOMCKOPATHIC   COURIER.  155 

as  having  resulted  from  the  action  of  a  multitude 
of  remedies  on  the  organism,  that  no  man  can  tell 
from  these,  in  a  given  case,  which  of  this  multitude 
in  this  paiiicular,  is  more  like  the  case  in  hand  than 
the  othei's,  and  therefore  is  for  this  case,  its  specific 
cure.  The  discharges  are  small,  of  mucus  mixed 
with  blood,  and  here  is  all  they  have  to  tell  in  very- 
many  cases,  and  the  records  of  the  effects  of  many 
drugs  tell  the  same  story  so  exactly  that  no  man 
can  tell  which  of  them  has  most  resemblance  to  that 
of  the  case  in  hand.  The  same  is  true  of  the  pains. 
From  these  alone  no  man  can  tell  whether  they  are 
more  like  those  which  have  resulted  from  one  or  the 
other  of  the  many  drugs  from  which  we  have  to 
choose  in  treating  our  case,  and  therefore  we  can 
not  tell  whether  one  or  the  other  is  most  like  the 
pain  in  the  case  for  which  he  is  seeking  a  remedy. 
This  he  may  feel  sure  of,  that  that  which  he  seeks 
is  one  of  the  many,  but  which  of  these V  To  an- 
swer this  question  on  a  better  foundation  than  a 
^uess,  will  necessitate  a  reference  to  other  elements 
of  the  case,  and  these  belong  evidently  to  that  oth- 
er class  of  symptoms  which  this  one  hundred  and 
fifty-third  section  commends  to  our  chief  attention 
— those  which  are  the  specifics  of  the  case.  These 
remarks  are  equally  applicable  to  the  other  defining 
symptoms — the  tenesmus  and  fever. 

We  have  said  Homoeopathy  is  specific  prescrib- 
ing. Its  practice  is  ever  and  only  a  successive  find- 
ing of  the  one  specific  remedy  for  each  succeeding 
case  as  it  becomes  a  subject  for  treatment.  This 
being  found  it  needs  no  second  for  its  aid  in  the 


156  THE    IfOMO'IOPATHIC    COUItlER. 

cure.  If  otherwise,  then  it  fails  to  fulfill  its  office 
of  a  spetnfie,  and  tliis  is  proof  sufficient  that  in  this 
case,  at  least,  the  pitscnber  has  failed  in  liis  duty 
as  a  Homoeopathic  physician.  He  has  not  found 
the  ti'ue  specific  for  hie  case,  which,  as  a  represent- 
ative of  this  school  he  was  bound  to  do,  and  failing- 
in  which,  so  far  as  this  ease  is  concerned,  he  quo  ad 
hoc,  ceases  to  i'e[)reseiit  that  school.  If  it  be  true 
that  there  are  snch  specifics  for  the  cure  of  the  sick, 
and  that  the  fiudlng  of  them  is  possible,  under  the 
guidance  of  the  two  sections  of  the  Organon  we 
have  been  discussing,  then  the  superfluity,  to  say 
the  least,  of  all  so  called  adjuvants  is  denionsti'ated, 
whether  these  be  of  external  or  internal  application. 
But  we  may  go  further,  and  as  no  man  can  tell  be- 
forehand how  this  so  called  adjuvant  is  or  is  not  to 
modify  the  action  of  the  specific  remedy,  that  while 
it  is  in  all  cases  needless,  in  many  it  must  by  such 
modifications  become  positively  injurious.  This 
view,  it  will  be  seen,  effectually  disposes  of  the  lil>- 
erty  wliieh  has  of  late,  eo  often  and  so  earnestly, 
claimed  to  do  as  one  pleases  in  the  discharge  of  his 
practical  duties,  in  this  matter  of  adjuvants,  and  in 
all  others  at  variance  with  the  teaching  of  tlie  two 
sections  we  have  been  considering.  If  one  claims 
this  liberty,  and  acts  upon  it  in  his  clinical  duties, 
to  the  prejudice  of  the  action  of  the  specific  remedy 
selected,  then  there  is  another  libci-ty,  which,  by  so 
doing,  he  deprives  himself  of — the  liberty  to  call 
himself  aftci-ward  a  Ilomceopathic  physician. 

The  view  of  practical   law  and   duty  which  we 
have  been  presenting,  if  admitted  as  authoritative. 


THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER.  157 


will  also  dispose  of  another  fashion  of  practice  (we 
can  not-  regard  it  as  anght  but  a  fashion),  that  of 
prescribing  at  the  same  time  two  or  more  remedies 
to  be  given  in  alternation,  at  definite  intei^vals  of 
time,  in  the  absence  of  all  knowledge  of  what  will 
be  the  condition  of  the  patient  at  the  lapse  of  either 
of  these  intervals,  and  therefore  not  knowing  wheth- 
er either  of  the  given  remedies  will  or  will  not  be  a 
43pecific  for  his  case  at  the  time  it  is  directed  to  be 
given.  If  either  of  the  prescribed  remedies  be  the 
specific  for  the  ease  in  hand  the  other  cannot  be. 
The  idea  of  a  specific  for  a  given  case,  made  such 
by  the  law  of  similars,  excludes  the  possibility  of  a 
second  in  the  same  case,  as  it  is  hni)ossible  that  each 
of  the  two  can  be  "most  like.^^  One  or  neither  of 
the  two  may  be,  but  both  cannot.  That  which  is 
not  is  at  least  useless,  often  mischievous,  and  never 
Homoeopathic,  if  to  be  this  it  is  indispensable  that 
each  prescribed  medicine  shall  be  that  which  in  its 
ascertained  action  on  the  li\nng  organism  presents 
the  most  perfect  likeness  to  the  phenomena  of  the 
disease  to  be  cured. — Homceopathic  Physician. 


Department  of  Electrology  &  Neurology. 

J.  T.  Kent,  M.  D.,  Editor. 


ASPERMATISM. 


A  condition  no  less  troublesome  than  true  impo- 
tence, both  to  patient  and  physician,  is  that  in 
which  the  individual  fails  to  ejaculate  semen  in  co- 
ition . 

Such  a  condition  may  be  brought  about  by  soli- 
tary vice  or  injury  of  the  genitalia.  Injury  to  the 
testes  or  epididymes,  or  inflammatory  occlusion  af 
the  seminal  passages  may  bring  about  this  state • 
This  obliteration  of  vesicles  and  efferent  canals  is 
more  likely  to  occur  in  the  testes  and  epididymes 
than  any  other  part  of  the  route,  from  the  testis  to 
the  meatis  unnaris.  The  disease  is  not  uncommon- 
ly caused  by  a  paralysis  of  the  muscular  wavule 
which  is  the  i)ropelling  motor  of  ejaculation,  and 
the  semen  is  permitted  to  enter  the  bladder.  Bilat- 
eral cryptorchism,  congenital  absence  of  the  effer- 
ent canals,  as  well  as  inflammatory  occlusions  are 
causes  worthy  of  consideration. 

Hypertrophy  of  the  prostrate  gland  and  urethral 
stricture  are  often  productive  of  this  defect. 

A  not  uncommon  physical  state  may  appear  in 
which  a  patient  ejaculates  during  an  erotic  dream 
and  he  is  not  able  to  pass  semen  during  normal  coi- 
tion or  normal  pollution.  This  may  show  the  im- 
pairment of  spinal  reflexes  produced  by  solitary  vice 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  15& 

and  also  the  presence  of  cerebral  command  which 
is  later  interfered  with  in  neiiro-sexual  physiology. 
Demarquay  and  Dumenez  report  cases  of  traumatic 
origin  in  which  the  penis  remained  dry  after  coition, 
nevertheless  the  patient  experienced  the  sensation 
produced  by  emission.  Aspermatism  has  followed 
injuries  of  the  perineum  and  bilateral  lithotomy 
when  the  ejaculatory  ducts  have  undergone  trau- 
matic changes  by  cicatrization. 

The  physical  changes  observed  and  the  inability 
to  reproduce  the  species  are  not  the  woi*st  features 
of  aspermatism ;  but  a  troublesome  condition  awaits 
the  observer.  The  mind  is  most  likely  to  undergo 
a  gi'cat  change,  even  as  great  as  from  true  impo- 
tence. When  aspermatism  is  the  result  of  solitary 
vice,  the  tendency  is  still  more  toward  mental  dis- 
order. Melancholy,  di-unkenness  and  suicide  are 
likely  to  follow  an  incurable  case.  When  the  cause 
has  been  traumatic,  there  is  no  prospect  of  cure,  but 
when  masturbation  has  been  the  exciting  cause, 
there  is  some  prospect  of  relief.  To  restore  the 
spinal  reflexes  is  the  object  to  be  accomplished. 

The  galvanic  and  faradic  currents  are  nearly  al- 
ways called  for  in  connection  with  the  proper  con- 
stitutional remedies :  > 

Sep.,  sulph.,  cal.,  lye,  nux.,  sec,  phos.,  ac.^ 
sil.,  and  proper  advice. 


160  THE   HOMfEOPATHIC   COUBIER. 


CLINICAL     CASES    OF    THip     IIOMCEO 

PATHIC  MEDICAL   COLLEGE 

OF  MISSOURI. 

SERVICE    OF   J.    TYLER   KENT,    M.    D. 


[Reported  by  E.  B.  Thomas,  Student.] 

Case  1.  Xov.  2l8t;  Mrs.  M.  W.,  aged  45 
years ;  large,  fleshy ;  weighs  probably  180  pounds  ; 
face  red,  skin  flaccid,  abdomen  very  large ;  good 
natured,  happy ;  has  had  epilepsy  over  twelve 
years ;  attacks  generally  come  on  at  night ;  has 
had  a  few  in  the  morning;  has  vertigo  after 
dark  and  under  artificial  light;  sees  mice  and 
small  animals  running  out  of  corners ;  turning 
I  quickly  sometimes  sees  a  dog  or  other  animal ; 
is  not  afraid ;  has  no  fears ;  bites  her  tongue  and 
froths  at  the  mouth  in  her  fits  ;  sleeps  after  the  fit ; 
never  comes  to  until  waking  from  sleep,  which  lasts 
from  one  hour  to  one  hour  and  a  half ;  fits  com- 
mence with  her  making  a  grunting  noise  and  turn- 
ing and  jerking  towards  the  right  side ;  loses  all 
consciousness  during  the  attacks ;  if  attacks  come 
on  while  in  bed,  don't  bite  her  tongue,  but  froths 
at  the  mouth  the  same ;  if  on  her  left  side  when  fit 
comes  on  in  bed,  turns  over  to  the  right,  in  the 
paroxysm.  Has  been  treated  a  number  of  years 
for  this  trouble  without  any  permanent  result,  the 
attacks  ranging  in  frequency  from  three  a  week 
to  thi*ee  in  a  day.  There  were  no  head  symp- 
toms ;  her  eyes  were  normal,  and  with  the  exception 


THE   HOMCKOPATHIC   COURIBB.  161 

of  a  slightly  coated  tongue  and  light  ringing  in  the 
ears,  she  appe§,red  well.  There  was  a  general  full- 
ness of  the  stomach,  and  a  tight  feeling  which  com- 
pelled her  to  open  her  dress  from  the  misery  and 
in  order  to  get  breath.  There  was  also  sorei^ess  of 
the  abdomen  from  spine  of  ilium  dow  i  groin  to 
pubes  and  inside  of  thigh,  with  a  sensation  as  if 
uterus  was  pressing  on  the  bladder,  which  com- 
pelled to  frequent  micturation,  with  a  pressure  as  if 
the  uterus  would  protrude.  There  was  itching  of 
vulva  before  monthlies,  with  smarting  on  being 
scratched,  reUeved  only  b}»  cold  application.  The 
aching  commences  in  abdomen  and  goes  down  the 
thighs,  with  crampmg  of  the  calves  of  the  legs. 
Her  menses  are  generally  regular  but  have  stopped 
for  the  last  three  months;  discharges  dark  and 
stringy,  shreds  four  inches  long,  and  continue  about 
a  week. 

She  was  put  on  sul. 

January  17th.  Has  had  but  one  paroxysm  smce, 
in  which  she  remained  conscious  all  the  time,  ^o 
facial  jerking  and  only  slight  twitching  of  the 
hands.  She  fell  backward  and  cried  for  her  hus- 
band to  catch  her ;  was^helpless  one  horn* ;  not  able 
to  speak,  but  conscious  all  the  time,  and  knew  all 
that  had  transpired.  The  fit  came  duiing  menses, 
in  the  day  time,  while  sewing ;  was  never  able  to 
speak  before  while  fit  was  coming  on.  Menses  pro- 
fuse, bright  red  and  irritation  of  parts  all  gone. 
Svl.  7th  continued. 

•February  7th.     Has  had  no  fit  since.     8ul.  200. 


162  THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER. 


MIXD,  MATTER  A^D  MEMORY. 


BY    WM.  JOXE8,  M.  D.,  NEWBUKG,  N.   V. 


Wliat  to  my  mind  may  seem  full  of  truth  and 
interest,  may  to  others  appear  insii)id  and  absurd, 
for  ''belief  is  involuntary — we  believe  because  we 
must ;"  and  for  me  to  say  mind  acts  upon  matter, 
as  I  am  about  to  explain,  may  seem  to  many  the 
greatest  absurdity.  Yet  T  believe  it  does,  and  at 
the  same  time  explains  why  memory  is  so  retentive. 
Hut  just  how  mind  and  matter  meet  and  harmonize 
with  each  other  in  the  brain,  is  as  profound  as  God. 

The  powers  of  the  human  mind  were  never  in- 
tended to  be  equal  to  those  of  the  great  Jehovah's. 
There  is  a  limit  to  human  genius  and  its  mental 
penetration.  We  can  observe  and  admire  many  of 
the  mysterious  attributes  of  the  mind,  but  ivhat  it 
is  must  be  left  with  the  Almighty  to  solve.  Yet, 
I  hoi)e  I  may  be  pardoned  for  saying  I  believe 
mind  is  neither  an  inherent  principle  of  matter,  nor 
the  result  of  organization.  And  I  believe  it  to  be 
one  of  the  human  faculties  God  has  seen  proper  to 
unite  inseparably  to  the  soul,  and  it  Avill  continue  to 
exist  with  it  to  all  eternity. 

If  mind  was  an  essential  constituent  i)nncii)le  of 
organization  of  animal  life,  any  power  that  Avould 
destroy  animal  life  Avould  as  surely  destroy  the  soul 
and  the  mind  at  the  same  time.  Though  the  mind 
may  be  dependent  on  the  brain  for  its  manifesta- 
tions and   exercise  of  its  uitellectual   faculties,  yet 


THE   HOMOEOPATHIC   COURIER.  163 

it  seems  to  me  that  every  thoughtful  person  must 
admit  that  it  does  not  get  its  existence  from  the 
brain,  or  any  physical  structure  or  organization.  If 
it  does  not,  then  these  faculties  are  peculit;^  projh 
ertiesj  qualities^  and  powers  of  the  mind,  brought 
into  action  from  sensations  and  impressions  con- 
veyed to  the  nerve-molecules,  and  registered  by  them 
upon  the  braui.  For  example,  the  mind  observes 
a  color,  which  by  the  aid  of  the  eye  is  conveyed  to 
the  brain.  By  the  transmission  the  nerve-molecules 
of  the  brain  are  set  in  motion,  and  they  immediate- 
ly j^Aoto^rro/^A  (register)  that  color  upon  the  brain, 
which  is  held  in  reserve  for  future  use.  Every  time 
the  mind  is  referred  to,  or  observers  that  color,  it 
excites  the  brain,  as  it  were,  to  photograph  or  print 
a  picture  of  that  color  from  the  negative,  for  the 
mind  to  view  and  enjoy  in  all  of  its  varied  beauties. 
In  the  same  way  the  mind  receives  or  hears  a  sound 
and  through  the  aid  of  the  ear  that  sound  is  con- 
veyed to  and  registered  or  negatived  upon  the  brain ; 
and  every  time  the  mind  is  referred  to,  or  hears  that 
sound,  the  brain  telephones  that  somid  for  the  mind 
to  utilize  and  enjoy. 

In  the  same  manner  the  brain  and  mind  receive 
and  utilize  all  of  the  varied  sensations  and  impress- 
ions that  may  be  transmitted  through  their  respec- 
tive organs  of  conveyance,  to  be  registered  or  pho- 
tographed  upon  the  brain,  to  be  used  as  the  mind 
requires.  This  principle  of  registering  or  photo- 
graphing  objects  and  impressions  upon  the  brain  is 
what  explains  the  theory  of  memory.  The  mind 
utilizes  these  negatives  as  does  the  photographer. 


164 


THE    HOM<EOFATHIO    COURIER. 


Whenever  the  miud  is  required   to    perform  any 
work,  it  calls  upon  the  brain  to  fiiraish  ideas  (print 
pietui'es)  from   the  negatives  it  has   caused  to  he 
registered  upon  the  braui,  relative  to  the  informa- 
tion that  may  be    requii-ed  of  it ;  and  as  the  photo- 
grapher must  depend  upon  the  pui-ity  of  the  chem- 
icals he  uses,  as  well  as  his    skill    in   nianipiilating 
them,  and  the  light  he  has  at  command  for  the  per- 
fection and  beauty  of  his  work,  so    does    the  mind 
depend  upon    the   health,  quality,  and    activity  of  J 
the  nerve-molecules  of  the  brain   far  the  perfection'* 
of  the  ideas — pictures — that  are  furnished  it,   from' 
which  it  gets  the  information  it  wishes  to  impart. 

In  pei*sonfl  of  advanced  age,  the  nerve-molecules- 
or  chemicals  of  the  brain  are  not  as  active,  from  a 
deficiency  of  nerve  energy  ;  consequently  the  brain 
does  not  photograph  as  good  and  perfect  negatives, 
nor  are  they  as  duralilc  as  those  that  were  negatived 
upon  the  brain  in  early  life;  consequently  the  brain 
does  not  print  as  perfect  pictures  ;  and  this  explains 
why  we  observe  the  failing  memory  of  passing 
events  hi  peraons  of  advanced  years,  while  those 
circumstances  that  occurred  ui  their  early  and  youth- 
ful yeai's  are  vividly  and  distinctly  remembered.  If 
the  above  prmeiples  are  founded  in  tnith,  we  have, 
it  seems  to  me.  a  clue  to  the  cause  of  insanity,  and 
an  explanation  of  the  cause  of  some  of  the  strange 
and  singular  symptoms  that  are  manifested  in  many  i 
cases  of  this  peculiar  nervous  disease.  Whatever! 
may  be  the  cause  that  produces  a  nerve-lesion  of 
the  brain  or  the  nei-ve-molecules,  will  most  cei*tainly 
interfere  with  their  natural  functions,  and  with  their 


THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER.  165 

powers  to  form  correct  and  perfect  negatives  from 
the  impressions  that  may  be  presented  to  the  brain 
by  the  respective  organs  of  conveyance ;  and  as  the 
negatives  are  imperfect,  the  pictures  printed  from 
them  will  be  imperfect,  distorted — false  presenta- 
tions for  the  mind  to  form  its  reasonuig  and  judg- 
ment from.  And  as  these  pictures  are  the  only 
source  through  which  the  mind  receives  its  inform- 
ation, it  is  reasonable  to  suppose,  if  the  source  is 
diseased,  the  effort  of  the  mind — although  healthy 
itself — will  appear  crazy. 

The  mind  would  be  and  appear  all  right  but  for 
the  fact  that  the  diseased  brain  is  continually  pTw^ 
tographing  false  pictures  and  information,  which 
plays  the  mischief  with  its  reason  and  judgment. 
Judgment  becomes  almost  completely  and  some- 
times utterly  dethroned,  because  the  mind  is  de- 
prived of  its  natural  powers  of  comparison. — Medi- 
cal Tribune. 


THE    STUDY    OF    SPECIAL    NERVE 

CENTRES. 

BY  JOHN  J.  CALDWELL,  M.  D.,  BALTIMORE,  M.  D. 


Science  is  the  summary  of  facts ;  it  is  therefore 
the  rule  of  art.  To  act  intelligently  we  must 
ifnderstand  the  principles  which  underlie  the. pur- 
pose we  seek  to  accomplish.     Theories  are  necech* 


166       THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER. 

sary  because  they  are  the  expression  of  facts ;  they 
not  only  afford  foundation  for  present  action,  but  a 
basis  for  future  investigation.  Theories  are  useful, 
although  we  may  be  unable  to  demonstrate  their 
truth ;  thus,  the  atomic  theory  of  the  constitution 
of  matter  forms  the  basis  of  the  physical  science  of 
the  present  day,  although  an  atom  of  matter  has 
never  yet  been  isolated.  The  existence  of  mole- 
cules is  deduced  as  a  corollary  from  the  atomic 
theory.  The  same  remarks  apply  to  the  wave 
theory  of  Ught,  which  serves  to  explain  the  phe- 
nomena of  optics ;  yet,  the  existence  of  an  elastic 
ether,  whose  motion  results  in  the  manifestation  of 
vision  is,  simply  a  deduction  from  observed  phe- 
nomena. 

Physiological  facts  form  as  correct  a  basis  for 
theory  as  anatomical  facts.  Thus  we  are  as  justi- 
fied in  declaring  a  certain  distribution  of  nerves  to 
exist  from  a  physiological  fact,  as  if  we  could  trace 
the  fibre,  scalpel  in  hand  and  microscope  to  eye. 
Thus  was  the  excito-motory  system  of  nerves  de- 
lineated. By  a  process  of  speculation  and  verifi- 
cation by  experiment,  we  establish  the  existence  of 
nerve  centres,  which  preside  over  special  functions. 
The  speculations  of  Gait,  Spurzheira  and  Lavau- 
tier  were  of  this  nature,  when  they  proposed  to 
delineate  character  by  the  existence  of  a  particular 
cerebral  conformation,  or  organs,  Avhich,  at  this 
time,  we  would  call  cerebral  centres,  or  by  the 
existence  of  certain  lines  of  expression  of  the  human 
organism.  The  volume  is  before  us ;  we  used*  a 
commentator.      Speculative  philosophy   has   been 


THE    HOMOSOPATHIC   COURIER.  167 


supei-seded ;  it  has,  however,  performed  a  grand 
role  in  the  history  of  science.  In  fact,  it  was  the 
parent  of  the  philosophy  of  the  present  day.  The 
speculative  theories  of  Leweipi)us,  Deniocritus  and 
Epicureus,  form  the  basis  of  the  philosophy  of  the 
nineteenth  century ;  for  not  only  is  the  atomic  the- 
ory the  i)hilosophy  of  chemistry,  but  also  the  comer 
stone  of  the  i)hilo8ophy  of  life.  The  Cartesian 
philosophy  fell  before  the  "Essay  on  the  Human 
Understanding."  But  Locke's  reign  was  of  short 
duration ;  for  the  views  of  Descartes  are  again  re- 
ceived as  the  basis  of  material  science. 

In  medicine,  as  a  science,  we  must  recognize  the 
fact  that  function  depends  upon  organization,  and 
that  the  phenomena  of  life  depends  upon  the  correl- 
latiou  of  the  different  organs  which  make  up  the 
complex  structure  of  the  human  economy.  The  sick 
man  no  longer  repairs  to  the  shrine  of  his  i)atron 
Saint,  but  seeks  the  advice  of  the  leanied  and  skillful 
physician.  John  Tyndall  tersely  says,  "Thought 
has  its  correlative  in  the  physics  of  the  brain."  So 
have  other  f  unctious  their  correlatives  in  the  i)hysic8 
of  the  spinal  marrow  and  sympathetic  centres — all 
beautifully  harmonized  by  structure,  and  operated 
by  force.  Tyudall's  opuiion  is  the  result  of  phe-* 
nomena  which  showed  thought  to  be  connected  with 
the  brain ;  that  derangement  of  brain  structure  was 
accompanied  l)y  perversion  of  intelligence,  or  the 
loss  of  intellect.  So  general  a  conclusion  may 
satisfy  the  scientific  materialist,  but  not  the  physi- 
ologist, whose  office  it  is  to  discover  facts  and  pro- 
pound theories  which  shall  be  a  guide  to  practice. 


168  THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 

When  practice  of  medicine  ceases  to  be  guided  by 
science,  it  degenerates  into  empiricism.  Physiolo- 
gists have  shown  that  thought  is  not  alone  depen- 
dent upon  the  physics  of  the  brain,  but  that  the 
brain  is  only  a  part  of  the  structure  necessary  to 
intelligence.  Thus  the  spinal  marrow  and  sympa- 
thetic system,  and  the  nerves  of  special  senses  are 
all  elements  in  the  structure  of  the  apparatus  con- 
cerned in  intelligence.  Man  would  be  but  an  in- 
different animal  deprived  of  the  power  of  speech. 

In  truth,  the  harmony  of  action  and  inter-depen- 
dence of  every  part  of  the  human  organism  is  Won- 
derful. The  anatomist  and  physiologist  have  fur- 
nished us  the  reason  of  this  harmony,  by  demon- 
strating anatomical  connections,  in  part  shown  to 
the  eye,  and  partly  by  the  deductions  derived  from 
experiments  and  pathological  phenomena.  The 
intricacies  of  these  relations,  and  the  special  func- 
tions of  each  nervous  organ,  when  unraveled  and 
demonstrated,  will  constitute  the  physiology  of  the 
nervous  system. 

The  association  of  different  parts  of  the  economy 
is  stiikingly  shown  by  the  anatomical  distribution 
and  functions  of  the  pneumogastric  —  so  aptly 
"termed  the  ''vagus"  nerve.  I  have  elscAvhere 
termed  it  the  grand  life  nerve,  the  great  mainspring 
of  vitality,  through  whose  broad  distribution  to,  and 
complex  relations  with,  numerous  structures,  our 
very  being  is  perj)etuated .  Some  have  styled  it  the 
regulating  medium  between  parts  of  the  human 
economy.  Its  infinite  ramifications  and  distiibu- 
tions  serve  to  bring  into  harmonious  relation  parts 


THE    IIOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER.  169 

which  otherwise  would  be  isolated,  as  well  as  to  con- 
vey power  or  force  to  so  many  organs,  to  contri- 
bute to  the  healthy  performance  of  their  functions. 

Yet,  the  pnfiimogastric  nerve  constitutes  but  a 
single  organ,  whose  office  is  to  provide  force  to 
work  the  complex  structure  to  which  it  is  distribut- 
ed. "  Force"  is  but  motion  ;  this  motion  originates 
in  the  pneuniogastric  nerve  center.  When  we  re- 
flect that  this  nerve  is  disti-ibuted  to  so  many  organs 
whose  functions  vary  —  secretory,  excretory,  phy- 
sical, physiological — we  are  brought  to  the  conclu- 
sion that  the  branches  of  this  nerve  are  only  earners 
to  and  from  a  centre  which  affords  the  power,  the 
force  or  motion. 

That  different  nerves  perfoi'm  special  functions 
is  evident  from  the  regularity  with  which  they  are 
distributed.  Singular  distribution  of  arteries  is  un- 
important, because  all  carry  the  kind  of  blood ;  nor 
does  it  matter  what  veins  returns  the  blood  to  the 
heart  and  lungs  ;  hence  iiTegularity  of  the  circulate 
ory  apparatus  is  not  unusual.  On  the  other  hand, 
the  loss  pf  a  nerve  would  entail  the  loss  of  a 
faculty,  because  it  would  entail  the  loss  of  connec- 
tion'with  a  centre  of  force  essential  to  the  function 
of  the  organ  to  which  it  should  have  been  distribu- 
ted. Nerve  power  is,  then,  but  a  peculiar  kind  of 
force  or  motion ;  and  different  nerve  centres  origi- 
nate different  kinds  of  motion,  manifested  by  dif- 
ferent phenomena — alike  the  different  kinds  of  mo- 
tion to  which  we  give  the  name  of  heat,  light,  elec- 
tricity— like  the  phenomena  of  sight,  hearing,  taste, 
smell,  which  are  the  result  of  different  kinds  of 
motioii. 


/ 


170  THE    HOMCBOPATHIC   COUBIER. 

A  learned  lecturer  at  the  Peabody  Institute,  Bal- 
more,  (Prof .  Jeffreys,  of  Boston),  in  discussing' 
color  blindness,  said  that  the  eye  contains  different 
parts  adapted  to  different  colors ;  t^at  there  are  two 
properties  in  the  eye — one,  the  power  to  distinguish 
form  ;  the  other,  of  distinguishing  color.  But  the 
eye  does  not  form  the  color ;  it  simply  transmits. 
In  fact,  we  feel,  hear  and  see  with  the  brain,  or 
certain  cerebral  centres  of  nerve  power.  Many  co- 
lor-blind persons  may  be  educated  to  distinguish 
colors.  As  white  light  is  the  result  of  motion,  so 
are  the  prismatic  color.  If  the  eye,  or  any  part  of 
the  optic  apparatus,  be  unable  to  transmit  green 
motion,  the  individual  will  be  green  blind,  or  the 
optic  centres  may  be  at  fault. 

Anatomy,  physiology, and  pathology  combine  to 
show  that  there  are  certiiin  nerve  centres,  or  centres 
of  force,  which  preside  over,  so  to  speak,  certain 
functions.  Thus  we  have /double  and  triple  sets  of 
nerves  given  to  one  organ  ;  intricate  connections  are 
formed  among  nerves,  distribution  of  different  kinds 
of  nerve  matter ;  and,  finally!,  i)eculiarity  of  arrange- 
ment. Whence  the  necessity  of  double  and  trii)le  sets 
of  nerves,  if  all  convey  the  same  poAver  f  I'om  a  com- 
mon source?  Whence  the  use  of  diversitv  of  nerve 
tissue,  and  arrangement  into  ganglia  and  the  like,  if 
there  is  no  difference  in  the  kind  of  power  genera- 
ted and  transmitted?  The  fact  that  sensory  and 
motor  nerves  exist,  has  long  been  recognized ;  the 
experiments  of  Ludwig  are  regarded  as  esta])lishing 
the  existence  of  secretory  nei'ves — I  shoidd  i)refer 
to  say  of  nei*ve  centres  which  furnish  the  ^ '  force  ' ' 


THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER.  171 


to  set  in  motion  the  secretory  organs.  Gait  noticed 
that  irritation  of  a  nerve  increases  the  secretion  of 
sweat.  But  it  appeal's  that  there  are  certain  sweat 
centers  in  the  spinal  cord.  Luechsinger  locates 
sweat  centres  in  the  spinal  cord  of  the  lumbar  and 
lower  part  of  the  dorsal  regions.  Physical  acts, 
as  fear,  produce  sweating ;  heat  is  another  agent 
which  causes  sweating,  and,  lastly,  certain  medicin- 
al agents  increase  the  secretion.  Thus,  according  to 
Luechsinger  gnd  Nawrocki,  a  dose  of  pilocarpin 
causes  the  feet  to  sweat.  The  former  believes  that 
the  drug  acts  centrally  in  addition  to  its  peripheral 
action  ;  according  to  some,  sweating  follows  an  ir- 
ritation in  a  reflex  manner.  The  investigations  of 
Prof.  Isaac  Ott,  M.  D.,  on  this  subject  are  highly 
important;  he  concludes,  ''that  sweat  centres,  like 
the  vaso-motor  centres,  are  situated  throughout  the 
cord  and  medulla  oblongata ;  for  when  the  latter  is 
irritated,  an  abundant  secretion  of  sweat  occurs  in 
all  the  extremities."  It  appears  that  certain  agents 
•  serve  to  check  sweating,  which  act  upon  the  inhib- 
itory mechanism,  the  centres  of  which  are  supposed 
to  lie  .in  the  medulla  oblongata.  Thus  is  the  opin- 
ion strengthened  that  cei-tain  functions  are  presided 
over  by  particular  nerve  centres,  and,  by  reference 
to  physiological  facts,  their  location  is  approximate- 
ly determined. 

That  dilatation  of  blood  vessels  is  due  to  the  in- 
fluence of  certain  nerves,  is  the  opinion  of  many 
physiologists ;  and,  further,  that  these  nerves  rise 
from  particular  centres  in  the  spmal  cord,  called 
vaso-dilator  centres.  Heat  is  supposed  to  act  di- 
rectly on  the  vaso-dilators. 


172  THE   HOMCKOPATHIC   COURIER. 

Thus  we  have  sensory,  motor,  vaso-motor,  vaso- 
dilator, sweat  centres  and  inhibitory  centres.  Iii 
addition  we  have  vagino-spinal,  ano-sphial,  and 
vesico-spinal  centres,  which  preside  over  the  special 
functions  of  these  organs. 

Let  us  turn  to  the  brain.  "  Thought  has  its  cor- 
relative in  the  physics  of  the  brain."  The  typo- 
graphy of  the  brain  exhibits  diversity  of  appearance 
— convohitions,  ventricles,  eminences,  commissures, 
i^onnecting  the  two  brains ;  nervous  tracks  and  vas- 
cular supply.  Its  molecular  structure  varies  mto 
gray  matter  and  medullary  matter.  It  is  connected 
or  joined  to  the  spinal  cord — as  it  were,  prolonged 
into  the  spinal  cavity.  Not  unnaturally  the  ancient 
sages,  from  Galen  to  the  period  of  Sir  Charles 
Bell — the  father  of  nervous  physiology — main- 
tained that  the  brain  presides  over  the  body  through 
the  spinal  marrow  and  deserves,  by  means  of  fluid 
transmitted  by  tubular  nerves.  Through  this  agen- 
cy all  the  phenomena  of  life  are  carried  on.  The 
presidency  of  the  brain  as  a  co-ordinate  branch  of 
the  animal  government,  must  be  admitted,  but  we 
must  become  more  intimately  acquainted  with.its  ex- 
ecutive powers  and  its  limitations.  Its  control  over 
many  spmal  functions  is  apparent,  and  this  has 
been  termed  "inhibitory."  This  power  we  are 
justified  in  referring  to  "inhibitoiy" cerebral  centres. 
The  power  of  exciting  into  action  spinal  centres  is 
manifested  by  the  effect  of  amorous  thoughts,  which 
may  be  direct  and  reflex ;  the  effects  of  the  emotions 
of  fear,  anger,  despondency  and  the  like,  on  the 
8pinal  nerve  centres   is  recognized   by   all.     Fear 


THE   HOMCKOPATHIC   COURIER.  173 

may  cause  increase  of  action  of  sweats  centres  and 
of  those  which  preside  over  the  sphincters,  causing^ 
them  to  relax.  On  the  other  hand,  it  may  diminish 
or  alter  secretions,  as  of  the  salivary  and  manmiary 
glands,  all  of  which  we  are  authorized  to  refer  to 
then*  connection  with  cei-tain  cerebral  centers. 
Pathology  has  shown  that  the  faculty  of  speech  is 
connected  with  the  integrity  of  certain  convolutions 
of  the  cerebral  nerve-centres,  which  preside  over 
the  function  of  speech,  affording  the  '^  power" 
or  ' '  force  ' '  which  sets  in  action  the  physical  vocal 
apparatus. 

The  wonderful  faculty  of  memoiy,  "  the  warden 
of  the  brain,"  is  intimately  connected  with  the 
faculty  of  speech.  This  faculty  is  set  in  action  by 
being  excited  centrally,  and  by  reflex  action,  and 
is  doubtless  dependent  upon  particular  nerve  cen- 
tres. The  loss  of  memory  from  disease  of  the  brain, 
pressure,  accident,  and  the  like,  is  familiar  to  every 
one.  The  relation  between  memoiy  and  speech  is  il- 
lustrated by  the  curious  inversion  of  letters  in  certaui 
words.  A  medical  friend  related  to  me  an  example 
of  the  result  of  cerebral  apoplexy  in  which  the  per- 
son always  said  "was'^'^  for  '^  saw,^^  and  the  con- 
verse, and  gave  other  examples  not  at  present  re- 
membered. The  effect  of  alcoholic  drinks  in  stimul- 
ating memory  and  excitmg  speech,  is  familiar  to 
most  persons.  In  large  quantities  it  obtimds  this 
faculty. 

Memoiy  excites  speech ;  here  the  action  is  central. 
Speech  excites  memory ;  here  the  action  is  reflex. 
Caution  is  inhibitory   of  speech,   i.  c,   inhibitory 


174  THE    HOMCKOPATHIC   COURIER. 

brain  centres  control  speech.  Our  special  senses 
—  sight,  hearing,  smell,  taste,  touch — must  be 
referred  to  special  centres ;  in  fact,  we  hear,  smell, 
taste,  and  feel  with  the  brain  centres  of  these  sen- 
ses. Sonorous  bodies  cause  motion  ;  the  effect  is 
sound.  Luminous  bodies  cause  motion  ;  the  effect 
is  light.  A  blow  on  the  eye  causes  a  flash  of  light. 
Touch  excites  motion,  and  we  feel.  Sapid  bodies 
excite  motion,  odoriferous  particles  excite  motion, 
and  we  taste  and  smell.  Color-blindness  is  similar 
to  anaesthesia ;  odoriferous  particles  cannot  be  re- 
cognized by  all  persons ;  mignonette,  so  delightful 
to  some,  is  odorless  to  others.  The  same  remark 
applies  to  taste — nothing  so  capricious  as  taste. 

A  curious  faculty  of  the  mind  is  that  of  ponder- 
ing a  proposition,  by  the  exercise  of  which  faculty, 
that  which  is  obscure  and  perplexing,  becomes  lu- 
minous and  explicable.  The  different  powers  which 
constitute  the  mind  are  brought  into  play ;  we  say 
the  various  faculties  of  the  mind  to  bear — a  correct 
expression,  if  by  faculties  we  means  cerebral  or- 
gans or  centres  of  power.  It  likely  shows  the  in- 
timate relation  and  anatomical  connection  of  them 
all,  which  we  call  correlation. 

Dr.  Ott  has  performed  some  interesting  experi- 
ments showing  the  effect  of  certain  agents  in  cau- 
sing retrograde  movements  in  pigeons.  These 
were  caused  by  the  action  of  cold  on  the  skin  on 
the  back  of  the  neck ;  the  movements  alternated 
with  fits  of  stupor,  hypnotism,  etc.  When  bi-sul- 
phide  of  carbon  is  applied,  birds  run  forward,  bu:j 
suddenly  commence  to  run  backwards,  and  against 


TOE   HOMOCOPATHIC   COUMEK.  175 


the  will,  as  they  seek  to  overcome  the  tendency. 
Irritation  of  the  nerves  of  the  skin  on  the  back  of 
the  neck  caused  similar  retrograde  movements, 
followed  by  a  period  of  quietude.  These  pheno- 
mena he  regards  as  reflex  in  theii*  nature.  Here 
the  mechanical  irritation  of  the  sensory  nerves  is 
reflected  on  the  central  nervous  system,  causing  it 
to  involve  the  phenomena  under  consideration. 

These  phenomena  occurred  after  the  destruction 
of  the  cerebrum.  He  says  when  the  cerebrum  is 
destroyed,  the  nervous  system  of  the  bird  is  a  mere 
automaton,  played  upon  by  appropriate  external 
agents.  These  phenomena  are  attributed  to  effects 
on  the  ganglia  or  nerve  centres  at  the  base  of  the 
encephalon.  The  forward  movement  was  due  to 
cerebral  activity — special  functions  presided  over 
by  special  nerve  centres.  The  phonomena  of  hyp- 
notism are  caused  by  ganglia  at  the  base  of  the 
brain,  inhibiting  the  "  wilL'^^  In  cats  and  rabbits, 
the  application  of  bi-sulphide  of  carbon  to  the  skin 
on  the  back  of  the  neck  caused  them  to  run  forward 
and  leap  into  the  air. 

'  The  above  experiments  not  only  show  the  exis- 
tence of  special  nerve  centres,  endowed  with  pecu- 
liar functions ;  but  also  that  certain  agents  have 
the  power  to  act  on  special  nerve  centres.  This  is 
important  in  a  therapeutical  point  of  view,  for 
having  determined  the  existence  of  centres  of  spe- 
cial function,  and  agents  of  specific  action,  we  have 
a  basis  for  the  practice  of  medicine.  Thus  is 
science  shown  to  be  a  guide  to  practice — the  inile 
of  art. 


176  THE   HOMCBOPATHlC   COURIER, 


Pathology  and  therapeutics  combined  to  strength- 
en the  view  in  regard  to  specific  nerves  centres 
endowed  with  specific  powers.  The  terrible  syphil- 
itic headache  disappears  on  the  administration  of 
iodide  of  potassium.  The  relation  of  lesions  of  the 
cord,  or  of  certain  s])inal  nerves  to  epilepsy,  has 
been  pointed  out  by  Brown  Sequard  (an  epilepto- 
genic zone).  Others  place  the  pathology  in  the 
medulla  oblongata.  All  are  searching  for  pailicu- 
lar  nei^ve  centres.  Many  cases  are  cured  by  bro- 
mide of  potassium,  which  acts  upon  the  central 
nervous  system,  diminishing  motor  power  and  sen- 
sory perception.  Tetanus  is  a  motor  spinal  nem'osis. 
Strychnine  acts  upon  motor  functions,  increasing 
their  sensibility.  Hydrophobia  is  a  cerebro-spinal 
neurosis — a  toxic  neurosis.  Woorara  kills  by 
paralyzhig  the  motor  nerves  concerned  in  respirato- 
ry movements.  Gelsemina  paralizes  the  respiratory 
centres.  Secretion  is  presided  over  by  cei'tain  nerve 
centres.  Atropia  causes  diyness  of  the  throat  by 
paralizing  secretory  nerves,  which  can  be  restored 
by  calabar  bean.  Jaborandi  increases  the  salivary 
secretory,  and  acts  also  on  sweat  centres.  The 
cerebellum  is  thought  to  be  the  co-ordinating 
centre  of  voluntary  movement.  Alcohol  affects 
the  cerebellum  and  produces  want  of  co-ordination. 

It  is  useless,  however,  to  add  to  the  number  of 
pathological  and  therapeutical  illustrations  of  speci- 
fic nerve  centres  controling  special  functions  of  the 
animal  organism. —  Va.  Med.  Monthly. 


DEPARTMENT   OF   SURGERY, 

J.  W.  Thrasher,|M.  D.,  Editor. 


HEMOKKHOEDS. 


There  is  a  great  deal  said  by  way  of  advertising 
:and  newspj^er  puffs  now-a-days  about  the  painless 
treatment  of  Hemorrhoids,  cm-es  guaranteed  with- 
out pain,  ligature,  caustics,  or  knife.  Suffering 
humanity  only  find  rest  from  pain  by  applying  to 
a  pile  doctor  who  possesses  the  only  original  and  sure 
pile  remedy.  This  great  cure  was  not  secured  in 
the  ordinary  way  of  study  and  a  knowledge  of  me- 
dicinal agents,  but  was  handed  down  from  genera- 
tion to  generation  and  to  the  first  possessor  the  re- 
cipe was  given  by  the  Gods,  or  some  old  woman 
that  arrested  hemorrhage  by  charms,  etc.  It  has 
been  wisely  said,  ^^that  there  is  nothing  new  under 
the  sun."  And  how  it  is  that  men  who  have  never 
spent  a  month  in  the  study  of  medicine  should  come 
forward  in  the  face  of  the  whole  medical  world  and 
claim  to  haye  found  something  that  never  had  a 
logding  place  in  a  scientific  brain  before,  is  gigantic 
on  the  part  of  the  pretender,  and  only  proves  the 
assertion  that  people  love  to]lbe  humbugged.  There 
are  no  objections  to  a  doctor  making  a  specialty  of 
any  disease,  providing  he  does  not  do  it  in  an  irreg- 
ular and  ignorant  way.  What  a  physician  devel- 
ops by  study  and  experiment  should  be  tha  pn^ 


178 


THE    IIOMOCOPATIIIC   COURIER. 


ei-ty  of  the  whole  profession,  whenever  he  fails  to 
publish  whatevei-  he  may  have  found  out  to  reUeve 
suffering  humanity  of  its  pain,  and  confines  it  to 
his  own  cranium  and  heralds  his  cure  abroad,  he  be- 
comes a  charlatan  and  quack  to  the  fullest  extent 
of  the  word.  Physicians  should  endeavor  to  treat 
their  own  patients  and  prevent  them  ruiming  after 
the  so-called  pile  doctor,  and  if  he  does  no  better 
than  the  pretender,  he  will  save  his  patient's  pocket 
book  a  good  purging  at  any  rate.  The  hypodermic 
injection  of  carbolic  acid  or  ergot  mto  the  tumor 
has  given  good  satisfaction  in  hemon-hoids.  Dr. 
J.  T.  Kent  speaks  highly  of  the  following,  having- 
made  some  excellent  eui-es  with  it,  iodized  phenol 
which  is  as  follows : 

^Iodine,  -         -         -     _-         -  sj 

Ciubolic  acid,     -----    jiij 

Mix  in  mortur  and  use  by  hypodermic  syringe. 

I  find  an  aiticle  written  by  the  same  gentleman 
in  the  May  number,  1879,  of  the  American  Medical 
rToumal  on  the  painless  treatment  of  hemorrhoids 
in  which  he  recommends  the  ether  spray,  which  is 
something  new  so  far  as  we  laiow,  not  having  seen 
it  spoken  of  elsewhere.  It  relieves  sensibihty  of 
the  parts  and  allows  the  surgeon  to  manipulate 
with  ease  and  apply  any  treatment  he  chooses. 
Lately  for  the  extreme  irritation  which  sometimes 
attends  this  kind  of  disease  I  use  Kent's  anal  appli- 
cator, which  excels  the  spray  or  suppository  or  old 
anal  plug.  It  is  so  arranged  that  the  medicine  can 
be  put  in  and   any  quantity   forced  out  with  the 


THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER.  179 

screw,  thereby  keeping  the  medicine  to  the  parts  as 
long  as  desired.  A  cut  of  the  applicator  may  be 
seen  in  the  January  number  of  the  Courier. 

The  following  is  a  recipe  that  has  been  considered 
a  sm'e  cure  for  hemorrhoids : 

^  Carbolic  acid, 
Olive  oil, 

Sulph.  ^ther,  aa    -        -        -        -         31  j 

Iodoform,         -         -        .         -       grs.  x 

M.  Sec.  Art.     Inject  by  hypodermic  syringe.* 

Have  treated  successfully  a  number  of  cases  vdth 
the  following : 

^  Iodoform, 
Ergotine, 

Carbolic  acid  (crystals)  a  a        -        -     3j 
Morphine,     -----    grs.  v 
Olive  oil,  hot,  -----     jss 
M.  Sec.  Art.     And  use  by  hypodermic  syringe.* 

We  have  not  attempted  to  state  the  cause,  pa- 
thology or  internal  treatment  of  hemorrhoids  as 
every  reading  and  thinking  physician  is  familiar 
with  them  all.  We  will  be  glad  to  receive  the  ex- 
perience of  any  physician  in  the  treatment  of  the 
above  disease. 


♦Note. — Five  drops  is  sufficient  to  inject  at  a  time. 


180  THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER. 


CLENTICAL     CASES    OF    THE     HOMCEO- 

PATHIC  MEDICAL  COLLEGE 

OF  MISSOUKL 

SERVICE   OP   J.    W.  THRASHER,  M.    D. 


[Reported  by  E.  B.  Thomas,  Student.] 

Case  1 .  Miss  J.  W. ,  aged  14  years ;  light  hair, 
blue  eyes,  very  intelligent  and  well  developed. 
Three  years  ago  an  abeess  formed  in  the  left  ear, 
attended  by  much  suffering ;  later  another  formed 
in  the  right  ear  which  intensified  her  misery  and  re- 
sulted in  a  chronic,  purulent,  offensive  otorrhoea 
and  deafness.  The  abcesses  formed  every  month, 
were  attended  with  severe  pain  and  continued  dis- 
charge, and  the  pain  at  times  was  so  severe  that 
opiates  had  to  be  given  to  induce  sleep.  She  had  been 
treated  by  her  family  physician  and  at  two  differ- 
ent college  clinics  and  by  a  specialist.  At  the  time 
of  her  first  visit  to  us — Oct.  17 — her  right  ear  had 
ceased  to  discharge,  but  the  left  had  become  great- 
ly aggravated.  The  ticking  of  a  watch  could  not 
be  heard  except  in  contact  with  the  external  ear. 
She  was  given  sul.  200th  and  was  told  to  syringe 
the  ear  daily  with  warm  water. 

Her  next  visit  was  Oct.  25th ;  reports  the  dis- 
charge as  somewhat  less  and  thinks  she  hears  a  lit- 
tle better.     Sul.  200  continued. 

5fov.  1.     Slight  improvement.     Placebo. 

[Nov.  29.  Very  much  better,  hearing  positively 
improved ;  has  had  frontal  headache  running  back 


THE    HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER.  181 


to  occiput ;  discharge  from  ear  hardly  perceptible. 
8ul.  200,  continued. 

Dec.  6.  Very  much  better;  no  discharge. 
Placebo. 

Dec.  22.  Hearing  completely  restored;  no  dis- 
charge, no  pain.  The  ticking  of  a  watch  could  be 
distinctly  heard  in  both  ears  at  a  distance  of  eigh- 
teen inches.     Placebo.     Discharged. 

Case  2.  H.  H.  S.,  aged  70;  strong,  and  re- 
markably preserved  for  his  age.  Two  years  ago 
met  with  an  accident  which  injured  thfe  left  leg, 
midway  between  the  knee  and  ankle.  Ulceration 
succeeded  the  inflammation  and  continued  up  to 
the  present  time,  with  alternate  periods  of  improve- 
ment and  aggravation,  pain  extending  to  the  thigh ; 
has  hardly  been  free  from  pain  since  the  accident ; 
middle  third  of  tibia  very  sensitive  to  touch  and 
swollen ;  never  had  syphilis  or  been  troubled  with 
sores  on  any  part  of  the  body ;  never  had  any  se- 
vere sickness  before  this ;  been  treated  by  a  number 
of  physicians  without  any  permanent  result. — Sili- 
cea  200th,  twice  a  day. 

Dec.  15.  Can  bear  some  pressm^e  on  the  parts 
without  complaining ;  walks  much  better.  Placebo. 

Dec.  29.  Has  taken  all  the  bandages  from  his 
leg ;  walks  without  limping  and  enjoys  immunity 
from  any  kind  of  pain;  inflammation  all  gone. 
Silicea,  continued.  He  never  came  back  again, 
but  sent  word  that  he  was  entirely  recovered. 


PROCEEDINGS. 


THE  NEBRASKA  STATE  HOMCEOPATHIC  MEDI- 

CAL  SOCIETY. 


Omaha,  September  22,  1880. 

This  body  met  in  the  District  Court  House,  President 
C.  L.  Hart,  in  the  chair.  Minutes  [of  the  last  meeting 
read  and  approved. 

There  being  three  vacancies  in  the  Board  of  Censors, 
the  Chair  appointed  Drs.  Wood,  Walker  and  Dinsmoor, 
te  fill  the  vacancies. 

The  names  of  Drs.  P.  F.  Montgomery,  of  Council 
Bluffs ;  L.  M.  Giffin,  of  Fremont ;  W.  B.  Giffin,  of  Om- 
aha ;  T.  B.  Righter,  of  Lincoln ;  J.  M.  Borghlenn,  of 
Fremont ;  P.  W.  Poulson,  of  Council  Bluffs,  having  been 
proposed  for  membership,  they  were  referred  to  the 
Board  of  Censors,  who  reported  favorably,  and  they  were 
elected,  unanimously. 

Communications  were  then  read  from  Dr.  A.  S.  V. 
Mansfield,  Secretary  of  Nebraska  State  Medical  Society  ; 
B.  L.  Paine,  M.  D.,and  the  credentials  of  Dr.  W.  G. 
Hall,  of  Missouri  Institute  of  Homoeopathy,  which  were 
ordered  on  file.  Dr.  Hall  made  a  few  pleasant  remarks 
in  response  to  the  welcome  extended  him. 

President  Hart  then  delivered  his  address — On  the  ne- 
cessity of  Legislative  action  to  regulate  the  practice  of 
Medicine  in  this  State — ^which  was  well  received,  and  or- 
dered placed  on  file. 

The  Treasurer's  report  was  then  read,  and  ordered  on 
file. 

Moved,  by  Dr.  Dinsmoor,  that  a  Committee   of  three 


THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER.  183 

be  appointed  by  the  Chair,  to  act  with  the  Legislative 
Committee  of  the  Old  and  Eclectic  Schools,  and  that 
they  be  instructed  to  labor  to  secure  a  separate  Board  of 
Health  for  the  State. 

Dr.  Dinsmoor  then  amended  the  above  so  that  it  would 
read  as  follows:  *'That  a  Committee  of  five  be  ap- 
pointed to  act  with  the  Legislative  Committees  of  the 
Old  and  Eclectic  Schools,  and  that  they  shall  labor  to  se- 
•oure  a  separate  Board  of  Health  for  the  State  ;  but  they 
shall  first  labor  to  secure  equal  representation  upon  a 
Board  of  Health,  composed  of  six  physicians,"  which 
was  carried. 

The  Chair  appointed  the  following :  Drs.  Hart,  Paine, 
Dinsmoor,  Wood,  and  T.  Righter. 

It  was  then  moved  that  the  Society  proceed  to  the 
election  of  Officers  for  the  ensuing  year,  which  resulted 
as  follows : 

President — Dr.  T.  B.  Righter,  of  Lincoln. 

First  Vice  President — Dr.  C.  M.  Dinsmoor,  of  Omaha;. 

Second  Vice  President — Dr.  P.  F.  Montgomery,  of 
Council  Bluffs. 

Secretary — ^Dr.  W.  B.  Gifford,  of  Omaha. 

Treasurer — Dr.  O.  S.  Wood,  of  Omaha. 

Drs.  L.  W.  Giffin,  of  Fremont,  L.  Walker,  of  Seward, 
C  M.  Dinsmoor,  of  Omaha,  B.  L.  Paine,  of  Lincoln, 
and  O.  S.  Wood,  of  Omaha,  were  elected  Censors. 

Dr.  C.  L.  Hart  was  invited  to  deliver  the  address  at 
the  next  annual  meeting. 

It  was  then  moved  that  the  Society  adjourn  to  meet  m 
the  second  week  in  May,  1881,  and  hold  a  joint  session 
with  the  Northwestern  Academy  of  Medicine,  at  Omaha. 

W.  B.  GiFFOKD,  Sec. 


\ 


Book  Reviews. 


Ingersoll  and  Ingersollism.  By  G.  W.  Hughey ,  A.  M.  ^ 
Pastor  of  Trinity  Methodist  Church  of  St.  Louis,  Mo, 
100  pages  octavo.     Price,  cloth,  50  cts ;  paper,  25  cts. 

This  is  the  best  reply  to  the  eloquent  Illinois  ntheist 
that  we  have  seen.  The  book  is  well  written,  the  argu- 
ments logical  and  well  presented.  The  author  shows  that 
Ingersoll  is  inconsistent  with  himself ;  and  that  while  pro- 
fessing atheism,  he  is  simply  a  skeptic.  It  is  impossible 
for  an  intelligent  mind  to  be  a  speculative  atheist. 

The  book  before  us  has  but  one  weak  point,  and  that 
is  where  the  author  attempts  to  harmonize  the  Mosaic  ac- 
count  of  the   Creation,    with  the   Nebular  h3q)othe8i8. 

Reverend  Dr.  Hall,  of  New  York,  has  said  ;  *'The  first 
thing  the  scientific  Christian  has  to  do,  is  to  be  sure  that 
what  he  attempts  to  harmonize  with  Scripture  is  a  fact, 
and  not  a  mere  hjrpothesis." 

This  corresponds  with  what  the  Scotch  king  Charles 
the  First  said  to  the  officers  of  the  first  university  establish- 
ed in  Scotland :  '*Be  sure  that  it  is  a  fact,  before  you 
attempt  to  philosophize  about  it." 

Prof.  Nichol,  late  Astronomer  Royal  of  Glasgow,  Scot- 
land, said  that  **  All  attempts  to  account  for  the  origin 
of  worlds  were  but  a  mere  hjrpotheses.  Let  us  cease  to 
speculate  about  a  cosmology,  and  learn  that  with  the 
moon,  so  of  the  earth,  or  any  physical  history,  it  is  delu- 
sive, vain  and  pretentious  to  attempt  to  penetrate  to  a  be- 
ginning." 

Dr.  Hutton,  the  eminent  geologist,  of  Edinburg,  said 
after  a  long  and  careful  study  of  geology :  ''In  the  eco- 
nomy of  the  world  I  can  find  no  traces  of  a  beginning,  no 
prospect  of  an  end." 

There  is  a  disposition  in  some  men  to  indulge  in  sophis- 
try thus,  mathematics  is  an  exact  science,  astronomy  is 


THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER.  185 


founded  on  mathematical  calculations,  erjro  astronomy  is 
an  exact  science  ;  cosmology  is  founded  on  astronomy, 
consequently  cosmology  is  an  exact  science  ;  the  nebular 
hypothesis  is  founded  on  cosmology,  consequently  it  must 
be  true,  and  if  Scripture  conflicts  with  the  nebular  h3^o- 
thesis  the  Scripture  is  false. 

The  fact  is  that  the  nebular  hypothesis,  for  it  is  but  a 
h3^othesis,  is  not  the  true  or  more  rational  h3q)othesi8, 
as  there  are  several  very  serious  objections  to  it ;  the 
better  theory  is  that  merely  alluded  to  by  Sir  William 
HerschfeU  as  **  Sideral  aggregations." 

The  Creator  first  called  matter  into  existence  in  its  first 
form,  a  highly  attenuated  gaseous  form  (Dr.  Crooks 
fourth  form  of  matter),  and  since  then  it  has  progressive- 
ly accumulated,  or  aggregated,  to  form  small  bodies ; 
these  by  attraction  have  increased  in  size,  till  worlds  are 
formed. 

But  we  must  not  get  switched  off  on  another  branch 
of  science. 

Every  physician  should  get  a  copy  of  this  book,  and 
read  it  carefully,  physicians  are  liable  to  wander  away  in 
the  gloomy  regions  of  materialism  and  this  little  book 
will  prove  an  excellent  prophylactic.  J.  t.  b. 

How  TO  SEE  WITH  A  MiCROScoPE .  By  J,  Edward  Smith, 
M.  D.  ,Prof .  of  Histology  and  Miscroscopy  in  the  Cle- 
veland, Ohio  Homoeopathic  Medical  College,  etc.,  etc. 
Published  by  Duncan  Bro.,  Chicago,  HI.  400  pages 
octavo. 

The  publishers  have  done  their  work  in  a  creditable 
manner,  the  typography  and  binding  are  in   good   style. 

The  first  impression  made  upon  the  mind  when  we  see 
a  man  with  his  hair  or  name  parted  in  the  middle,  is  like 
what  we  have  when  we  see  on  vacant  houses  **room  to  let 
in  upper  story." 

However  this  impression  would  not  be   confirmed  by 


THE    HOMfEOPATHIC    COURIER. 


reodiug  the  work  before  us,   for   taking   it  altogether    it 
is  a  valuable  production. 

It  haa,  however,  several  iterious  weaknessea.  Tliere  is 
not  care  enough  taken  in  the  language  of  the  author,  it 
exhibits  a  careless  disregard  to  the  rules  of  philology. 
The  aentenees  in  many  cases  are  involved  and  obscure,  and 
thei-e  is  a  flippancy  or  disregard  of  elegance  of  expreesion, 
as  such  expressions  as:  "We  say  amen  to  that,"  "Pass 
muster,"  "Selah,"  "In  the  wind,"  and  other  cant  phrases 
that  might  be  allowable  in  a  newspaper  or  magazine  writer, 
but  are  out  of  place  in  an  author  of  a  scieutific  text-t>ook. 

The  book  is  more  adapted  to  those  who  havte  had  some 
experience  in  microscopy  than  to  beginners. 

There  are  nearly  seventy  fiv«  pages  taken  up  with  the 
description  of  different  kinds  of  mieroaeope,  that  might 
as  well  have  been  omitt«d. 

But  notwithstanding  these  failings  the  work  is  a  valu- 
able one  and  the  author's  "lessons"  in  the  latter  part  of  the 
book  will  be  found  to  be  extremely  useful. 

Men  frequently  purchase  a  microscope,  and  goto  work 
with  it  and  jmasibly  ruin  it,  if  it  is  a  fine  one,  and  injure 
their  eyesight  at  the  same  time,  for  want  of  proper  in- 
struction that  they  could  get  from  such  works  as  these, 
which  should  always  be  purchased  and  studied  before  the 
instrument  is  purchased.  Had  we  doue  that  many  years  ' 
ago,  we  would  not  have  injured  our  eyesight  as  wo  did 
by  attem|rtiug  to  examine  objects  through  a  microscope 
by  a  strong  light,  through  ignorance  of  the  jjroper  man- 
ner of  using  the  instrument. 

The  author's  opinions  on  all  subjects  arc  very  sound, 
and  valuable  :  his  views  on  the  aubject  of  Binocular  and 
Monocular  microscopes  are  sound. 

Taking  the  work  altogether  we  can  most  heartily  recom- 
mend it  to  physicians,  and  to  those  who  wish  to  perfect 
themselves  in  the  use  of  this  valuable  instrument. 


THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER.  187 

Catarrhal  Diseases  of  the  Nasal  and  Respiratory 
ORGANS.  By  G.  N.  Brigham,  M.  D.,  Grand  Rapids, 
Mich.     Published  by  A.  L.  Chatterton,  New  York. 

This  is  a  valuable  little  work  of  130  pages,  the  author 
does  not  waste  much  time  on  theorizing,  but  at  once 
launches  into  the  subject  like  a  person  taking  a  plunge  bath, 

The  selection  of  the  remedies  is  made  with  care  and 
will  prove  successful  if  used  as  intimated  by  the   author. 

The  clinical  cases  given  all  through  the  book,  will  aid 
the  student  in  forming  a  correct  diagnosis  in  cases  that 
he  may  be  called  upon  to  treat. 

The  work  is  well  written  and  will  prove  a  valuable  ad- 
ditipn  to  the  library  of  every  young  practitioner. 

J.    T.    B. 

Transactions'  of  the  World's  Homoeopathic  Conven- 
tion held  at  Philadelphia,  under  the  auspices  of  the 
American  Institute  of  Homoeopathy,  at  its  29th  session, 
1876.  Vol.  n.  History  of  Homoeopathy.  Phila.  : 
Sherman  &  Co.  Printers,  1880. 

This  is  a  volume  of  1128  pages,  showing  great  care  in 
«very  department.  The  typography  ia  good,  and  its 
binding  after  the  usual  style  of  society  reports. 

It  might  be  supposed,  from  the  fact  that  so  much  time 
has  been  consumed  in  this  work,  that  it  had  not  gone 
on  as  rapidly  as  possible ;  but  when  the  magnitude 
of  the  task,  which  can  only  be  known  by  examining  the 
volume,  is  fully  appreciated,  nobody  should  be  accused 
of  unnecessary  delays. 

The  information  found  in  the  pages  of  this  great  work 
has  not  been  obtained  without  expenditure.  The  pride 
of  our  physicians  should  be  for  each  one  to  secure  this 
volume  and  place  it  on  the  shelf  for  frequent  reference, 
and  to  hand  down  to  his  posterity,  to  preserve  that  with- 
out which,  at  some  day,  the  future  Hahnemannian 
would  remain  in  comparative  ignorance  of  his  rise  and 
«arly  progress.  j.  t.  k. 


Managing  Editor's  Easy  Chair. 


It  usually  takes  a  year  or  two  to  establish  a  medical 
journal  on  paying  or  self  sustaining  basis ;  but  if  we  read 
the  signs  aright  the  Courier  has  within  three  months 
thoroughly  established  itself  and  is  receiving  the  confi- 
dence and  support  its  character  merits. 

Numerous  letters  of  congratulatory  tone  are  being  re- 
ceived and  we  cannot  forbear  printing  one  as  a  sample  ;  it 
is  as  follows : 

Washington,  D.  C,  Feb.  10th,  1881. 
J.  T.  Boyd,  M.D. 

Dear  Doctor: — Find  enclosed  $2.00  for  which  send  me 
the  *'HoMaso-CouRiER"  for  one  year.  I  write  to  you 
from  the  fact  that  I  wish  to  congratulate  you  on  the  lead- 
ing article  in  the  first  number,  written  by  you  entitled : 
**  Rational  Medicine."  This  has  the  ring  of  the  pure 
metal  and  as  long  as  this  continues  to  be  the  Courier's 
platform,  here  is  my  money  and  my  hand. 

Respectfully  yours  etc., 

C.  Pearson. 

Hering  Testimonial. — ^We  are  in  receipt  of  the  fol- 
lowing : 

Philadelphia,  January  1st,  1881. 
Dear  Doctor: 

At  the  '*  Hering  Memorial  Meeting  "  held  in  Philadel- 
phia on  the  tenth  day  of  last  October,  at  the  same  hour 
that  similar  Memorial  Meetings  were  held  in  the  chief 
cities  of  the  United  States  and  Europe,  it  was  unanimous- 
ly resolved  to  collect  the  various  speeches  and  eulogies 
delivered  at  these  meetings  into  a  volume,  under  the  title 
of  *'The  Hering  Memorial,"  which  should  serve  not  only 
as  an  expression  of  the  veneration  and  affection  in  which 
we  hold  the  memory  of  our  great  colleague,  but  also  as  a 


THE   HOMCBOPATHIO   COURIER.  189 


monument  to  his  surpassing  excellence  as  a  man  and  phy- 
sician, more  enduring  than  any  structure  in  bronze  or 
stone,  and  one,  which,  we  are  sure,  would  be  more  in 
accord  with  his  own  wishes. 

The  undersigned,  literary  executors  of  Dr.  Hering,  were 
appointed  to  edit  this  Memorial  volume  for  which  the 
materials  are  already  in  hand,  and  are  merely  awaiting 
the  necessary  funds  for  publication. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Furness  has  kindly  consented  to  write  a 
short  Memoir  of  his  old  friend,  and  this,  with  the  mater- 
ial before  mentioned  and  various  paper  furnished  by 
eminent  physicians  and  by  personal  friends,  will  make  a 
volume  of  several  hundred  pages,  which  cannot  but  provie 
of  great  professional  and  historical  value,  and  at  the 
same  time  its  contents  will  be  sufficiently  varied,  to  prove 
attractive  to  general  readers,  even  for  the  few  minutes 
they  are  awaiting  attention  in  the  physician's  office.  The 
book  will  be  handsomely  bound  and  illustrated. 

In  order  to  accomplish-  this  object,  you  are  asked  to 
send  to  any  one  of  the  undersigned,  whatsoever  sum  you 
may  find  it  a  pleasure  to  give  towards  the  publication  of 
this  book,  in  memory  of  one  who  gave  freely  of  all  he 
had  to  his  beloved  Homoeopathy. 

To  all  contributors  to  the  publication  fund,  a  copy  of 
the  book  will  be  sent. 

Messrs.  Boericke  &  Tafel,  the  well  known  publishers, 
have  kindly  consented  to  attend,  without  remuneration, 
to  the  distribution  of  the  volumes ;  the  artist  furnishes 
the  drawings  as  his  contributions  ;  there  remains,  there- 
fore, as  the  sole  expense  of  the  book,  the  cost  of  paper, 
-engraving,  printing  and  binding.  Whatever  sum  remains 
after  pajdng  these  four  items,  will  be  presented  to  Mrs. 
Hering  in  the  name  of  all  the  subscribers,  of  whose 
names  a  printed  list  will  accompany  each  volume. 
Yours   respectfully, 

C.  G.  Raue,  M.  D.,  121  North  Tenth  Street. 
C.  B.  Knerr.  M.  D.,  112  North  Twelfth  Street. 
C.  MoiiK,  M.  D.,  555  North  Sixteenth  Street. 

Health  Statistics. — Dr.  Ludeking,  Clerk  of  the 
Board  of  Health,  has  prepared  a  comparative  table  of 
deaths  for   the   year  1880,  which  shows  that  St.  Louis, 


190  THE   HOMCEOPATHIO   COUBIKR. 

with  a  population  of   350,522  still   holds  her  own  a 
healthieBt  city  ou  the  continent. 
The  table  is  as  follows  : 


PnpilmtlDD . 

IDOTUIIlr. 

i;,ir' 

d"a'V™"' 

loij  marfr. 

St.  Louis, 

350,522 

6,635 

18.92 

2,937 

44.26 

Cincinimti , 

255,708 

6,126 

20.04 

2,196 

42.08 

Philadelphia, 

846,984 

17.385 

20.05 

6,461 

37.03 

Chicago, 

503,298 

10,462 

20.08 

5,600 

53.05 

Boston, 

3«3.y38 

8,369 

22,09 

Brooklyn, 

566,689 

13,171 

23.02 

6,193 

47'.OI> 

Baltimore, 

332.190 

8,080 

24.03 

3,629 

44.09 

New  Orleans, 

216,359 

5,526 

25.06 

1,981 

35.08 

New  York,       1,206,590     31,770   26.03    14,599     45.09 


Medical  Legislation. — The  following  cirmlar  hsi^ 
iKteii  issued : 

To  the  Medical  Profession  of  the  State  of  Missouri: 

Gentlemen : — Your  attention  is  reapecfullj  called  to 
several  measures  now  before  the  General  Assembly, 
which,  while  designed  to  guard  the  hetilth  and  life  of  the 
community  at  large  throws  round  our  profession  the  pro- 
tecting mantle  of  law.  The  time  has  arrived  when,  as  ci- 
tizens and  phyt^icians,  it  is  an  imperative  duty  to  seek 
legal  safe-guards  for  the  health  and  lives  of  the  people, 
and  to  secure,  at  the  hands  of  the  representative  body  a. 
public  recognition  of  the  dignity,  learning  and  usefulness 
of  our  profession,  and  the  neeesKity  of  protecting  its 
worthy  membera  from  the  machinations  of  numberless 
quacks  and  charlatans,  who,  parading  undeservedly  an 
honorable  title,  practice  upon  the  credulity  of  the  public 
to  its  incalculable  injury,  while  by  their  ignorance  and 
evil  deeds  they  bring  oliloquy  upon  scientific  medicine  and 
filch  the  just  deserts  of  its  worthy  but  more  modest 
votaries. 

The  enactment  of  such  salutary  measures  will  indicate 
the  perf onnance  of  an  act  of  justice  too  long  deferred  and 
mark  a  forward  st*|)  in  the  path  of  civilization. 

Many  states  of  the  Union  have  by   law    regulated   the 


THE    HOMCEOPATHIC   COUBIEB.  191 


practice  of  medicine,  and  in  every  instance  greatly  to  the 
advantage  of  the  community  and  the  profession.  In  our 
sister  State  of  Illinois  such  an  act  has  been  for  some  years 
so  faithfully  executed  by  a  board  of  health  as  to  merit 
and  receive  the  approbation  of  all  good  citizens,  the  com- 
plimentary notice  of  the  Governor  in  his  recent  message 
and  the  hearty  approval  of  the  medical  profession.  But 
while  accomplishing  so  much  good  for  that  state,  an  un- 
mitigated evil  has  been  done  Missouri.  Under  its  strin- 
gent provisions  hundreds  of  uneducated  medical  pretend- 
ers have  been  driven  thence  and  have  found  a  home  in 
our  unprotected  state,  where  their  dishonest  and  preten- 
tious claims  are  recognized  and  they  have  been  and  are  now 
fattening  upon  the  misfortunes  of  our  people.  To  rid  the 
state  of  these  quacks  and  charlahans  and  to  secure  im- 
munity from  the  presence  of  this  dangerous  class  in  the 
future  is  the  object  for  which  we  seek  your  co-operation. 
Instructed  by  the  St.  Louis  Medical  Society  we  have 
prepared  three  bills  for  legislative  action.  One  of  these 
provides  for  the  creation  of  a  State  Board  of  Health,  an- 
other for  regulating  the  practice  of  medicine,  and  the 
third  for  the  registration  of  births,  deaths  and  mariages. 
Certainly  no  honorable  graduate  or  practitioner  will  fail  to 
do  all  his  power  to  secure  the  passage  of  these  bills.  The 
labor  and  influence  requisite  to  the  accomplishment  of  this 
purpoce  must  be  brought  to  bear  during  the  present  session, 
as  the  Legislature  cannot  convene  regularly  again  for 
two  years.  We  suggest  that  you  immediately  write  and 
get  others  of  your  constituency  to  address  your  repre- 
sentati\es  requesting  and  instructing  them  to  support  the 
measures  referred  to,  and  if  your  county  or  district  has  a 
medical  society  or  association  let  it  pass  resolutions  fa- 
vorable to  the  bills  and  immediately  transmit  the  same  to 
suitable  representatives.  By  determined  effort  and  con- 
cert of  action  upon  the  part  of  the  profession,  it  is  impos- 
sible that  we  should  fail  to  secure  this  wise  legislation  in 
behalf  of  the  vital,  sanitary  and  medical  interests  of  the 
state  and  welfare  and  security  of  our  noble  profession. 

This  circular  is  signed  by  a  conmiittee  of  the  St.  Louis 
Medical  Society. 

The  bill  providing  for  a  State  board  of  health  contem- 


192  THE   HOMCEJOPATHIC   COURIER, 


plates  that  said  board  shall  be  composed  of  two  laymen,  one 
Homoeopath,  one  Eclectic  and  three  Allopaths.  This  is 
about  fair  and  all  that  could  be  reasonably  asked  as  it  is 
generally  understood  one  Homoeopath  is  equal  to  three  or 
four  Allopaths  and  an  Eclectic  thrown  in. 

Locations  for  Homceopathic  Physicians. —At  Hutchi- 
son, Kansas.  Population  2,000.  The  doctor  is  dead  that 
formerly  practiced  there. 

At  Manhattan,  Kansas.  Population  2,500.  Old  town 
and  wealthy. 

A.  E.  Sprague,  of  Cherokee,  Kansas,  writes  us  : 
"  I  would  like  to  have  you  send  us  a  lady  physican  to  lo- 
cate here ;  one  that  fully  understands  the  diseases  of 
women  and  children.  Our  town,  or  village,  is  small,  yet 
I  think  a  successful  Homoeopathic  Physician  could  do 
well ;  have  none  here. 

"  Hope  you  will  favor  us  by  recommending,  or  referring 
us  to  one  or  the  very  best." 

COLLEGES. 

The  twenty-first  annual  commencement  exercises  of 
the  Homoeopathic  Medical  College  of  Missouri  will  be 
held  in  the  College  building,  9th  and  Madison  streets,  on 
Tuesday  evening,  March  the  2nd  The  programme 
includes  the  usual  exercises  peculiar  to  such  occasions. 
Professor  J.  W.  Thrasher  is  to  deliver  the  Valedictory 
Address.  The  students  of  this  college  have  listened  to 
six  and  sometimes  seven  lectures  per  day  during  the  past 
twenty  weeks,  and  if  they  are  not  thoroughly  posted  it  is 
through  no  fault  of  the  Faculty. 

The  tenth  course  of  instruction  in  the  Missouri  School 
of  Midwifery  will  begin  the  first  Monday  in  March. 


The  Homceopthic^  Courier. 

Vol.  I.  ApftiL,  1881.  No.  4. 


Department  of  Theory  and  Practice. 

J.  T.  Boyd,  M.  D.,  Editor. 


CALCARIA  SILICATA. 

Read  before  the    Hering    Medical  Society  of  St.  Louist  Mo.« 

by  J.  T.  Boyd,  M.  D. 


I  wish  to  present  to  the  members  of  this  Society 
a  new  remedy,  Calcaria  Silieata,  or  the  silicate  of 
lime. 

This  article  being  composed  of  two  articles  both 
already  well  known  to  the  profession  and  of  ac- 
knowledged viitue  separately,  the  question  arises, 
are  they  not  still  better  and  more  efficient  in  combi- 
nation, as  they  have  such  a  strong Jaffinity^f  or  each 
other,  and  may  they  not  act  more  effectively  and 
promptly  when  combined,  as  mercurius  corrosivus, 
kali  hydiiodicum,  etc.,  which  are  chemical  com- 
pounds and  are  the  union  of  two  elementary  bodies? 

The  lamented  Hering  in  whose^^honor  we  have 
named  this  Society,  was  an  advocate  for  such  com- 


194  THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 


binations.  It  is  peculiarly  appropriate  that  this  re- 
medy should  be  first  mentioned  in  the  first  meeting 
of  a  society  bearing  his  name. 

The  signal  relief  derived  from  silicia  in  fistulous 
sinuses,  would  lead  us  to  expect  that  we  might  de- 
rive still  more  benefit  from  a  combination  of  it  with 
lime. 

Beasoning  from  the  fact  that  the  increased 
power  that  chemical  combinations  of  a  like  charac- 
ter have,  has  induced  me  to  prepare  and  present  to 
the  membei-s  of  this  Society  the  chemical  combina- 
tion of  the  silicate  of  lime,  or  Calcaria  Silicata  po- 
tentized  to  the  30th  decimal  potency. 

And  now  first  about  the  manner  of  its  preparation. 

Faraday  has  ^ven  one  method  of  preparing  purc 
silica,  and  Jahr  and  Gruner  another.  I  have  not 
followed  exactly  either  in  making  this  prei)aration 
but  a  plan  that  I  think  preferable  to  either. 

I  took  a  large  good  looking  oyster  shell  from 
which  to  obtain  the  lime,  boiled  it  for  two  hours  in 
water,  changing  the  water  every  half  hour,  then 
dried  the  shell,  rasped  off  all  but  the  pure  white 
part,  put  it  in  a  mortar  and  triturated  it  until  it  was 
a  fine  powder ;  next  I  took  a  })iece  of  Brazilian 
pebble  (rock  crystal)  which  is  pure  silica,  heated  it 
red  hot,  and  dr()pj)ed  it  into  cold  water.  This  caused 
it  to  crack  and,  it  was  then  easily  rtKluced  to  fine 
sand.  T  now  put  the  two  togethei-  (the  oyster  shell 
and  sand),  triturated  them  for  half  an  hour,  put  the 
resulting  powder  in  an  iron  crucible  and  brought  both 
to  a  red  heat,  kept  them  at  that  heat  for  an  hour, 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIK&.  195 

then  removed  them  and  before  allowing  the  com- 
pound to  cool  moistened  it  with  lime  water.  This 
caused  the  lime  to  slacken  and  aided  it  to  combine 
with  the  silica.  As  soon  as  sufficiently  cool  I  put  the 
compound  into  a  clean  new  moitar  that  had  never 
been  used,  and  triturated  it  with  pure  sugar  of 
milk,  and  canied  it  up  carefully  to  the  3d  attenua- 
tion, taking  an  hour  and  a  half  to  each  tritura- 
tion, as  Profs.  Matheson  and  Brown  will  testify  as 
they  were  present  during  the  performance.  I  next 
sent  it,  moitar  and  all,  to  our  friend  Wm.  F.  Bock- 
struck,  of  Munson's  Homoeopathic  Pharmacy,  No. 
411  Locust  street,  this  city,  who  carefully  ran  up  the 
attenuations  by  trituration  to  the  10th  and  from 
that  to  the  30th  by  dilution ,  which  attenuation  I 
herewith  present  to  the  members  of  the  Society  for 
the  purpose  of  proving  it. 

THERAPEUTICAL    EFFECTS: 

4 

As  this  article,  silicate  of  lime,  has  remarkable 
effects  both  on  the  vegetable  and  animal  kingdom, 
it  would  lead  us  to  expect  much  from  it  as  a  rem- 
edy for  certain  forms  of  disease. 

Stockhardt's  Agiicultural  Chemistry  says  : 
^*A11  plants  contain  silica  and  its  combinations; 
many,  as  for  example  the  various  kinds  of  grain  in 
their  straw,  in  very  considerable  quantity.  Hence 
we  infer  that  it  is  a  necessary  constituent  of  plants, 
and  they  cannot  dispense  with  it  in  their  food." 

This  is  in  the  form  of  silicate  of  potash,  soda  or 


196 


THE  HOMOIOPATHIC   COtnincR. 


lime  and  where  these  are  deficient  the  grass  or  straw 
of  the  grain  suffers,  becomes  covered  with  fungiia 
(rust),  and  the  process  of  the  maturing  grain  is  ar- 
rested, and  blight  is  the  result. 

Leibigsays:  "All  kinds  of  grasses,  the  Eqid- 
setacea,  for  example,  contain  in  the  outer  parts  of 
their  leaves  and  stalk  a  large  quantity  of  silicic  acid 
and  potash  in  the  form  of  acid  silicate  of  potash. 

"It  would  be  of  importance  to  examine  what  al- 
kalies are  contained  in  the  ashes  of  sea^shore  plants 
which  grow  in  the  humid  hollow  of  downs,  and  es- 
pecially in  those  of  the  millet-grass.  If  potaeea  is 
not  found  in  them,  it  must  certainly  be  replaced  by 
soda  or  lime." 

Again  Leibig  says :  "It  will  now  be  obvious  to 
yon,  that  in  a  mixture  of  clay  with  lime,  all  the  con- 
ditions exist  for  the  solution  of  the  silicated  clay, 
and  the  solubility  of  tlie  alkaline  silicates.  The 
lime  gradually  dissolvmgin  water  charged  with  car- 
bonic acid,  acts  like  milk  of  lime  upon  the  clay. 
This  explains' also  the  favorable  influence  which 
tnarl  (by  which  tenn  all  those  varieties  of  clay  rich 
in  lime  are  designated)  exerts  upon  nioet  kinds  of 
soil. 

"There  are  marly  soils  which  suipass.  all  otiiers 
in  fertility  for  all  kinds  of  plants,  but  I  believe  marl 
in  a  burnt  state  must  be  far  moiv  effective,  as  well 
as  other  materials  possessing  a  similar  composition  ; 
as.  for  instance,  those  species  of  lime-stone  which 
are  adapted  to  the  preparation  of  hydraulic  cements, 
for  these  can-y  to  the  soil  not  only  the  alkaline  ba- 


THE  ttOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER.-  197 

ses  useful  to  plants,  but  also  silica  in  a  state  capa- 
ble of  assimilation." 

We  know  tbat  lime  must  frequently  be  added  to 
the  soil  on  account  of  the  exhaustingf  process  of 
the  plants  gi'owing  on  it,  and  taking*  uj)  from  the 
soil  those  ingredients  that  they  require. 

The  silicate  of  lime  is  not  a  constant  ingi'edient 
in  all  soils ;  in  some  it  is  entirely  wanting. 

Dr.  Johnston,  in  his  Agncultural  Chemistry, 
says:  "There  is  one  compound  of  lime  which, 
though  occimnng  occasionally  in  all  soils,  has  not 
hitherto  been  api)lied  to  the  improvement  of  the  land, 
even  in  localities  where  it  most  abounds. 

'^This  compound  is  the  silicate  of  lime.  T  have 
already  directed  your  attention  to  the  presence  of  this 
compound  in  trap  rocks,  and  to  the  fertile  charac- 
ter which  it  imparts  to  the  soils  which  are  f  onned  by 
the  natural  degradation  (disintegration)  of  these 
rocks." 

The  amount  of  this  compound  in  soil  is  very  slight 
about  2  per  cent.,  and  the  gi'ass  or  grain  gi'owing  on 
this  soil  requires  several  years  to  exhaust  even 
this  small  quantity ;  consequently  its  presence  in 
the  straw  or  stems  and  leaves  nuist  be  in  an  extreme- 
ly attenuated. condition  ;  and  yet  it  is  in  sufficient 
quantities  to  sensibly  affect  both  the  ])lants  and  the 
animals  that  feed  on  them ;  either  from  its  pixv 
sence  or  absence  in  the  plants. 

Now  what  condition  does  the  presence  of  these 
ingredients,  or  the  want  of  them,  in  the  plants  have 
on  the  animals  that  use  them  for  food? 


198  THE   BOMdCOPATHIC  COtnOEK. 

It  18  well  kuown  that  sheej)  that  feed   on   grasa  ' 
grown  on  soil  wantuig  silicate  of  lime  liecome  dis- 
eased, and  when  changed  to  a  pasture  where  these 
ingredients  exist  they  heeome  better.     This  should 
tt^ach  lis  the  curative  value  of  the  silicate  of  lime. 

Dr.  Johnston,  in  his  work  on  Agiicultui'al  Chem- 
istry, makes  this  remark,  viz  :  "It  is  a  singular  fact 
observed  here  and  there  among  the  Cheviot  Hills, 
that  on  the  border  where  sheep  are  folded  or  past- 
ured on  hills  of  trap  (serpentine  magnesian)  (that  is 
soil  wanting  the  silicate  of  lime)  which  are  cover- 
ed with  delicate  herbage,  they  are  attacked  by  what 
is  locally  called  the  pining  ill  (a  sort  of  consump- 
tion), they  pine  away,  become  indolent  and  arc  un- 
wilhng  to  move.  The  cure  is  to  diive  them  to  a 
neighboring  sand  stone  pasture  where  they  become 
quite  active  and  begin  to  thrive." 

Prideaux  saj's:  ''Lime  is  said  to  prevent  the 
rot  in  sheep  fed  upon  pastures  ou  which  befoi"e  lim- 
ing tlie  stock  was  liable  to  be  affected  by  this  dis- 
ease." 

What  is  the  pathology  of  Pining  ill  and  Sotf 
This  is  an  impoi-taut  question.  We  will  quote  from 
Sheep  and  their  Diseases  by  Wm.  Youatt,  an  ac- 
knowledged authority.  He  says :  "Wlien  a  rotted 
sheep  is  examined  after  death,  the  whole  cellular 
tissue  is  found  to  be  infiltrated,  a  yellow  serous  fluid 
everywliere  follows  the  knife.  The  muscles  are 
soft  and  flabby ;  they  have  the  appearance  of  be- 
ing macerated.  The  kidjieys  are  pale,  and  flaccid 
and  infiltrated ;  the  mesenteric  glands  enlarged  and 


THE   HOM0B5OPATHIC   GOUBIER.  199 

engorged  with  yellow  serous  fluid.  The  belly  is 
frequently  filled  with  water  or  purulent  matter ;  the 
peritoneum  is  everywhere  thickened,  and  the  bowels 
adhere  together  by  means  of  an  unnatural  growth 
(evidence  of  low  grade  of  inflammation) .  The 
heart  is  enlarged  and  softened  and  the  lungs  are 
filled  with  tubercles.  The  liver  undergoes  disor- 
ganization, the  disease  is  inflammation  of  the  liver." 

The  same  winter  mentions  consumption  in  sheep 
(the  pining  ill)  as  follows :  *^The  cough  continues 
— it  increases — a  pallidness  of  the  lips  or  of  the  con- 
junctiva is  observed,  a  gradual  loss  of  flesh,  an  occa- 
sional or  constant  diarrhoea  which  vields  for  a  while 
to  proper  medicine,  but  retimis  again  and  again  until 
it  weal's  the  animal  away.  How  many  in  a  breeding 
stock  of  sheep  perish  in  this  way?  Of  how  many 
diseases  is  this  cough  and  gradual  wasting  the  term- 
ination? It  is  the  frequent  ending  up  of  turn  sick; 
it  is  the  companion  and  child  of  rot.^" 

These  diseases  correspond  to  similar  conditions  in 
the  human  economy,  and  if  the  'grass  gi'own  on  a 
soil  containing  silicate  of  lime  is  eflicient  as  a  cura- 
tive agent  because  of  this  article  in  this  dynamic 
condition  in  the  fibres  of  the  plant,  to  the  sheep, 
why  may  we  not  expect  good  results  in  similar  dis- 
eases in  man? 

The  experiments  of  Magendie,  and  more  recent- 
ly of  Billroth  and  other  physiologists,  on  the  lower 
animals,  have  been  used  to  illustrate  the  physiolo- 
gical effects  of  remedies  on  man ;  so  I  am  author- 
ized to  propose  tl^is  ^s  q  remedy  for  a  sinular  path* 


200  THE   HOMCBOPATHIO   COURIER. 

ological  condition  in  man,  such  as  those  pus-gene- 
rating diseases,  as  tubercular  consumption,  lumbar 
abscess,  psoas  abscess,  fistula  in  ano,  and  other 
kindred  diseases. 

Tt  is  the  presence  of  this  article  in  the  waters  of 
some  of  the  mineral  water-springs  that  renders 
them  so  valuable  in  certain  diseases,  although  these 
watei's  are  prescribed  empirically,  and  without  a 
correct  knowledge  of  their  pathogenisis. 

PARTIAL     PKOVIXa. 

Like  Don  Quixote  with  his  balsam  of  Fierahra^s. 
I  conckided  to  i)rove  this  article  on  my  own  family, 
and  although  I  cannot  claim  all  for  it  that  the  Don 
did  for  his  famous  balsam,  yet  it  has  appeared  to 
prove  efficacious  as  far  as  I  have  used  it. 

Mrs.  B.,  aged  57,  bilious  temperament,  has  been 
afflicted  for  several  vears  with  weak  lun«:s,  havinir 
a  hereditary  predisposition  to  phthisis  ;  three  sistei's 
dying  with  that  complaint ;  at  pi*esent  Mrs.  B.  is 
troubled  with  a  short  dry  cough,  occasional  expec- 
toration of  small  8i)ecks  of  tuberculous  substanc^e, 
with  slight  didlness  on  i)ercussi()n  over  the  apex 
of  the  left  lung,  with  lessened  resonance,  but  slight 
pectriloquy,  no  night  sweats  or  diarrhoea.  Com- 
menced usuig  Calcaria  Silicata:  5  grs.  of  10  x 
trit.  once  a  day  for  one  week,  three  or  four  weeks 
ago,  with  the  following  effects :  disagrenble  dreams 
at  night,  a  hideous  old  woman's  face  coming  close 
to  her,  and  then  passing  down   the  affected  side 


THX  HOBCOBOPATHIG  OOUBIEB.  201 

and  leaving,  limbs  becoming  stiff,  a  diBinclination 
to  exercise,  redness  of  the  eye  especially  the  inner 
canthus,  severe  headache,  vision  obscured,  cannot 
see  to  read  with  usual  spectacles.  Cough  improv- 
ed, muco-purulent  expectoration  ceased,  evident 
improvement  in  this  respect.  Becoming  alarmed 
at  the  obscuration  of  sight  she  suspended  the  use 
of  the  article  and  in  a  few  days  eyes  improved, 
feels  she  is  decidedly  better  and  thinks  she  will 
commence  the  use  of  the  remedy  again. 

BMPmiCALLY  USED. 

Mrs.  L.,  aged  36,  nervonsanguineous  tempera- 
ment, afflicted  for  five  years  with  disease  of  the 
rectum  and  descending  portion  of  the  colon,  has  been 
ti-eated  by  the  physicians  of  Boston,  was  for  a  year 
in  one  of  the  Boston  hospitals,  discharged  incur- 
able, of  what  disease  the  physicians  would  not  say, 
only  that  it  was  malignant,  was  brought  to  this 
city  on  a  couch  to  stay  with  her  married  daughter 
and  placed  under  my  charge.  She  then  presented 
the  following  symptoms :  great  prostration,  thought 
she  would  certainly  die  before  reaching  this  city, 
has  not  been  able  to  rest  at  night  unless  from  the 
effects  of  a  large  morphine  suppository,  pulse,  small, 
100,  tumor  in  the  left  side,  rough  and  nodular  stric- 
ture of  the  rectum,  not  allowing  the  feces  to  pass  lar- 
ger than  the  size  of  a  lead  pencil.  Bloody  muco-pu- 
rulent discharges  from  the  bowels  in  large  quantities 
combined  with  granular  caseous  matter.  Diagno- 
sed the  casQ    a  stricture  of  the  rectum,  prohMy 


202  THE    HOMEOPATHIC   COUBIBB. 

complicated  with  fungu  kamatodes  of  the  sigmoid 
flexure  of  the  rectum.  After  allowing  her  to  reet 
and  recuperate  for  one  week  using  Thuya  10th  once 
a  day,  I  called  in  Prof.  "W.  C.  Richardson, -who 
forcibly  dilated  the  stnctm-e  while  she  was  undei*  the 
influence  of  chloroform. 

The  operation  was  a  complete  success  and  as 
80011  us  the  immediate  effects  of  the  operation  was 
over  she  felt  some  improvement.  This  lasted  for  two 
weeks  when  the  discharge  commenced  to  increase, 
becoming  more  bloody,  discharged  large  ([Uanti- 
ties  of  pus  and  curdled  cheesy  matter,  strength 
failing  fast ;  was  sent  for  one  night,  her  fi-iends  not 
expecting  her  to  hve  till  morning  ;  found  her  gi-eat- 
ly  prostrated  suffeiing,  extreme  paui,  which  pain 
had  been  constantly  increasing  for  two  weeks :  was 
compelled  to  use  the  moipliine  suppositoiies  to  ob- 
tain any  rest  at  all.  The  disease  seemed  to  have 
progressed  in  spite  of  all  the  remedies  used  for  the 
last  4  or  5  weeks.  As  a  forlorn'  hope,  and  because 
I  did  not  know  what  else  to  do.  and  was  expected 
to  do  sometliing,  I  gave  her  Calcaria  Silicata,  one 
dose  5  gi-s.  of  the  10th  dec.  ti'it.  once  a  day  for  one 
week,  then  blanks.  Since  that  time,  fom*  weeks  ago. 
she  has  gradually  improved,  bloody  muco-pnrnlent 
cheesy  discharge  gradually  lessened,  tumor  softer 
and  less  knotted,  and  discharges  larger  and  more 
fecal  matter,  pain  all  gone,  i-ests  well  at  night, 
and  is  now  able  to  sit  up  with  ease,  something  she 
has  not  been  able  to  do  for  over  a  yeai*.  is  cheerful 
and  hopeful  for  the  first  time  for  years. 

This    improvement    continued    for  two  or  three 


¥HE  HOMCfcOPAtHlC  COtJftlftft.  203 


weeks,  when  the  old  symptoms  commencing  again 
she  begged  me  to  ^ve  her  some  more  of  those 
powders,  [the  silicate  of  lime,]  I  then  gave  her 
three  doses  same  as  before,  when  medicinal  aggra- 
vations manifested  themselves,  as  pain  in  the  head 
without  increased  heat  of  body,  dimness  of  vision, 
achmg  in  the  limbs  with  stiffness,  pain  in  the  eyes 
as  if  sand  were  present  there,  troubled  with  seeing 
disagreeable  persons  around  the  bed  when  half 
asleep,  redness  of  the  eye.  [These  are  the  same 
as  Mrs.  B.  had,  the  redness  of  the  inner  canthus 
of  the  eyes,  is  the  first  sjnnptom  of  the  pining  ill  in 
sheep,] — dryness  of  the  throat,  and  a  decidedly  al- 
kaline taate  in  the  mouth,  I  had  then  to  stop  the 
use  of  the  remedy  again. 

Thus  far  there  is  evidently  a  great  improvement ; 
will  it  continue?  is  the  question.   We  will  see. 

This  remedy  is  now  in  the  hands  of  several  phy- 
sicians of  this  city,  and  we  may  hope  to  have  a 
more  correct  proving  of  it  in  a  short  time. 


Department  of  Electrology  &  Neurology. 

J.  T.  Kent,  M.  D.,  Editor. 


SUPPEESSION  OF  SYPHILIS. 


The  subject  of  the  suppression  of  syphilis  may 
seem  to  some,  who  perhaps  have  only  given  it  a  cur- 
sory consideration,  to  be  a  reductio  ad  dbsurdum; 
but  upon  a  more  mature  deliberation,  we  can  but 
hope  all  will  join  us  in  wondering  why  the  subject 
has  not  had  a  Murphy,  or  a  Moody,  or  an  Inger- 
soU,  or  a  Pamell,  or  some  other  great  champion  to 
sound  the  battle-cry  against  this  gi'eat  destroyer — 
venereal  contagion.  Physicians  have  lent  their  in- 
fluence in  legislative  affaii's,  and  have  added  to  their 
pockets  fat  and  frequent  fees  by  appointments  in 
social  evil  hospitals,  and  as  physicians  in  charge 
of  assignation  prostitutes.  The  pretense*  of  doing 
good  was  quite  sufficient  to  mask  their  aim  at  get- 
ting cash  from  the  female  portion  of  the  social-evil 
constituents,  and  it  was  not  desirable  to  restrict  the 
masculine  division,  or  the  highly  profitable  busbies? 
might  be  markedly  diminished,  and  men  in  high 
standing,  who  are  now  covered  by  legal  gauze, 
would  be  exposed  and  dishonored.  *'If  ignorance 
is  bliss,    etc.'- 

The  zealous  divine  in  his  honest  toil  at  doing 
good,  and  the  industrious  Murphy  in  his  most  excel- 


THE  HOMCEOPATmO  COURIKIt.  205 

lent  labors  at  weaning  the  dininkard  from  his  grog, 
are  working  in  no  more  deserving  and  honorable 
a  cause  than  is  he,  who  would  battle  against  and 
mark  out, a  bamer  to  syphilitic  contagion. 

The  extent  that  restraint,  or  the  degree  of  sup- 
pression that  may  be  brought  about  the  measures 
based  upon  mature  reflection,  is  yet  to  appear;  but 
that  there  is  need  of  restraint,  and  that  measures 
looking  to  such  an  end  are  possible,  is  in  our  mind 
the  farthest  from  doubt.  When  laws  become  pos- 
sible, that  deal  with  males  and  females  upon  the 
basis  of  equality,  then  may  we  hope.  But  so  long 
as  it  is  only  talked  and  practiced  that  females  shall 
be  submitted  to  a  registrative  maculation,  it  need 
not  be  considered  possible  for  humanity  to  escape 
the  social  monster.  Enactments  of  unusual  string- 
ency must  necessarily  be  made  before  our  peo- 
ple shall  be  safe,  even  in  the  most  pious  realms  of 
our  society.  The  people  of  our  country  through 
their  religious  piinciples,  are  now,  in  their  sup- 
posed efforts  at  doing  good,  militating  against  the 
interests  of  their  own  posterity.  They  hold  then* 
hands  uplifted  in  hoiTor  at  the  thought  of  legalizing 
prostitution  or  passing  any  laws  pertainuig  to  re- 
gistration and  inspection.  They  must  be  taught 
by  the  physician,  that  such  a  law  is  not  intended  to 
favor  vice  and  crime,  but  to  rob  them  of  then*  last^ 
ing  results.  As  prostitution  has  existed  since  the 
days  of  Rahab,  it  will  probably  exist  in  spite  of 
laws  and  priests ;  but  good  people  should  join  to 
deprive  it  of  its  dire  sequelae  and  lasting  curse,  ve- 
nereal contagion.     In  this  conflict,  for  such  it  is, 


20fl  THE  HOMOJOPATlilO  COUBtER. 

we  meet  two  classes  of  active  opponents ;  first,  the 
conBcientious  people  who  are  acquainted  only  with 
the  cause  and,  therefoi-e,  cannot  consider  the  ef- 
fects ;  second,  the  participants  of  the  social  evil  it- 
self. As  it  must  be  admitted  that  jirostitution  can- 
not be  wiped  out,  we  must  accept  the  situation,  and 
if  possible,  induce  a  legislative  i-cstraint  over  its  evil 
consequences.  We  can  see  no  better  plan  of  es- 
■  tending  the  law  around  this  class  of  human  beings, 
than  by  licensmg  and  thei-eby  restricting  all  parti- 
cipants, male  and  female,  who  desii-e  to  use  illicit- 
ly the  means  by  which  syphilis  is  propagated.  The 
first  action  looking  to  such  legislative  measures 
must  be  directed  toward  convincing  Christian  peo- 
ple that  any  method  of  cheeking  the  results  of  vice 
is  not  so  dire  a  sin  as  the  silent  submission  to  the 
vice  itself.  We  are  sony  to  admit  that  it  is  an  open 
question  as  to  how  we  can  best  I'cstrain  vice  and 
its  evils  by  statute  laws.  But  the  results  of  this 
vice  should  be  submitted  in  a  forcible  style  to  the 
people,  advocated  by  medical  men,  and  teachers  of 
science.  We  are  not  so  selfish  that  we  would  have 
our  personal  views,  which  are  expressed  in  this 
paper,  placed  in  advance,  miless  such  vit^ws  should 
appear  to  be  the  all-sufficient  skeleton  for  the  fu- 
ture needs  of  whatever  may  be  i-equired. 

SyphiUs  is  a  disease  that  comes  principally  to  the 
notice  of  the  physician.  If  it  should  be  his  fixed 
duty  to  report,  evei-y  ease  to  a  public  registrar,  or 
board  of  health,  as  is  the  case  in  all  large  cities, 
with  other  contagious  diseases,  the  records  would 
show  the  degree  of  contamination,  or  pmity  of  our 


THE   HOMCBOPATHIC  COURIER.  207 

people,  after  a  period  of  a  few  generations.  It  will 
be  said,  we  are  aware,  this  would  be  disclosing  our 
secrets !  It  is  our  custom  to  pi*otect  the  secrets  of 
oui'  patients.  But  we  must  ask,  if  it  should  be  the 
physician's  solemn  duty  to  secrete  the  shame  of  one 
man  and  permit  his  posterity  to  suffer  from  conta- 
^ous  disease,  or,  for  the  great  public  good,  should 
the  physician  be  compelled  to  make  common  tliis 
knowledge,  offering  the  greatest  good  to  the  great- 
est number?  We  shall  not  attempt  to  solve  these 
questions,  but  have  simply  propounded  them  that 
they  may  be  considered  at  Unsure.  Again,  if 
we  possessed  such  public  records,  and  these  records 
were  open  for  inspection  for  every  interested  pei'son 
— everyone  contemplating  marriage — much  decep- 
tion and  misery  might  be  avoided.  The  fear  of  be- 
ing placed  on  record  would  make  both  male  and  fe- 
male, careful  beyond  the  probability  of  takhig 
chances ;  and  might  we  not  hope  to  diminish  con- 
tagion and  protect  so-called  decent  society? 

The  ordinances  of  St.  Louis,  dunng  the  social- 
evil  days,  were  of  more  than  ordinary  importance. 
When  females  were  in  a  diseased  condition  they 
were  taken  to  the  social  evil  hospital  or  submitted 
to  the  care  of  the  house  physician.  The  ordinance 
was  in  many  respects  a  good  one ;  but  the  so-called 
^'good  people"  of  our  city  regarded  it  as  a  gi'eater 
evil  than  prostitution  with  all  its  consequences. 
They  employed  their  united  influence  to  procure  its 
repeal  and  were  successful.  Some  statistics  in  re- 
gard to  the  reported  results  of  social-evil  laws  can- 
not be  out  of  place.     The  St,  Louxq  records  are  of 


208  THE   HOMODOPATHIC   COURIER. 


little  value  from  the  short  period  of  time  the  mea- 
sure was  in  force  and  we  shall  not  use  them. 
Again,  as  it  is  our  place  of  residence,  our  deduc- 
tions might  appear  somewhat  biased.  The  recor- 
ded facts  obtained  from  the  '"Blue  Book''  of  the 
Royal  ( -onnnission  may  be  taken,  as  far  as  datix  are 
recorded,  as  exhibiting  the  results  generally  obser- 
ved mider  the  legislation  acts  of  other  places. 

It  must  be  remembered,  however,  that  all  figures 
are  based  upon  a  restriction  of  only  one-half  of  the 
participants  in  the  social-evil.  Women  only  were 
registered  and  inspected.  Men  were  simply  inspec- 
ted where  they  applied  for  treatment  after  conta- 
gion had  taken  place  ;  but  they  were  not  prevented 
from  returning  to  places  of  prostitution  and  spread- 
ing it  among  healthy  women.  We  see  no  .more 
reason  for  permitting  a  man  affected  with  syphilis 
to  have  his  libertv  and  immunitv  from  resfaiction 
than  a  woman.  The  restriction  of  mal(»s  would  be 
quite  easily  enforced  in  large  garrisons.  Morgan 
writes  that  the  proportion  of  the  male  popula- 
tion that  suffers  from  venereal  disease  cannot  be 
less  than  fifty  to  sixty  pei*  cent.  Again,  he  writes : 
**Tt  is  not  too  strong  a  statement  to  make,  that 
amongst  the  lower  order,  and  artisan  male  popula- 
tion, sixty-five  to  eighty  per  c(»nt.  suffer  from  the 
contagious  diseases  in  some  form  :  and  that  in  pro- 
portion as  we  ascend  in  the  sociill  s(-ale,  while  the 
|>ercentages  of  soft,  irritative  sores  diminish,  gon- 
orrh(Ba  and  infecting  syphilis  increase ;  but  I 
doubt  if  the  percentage,  even  then  of  those  who 
suffer,  can  be  les9  th^n  fifty  to  sixty   percent/' 


THE  HOMCBOPATHIC  COURIER.  209 

This  statement  is  in  perfect  harmony  with  the  great 
Bomstead  and  wnters  of  experience  throughout  this 
country. 

''In  three  months  there  were  ti'eated  in  Dublin 
(Morgan)  480  cases  of  syi^hilis  and  400  of  gonor- 
i*li(ea,  a  total  of  880  cases  out  of  a  garrison  aver- 
aging 4,307  men  :  so  that  in  a  year,  at  the  same 
ratio,  number  representing  the  entire  ganison 
would  have  been  under  treatment — a  monstruous 
state  of  things,  if  preventable,  when  it  is  consider- 
ed in  how  many  of  these  instances  the  seeds  of  ul- 
timate deterioration  would  fructify  almost  indefin- 
itely ;  and  taking  the  soldier  at  the  estimate  cost  of 
£100,  the  State  has  in  Dublin  £430,700  worth  of 
its  soldiers  diseased  in  twelve  months." 

This  is  not  different  from  the  state  of  affairs  in 
our  late  war. 

''In  Devonport  and  Plymouth,  where  from  the 
first  the  system  has  been  most  carefully  and  vigor- 
ously administered,  the  state  of  syphilitic  disease 
in  1864,  before  legislation,  showed  274  cases  out 
of  2,481  strength ;  in  1865,  before  the  Act  of  1864 
had  made  any  impression,  the  numbers  rose  to  342 
cases ;  in  1866,  when  only  women  informed  against, 
or  strongly  suspected  of  being  affected  with  conta- 
gious disease,  were  brought  up  for  examination, 
the  number  fell  to  200.  In  1867,  where  the  same 
system  prevailed,  a  further  reduction  from  209  to 
185  was  reached.  In  1868,  under  the  monthly  ex- 
amination for  the  latter  half  of  the  year,  the  figures 
were  reduced  from  185  to  159.  In  1869,  when  the 
fortnightly  examination  was  firet  instituted,  the  fi- 


210  THE    HOMCBOPATHIC    COUKIER. 

gures  rose  from  159  to  162,  and  in  the  following 
year  were  rednced  to  85  or  nearly  one-half.  The 
strength  of  the  garrison  was  nearly  the  same 
throughout  these  years . " — (  Morgan . ) 

Taking  the  aggregate  of  twenty-eight  stations 
of  ti'oops  in  the  United  Kingdom,  the  ratio  per  one 
thousand  of  primary  venereal  sores,  in  1865,  was 
120;  it  continued  to  diminish  until  1870,  when  u 
ratio  of  54  cases  only,  was  marked  by  the  register. 

If  space  had  permitted,  we  would  have  prepared 
a  table  including  the  figures  of  results  under  the 
statutes  in  Paris,  N^ew  Orleans,  St.  Louis  and  other 
cities ;  but  we  shall  simply  remark  that  such  fig- 
ures are  only  corroborative  of  the  figures  presented 
above,  in  a  common  showing  of  the  good  accom- 
plished in  all  cities  where  the  Act  has  existed.  It 
is  not  pretended  that  a  great  showing  could  be 
made  in  a  year  or  a  decade,  but  in  a  century  a  great 
restraining  influence  would  most  certainly  l)e  mani- 
fested were  the  restrictions  based  upon  the  rules  of 
justice  to  honest  people  and  general  equality  with 
both  sexes.  But  we  must  leave  the  statistical  part 
of  the  subject  and  du'ect  attention  to  some  of  the 
remote  changes  of  syphilis.  We  may  the  more 
readily  see  the  necessity  of  some  extraordinary  ef- 
fort to  procure  the  much-needed  legislation.  It  is 
against  these  that  we  most  need  to  exercise  our 
whole  energies.  These  remote  changes  are  so 
much  more  direful  than  those  of  the  primary  and 
secondary  disease,  because  they  are  generally  deep- 
seated  and  masked. 

It  is  not  the  gangrenous  <^enitals  we  would  \y\vn 


THE   nOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  211 

tare  to  you ;  neither  is  it  the  common  manifesta- 
tions that  show  themselves  in  the  forms  of  second- 
ary outbreaks ;  such  as  ulceration  of  the  throat, 
syphilitic  exanthemata,  alopecia,  etc.  These  are 
too  well  known.  Of  the  more  masked  forms  that  do 
not  show  themselves  until  a  tertiary  period,  when 
our  i)atient  is  supposed  to  be  ''cured"  ;  and  to  the 
hereditary  features,  we  wish  to  give  you  a  fair  and 
truthful  picture.  Syphilis  as  a  cause  of  many  nerv- 
ous diseases  will  furnish  you  area  for  contempla- 
tion of  no  small  di mentions.  Study  syphilis,  if 
you  will,  as  an  etiological  factor,  as  a  cause  of 
paralysis,  of  myelitis  and  scleroses ;  trace  the  path- 
ological relations  of  the  gumma  to  hemiplegia,  pa- 
i-aplegia,  facial  paralysis,  ptosis  mydriasis,  strabis- 
mus ;  remember  the  intense  head-pain  in  cerebral 
syphilis;  also,  the  abolition  of  taste  and  olfac- 
tion ;  finally,  insanity  and  a  multitude  of  organic 
changes  in  the  vascular  substance,  such  as  athero- 
matous degeneration,  thrombosis,  and  such  as  result 
in  hemorrhage  into  the  nervous  tissues,  followed 
by  softening  and  death.  Behold  these  great  path- 
ological changes  that  are  seen  daily  as  the  results 
of  syi)hilis !  An  extensive  obsei^vation  and  much 
reflection  compel  us  to  remark  that  one-half  of  the 
organic  pathological  change  in  nerve-structures  are 
caused  immediately  or  remotely  by  syphilis.  Our 
space  is  too  limited  to  give  you  but  a  cursoiy  glance 
at  the  dangers  and  horrors  that  threaten  oiu*  post- 
erity. If  great  changes  are  not  effected  in  cus- 
toms, habits  and  legislative  enactments  of  all  na- 
tions the  pqoplo  will  certainly  be  greatly  endan- 
gered, 


212  THE   HOM<BOPATHIC    COURIKK. 

The  utterly  loathsome  character  of  the  disease 
has  prevented  a  proper  consideration  and  thereby 
the  enacting  of  laws  to  prevent  its  spread.  Public 
authorities  quarantine  against  the  maladies  much 
less  offensive  and  people  submit.  But  this  is  a 
contagious  disease  of  a  most  virulent  character ;  yet 
it  has  not  received  the  attention  from  public  au- 
thorities and  boards  of  health  which  would  indicate 
it  to  be  a  disease  of  the  contagious  variety.  Why 
should  it  be  necessary  to  report  a  case  of  yellow 
fever  or  diphtheria  to  our  health  departments,  or 
establish  quarantine  against  yellow  fever  more  than 
syphilis?  Why  submit  a  patient  suffering  from  a 
contagious  disease  or  one  that  comes  to  him  in  en- 
demic or  epidemic  form,  as  a  thief  hi  the  night,  to 
quarantine  rules  and  isolation,  and  permit  the  dis- 
ease that  never  seeks  a  victim  and  the  patient  that 
hte  gone  where  the  disease  existed  —  a  volun- 
tary exposure — to  go  free  and  unrestrained,  with  a 
liberty  to  carry  the  disease  to  innocent  and  unsus- 
pecting parties,  without  comment?  The  subject 
must  go  where  syphilis  is  or  he  will  not  likely  be- 
come its  victim.  It  is  not  so  with  other  contagious 
diseases.  The  subject  of  contagion  in  such  cases 
has  no  choice.  Innocent  persons  are  made  victims 
of  syphilitic  contagion.  It  is  a  grievance  worthy 
of  the  strongest  execration  that  profound  silence 
compels  chaste  wives  unknowingly  to  undergo  ex- 
posure to  this  contagion  ;  where,  if  every  victim  of 
the  disease  was  registered,  she  could  search  his 
blood-histoiy  in  the  public  archives.  Under  such 
a  restraint,  every  such  man  would  become  cautious 


THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER.  213 

and  post-matrimonial  contagion  would  be  rare. 
Such  an  enactment  should  not  be  made  to  expose 
the  victims  of  post-contagion,  but  put  into  effect 
at  a  future  date  when  every  man  and  woman  had 
been  duly  warned  of  the  penalty  for  vice.  Then 
no  man  or  woman  would  submit  to  sexual  embraces 
without  exchanghig  health-cei-tificates,  if  either 
had  a  reputation  to  lose.  • 

Syphilis  and  inebriety  should  be  regarded,  by  all 
good  citizens,  as ''twin-relics,''  and  no  greater  ad- 
vocates are  demanded  to  oppose  the  latter  than  the 
former.  Both  are  sapping  health  and  loveliness  in 
our  best  circles  of  society.  The  masses  know  of 
the  evils  of  inebriety ;  its  worst  f eatiu-es  are  super- 
ficial ;  but  the  physician  only,  knows  of  the  misery 
and  untold  suffering  caused  by  syphilis.  It  lurks 
concealed  and  preys  upon  unsuspecting  innocence. 
Inebriety  often  shows  its  woi-st  featm-es,  and  the  cul- 
pable individual  is  branded  an  outcast,  and  neither 
respected  nor  trusted ;  but  the  syphilitic  may  pass 
for  a  gentleman  of  noble  blood,  and  be  sought  as 
a  husband  for  the  daughters  of  pure  and  noble  fam- 
ilies. He  is  pennitted  entrance  by  wedlock  into 
the  bosoms  of  families  and  to  introduce  the  bitter 
sequences  by  rotten  offspring  into  his  own  home. 
How  would  a  yoitng  mother  feel,  when  she  is  losing 
her  infant  offspring  in  their  tender' weeks,  and  she 
listens  to  the  kind  clergy's  gentle  remark:  ''The 
good  God  has  seen  fit  in  His  all-wise  providence  to 
removie  your  infant,  etc."  If  she  but  knew  that 
the  fell  destroyer  Syphilis  had  done  the  work,  and 
that  her  kind  and  loving  husband  had  been  the  au- 


214  THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIEK. 

thor  of  all  these  frequent  causes  to  mourn?  Could 
this  mother  but  know  the  doctor's  secrets  1  Could 
she  have  had  access  to  public  archives !  Had  she 
not  been  clouded  by  this  profound  silence,  she 
would  not  think  the  good  God  so  unkind  in  His 
administration. 

We  are  not  aiming  to  overdraw  this  picture,  nor 
can  we  represent  this  cursed  evil  as  it  is  observed 
by  the  physician  for  himself.  This  great  evil  has 
no  public  opponent.  There  is  no  one  to  proclaim 
from  the  pulpit  or  the  platform  a  crusade  against 
this  dire  enemy.  Physicians  talk  of  public  hy- 
giene, public  health,  etc. ;  they  come  to  societies 
and  cursorily  discuss  symptomatology  and  treat- 
ment. But  who  says  anything  about  an'esting  its 
progress?  Who  says  anything  about  quarantining 
against  this  social  exil? 

In  syphilis  the  immediate  victim  is  not  the  last 
or  only  sufferer.  ''The  sins  of  the  father  are  visit- 
ed upon  the  children  to  the  third  and  fourth  gene- 
ration" contaminating  mind  and  body  and  making 
life  a  curse.  It  has  been  said  that  the  effects  are 
observ^ed  in  the  fourth  generation  in  the  form  of 
tuberculosis,  scrofula,  diseases  of  the  brain  and 
miud,  hydrocephalus,  glandular  diseases,  idiocy  and 
insanity.  If  we  could  have  tiaie  reports,  showing 
exact  figures  from  which  to  arrange  a  statistical 
table  of  the  mortality  of  children,  we  wx>uld  cer- 
tainly be  striken  with  horror  and  alarm.  An  infant 
in  articulo  mortis  from  congenital  syphilis  is  an'oc- 
cuirence  so  frequent,  especially  in  our  large  cities, 
as  to  evoke  little  attention.     The  lower  classes  are 


THE    HOMCKOPATHIC   COURIER.  215 


sometimes  truly  re^stered  as  to  the  cause  of 
deaths,  where  they  die  of  syphilis.  But  who  w^ould 
brand  a  person  of  social  and  financial  influence 
with  such  a  stigma V  Then  if  the  doctor's  bill  is 
forthcoming,  it  is  easy  to  write  the  cause  of  death, 
'^eczema,"  or  ''congestion.''  It  is  often  impos- 
sible at  the  present  for  a  physician  to  state  the  true 
cause  of  death,  in  plain  -language,  on  a  burial  cer- 
tificate. Then  it  will  readily  appear  to  you,  how 
impossible  it  is  to  obtain  anything  like  correct  fig- 
ures for  a  statistical  report ;  but  we  know  that 
such  a  report,  based  upon  the  true  state  of  affairs, 
would  show  up  surprisingly.  No  class  of  society 
is  exempt  from  this  curse,  as  eveiy  physician  of 
experience  can  testify.  Station,  education  and 
wealth  fonn  no  barrier  to  this  monster. 

Vice  has  its  votaries  without  regard  to  station. 
A  victim  may  prolong  his  life  by  his  wealth,  but 
our  population  of  the  middle  class,  as  a  laile,  are 
freest  from  the  taint.  Their  bodies  are  not  sub- 
ject to  over-feeding,  therefore  the  disease  sel- 
dom causes  so  great  a  general  breaking-down  of 
tissues  as  in  the  case  of  the  wealthy,  who  have 
been  * 'stall-fed,"  as  it  were,  by  highly  season- 
ed food.  The  poorer  classes,  by  reason  of  the 
greater  number  of  their  offspring,  as  compared 
with  the  number  of  children  begotten  by  wealthy 
parents,  when  they  are  contaminated,  give  the 
disease  a  wider  diffusion.  The  disease  soon 
breaks  down  the  constitution  of  poorly-fed  chil- 
di'en,  and  hiuries  them  up  in  an  early  grave.  Tn 
the  extremes  of  the  social  world  are  the   unfortun- 


216  THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER. 


ates  who  suffer  more  physically,  those  of  the  mid- 
dle classes  are  freest  from  vice  and,  therefore, 
most  exempt  from  venereal  contagion.  But  it  can- 
not be  said  that  any  class  is  even  comparatively 
free  from  this  dire  scourge.  In  reference  to  the 
very  poor  classes ;  it  has  been  said  that  they  suffer 
more  personally  from  want  of  care  or  necessaries 
of  Ufe,  and  their  children  seldom  Uve  to  become 
parents,  which  is  not  true  of  the  wealthy,  who 
have  every  means  to  procure  medical  skill  and 
thereby  prolongation  of  life.  They  live  to  become 
parents  of  a  devitalized  offispring  on  and  on. 
These,  by  medical  aid,  good  food,  plenty  of  fresh 
air,  favorable  surroundings,  live  on,  and  beget  fee- 
ble children  ;  and  so  on  for  three  or  four  genera- 
tions. Occasionally,  the  familly  name  becomes 
extinct.  Yet  by  all  kinds  of  favorable  surround- 
ings, and  intermarriage  with  individuals  of  pure 
blood,  a  few  of  the  posterity  survive.  If  no  new 
contagion  has  been  introduced,  an  improvement  is 
()l)8erved  and  the  upward  tendency  is  rapid,  until 
a  normal  jihysical  being  is  before  us.  Thus  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  law  called  '^siu'vival  of  the  fit- 
test,'^ we  see  them  daily  advancing  to  a  position, 
or  sphere,  in  which  they  flourished  generations  be- 
fore, bdt  were  compelled  to  pass  through  a  dark 
period  of  physical  deterioration,  visited  upon  them 
as  a  penalty  for  the  sins  of  their  parents.  Every 
physician  conversant  with  the  sequelae  of  syphilis, 
has  observed  patients,  who  in  early  manhood  had 
gone  through  a  course  of  treatment  for  this  disease 
(and  cured.)     All  symptoms  had  long  since  passed 


•THE   HOMCBOPAtHIC   COtJRiEB.  2l7 

away ;  every  sign  of  the  disease  had  disappeared 
in  usual  time  ;  nothing  had  been  suspected  for  five, 
ten,  fifteen,  twenty  or  twenty-five  years,  when  a 
sensation  of  weakness  appears  upon  one  side  of  the 
body  and  hmbs,  the  face  may  be  drawn  to  one 
side,  tingling  in  the  paretic  hand  and  foot,  going 
on  to  a  complete  paralysis  of  one  side.  Again,  an 
epileptiform  convulsion  may  mask  the  onset  of  the 
symptoms,  followed  by  ptosis,  and  paresis  of  some 
of  the  ocular  muscles.  He  may  have  joint  troubles 
that  are  often  ascribed  to  rheumatism,  or  he  may 
suffer  intense  head-pain  which  is  relieved  by  large 
doses  of  iodide  of  potassium. 

We  have  now  marked  out  some  of  the  leading 
featiu'es  of  nervous  syphilis.  They  are  common  in 
city  practice.  It  is  admitted  that  only  within  the 
last  decade  has  there  existed  anything  like  a  care- 
ful knowledge  of  these  features  of  83rphilis.  Since 
these  recent  discoveries  in  nerve-pathology,  there 
is  no  reason  to  doubt  that  this  acquired  diathesis 
may  be  handed  down  in  this  immediate  state  to  the 
offspring.  It  is  now  beyond  a  doubt  admitted  that 
the  disease  may  be  transmitted  in  its  immediate 
stage,  if  not  in  immediate  condition,  and  that  it  by 
no  means  follows  that  it  must  appear  in  a  perfect 
symptom  picture  of  progress ;  but  that  any  of  the 
diverse  forms  may  follow  a  congenital  transmission. 
Says  the  most  excellent  pathologist,  M.  Paget: 
**We  now  know  that  certain  diseases  of  the  lungs, 
the  liver  and  spleen,  are  all  of  a  syphilitic  origin, 
and  the  moi-tality  from  syphilis,  in  its  later  forms  is 
every  year  fomid  to  be  larger  and  larger  by   its 


218  THE   HOMCROPATHIC   COURIER. 

^■'■■■■■"■■^'  —     -■-  ■■■■  ■■■■  ,.   .^m 

being  found  to  be  a  source  of  a  number  of  diseases, 
which jpreviouly  were  referred  to  other  ongins  and 
accidents,  or  put  down  under  various  heads  they 
did  not  belong  to/' 

Such  language,  coming  from  so  eminent  a  phy- 
sician, should  be  received  with  great  confidence. 
We  would  be^glad  to  refer,  in  extenso^  to  the  ex- 
perience of  manyj|]of  our^  trustworthy  physicians, 
but  space  only  permits  a  cursory  mention.  We 
have  treated  many  cases  that  had  contracted  the 
disease  twenty  and  thirty  years  before ;  patients 
who  had  long  thought  themselves  well,  but  in 
whom  there  appeared  unmistakable  signs  of 
the  or-iginal  disease  in  its  tertiary  forms.  Dr. 
Milbrey  I  Green ,  informs  us  of  cases  under  his 
own  observation,  transmitting  the  disease  after 
thirty-five  years.  We  firmly  believe  there  is  no 
time  beyond  which|jWe[^are  safe  in  deelaiing  immu- 
nity to  transmission,  and  no  case,  no  matter  how 
well  treated,  that  we  can  absolutely  pronounce  free 
from  the  disorder.  We  are  willing  to  admit  that 
many  cases  get  well  and  that  the  tendency  is  for 
natm'e  to  cure  the  disease.  But  we  have  no  posi- 
tive assurance  that  she  has  performed  her  work  in 
any  given  case  so  completely  that  a  relapse  may 
not  occur  at  some  distant  period  in  the  future. 
This  is  not  a  question  based  upon  the  treatment  of 
any  individual  physician,  or  of  how  successful  our 
general  treatment  can  de  made ;  neither  are  a  few 
individual  successes  a  barrier  to  ;  the  tiTith  of  the* 
above  statement.  The  statement  is  based  upon 
how  unsuccessful  generally  the  treatment  has  been 
and  even  now  is. 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  21Jl 


We  are  aware  that  this  is  a  veiy  delicate  ques- 
tion. Some  may  say  it  is  too  delicate  to  bring  to 
the  masses.  But  should  any  vice  or  evil  be  consi- 
dered too  delicate  to  name  which  is  in  pei'petual 
activity,  contaminating  the  blood  and  destroying 
the  life  of  so  many?  Do  people  generally  feel 
fastidious  in  regard  to  warnings  against  foul  mons- 
ters, that  may  at  an  unexpected  time  devour  them 
by  degrees?  If  it  is  too  delicate  a  subject  for 
open  discussion,  it  cannot  be  too  delicate  to  bring 
before  a  body  of  scientific  gentlemen,  who 
certainly  have  the  best  interests  of  the  people  at 
heart.  With  suc^h  an  aim  we  do  not  feel  so  great 
a  delicacy  in  presenting  a  picture  of  facts  to  the 
view.  There  is  no  vice,  it  matters  not  how  vile, 
that  should  not  be  named.  To  promote  life, 
health,  physical  and  mental  beatitudes  should  be 
the  physician's  strongest  desire.  To  i-estrain  the 
progress  of  contagion  the  people  must  first  be  en- 
lightened in  regard  to  its  dangei-s.  ^o  ^ 'Maine 
Law"'  could  have  passed  for  the  restraint  of  ine-^ 
l)riety,  as  it  has  throughout  our  Easteni  States 
had  it  not  been  through  the  enlightenment  of  the 
public.  Likewise,  the  only  legislation  possible 
nuist  be  secured  by  a  thorough  enlightenment  of 
the  people  in  regard  to  the  evils  of  syphilis. 

In  any  legal  restrictions  pertaining  to  this  vice, 
so  long  as  the  law  deals  with  women  alone  and  not 
>vith  the  men  who  frequent  houses  of  prostitution 
the  progress  will  be  slow.  Legal  cognizance 
should  be  taken  of  men,  who  frequent  these  pla- 
ces, if  we  would  have  these  affairs  brought  within 


1 

220  THE   HOMCBOPATHiC   COURiBIt. 

the  possibility  of  active  restraint.  It  is  perhaps 
necessary  for  those  only  to  register  who  traffic  in 
this  sphere  to  obtain  filthy  lucre.  Then  the  regis- 
tration previous  to  contagion  would  only  be  neces- 
sary for  managers  and  inmates  of  houses  of  prosti- 
tution. The  keeper  should  be  compelled  to  regis- 
ter and  it  should  be  the  her  duty  to  see  that  her  in- 
mates were  registered ;  and  that  all  males  visiting 
such  places  should  be  required  to  exhibit  a  certifi- 
cate of  recent  date  showing  their  freedom  from 
contagious  diease.  This  involves  no  exposure  and 
could  be  made  a  protection  against  carrying  conta- 
gion to  houses  of  prostitution ;  every  keeper  would 
be  glad  to  put  in  force  such  a  measure  as  it  would 
result  in  general  protection. 

As  matters  now  exist  even  under  the  best-regu- 
lated houses  of  prostitution,  men  frequently  take 
syphilis,  and  communicate  it  to  their  wives ;  and 
many  times  prostitutes  contract  the  disease  from  the 
men  who  consort  with  them  at  assignation  houses 
and  elsewere.  Men  who  contract  small-pox  are 
isolated,  not  only  during  the  course  of  the  disease, 
but  until  the  danger  has  passed.  A  man  may  have 
recovered  from  small-pox  and  feel  strong  and  well, 
and  be  as  able  to  go  into  the  streets  as  he  was  be- 
fore he  contracted  the  disease ;  but  if  he  go  into 
the  street  before  he  is  free  from  all  danger  of  com- 
municating the  disease  to  others,  he  will  be  arrest- 
ed and  confined.  He  might  think  his  rights  in- 
fringed and  his  liberty  outraged,  but  the  commu- 
nity would  think  it  was  just.  Public  opinion  de- 
mands that  all  regulations  in  regard  to  small-pox 


THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER.  221 

and  other  contagious  diseases  be  enforced,  how- 
ever arbitrary  they  may  seem  to  the  victims  of  con- 
tagion .  * 

In  most  large  cities,  physicians  ai*e  required  un- 
der penalty  to  furnish  the  boards  of  health  a  report 
of  all  contagious  diseases ;  such  as  typhoid  fever, 
diphthena,  scarlet  fever,  small-pox,  etc.,  as  soon 
as  the  diagnosis  is  made.  The  pei*sonal  liberty  of 
all  such  cases  is  interfered  with  until  all  possibility 
of  contagion  is  past.  Why  is  syphilis  not  repoiled 
with  other  contagious  diseases?  Xo,  these  cases 
go  at  large.  Men  with  chancres  on  their  lips  go 
into  society  and  sometimes  by  eating  with  the  same 
spoon  and  osculating,  sisters  are  contaminated. 
We  have  observed  many  such  cases.  A  short  time 
ago  a  most  respectable  widow  consulted  us  for  a 
troublesome  sore,  a  mucous  patch  upon  the  lip. 
We  traced  it  to  her  eating  of  sauce  out  of  the  same 
spoon  with  her  lover  who  had  a  syphilitic  sore  up- 
on his  lips.  He  had  been  treated  for  syphilis  five 
years  before  and  supposed  himself  cured.  He  had 
relapsed  to  the  extent  of  patches  in  the  mouth 
when  he  contaminated  this  woman ;  and  she  suf- 
fered from  well-marked  syphilitic  exanthemata. 
They  were  married  and  she  has  suffered  from  other 
secondary  signs,  placing  the  matter  beyond  ques- 
tion. We  are  waiting  to  see  the  result  in  their 
offspring.  ^ 

The  victim  of  syphilis  should  be  isolated  or  in 
some  manner  restricted  from  associating  with  un- 
syphilized  people.  The  law  has  certainly  as  much 
right  to  interfere  with  personal  liberty  of  syphilitic 


222  THE    HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 

patients  that  it  has  with  the  victims  of  yellow  fevei' 
or  small-pox.  We  think  it  will  not  be  denied  that 
any  city  has  the  right  to  establish  regulations  for 
protection  against  any  contagious  disease ;  nor, 
that  any  city  may  have  the  right  to  enforce  an  or- 
dinance compelling  men  to  submit  to  examination 
and  surveillance  if  they  wish  to  consort  with  pros- 
titutes ;  as  much  the  right  to  enforce  an  ordinance 
compelling  the  sui'veillance  of  men,  as  of  women 
who  pursue  such  a  business  for  their  bread.  If  we 
had  such  measures  we  would  have  a  double  check 
on  venereal  contagion  in  public  prostitutes  as  well 
as  among  men  who  receive  the  disease  from  othei* 
sources.  But  private  illicit  relations  ai*e  not  the  ob- 
ject or  subject  of  this  paper.  While  we  have  made 
many  suggestive  stlttements  that  may  at  first  seem 
impracticable,  yet  if  free  discussion  follows  and 
thereby  good  is  accomplished,  we  shall  feel  an\ply 
repaid  for  any  adverse  criticism. 

If  we  are  to  have  a  law  that  aims  at  the  conti'ol 
of  prostitution,  let  us  have  one  that  goes  to  the 
root  of  the  evil  and  not  a  ont^-sided  affair.  Or 
it  may  be  said  by  women,  that  so  long  as  men  do 
the  voting,  so  long  will  women  be  submitted  to  the 
unfairness  of  one-sided  laws  and  i*estraint.  Men 
should  not  impose  penalties  upon  women,  and  be 
themselves  participants  in  the  vices  for  which  these 
penalties  were  established.  Such  a  method  of 
treatment  is  inhuman  and  unjust.  It  is  barbai-ous, 
and  not  worthy  of  Christian  people.  We  cannot 
condemn  others  with  any  good  grace  for  crime  or 
vice,    in   which   we  are   ^qual   ;  articipants,     We 


THE    HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER.  223 


should   first  judge   ourselves.       It   will   be    time 
euough  to  sit  in  judgment  when  we  are  faultless. 

"Xow,  why  is  this?    Should  not  the  wretch 

Who  tramples  in  the  dust. 
A  young  heart's  purest  offering 

Forever  be  accursed? 
Should  he  not  be  compelled  to  feel 

The  world's  severest  ban, 
And  meet  the  undisguised  contempt 

Of  every  honest  man  ? 

**The  wretched  one  who  fell  from  grace 

In  Galilee,  of  yore. 
Was  told  by  him  who  died  for  us, 

To  go  and  sin  no  more. 
But  now,  if  woman  steps  aside, 
•  Society  will  cry, 
*Sin  on — there  is  no  hope  for  thee ! 

Sin  ever,  till  you  die!'  " 


THERAPEUTICS. 


BY    L.    P.    HARRIS,    M.    D.,    FT.  WAYXE,   INI) 


The  term  Therapeutibs  has  been  defined  as 
'-That  part  of  medicine  the  object  of  which  is  the 
treatment  of  disease.''  Therapeutics,  therefore,  in- 
volves the  relation  of  the  dynamic  forces  employed 
to  the  spiritual  forces  of  the  patient  treated.  It  is 
generally  conceded  that  every  atom  of  matter  is 
(endowed  with  ijfe,   activity  and  motion  in  soipe 


224  THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COUBIER. 

form  or  another,  and  that  nature  affords  not  a  sin- 
gle exception  to  this  law.  The  first  expression  of 
a  dynamic  force  being*  foimd  in  the  atom,  the 
foundation  of  all  organic  forms  is  based  upon  this 
fact ;  and  every  organic  form  to  whatever  depart- 
ment of  nature  it  may  belong,  either  planetary, 
animal,  vegetable  or  mineral,  is  presided  over  by  a 
force  peculiar  to  itself,  and  as  there  is  a  great  va- 
riety of  elements  in  nature  (about  sixty-five  in 
number)  each  endowed  with  its  own  peculiar  dy- 
namic forces,  organic  forms  of  almost  infinite 
variety  appear  under  the  law  of  elementary  com- 
bmations,  each  type  having  its  own  peculiar  ex- 
pression of  life-force.  The  revolution  of  a  planet 
is  as  much  the  expression  of  a  life-force  as  the 
blooming  of  the  rose,  or  the  rapid  flight  of  the  ante- 
lope,' and  as  there  is  an  affinitizing  relation  between 
the  life  forces  of  the  animal,  vegetable  and  mineral 
kingdoms,  the  therapeutist  steps  in  to  make  a 
transfer  of  these  forces  to  his  patient  to  restore  or- 
der to  his  disturbed  forces,  and  this  brings  us  to 
the  scientific  basis  of  therapeutics,  and  we  have  the 
two  great  systems  of  medical  practice  before  us — 
"Similia  simililms  curantur'^'^  and  ^'Contraria 
contrarius  curantur.'^^ 

The  latter  is  a  system  of  therapeutics  which 
deals  with  dynamic  forces  in  their  quantitative  and 
dissimilar  relations.  The  former  deals  with  them 
in  their  qualitative  ^wA  similar  relations.  The  lat- 
ter proposes  to  cure  by  establishing  ^^ another  af^ 
fection.'^^  The  former  proposes  to  cure  by  pro- 
moting a  healthy  re-action  of  the  organism.     That 


THE  HOMCBOPATHIO  OOURESB.  225 

the  law  of  affinitizing  relation  between  the  forces  of 
the  great  departments  of  nature  does  exist  is  fully 
established  by  symptomatology.  And  insomuch 
as  the  human  body  is  composed  of  nearly  all  the 
elements  known  to  exist  in  nature,  we  will  assume 
that  the  sum  of  the  forces  of  the  body  is  the  sum 
of  the  forces  of  all  the  elements  of  which  it  is  com- 
jjosed,  together  with  those  resulting  from  the 
transformation  of  the  forced  in  the  body.  If  this 
assumption  is  coirect,  aided  by  a  proper  knowledge 
of  the  dynamic  forces  of  the  different  types  of  life 
around  us,  we  shall  be  able  to  find  a  counterpart 
to  every  force  in  the  human  system.  This  can 
only  be  accomplished  by  the  utmost  care  and  close 
observation  in  regard  to  impressions  produced  by 
the  introduction  of  other  forces  to  the  system. 
This  counterpart  being  once  formed,  and  stripped 
of  all  other  forces,  chemical  or  otherwise,  is  the 
force  to  administer  upon  the  principles  of  similia 
similihus  curantur.  This  is  the  force  that  cures 
the  patient,  if  cured  at  all.  This  is  the  spiritual 
force  of  one  type  of  life  transf eiTed  to  another  and 
appreciated  by  the  affinity  of  forces — for  there  is 
an  affinity  oi  forces  in  the  system  as  well  as  an  af- 
finity between  the  organs  and  tissues  of  the  body 
and  the  nutrition  destined  to  support  those  organs 
and  tissues.  This  being  tine,  we  must  come  on  to 
the  plan  of  the  spiritual  forces  of  the  patient  with 
our  therapeutic  agents.  I  cannot  here  withhold 
an  expression  of  profoimd  respect  for  the  manner 
in  which  the  Prof  essons  of  the  Homoeopathic  Col- 
lege of  Missouri  persistently   maintmn  the  doc- 


226  THE    UOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER. 

tiine  of  high  potencies  in  their  remedies.  There 
may  have  been  a  time  in  the  distant  past  when 
crude  remedies  combined  and  administered  in  mas- 
sive doses  corresponded  somewhat  to  the  general 
conditions  of  life.  If  so<as  man  rises  in  the  scale 
of  intelhgence  and  civilization,  as  he  becomes  more 
and  more  refined  in  his  make-up  and  habits  of  life, 
crude  medication  should  be  abandoned.  But, 
while  professedly  scientific  therapeutists  hold  on  to 
the  practice  of  darkei*  ages  and  continue  to  com- 
bine their  remedies  in  almost  endless  confusion- 
no  real  progress  can  be  made.  To  Homoeopathy, 
in  the  hands  of  its  unflhiching  advocates,  is  due  the 
progi'ess  of  true  medical  science,  and  the  more 
clearly  we  understand  its  principles  and  its  interior 
centi'al  forces,  (call  them  life-forces^  spiritual  or 
dynamic^  as  we  may,)  and  their  true  solutions  to 
each  other,  the  more  fully  do  we  apj)reciate  its 
real  merits. 

AVTiile  homoeopathy  has  made  a  fine  step  in  ad- 
vance of  all  other  systems  of  medical  practice, 
in  the  discovery  of  the  law  of  ^'similia  similihas 
cwrantur^^''  we  think  another  step  will  ere  long  be 
taken  in  a  better  employment  in  the  dynamic 
forces  of  metals.  In  England,  Germany  and 
France  metalotherapy  has  been  the  subject  of  care- 
ful study  and  experiment  for  a  number  of  years, 
and  a  lively  discussion  has  ensued,  and  the  opinion 
has  been  expressed  that  metalotheropy  ought  to 
be  recognized  as  an  important  curative  agent  and 
take  it«  place  a^s  such  with  electiicity,  magnetism, 
etc.     But  theae  experimenters  i^eem  UQt  to  h^vQ 


THE    HOMOBOPATHIO   COURIBR.  227 


conceived  the  idea  of  polarizing  these  forces,  there- 
by changing  their  static  to  dynamic  conditions, 
nor  of  testing  their  action  by  noting  their  effects 
upon  the  forces  of  the  brain  and  nervous  system, 
as  indicated  by  changes  in  the  action  of  the  heart 
and  vascular  system.  This  we  regard  as  the  key 
ifiote^  for  such  changes  are  promptly  produced  and 
are  very  perceptible.  We  have  labored  many 
years  in  this  line  of  study,  attended  with  many  and 
costly  experiments,  and  have  discovered  a  method 
of  polarizing  these  forces  of  the  different 
metals,  thereby  changing  then*  static  to  dynamic 
foi'ces  and  conveying  them  to  the  patient  with- 
out the  introduction  of  a  particle  of  metal  to  the 
system.  These  forces  are  called  into  action  with- 
out decomposition  or  consumption  of  material  and 
are  therefore  the  spiritual  forces  of  the  metals  in  a 
state  of  attenuation  far  superior  to  any  triturations, 
perfectly  free  from  all  chemical  conditions  or  the 
transformation  of  forces  resulting  from  the  process 
of  preparation.  These  forces,  as  already  observed, 
are  closely  allied  to  the  forces  of  the  brain  and 
nervous  system,  readily  affinitizing  with  them  upon 
the  principle  of  positive  and  negative  relations 
producing  then*  impressions  and  curative  effects 
with  a  promptness  wholly  incredible  to  those  who 
have  no  experience  in  their  application.  The 
dynamic  forces  of  plants  cannot  well  be  tested  only 
by  their  application  to  the  forces  of  the  brain  and 
nervous  system. 

But  by  using  heat  as  an   exponent  of   force  we 
can  compare  the  molecular  forces  of  metals  with 


228  THE   HOMCBOFATHIC   COURIER. 


gravitating  force,  thereby  gaining  some  idea  of 
the  intensity  of  their  action,  I  will  illustrate :  It  is 
an  established  fact  in  science  that  the  amount  of 
heat  force  that  will  change  one  pound  of  water  one 
degree  in  temperature  will,  if  mechanically  applied, 
elevate  772  pounds  one  foot  high.  Now,  if  we  ap- 
ply a  temperature  of  442  degrees  of  heat  to  a  piece 
of  block  tin,  its  molecular  force  will  yield  and  it 
will  pass  into  a  state  of  fusion.  If,  therefore,  we 
multiply  772  by  442,  we  shall  have  341,224  pounds 
of  gravitating  force  as  equivalent  to  the  molecular 
energies  of  block  tin.  Again,  zinc  will  fuse  at  a 
temperature  of  about  770  degrees.  The  molecular 
energies  of  zinc,  then,  are  equivalent  to  a  gravi- 
tating force  of  about  594,440  pounds.  The  mole- 
cular energies  of  cast  iron  are  equivalent  to  a 
gravitating  force  of  about  1,544,000  pounds ;  sil- 
ver about  1,553,000;  gold  1,556,000;  wrought 
iron  and  steel  about  2,160,000  pounds ;  platinum 
rises  much  higher  in  the  scale.  These  facts  in  re- 
gard to  the  spiritual  forces  of  metals  will,  we 
think,  when  properly  understood,  place  in  the 
hands  of  the  medical  practitioner  a  class  of  thera- 
peutic agents  far  superior  in  their  curative  effects 
to  any  metallic  preparations  now  known  to  the  pro- 
fession. This  opinion  is  not  founded  upon  theory 
alone,  but  upon  actual  experience  in  daily  practice 
of  nearly  two  years  and  in  the  treatment  of  a  great 
variety  of  cases. 

As  an  illusti'ation  of  the  method  of  preparing 
homoeopathic  attenuations  Professor  Phelan  a  few 
d»y8  since,  in  the  presence  of  the  class  in  the 


THE  HOMEOPATHIC  OOUHIXR.  229 


college,  prepared  a  series  of  attenuations  from  the 
Ist  to  the  30th.  The  same  law  holds  good  in  the 
preparation  of  attenuations  in  magneto-metallo-the- 
rapy.  For  different  degrees  of  intensitj^  in  polari- 
zation will  establish  at  once  the  different  degrees 
of  intensity  in  the  molecular  or  dynamic  forces  of 
the  metals,  so  that  we  can  readily  produce  any  de- 
sirable attenuation  of  dynamic  forces  by  varymg 
degi'ees  of  perfection  in  polarization.  This  thought 
will  readily  be  comprehended,  by  any  one  who  is 
familiar  with  the  magnet  or  galvanic  battery.  The 
success  of  Homoeopathy  is  not  dependent  upon  the 
stupidity  of  its  advocates,  but  upon  the  develop- 
ment of  an  interior  perception  sufficiently  fine  to 
grasp  some  idea  of  the  laws  governing  material  and 
spintual  forces  and  their  relation  to  each  other.  It 
is  well  known  to  intelligent  homoeopaths  that  some 
remedies  have  wide  range  of  action  in  relation 
to  the  forces  of  the  human  system.  It  is  even  so 
with  the  forces  of  some  of  the  metals.  We  have 
found  that  the  forces  of  iron,  copper  and  steel  ex- 
ert a  powerful  influence  over  the  heart  and  vascular 
system,  and  in  sensitive  persons,  will  in  from  two 
to  six  minutes  produces  a  change  of  ten  to  twenty, 
and  even  thirty  pulsations  of  the  heart  to  the  min- 
ute. This  will  suggest  an  appeal  to  the  physical 
forces  of  the  system,  while  the  forces  of  silver  and 
gold  produces  very  different  impressions  upon  the 
forces  of  the  brain.  These  are  also  very  prompt 
in  their  action,  producing  a  very  sensible  impres- 
sion upon  some  patients  in  a  few  moments.     These 


230  THE  HOMOBOPATHIC  COURIICK. 

metals  appear  to  affect  the   spiritual  forces  more 
than  do  the  forces  of  the  crude  metals. 

We  are  really  of  the  opinion  that  when  these  dis- 
coveries are  understood  hy  the  leading  minds  in 
Homoeopathy,  those  whose  perceptions  are  suf- 
ficiently developed  to  comprehend  the  real  philoso- 
phy of  high  attenuations  and  their  spiritual  forces, 
will  find  here  a  new  class  of  therapeutic  agents  of 
great  value  to  the  profession .  These  forces  must 
be  tested  with  the  same  scrutinizing  attention  that 
is  brought  to  bear  upon  other  homoeopathic  reme- 
dies. They  will  then  be  added  to  our  materia 
medica  and  be  taught  in  our  colleges,  as  other 
branches  are  taught.  They  will  be  found  to  be  as 
much  more  prompt  in  their  curative  effects  as  their 
molecular  forces  are  superior  to  those  of  plants. 


('horea  (;ured  with  Stramonium.  By  C.  Schu- 
macher, M.  1).,  Xorwalk,  Ohio. — On  Xov.  2,  Mrs. 
R.  consulted  me  about  her  10-year  old  daugliter, 
telling  me  that  the  child  had  been  for  four  weeks 
afflicted  with  the  same  disease  (chorea)  as  she  (the 
mother)  had  suffered  from  foi-  two  veai-s  in  her 
youth.  The  little  patient  looked  pale,  and  com- 
plained of  constant  headache.  The  mother  said 
further  that  the  child  could  not  sleep,  and  that  the 
convulsive  motions  were  perceivable  almost  as  much 
during  the  night  as  by  day.  Stramon.  6th,  three 
times  a  day.  Xov.  10th,  general  improvement, 
headache  gone.  Stram.  30th,  twice  a  day.  K^ov. 
20th,  no  more  symptoms  of  chorea. 


DEPARTMENT   OF   SORGERY, 

J.  W.  Thrasher,  M.  D.,  Editor. 


DRESSmG  WOUNDS. 


There  is  perhaps  no  duty  that  a  physician  is  call- 
ed upon  to  do  in  which  there  is  more  clumsiness  and 
ignorance  manifested  than  in  dressing  wounds.  The 
first  thought  that  suggests  itself  to  the  ordinary 
practitioner  is  to  get  in  all  the  sutures,  and  paste 
on  all  the  straps  he  can,  and  then  cover  the  whole 
with  as  much  dressing  as  he  can  bind  on  and  retain 
over  the  wound.  For  example :  A  man  received  a 
blow,  causing  a  laceration  of  the  scalp  about  three 
inches  long ;  there  were  some  six  or  eight  sutures 
forcing  the  edges  together  by  main  strength  and 
awkwardness ;  the  hair  had  not  been  cut  off,  and  a 
large  number  had  fallen  into  the  woimd,  and  were 
fastened  by  the  sutures;  over  this  there  were 
several  thickness  of  dressing,  etc.,  etc.  The  pa- 
tient complained  of  heat,  tightness  and  pain.  Com- 
mon sense  should  teach  a  person  better  than  such 
an  ignorant,  reckless  treatment.  Cutting  off  the 
hair  and  thoroughly  cleaning  out  the  wound  should 
suggest  itself  to  any  one  ever  so  void  of  a  knowl- 
edge of  surgery.  The  next  should  be  how  to  keep 
the  edges  of  the  wound  approximated  without  the 
least  possible  irritation,  with  this  object  in  view, 


232  THE  HOMOBOPATmO  COURIER. 

m 

^m  ■  1^— ^^— ^— ^— ■  I      ■■  I    ■     ■■  ■■■■■!  I  I  I    ■■■■         iM^M^^a     ■»  ■  ■^■111^^ 

the  suture  will  be  the  last  means  sought  for.  And 
not  only  m  scalg  wounds  is  this  true,  but  in  any 
kind  where  the  adhesive  strap  is  capable  of  retain- 
ing the  parts  in  their  right  position.  Adhesion  is 
much  more  rapid.,  inflammation  and  its  complications 
less  liable  to  attack  the  parts.  Physicians  who 
use  sutures  in  all  cases  will  be  pleased  to  see  how 
easily  an  extensive  wound  may  be  controlled  and 
brought  to  a  favorable  termination  without  a  suture. 
Of  course  there  are  exceptions  to  this  rule,  as  in 
stumps  after  amputation  at  the  thigh,  and  similar 
circumstances, — and  here  the  habit  of  too  much 
dressing  is  practiced  generally.  We  witnessed 
last  winter  in  the  ciinics  of  one  of  our  h^pst  sur- 
geons in  this  city,  an  amputation  of  the  leg  where 
there  was  scarcely  any  dressing  used  from  first  to 
last,  which  resulted  in  the  most  rapid  convalesence 
we  have  ever  seen,  and  believe  the  result  due  en- 
tirely to  the  rational  manner  in  which  the  stump 
was  dressed  as  the  patient  was  not  at  all  a  flatter- 
ing one.  We  have  made  an  effort  since  to  try  a 
light  and  simple  dressing,  and  feel  safe  in  sayiiig 
that  any  wound  will  unite  more  wpeedily  and 
pleasantly  without  the  amount  of  dressing  ordinari- 
ly used. 


TUS  HOMCBOPATHIO  OOURlBlt.  233 


BROMIDE    OF    ETHYL    AS     AX    AXES- 

THETIC. 

BY  A.  E.  ROCKEY. 


The  furore  excited  by  the  extraordmary  claims  for 
the  bromide  of  ethyl  as  an  anesthetic,  by  Drs. 
Trunbul  and  Levis,  of  Philadelphia,  ha«  now  in  a 
great  measure  subsided,  and  a  prejudice  against  its 
value  seems  imminent.  It  received  the  unqualified 
praise  of  these  men,  after  having  been  used  over 
two  hundred  times,  and  has  been  cast  into  emphatic 
disrepitte  by  other  operators  after  a  few  trials.  The 
first  chill  to  its  impetus  was  given  by  Dr.  J.  Marion 
Sim's  third  case,*  in  which  the  fatal  result  was  at- 
tributed to  the  anesthetic.  Since  then  several  fatal 
results  have  attended  its  use,  and  its  ordinary  effect 
has  not  been  found  so  pleasant,  as  was  at  fii-st  an- 
ticipated. 

The  claims  for  its  superiority  were,  that  its  ac- 
tion was  more  rapid,  that  its  odor  was  more  j>leas- 
ant,  that  it  was  speedily  eliminated  from  the  sys- 
tem, that  its  vapor  was  not  inflammable,  that  it 
was  less  liable  to  cause  vomiting  and  that  it  was 
safer  than  chloroform  or  ether. 

I  have  used  this  anesthetic  in  my  own  practice 
about  twenty  times,  and  have  ^ound  the  first  four 
of  these  points  amply  sustained,  but  as  to  the  last 


^Bromide  of  ethyl  administered  forty-five  minutes  in  Beatties  op- 
eration.   Patient  died  on  second  day  after. 


234  tHE  rio3if(i!oi»AtHfc  ooimmM. 


_^ 


two,  I  have  great  doubt.  Vomiting  has  invariably 
occurred  when  the  administration  was  continued 
for  more  than  five  minutes.  I  have  never  had  any- 
thing approaching  a  fatal  result,  nor  even  alarming 
symptoms,  though  at  no  time  has  its  administration 
been  continued  for  more  than  twenty  minutes.  The 
effect,  however,  always  seems  so  profound  that 
great  care  has  been  taken  in  using  it. 

Vomiting  has  occmred  more  readily  in  nervous 
patients,  and  in  those  exhausted  by  pain,  than  in  the 
strong ;  indeed  its  action  on  robust  subjects  has  al- 
ways been  pleasant,  so  far  as  I  have  observed.  The 
conclusion  to  be  arrived  at,  after  consideration  of 
its  history,  is,  that  although  it  has  not  fully  justified 
the  hope  first  entertamed  of  it,  concerning  its 
agreeableness  of  administration  and  its  absolute 
safety,  it  is  nevertheless  a  valuable  addition  to  this 
class  of  remedies ;  and  I  firmly  believe  that  it  will 
find  its  legitimate  place  for  administration  in 
short  operations  on  robitst  subjects.  Its  effect  in 
this  class  of  cases  is,  I  think,  superior  to  that  of 
any  other  anesthetic,  but  these  are  the  only  circum- 
stances under  which  I  would  prefer  it  to  chloroform 
or  ether.  The  suggestion  of  Prof.  Levis,  to  cause 
tranquility  of  breathing  by  covering  the  eyes  and 
requesting  the  patient  to  breathe  deeply  for  a  min- 
ute before  beginning  the  administration,  is  a  valua- 
ble one  for  practice  with  any  anesthetic. 


DEPARTMENT  OF  OBSTETRICS. 

Wm.  C.  Richardson,  M.D.,  Editor. 


POSITION   IN  f.ABOR. 


At  the  recent  meeting  of  the  American  Gyne- 
cology Society  a  paper  was  read  by  Dr.  G.  J. 
Englemann,  of  St.  Louis,  on  the  instinctive  (or 
natural)  and  physiological  position  of  woman  in 
labor. 

The  author  of  this  paper  has  studied  his  subject 
in  the  following  manner : — 

First,  with  reference  to  the  position  occupied  by 
women  in  labor  among  nations  of  the  past,  es- 
pecially those  of  the  highest   and  best  civilization. 

Second,  with  reference  to  the  position  in  labor 
among  the  savage  races  at  the  present  day. 

Third,  with  reference  to  the  movements  of  wo- 
men and  the  position  they  involuntary  assume  in 
the  agonies  of  the  last  throes  of  labor,  when,  to  the 
exclusion  of  every  other  feeling,  they  ai'e  con- 
trolled largely  by  instinct.  In  this  work  he  has 
l)een  greatly  aided  by  the  Smithsonian  Institute 
and  by  army  surgeons,  who  had  sent  out  circular 
to  Indian  agencies,  etc.,  etc.  He  had  endeavored 
to  classify  the  different  positions  according  to  the 
axis  of  the  body. 

1.  Standing  or  erect  positions ; 

2.  The  inclined  position  and  its  varieties ;  and 

3.  The  hoiizontal,  or  recumbent  positions. 


236  tmC   HOMOEOPATHIC  COtJRlEK. 

— ■  -_■  —    _-  ___  -- 

Of  perpendicular  position,  these  were  the  varie- 
ties :  the  standing,  the  erect,  partially  suspended, 
the  erect,  completely  suspended,  etc.  Of  the  in- 
clined position  there  were  the  varieties  of  sitting 
erect,  the  squating,  as  in  the  act  of  defecation, 
kneeling,  kneeling  with  the  body  inclined  forward, 
or  with  the  body  inclined  backward,  etc.,  etc. 

Of  the  semi-recumbent  position,  it  might  be 
either  sitting  in  that  manner  upon  a  bed  or  upon 
the  floor,  or  in  the  lap  of  an  assistant,  or  upon  the 
obstetric  chair,  and  finally  the  fully  recumbent  or 
horizontal  position,  which  perhaps  was  rarest  of 
all  among  people  who  are  not  obliged  to  follow  the 
authoritive  directions  of  their  physicians. 

The  paper  was  illustrated  Iby  a  large  number  of 
drawings,  representing  the  •  positions  assumed  by 
women  of  the  red,  yellow  and  black  races,  to- 
gether with  other  civilized  races. 

The  present  Peruvians  follow  the  ancient  cus- 
toms of  Peru,  and  the  present  Indians  follow  the 
ancient  custom  of  their  forefathers,  and  among 
both  people  the  women,  during  labor,  occupy  the 
kneeling  position. 

It  is  only  in  Siam  that  the  women  are  kept  in 
the  recumbent  position,  flat  upon  the  back,  the 
rarest  of  all  positions  during  labor. 

The  conclusion  which  the  author  of  the  paper 
reached  from  his  most  exhaustive  investigation  is, 
that  the  fully  recumbent  position  upon  the  back  is 
inimical  to  safe  and  rapid  labor,  and  that  it  retards 
labor. 

He  believed  we  should  advise  that,  in  the  early 


THE    HOMOBOPATHIC   COURIER.  237 

stages  of  labor,  the  woman  should  be  permitted  to 
follow  her  own  instinct  with  reference  to  some  gen- 
eral directions,  and  for  these  he  would  say  the 
semi-recurabent  position  in  bed  was  the  one  best 
adapted  to  give  her  the  greatest  assistance. 

The  semi-recumbent  position  is  usually  the  most 
favorable  for  instrumental  delivery. 

The  paper  being  before  the  Society  for  discus- 
sion, Dr.  J.  C.  Reeve,  of  Dayton,  O.,  remarked 
that  it  must  be  considered  in  two  respects.:  fii-st,  as 
a  study  of  the  positions  assumed  during  labor  by 
women  of  different  nations  and  tribes,  and  in  that 
respect  it  was  another  one  of  the  evidences  of  the 
untiring  industry  of  its  author.  Taking  the  paper 
from  a  second  aspect,  he  wished  to  object  to  study- 
ing the  subject  in  connection  with  ordinary  easy 
labors,  and  that  was  one  of  the  difficulties  in  reach- 
ing any  conclusion  with  reference  to  position,  be- 
cause the  kind  of  labor  could  not  be  readily  known . 
Durinof  easv  labor  women  can  be  delivered  in  a 
great  variety  of  positions,  even  the  most  incon- 
venient ;  perhaps  varying  with  every  tribe  and  na- 
tion, and  perhaps  nearly  every  woman  has  a  differ- 
ent position. 

Dr.  Reeve  therefore  claimed  that,  instead  of 
studying  the  subject,  as  had  been  done  by  the  au- 
thor of  the  paper,  by  studying  the  records  of  the 
ancients,  examining  the  customs  of  the  savages  and 
the  uninstructed  [for  there  is  no  nation  unin- 
structed,  the  Indians  having  their  traditions,  medi- 
cine men,  vtc.  |,  it  should  be  studied  with  reference 
to  position  assumed  iu  a  certain  class  of  cases,  and 


238  THE   HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER 


that  those  of  severe  labor.  What  portion  does 
the  woman  naturally  assume  when  she  changes  an 
occipito-posterior  position  into  the  occipito-ante- 
riorV  What  position  does  she  instinctively  as- 
sume when  she  has  to  mould  a  large  fetal  head  to 
the  cavity  of  her  pelvis?  It  must  be  a  position  in 
which  she  can  best  supplement  the  expulsive  pow- 
er of  the  uterus,  by  calling  into  action  her  voluntary 
muscles,  thoracic  and  abnominal.  With  the  feet 
agamst  some  fixed  point,  the  limbs  partially  flexed, 
the  body  in  a  semi-recumbent  position  upon  the 
back,  with  the  back  and  sides  well  supported,  the 
woman  is  in  the  most  favorable  position  to  accom- 
plish her  arduous  task. 

Dr.  Fordyce  Barker,  of  New  York,  remarked 
that  in  a  certain  degree  he  nuist  enter  his  protest 
with  regard  to  doctrines  which,  without  qualifica- 
tion, might  be  deduced  from  the  most  able  and  in- 
teresting paper  by  Dr.  Engelmann.  Most  of  us 
were  early  taught  to  place  the  woman  upon  her  left 
side  during  labor,  but  that  position  he  early  learned 
to  abandon,  and  for  more  than  thirty  years  he  had 
allowed  the  woman  to  assume  any  position  which 
her  instinct  directed,  and  had  conducted  his  exam- 
ination in  whatever  position  the  woman  may  choose 
to  assume.  But  he  wished  to  ask  whether  science 
is  not  above  instinct  in  preparing  a  woman  to  go 
successfully  through  labor?  It  is  not  simply  the 
question  of  aid  given  to  the  expulsive  effoi-ts  of  the 
uterus  by  the  thoracic  and  abdominal  muscles  ;  but 
it  often  becomes  a  question  of  the  greatest  import- 
ance, in  what  direction  shall  those  forces  be  ap- 


THE    IIOAKBOFATHIC   COURIER.  239 


plied?  For  example,  the  diffeivnt  degrees  of  obli- 
quity of  the  uterus,  also  the  different  kinds  of 
obliquity,  require  different  positions  of  the  woman 
in  order  that  her  expulsive  powers  can  be  used  to 
the  greatest  advantage ;  and  he  did  not  believe 
that  the  instinct  of  any  woman  prompted  her  to 
take  a  position  upon  either  the  right  or  left  side, 
according  as  a  right  or  left  obliquity  of  the  uterus 
might  be  present. 


PROBE8,  DILATORS,  AND  APPLICATORS 

MADE    OF  THE    ROOT    OF    THE 

COMMON  SLIPPERY  ELM. 


At  a  late  meeting  of  the  Obstetrical  Society  of 
New  York,  Dr.  Skene  remarked  that,  at  the  sug- 
gestion of  Dr.  Tuckerman,  of  Iowa,  he  had  occa- 
sion to  use  the  root  of  the  common  slippery  elm 
for  probes  and  dilators  in  gynecological  cases,  and 
that  he  had  been  very  much  pleased  with  the  ins- 
ti'uments.  The  root  had  a  uniform  thickness,  and 
by  taking  different  sizes,  probes  of  different  sizes 
can  be  obtained ;  and  one  special  advantage  was 
that  instruments  of  any  size  could  be  secured  with 
the  greatest  facility.  The  root  can  be  cut  at  any 
length  desired,  the  end  rounded,  and  is  used  with 
the  bark  on,     When  used,  the  piece  is  dipped  in 


240  THE   HOMCBOPATHIO   COUBIBK. 

warm  water  for  a  few  minutes,  when  it  will  be 
found  to  be  sufficiently  flexible  and  so  mucilag- 
inous that  it  can  be  passed  with  the  greatest  facili- 
ty into  either  the  cervix  or  the  urethra.  He  had 
been  able  to  dilate  the  lu'ethra,  by  the  use  of  these 
dilatoi-s,  with  more  facihty  and  less  damage  to  the 
mucous  membrane  than  with  an}"  dilator  he  had 
ever  employed.  The  difficulty  with  all  other  pro- 
bes and  dilators  was  that,  when  passed  through  a 
small  canal  especially,  the  lubricating  substance 
was  removed,  so  that  they  did  not  maintain  a 
smooth  surface.  The  root  could  be  used  as  an  ap- 
plicator by  first  dipping  it  in  warm  water,  and  then 
into  whatever  substance  was  to  be  applied,  when, 
for  all  pi'actical  purposes,  a  sufficient  quantity 
would  adhere  to  the  surface.  Their  flexibility  is 
about  the  same  as  that  of  an  ordinary  English 
gum-elastic  bougie. 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC  OOUBIBR.  241 


ADDRESS  TO  THE  GRADUATING  CLASS  OF  THE 
HOMCEOPATHFC  COLLEGE  OF  MISSOURL 

« 

BY    PROF.    .1.    W.    THRA8HEK. 


Geiitlenieii  of  the  graduating  class,  it  is  with  ]>lcasure, 
that  I  welcome  vou  this  eveninsT,  as  one  of  our  craft,  to 
the  high  position  of  physicians  and  surgeons.  You  have 
honorably  won  your  titles,  and  have  applied  j'^ourselves 
well,  and  have  made  the  best  of  your  time.  You  have 
plodded  along  faithfully,  and  grappled  heroically,  with 
your  different  studies,  notwithstanding  their  greatness, 
and  seeming  driness,  you  have  been  untiring  in  j'our 
efforts,  and,  as  a  reward  for  your  labor,  you  have  had 
conferred  upon  you  to-night  the  highest  honor  that  rests 
with  any  medical  college  to  confer — the  title  of  Medical 
Doctor.  You  have  looked  forward  to  this  hour  with  a 
great  deal  of  interest.  It  has  been  the  goal  where  all 
vour  ambitions  have  (^entered,  and  as  industrious  students 
you  have  considered  this  epoch  in  your  history  the  zenith 
of  your  ambitions  and  j'our  lives.  It  is  only  a  stepping 
stone  to  a  medical  education  and  a  successful  medical 
career,  you  have  entered,  but  upon  the  morn  of  your 
medical  studies  ;  it  is  but  a  ray  of  light,  and  only  by  your 
future  study  and  indefatigable  efforts  that  you  are  to 
emerficc  into  the  noon-day  sun  and  revel  in  the  glitterins: 
fields  of  science.  A  physician  can  only  make  for  him- 
self a  brilliant  reputation  step  by  step.  Success  is  not 
the  result  of  luck,  so-called,  or  a  miracle.  It  is  the  re- 
sult of  industry  and  [)erseverance.  A  reputation  and  a 
triumphant  future  will  depend  upon  the  same  kind  of 
effort  and  zeal  that  has  crrowned  your  labors  to-night. 
This  is  the  only  course  by  which  a  man  can  make  himself 
felt  iu  the  community  in  which  he  lives  and  the  world  at 


242  THE    HOMEOPATHIC   COURIER, 

large.  Nothing  but  a  thorough  work  will  do,  all  else 
will  fail  you.  The  supei*fieial  man  is  like  the  morning 
glory,  which  i*^  so  beautiful  in  the  morning,  but  blighted 
and  faded  by  the  heat  of  a  single  day.  Some  men  are 
like  the  cinnamon  tree,  the  bark  is  all  its  worth,  and  their 
clothes  is  all  there  is  in  them.  An  educated  man  is  al- 
ways the  industrious  man,  he  does  not  impress  those 
with  whom  he  comes  in  contact  by  his  pretentions,  but 
by  his  ability.  It  is  not  the  individual  who  prates  about 
his  superior  knowledge  that  is  the  worthy  man.  When- 
ever I  hear  individuals  boasting  about  their  extraordinary 
culture,  their  symptoms  lead  me  to  diagnose  their  case 
as  a  severe  and  chronic  attack  of  fraud,  and  only  excel 
in  their  own  estimation.  Scholars  never  boast  they  have 
a  consciousness  of  their  power,  the  superficial  man  has 
only  his  boasting  as  stock  in  trade.  Real  worth  is  al- 
ways in  demand.  Though  it  may  seem  tardy  in  being 
apprehended,  it  is  sure  to  be  realized.  The  public  is  a 
merciless  and  thorough  judge,  and  will  put  every  man 
into  the  scale  and  ascertain  his  correct  weio:ht.  For  a 
while  he  may  flourish  and  pass  his  counterfeit  for  a  legal 
tender,  but  sooner  or  later  he  will  come  to  grief  on  the 
shoals  and  breakers  of  public  indignation.  You  have 
onlv  learned  how  to  studv  here,  as  our  materia  medicist 
has  well  said  so  many  times,  that  you  were  not  expecti^d 
to  know  materia  medica  in  two  or  three  short  terms  of 
five  months  each,  but  to  prepare  yourselves  to  study  and 
apply  your  knowledge  at  the  bedside.  That  same  trite 
saving  holds  2^ood  in  all  the  branches  of  vour  studies, 
from  your  ponderous  anatomy  to  the  sinii)lest  disetise  in 
the  catalogue. 

We  have  now  finished  our  pleasant  and  profitable  term, 
we  have  borne  with  each  other's  eecentrieiti(»s  and  formed 
a  friendship  that  will  be  abiding,  and  are  to  separate, 
each  proceed  to    his    respective    field  of  labor.     Some  to 


/ 


THB   HOMCBOPATHIC  COURIER.  243 

r 

climb  the  ladder  of  fame  and  success,  others  to  be  less 
fortunate.  You  are  now  to  ply  your  knowledge  in  re- 
lieving the  sufferings  of  humanity,  your  responsibilities 
will  be  graver,  your  relations  to  your  fellow-beings  will 
be  of  the  raost  intense  character.  Human  life  will  de- 
pend upon  your  knowledge  of  the  healing  art.  The 
physician  should  be  the  greatest  benefactor  of  his  race 
He  sustains  a  relation  of  the  most  intimate  and  sacred 
type,  and  he  who  trifles  with  those  interests  is  a  low, 
base  and  vile  wretch.  He  is  the  first  to  take  the  little 
8trana:er  bv  the  hand  and  introduce  him  into  this  world, 
and  the  last  to  stand  by  his  dying  couch  and  relieve  him 
in  the  agonies  of  death.  A  physician  should  be  the  rep- 
resentative of  nobilitv  of  character  and  kindness.  Do 
you  wish  to  excel  as  physicians  and  philanthrophists  ? 
Then  do  as  our  Professor  Phelan  has  so  wisely  taught 
you:  * 'Follow  Hahnemann."  You  have  had  the  princi- 
ples of  the  true  healing  art  presented  to  you,  without 
mixture  or  alio  v.  There  is  not  a  chair  on  materia 
medica  in  any  college,  in  this  or  any  other  country, 
more  ably  filled  than  in  this  college.  Let  the  principles 
of  homoeopathy  be  your  guiding  star.  Hoist  your  ban- 
ner aloft  bearing  the  immortal  motto,  ^^JSimilia  Simili- 
bus  Curantur,''  Force  it  on  into  the  thickest  of 
the  battle,  until  it  floats  majestically  over  the  strong- 
holds of  empiricism  and  irrational  medicine,  and  with 
your  principles  practiced  and  bravely  defended.  We 
feel  safe  in  writing  across  the  face  of  your  banner,  in 
blazing  letters  of  light,  the  Latin  inscription,  **/w  hoc 
mgno  vinces^''  "In  this  sign  thou  shalt  conquer."  You 
may  expect  opposing  forces,  all  the  allied  powers  of  allo- 
pathy, quackery  and  ignorance  will  be  arrayed  in  battle 
against  you  But  if  you  are  true  to  your  trust,  the 
shout  of  victory  will  be  heard  all  along  the  lines.  You 
have  truth  and  right  upon  your  side,  and  these  are  mighty 


244  THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER- 

and  will  prevail.  As  you  go  out  from  these  halls  I  can 
assure  ^ou  that  you  go  with  the  benediction  of  this 
faculty.  We  will  look  upon  your  struggles  with  interest, 
rejoice  over  your  victories  and  regret  over  your  reverses  ; 
and  as  you  move  on  through  life,  strive  day  by  day  to 
leave  a  legacy  behind  you  better  than  silver  or  gold — 
which  will  be  the  blessings  of  your  patients  and  a  good 
name.  And  by  so  doing  your  lives  will  be  sublime,  and 
final  reward  eternal  repose.  Gentlemen,  on  behalf  of 
the  faculty  of  this  college,  I  bid  you  au  revoir. 


CASES  FOR  ADVICE. 


.  Nervous  Pains. — A  miss  1()  years  of  age.  A  blonde, 
light  hair  and  complexion,  with  eyes  of  pale  blue, 
medium  height,  full  figure,  for  a  year  and  a  half  treated 
by  a  number,  some  of  them  quite  eminent,  O.  S.,  M.  D's, 
for  ''neuralgia  of  the  sensitive  nerve."  Their,  the  O.  S. 
M.  D.'s,  diagnoses  were  all  the  same,  so  it  is  fair  to  pre- 
sume their  treatment  would  be  nearly  the  same.  The  case 
as  I  found  it  about  the  middle  of  February,  was  as  fol- 
lows :  to  look  in  her  face,  and  hear  her  talk  on  ordinary 

• 

topics  one  wouldjnot  suppose  she  ever  had  cause  to  com- 
plain of  pain,  and  yet  she  assured  me  that  she  was  never 
for  a  moment  free  from  pain  in  her  fingers,  hands,  arms, 
chest  and  sometimes  the  same  pain  extends  down  her  ex- 
tremities even  to  her  toes,  there  was  not  a  tremor  of  the 
voice,  no  nervous  twitching  of  the  face,  which  was  slight- 
ly flushad,  her  lips  a  healthy  red,  tongue  a  good  color 
and  healthy  appearance,  respiration,  temperature  and 
pulse  all  ijorinal,     iVfenstrual  fuiictions  perfectly  entt^bi. 


MM  HOMCBOPATHIC  OOtJHIBlt.  ^5 

>  111  - 

lished  and  painless.  The  family  occupation  is  farming, 
they  are  very  regular  in  habits,  with  scarcely  a  moment's 
variation  :  mommg  rising,  meal  taking,  and  retiring  for 
the  night,  the  year  round.  Surroundings  are  pleasant 
and  healthful,  the  water  in  this  vicinity  is  off  the  lime- 
stone rock  and  deposits  a  shelly  crust  on  vessels  in  which 
it  is  left  standing  but  a  short  time.  All  persons  who 
drink  of  this  water  for  a  little  time  are  afflicted  with 

renal  difficulties.     Miss  C has  a  little  trouble  in  that 

respect.  I  have  seen  this  patient  twice  each  week,  I 
should  have  also  mentioned  that  she  was  suffering  from 
pains  in  the  stomach  during  and  after  eating  and  that  she 
slept  little  ;  her  nights,  as  she  expressed  it,  **were  full  of 
pain"  sometimes  in  her  stomach,  occasionally  in  the 
amall  of  the  back  a  **  thumping"  and  always  that  pain  in 
hands,  arms,  etc. 

So  much  pain  as  to  make  her  moan  and  weep.  Some 
of  the  most  venerable  in  years  of  the  allopaths  that  had 
''treated"  her,  had  given  her  much  encouragement  that 
she  would  outgrow  "it,"  as  she  was  so  young.  The  last 
medicine  procured  for  her  before  calling  me  to  the  case, 
appeared  to  be  strong  solution  of  chlorate  of  potassium  in 
one  bottle  to  be  taken  after  meals,  and  an  acid,  acetic,  I 
think,  in  another.  There  were  equal  quantities,  about 
four  ounces  each,  all  of  which  she  was  to  take  in  tea- 
spoonful  doses,  time  as  above,  and  put  a  firm  trust  in 
Providence  and  a  fee  of  two  dollars  for  the  physician. 
The  camel's  back  was  broken.  She  had  not  suffered 
with  her  stomach  until  she  began  on  that  medicine,  and 
she  utterly  refused  to  take  it.  I  began  with  sulph.  30th 
followed  with  puis.  30th,  nux  vom.  30th;  puis,  every 
three  hours,  nux  vom,  on  retiring  at  night.  In  two  weeks 
she  could  eat  without  pain  and  sleep  well  at  night,  by  the 
first  of  March  the  pain  remains  unchanged ;  cannot  trace 
it  to  any  particular  time  or  event  except,  perhaps,  slightly 


246  THE  HOMCEOPATHIC   COUKIER. 


overheating  in  harvest  June  1879.  She  has  had  aconite 
and  bry.  3rd,  in  alternation,  ignatia  am.  30th  and  spigelia 
each  a  week  without  any  change  whatever.  Perhaps  I 
should  have  stated  that  place  the  finger  on  the  veins  any 
where  and  there  is  quite  a  perceptible  little  throb  against 
each  side  of  the  finger  upon  the  slightest  compression 
and  the  flesh  has  a  peculiar  hard  feeling,  not  elastic  or 
impressible  but  resistant  and  unnatural.  An  application 
of  the  Leben's  wecker  without  the  oil  left  little  dark  blue 
points ;  an  application  of  the  oil  raised  watery  vesi- 
cles. Is  this  girl  suffering  from  the  nerves  or  the  veins? 
I  am  inclined  to  think  the  latter.  Will  you  please  sug- 
gest me  a  remedy  for  the  case.  M.  A.  Canfield.    . 

Answer. — In  treating  this  case,  I  should  first  endeavor 
to  ascertain  the  cause  of  these  pains,  by  tracing  the  nerv- 
es distributed  at  seat  of  pain  to  their  origin,  as  there  may 
be  some  spinal  difficulty.  At  any  rate  there  must  be  some 
cause  for  these  pains,  and  the  sooner  this  cause  is  estab- 
lished, the  better  for  the  patient. 

This  difficulty  may  have  established  itself  with  the  set- 
ting in  of  menstruation,  consequently  I  should  suggest 
calcarea  phosphorica  200th  or  higher.  Calcaria  phos- 
phorica  has  the  above  symptoms. — ^Thos.  Mathison. 

Sprained  Knee. — I  have  a  patient,  age  24.  About 
three  y(?ars  ago  he  got  his  knee  twisted  and  has  since 
hurt  it  several  times,  it  does  not  pain  him  when  he  keeps 
quiet  but  is  very  tender  to  step,  can  l)ear  scarcely  any 
weight,  is  tender  to  touch  it,  the  knee-pan  is  all  right, 
the  knee  is  not  stiff,  health  fair,  all  organs  normal. 

If  you  will  give  me  advjce  on  this  case  I  will  be  much 
obliged.  G.  S.  Robinson,  M.  D. 

Ariswer. — Place  the  knee|  in  a  position  of  rest  and 
give  Bty. — ^Thos.  Mathison. 


«tE*  HOMCEOPATHIC   COUREER.  247 


Albuminaria. — Please  suggest  a  remedy  f or  albumina- 
ria  in  a  little  girl  three  years  of  age,  the  third  and  only 
living  child,  the  two  former  having  died  of  brain  disease  ; 
the  father  now  suffering  renal  disease  :  the  child  is  a  fair 
delicate  little  creature,  she  was  very  frail  all  last  summer. 

C. 

Atiswer. — For  this  case  I  should  suggest  Apis  200th  or 
higher,  as  the  appropriate  remedy,  but  should  look  for 
concomitant  symptoms  to  confirm  me  in  my  selection,  as 
for  instance  :  cedematous  swelling  of  face,  puffiness  about 
the  eyes,  and  other  Apis  characteristics.  I  should  also 
consider  Calcarea  phosphorica^  especially  from  the  fact 
that  the  two  previous  children  died  of  some  brain  affec- 
tion, but  would  look  out  foi  some  leading  indications,  and 
having  decided  which  remedy  to  give,  administer  it. — 
Tiios.  Mathison. 


Book  Reviews. 


Surgical  Therapeutics.     By  J.  G.  Gilchrist,  M.  D. 

We  are  in  receipt  of  Prof  Gilchrist's  l)ook  at  last,  and 
have  read  many  of  the  chapters  with  profit  and  delight. 
The  book  is  gotten  up  in  good  style,  which  speaks  well 
for  the  enterprising  firm  of  Duncan  Bros.  It  is  printed 
on  good  paper,  and  a  good  plain  tjqje  used.  It  is  well 
indexed  and  the  subjects  judiciously  arranged  for  conven- 
ience and  study.  And  better  than  all,  it  is  al)ly  and  ele- 
gantly written.  There  is  an  air  of  freedom  and  familiar- 
ity running  through  each  subject  which  impresses  the 
reader  of  the  power  the  author  displays  from  beginning 


248  THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  OOtTRlER. 


to  end,  and  inspires  confidence  in  the  work.     A  physician 
interested  in  homoeopathy  and  the  treatment  of  surgical 
diseases,  cannot  help  but  hail  this  work  with  delight  and 
consider  it  a  necessity  and  a  welcome  acquisition  to  ho- 
moeopathic literature.     The  doctor  wields  a  modest  but 
bold  pen.     The  book  is  not  a  compilation  as  too  many  of 
our  works  are,  but  original  and  full  of  new  thought  and 
investigation.     By  the  use  of  this  book  the  surgeon  can 
find  assistance  in  his  diagnosis  and  a  strict  homoeopathic 
medication  without  perusing  a  ponderous  volume  on  gen- 
eral surgery.     How  often  a  doctor  picks  up  a  book  with 
the  hope  of  gaining  light  on  the  subject  in  hand,  only  to 
result  in  failure  and  disgust,  with  books   and   book   ma- 
kers, of  which  there  seems  to  be  an  epidemic  prevailing  at 
present.     As  an   illustration  of  the  author's  manner  of 
diagnosis,  we  might  refer  the  reader  to  tumors,  hemor- 
rhoids, coxalgia  and  syphilitic  affections,  which  is  not  an 
echo  of  old  exploded  ideas,  that  are  worn    thread-bare 
by  repeated  publications,  but  is  easy,  original  and  prac- 
tical.    The  distinction  of  different  forms  the  disease  may 
assume  and  the  table  of  differential  diagnosis  are  alone 
worth  the  price  of  the  book.     We  have  no  hesitancy 
in  pronouncing  it  the  best  publication  in  any  school  of 
medicine  on  Surgical  Therapeutics,  and  no  surgeon  who 
wishes  to  be  efficient  in  his  profession  can  afford  to  be 
without  it.     It  is  a  work  of  580  pages,  and  the  only  fault 
we  find  in  the  book  is  that  it   is  too  s^ood  a  one  to   be 
bound  in  cloth.  J.  W.  T. 

American  Manual  of  Parliamentary  Laws.     By  Geo. 
T.  Fish. 

We  are  in  re^jeipt  of  the  American  Manual  of  Parlia- 
mentary Law,  by  Geo.  T.  Fish.  This  work  is  a  new 
compilation,  the  result  of  experience  combined  with  a 
critical  and  scrupulous  examination  of  American  writers 


THIC  HOMOCOPATHIC  COtJRraK.  249 

on  the  subject.  It  has  our  hearty  approval,  and  we  do 
not  hesitate  to  pronounce  it  the  most  conveniently  ar- 
ranged book  of  ^the  kind  published.  Apropos  of  this,  it 
might  be  a  good  thing  if  the  officers  and  members  gen- 
erally in  medical  societies  would  post  themselves  a  little 
better  as  to  parliamentary  laws,  and  by  so  doing  avoid 
the  loss  of  much  valuable  time  frequently  witnessed  as 
the  result  of  ignorance  on  this  subject.  W.  C.  K. 


Managing  Editor's  Easy  Chair. 


Contributions, — It  is  our  desire  to  have  the  Courier 
freighted  each  month  with  short  practical  articles,  such 
as  will  prove  not  only  interesting  but  useful  in  every  day 
practice  to  the  busy  physician  and  surgeon. 

To  this  end  we  solicit  from  our  subscribers  and  friends 
short  articles,  reports  of  interesting  cases,  news  or  in- 
formation of  any  kind,  that  may  be  of  interest  to  the 
profession  at  large. 

If  you  have  an  interesting  or  unusual  case,  do  not  keep 
it  to  yourself  or  at  most  tell  it  verbally  to  your  immediate 
neighbors,  but  put  it  in  writing,  send  it  to  the  Courier, 
and  it  will  be  recorded  for  the  benefit  of  hundreds  of 
your  fellow-practitioners. 

Do  not  hesitate  or  procrastinate  about  this :  it  is  a 
duty  you  owe  to  the  common  interests  of  the  whole  pro- 
fession to  contribute  your  share,  be  it  great  or  small,  to 
the  advancement  of  our  noble  science.  This  request  is 
intended  for  each  and  every  one  who  reads  it.  All  have 
an  invitation  to  come  forward  with  their  contributions. 


250  nrfflft  iiomceoi^a'Thic  couhiek. 

Extracts. — With  the  next  issue  will  be  commenced  a 
department  of  extracts  from  current  medical  literature.  It 
is  intended  that  this  department  in  the  Courier  shall  be 
replete  with  information  culled  from  all  sources,  and,  in 
fact,  will  present  the  cream  of  the  freshest  medical  news. 

Questions  and  Answers. — At  the  solicitation  of  sub- 
scribers we  shall  allow  space  hereafter  for  questions  and 
answers,  thus  making  the  Courier  a  means  of  communi- 
cation between  those  in  need  of  aid  and  those  willing  to 
give  it.  Dr.  Thos.  Mathison,  Professor  of  Therapeutics 
and  Materia  Medica  m  the  Homoeopathic  Medical  College 
of  Missouri,  has  kindly  consented  to  take  charge  of  this 
department.  Any  one  desiring  advice  should  forward  a 
brief  statement  of  the  case,  including  the  history  and 
symptoms.  The  appropriate  remedy  will  ])e  given  in  the 
next  issue  of  the  Courier  after  the  request  is  received. 

Hocuspocus. — Until  the  close  of  1880,  Mr.  Luvties, 
the  well-known  pharmacist,  published  a  monthly  circular 
called  the  llomoiopathic  News^  containing  his  advertise- 
ments and  some  medical  clippings  or  extracts  gathered 
from  the  various  journals  by  Dr.  Goodman. 

Early  in  1881  Drs.  Goodman  and  Taylor  issued  the 
Medical  Herald^  claiming  that  it  was  the  News  in  all 
but  the  publisher  and  name,  which  liad  been  changed. 

A  few  w(»eks  later  the  News  made  its  usual  appearance, 
which  looks  l)ad  for  the  Herald  and  Dr.  Goodman, 
whom  we  fear  has  been  turned  aside  from  his  usiial 
straightforward  course  by  the  example  of  association 
with  certain  college  professors,  who  withdrew  from  an 
old  and  cherished  institution,  started  a  new  one,  claim- 
ing it  was  the  old  in  all  but  the  name.  These  actions 
will  not  meet  with  the  approval  of  the  profession. 

If  anything  new  is  to  be  started  let  it  be  on  its  merits, 
and  not  clinging,  like  a  barnacle,  to  something  that  the 
projectors  claim  to  have  no  more  use  for. 


THE   rtOMdfiOl^ATHlC  COURIER.  251 


The  truism  that  it  is  best  to  be  well  off  ^vith  the  old  love 
before  being  on  with  the  new,  has  lost  none  of   its  force. 

The  removal  of  Caesar  did  not  destrov  the  Roman  Em- 
pire,  but  the  sight  of  his  dead  body  aroused  and  incited 
its  friends  to  renewed  allegiance  and  fidelity. 

The  withdrawal  of  an  editor  from  an  established  jour- 
nal, or  a  few  professors  from  an  old  college,  is  not  likely 
to  result  in  any  especial  harm,  and  frequently  effects 
much  good. 

HOMCEOPATHIC  MeDICAL  COLLEGE    OF    MISSOURI. ^The 

twenty-second  annual  commencement  exercises  of  the 
Homoeopathic  Medical  College  of  Missouri  were  held 
Wednesday  evening,  March  3rd,  at  the  college  on  Ninth 
and  Madison  streets.  The  college  was  first  organized  in 
1857,  but  during  the  civil  war  its  operations  were  sus- 
pended for  some  years.  It  resumed  at  the  close  of  the 
war,  and  the  number  of  students,  although  small  at  the 
time,  has  steadily  increased.  The  curriculum  of  study 
being  more  severe  than  in  former  years  and  the  qualifi- 
cations needed  by  graduates  being  on  a  proportionate 
scale,  the  number  of  gi'aduates  was  smaller  than  former- 
ly, considering  the  size  of  the  classes.  A  select  audi- 
ence was  present,  a  large  number  of  whom    were  ladies. 

The"  Faculty  consists  of  Drs.  Phelan,  Richardson, 
Kent,  Thrasher,  Conzelman,  Boyd,  Stevens,  Brown  and 
Mathison. 

The  graduates  who  were  awarded  their  diplomas  were  : 
L.  P.  Harris,  W.  W.  Gaml)le,  Clarence  C.  Baker,  E. 
T.  Harding,  S.  W.  Meineke,  J.  C.  Bridges,  J.  W.  Dickey, 
D.  M.  Bennett  and  J.  F.  Brown.  In  addition  seveiiil  ad 
eundem  degrees  were  conferred. 

The  exercises  included  the  following  progi'amme : 
Prayer,  Kev.  Dr.  Schofield ;  music  ;  report  of  the  Regis- 
trar,  Prof.  J.  T.  Boyd;  music;   conferring  degrees,  by 


i 


252  THE  flOMdCOPA'THfC  COtJAIEfi. 

the  Dean,  Prof.  W.  C.  Richardson ;  music  ;  valedictory, 
Prof.  J.  W.  Thrasher  ;  music  ;  benediction,  Rev.  Dr. 
Bounds. 

The  Registrar,  in  making  his  report  of  the  session  just 
closed,  stated  that  the  class  was  an  average  one,  as  to 
size,  and  a  superior  one  in  point  of  zeal  and  attention  to 
any  that  had  heretofore  attended  the  old  school,  which 
could  boast  of  so  many  illustrious  names  in  the  list  of  her 
alumni.  His  report  further  showed  that  all  discordant 
elements  had  been  removed,  and  that  the  Faculty  had 
never,  in  the  whole  history  of  the  past  twenty-four 
years'  existence  of  the  college,  been  so  harmonious  and 
earnest  in  their  work.  Over  eight  hundred  lectures  had 
been  delivered,  and  the  class  had  witnessed  in  the"  daily 
clinique  in  the  college  and  the  amphitheater  of  the  City 
Hospital  an  unusually  large  and  hiteresting  number  of 
surgical,  obstetrical  and  gynaecological  operations. 

The  Dean,  Dr.  Wm.  C.  Richardson,  before  conferring 
degrees  on  the  successful  candidates,  said  that  in  the 
whole  time  of  his  connection  with  the  College  covering  a 
period  of  over  a  decade  and  a  half,  he  had  never  felt  so 
encouraged  at  the  prospects  of  the  school.  By  his  side 
on  the  rostrum  were  members  of  the  Faculty  who  had 
worked  with  him  for  years  in  the  most  zealous  and  un- 
tiring manner  for  the  maintainance  and  perpetuity  of  the 
grand  old  College  that  had  the  honor  of  being  the  first 
Homoeopatliic  Institution  ever  estal)lished  in  the  great  em- 
pire west  of  the  Mississippi  River.  The  false  friends  and 
would-be  destroyers  of  the  school  had  all  withdrawn,  and 
he  looked  forward  to  a  new  era  of  prosperity  and  use- 
fulness. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Trustees, 
March  7th,  all  the  old  officers  of  the  Board  and  Faculty 
were  re-elected  to  serve  another  year.  Votes  of  thanks 
were  tendered  to   Prof.  Boyd   and   Dr.  Brown   for  the 


THE  HOMOBOPATHIC  COURIBB.  253 


especially  able  course  of  lectures  they  had  each  delivered, 
and  Dr.  Brown  was  promoted  from  Lecturer  to  Professor 
of  Diseases  of  the  Eye  and  Ear. 

Elsewhere  will  be  found  the  valedictory  address  of 
Prof.  J.  W.  Thrasher. 

The  Prevalence  of  Leprosy  in  the  United  States. 
— At  the  meeting  of  the  Academy  of  Medicine,  on  Janu- 
ary 20th,  Dr.  H.  G.  Pifford  read  a  paper  on  leprosy.  In 
this  paper  and  in  the  subsequent  discussion,  some  facts  of 
much  interest,  and  perhaps  of  great  importance,  were 
brought  out.  From  the  statistics  collected  by  the  Der- 
matological  Society,  it  appears  that  there  are  between 
fifty  and  a  hundred  lepers  in  the  United  States  at  present. 
Moreover,  an  examination  of  the  tables  shows  that  this 
number  has  been  constantly  increasing  every  year.  In 
view  of  these  facts  the  question  of  the  contagiousness 
of  leprosy  is  a  most  impoil/ant  one,  and  it  was  dis- 
cussed very  carefully  by  the  reader  of  the  paper  and 
other  gentlemen  present  at  the  meeting  referred  to. 
Dr.  PifFard  was  inclined  to  believe  that,  though  not 
contagious  in  the  ordinary  sense  of  the  word,  it  might 
be  so  throui'h  the  medium  of  the  blood  or  secre- 
tions,  as  in  the  case  of  syphilis.  Furthermore,  it  was  a 
well-estiiblished  fact,  that  when  leprosy  had  once  gained 
a  foothold  in  any  community  it  was  very  sure  to  spread 
in  some  way.  A  marked  illustration  of  this  was  to  be  seen 
in  the  Sandwich  Islands.  Forty  years  ago  there  was  no 
leprosy  there  ;  now  one-tenth  of  the  inhabitants  are  lepers. 
Honolulu,  a  place  once  entirely  free  from  leprosy,  now 
has  two  hundred  and  fifty  cases  of  the  loathsome  disease. 

This  view,  that  leprosy  once  established  in  a  place 
spreads  in  some  way,  was  agreed  to  by  all  the  speakers, 
and  there  is  little  doubt  that  it  is  the  actual  fact.  In  view 
of  it  and  the  loathsome  nature  of  the  malady,  we  may 
well  inquire  whether  some  stei)s  to  limit  the  increase  and 
to  prevent  the  introduction  of  leprosy  shall  not  be  taken. 
Only  a  short  time  ago  a  number  of  Chinese  lepers  were 
returned  to  their  native  country  by  the  health  authorities 
of  San  Francisco.  It  is  the  Chinese  who  introduced 
leprosy  into  the  Sandwich  Islands,  and  who  are  respon- 


254  THE   HOMCBOPATHIC  COURIER. 


sible  for  its  spread  in  other  localities.  We  are  constantly 
exposed  to  the  infection,  therefore,  on  that  side  of  the 
country,  and  we  are  somewhat  exposed  also,  on  the  east, 
from  eases  in  the  West  Indies. 

Leprosy  is  a  constitutional  affection  which  shows  itself 
in  three  different  forms  ;  the  macular,  tubercular,  and  an- 
aesthetic. These  are  usually  associated  together,  more  or 
less,  but  one  or  the  other  predominates. 

The  disease  has  usually  a  prodromal  stage,  which  may 
last  for  years  without  causing  any  very  marked  symptoms. 
In  time,  however,  certain  reddish  brown  maculse,  which 
are  hyperoesthetic  at  first,  but  arc  not  elevated,  appear. 
The  nyperaesthesia  is  gradually  replaced  by  antesthesia. 
Tubercles  soon  develop  along  with  the  maculae.  The 
favorite  seat  of  these  is  on  the  face,  but  they  may  appear 
on  other  parts  of  the  body,  especially  the  forearms  and 
legs. 

These  tubercles  are  hard,  elevated  portions  of  the  skin. 
They  may  eventually  ulcerate  or  remain  unchanged,  or 
even  disappear  in  part.  The  chief  cutaneous  lesions  are 
bullae,  which  may  rupture,  and  leave  sores.  The  extremi- 
*ties  are  especially  affected  ;  here  ulcerations  may  develop, 
and  the  hands  or  feet  drop  off.  The  prognosis  is  un- 
favorable, though  there  are  probably  some  cases  thas 
have  been  cured. 

The  immediate  causes  are  not  known.  Hygienic  and 
climatic  influences  do  not  seem  to  be  the  cause,  for  the 
disease  exists  in  Norway  and  Iceland,  as  well  as  in  the 
tropics. 

SOCIETIES. 

The  International  Homoeopathic  Convention. — Dr. 
Edward  Hamilton,  of  London,  has  resigned  the  pres- 
idency of  the  Convention  to  assemble  in  London  on 
July  11th,  1881,  and  Dr.  Richard  Hughes  has  })ecn  ap- 
pointed in  his  place.  The  man}'  American  physicians 
who  met  Dr.  Hughes  at  the  Philadelphia  Convention,  in 
1876,  will  be  glad  to  see  him  occupy  this  position  and 
those  who  know  the  active  interest  he  has  exhibited  in  it 
from  the  first,  and  the  amount  of  work  he  has  already 
bestowed  upon  it,  as  well  as  his  great  professional  and 
xecutive  ability  will  recognize  the  fitness  of  the   making 


THE    HOMCBOPATHIC   COURIER.  255 


him  its  president.  The  Convention  promises  to  be  one 
of  unu5ual  interest  and  importance,  and  it  will  l)e  a  fa- 
vorable time  for  our  American  brethren  to  Wsit  Enjjland. 
Suitable  and  extremely  advanta<i^eous  arrangements  have 
been  made  with  the  principal  steamship  lines  for  the 
conveyance  of  American  visitors  to  and  from  the  con- 
vention. There  Avill  be  ample  time  betweiMi  the  ad- 
journment of  the  Session  of  the  American  Institute  and 
the  meetinsT  of  the  International  Convention  for  those 
who  desire  to  attend  both.  I.  T.  Talbot,  M.  D.,  No. 
66  Marlborough  street,  Boston,  chairman  of  committee 
of  arrangements,  will  give  any  further  information  that 
may  be  desired. 

HoMCEOPATHic  Medical  Society  of  the  State  of  Ohio. 
— The  Seventeenth  Annual  Session  of  the  Homoeopathic 
Medical  Society  of  Ohio,  is  to  be  held  in  Toledo,  May 
10-11.  The  coming  session  promises  to  be  one  of  the 
most  interesting  and  profitable  ever  held  by  the  Society, 
as  they  have  the  promise  of  a  large  number  of  papers 
from  noted  physicians  of  the  State  and  the  prospect  of  a 
large  attendance,  not  only  from  their  own,  but  from 
neighboring  States. 

World's  Homceopathic  Convention,  1876,  Volume 
II.,  History. — ^^Ve  are  desired  bv  the  editor  to  state  that 
the  above  book  is  completed  and  has  been  sent  out.  If 
any  one  entitled  to  receive  a  copy  has  not  done  so  he  ^vill 
please  notify  Dr.  J.  C.  Guernsey,  1923  Chestnut  Street, 
Philadelphia. 

HOMCEOPATHIC     MeDICAL      SoCIETY     OF    JSEW    YoRK. 

The  Treasurer,  Edward  S.  Coburn,  M.  D.,  91  Fourth 
Street,  Trov,  N.  Y.,  writes  as  follows : 

Dear  Doctor:  We  are  about  to  issue  Volume  XVI 
(1880  and  1881),  of  the  Transactions  of  the  Homoeo- 
pathic Medical  Society  of  the  State  of  New  York.  The 
volume  will  contain  between  four  hundred  and  five  hun- 
dred closely  printed  pages,  and,  in  point  of  literary  and 
scientific  merit,  Avill  fully  sustain  the  reputation  of  its  pre- 
decessors. It  will  contain  th(^  i)r()ceedino;s  of  the  semi- 
annual meetings  held  in   Rochester,  in  September,  1879, 


256  THE  HOMOGOPATHIO  COURIEB. 


and  in  Brooklyn,  in  September,  1880;  and  the  annual 
meetings  held  in  Albany,  in  February,  1880  and  1881. 
The  price  will  be  one  dollar  and  a  half  ($1.50)  per  volume 
in  paper  cover,  and  two  dollars  ($2.00)  per  volume  in 
cloth  coyer. 

The  table  of  contents,  which  we  have  glanced  over, 
shows  that  this  will  be  an  unusually  rich  volume  and  well 
worth  the  price  asked  for  it. 

Prof.  Dowling,  of  New  York,  president  of  the  Insti- 
tute and  chairman  of  the  Executive  Committee,  to  which 
was  referred  arrangements  for  the  time  and  place  of 
the  next  meeting,  announces  that  it  will  be  held  at 
Brighton  Beach  Hotel,  commencing  June  14,  and  lasting 
four  days.  Brighton  Beach  is  located  directly  upon  the 
ocean,  within  a  few  miles  of  the  city  of  New  York.  The 
president  trusts  and  believes  this  will  be  the  largest  and 
one  of  the  most  interesting  meetings  of  the  American  In- 
stitute of  Homoeopathy  ever  held. 

PERSONALS. 

Prof.  J.  T.  Boyd  has  removed  his  oflSce  to  2132  Clark 
ave.,  and  hereafter,  in  addition  to  his  general  practice, 
will  pay  especial  attention  to  disease  of  the  chest,  in- 
cluding the  respiratory  and  circulatory  organs.  Dr. 
Boyd  being  on  the  editorial  staff  of  the  Courier,  it  is 
not  becoming  for  us  to  say  more  than  that  he  is  an  in- 
defatigable worker,  ripe  in  experience,  and  peculiarly 
qualified  for  his*  chosen  specialty,  in  which  we  bespeak 
him  unbounded  success. 

Dr.  Ralph  L.  Parsons  has  opened  at  Greenmont,  N. 
Y.,an  institution  for  mental  and  nervous  cases.  The  de- 
sign is  to  afford  a  quiet,  luxurious  home,  where  each  pa- 
tient will  enjoy  all  the  amenities  of  a  well-ordered  family 
life  and  at  the  same  time  receive  constant  and  judicious 
care  and  treatment,  under  more  favorable  conditions 
than  it  is  possible  to  attain  at  the  patient's  own  home. 

Dr.  W.  John  Harris,  having  returned  from  Europe, 
has  removed  his  office  to  No.  3045  Easton  avenue.  Con- 
sultation hours  till  9  o'clock  a.  m.  and  from  2  to  4  and 
6  to  8  o'clock  p.  M. 


The  Homoeopathic  Courier. 

Vol.  I.  May  i88i.  No.  5. 


Department  of  Theory  and  Practice, 

J.  T.  Boyd,  M.  D.,  Editor. 


FUNCTIONAL  DISEASES  OF  THE  HEART, 


Like  all  other  muscular  tissues,  the  heart  is  liable  to 
have  its  function  disturbed  by  syrtipathy  or  nervous  influ- 
ences, or  more  properly  by  reflex  action. 

Frequently  this  disturbance  is  the  result  of  diseases 
remote  from  this  organ.  Sometimes  alarming  symptoms 
are  present,  leading  the  physician  and  patient  to  believe 
that  there  is  some  organic  incurable  disease  existing,  and 
the  patient  is  led  to  expect  sudden  dissolution  at  any 
time  ;  thus  he  is  kept  constantly  in  the  bondage  of  the 
fear  of  death  all  his  life. 

To  be  able  to  distinguish  between  organic  diseases  of 
the  heart,  that  are  always  dangerous,  and  seldom  influ- 
enced by  medicinal  treatment,  from  those  that  are  purely 
nervous  or  sympathetic,  and  that  are  easily  removed  by 
the  appropriate  remedies,  is  a  matter  of  the  utmost  im- 
portance. 

To  aid  the  young  physician  in  diagnosing  these 
different  forms  of  disease  is  the  object  of  this  article. 


25?  THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER. 


Functional  or  sympathetic  diseases  of  the  heart,  fortun- 
ately are  much    more    common    than   organic   diseases. 

"The  functional  disturbances  of  the  heart  is  extremely 
protean  in  its  character;  sometimes  it  is  not  sufficiently 
defined  to  admit  of  classification  as  a  distinct  symptom, 
or  group  of  symptoms ;  at  other  times,  the  nervous  dis- 
order is  perfectly  well  marked,  and  retains  its  character 
for  a  long  period.  As  a  general  rule  we  apply  the  term 
nervous  disorder  to  many  different  states."* 

"The  nerves  of  the  heart,  as  of  every  other  organ,  may 
be  affected  in  two  ways :  They  may  labor  under  over- 
excitement,  dependent  either  upon  diminished  irritibility 
or  inadequate  stimulation.  These  states  when  existing  in 
a  moderate  degree,  cannot  strictly  be  considered  morbid. 
Thus  palpitation  from  exercise  or  from  an  exhilirating 
passion,  do  not  rank  as  diseases.  But  when  the  states 
in  question  exist  in  excess,  and  when  they  result,  less  from 
remote  sympathies,  than  from  primitive  affection  of  the 
nerves  of  the  heart  itself,  they  constitute  disease.  01 
these,  the  state  of  over-excitement,  comprises  Neuralgia 
of  the  Heart;  ox  Angina  Pectoris  and  palpitation ;'wh\\e 
the  state  of  deficient  excitement  presents  syncope,*'  t 

In  considering  this  subject,  we  will  examine  the  different 
phenomena  present  in    functional   disease   of   the   heart. 

PALPITATION. 

This  may  exist  in  both  organic  and  functional  diseases, 
but  is  most  common  in  functional  diseases,  and  may  be 
the  result  of  the  immoderate  use  of  tobacco,  coffee,  ex- 
cess of  venery,  masturbation,  or  from  dyspepsia  or 
deranged  digestions;  or  in  females  it  may  be  sympathetic 
from  some  uterine  disease;  and    in    all    cases   where   this 


•(iKUHARI),  on  Th«-  Chest. 
tll<;Ph,  on  tho  Hiurt. 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER.  259 

phenomenon  is  present,  a  close  examination  of  the  other 
organs  of  the  body  should  be  made,  and  the  habits  of 
the  individual  carefully  inquired  into,  and  most  frequently 
we  will  find  that  there  is  a  good  cause  for  this  symptom, 
other  than  organic  disease  of  the  heart  itself.  Palpitation 
is  symptomatic  of  diseases  in  other  parts  of  the  body, 
and  may  also  be  a  symptom  of  organic  disease,  so  that 
taken  alone,  it  is  not  reliable  as  a  diagnostic  sign. 

In  hypertrophy  of  the  heart,  the  action  is  over  a  much 
greater  space  of  the  chest,  a  sort  of  lifting  of  the  thoracic 
walls.  In  palpitation,  the  heart  strikes  quick  and  gives 
the  sensation  of  a  small  body  striking  the  chest. 

In  some  cases  the  subjective  symptoms  are  very  pecu- 
liar, while  the  chest  heaves  with  the  hypertrophied  heart, 
the  patient  is  not  aware  of  any  abnormal  action.  Again 
in  some  cases  of  symptomatic  palpitation,  the  patient 
complains  of  an  undue  action  of  the  heart,  and  has  the 
sensation  of  a  heaving  motion  when  the  objective  symp- 
toms do  not  show  it ;  this  generally  occurs  in  nervous 
irritation,  and  in  anaemic  patients.  * 

"Palpitation  may  be  distinguished  from  that  of  organic 
disease  of  the  heart,  by  the  palpitation  occuring  only 
occasionally;  by  its  not  being  excited,  but  on  the  con- 
trary, relieved  by  corporeal  exercise  of  such  a  nature  as 
would  certainly  disturb  the  action  of  a  diseased  heart,  by 
its  disposition  to  supervene  while  the  patient  is  at  rest, 
especially  at  the  commencement  of  the  night  when  he 
lies  wakeful  in  bed ;  by  a  fluttering  of  the  epigastrium ; 
by  the  general  prevalence  of  nervous  symptoms ;  by  the 
affection  being  aggravated,  when  the  nervous  symptoms 
undergo  an  exacerbation ;  by  the  pulse  and  the  action  of 
heart  being  natural  during  the  intervals  between  the 
attacks,  and  by  the  absence  of  valvular  and  aortic 
murmers,and  of  undue   impulse,  the  shock,  as   Laennec 


260  THE    HOMCEOPATHIC    COURIER. 


says,  even  when  it  at  first  appears  strong,  having  little  real 
impulsive  force ;  for  it  does  not  sensibly  elevate  the  head 
of  the  observer.*' 

**It  must  be  recollected,  that  in  every  organic  disease 
of  the  heart,  when  palpitation  becomes  extremely  violent 
and  prolonged,  both  the  impulse  and  the  sounds  may  be 
diminished  ;  in  other  words  the  heart  becomes  gorged, 
and  incapable  of  adequately  contracting  on  its  contents, 
sometimes  yielding  a  struggling  convulsive  impulse,  with 
little  sound  and  a  feeble  pulse,  and  in  an  ulterior  degree, 
especially  during  dissolution,  scarcely  producing  either 
impulse,  sound  or  pulse.  Suffocative  dispnoea,  lividity 
and  extreme  distress  are  always  concomitant  symptoms."* 

"  Irregularities  in  the  pulsations  of  the  heart  may  exist 
without  palpitation.  In  old  persons  this  is  often  met  with 
without  any  perceptible  alteration  of  the  general  health. 
The  irregularity  which  occurs  in  palpitation,  consists 
usually  in  mere  variations  in  the  frequency  of  the  heart's 
pulsation.  Sometimes  this  variation  is  almost  constantly 
recurring;  at  other  times  iti^  at  long  intervals,  and  consists 
only  of  a  few  contractions  longer  or  shorter  than  the  rest. 
Sometimes,  amid  a  series  of  pulsations,  very  unequal  among 
themselves,  a  single  one  will  occur  one-half  shorter  than 
the  rest.  These  irregularities  as  to  frequency,  take  place 
most  usually  in  persons  affected  with  dilatation  of  the 
heart.  Sometimes  after  a  long  succession  of  regular 
contractions,  we  observe  only  one  or  two  long  con- 
tractions of  the  ventricles,  to  two  contractions  of  the 
auricles.  I  have  only  observed  them  in  cases  of  hyper- 
trophy. Neither  this  or  the  preceding  variety,  occasion 
any  sensible  alteration  in  the  pulse. "f 


♦HOPE,  on  the  heart. 
tLAENXEO. 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  26 1 


SYNCOPE. 

"Some  who  experience  fits  of  Palpitation,  faint  away 
during  them.  But  the  complete,  or  almost  complete  suspen- 
sion of  the  movements  of  the  heart  which  characterizes  an 
attack  of  Syncope,  has  no  deffinite  connection  with  any 
form  of  palpitation,  nor,  indeed,  with  any  form  of  cardiac 
disorder,  whether  organic  or  functional."*  While  this  is 
sometimes  the  case,  yet  this  assertion  of  DaCosta  is  en- 
tirely too  sweeping,  for  syncope  is  frequently  connected 
with  organic  disease  of  the  heart,  and  in  such  cases  it 
becomes  a  very  important  and  dangerous  symptom. 

Hope,  in  his  work  on  diseases  of  the  heart,  mentions 
this  as  follows,  viz : 

**  Syncope,  though  free  from  danger  when  purely  ner- 
vous, is  a  formidable  accident  when  accompanying  organic 
disease  of  the  heart,  as  it  is  apt  to  terminate  in  sudden 
death,  being  in  fact,  less  the  cause  than  the  symptom  of  a 
fatal  suspension  of  the  circulation.  This  catastrophe  is 
more  liable  to  occur  when  angina  pectoris  is  superadded 
to  organic  disease ;  in  consequence,  apparently,  of  the 
lesion  being  double,  the  motive  principal  as  well  as  the 
muscular  apparatus  of  the  heart  being  inadequate  to  the 
discharge  of  its  function.  Sudden  death  is  also  apt  to 
occur  from  syncope  of  anaemia,  especially  when  the  patient 
is  suddenly  raised  erect." 

'*  It  has  been  made  a  question  whether,  in  those  who  are 
subject  to  attacks  of  palpitation,  or  to  irregular  action  of 
the  heart,  the  organ  may  not  finally  become  enlarged. 
There  seems  to  be  no  reason  why  this  should  not  take 
place,  and  there  is  a  very  decided  reason  why  it  should. 
If  the  muscles  of  the  arm  be  placed  in  constant  and  very 


•DACOSTA 


i 

262  THE  HOMOEOPATHIC  COURIER. 


active  motion,  they  increase  in  size.  Why,  then,  may  not 
the  heart,  which  is  composed  of  the  san^  kind  of  muscu- 
lar fibre,  also  grow,  if  it  be  often  called  upon  to  act  more 
frequently,  and  in  a  different  manner  from  that  to  which 
it  is  accustomed  ?  Hen|:e  we  ought  to  be  very  careful  not 
to  neglect  any  functional  disturbance  of  the  heart,  but 
aim  at  removing  the  condition  which  keeps  the  organ  in  a 
state  of  irritation,  lest  it  should  suffer  a  mishap  that  no 
exercise  of  skill  can  wholly  repair."  * 

Changes  in  the  Pulse.  In  functional  disease  the  pulse 
may  be  frequent  but  soft,  irregular  and  of  ordinary  hard- 
ness. In  hypertrophy  the  pulse  is  strong  and  hard,  not 
easily  compressed. 

In  ossification  of  the  mitral  valves  there  is  a  weak  or 
feeble  pulse. 

In  dilatation  of  the  heart,  the  pulse  will  be  full,  soft  and 
tremulous  and  easily  compressible. 

In  anaemic  persons  with  the  palpitation  there  is  a  jerking 
pulse. 

Auscultation  would  at  first  thought  be  considered  a 
sure  method  of  diagnosis  but  while  very  important  aid  is 
furnished  by  this  part  of  physical,  diagnosis  yet  too  much 
care  cannot  be  taken  in  listening  to  the  sounds  of  the 
heart. 

Generally  the  sounds  of  the  heart  in  functional  disease 
are  normal,  except  in  regularity ;  but  in  cases  where  the 
patient  has  suffered  from  hemorrhages  or  has  become 
anaemic,  we  will  be  likely  to  hear  the  rasping  or  saw 
sound,  sometimes  a  distinct  bellows  murmer,  and  at  the 
same  time  discover  the  purring  thrillf  by  palpation; 
but  these  are  exceptional  cases,  and  the  weight  of  the 
testimony  being  in  favor  of  the  functional   character  of 


•  DA  COSTA. 

tPremissement  Cataire  (purring  of  the  cat)  Andral 


THE    HOMCEOPATHIC    COURIER.  263 


the  phenomena,  and  the  existence  of  other  diseases  that 
lower  the  standard  of  physical  and  mental  health,  deter- 
mining in  favor  of  the  condition  being  symptomatic  ;  all 
these  auscultatory  signs  will  have  their  proper  significance. 

(CONCLUDED  IN  NEXT  NUMBER.) 


ABSTRACT  FROM  CURRENT  MEDICAL  LITERA- 

TURE. 

Our  allopathic  brethren  come  lumbering  along  behind 
us ;  camping  where  we  have  camped  years  before.  It  is 
amusing  to  see  them  gathering  up  the  odds  and  ends  that 
have  beeti  discarded  by  those  who  camped  there  before 
them,  and  occasionally  they  do  pick  up  some  valuable  arti- 
cles.  Their  caravan  is  a  mingled  conglomeration  of  old  and 
new  fashions.  There  is  the  old  wooden  plow,  the  ox  and  the 
horse  hitched  to  the  same  old  conestoga  wagon,  with  a 
mule  in  the  lead.  On  one  horn  of  the  ox  hangs  a  horse 
shoe  picked  up  on  the  old  camp  ground,  while  the  harness 
is  part  rope  and  part  leather,  the  driver  with  one  shoe  and 
one  cavalry  boot  on  his  feet,  with  an  old  blue  dress  coat,  and 
with  pants  half  a  yard  too  short  for  his  attenuated  legs.  Al- 
together the  whole  caravan  is  a  panorama  of  all  that  is 
incongruous  in  dress  and  general  appearance,  while  the 
ludicrous  crowd  that  follow,  put  on  the  pompous  appear- 
ance of  the  regular  soldier,  but  rigged  out  like  Falstaff's 
motley  crew,  and  swearing  all  the  articles  that  they  have 
gathered  up  in  their  travels  were  the  original  outfit  with 
which  they  started. 

The  following  will  show  some  of  their  wonderful  recent 
discoveries,  which,  had  they  read  Homoeopathic  books, 
they  Would  have  found  that  they  are  only  following  in  the 
wake  of  those  whom  they  affect  to  despise. 

In  the  following  extract,  we  are  not  expected  to  endorse 
all  the  Opinions  there  expressed,  but  publish  them  because 
in  some  of  them  we  find  indications  of  progress  in  our 
allopathic  brethren,  and  useful  hints  from  our  homoeopaths; 
in  all  there  is  something  useful  and  interesting. 


264  THE    HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 


NITRO-GLYCERINE  FOR  SEASICKNESS. 

A  writer  in  the  British  Medical  Journal  says :  An  in- 
vitation from  a  friend  to  join  him  for  a  little  yachting 
expedition  has  given  me  an  opportunity  of  trying  nitro- 
glycerine for  preventing  and  relieving  the  horrors  of  sea- 
sickness. Our  course  was  down  the  Thames,  in  and  out 
of  Ramsgate,  and  as  far  south  as  Dover,  in  a  small  cutter 
of  twelve  tons.  Returning  from  Dover,  early  in  the 
morning  of  Monday,  August  30,  with  a  northeast  breeze, 
wind  against  tide,  in  the  Downs  we  had  a  good  deal  of 
swell  for  our  little  craft,  and  she  dipped  her  bows  frequent- 
ly. We  had  not  reached  the  South  Foreland  before  I 
began  to  feel  a  certain  amount  of  squeamishness  and 
nausea.  Dreading  the  retching  on  an  empty  stomach 
(we  had  hoped  to  breakfast  on  the  way  or  after  our  arrival 
at  Ramsgate),  I  munched  up  a  nitro-glycerine  tablet  con- 
taining one  hundredth  of  a  grain.  In  a  few  minutes  I  felt 
the  fullness  and  throbbing  in  the  head,  which  even  this 
dose  will  cause ;  the  nausea  and  tendency  to  sickness 
quickly  subsided ;  there  only  remained  a  qualmish  feeling, 
at  the  pit  of  the  stomach,  which  did  not  entirely  disappear 
until  we  reached  Ramsgate  Harbor  and  had  breakfast. 
My  friend,  who  had  noticed  my  condition,  had  his  two 
boys  on  board,  aged  seven  and  eight  respectively..  The 
elder  was  sick  early  in  the  voyage,  and  both  felt  ill.  He 
gave  them  each  one-third  of  a  tablet,  which  had  the 
desired  effect ;  they  soon  recovered  their  usual  spirits,  and 
were  able  to  enjoy  their  breakfast  on  board  at  our  destina- 
tion. Next  morning  (Tuesday)  we  breakfasted  before 
starting.  The  sea  was  calmer  as  we  left  Ramsgate,  but 
as  we  rounded  the  North  Foreland  there  was  considerable 
swell  on,  about  equal  to  the  day  before.  The  two  boys 
and  myself  repeated  our  doses  of  nitro-glycerine  earlier  on 
this  occasion,  as  we  could  see  what  was  coming.  We 
thus  warded  off  any  traces  of  nausea  even.  We  lay  off 
Whitstable  that  night.  Next  morning  (Wednesday)  we 
got  up  as  far  as  Southend  and  anchored  near  the  jetty. 
To-day  (Thursday)  my  friend's  wife  and  her  sister  joined 
us  for  a  sail  up  the  river  and  back  with  the  tide.  Both 
are  bad  sailors  and  soon  felt  nauseated.  They  tried  a 
Httle  spirit  and  water,  and  afterward  I  gave  each  half  a 
nitro-glycerine  tablet.     On  one  the  effect  of  the  dose  was 


THE   HOMOEOPATHIC   COURIER.  26$ 


quite  marked.  Her  sister,  although  much  sh'ghter  and 
more  delicate,  did  not  observe  its  physiological  action, 
but  both  soon  obtained  relief,  which  they  both  attributed 
to  nitro-glycerine.  They  were  then  able  to  enjoy  some 
shrimps  and  bread  and  butter — eating,  one  of  them  in- 
formed me,  being  a  feat  she  had  never  been  able  to 
perform  on  shipboard  before.  My  friend's  wife  felt  a  little 
nausea  this  afternoon  when  we  came  ashore,  but  this  was 
no  doubt  due  to  the  overpowering  heat.  I  had  left  my 
nitro-glycerine  on  board,  or  I  might  have  repeated  the 
dose ;  but  the  attack  soon  passed  off.  I  think,  for  short 
journeys,  an  attack  of  seasickness  may  in  most  cases  be 
entirely  avoided  by  taking  a  dose  of  nitro-glycerine  on 
going  on  board — one-hundreth  of  a  grain  for  robust  and 
strong  adults,  one  three-hundreth  to  one  two-hundreth  of 
a  grain  for  children  or  delicate  persons  ;  but  further  trials 
are  requisite. 


STRYCHNIA  AS  A  PHYSIOLOGICAL  ANTIDOTE  TO  ALCOHOL. 

Dr.  Luton,  in  the  Bulletin  de  Therapeutique^  claims 
that  by  frequent  experiment,  he  has  demonstrated,  that 
strychnia  is  the  best  physiological  antidote  in  cases  of 
chronic  alcoholism.  He  has  used  hypodermic  injections  of 
the  sulphate  of  strychnia  in  delirium  tremens  with  mar- 
kedly favorable  results,  relieving  tetanic  rigidity  and 
quieting  delirium. 

This  tends  to  confirm  the  truth  of  the  stories  about 
strychnia  eating  in  California,  which  were  noticed  in  the 
Druggists  Circular  some  five  years  since.  It  will  be 
remembered,  that,  according  to  reports  made  in  evident 
good  faith  by  our  correspondents,  the  practice  was  re- 
sorted to  by  hard  drinkers,  and  had  become  almost  a  fine 
art. 


Our  allopathic  brethren  are  even  stealing  our  high 
dilation  thunders.  If  Podophyllum  Peltatutn  has  so  active 
a  principle  in  it  as  the  following  would  indicate,  why  have 
they  not  discovered  its  proper  therapeutic  properties 
before? 


266  THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER. 


PODOPHYLLOTOXINE,  A  POISONOUS  PRINCIPLE  IN  PODOPHYLLUM 

« 

The  discovery  of  a  poisonous  substance  in  may-apple 
and  the  resin  often  known  in  commerce  under  the  name 
of  podophylline,  will  cause  to  many  an  unexpected  and 
unpleasant  impression.  Dr.  Valerian  Podwyssotzki,  Privat 
Docent  at  the  University  of  Dorpat,  announces  in  a 
paper  published  in  the  Archiv  fuer  experimentelle  Patholo- 
gie  und  Pharmacognosies  that  he  has  obtained  the  follow- 
ing substances  from  both  the  rhizoma  and  the  resin  of 
Podophyllum  peltatum, 

1.  A  colorless  and  difficultly  crystallizable  and  very 
poisonous  substance,  I  to  5  m.  g.  (one  three-hundredth  of 
a  grain)  being  sufficient  to  kill  a  cat,  of  a  very  bitter  taste 
only  slightly  soluble  in  water,  but  very  soluble  in  alcohol, 
the  alcoholic  solution  having  a  slight  acid  reaction,  and' 
which  he  calls  podophyllotoxine. 

2.  By  treating  the  above  substance  with  aqueous 
ammonia  or  hydrate  of  lime,  two  further  substances — the 
one  crystallizable  and  chemically  indifferent,  insoluble  in 
water,  but  poisonous,  which  on  account  of  its  intense 
bitter  taste,  he  calls  picropodophylline  ;  the  other,  which 
combines  with  the  alkali  employed,  and  when  liberated, 
possesses  a  strong  acid  reaction,  and  is  easy  soluble  in  hot 
water,  the  author  calls  podophyllic  acid. 

3.  A  harmless  substance  crystallizing  in  yellow  need- 
les,-resembling  quercetin  in  its  properties. 

4.  A  considerable  quantity  of  a  green  oil,  as  well  as  of 
a  crystalline  fatty  acid,  both  toxicologically  inert. 

In  preparing  the  toxicologically  active  principles  of 
podophyllum  peltatum  in  a  pure  state,  care  must  be  taken 
to  separate  out,  as  far  as  possible,  the  substances  3  and  4. 
The  author's  method  is  as  follows :  Commercial  or  self- 
prepared  podophylline,  finely  triturated,  is  placed  in  a 
capacious  flask,  covered  with  about  ten  tinfies  its  volume 
of  chloroform,  and  the  whole  digested  for  some  time  over 
a  water  bath.  The  chloroform  is  filtered  off  from  the 
insoluble  residue  in  the  flask,  and  this  treated  with  a  fresh 
quantity  so  long  as  the  washings  come  over  colored,  and 
taste  perceptibly  bitter;  as  a  rule,  thisi operation  must  be 
renewed  six  or  eight  tiniies.  The  washings  are  then  col- 
lected and  placed  in  a  distilling-vessel,  and  the  chloroform 
distilled  off,  until  the  whole  has  assumed   the    consistence 


THE    HOMCEOPATHIC    COURIER.  267 


of  a  thin  syrup.  The  remainder  of  the  chloroform  is 
then  expelled  by  evaporating  over  a  water-bath.  (If  the 
distillation  is  continued  too  long,  the  tenaciousness  of  the 
mass  renders  its  removal  from  the  distilling  vessel  very 
difficult)  The  concentrated  extract  is "  then  lixiviated 
with  petroleum  ether  over  a  water-bath  until  every  trace 
of  fatty  matter  is  dissolved  out.  The  first  portions  of 
petroleum-ether  are  of  a  deep  green,  the  last  of  a  light 
green  color.  During  the  digestion  with  petroleum  ether, 
the  tenacious  magma  swells  up  a  good  deal  and 
requires  constant  stirring.  In  proportion  as  the  fatty 
matters  are  abstracted,  the  mass  gets  more  friable,  and 
becomes  at  last  a  pale  yellowish-grey  powder.  In  evapo- 
rating the  petroleum-ether  washings  a  deep  green  olea- 
ginous substance  is  obtained,  from  which  after  a  time,  a 
colorless  fatty  acid  crystalizes  out,  the  mother  liquid  con- 
sisting of  a  green,  unpleasant  smelling  oil.  The  author 
has  not  examined  the  chemical  nature  of  these  two  sub- 
stances since  he  found  them  to  be  toxicologically  inactive. 
Petroleum  ether,  therefore,  dissolves  out  no  active  princi- 
ple from  podophyllum,  while  the  chloroform  extract  is 
extremely  rich  in  such. 

The  substance  resembling  quercetin,  found  in  podophyl- 
lum, and  which  is  likewise  toxicologically  inactive,  being 
insoluble  in  chloroform,  does  not  pass  over  into  the 
chloroform  extract,  the  extraction  with  chloroform  and 
then  with  petroleum  -  ether  is,  therefore  the  best  and 
directest  way  of  getting  at  the  active  principles  of  podo- 
phyllum. The  author  is  engaged  in  examining  the 
chemical  constitution  of  these  active  principles,  and  re- 
serves an  account  of  his  researches  in  this  direction  for  a 
future  paper. — Druggists'  Circular. 


Chilblain  Cure. — Dissolve  twenty-four  grains  of  Iodo- 
form in  one  ounce  of  warm  Oleic  Acid,  and  apply  with 
camel's  hair  pencil ;  two  applications  generally  makes  a 
permanent  cure. — Med.  Brief. 


SALICYLIC  ACID  FOR  BEE  STINGS, 

An   Austrian  paper  recommends   the  following  treat- 
ment :   First  remove  the  sting  as  quickly  as  possible  with 


268  THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 


a  forceps  or  by  scratching  with  a  finger,  but  never  with 
the  thumb  and  forefinger,  because  this  squeezes  more  of 
the  poison  into  the  wound.  Next  squeeze  the  wound 
until  a  drop  of  blood  comes  out,  and  rub  the  place  as 
large  as  a  dollar  with  an  aqueous  or  dilute  alcoholic  solu- 
tion of  salicylic  acid.  The  effect  is  still  better  by  injecting 
the  salicylic  aeid  into  the  wound  with  the  hypodermic 
syringe.  After  this  the  spot  is  painted  with  collodion,  to 
keep  out  the  air.  A  sting  treated  thus  causes  little  or  no 
pain,  slight  inflammation  and  swelling,  and  is  not  followed 
by  nettle-fever  or  lameness  in  the  most  sensitive  and 
nervous  individuals. 


COLD  FEET. 

It  is,  as  twe  have  often  labored  to  show,  a  mistake  to 
suppose  there  is  any  warmth  in  clothes.  Animal  heat  is 
the  direct  result  of  changes  going  on  within  the  body 
itself.  Nutrition  by  food,  and  the  discharge  of  energy  by 
exercise,  are  the  efficient  causes  of  heat.  Clothes  **seem" 
to  warm  because  they  prevent  the  cold  air  and  objects 
with  a  capacity  for  heat  which  surround  the  body 
from  attracting  the  heat  generated  within  its  organism. 
The  clothing  is  simply  an  insulator.  It  follows  that  it 
should  be  light  in  weight,  and  above  all  things  that  it 
should  permit  the  free  and  full  circulation  of  blood 
through  every  part  of  the  system — to  the  end  of  every 
finger  and  toe — and  that  the  muscular  apparatus  of  the 
extremities  should  be  in  perfect  working  order.  If  we  will 
wear  foot-coverings,  whether  boots  or  stockings,  which 
compress  the  feet  and  render  the  separate  action  of  each 
toe  impossible,  it  is  simply  absurd  to  expect  to  be  warm- 
footed.  Heat  is  the  complement  of  work  and  nutrition ; 
and  if  a  part  of  the  organism  is  so  bound  that  it  cannot 
work  and  its  supply  of  blood  is  limited,  it  must  be  cold. 
The  resort  to  stouter  and  heavier  clothing  under  such  cir- 
cumstances is  simply  ridiculous.  Generally  it  is  the  stock- 
ings that  compress  the  feet.  The  garter  acts  as  a  ligature, 
and  diminishes  the  blood-supply,  while  the  stocking  itself 
acts  as  a  bandage,  and  impedes  the  circulation  through  the 
extremity.  Let  any  one  who  doubts  this,  try  the  effect  of 
wearing  what  is  called  a  "well-fitting" — that  is,  a  tight  kid 


\ 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  269 


glove  in  cold  weather.  Hard,  unyielding  foot-cases,  such 
as  stout  boots  with  no  space  for  the  toes  to  play  and  no 
spring  for  the  natural  action  of  the  arch  of  the  foot,  in- 
crease the  evil.  The  first  conditions  of  warmth  are, 
therefore,  free  action  and  a  full  blood-supply.  These  re- 
marks apply  chiefly  to  the  day.  At  night  the  wearer  of 
tight  and  rigid  foot-coverings  reaps  the  recompense  of  his 
imprudence  by  sufferings  which  are  wholly  needless. 
When  the  body  is  placed  in  the  recumbent  posture  the 
force  of  the  blood  pump — the  heart — is  economized, 
and  the  current  grows  both  weaker  and  slower.  The 
necessary  result  of  this  change  is  that  there  seems  to  be  a 
tendency  to  coldness  in  the  state  of  sleep,  and  those  who 
suffer  from  cold  feet  seek  to  remedy  this  discomfort  by 
heaping  clothes  on  their  extremities.  They  forget  that 
the  way  to  maintain  animal  heat  is  to  incite  the  system  to 
work.  By  judiciously  and  rapidly  bathing  the  feet  in  cold 
or  cool  water  before  going  to  bed,  and  then  rubbing  them 
so  as  to  promote  the  circulation,  the  blood  supply  of  the 
extremities  may  be  augmented ;  and  by  the  avoidance  of 
heavy  and  what  is  called  warm  bedclothes  on  the  feet,  the 
force  of  circulation  in  the  organs  will  be  maintained  far 
more  effectually,  and  with  incomparably  greater  comfort, 
than  when  the  coverings  are  doubled  and  trebled,  and 
even  supplemented  by  artificial  heat  because  the  feet  are 
cold!  There  are,  of  course,  cases  in  which  a  different 
method  of  procedure  must  be  adopted ;  but  when  the 
seemingly  healthy  resort  to  heavy  and  hard  foot-coverings 
by  day,  and  artificial  foot-warmers  by  night,  it  should  be 
under  express  medical  advice.  The  normal  ways  of  pro- 
curing warmth  are  the  best,  namely,  nutrition  and  work. 
— Louisville  Medical  News^  from  Lancet. 


Dysmenorrhcea. — Dr.  Arnold,  (  Proc.  of  the  Beriin 
Hom.  Soc.,)  treated  a  girl  of  24  for  this  disease.  She  had 
terrible  cramps  and  pains  a  day  before  the  flow.  He  dis- 
solved pure  Iodine  i.  Kali  Hydr.  2,  in  Aqua  Dist.  10,  and 
from  this  made  the  first  centesimal  dil.  Gave  eight  days 
before  the  flow  two  drops  three  times  daily.  The  pains 
were  not  so  bad,  and  fourteen  days  before  the  next  period 
gave  three  drops  daily.  The  period  was  free  from  pain. 
— Hom,  Times. 


270  THE    HOMCEOPATHIC    COURIER. 


SINGING  AS    A    CAUSE   OF    UTERINE    DISEASE. 

Dr.  Clifton  E.  Wing  publishes  in  the  Boston  Medical 
and  Surgical  Journal  (Allopathic)  some  very  interesting 
cases  relating  to  this  subject.  He  had  several  lady  pa- 
tients, who  came  to  him  for  uterine  trouble,  and  all  vol- 
untarily asserted  their  belief  that  the  complaints  were  due 
to  the  "abdominal  method"  of  singing,  which  they  had 
been  trying  to  learn.  This  consists  in  the  cultivation  of 
diaphragmatic  respiration  at  the  expense  of  thoracic.  It 
naturally  causes  great  pressure  to  be  put  upon  the 
abdominal  organs.  One  Boston  teacher  boasts,  that  by 
''proper  practice"  such  power  may  be  acquired,  that  if  the 
person  be  placed  back  against  the  wall,  and  a  full-sized 
piano  be  moved '  up  against  the  retracted  abdomen,  the 
latter,  by  the  "abdominal  method,"  can  be  so  forcibly 
expanded  that  the  piano  will  be  pushed  rapidly  away. 
The  new  method  adds  greatly  to  the  power  of  the  voice. 
Dr.  Wing  found  in  the  cases  examined  that  it  had  caused 
a  retroflexion  or  a  retroversion,  with  various  co-incident 
ills.  He  believes  that  in  the  "abdominal  method,"  as  now 
practiced,  we  have  a  fruitful  source  of  uterine  displace- 
ment. 


AN  EPIDEMIC  OF  ERGOTISM  IN  RUSSIA. 

This  epidemic  occurred  during  the  autumn  of  1879,  in 
the  neighborhood  of  Novgorod.  In  the  district  attacked, 
an  inhospitable  climate,  and  a  marshy  soil  were  combined 
with  poverty,  dirt,  and  generally  unhealthy  conditions 
among  the  villagers.  Of  nineteen  cases  in  which  the 
symptoms  were  strongly  marked,  four  died.  In  other 
sixteen  cases  the  symptoms  were  less  developed,  and  pro- 
bably as  many  more  escaped  observation.  In  these  slighter 
cases  the  symptoms  were  diarrhoea  (in  seventy  per  cent.), 
weakness,  more  especially  in  the  hands  and  feet,  occasion- 
al attacks  of  giddiness,  headache,  sleeplessness,  and 
deadness  of  the  fingers,  with  formication  under  the  skin. 
All  had,  up  to  their  seizure,  eaten  fresh-ground  unkilned 
rye,  and  the  symptoms  quickly  disappeared  under  the 
use  of  laxatives  and  opiates,  and  the  withdrawal  of  bread 
containing  ergot.     In  the  first-mentioned  nineteen   cases 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER.  27 1 


the  symptoms  were  severe :  racking  pains  in  the  extrem- 
ities, severe  headache,  great  thirst  and  utter  prostration, 
with  weakness  of  intellect  and  melancholia.  Tonic  and 
clonic  spasms,  preceeded  by  dyspnoea,  deadness  in  the 
extremities^  and  cold  sweats,  attacked  the  flexor  muscles 
of  the  limbs,  the  extensors  being  unaffected.  In  no  case 
did  gangrene  occur.  The  respirations  were  14*16;  maxi- 
mum temperature  99*8  deg.,  minimum  (in  three  cases) 
95 '9  deg.;  pulse  slow  and  weak.  The  fatal  cases,  an  old 
man  and  two  children  in  one  family  and  a  woman  in 
another,  died,  three  of  them  in  a  comatose  condition  and 
one  during  a  convulsive  fit.  The  treatment  was  as  above, 
with  subcutaneous  injections  of  morphia,  and  inhalations 
of  chloroform,  followed  by  tonics  and  improvement  of 
hygienic  conditions.  The  quantity  of  ergot  present  in  the 
rye  was  about  seven  per  cent.,  and  two  dogs  fed  with  it 
each  showed  on  the  seventh  week  a  gangrenous  ulcer  on 
one  paw.  On  withdrawal  of  the  ergot  bread  from  one  dog, 
recovery  followed  in  two  months ;  while  in  the  other,  fed 
as  before,  the  gangrene  advanced,  convulsions  appeared, 
and  death  followed  by  way  of  coma  in  the  tenth  week. 
The  post-mortem  dLppedLVdinces  were:  brain  and  meninges 
anaemic,  arteries  quite  empty,  veins  full  of  dark  fluid  blood, 
heart  empty,  lungs,  liver  and  spleen  hyperaemic,  intestinal 
mucous  membrane  congested,  but  neither  it  nor  the  liver 
showing  any  gangrenous  spots  such  as  have  been  des- 
cribed.— London  Med.  Record,  (Allopathic). 


Modern  Insanity. — Dr.  Maclaren,  of  Edinburgh,  Scot- 
land, states  that  the  types  of  insanity  have  changed 
within  modern  times.  For  instance,  acute  delirious  mania 
is  now  comparatively  rare,  but  mental  enfeeblement  at- 
tended with  paralysis,  \s  becoming  more  and  more  com- 
mon, and  is  the  result  of  the  overwork  and  worry  of  the 
struggle  for  existence  at  the  present  day. — Dsuggists' 
Cir atlas. 


Cement  for  Leather. — One  who  has  tried  everything, 
says  that  after  an  experience  of  fifteen  years  he  has  found 
nothing  to  equal  the  following  as  a  cement  for  leather 
belting :  Common  glue  and  isinglass,  equal  parts,  soaked 


2/2  THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER. 


for  ten  hours  in  just  enough  water  to  cover  them.  Bring 
gradually  to  a  boiling  heat  and  add  pure  tannin  until  the 
whole  becomes  ropy  or  appears  like  the  white  of  eggs. 
Buff  off  the  surface  to  be  joined,  apply  this  cement,  and 
clamp  firmly. — Druggists'  Circular. 


CARBONATE  OF  LITHIA. 

The  Carbonate  of  Lithia,  given  in  from  two  to  four 
grains,  will  relieve  the  most  aggravated  case  of  cystitis  in 
from  fifteen  minutes  to  half  an  hour.  It  is  positive  in  its 
effects  in  this  disease.  Opium,  or  any  of  its  compounds, 
will  not  give  the  relief  that  can  be  obtained  from  Lithia. 
In  varicose  veins,  when  the  patient  suffers  such  exquisite 
pain,  its  action  is  as  prompt  as  in  cystitis.  In  irritation 
of  the  prostate  gland,  or  along  the  urethral  canal,  there  is 
certainly  no  remedy  in  the  materia  medica  that  will  give  the 
instant  relief  that  can  be  obtained  from  the  Lithia. — 5". 
H,  Moore ^  M,  Z?.,  i?i  P,  and  Surg.  Investig. 


Cracked  Nipples. — Dissolve  five  grains  of  Hydrastin, 
3x,  in  a  teacupful  of  tepid  water,  wash  the  nipples  after 
each  nursing. — Z.  B,  Hawley^  in  Med,  Investig, 


ARGYRIA  FOLLOWING  THE    FREQUENT    PHARYNGEAL   APPLICA- 
TION OF  NITRATE  OF  SILVER. 

A  woman,  aged  forty-six,  noticed  a  blueish  discoloration 
of  the  entire  cutaneous  surface,  following  repeated  phar- 
yngeal cauterizations  with  the  silver  nitrate  stick.  Similar 
cases  have  been  recorded,  one  by  Kirshaber,  and  a  second 
in  the  Gasjsetta  Medica  Italiana  (1862).  The  absorption 
of  the  silver  salt  takes  place  in  part  from  the  mucous  sur- 
face of  the  cauterized  portion,  but  principally  from  the 
intestinal  surface,  the  products  of  cauterization  being  con- 
veyed to  the  alimentary  canal — Archives,  Med,  Beiges, 


THE    HOMCEOPATHIC    COURIER.  2/3 


ONE  YEAR  FOR  ISSUING    BOGUS    DIPLOMAS. 

Charles  H.  Kehnroth,  one  of  the  professors  of  Dr. 
Buchanan's  College,  who  pleaded  guilty  ^o  a  charge  of 
issuing  bogus  academic  degrees,  was  brought  before 
Judge  Allison  in  the  Court  of  Quarter  Sessions  in  Phila- 
delphia, on  February  12,  and  sentenced  to  imprisonment 
for  one  year. 


EFFECT  OF  THE  ELECTRIC  LIGHT  ON  VISION. 

Professor  Cohn,  of  Breslau,has  been  lately  making  some 
experiments  with  the  electric  light  on  the  eyes  of  a  number 
of  persons,  for  the  purpose  of  testing  its  special  influence, 
in  different  cases,  on  visual  perception  and  the  sensation 
of  color.  Among  the  interesting  results  of  these  investi- 
gations may  be  mentioned  the  fact  that  letters,  spots  and 
colors  are  perceived  at  a  much  greater  distance  through 
the  medium  of  electric  light  than  by  day  or  gas  light. 
The  sensation  of  yellow  was  increased  sixty-fold  com- 
pared to  day  light,  of  red  six-fold,  and  of  green  and  blue 
about  twofold.  Eyes  that  could  only  with  difficulty  per- 
ceive and  distinguish  colors  by  daylight  or  gaslight  were 
much  aided  by  the  electric  light,  and  the  visual  perception 
was  also  much  strengthened.  Professor  Cohn  concluded, 
therefore,  in  view  of  this  fact,  that  electric  light  would 
prove  exceedingly  useful  in  places  where  it  was  desirable 
that  signals  should  be  observable  at  a  great  distance.  The 
engine  employed  in  these  experiments  was  a  Gramme 
electro-magnetic  apparatus,  which  rotates  600  times  in  a 
minute. 


PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION  OF    PICROTOXINE. 

Chirone  and  Testa,  after  describing  the  physical  char- 
acters and  mode  of  preparation  of  this  alkaloid,  give  the 
results  obtained  from  a  series  of  sixty  experiments.  The 
most  important  conclusions  arrived  at  are  the  following : 
I.  Picrotoxine  is  capable  of  causing  a  true  artificial  epi- 
lepsy. 2.  The  epilepsy  so  induced  is  independent  of  the 
psychomotor  centres,  inasmuch  as  it  is  most  intense  after 
the  removal  of  those  centres.  3.  Picrotoxine  acts  primar- 
ily on  the  bulb  and  on  the  commissural  fibres  between  the 
cerebral  and  spinal  centres,  and  secondarily  on  the  spinal 


274  THE  HOMOEOPATHIC  COURIER. 


«**^a«>* 


centres  themselves.  4.  It  demonstrates  the  existence  of 
a  functional  antagonism  between  the  psychomoter  and 
motor  centres  of  the  bulb  and  spinal  cord.  5.  The  con- 
vulsive movement  of  the  limbs  induced  by  picrotoxine 
depend  primarily  upon  the  action  of  the  drug  on  the  bulb, 
which  is  thence  propagated  to  the  spinal  marrow,  and 
secondarily  on  its  direct  action  on  the  spinal  centres.  6. 
In  frogs  the  influence  on  the  spinal  functions  is  more 
marked  than  on  the  cerebral,  while  in  dogs  and  the  higher 
animals  the  cerebral  motor  centres  are  the  most  acted 
upon.  7.  By  chinchonidine  an  epilepsy  of  cerebral,  by 
picrotoxine  an  epilepsy  of  spinal  origin,  can  be  induced. 
London  Med.  Record  (Allopathic). 


AN  EXPLOSIVE  MIXTURE. 

A  correspondent  of  the  Pharmaceutical  Journal  and 
Transactions  gives  the  following  quaint  description  of  his 
experience  with  a  prescription  well-known  to  be  explosive. 
Of  this  he  appears  to  have  been  aware  himself,  but  his 
precautions  proved  of  no  avail.  The  mixture  to  be  dis- 
pensed was  the  subjoined : 

R.     Calcis  hypophosphitis 3ss. 

Potass,  chloratis 3ss. 

M.  ft.  pulv.  vj. 

One  to  be  taken  three  times  a  day. 

"Proceeding  cautiously  to  powder  each  separatively, 
and  then  mixing  them  carefully  together,  I  was  priding 
myself  upon  the  evident  amity  of  these  ingredients,  look- 
ing so  pure  and  innocent  in  my  glass  mortar.  I  thought 
that  having  got  their  lateftt  potentialities  to  agree  so  well 
up  to  that  point,  they  would  as  peacefully  submit  to  re- 
moval by  the  palette  knife.  But  'alas !  poor  Yorick !  *  at 
the  third  touch  of  the  cold  steel  they  resented  the  insult 
by  vanishing  into  fire,  smoke,  and  noise,  leaving  the  aston- 
ished dispenser  half  stunned  and  minus  some  eyebrows 
and  lashes,  a  sadder  but  wiser  man.  Thanks  to  my  spec- 
tacles, which  were  on,  iritis  has  not  supervened ;  but  the 
next  man  who  tries  the  experiment  with  better  ^y^s  may 
find  that  disease  troubling  him.  Or  should  he  be  oper- 
ating on  double  the  quantity,  it  may  'give  him  fits,'  as  we 
say. 


Department  of  Electrolog}^  &  Neurolog}\ 

J.  T.  Kent,  M.  D.,  Editor. 


CASES  IN  PRACTICE. 


Case  I,  W.  R.  S.,  age  23.  At  11  years  had  an  attack 
of  scarlet  fever,  since  which  time,  up  to  the  present,  has 
periodical  attacks  of  asthma  coming  on  with  every  slight 
cold,  and  to  such  an  extent  as  to  render  the  continual  pur- 
suit of  his  business  impossible.  Sneezes  in  going  from 
cold  to  warm,  or  from  a  warm  to  a  cold  room;  nose  always 
stopped  up  ;  scales  form  in  it ;  has  buzzing  in  the  ears  at 
times ;  breathing  hurried,  wheezing,  purry  and  asthmatic  ; 
after  wheezing  a  day  or  more  has  pain  in  the  region  of  the 
heart ;  gets  relief  by  leaning  forward  with  elbows  on  chair ; 
at  night  sits  up  in  bed  for  relief;  sometimes  is  propped  up 
with  pillows ;  these  attacks  are  brought  on  by  slight  cold, 
and  generally  last  but  a  few  days ;  hands  and  feet  cold ; 
has  to  warm  them  before  going  to  bed ;  wants  the  windows 
and  doors  open  during  the  attacks;  takes  off  his  collar 
and  vest ;  must  have  fresh  cool  air ;  often  goes  to  bed  well 
and  wakes  up  coughing — generally  towards  morning ;  it 
begins  mildly,  grows  worse  gradually  and  disappears  about 
the  third  day ;  wants  to  be  quiet  during  the  attacks ;  must 
be  kept  quiet;  has  headache ;  it  begins  at  top  and  extends 
to  forehead  and  back  ;  head  feels  too  large  ;  scalp  numb ; 
in  figuring  gets  muddled  and  has  to  stop  awhile;  has  ver- 
tigo on  rising  from  a  stooping  position ;  arms  go  to  sleep 


276  THE    HOMOEOPATHIC    COURIER. 


Treatment — Sidph,  6th,  for  one  month,  once  a  day  was 
given,  then  ^7//^.. 6  till  apparently  well;  then  dulc,  3  m, 
one  dose.     He  has  had  no  sign  of  an  attack   this   winter. 

Case  2.  R.  M.,  aged  30.  Contracted  syphilis  seven 
.  years  ago,  and  has  been  under  allopathic  treatment  for  it 
most  of  that  time  since ;  previous  to  contracting  syphilis, 
had  spermatorrhoea,  but  otherwise  was  healthy ;  is  exceed- 
ingly nervous  and  emaciated ;  slow  of  speech ;  lacks 
words ;  taciturn ;  likes  company  and  yet  likes  to  be  alone; 
memory  becoming  impaired ;  broods  over  business  trou- 
bles; fears  he  has  overlooked  something;  dull  headache  over 
the  eyes  and  sometimes  through  the  temples ;  some  burning 
in  top  of  head ;  sees  dark  spots  on  white  ground ;  nose 
discharges  freely  yellow  and  white  ;  bad  taste  in  mbuth 
all  the  time ;  when  hawking  and  humming,  spits  white 
mucus  from  the  throat,  sometimes  dry  cough  from  irrita- 
tion of  the  throat,  which  was  covered  with  large  ulcers ; 
has  itchings  of  the  skin,  pimples  on  back,  crawling 
sensation  of  the  scalp,  and  of  heat  on  the  skin  of 
fore-arm ;  erections  feeble ;  urine  milky,  with  white  sedi- 
ment after  standing;  wakeful  forepart  of  night,  thinking, 
wants  to  sleep  late  in  the  morning.  A  common  case  of 
drug  poisoning  in  syphilitic  treatment  under  allopathy. 

This  patient  was  fully  restored  to  health,  with  one  dose 
of  sulph,  200,  once  a  week,  for  three  weeks. 

Case  3.  G.  G.,  aged  23,  married;  two  children;  small 
in  stature,  weighs  propably  not  over  100  pounds;  blue 
eyes,  brown  hair,  pale  face ;  dark  lines  under  the  eyes  and 
around  the  mouth;  freckles  and  yellow  spots  on  face; 
mentally  irritable,  mistrustful ;  troubled  with  thoughts  that 
she  cannot  get  rid  of,  they  haunt  her;  they  compel  her  to 
acts  that  she  knows  are  unreasonable,  foolish,  yet  she 
cannot  resist ;  has  been  so  constantly  since  she  was  13 
years  of  age ;  first  became  so  affected  after  an  attack  of 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER.  2// 

malarial  fever ;  was  melancholy,  morose  and  harassed 
with  all  kinds  of  queries,  concerning  the  why  and  where- 
fore of  common  every-day  things;  later,  there  was  another 
phase  of  mental  oddity;  luck  or  evil  seemed  to  attach  to 
this  or  that  article,  and  was  cherished  and  worn,  or  dis- 
carded, according  as  it  became  a  minister  or  agent  of 
good  or  bad,  or  was  so  associated  ;  after .  this  came  a 
phase  in  which  she  was  dissatisfied  with  things  she  had 
done,  and  was  compelled  to  do  thetn  over  again  and  again, 
reasoning  all  the  while  the  foolishness  of  her  acts,  but  for 
peace  to  her  promptings  doing  them  again  ;  later  on, 
reading  the  tale  of  a  murder  of  dread  atrocity  by  means  of 
a  knife;  was  possessed  of  a  horror  when  she  saw  a  knife 
that  was  agonizing  to  an  intense  degree  ;  was  compelled 
to  use  a  fruit-knife  at  table,  and  leave  the  room  whenever 
she  saw  her  husband  shave ;  later  came  a  mania  for  mem- 
orizing the  colors  worn  by  some  lady  that  took  her  fancy; 
she  would  follow  them  for  blocks,  sometimes  for  hours, 
compelled  against  her  judgment  and  reason  to  commit 
to  memory  the  dress  and  colors ;  it  seemed  if  she  did  not 
so  do,  she  must  go  wild.  She  sleeps  well ;  has  pleasant 
dreams  which  she  cannot  remember;  sleeps  with  her  head 
high ;  is  better  in  company  ;  worse  in  wet  weather,  during 
mensturation  and  thunder  storms ;  craves  coffee  and 
sweets ;  has  great  aversion  to  salt  and  salt  food  ;  has  hum- 
ming of  the  ears,  twitching  of  the  eyelids ;  itching  of  the 
scalp,  which  changes  place  by  scratching ;  her  face  also 
itches,  and  when  scratched  large  blotches  appear. 

This  patient  was  given  sidph.  200,  one  dose.  Two 
weeks  afterwards  anacarditim  60,  was  given  as  indicated, 
but  no  improvement  followed.  Carbo  veg.  800  was  then 
given,  on  account  of  her  extreme  aversion  to  salt,  and, 
after  three  weeks,  anacard,  60  was  again  administered,  as 
it   was   evident    it   was   the    proper    agent,   when    that 


2/8  THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 


something,  which  prevented  its  action,  should  be  removed. 
No  improvement.  One  dose  of  psorium  was  then  given 
as  the  anti-psoric  best  adapted  to  her  symptoms.  Extreme 
aggravation  of  all  her  mental  symptoms  immediately  took 
place,  and  continued  growing  worse  for  ten  days.  Not 
passing  away,  anacard,  60,  three  doses  and  three  blanks 
were  next  given.  Her  symptoms  disappeared  on  the  first 
dose,  and  she  has  had  no  return  of  the  disease  since. 


THEY  SHOULD  FOLLOW  THE  LAW. 

There  is  a  select  clique  now  practicing  medicine  in  this 
hamlet,  the  members  of  which,  place  similia  upon  the  outer 
wall,  and  cry  in  a  loud  voice,  "we  are  the  Simon  Pure." 
They  occasionally  call  some  of  their  neighbors,  who  prac- 
tice somewhat  liberally,  "mongrels"  and  "pseudo-homceo- 
pathists." 

The  members  of  this  clique  are  not  great  in  influence 
or  numbers,  or  homoeopathy  might  suffer ;  yet  the  finger- 
ends  cannot  count  them  without  the  aid  of  the  thumbs. 
A  few  of  them  are  honored  by  rank,  and  sometimes  ad- 
dressed by  the  self-dubbed  title  "  professor."  The  bor- 
rowed lectures  read  before  pupils  do  better  than  their 
sick-room  examples  for  homoeopathy  and  humanity.  But 
it  is  so  easy  to  teach  and  so  hard  to  practice — according 
to  the  law. 

The  mere  mention  of  the  ways  belonging  to  the  mem- 
bers of  this  clique  need  not  be  taken  as  personal  but  as 
condemnatory  of  loose  practice.  A  prescription  calling 
for  Nitrite  of  Amyl,  3ss  can  be  found  at  one  of  our 
leading  apothecary  establishment,  directed  for  a  child. 
It  is  not  necessary  to  say  the  child  died.  The  prescrip- 
tion was  signed  by  name  in  full.  Bromide  of  potassium, 
20  grs.  three  times  a  day,  is  also  a  favorite  of  this  self- 
same gentleman. 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  2/9 


Another  buys  tine,  gelseminum  by  the  quart;  of  course 
this  must  be  for  external  use,  (?)  as  so  much  could  not  be 
used  internally,  in  homoeopathic  form,  in  thirty  thousand 
years. 

Quinine  pills,  lacto  peptine  and  compounds  of  cod-liver 
oil  are  made  use  of  in  profusion.  These  means  save  time 
at  searching  for  the  correct  remedy. 

Another  feature,  not  accessible  to  us  all,  is  most  con- 
venient and  labor-saving :  it  is  to  carry  six  or  eleven  small 
vials,  carefully  filled  with  the  purest  and  oftenest  indica- 
ted homoeopathic  remedies  in  a  side  pocket  or  salt-sack, 
and  trust  the  spirits  to  direct  the  fingers  to  the  correct 
remedy  for  each  patient.  The  spirits  may  be  very  kind 
to  those  who  consort  with  etherial  spheres,  but  to  us  who 
have  been  more  "worldly,"  their  aid  has  been  of  small 
service. 

Alternating  remedies,  is  a  very  unscientific  manner  of 
practice,  but  think  of  placing  seven  goblets  on  a  stand, 
with  medicine  in  each,  out  of  which  a  teaspoonful  every 
hour  is  to  be  taken,  beginning  with  No.  i,  and  going 
through  the  seven,  then  going  back  to  No.  i,  hoping  to 
find  somewhere  in  the  seven  the  correct  remedy;  nature 
being  a  wise  old  dame,  selects  the  proper  agent  (?)  to 
effect   the   cure,  and    rejects   the  six  as  foreign  elements. 

Compound  cathartic  pills  have  been  found  at  the  bed- 
side of  patients,  directed  by  one  of  these  Simon  Pure 
fellows.  In  one  instance,  a  lady  was  constipated  and  had 
tried  allopathy  without  relief,  and  had  become  tired  of 
"nasty  medicine ; "  she  therefore  sent  for  one  of  the 
"leading"  homoeopathists,  who  "fiddled"  around  a  week  or 
so  with  his  "little  pills,"  and  then  gave  her  six  comp.  cath. 
pills,  she  remarked  she  had  no  more  confidence  in  homoe- 
opathy, as  they  were  compelled  to  use  strong  medicine 
in  an  emergency.     This  is  the  result  of  not  being  familiar 


280  THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER. 


enough  with  the  law  and  materia  medica  to  apply  them  in 
the  sick  room. 

In  surgical  practice  the  ways  are  still  more  divergent. 
The  extension  and  counter-extension  made  use  of  in  this 
city  are  not  in  the  least  human ;  indeed,  these  implements 
of  torture  used  in,  some  might  say  a  surgical  gymnasium, 
would  have  been  fitting  for  the  guillotine  period.  It  may 
be  called  a  neurological  resort,  or  perhaps  while  the  verte- 
bral columns  of  these  little  ones  are  being  straightened, 
their  spinal  cords  lose  one  or  two  curls.  In  comparison 
to  modern  homoeopathic  measures  for  treating  curvature 
of  the  spine — constitutional  treatment — the  plaster  dressing 
and  extension  apparatus  are  simply  barbarous,  and  often  fail 
to  be  of  any  service.     They  have  done  great  injury.  . 

It  is  not  supposed  that  every  one  can  acquire  informa- 
tion sufficient  to  enable  him  to  follow  the  law;  but 
teachers  occupying  high  places,  becoming  safeguards  over 
students,  should  follow  the  homoeopathic  treatment  to 
the  letter.  It  is  not  the  most  consistent  for  him  who 
transgresses  daily  to  cry  very  loud  the  misgivings  of  his 
fellows. 


MORAL  INSANITY,  DEPRAVITY  "AND  THE  HYPOTHETICAL  CASE.'* 

By  C.  H.  Hughes,  M.  D. 

In  the  annals  of  criminal  jurisprudence  is  to  be  found  a 
class  of  exceptionally  desperate  and  immoral  persons,  to 
whom  lawyers,  with  crude  and  inexact  notions  of  what 
constitutes  true  mental  disease,  are  prone  to  apply  the 
most  extreme  views  of  irresponsibility,  seemingly  forget- 
iul  or  unmindful  of  the  fact  that  the  intense  display  of  the 
passions  and  emotions,  and  extreme  measures  adopted  in 
a  rational  manner  to  gratify  them^  may  not  be  incompat- 
ible with  a  sound   and   responsible   state   of  mind.     The 


THE   HOMCEOBATHIC   COURIER.  28 1 


exceptionally  bad  man,  who,  regardless  of  consequences, 
with: 

**Uncon«ini*ral)le  will 

And  Btinly  of  revenge       •       •       •       ♦ 

And  courage  never  to  snbmit  or  yleltt, " 

takes  the  law  into  his  own  hand,  recognizing  no  right  or 
power  to  restrain  his  perverted  will  and  passion,  and  with 
callous  heart  and  bloody  hand  contrives  and  executes 
deeds  of  blood,  rapine  or  vengeance,  that  by  their  magni- 
tude startle  and  appall  the  average  human  mind  and 
conscience,  is  regarded  as  necessarily  insane.  While  by 
a  strange  and  unaccountable"  process  of  reasoning,  the 
exceptionally  good  man,  whose  life  is  one  of  more  than 
ordinary  charity  toward  his  fellow-man,  in  whose  kindly 
breast  abounds  a  love  for  reaching  and  intense  as  the 
abiding  malice  and  immortal  hate  of  the  other,  who, 
"clothed  in  the  armor  of  a  pure  intent,"  no  less  securely 
than  the  heart  of  the  other,  is  **mailed  in  scorn,"  is  never 
thought  of  as  mentally  deranged.* 

It  is  thus  that  the  pleas  of  moral,  emotional  and  homi- 
cidal insanity,  proper  enough  in  exceptional  cases  of  real 
disease,  have  of  late  years  been  brought  into  popular  dis- 
repute, and  come  to  be  regarded  in  the  public  mind  as 
mere  medico-legal  contrivances,  planned  by  cunning  or 
mistaken  lawyers,  aided  and  abetted  by  the  co-operation 
of  unscrupulous  and  mercenary  or  ignorant,  unpractical 
or  extremely  self-sufficient  and  egotistical  physicians,  who 
substitute  theoretical  notions  of  psychical  disease  for  the 
facts  to  be  gleaned  from  clinical  observation ;  and  have, 
therefore,  either  no  proper  idea  of,  or  concern  for,  the  true 
line  of  demarkation  between  immoral  and  morbid  mental 
action,  and  thus  is  justice  robbed  of  her  due,  and  thus  are 
the  habiliments  of  a  noble  science  trailed  in  the  dust  of 
contumely  and  public  contempt. 

*That  moral,  emotional  and  homicidal  mania,  are  to  be  found  less  often  ex- 
istent, in  fact,  than  they  are  made  to  aj^pear  iKjfore  the  courts,  it  muBt  be 
conc^aed.  The  greatest'intellects  and  oliservers  in  pyschiatry  have  believe<l  in 
their  existence,  from  Fine!  Esquirol,  Prlchard,  down  to  Bucknill  and  Tuke, 
Mandsley  and  our  own  great  1.  Itay;  while  it  would  be  unfair  not  to  mention  in 
this  connection  th^t  those  eminent*  names,  amon^  them,  especially,  Mayo  and 
Blandford  have  prainsuid,  on  theorerical  grounds,  the  possibilitv  of  mental 
disease  existing,  "without  ai»preciable  lesion  of  the  intellect."  All,  however, 
concede  that  such  a  diseased  mentalcondit  ion  as  moral  insanity,  exists  as  a 
fact,  while  some  deny  the  appropriateness  of  the  defluition  «nd  appellation. 


282  THE    HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 


History  still  repeats  itself  in  its  despicable  Nero^s  and 
daring  Dick  Turpin's,  who,  without  the  extenuation  of 
disease,  make  a  business,  a  pastime  or  a  pleasure  of 
crime  ;  as  well  as  in  its  pitiable  Comiers,  who,  without  inter- 
est, without  passion,  without  motive,  without  concealment 
or  attempt  at  escape,  cut  off  the  heads  of  innocent 
defenceless  children  and  cast  them  into  the  street ;  or 
like  the  deluded  Freemen,  plunge  the  cruel  knife  into 
the  hearts  of  their  own  innocent,  confiding  offspring 
and  sacrifice  them  to  God  in  obedience  to  a  delusion. 

And,  though  the  world  does  not  so  long   tolerate   their 

outrageous  and  inhuman  conduct,  it   has   still    characters 

like  Tiberius,  compounded,  as  his  tutor  on  the   authority 

of,  Tacitus  said, "of  mud  and  blood;"  orHke  Caligula,  whose 

reign  begun  mildly  and  kindly,  changed  in  one  year  after 

a  violent  attack  of  disease,  to  one  of  cruelty   and    crime 

unparalleled.     The    world,    however,    has   no    longer   its 

monster  Judge  Jeffries,  laughing,  joking,  swearing,  in  the 

intoxication  of  intemperance  and    unrestrained    passion, 

while  sentencing  to  be  hanged   or   transported,  hundreds 

of  blameless  lives.     At  this  day,  a  commission  of  inquiry 

Je  limatico,  would  speedily  ascertain  if  such    a    monster 

should  himself  be  hanged  or  restrained  as  a  lunatic. 

On  the  one  hand  is  moral  depravity,  deep  and  damning, 

whose  extinction  by  the  law,  the  moral  welfare  of  society, 

present  and  prospective,   imperiously  demands,  while  on 

the  other  is  resistless  disease,  which  merciful  law,  founded 

in  the  moral  sense   of  all    civilized    mankind,    pities   and 

pardons. 

While  it  is  the  duty  of  the  law  to  draw  the  line  between 

morbid  and  immoral  acts,  it  must   be    conceded   that  the 

understanding  of  the  mind  diseased    in    its    many   phases 

of  aberration,  is  an  intricate    subject,    baffling   sometimes 

the  profoundest  student  and  the  most  practiced  observer  of 

psychical  law  and  phenomena.     Insanity  ought  to  be,  and 

is,  though  the  fact  is  not  generally  confessed  by   them,  to 

lawyers  a  stumbling  block,  for,  unmindful  of  the  fact  that 

correct  notions  of  this  disease  and  its  unfortunate  victims, 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER.  283 

as  every  practical  alienist  to-day  will  confess,  are  only  to 
be  obtained  by  long  and  familiar  intercourse  with  them. 
The  members  of  the  bar  glean  from  books  that  little  dan- 
gerous smattering  of  knowledge  which  either  transforms 
them  into  bold  skeptics  or  timid  and  weak  sentimentalists, 
respecting  the  connection  between  and  severance  of,  in- 
sanity and  vice. 

They  become  extremists,  and  either  regard  all  great 
crimes  as  the  offspring^  of  disease,  as  an  occasional  medical 
man  has  done,  or  look  upon  those  who,  from  the  stand- 
point of  real  observation,  know  that  disease  enters  largely 
into  the  causation  of  much  of  the  otherwise  inexplicable 
and  unaccountable  immorality  and  crime  in  the  land,  as 
mentally  biased  by  overmuch  intercourse  with  the  insane. 
The  asylum  superintendent  is  facetiously  termed  by  them 
an  "  insane  doctor,"  and  regarded  as  a  little  weakened  by 
the  erratic  company  he  keeps,  and  as  holding,  of  course, 
somewhat  morbid  and  perverted  views  on  the  subjects  of 
insanity  and  crime.  The  interrogatories  ofteti  put  to  the 
expert  witness  by  lawyers  who  sometimes  read  much  more 
of  psychiatry  than  they  comprehend,  reveal,  to  the  prac- 
tical student  of  psychological  science,  the  false  or  errone- 
ous views  often  held  by  the  latter,  respecting  the  relation- 
ship which,  undoubtedly,  frequently  exists,  but  which  only 
a  thoroughly  practical  alienist  can  generally  correctly 
trace,  between  crime  and  disease.  Disease  or  organic 
criminal  propensity  being  the  legitimate  heritage  that  vice 
transmits  to  the  generations  which  spring  from  the  loins 
of  the  vicious,  is  by  the  legal  mind  often  indiscriminately 
transposed  or  they  are  commingled.  The  Cains  of  bibical 
story,  with  their  adequate  and  vengeful  motive,  appear  as 
pardonable  homicidal  maniacs ;  and  the  archangel  Lucifer 
whose  rebelliousconduct  justly  secured  his  expulsion  from 
heaven,  they  would  fashion  into  a  guiltless  monomaniac, 
whose  morbid  ambition  and  egoistic  monomania  would  be 
an  eminently  proper  '*  plea  in  bar"  to  arrest  judgment  and 
execution  of  sentence  by  the  Almighty. 


284  THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER. 

Yet  these  are  they  whom  the  law  entrusts  to  sift  the 
wheat  from  the  chaff  of  the  symptomatology  of  mental 
diseases,  and  aggregate  in  such  a  way  the  morbid  appear- 
ances of  a  given  case  or  supposed  case  of  mind  deranged, 
that  the  physician  to  whom  their  array  of  symptoms  is 
submitted  may  make  an  unerring  diagnosis.  The  law 
expects  the  medical  man  to  conclude  upon  the  existence 
or  non-existence  of  disease,  from  the  necessarily  incon- 
gruous and  heterogeneous  collection  of  facts,  which  such 
a  non-medical  man  interested  in  making  a  particularly  bad 
case,  would  more  likely  than  not  bring  together. 

In  seeking  to  frame  a  strong  hypothesis  of  disease, 
especially  of  mental  disease,  the  most  frequent  error  made 
by  attorneys  is  in  putting  together  incongruous  symptoms 
of  incompatible  forms  of  mental  aberration,  such  as  those  of 
acute  mania  and  chronic«dementia,  advanced  general  par- 
alysis and  melancholia.  They  confolind  the  categories,  as 
the  logicians  would  say,  and  then  expect  the  expert  to 
evolve  order  out  of  the  chaos  they  make,  and  call  it  a  par- 
ticular form  of  mental  aberration.  Lawyers,  like  criminal 
malingerers,  generally  overdo  their  simulation,  the  excep- 
tion being  mainly  where  they  obtain  the  active  assistance 
of  a  capable  physician  in  collecting  and  putting  together 
their  medical  testimony.  The  result  is,  that  even  in  cases 
where  there  is  evidence  to  the  physician  of  the  actual  ex- 
istence of  underlying  mental  disease,  yet,  "  taking  all  the 
facts  submitted  by  him  to  be  true,'*  which  he  often 
knows  cannot  possibly  be  true,  and  yet  the  disease 
sought  to  be  proven  exist,  he  is  often  obliged  to 
rule  out  the  disease  he  may  really  think  may  pos- 
sibly be  there  because  of  symptoms  unwittingly  intro- 
duced to  make  a  stronger  case,  but  which  really  contra- 
indicate  the  existence  of  the  probably  really  present 
disease.  Thus  is  the  cause  of  the  client  often  unwittingly 
wounded  in  the  house  of  his  friends — the  sanctum  of  his 
counsel.  No  one  is  really  competent  to  construct  a  hypo- 
thetical disease  unless  sufficiently  familiar  with  symptoma- 
tology to  diagnosticate  the  diseases  he  supposes  to  exist. 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  28$ 

and  with  familiar  acquaintance  with  the  varied  and  varying 
aspects  of  mental  aberration  and  the  recognized  oft-re- 
semblance  of  the  displays  of  mind  disordered  to  those  of 
mind  rational,  comes  extreme  caution  in  the  search  for  the 
differentiating  signs.  Lawyers  are  not  so  cautious  or 
discriminating  in  their  search  after  these  signs,  and  often 
present,  to  the  astonished  expert,  a  remarkable  super- 
structure of  disordered  mental  symptoms,  reared  upon  an 
impossible  foundation  of  perfectly  healthy  cerebral  sub- 
stratum ;  and  it  also  sometimes  happens,  unluckily  for  the 
poor  client  if  he  be  really  insmte,  that  the  attorneys  for  the 
prosecution  possess  a  better  understanding  of  the  nature 
of  insanity  than  the  defending  attorney,  in  which  case  the 
analysis  of  the  prisoner's  character  is  more  cleverly  made 
and  presented  in  a  light  that  reflects  more  disparagingly 
upon  him  by  his  foe  at  the  bar  than  can  be  shaded  over 
by  his  friend.  No  victim  of  real  exculpating  disease  should 
be  subjected  to  a  contingency  in  a  court  of  justice  ^  which  may 
be  the  means  of  his  losing  a  life,  which  public  polity  does 
not  defnand  as  the  proper  pejialty  of  voluntarily  violated 
law. 

That  time-honored  forensic  procedure  which  requires 
a  medical  opinion  without  permitting  a  personal  examina- 
tion by  the  physician  whose  opinion  is  sought,  and  often 
without  the  presentation  of  any  facts  gleaned  by  medical 
men,  and  even  after  the  suppression  of  essential  medical 
facts  known  to  the  family  physician,  upon  an  array  of  si^ch 
supposititious  facts,  presented  often  without  essential 
qualifying  circumstances  or  supporting  circumstances, 
such  as  would  have  been  sought  for  and  not  overlooked 
by  an  expert  in  ferreting  out  the  existence  or  non-exis- 
tence of  disease,  is  a  medico-legal  faux  pas — a  fallacy  of 
the  law,  because  it  does  not  tend  to  elicit  what  the  law- 
contemplates,  and  justice  imperatively  demands  in  the 
trial  of  any  cause,  namely  :  "The  truth,  the  whole  truth, 
and  nothing  but  the  truth."  The  hypothetical  case  thus 
framed,  wrongs  the  prisoner  at  the  bar,  outrages  justice  in 
her  temple  and  defames  science  before  the  people.     The 


286  THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER. 

sick  man  has  pulse  and  tongue,  secretions  and  organs 
to  be  examined  "by  sight  of  science,"  and  that  tacttis 
erudituSf  which  is  most  capable  of  properly  interrogating 
them,  is  not  possessed  in  any  high  degree  by  the  hand 
mainly  skilled  in  writing  briefs.  The  absurd  and  foolish 
custom  of  the  law,  so  greatly  at  variance  with  the  usual 
medical  methods  of  determining  whethqr  or  not  disease 
is  present  in  given  cases,  has  been  severely  animadverted 
upon  and  justly  condemned  by  the  highest  authority  in 
the  medical  jurisprudence  of  insanity  in  the  land.*  In 
lieu  of  the  present  methods  pursued  in  criminal  cases, 
the  appointment  of  a  special  commission  was  advised  by 
him,  "consisting  of  men  who  possess  a  well  earned  repu- 
tation in  the  knowledge  and  management  of  mental 
derangement.'* 

The  only  reason  we  have  ever  heard  given  in  justifica- 
tion of  the  custom  of  summoning  witnesses  to  appear  and 
testify  to  their  opinions  on  suppositions  (though  the  sub- 
poena which  brings  experts  into  courts  calls  them  to  testify 
concerning  the  real  case  at  issue,  when  the  real  case  and 
rqal  facts  can  be  passed  upon  and  the  patient  is  in  reach 
and  could  be  personally  examined  by  the  medical  expert), 
is  that  the  expert  opinion,  if  given  on  the  facts,  would 
virtually  be  permitting  the  expert  to  supplement  the  jury. 
(And  why  should  it  not  in  strictly  medical  questions,  or 
the  jury  be  composed  altogether  of  medical  experts?) 
la  the  one  instance  as  in  the  other,  if  the  expert  opinion 
has  weight  with  the  jury,  it  is  taken  to  apply  to  the  real 
case  at  issue,  and  the  judgment  on  the  medico-legal  case 
is  really,  after  all,  rendered  by  the  expert.  How  much 
better  would  it  be  to  always  submit  the  real  case  and  let 
the  medical  expert  decide,  by  personal  observation  as 
w^ell  as  examination,  of  all  of  the  real  testimony ,  zohat 
symptoms  of  disease  should  be  taken  into  account  iyi  forming 
a  co7tclusion  as  to  the  presence  or  absence  of  mental  unsound- 
ness; to  let  the  medical  aspect  of  the    case    be    not   only 


♦Dr.  Isaac  Ray.— Med.  Juris.  lu&an. —Prdi/n/nari/  V\cii\  YA    IbiX),  p  70. 


THE   HOMOEOPATHIC   COURIER.  ^     287. 

passed  upon,  but  searched  out  by  medical  men,  either  by 
a  commission  of  inquiry  or  by  attendance  throughout  the 
trial,  conjoined  with  frequent  personal  observations  of  the 
man  himself,  especially  if  the  alleged  insanity  persists. 
The  risk  of  losing  sight  of  facts  having  a  possible  bearing 
upon  the  existence  of  disease,  should  not  be  incurred  by 
the  courts  (the  supposed  custodian  of  the  rights  of  the 
arraigned,  and  bound  by  the  law  to  see  that  he  has  every 
possible  chance  for  a  complete  defence  and  fair  play),  by 
requiring  the  medical  expert  to  engage  in  a  vicarious 
search  for  them  through  legal  glasses  necessarily  obscured 
by  inexperience  in  psychiatric  symptomatology ;  not  a 
hair's  breadth  of  chance  for.  life  should  be  taken  from  the 
prisoner  by  any  custom  of  the  law  or  ruling  of  the  court. 
— Alienist  and  Neurologist, 


DEPARTMENT  OF  SURGERY. 

J.  W.  Thrasher,  M.  D.,  Editor. 


PROSTATITIS,   RESULTING     IN     ABSCESS     OF 

PROSTATE. 


Mr.  A.  Alt,  67, — First  comptlained  of  a  chilly  sensation 
followed  by  heat ;  also  pain  and  heat  in  the  situation  of 
the  prostrate;  tenderness  upon  deep  pressure  in  the  per- 
ineum, frequent  calls  to  make  water,  evacuation  of  the 
bowels,  attended  with  pain.  At  first  visit  found  him  in 
great  agony,  had  not  passed  water  in  several  hours.  As 
he  was  suffering  so  intensely,  we  proceeded  at  once  to 
pass  the  cathether.  Upon  reaching  the  prostate  we  met 
with  resistance ;  after  trying  a  few  times  with  a  metalic 
cathether,  an  elastic  one  was  used  which  also  resulted  in 
a  failure.  We  then  determined  to  persist  in  the  passage 
of  the  metalic  cathether.  While  making  a  firm,  strong 
effort,  the  cathether  went  in  as  if  slipping  past  the  point 
of  resistance,  tp  the  extent  of  an  inch.  Fearing  we  had 
ruptured  the  urethera,  the  cathether  was  withdrawn,  and 
pus  following  and  continued  to  escape  for  some  time. 
The  patient  got  immediate  relief,  and  our  diagnosis  was 
established  beyond  a  doubt.  Hepar  Sulphur  30  was  given 
a  dose  every  other  day,  in  a  few  weeks  patient  conva- 
lesced, and  up  to  date  has  had  no  return  of   the    trouble. 

PROSTATITIS. 

Case  No.  2,  Mr.  H.,  aged  38. — Has  had  a  desire  for  two 
or  three  days  to  urinate  frequently,  complains  of  heat  and 


THE   HOMOEOPATHIC   COURIER.  289 

throbbing  in  region  of  the  prostate ;  feeling  of  fullness 
and  weight  in  the  perineum ;  urine  caused  severe  pain ; 
stools  passed  with  difficulty.  Passed  the  finger  into  the 
rectum  and  found  the  prostate  swollen  and  irritable. 

Prescribed  Phytolaca  ix  Dec,  in  a  few  hours  improve- 
ment set  in  and  continued  ;  in  three  days  discharged  him 
cured. 

SPINAL   CURVATURE. 

It  may  to  some  seem  argumentative  to  hear  experienced 
surgeons  declare  that  curvature  of  the  spine  cannot  be 
arrested  and  cured  by  constitutional  trieatment,  but  to 
those  who  know  how  to  select  the  proper  remedy  for 
each  respective  cure,  assertions  are  but  empty  words. 
When  surgeons  of  small  calibre  assert  the  impossibility  of 
such  cases,  they  but  manifest  their  ignorance,  and  where 
they  cite  the  sayings  of  surgeons  who  have  given  birth 
to  accepted  methods,  they  simply  refer  to  a  grain  of 
ignorance  in  probably  wise  men. 

That  it  is  an  easy  task  to  select  the  proper  agent  in  all 
cases,  the  most  sanguine  would  not  affirm ;  but,  by  great 
labor,  much  greater  tasks  have  been  performed.  The 
fact  that  low  potencies  have  generally  failed  in  such 
cases  is  a  feeble  argument  against  the  possibility  of  cures. 
The  broad  assertion,  that  "I  have  tried  many  times  and 
failed,"  is  still  more  foreign ;  but  to  say  we  have  failed 
when  we  did  not  select  the  correct  remedy,  and  that  the 
incorrect  remedy  has  so  often  been  selected  that  no 
cures  have  resulted,  can  be  but  the  true  state  of  affairs 
with  the  majority  of  physicians.  Every  practitioner  in 
medicine  who  has  had  experience  with  the  higher  poten- 
cies has  been  able  to  cure  these  cases  when  he  had 
selected  the  proper  agent.  When  he  has  done  this,  he 
has,  as  a  rule,  cured  his  patient  with  a  remedy  adminis- 
tered singly,  and  not  often  repeated. 


290  THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 


The  barbarous  methods  in  vogue  are  not  generally 
resorted  to,  only  by  those  who  do  not  pretend  to  follow 
the  principles  of  homoeopathy,  as  they  who  follow  the 
law  expect  to  perform  their  cures  without  pain  or  great 
torture,  and  by  pleasant  internal  remedies.  It  is  not  op-  . 
erative  or  mechanical  surgery  that  deals  with  systemic 
disorders  ;  it  is  a  work  to  be  accomplished  by  the  selection 
of  the  smallest  possible  medicinal  agent,  capable  of  cor- 
recting the  morbid  state  upon  which  the  disease,  bone  and 
cartilege  depend. 

The  list  of  remedies  is  not  long,  and  any  physician  may 
acquire  the  proper  information  in  a  short  period  of  time. 
Mezerione  has  cured  some  cases,  but  cole,  puis.,  and 
silicia  are  the  principal  remedies. 


UNEXPECTED  HEMORRHAGE  AFTER  SURGICAL  OPERATIONS. 

By  A.  J.  Howe,  M.  D. 

One  day  several  years  ago  I  excised  an  ulcerous  fissure 
from  the  anal  structures  of  a  medical  man  who  came  to 
me  for  surgical  relief.  Inasmuch  as  the  patient  was  fidg- 
ety about  the  pain  of  the  operation,  I  gave  him  chloro- 
form all  by  myself,  and  as  soon  as  the  stertorous 
breathing  commenced  I  turned  the  anal  folds  outward, 
seized  the  fissure,  and  with  curved  scissors  removed  the 
morbid  mass  which  was  insignificant  in  size.  Only  a  few- 
drops  of  blood  were  then  seen,  and  for  the  period  of 
half  an  hour  no  hemorrhage  was  thought  of,  but  in  two 
hours  the  blood  flowed  in  rivulets.  Upon  a  summons  I 
went  to  the  doctor's  relief,  and  found  him  quite  pulseless 
and  fainting.  He  tossed  uneasily,  and  complained  of 
nausea,  blindness,  ringing  in  the  ears,  great  weakness  and 
some  pain.  I  prescribed  five  drops  of  turpentine  on  su- 
gar every  twenty  minntes  till  hemorrhage  ceased.  There 
was  no  pressing  indication   for   local   treatment,    for  the 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  29 1 


worst  of  the  flow  had  passed ;  and  the  presumption 
was  that  a  coagulum  was  forming  in  the  site  of  the  ulcer. 

The  next  day  the  patient  was  free  from  hemorrhage, 
though  he  had  passed  quite  a  large  stool.  The  recover}'^ 
was  entirely  satisfactory  ;  and  the  cause  of  so  profuse  a 
hemorrhagic  loss  remains  a  mystery.  Twenty  other  oper- 
ations of  this  kind  were  not  strikingly  hemorrhagic.  I 
do  not  claim  the  turpentine  did  any  good,  but  gave  it  on 
the  strength  of  its  reputation  in  such  cases  of  unlooked 
for  bleeding. 

Last  winter  I  pared  a  ruptured  perineum,  and  a  tear  of 
the  recto-vaginal  septum  for  an  inch  or  two.  The  fresh- 
ening process  was  not  hemorrhagic  ;  and  the  closure  with 
sutures  seemed  to  press  one  denuded  surface  against  the 
other  too  snugly  to  admit  of  a  sanguineous  outflow.  But 
in  the  course  of  three  hours,  such  a  startling  hemorrhage 
occurred  from  the  genial  fissure  that  I  was  summoned  to 
the  patient's  bedside.  I  had  taken  a  ride  of  a  few  miles 
in  the  country,  and  did  not  see  the  sufferer  till  late  in  the 
evening.  She  was  then  too  faint  to  raise  her  head,  and 
only  the  flickering  of  a  pulse  could  be  felt.  I  was  most 
afraid  of  heart-clot,  and  consequent  death.  I  prescribed 
Squibb's  fluid  extract  of  ergot.  The  next  morning  the 
patient  was  comfortable,  and  had  a  readily  recognizable 
pulse.  The  woman  made  a  good  recovery,  the  perineum 
uniting  most  satisfactorily;  but  I  never  knew  whether  the 
great  blood-flow  came  from  the  uterus  or  from  the  spaces 
between  the  stitches.  I  presumed  it  came  from  the 
uterus,  though  I  entertain  no  rational  theory  as  to  the 
cause. 

Two  or  three  weeks  ago,  I  operated  on  a  doctor's  tibia, 
to  remove  a  sesquestrum  near  the  ankle,  I  encountered 
no  difficulty  in  the  operation,  there  was  no  more  blood 
than  the  thickness  of  two  or  three  newspapers  kept  from 
soiling  the  bed.  The  patient  rallied  well,  but  took  mor- 
phia to  relieve  pain.  In  the  course  of  five  or  six  hours,  a 
drizzling  flow  of  blood  came  from  the  cancellated  struct- 
ures  of  the  bone,  and  alarmingly  increased.     I   took   off" 


292  THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER. 


the  dressing,  cleared  out  the  wound,  and  hunted  for 
bleeding  vessels,  yet  found  none.  The  traumatic  cavity, 
which  was  capacious  enough  to  hold  a  couple  of  ounces, 
would  fill  every  minute  or  two,  and  the  fluid  was  too  thin 
to  coagulate.  The  patient  said  that  he  once  came  near 
bleeding  to  death  from  a  **bitten  tongue,"  and  he  had 
often  bled  startlingly  from  insignificant  wounds.  This 
hemorrhagic  idiosyncrasy  I  knew  nothing  about  till  my 
operation  was  executed,  or  I  should  have  employed  styp- 
tics and  compresses.  The  patient  had  been  taking 
largely  of  potassae,  which,  with  malarial  diseases  had 
thinned  the  blood.  I  had  no  fear  of  a  fatal  issue,  but  did 
not  like  to  see  my  patient  as  pallid  as  a  corpse,  and  as 
weak  as  an  animal  bled  for  the  slaughter.  Steady  press- 
ure upon  the  compresses,  and  the  internal  use  of  ergot, 
together  with  nature's  resources  for  stopping  blood  wastes 
which  are  neither  few  nor  feeble,  saved  my  case.  The 
recovery  was  rapid.  In  three  days  the  patient's  vessels 
were  as  full  of  blood  as  ever  they  were,  and  he  was  up 
and  dressed.  I  began  early  to  administer  a  solution  of 
iron,  and  to  use  arsenic  in  minute  doses.  These  agents, 
together  with  nourishing  food,  seemed  to  renovate  the 
entire  organism.  The  convalescent  acknowledged  that 
he  felt  like  a  new  man.  In  fact,  he  was  renewed  so  far 
as  his  blood  was  concerned.  He  lost  a  gallon  and  soon 
had  a  better  fluid  in  its  place.  Blood  is  made  very  fast  in 
a  young  person  who  has  suffered  a  sudden  loss  of  vital 
fluids.  A  quart  may  be  elaborated  in  a  week,  or  even  in 
less  time.  —Eclectic  Medical  JonrnaL 


LOCAL  TREATMENT  OF  PARAPHIMOSIS. 


Messrs,  Editors : — I  had  under  my  care  a  case  of  chancr- 
oids--chancroidal  bubo  complicated  with  paraphimosis. 
The  paraphimosis  had  existed  eight  weeks,  but  did  not 
become  strangulated  at  any  time ;  it  could  not,  however. 


THE    HOMCEOPATHIC    COURIER.  293 


be  reduced,  and  I  thought  that  the  prepuce  would  never 
come  forward.  After  trying  various  expedients,  I  at^last 
thought  of  the  rubber  bandage.  I  applied  one  firmly  for 
three  days,  and  was  agreeably  surprised  one  morning  to 
find  the  prepuce  forward  and  penis  again  in  a  normal 
condition.  The  rubber  used  was  of  the  thiclcness  of  Mar- 
tin's bandage,  one  inch  wide  and  about  four  feet  long. 

EUGENE  F.  HAUCK,  M.  D. 

City  Hospital,  St.  Louis,  Dec.  4th,  1880. 

— St.  Louis  Courier  of  Medicine, 


DEPARTMENT  OF  OBSTETRICS. 

Wm.  C.  Richardson,  M.  D.,  Editor. 


A  CASE  OF  RUPTURE  OF  THE  UTERUS. 


On  the  evening  of  January' 27,  1879.  ^^  were  called 
by  Dr.  Bock,  to  see.  in  consultation  with  him,  a  case 
of  labor.  On  arrival  at  the  house  of  the  patient,  Dr. 
B.  informed  us  that  his  patient  had  some  twenty  hours 
since  been  taken  with  labor  pains,  and  had  sent  for  a  mid- 
wife.who,  after  waiting  and  watching  all  day,  then  sent  for 
him  some  few  houns  prior  to  our  being  called  in. 

The  history  of  the  case  showed  the  following  facts.  It 
was  the  patient's  third  pregnancy  and  labor ;  in  the  first 
labor,  some  four  years  prior  to  the  one  now  under  con- 
sideration, she  had  been  attended  by  doctors  Bock  and 
Riess,  who  after  a  great  deal  of  trouble,  had  delivered 
her,  with  the  forceps,  of  a  dead  child,  and  at  that  time  in- 
formed her  and  her  husband  that  there  existed  a  deform- 
ity of  the  pelvis,  which  rendered  it  extremely  doubtful 
whether  she  could  ever  be  delivered  of  a  live  child. 

In  her  second  labor,  some  two  years  after  the    first,  she 

.had  been  attended  by  another   physician,  because  of   the 

opinion  expressed  by  Dr.  Bock,  that  she  could  not  expect 

to  have  a  live  child.     In  this  labor  the  attendant    had    to 

resort  to  Craniotomy,  thus  confirming  Dr.  Bock's  opinion, 

and  thoroughly  re-establishing  the  family's  confidence    in 

him. 
% 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  295 


The  condition  of  the  patient  was  critical,  in  as  much  as 
the  pains  had  ahnost  ceased  an  hour  before  we  were  called 
and  the  patient  was  greatly  prostrated  with  cold,  clammy 
skin,  pulse  small  and  quick,  in  fact  rapidly  approaching 
collapse.  Dr.  Bock  called  my  attention  to  a  hard  ball- 
like  body,  resting  beneath  the  abdominal  wall  just  above 
the  pubis.  An  examination  resulted  in  our  finding  that 
this  body  was  the  uterus  which  had  been  ruptured '  longi- 
tudinally in  the  middle  of  the  posterior  wall,  the  rent 
extending  from  near  the  fundus,  down  to  within  a  short 
distance  of  the  os,  through  which  we  could  feel  the  head 
resting  in  the  rent.  After  several  unsuccessful  attempts 
to  adjust  the  forceps,  and  as  the  head  could  not  be  steadied 
sufficiently  to  perforate,  and  for  the  additional  reason  that 
brain  and  other  matter  would  have  escaped  in  the  peri- 
toneal cavity,  we  decided  to  turn  and  perforate,  if  neces- 
sary, the  after-coming  head. 

The  patient  being  in  the  usual  forceps  position  on  the 
back,  we  inserted  our  hand,  brought  down  the  feet  and 
delivered  the  body,  but  the  head  caught  as  had  been  anti- 
cipated, in  the  narrowed  brim,  and  no  traction  or  effort  of 
any  kind  could  bring  it  through. 

Our  next  step  was  to  have  Dr.  Bock  pull  the  body  for- 
wards and  bend  it  over  the  abdomen  of  the  mother,  the 
position  being  an  occipito  posterior  one,  when  wc  perfora- 
ted through  the  occipital  bone,  below  afid  to  one  side  of 
the  posterior  fontajielle.  After  perforation  the  brain  mass 
was  evacuated  without  difficulty,  the  head  collapsed,  and 
delivery  was  completed  without  delay.  The  placenta 
was  delivered  without  any  trouble. 

The  woman  seemed  to  partially  rally  from  the  shock,, 
but  the  promise  of  recovery  was  only  illusiory,  and  she 
died  about  thirty-six  hours  after  the  termination  of  the 
labor. 


296  THE    HOMCEOPATHIC    COURIER. 

The  operation  of  craniotomy  in  the  after-coming  head, 
although  mentioned  in  some  of  the  text  books,  is  not 
well  described,  and  as  cases  frequently  occur  after  turning 
or  in  breach  presentations  in  which  it  might  be  advanta- 
geous to  understand  the  details,  we  have  written  up  the 
above  case  at  length,  and  hope  it  may  prove  both  inter- 
esting and  instructive. 

RUPTURE  OF  THE  UTERUS. 


Bv  R,  P.  M.  Ames,  M.  D. 

RoMidcut  Physician  at  the  Philadelphia  Hosjijtal.  and  late  Resldi'tit  Siirj^eon  n« 
the  Jell'eraon  Mt^dical  College  Hospital,  Philadelphia. 


Rupture  of  the  uterus  is  one  of  the  most  dangerous  ac- 
cidents to  which  the  female  in  the  puerperal  state  is  liable, 
and  one  from  which  a  recovery  is  hardly  to  be  expected, 
either  of  the  mother  or  of  the  child. 

It  is  in  the  latter  months  of  pregnancy,  and  especially 
during  the  second  stage  of  labor,  that  rupture  most  fre- 
quently takes  place ;  still  we  must  not  overlook  the  fact 
that  it  has  occurred  quite  early  in  the  period  of  gestation  ; 
one  case  being  reported  by  "  M.  Baudelocque,  in  Burns' 
Midwifery,  from  the  practice  of  Choppart,  as  having  hap- 
pened in  the  second  month,"  while  another  is  reported  as 
early  as  the  tenth  week  in  the  Rev,  Med,,  1825,  page  155." 
Such  cases  are,  however,  very  rare  ;  but  still  they  prove 
that  (as  Burns  says)  rupture  may  take  place  at  any  period 
of  gestation. 

What  are  the  causes  of  rupture  of  the  uterus  ?  These 
are  divided  into  predisposing  and  determining. 

PREDISPOSING   CAUSES. 

In  rupture  of  the  uterus  it  is  always  supposed  that 
there  is   more  or  less  distention  of  that  organ,  and  in  con- 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER.  297 

sequence  of  this  distention  the  uterine  walls  undergo 
certain  modifications,  such  as  softening,  a  decrease  in 
thickness,  increased  elasticity,  etc.,  all  of  which  render 
the  organ  more  liable  to  rupture  when  exposed  to  any 
sudden  shock.  Pregnancy  is  the  essential  predisposing 
cause  to  rupture  of  the  uterus ;  but  there  are  many  other 
circumstances  and  conditions,  entirely  absent  in  a  nor- 
mal pregnancy,  that  have  a  more  immediate  influence 
over  the  production  of  this  accident,  as,  for  instance: 

(a,)  An  anomalous  condition  of  the  pelvis,  such  as 
pointed  exostosis,  or  unusual  sharpness  of  the  promontory 
of  the  sacrum. 

(d,)  Diseases  of  the  uterine  walls,  such  as  thinness, 
local  atrophy,  fatty  degeneration,  cicatrices  from  former 
Cesarean  section,  healed  ruv^tures,  old  or  recent  inflam- 
mations, new  growths,  as  fibroids,  polypi,  especially  the 
interstitial  and  submucous,  cancer,  atresia  of  the  os  or 
cervix  uteri,  and  placenta  previa. 

(c.)  Predisposing  causes  due  to  the  child,  as  hydro- 
cephalus, and  unnatural  positions  in  the  womb,  by  making 
constant  pressure  on  some  part  of  the  uterus  and  so 
weakening  it. 

{d,)     A  large  amount  of  liquor  amnii. 

(e.)     Ergot  or  any  expulsive  agent. 

(/.)  Denman  claims  that  the  uterus  may  be  worn 
through  mechanically  in  long  and  severe  labors,  by 
pressure  between  the  child's  head  and  the  bones  of  the 
pelvis. 

Barnes  thinks  that  one  leading  cause  of  rupture  is  the 
loss  of  relation  between  the  strength  of  the  muscular 
walls  of  the  body  and  of  the  cervix.  In  most  of  his  cases 
the  cervix  was  not  expanded,  and  the  uterine  wall  gave 
way  before  the  resistance  offered.  He  has  examined 
three  cases  and  found  no  muscular  alteration  other  than 
occurs  in  a  natural  pregnancy.  He  considers  a  dead  child 
a  chief  cause  of  rupture  because  of  the  amount  of  its 
resiliency  (?). 


298  THE    HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 


Determining  causes.     These  are  best  divided  into  ex- 
ternal or  traumatic  causes,  and  internal  causes. 

EXTERNAL   OR    TRAUMATIC    CAUSES. 

The  uterus,  like  all  other  parts  of  the  body,  is  liable  to 
be  injured  at  any  time  ;  but  much  more  so  during  the  preg- 
nant state,  and  especially  during  the  latter  months  of 
utero-gestation  ,  when,  from  its  increased  size,  it  has 
ascended  out  of  the  cavity  of  the  pelvis  and  is  no  longer 
protected  by  its  osseous  walls.  Here  it  is  subjected  to 
various  degrees  of  compression  and  contusion,  all  of 
which  tend  to  weaken  the  uterine  walls  to  a  greater  or 
less  degree ;  but  owing  to  the  increased  elasticity  and  mo- 
bility, the  uterus  generally  escapes  with  little  or  no  harm  ; 
still,  occasionally  the  injury  may  be  followed  by  disastrous 
consequences.  Rupture  may  not  immediately  follow  the 
injury,  but  come  at  some  future  period,  the  accident 
causing  an  inflammation,  followed  by  ulceration,  and 
finally  perforation.  Rupture  may  occur  from  compression 
of  the  uterus  by  the  abdominal  muscles,  as  in  sneezing, 
coughing  or  vomiting,  likewise  when  endeavoring  to  raise 
a  heavy  article.  In  fact,  any  movement  which  will  vio- 
lently compress  the  pregnant  uterus  between  the  vertebral 
column  and  the  abdominal  muscles,  is  liable  to  produce 
a  rupture. 

INTERNAL   CAUSES. 

(a.)     Direct  injury  from  instruments,  etc. 

{ff.)  Inordinate  action  of  the  uterus,  particularly  when 
arising  from  obstructions  to  the  passage  of  the  child. 

(c.)  Previous  disease  of  the  uterine  walls,  or  deformities 
of  the  pelvis. 

(d.)     Malpositions  of  the  child. 

Symptoms. — As  a  rule,  the  signs  of  rupture  of  the  uterus 
are  easily  made  out,  coming  as  they  do  so  suddenly,  and 
generally  after  or  during  a  violent  contraction  of  the 
uterus  or  of  the  abdominal  muscles.     The  symptoms  are 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC    COURIER.  299 


ushered  in  by  the  patient  experiencing  an  exceedingly 
sharp  agonizing  pain  at  or  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of 
the  rupture,  which  is  accompanied  by  a  tearing  or  snap- 
ping sound,  in  some  instances  loud  enough  to  be  audible 
to  bystanders.  The  pains  resemble  those  of  colic,  while 
in  other  cases  they  are  described  as  burning,  lancinating, 
cramp-like.  These  pains,  which  at  the  moment  of  rup- 
ture are  so  intense,  immediately  change  in  character  to 
those  of  a  dull  ache,  or  a  sense  of  numbness,  and  in  some 
instances  disappear  altogether.  While  the  majority  of 
ruptures  are  characterized  by  these  terrible  pains,  we 
must  not  overlook  the  fact  that  some  ruptures  occur 
without  this  symptom.  Along  with  these  pains,  or  im- 
mediately afterward,  the  patient  becomes  pale,  the  counte- 
nance assumes  an  expression  of  anxiety  or  fear,  the 
pulse  becomes  small,  wiry,  irregular,  fluttering,  feeble, 
and  very  rapid,  ranging  from  one  hundred  to  a  point  that 
it  can  hardly  be  counted,  fainting  supervenes,  and  she 
passes  into  a  state  of  syncope  of  a  greater  or  less  dura- 
tion. Respiration  is  greatly  increased,  the  surface  be- 
comes cold  and  is  covered  by  a  cold  profuse  sweat. 
From  this  condition  the  patient  may  slowly  return  to 
consciousness  in  some  cases,  and  make  a  complete  re- 
covery ;  in  others  she  may  live  for  a  few  hours  or  even 
days;  but  in  the  majority  of  cases  their  suffering  is  soon 
ended  by  death.  Some  patients,  at  the  moment  of  rup- 
ture, scream  out  with  the  pain,  and  say  they  have  experi- 
enced the  sensation  of  •*  something  giving  away,  "  or 
*'something  has  broken.'* 

Vomiting  of  a  dark  substance  like  coffee  grounds  has 
been  noticed  in  several  cases.  The  abdomen  becomes 
tender  and  very  painful  to  the  touch.  If  the  rupture  has 
occurred  at  the  full  period  of  utero-gestation,  and  the 
fetus  has  escaped  into  the  abdominal  cavity ;  we  can,  by 
external  manipulations,  feel  the  child  in  its  abnormal 
position,  and  in  some  cases  the  soft,  yielding,  compressible 
non-contracted  uterus  may  be  recognized,  ♦ 


300  THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER. 

At  the  time  of  rupture,  blood  may  escape  from  the 
vulva,  but  this  is  not  generally  the  case,  as  it  goes  into 
the  abdominal  cavity.  If  the  accident  takes  place  during 
labor  pains,  it  matters  not  how  energetic  they  were  before 
the  rupture ;  they  immediately  disappear  after  its  occur- 
rence. It  is,  however,  by  the  touch  that  the  most  con- 
clusive signs  are  furnished.  We  are  then  able  to  detect 
any  change  in  the  position  or  volume  of  the  uterus,  or  of 
the  presenting  part  of  the  child.  For  instance,  if  we  have 
been  carefully  watching  a  case  of  labor,  and  find  every- 
thing normal,  we  would  imply  a  natural  labor ;  but  if,  on 
the  other  hand,  the  symptoms  before  mentioned  suddenly 
appear,  and  by  examination  we  found  the  presenting  part 
had  receded  and  was  no  longer  accessible  to  the  finger, 
and  the  cervix  uteri  had  been  drawn  up,  and  the  orifice 
had  become  only  slightly  dilated,  even  although  we  could 
not  feel  the  rupture,  we  are  perfectly  right  in  suspecting 
one  to  have  taken  place.  If  we  now  attempt  to  pass  the 
hand  into  the  uterine  cavity,  we  may  find  it  empty,  par- 
tially empty,  or  completely  filled  with  intestines,  which 
have  escaped  through  the  rupture.  We  can  also  examine 
the  seat  and  extent  of  the  laceration,  and  in  many  cases 
pass  the  hand  completely  into  the  abdominal  cavity.  At 
the  time  of  the  accident,  the  child,  if  alive,  is  felt  to 
struggle  violently ;  but  death  soon  takes  place,  and  the 
mother  feels  the  child  like  a  dead  weight  in  her  abdomen, 
and  if  death  does  not  speedily  take  place,  the  fetus  may 
become  encysted  and  remain  a  harmless  tenant  for  years. 
It  may  sometimes  happen  that  neither  the  fetus  nor  pla- 
centa will  pass  into  the  abdominal  cavity,  and  the  severe 
symptoms  may  be  referred  to  some  other  cause  than  the 
true  one,  and  the  mistake  not  to  be  discovered  till  after 
death. 

INXOMPLETE    RUPTURE   OF    UTERUS. 

Although  the  symptoms  of  complete  rupture  of  the 
utei^s  are  as  a  rule  easily  recognized,  this  is   far  from 


THE   HOlklCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  JO  I 

being  the  case  in  regard  to  incomplete  rupture,  for  here' 
only  the  mucous  or  the  muscular  coat  is  injured,  while  the 
peritoneum  remains  intact.  We  cannot  make  a  sure^ 
diagnosis  from  external  manipulations,  while  the  internal 
examination  only  reveals  a  solution  of  continuity.  The 
most  frequent  seat  of  partial  laceration  is  near  the  cervical 
portion.  None  of  the  grave  symptoms  which  are  gener- 
ally present  in  complete  rupture  are  here  noticed,  while 
the  labor  pains  continue  with  regularity  and  but  slightly 
enfeebled. 

DIAGNOSIS. 

The  diagnosis  of  rupture  of  the  uterus  is  easily  made 
when  many  of  the  above  symptoms  are  present,  and  is  at 
once  confirmed  when  the  rupture  is  detected  by  vaginal 
examination.  It  is  only  during  the  early  months  of  utero 
gestation  that  the  diagnosis  is  at  all  difficult.  Levut  gives 
a  case  when  it  was  mistaken  for  calculus  and  lithotomy 
was  actually  performed. 

PROGNOSIS  AND  TERMINATION. 

In  regard  to  the  prognosis  of  uterine  rupture  we  must 
be  guided  by  the  situation  and  the  extent  of  the  lesion, 
and  by  the  amount  of  inflammation  or  hemorrhage  that 
supervenes.  As  a  rule,  however,  the  prognosis  is  very 
unfavorable,  the  accident  almost  always  proving  fatal  to 
the  child,  while  the  mother  seldom  escapes. 

In  Some  cases  the  rupture  is  so  extensive,  and  the  shock 
so  great,  that  death  follows  immediately  or  in  a  very  few 
minutes,  but  generally  the  patient  survives  the  primary, 
acute  symptoms,  and  lives  from  a  few  hours  to  days. 
Death  is  at  last  caused  by  a  slow  internal  hemorrhage,  or 
more  likely  by  inflammation  and  suppuration  of  the  peri- 
toneum or  pelvic  tissues  due  to  the  presence  of  the  fetus, 
membranes,  liquor  amnii  or  extravasated  blood. 

It  is  known  that  the  greatest  danger  lies  in  the  hemor- 
rhage, and  that  it  is  this  which  is  to  be  the  most  dreaded. 


302  THE    HOMOEOPATHIC   COURIER. 

As  a  rule,  little  if  any  blood  makes  its  appearance  extern- 
ally; but  on  the  contrary  escapes  abundantly  into  the 
peritoneal  cavity  (if  that  membrane  be  ruptured),  and  if 
not,  into  the  sub-peritoneal  tissue,  when  it  will  collect  and 
form  a  hematocele.     In  these  cases  the  blood  becomes 

black  and  the  tissues  have  all  the  appearance  of  being  in 
a  gangrenous  condition. 

Again  when  the  waters  have  escaped,  the  hemorrhage 
may  take  place  into  the  uterine  cavity,  being  prevented 
from  escaping  into  the  abdomen  by  the  rupture  contract- 
ing, or  some  part  of  the  child  filling  the  opening,  and  so 
retaining  the  blood  within  the  uterus. 

Still  again  the  uterus  being  relaxed  the  hemorrhage 
will  continue  and  escape  directly  from  the  vagina  till  it 
destroys  the  patient.  In  some  cases  there  is  little  or  no 
bleeding,  the  rupture  being  very  suddenly  followed  by 
expulsion  of  the  child,  and  the  uterus  at  once  violently 
and  strongly  contracting  as  in  an  ordinary  labor.  In 
some  instances  the  intestines  have  protruded  through  the 
rupture  to  a  greater  or  less  extent.  When  this  is  the 
case,  care  should  be  taken  that  they  are  not  strangulated 
by  the  contraction  of  the  uterus;  this  is  prevented  by  re- 
placing them,  and  retaining  the  hand  in  the  uterus  till 
it  has  attained  a  firm  contraction  and  the  uterus  is  closed." 

PATHOLOGICAL    ANATOMY. 

Any  portion  of  the  uterus  is  liable  to  become  the  seat 
of  a  rupture,  this  varying  as  to  the  time  of  labor,  or  the 
period  of  gestation,  the  cause,  and  the  condition  of  the 
uterine  tissue. 

When  the  rupture  takes  place  during  gestation,  it  is 
nearly  always  in  the  fundus  or  its  immediate  vicinity, 
while  on  the  contrary  during  labor  the  scat  of  rupture  is 
in  or  about  the  neck,  or  the  inferior  portion  of  the  body. 
Those  parts  of  the  uterus  that  are  most  liable  to  rupture 
are,  as  above  stated,  the  fundus  and  neck ;  also  the  lateral 
portions  of  the  body,  and  supra  and  intra  vaginal  portions 
of  the  neck. 


'  THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER.  303 

When  the  accident  is  caused  by  an  external  injury  or 
some  disease  of  the  uterus,  the  rent  takes  place  ordina- 
rily at  the  injured  point. 

This  is  not  always  the  case  in  a  diseased  condition  of 
the  uterus,  for  under  some  conditions  the  alterations  which 
have  taken  place  in  the  uterine  tissue  are  of  such  a  nature 
that  the  walls,  instead  of  being  weakened,  are  in  fact 
made  stronger,  and  the  rupture  takes  place  at  some  point 
distant  from  the  seat  of  the    disease. 

When  the  rupture  is  due  to  any  irregularity  or  deform- 
ity of  the  bones  of  the  pelvis,  the  rent  will  be  found  at  a 
point  nearest  the  deformity.  As  to  the  extent,  form  and 
direction  of  the  rupture,  there  are  hardly  two  cases 
exactly  alike.  The  extent  may  vary  from  a  small  hole 
or  opening  to  one  that  involves  the  whole  uterus  and 
many  of  the  surrounding  structures.  In  direction  it  may 
be  transverse,  longitudinal,  oblique,  or  in  the  neck  cir- 
cular, or  even  zigzag.  In  one  case  it  took  a  star- 
like form.  If  the  rupture  is  due  to  previous  disease,  its 
presence  can  be  easily  detected.  The  margin  seldom 
presents  anything  but  an  irregular,  rough,  ecchymosed 
condition,  and  if  the  patient  lives  any  time  after  the  ac- 
cident, signs  of  a  violent  inflammation,  due  to  a  foreign 
substance,  will  be  detected  in  the  peritoneum  and  all  the 
pelvic  viscera  to  a  greater  or  less  extent.  The  rupture 
may  be  complete  or  incomplete,  the  one  involving  the 
mucous  or  muscular  coat  or  peritoneum  alone,  while  the 
other  involves  both.  The  cervix  is  the  most  frequent 
seat  of  the  rupture,  because  it  is  naturally  the  thinnest,  and 
it  receives  all  the  force  of  uterine  contractions,  and  is  more 

subjected   to   contusions  from   the    surrounding   osseous 
structures. 

TREATMENT. 

The  indications  for  treatment  in  rupture  of  the  uterus 
vary  according  to  the  period  at  which  the  rupture  takes 
place,  namely,  during  the  early  and  the  latter  months  of 
pregnancy  and  during  labor.  The  measures  for  treat- 
ment may  be  designated  as  preventive  and  curative,  the 


304  THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER. 

object  of  the  former  being  to  avert  the  influence  of  the 
causes  described  as  predisposing  to  this  accident ;  such  as 
extracting  the  fetus  and  its  appendages  as  soon  as 
possible,  and  so  facilitate  the  contraction  of  the  uterus, 
preventing  hemorrhage,  and  checking,  in  a  degree,  the 
inflammatory  action  which  would  otherwise  immediately 
follow.  Let  us  first  look  at  the  indications  presented  for 
treatment  where  the  rupture  takes  place  during  the  early 
months  of  gestation.  Nearly  all  authors  on  this  sub- 
ject are  agreed  that  when  the  rupture  takes  place  during 

the  early  months  of  pregnancy,  the  case  should  be  left 
to  nature;  abstain  from  all  operations,  and  simply  treat 
the  symptoms  that  follow.  When,  however,  the  rupture 
takes  place  during  the  latter  months  of  pregnancy,  we  must 
proceed  on  an  entirely  different  plan  of  treatment.  The 
ovum  must  be  extracted  as  soon  as  possible,  and  this  may  be 
accomplished  by  either  of  the  following  methods,  the  par- 
ticular one  depending  on  the  position  of  the  ovum ;  either 
by  gastrotomy,  forced  dilatation  of  the  os  uteri.  Cesarean 
operation,  or  by  incisions  made  directly  upon  the  neck  of 
the  womb.    When  the  ovum  remains  in  the  uterine  cavity, 

we  should  endeavor  to  open  the  os  uteri  artificially  (if  it  is 
not  already  open),  and  so  extract  the  fetus.     If,  however, 

there  should  be  any  serious  obstacle  to  prevent  the  rapid 
dilatation  of  the  os  uteri,  this  method  of  procedure  should 
at  once  be  abandoned  and  Cesarean  section  immediately 
performed.  It  is,  however,  when  the  rupture  takes  place 
during  labor  that  our  treatment  is  of  the  greatest  avail. 
All  modern  writers  are  generally  agreed  that  in  rupture 
of  the  uterus  the  child  speedily  dies;  unless  therefore, 
delivery  is  rapidly  completed,  the  child  must  necessarily 
be  sacrificed.  This  knowledge  is  of  importance,  for  with- 
out it  we  might  sometimes  be  induced  to  adopt  modes  of 
delivery  more  painful  to  the  mother  and  more  difficult  to 
the  attendant,  if  we  thought  there  was  any  likelihood  of 
saving  the  child.  When  the  rupture  takes  place  the  child 
may  remain  in  the  womb  or  be  driven  out  of  the  uterine 
cavity,  hence  the  treatment  varies  as   to   the   position   of 


THE    HOMOEOPATHIC   COURIER.  305 

the  child.  When  the  child  remains  in  the  womb,  it  should 
be  extracted  as  quickly  as  possible,  and  to  accomplish 
this  there  are  several  different  methods.  If  the  child  has 
made  some  advance  and  the  head  is  resting  on  tlie  per- 
ineum, forceps  should  at  once  be  applied  and  the  child 
be  extracted;  the  child  being  prevented  from  receding 
into  the  abdominal  cavity  through  the  fissure,  during  the 
application  of  the  forceps,  by  the  hand  of  an  assistant 

pressing  on  the  abdominal  walls  of  the  mother.  Care 
should  also  be  taken  that  the  blades  are  not  passed  into 

the  peritoneal  cavity  through  the  opening,  this  being  more 
liable  to  take  place  when  the  rupture  is  low  down  and 
transverse.  The  forceps  should  also  be  used  when  the 
head  is  in  any  part  of  the  excavation,  or  above  the  brim, 
provided  their  application  is  allowable.  Dr.  Collins  does 
not  approve  of  the  use  of  the  forceps  in  this  condition,  as 
he  claims  that  the  introduction  of  the  blades  forces  the 
head  out  of  our  reach ;  but  this  difficulty  can  be  easily 
overcome,  as  mentioned  above,  by  the  hand  of  an  assis- 
tant pressing  on  the  abdominal  walls.  Dr.  Collins  also 
says  that,  "when  the  head  presents  and  does  not  recede, 
it  is  rarely  that  lessening  it  and  delivering  with  the 
crotchet  will  not  be  found  the  most  eligible  mode  of  pro- 
ceeding.'* Dr.  Collins  evidently  means  by  the  head  not 
receding  it  has  become  impacted ;  in  this  condition  his 
treatment  is  perfectly  right ;  if,  however,  the  head  is  not 
impacted,  it  would  be  more  justifiable  to  try  the  use  of 
the  forceps  and  even  turning,  before  proceeding  to  the 
destruction  of  the  child,  provided  there  was  no  deformity 
of  the  pelvis  or  of  the  child  to  contend  with. 

If  the  rupture  takes  place  during  the  presence  of  the 
medical  attendant,  turning  should  at  once  be  accomplished 
if  practicable,  unless,  as  before-mentioned,  the  head  is 
nearly  born  and  can  be  removed  by  the  forceps,  or  the 
head  has  become  firmly  fixed  in  the  pelvis  and  does  not 
recede  before  the  hand ;  turning  in  such  a  case  would  be 
madness ;  the  child  must  be  considered  doomed  and  the 
treatment  by  Dr.  Collins  would  then  be  justifiable.     Again 


306  THE    HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 


turning  is  improper  or  impossible  in  a  case  of  accidental 
rupture  during  pregnancy,  or  during  labor  when  the  os 
uteri  is  not  sufficiently  opened,  or  during  labor  when  the 
pelvis  is  too  much  contracted,  and  when  the  child  has 
escaped  into  the  abdominal  cavity,  with  the  following 
exceptions  when  the  diagnosis  is  uncertain  and  when  the 
passages  can  be  forced.  Mr.  Spencer  Wells  says,  as 
turning  is  generally  so  fatal,  he  should  think  Cesarean 
section  could  be  performed  with  greater  safety.  The 
conditions  in  which  turning  is  applicable  are  as  follows : . 
When  the  child  has  escaped  into  the  abdominal  cavity, 
turning  may  be  performed  if  the  pelvis  is  roomy,  the  head 
not  too  large,  the  edges  of  the  rupture  not  contracted, 
and  the  rent  not  confined  chiefly  to  the  vagina;  but  as 
contraction  of  the  uterus  almost  uniformly  takes  place 
upon  the  escape  of  the  child,  turning  would  be  out  of  the 
question.  Turning  may  be  attempted  where  the  head  is  . 
too  movable  for  the  forceps  or  the  crotchet. 

Dr.  Burns  is  in  favor  of  turning,  and  says  :  "It  certainly 
ought  with  scarcely  any  exceptions  always  to  be  resorted 
to."  If  at  any  time  of  the  rupture  the  head  recedes  so 
as  to  make  it  difficult  tc)  operate  upon,  it  will  be  better  to 
turn  at  once ;  do  so  by  securing  both  extremities.  If, 
however,  there  is  any  obstacle  to  prevent  the  use  of  the 
forceps  or  turning,  gastrotomy  should  at  once  be  performed. 
If  a  portion  of  the  child  has  passed  into  the  abdominal 
cavity,  while  the  other  part  remains  in  the  uterus,  we  may 
attempt  delivery  by  acting  on  that  part  which  remains  in  the 
uterus.  If  the  child's  foot  or  feet  arc  hooked  over  edge  of 
the  rupture,  the  treatment  by  Madame  Boivin  would  be  the 
best,  which  is  to  introduce  the  hand  within  the  uterus,  with- 
draw^ the  extremity  or  extremities  of  the  child  from  the  ab- 
dominal cavity,  and  then  extract   the  child   by   the    feet ; 

• 

other  conditions  being  favorable  for  the  same."     In  some 
cases  when  the  child  is  only  partially  protruded  through  - 
the  rent   in  the  abdominal   cavity,  the   labor  pains  have 
alone  effected  the  delivery  of  the  child  through  the  natural  .. 
passage.     In  the  majority  of  cases,  however,  it   will  be 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  307 

found  that,  as  soon  as  the  liquor  amnii  has  escaped,  a 
more  or  less  violent  contraction  of  the  uterus  will  follow ; 
and  if,  at  the  time  of  the  rupture,  the  child  has  been  par- 
tially forced  through  the  rent,  the  lacerated  edges  will 
close  upon  the  child's  body  so  firmly  that  the  delivery  of 
the  child  would  be  utterly  impossible.  Under  these  condi- 
tions it  would  be  best  to  enlarge  the  opening  by  means  of 
some  cutting  instrument,  and  extract  the  child,  provided 
the  passage  of  the  pelvis  would  admit  of  such  a  proced- 
ure ;  if  not,  the  Cesarean  operation  should  be  performed, 
and  that  as  early  in  the  case  as  possible,  as  Dr.  Harris  has 
shown,  in  seventeen  cases  where  the  operation  was  per- 
formed early,  the  results  were  much  better.  If  at  the 
time  of  rupture  the  child  escapes  into  the  abdominal 
cavity  entirely,  and  the  uterus  remains  relaxed,  and  the 
entire  passage  permits,  the  hand  should  at  once  be  intro- 
duced through  the  rent  into  the  abdominal  cavity,  and 
child  turned  and  brought  out  by  the  feet.  If  the  mem- 
branes remain  intact,  they  must  be  brought  out  entire  if 
possible,  otherwise  rupture  and  remove  after  the  delivery 
of  the  child,  together  with  the  placenta  and  any  clots  that 
may  be  found.  As  soon  as  this  is  accomplished,  the  hand 
should  again  be  introduced  into  the  uterus,  and  by  gentle 
irritation  make  it  contract  firmly  upon  the  hand,  so  pre- 
venting a  hernia  of  the  intestines  and  the  escape  of  any 
fluid  into  the  peritoneal  cavity ;  the  placenta,  of  course, 
being  removed  before  this  is  done.  If,  however,  the  child 
escapes  into  the  abdominal  cavity,  and  the  uterus  contracts 
firmly,  an  operation  must  at  once  be  performed ;  and  as 
experience  has  shown  that  of  gastrotomy  is  the  more  pre- 
ferable, and  the  one  from  which  there  has  been  the 
greatest  number  of  recoveries. 

•  Dr.  Trask  says,  "  the  performance  of  gastrotomy  will 
will  furnish  the  best  chance  of  success,  it  being  relatively 
greater  than  any  other  method  of  operating."  As  the 
operation  of  gastrotomy  has  been  shown  to  be  the  most  suc- 
cessful, the  question  naturally  arises,  why  not  perform  gas- 
trotomy after  every  case  of  rupture  ?     It  certainly  is  in- 


308  THE   HOMOEOPATHIC   COURIER. 

dicated,  and  I  cannot  see  any  objection  to  it  whatever.  It 
is  well  known  that  opening  the  abdominal  cavit}'  at  the 
present  day  is  attended  by  very  few  risks  to  life ;  and 
when  these  are  taken  into  consideration  and  compared 
with  those  following  the  escape  of  fluid  into  the  abdominal 
cavity ,such  as  we  generally  h^ve  after  rupture,  it  is  found 
they  are  comparatively  slight.  I  ^yould  then  strongly 
urge  upon  the  profession  the  advisability  of  performing 
the  operation  of  'gastrotomy  after  every  case  of  rupture, 
no  matter  whether  the  child  has  escaped  into  the  periton- 
eal cavity  or  not.  If  we  have  the  slightest  reason  to  sus- 
pect the  presence  of  any  abnormal  fluids  tjiere — and  you 
hardly  can  have  a  rupture  without  it — let  the  abdomen  at 
once  be  opened  and  its  cavity  carefully  cleared  of  any 
debris  that  may  be  found.  If  at  any  time  of  the  rupture 
the  OS  uteri  is  not  sufficiently  dilated  to  allow  easy  access 
to  the  child,  it  should  at  once  be  dilated  if  possible ;  if, 
however,  this  could  not  be  done,  then  an  operation  must 
be  performed.  Dr.  Burns  does  not  approve  of  dilating 
the  OS  uteri  forcibly,  and  so  delivering;  but  if  delivery 
per  vaginam  is  possible  without  violence,  it  should  by  all 
means  be  the  one  selected.  He  also  considers  the  Cesar- 
ean operation  safer  when  the  os  is  rigid,  and  in  every 
respect  preferable  to  violent  endeavors  to  open  it ;  but  it 
should  not  be  performed  unless  we  can  save  the  child,  or 
the  patient  has  reached  an  advanced  stage  of  pregnancy. 
Some  obstetricians  being  fearful  of  the  disastrous  conse- 
quences of  an  operation,  have  allowed  the  patient  to  re- 
main undelivered,  with  the  hope  of  her  making  a  spontan- 
eous recovery.  Few  when  so  left  recovered,  and  I  can 
see  no  reason  why  they  should  have  been  so  left,  unless 
the  attending  physician  thought  the  few  remaining  min- 
utes of  the  patient's  life  ought  not  to  be  embittered  by  the 
agony  which  every  attempt  at  delivery  would  be  sure  to 
produce ;  but  we  must  not  allow  these  feelings  to  have  any 
weight  with  us,  when  we  know  that  any  little  chance  for 
life  a  woman  may  have  is  greatly  decreased  by  her  re- 
maining undelivered. 


THE    HOMOEOPATHIC    COURIER.  3O9 


From  the  foregoing  I  have  arrived  at  the  following  con- 
clusions : 

1st.  That  rupture  of  the  uterus  is  exceedingly  rare, 
occurring  only  once  in  four  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
eighty-three  cases.  • 

2d.  That  the  most  frequent  causes  are,  in  their  degree 
of  frequency ;  deformed  pelvis,  more  especially  diminished 
antero-posterior  diameter ;  disease  of  the  uterine  tissue ; 
malformation  and  abnormal  positions  of  the  child ;  ergot 
and  traumatism. 

3d.  That  the  symptoms  are  easily  recognized,  almost 
always  present,  and  generally  very  severe. 

4th.  That  the  prognosis  is  exceedingly  variable,  the 
greatest  number  of  recoveries  being  one  in  three. 

5th.  That  the  greatest  number  of  ruptures  takes  place 
from  twenty-five  to  thirty,  and  in  the  third  and  fourth 
pregnancies. 

6th.  That  gastrotomy  is  the  preferable  mode  of  delivery 
when  the  child  has  escaped  into  the  abdominal  cavity. 

Let  us  then  consider  no  case  as  hopeless,  and  continue 
to  exercise  our  uttermost  skill  while  life  remains. 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


MASTER  OF  HOMCEOPATHIC  M5;DICINE, 


The  Medical  Counselor  of  February  last  has  the  follow- 
ing hit  at  our  College,  **The  Homoeopathic  Medical 
College  of  Missouri"  proposes  to  issue  two  degrees: 
first,  the  usual  degree  of  Doctor  of  Medicine ;  and  second, 
the  degree  of  Master  of  Homoeopathic  Medicine.  We 
wish  the  Homoeopathic  Medical  College  of  Missouri  an 
abundance  of  success  in  all  legitimate  efforts  to  secure 
large  classes  and  to  strengthen  themselves.  It  seems  to 
us,  however,  as  if  this  new  degree  were  little  more  than 
"taffy."  Let  the  faculty  of  the  College  referred  to  turn 
out  men  and  women  who  are  really  qualified  to  heal  the 
sick ;  men  and  women  who  have  mastered  the  true  princi- 
ples of  homoeopathic  practice,  and  they  will  not  only  find 
their  own  hands  full,  but  they  will  do  themselves  more 
justice  and  accomplish  far  more  for  the  profession  at  large 
than  they  can  do  by  conferring  a  new-fangled  degree.  The 
faculty  of  no  medical  college  can  proclaim  a  man  a  master 
of  homoeopathic  medicine ;  that  is,  a  degree  only  to  be 
earned  by  the  success  and  toil  of  a  life  time." 

None  know  better  than  the  trustees  and  faculty  of  The 
Homoeopathic  Medical  College  of  Missouri,  that  perfection 
in  any  branch  of  science,  much  less  in  medicine,  is  not  at- 
tainable. At  the  same  time  there  is  a  certain  degree  of 
excellence  that  is  attainable  by  dilligent  study  in  medicine 
ahd  kindred  sciences;  and  that  those  who  devote  longer 
time  and  more  attention,  and  attain  to  a  greater  proficiency, 
and  have  "mastered  the  true  principles  of  the  homoeopathic 
practice,"  should  have  credit  for  their  extra  labor,  and  some 
additional  testimony  and  expression  from  their  alma 
mater.  In  the  words  of  the  diploma,  ''Acadctnic  degrees 
are  instituted  to  the  end  that  men  of  tinderstanding  and 
talent  and  gifted  icnth   learning   should  be  distinguished 


THE    HOMCEOPATHIC    COURIER.  3II 

above  others  by  title s^  in  order  that  they  themselves  might  be 
profited,  the  industry  of  others  stimulated^  and  the  love  of 
knowledge  and  the  liberal  arts  increased,  etcJ'  Therefore 
this  College  has  seen  fit  to  confer  this  degree  on  those  who 
have  attended  three  full  courses  of  lectures,  (one  course 
after  graduating)  and  who  possess  the  requisite  amount  of 
academic  education,  and  who  have  successfully  passed  a 
second  and  more  rigid  examination  on  the  principles  and 
practice  of  homceopathy.  These'  should  have  greater 
honors,  and  therefore  this  degree  is  conferred  on  such, 
and  such  only.  J.  T.  Boyd,  Registrar. 


SOCIETY  MEETINGS  CRITICISED. 

Basfond,  Rocheux,  Ky.,  April  lo,  1881. 

My  dear  Dr.  Richardson : — When  the  first  number  of 
your  Courier  reached  me  through  the  one  weekly  mail  we 
receive  at  this  point,  I  was  surprised  at  the  ingenuity  you 
displayed  in  finding  out  my  address.  The  fact  is,  some 
one  started  a  rumor  a  few  years  since  that  there  was  not  a 
single  homceopath  in  this  part  of  the  Blue  Grass  Common- 
wealth. Consequently  homceopathic  journals  and  literature 
of  all  kind  has  not  flooded  this  section  to  any  great 
extent.  It  is  nof  positively  known  how  this  fumor  origin- 
ated, but.it  is  surmised  that  it  was  started  either  by  a 
doctor  who  used  to  live  in  an  adjoining  county,  who  has 
removed  to  Texas  and  gone  into  the  cattle  business  in 
combination  with  doctoring,  or  another  that  lived  across 
the  ridge  and  was  a  school  teacher,  as  well  as  doctor,  who 
moved  to  a  large  city,  and  we  .  hear  has  been  appointed  a 
professor  in  a  new  college  of  some  kind  or  another.  This 
surmise  originated  with  my  neighbor,  Dr.  Bigtrue,  over  on 
the  Fork,  who  thinks  these  men  in  their  unbounded  egot- 
ism told  every  one  they  came  in  contact  with  that  Ken- 
tucky had  nothing  left  after  they  had  been  emitted,  and 
because  they  owed  Dr.  Bigtrue  and  myself  a  grudge  for 
having  been  more  successful  in  practice  than  they  were. 
I  fear  you  may  tire  of  this  letter  before  it  is  fairly  begun, 
and  will  now  in  the  start  ask  your  forbearance  because 
I  want  to  tell  something,  and  in  your  last  issue  you  remem- 
ber,  you   solicited   each   and    every   one   who    read  the 


312  THE    HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 


Courier  to  become  contributors.  Now  I  want  to  say  that 
I  have  been  burning  to  speak  out  in  a  pubHc  way 
about  some  things  I  knovy  of,  and  when  the  Courier 
first  came  to  me  I  went  out  on  a  collecting  tour  to 
get  money  enough  to  pay  my  year's  subscripton, 
and  a  big  job  it  was,  for  we  only  get  six-bits  a  visit 
here,  and  nine  times  out  of  ten  have  to  take  the  pay 
in  truck,  but  I  succeeded  in  less  than  a  week  in  get- 
ting together  the  required  two  dollars  in  advance,  and 
sent  it  in  the  hope,  that  being  prompt  with  my  cash  I 
might  create  a  prejudice  in  favor  of  myself  and  thereby 
get  you  to  publish  what  I  had  written  a  year  or  two  ago 
about  medical  societies,  and  which  I  had  not  yet  had  the 
courage,  being  modest,  to  send  in  to  any  journal,  but  your 
call  for  contributors  decided  me,  and  as  this  is  about  the 
season  for  medical  gatherings,  here  goes. 

ABOUT    MEDICAL    SOCIETIES. 

Last  year  Doctor  Bigtrue  and  myself  had  a  streak  of 
luck  as  follows :  I  had  a  call  up  the  creek  to  the  foot  of 
the  mountains,  where  there  has  been  started  a  large  hotel 
as  a  summer  resort.  When  I  got  to  the  place  I  found 
the  head  of  the  first  family  that  had  arrived  at  this 
health  resort  was  prostrated  with  malarial  fever,  par- 
enthetically. It  is  strange  that  people  will  leave  their 
comfortable  -homes  in  the  cities  where  they  have  pure 
water  and  go  off  to  inaccessible  spots,  where  the 
water  is  either  from  foul  springs  or  wells  that  drain  their 
water  in  part  from  cesspools,  where  there  are  no  comforts 
and  malaria,  rheumatism,  typhus  and  other  lurking 
diseases  are  lying  in  wait,  ready  to  pounce  down  upon 
them. 

Well  my  patient  was  pretty  bad  ofif,  and  as  he  seemed 
to  have  plenty  of  money  and  was  anxious  every  visit  to 
know  if  I  did  not  need  counsel  in  the  case.  I  thought  it 
would  be  a  good  chance  to  help  Dr.  Bigtrue  to  a  few 
consultation  fees.  He  was  accordingly  sent  for  and  togeth- 
er we  decided  to  continue  the  Ipec.  200  that  I  had  been 
giving  from  the  first.  One  day  when  our  patient  was 
convalescent.  Dr.  B.  and  I  were  talking  in  his  presence 
about  the  next  session  of  the  Southern  Institute  of  Ho- 
mceopathic  Physicians  and  Surgeons  that  was  to  meet  that 
month  in  Memphis.     We  both  expressed  a  desire  to  go. 


THE  HOMOEOPATHIC  COURIER.  313 

but  each  claimed  it  would  be  impossible  on  account  of  the 
great  distance  and  the  high  rate  of  fare  over  the  railway, 
when  to  our  astonishment  and  delight  our  patient  told  us 
that  if  he  was  well  enough  to  be  left  by  the  time  we 
wished  to  start,  he  would  give  us  passes  over  the  entire 
route  !  We  had  not  been  entertaining  an  angel  unawares, 
but  we  had  been  treating  a  railroad  magnate,  and  he  was 
as  good  as  his  word.  We  got  our  passes  and  went  to  the 
meeting  of  the  much-talked-about  society  for  the  first  and 
positively  the  last  time,  even  if  we  could  get  free  passes 
and  hotel  bills  for  ourselves  and  families  thrown  in. 

The  meeting  was  called  to  order  in  a  kind  of  half  pomp- 
ous way  by  the  president,  who,  after  the  secretary  had  in 
a  perfunctory  manner  called  the  roll,  read  his  address,  full 
of  buncombe,  stolen  thunder  and  poorly  disguised  allusions 
to  his  own  greatness  ;  in  fact,  it  was  intended  that  the  ad- 
dress should  have  a  great  effect  on  all  the  members  from 
the  rural  districts  and  serve  as  a  kind  of  advertisement  for 
the  college  with  which  the  president  was  connected.  It 
fell  short  of  its  purpose,  and  I  think  I  can  safely  say  and 
in  so  doing  reflect  the  sentiment  of  nearly  aB  the  countr}' 
doctors,  that,  however  badly  a  college  may  need  adver- 
tising it  should  be  done  in  some  other  way,  and  that  med- 
ical societies  are  not  worth  attending  when  controlled  by 
a  college  clique.  The  balance  of  the  first  day  was  spent 
in  the  appointment  of  useless  committees,  hearing  the  re- 
ports of  minor  bureaus,  mutual  admiration  and  nothing  in 
general.  The  second  day  we  expected  great  things,  as 
the  Bureau  of  Gynaecology,  headed  by  the  chairman,  a 
celebrated  specialist,  was  to  report  a  number  of  valuable 
papers.  We  were  in  our  seats  at  the  opening  and  looked 
with  surprise  as  a  swaggering  dapper  fellow  walked  up  to 
the  stand  with  atravelHngbag,  from  which  he  took  a  large 
assortment  of  instruments,  giving  us  the  impression  that 
he  was  the  strolling  representative  of  some  instrument 
manufacturing  establishment.  What  was  our  surprise, 
however,  when  he  w^as  announced  as  Dr.  Tellit  Good 
Crafty,  who  was  to  deliver  himself  (by  the  aid  of  instru- 
ments) of  a  report.  He  commenced  by  adjusting  his  eye- 
glasses for  which  he  had,  I  am  confident,  no  other  use  than 
to  display  their  fine  quality  ;  he  next  surveyed  the  audience 
as  though  it  was  a  herd  of  inferior  beings  and  he  was  in 
doubt  as  to  whether  he  could  dismount  in  safety  from  his 


314  THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER. 

dignity  (a  stolen  beast)  and  address  it.  Finally,  however, 
he  seemed  to  have  concluded  that  he  had  mustered  up  his 
condescension  to  the  necessary  pitch  and  picked  up  an 
instrument  which  we  were  gravely  informed  was  a  glass 
cylindrical,  or  Ferguson's  speculum  !  He  went  on  to  ex- 
hibit, bivalve,  trivalve  and  duck-bell  speculae  as  though 
they  were  something  new  and  never  before  seen  or  pos- 
sessed by  any  other  than  himself,  he  continued  by  informing 
us  that  they  were  used  for  examinations  to  expose  the  os 
uteri,  etc.,  ad  nauseum.  Finally  he  stated  that  it  was 
criminal  to  use  caustic  in  the  treatment  of  uterine  diseases, 
but  that  the  correct  thing  was  fmniyig  nitric  acid,  chromic 
acid,  phenol,  etc.!  His  paper  concluded  with  the  covert 
information  that  he  could  manipulate  the  instruments  and 
remedies  better  than  anyone  else^  and  a  broad  intimation 
that  we  should  send  all  our  patients  to  him  for  treatment. 
The  paper  provoked  some  discussion,  in  which  Dr.  High 
stated  that  he  never  had  occasion  to  use  instruments  or 
local  treatment,  but  cured  his  cases  homceopathically.  This 
caused  a  sneer  on  the  part  of  Dr.  Crafty,  who  to  clinch 
his  paper  said  it  was  the  proper  thing  to  do  his  way  be- 
cause he  had  learned  it  in  Europe !  Dr.  Old  said  he 
did  not  often  find  it  necessary  to  take  the  uterus  outside 
for  an  examination,  but  when  he  did,  why  he  did. 

The  remainder  of  the  day  was  spent  in  as  equally  ab- 
surd papers  and  discussions,  together  with  a  boat  excursion 
and  banquet  in  the  evening. 

The  third  day  was  occupied  by  an  eye  and  ear  specialist 
and  a  surgeon  who  were  quite  as  pompous  and  twice  as 
ridiculous  with  their  display  of  old  and  commonplace 
instruments  as  had  been  Dr.  Crafty  on  the  day  proceeding. 

The  close  was  finally  reached  with  the  election  of  some 
bad  and  indifferent  officers. 

During  a  conversation  held  with  one  of  the  physicians 
hailing  from  the  same  town  as  Dr.  T.  G.  C,  I  was  told  that 
he  was  hardly  ever  called  in  consultation  more  than  once 
by  the  same  practitioner,  for  the  reason  that  he  almost 
invariably  tried,  sometimes  succeeding,  to  get  the  patient 
for  himself  and  supplant  the  regular  attendant. 

Dr.  Bigtrue  and  myself  went  home,  both  wiser  and  sad- 
der men — wiser  as  to  the  tricks  of  brazen  specialists;  sad- 
der to  realize  that  medical  societies  are  often  prostituted 
for  the  purpose  of  personal  and   clique  aggrandizements. 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  315 

In  conclusion  permit  me  to  say  that,  while  I  have  noth- 
*i^g  against  medical  societies  organized  and  conducted  for 
scientific  and  practical  purposes,  I  still  believe  that  a  ma- 
jority of  those  in  existence  are  not  of  that  character,  and 
that  I  appreciate  the  necessity  of  specialists,  but  at  the 
same  time  insist  that  a  large  number  of  those  now  practic- 
ing are  notoriously  incompetent  or  outrageously  tricky 
in  their  intercourse  with  the  general  practitioner. 

Dr.  Bigtrue  says  that  if  these  fellows  think  we  from  the 
country  don't  know  brass  when  it  is  as  visible  as  the  biggest 
door-knocker  or  andiron,  they  are  badly  mistaken,  that's 
all ;  and  in  the  mean  time  we  shall  not  send  them  patients 
nor  go  to  their  annual  shows. 

If  I  have  written  too  much,  Mr.  Editor,  prune  it  out,  but 
to  tell  the  truth,  I  have  been  boiling  and  bubbling  worse 
than  a  Geyser  since  I  went  to  that  miserable  society  meet- 
ing.   I  had  to  let  it  out,  and  shall,  perhaps,  feel  better  now. 

When  I  learn  from  the  Courier  that  the  societies  are 
on  a  different  footing,  I  may  perhaps  try  again,  until  which 
time  or  some  other  occasion,  I  subside. 

A.  W.  VOIRCLAIR,  M.  D. 


Managing  Editor's  Easy  Chair. 


May  is  the  month  for  society  meetings.  Dr.  Oliver  WendeU 
nT)lmes  says  in  his  humorous  poem— /?(p  Van  Winkle,  M.  D. 

Just  once  a  year  the  D<^otor\s  wortliy  dame, 

Goes  to  tlie  barn  and  sliouts  her  husband's  name; 
**Come.  Rip  Van  Winkle  I ''  (giving  him  a  shake), 

"Rip!     Rip  Van  Winkle,  time  for  you  to  wake! 
Lay  locks  in  blossom !     'Tis  the  month  of  May — 

The  doctors'  meeting  is  this  blessed  day. 
And,  come  what  will,  you  know  I  heard  3'ou  swear 

You'd  never  miss  it  but  be  always  there.'' 

It  is  a  i)ity  there  are  not  more  Rip  Van  Winkle's,  M.  D.  as  far  as 
regards  waking  up  to  attend  societies.  N"o  doctor,  we  contidentially 
beTieve,  ever  went  to  a  society  meeting  without  b^Mug  benefited 
in  some  way  or  another,  be  it  professionally,  physically,  mentally  or 
morally.    Wake  up  all  and  go,  it  wiil  do  you  good. 

You  will  niaet  old  friends  and  make  new  ones;  your  stock  of 
knowledge  will  be  increased;  you  will  be  rested  and  invigorated  iw 
the  summer  campaign. 


3l6  THE    HOMCEOPATHIC    COURIER. 

Do  not  go  empty-handed,  but  take  a  practical  jiaper  with  you  on 
gome  subject  or  case  witli  whicii  you  are  tlioronghly  familiar,  aiul 
Avhich  will  interest  and  instruct  your  fellow- members.  Do  not  be 
jifraid  to  wiite  up  what  you  know,  and  when  you  have  read  it  at  the 
society  Instead  of  pigeon-holing  it,  "'send  it  in  for  publication  to  the 

COUKIER. 


SOCIETY  MEETINGS. 

Omaha.  Neb.,  April  26, 1881. 
State  Homoeopathic  Society  at  Omaha,  May  4th  and  5th.  * 

Very  truly, 

C.  M.  DINSMORE,  Sec>. 

The  American  Pedological  Society  will  meet  in  New  York  City, 
June  13,  the  day  before  the  meeting  of  the  Institute.  T.  C.  Duncan, 
president;  E.  Cranch,  secretary. 

The  State  Homoeopathic  Institute  of  Minnesota  will  hold  its 
fifteenth  annual  meeting  at  St.  Paul  on  May  17  and  18,  1881.  There 
Is  every  prospect  of  a  successful  meeting. 

HOMCEOPATHIC   MEDICAL    SOCIETY    OF    THE    STATE    OF    NeW 

York.— Selden  H.  Talcott,  M.  D.,  President,  Middletown,  Vice- 
Presidents — J.  J.  Mitchell,  M.  D.,  Newburgh  ;  A.  S.  Frantz,  M.  D., 
Geneva;  6.  W.  Peer,  M.  D.,  Rochester.  A.  P.  HoUett,  M.  D.,  Recor- 
ding Secretary,  Havana;  E.  E.  Jones,  M  D.  Corresponding  Secretary, 
Albany;  E.  S.  Coburn,  M.  D.,  Treasurer,  Troy. 

Olathe,  Kas.,  April  23, 1881. 

Dear  Doctor:— I  hoDe  to  see  you  present  with  us  at  our  next 
annual  meeting,  viz. :  Topeka,  May  4th  and  5th.  Will  you,  so  please 
announce  in  your  valuable  Journal  and  greatly  oblige, 

Yours  Fraternally, 

JNO.  H.  MOSELEY,  Sec'y. 

Wisconsin  State  Homocopathic  Medical  Society. 

Secretary's  Office,  Milwaukee,  April  20, 1881 . 
Editor  Homoeopathic  Courier :— Please  announce  the  following 
in  3'our  next  issue. 

The  17th  annual  session  of  the  Wisconsin  State  Homceopathie 
Medical  Society  will  be  held  in  the  City  of  Fond  du  Lac,  Wisconsin, 
on  W^ednesday  and  Thursday,  June  1st  and  2d,  1881,  in  the  parlors  of 
Patty  House.  Great  pains  will  be  taken  to  make  this  one  of  the 
most  Important  and  Interesting  meetings. 

Reduced  rates  will  be  given  by  the  Patty  House  proprietor  to 
those  In  attendance. 

EUGENE  F.  STORKE,  Sec'y. 

The  Hahnemann  Medical  Association  of  Iowa, 
twelfth  annual  meeting. 

Office  of  Secretary,  Dubuque,  April  12th,  1881. 

I  am  directed  by  the  Executive  Board  to  announce  that  the 
Twelfth  Annual  Meeting  of  this  Association  will  be  holdeu  at  Ot- 
tumwa,  ITiursday  and  Friday,  May  19th  and  20th,  1881.  The  Balr 
Ingall  House  has  been  designated  as  the  Associational  Head- 
quarters during  the  Episode.  Doctor  H.  W.  Roberts,  the  indefati- 
gable Local  Committee  of   Arrangements,   has  provided,  and  will 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER.  317 

properly  equip  an  accessible  and  commodious  room  for  our  meetings. 
The  Doct jr  has  also  succeeded  In  secnrinjr  a  reduction  of  fare  on  iTie 
Rock  Island  Railway,  and  informs  me  that  he  has  reason  to  believe 
that  a  similar  courtesy  will  be  done  the  Association  by  other  lines 
running  into  Ottumwa.  Further:  Dr.  Roberts  writes  me  that  no 
pains  will  be  spared  by  himself  to  make  the  forthcoming  occasion 
one  which  will  long  aKd  pleasantly  be  remembered  by  all  partici- 
pants. 

The  Bureaus  of  the  ensuing  Annual  meeting  are  as  follows: 

1st.  Materia  Medica  and  Provings:—T,  G.  Roberts,  Chairman; 
A.  C.  Cowperthwait,  M.  U.  Cliaraberlln,  G.  G.  Bickley  and  E.  R. 
Jackson. 

2d.  Clinical  Experience: — W.  A.  Mellen,  J.  D.  Burns,  S.  E. 
Nixon.  J.  S.  Bell  and  G.  G.  Bickley. 

8d.  Obstetrics  and  Diseases  of  \^'omen  and  Children:^B.  Banton, 
Chairman;  Clara  Yeomans,  J.  E.  King,  D.  R.  Hindman,  R.  H.  Hurl- 
but,  A.  0.  Cowperthwait  and  F.  Becker. 

4th.  Surgery  and  Surgical  Diseases  '.--A.  E.  Rockey.  Chairman; 
G.  F.  Roberts,  R.  H.  Hurlbut,  J.  H.  Crippen,  S.  B.  Gluey,  H.  \V.  Rob- 
erts and  G.  A.  Corning. 

5th.  Medical  Education:— K.  A.  Guilbert,  Chairman;  H.  P.  But- 
ton, E.  R.  Jackson  and  D.  R.  Hlndman. 

6th.  Anatomy^  Physiology <,  Pathology  and  Hygiene :— J.  D.  Burns 
Chairman;  H.  P.  Button,  J.  B.  Home,  J.  G.  Bickley  and  J.  G.  Rishel. 

7th.  Medical  Electricity :— A.  C.  Cowperthwait,  Chairman;  E.  R. 
Jackson,  J.  G.  Bickley  and  W.  \\\  Souster. 

8th.  Diseases  of  the  Eye  and  Ear: — E.  A.^Whitlnck,  Chairman; 
A.  E.  Rockey,  G.  F.  Roberts  and  A.  K.  Johnson. 

EDWARD  A.  GUILBERT,  Sec  y. 

Western  Academy  of  Hoskeopathy. 

Secretary's  Office,  St.  Louis,  1881. 

The  next'  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Academy  of  IIomaK)pathy 
will  be  held  in  Chicago.  June  8,  0  and  10.  A  large  number  of  promi- 
nent western  physicians  will  be  present,  and  many  papers  of  interest 
will  be  presented.  All  papers  should  be  j-ent  toVhe  Chairmen  of  the 
various  bureaus,  a  list  of  which  is  appended. 

Sanitary  Saenic— G.  W.  Foote,  M.  D.,  Galesburg,  111. 
Pharmacy.— T.  C  Duncan,  M.  D..  Chicago,  111.  ^ 

Materia  Medica.— L.  Sherman.  Milwaukee,  Wis.  ';^  > 

Obj»tetrics.— Julia  H.  Smith,  M.  I).,  Chicago,  111. 
Gynaecology. — M.  M.  Eaton,  M.  D.,  Cincinnati.  O. 
Piedology.— Sarah  C.  Harris,  M.  I)..  Galena.  111. 
Clinical  Medicine.  — W.  J.  Howker.  M.  D.,  Chicago,  111. 
Surgery. — A.  S.  Everett.  M.  D.,  Denver,  Col. 
Oplfthamology  ami  Otology. — C   H.  Vilor,  M.  D.,  Chicago,  111. 
Psychology. — N.  A.  Pennoyer,  M.  D.,  Kenosha,  Wis. 
Statistics  and  Registration,  etc.— R.  L.  Hell,  M,  I).,  Oakland, 
Cal.      • 

All  communications  will  be  answered  bv  the  General  Secretarv. 

C.  H.  GOODWIX,  M.  D.. 
2619  Pine  Street,  St.  Louis.  Mo. 


31 8  THE    HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 


PERSONALS. 

Died— March  2G,  L.  E.  Ober,  M.  D.  of  LaCrosse.  Wis.  Dr. 
Ober  w^^sa  representative  Houioeopath,  well-known  throughout  the 
west,  ^  here  his  loss  will  be  seriously  felt. 

Died. — In  Bane,  Vt.,  Feb.  2,  1881,  of  abscess  of  lung  following 
pneumonia,  Chas.  H.  Chamberlin,  M.  D.,  aged  forty -ttve. 

Dr.  Levi  Dodge,  January  16,  aged  sixty-one  years.  He  had 
b<M»n  a  practicing  Homaioi*atbic  physician  in  Fall  River,  Mass.,  &ince 

1873. 

Married.— H.  W.  Roberts,  M.D..ofOttumwa.  la.  was  married  to 
Maura  R.  Lewis,  of  Ottuniwa,  March  30.  We  wish  the  Doctor  success 
in  this  new  partnersliip. 

Dr.  Gailliard,  editor  of  V Hamceopathie  Militante^  Belgium,  has 
))een  made  an  officer  of  the  Frencii  Legion  of  Honor. 

Removals. — F.  F.  Marsh,  M.  D.,  from  Claremont,  N  H.,  to 
Wareham,  Mass. — Horace  Packard,  M.  D.,  from  87  Apple  ton  to  680 
Tremont  Street,  Boston.— Dr.  Cowl  to  36  West  Twenty-first  Street. 
New  York. — Dr.  E.  A.  Dakin  to  Brockton,  Mass. — Dr.  C.  L.  Kings- 
bury, from  Spencer,  Mass.,  to  Dudley  Street,  near  Hampden  Street, 
Boston  Highlands.— Dr.  T.  Dwight  Stow,  from  Syracuse,  N.  Y.,  to 
Fall  River.  Mass.— After  May  L  Prof.  S.  Lillenthal,  M.  D.,  from  230 
West  Twenty-Third  Street  to  228  West  Thirty-Fourth  Street,  New 
York. — Dr.  C.  F.  Barker,  from  Chicago  to  Holliston,  Mass.— Dr.  R. 
L.  Hill,  from  Dubuque,  Iowa,  to  Oakland,  California. 

Dr.  T.  J.  Patchen  from  Leavenworth  to  Topeka,  Kan. 

Dr.  W.  F.  Hocking  from  Easton,  Md.,  to  Hillsdale,  Mich. 

Dr.  G.  C.  McDermott  to  118  West  7th  street,  Cincinnati,  Ohio. 

Dr.  H  W.  Taylor  toTeiTC  Haute,  Ind.,  from  Crawfordsville,  Ind. 

Dr.  S.  F.  Shannon  from  Pittsburgh  to  87  Arch  street,  Allegheny, 
Pennsylvania. 

Dr.  W.  E.  Harvey  from  North  Anson,  Me.,  to  Cambrldgeport, 
Mass. 

Dr.  Wm.  Peach  from  Rochester,  Pa.,  to  115  Arch  street,  Alle- 
gheny, Pa. 

Dr.  H.  P.  Gatohell  from  Atlanta,  Ga.,  to  165  Boylston  street, 
Boston,  Mass. 

Dr.  Millie  J.  Chapman  has  removed  from  216  to  288  Penn  ave., 
Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

Dr.  Frank  T.  Burck,  of  Frederick,  Md.,  to  154  S.  Centre  street, 
Springfield,  Ohio. 

Dr.  W.  ,T.  Hawkes  has  removed  to  Central  Music  Hall  building, 
rooms  24  and  25,  Chit?ago. 


LOCATIONS. 

There  are  many  towns  in  Texas  with  populations  of  two  thousand 
to  five  thousand,  with  splendid  agricultural  country  surrounding  not 
yet  supplied  with  hom<eopaths.  Among  them  may  l>e  mentioned 
Denison.  Pari:^,  McKinney,  Texarkana,  Tyler, Waxahachie,  Cleburne, 
Palestine,  Marshall,  Huntsville,  Bryan,  Beaumont,  Belton,  Seguin, 
Coi*]>us  Christi,  and  many  smaller  points. 

At  Lincoln,  Mo.  (iood  paying  country  priutice.  Write  to  Dr. 
L.  E.  Whitney,  Carthage,  Mo. 


THE   HOM<EOPATHlC   COURIER.  319 


BOOK  REVIEWS. 

Owing  to  the  unusual  amount  of  matter  crowded  on  lis  thig  month, 
we  are  compelled  to  omit  our  usual  book  notices. 

We  clip  the  following,  and  ask  all  to  read  and  act  on  it : 
*'The  interest  a  journal  creates  depends  much  less  upon  its  editors 
than  it  does  upon  its  contributors.  Physicians  want  practical  facts, 
briefly  stated,  which  are  applicable  to  every  day  bed-side  practice. 
In  order  to  meet  this  reasonable  expectation  as  full^  as  may  b<!,  we 
cordially  request  our  readers  everywhere  to  send  us  items,  reports  of 
cases,  confirmed  symptoms,  provings,  society  pioceedings,  personals, 
etc.  If  you  have  an  interesting  case  to  report,  don't  wait  until  you  for- 
get all  about  it,  but  sit  down  and  write  it  out  in  a  compact  form,  and 
send  it  on.  If  3'ou  have  not  the  time  to  write  in  full,  send  on  the  facts, 
and  we  will  put  them  in  proper  shape  for  publication.  If  you  have  a 
new  instrument,  or  a  discovery  in  materia  medica  or  ther^eutics  you 
wish  to  bring  before  your  medical  brethren,  sit  down  and  write  out 
the  facts  ana  forward  to  us.  We  desire  all  our  friends  to  help  us  make 
a  flrst-class  No.  1  journal.'' 

A  Generous  GiFT.—The  public  bequests  made  by  thelat€  Steph- 
en N.  Stockw^ell,  editor  and  one  of  the  joint  proprietors  of  the  Boston 
Journal^  are  as  follows:  To  the  Massachusetts  homoeopathic  hospital, 
the  sum  of  85,000  for  the  puri)ose  of  establishing  a  perpetual  free  bed 
for  the  use  of  such  sick  and  destitute  printers  of  Boston  as  shall  be 
designated  by  the  Boston  Franklin  Typographical  society. 


CASE  FOR  ADVICE. 

GOITRE. 

I  have  a  patient  that  I  am  very  anxious  to  cure— she  is  of  a  good 
family  and  well-known  here,  and  if  I  can  cure  her  I  can  get  many 
other  good  cases. 

The  patient  is  a  married  woman  and  has  two  children,  on^  nine 
and  the  other  two.  Her  trouble  is  a  goitre  neck,  and  the  goitre 
about  the  size  and  shape  of  a  coffee  saucer.  She  is  of  a  scrofulous 
diathesis  and  rather  rheumatic,  but  with  that  exception  has  good 
health.  She  is  rather  fleshy,  light  complexion,  blue  eyes  and  brown 
hair,  is  very  nervous  and  easily  discouraged.  Her  goitre  has  been 
growing  for  seven  or  eight  years  and  is  getting  quite  liard. 

Now  Doctor  please  give  me  some  advice,  for  as  the  saying  is,  it 
will  be  a  feather  in  my  cap  if  1  can  cure  her.  It  seems  to  run  in  the 
family;  her  sister  and  cousin  have  goitre  necks. 

ANSWER. 

The  remedies  for  goitre  are:  Canst,  Xatr.  corb..  Iodine,  Spongio, 
Calcor.  Brora.,  and  Lycop.  You  had  better  begin  the  treatment 
with  Spongia,  200,  after  which,  in  case  of  no  success,  give  Sulph. 
high,  and  afterwards  Iodine. 

Give  the  medicine  during  the  decline  of  the  moon.  (Compare 
Jahr's  Forty  Year's  Practice,  page  251  ) 

THOS.  MATHESON. 


Dedicated  to  Prof.  R.  A.  Phelabt, 

BT  A  MBMBBR  OF  THB  CLASS. 


Consider  the  ant's  ways 

For  it  works  and  not  plays 

For  so  Solomon  says 
And  the  slnggard  from  it  should  learn  wisdom 

But  our  Phelan,  says  he : 

You  must  go  to  th"  bee, 

For  the  best  rem«  die. 
To  prevent  a  miscarriage,   should  it  come. 

Now  our  Phelan  has  more 

Of  sound  Medical  lore, 

Than  I  ever  before 
Knew  a  materia  medicis  to  know 

I  BOW  rise  to  explain 

In  a. metrical  strain 

Though  the  thought  gives  me  pain 
That  I  once  robbed  bees  to  my  sorrow. 

And  a  proving  I  made 
And  the  penalty  paid 
As  I  should  have  said 

Experimenting  in  that  direction 

For  the  curs'd  little  thi»  gs 
With  I  heir  slim  poisoned  stings 
Caused  me  great  suffeiings 

With  their  hot  hypodermic  injection 

Had  1  been  enceinte 
Away  it  would  have  went 
Like  wind  through  a  vent 

And  left  me  in  a  wretched  condition. 
But  some  doctors  may  say : 
In  this  dose  it  won't  p:iy 
I  tried  many  a  day 

But  I  will  try  in  another  direction. 

For  I'll  just  take  the  bee 
And  put  it — let  me  see, 
Ah  yes !     Just  to  a  T, 

Right  above  the  sacro-iliac  junction. 
Thus  I'll  give  Apis  first. 
For  that  could  not  be  worse 
Than  to  give  if  we  durst 

A  little  hypodermic  injection. 

A  mule  on  a  tread  mill 

Employs  just  as  much  skill 

As  the  quack  with  his  l)lne  pill. 

When  he  doses  without  calculation. 
For  his  work  is  all  wrong, 
While  he  l)lunders  along 
As  I  do  in  my  song. 

For  want  of  correct  information. 

Now  a  column  I  raise 
To  Phelan's  great  praise, 
And  from  henceforth  always 

ril  keep  close  to  the  law,  and  the  fact  is 
My  Pegasus  I'll  stride 
And  with  sword  by  my  side 
Like  Perseus  I'll  ride 

And  fight  the  hermaphrodite  practice. 


The  HomoBopathic  Courier. 


Vol.  I.  June,  i88i.  No.  6. 


Department  of  Theoty  and  Practice. 

J.  T.  Boyd,  M.  D.,  Editor. 


FUNCTIONAL  DISEASES  OF  THE  HEART. 

[ContiDiied  from  Page  203.] 


The  diagnostic  signs  furnished  by  auscultation  between 
organic  and  functional  diseases  are  as  follows  : 

In  functional  disease  we  may  have,  as  we  before  observed, 
the  purring  sound,  but  this  is  where  there  has  been  a  large 
or  protracted  hemorrhage,  the  vessels  are  not  so  full,  and 
therefore,  according  to  well-known  acoustic  laws,  there 
would  be  more  or  less  noise,  and  a  perceptible  thrill  com- 
municated to  the  hand  when  applied  over  the  top  of  the 
chest. 

The  same  would  occur  in  anaemic  persons  from  a  similar 
cause,  which  together  with  the  pallor,  small,  quick,  jerking 
pulse,  would  determine  the  case. 

In  organic  disease,  all  auscultatory  signs  are  more  per- 
manent. In  ossification  of  the  aortic  valves,  there  is  a 
distinct  sound  of  regurgitation,  from  the  imperfect  closure 
and  shortening  of  the  valves.  This  regurgitation  is  im- 
mediately followeji  after  the  systole  of  the  ventricle. 


322  THE    HOMCEOPATHIC    COURIER. 

In  induration  or  ossification  of  the  mitral  valves,  there 
is  a  distinct  clack,  and  the  hissing  sound,  during  the 
contraction  of  the  ventricle,  as  if  the  blood  was  forced 
through  a  small  opening,  surrounded  by  dense  tissue. 

In  dropsy  of  the  heart,  the  sounds  are  less  distinct,  as 
they  have  to  pass  through  a  quantity  of  water,  this 
deadens  the  sound,  and  the  impulse  is  less,  all  giving  the 
idea  that  the  heart  \s  farther  away  than  natural. 

"Briefly  to  mention  the  symptoms  of  organic  valvular 
diseases  of  the  heart,  they  are,  cough,  copious  watery 
expectoration  in  many  cases,  dispnoea,  orthopnoea,  fright- 
ful dreams  and  starting  from  sleep,  oedema  of  the  lungs, 
pulmonary  congestion  and  apoplexy,  passive  hemoptysis, 
\i.  e,  sputa  stained  with  dark  or  grumous  blood,  which 
occurs  especially  in  great  contraction  of,  or  regurgi- 
tation through  the  mitral  valve),  turgescence  of  the  juglar 
veins,  lividity  of  the  face,  anasarca  and  dropsies  in  general 
etc."  * 

"Pain  in  the  heart,  and  near  it,  is  frequently  a  pure  ner- 
vous symptom.  It  has  already  been  stated  that  this,  when 
acute,  is  more  frequently  a  nervous  sensation  than  a  sign 
of  organic  disease.  It  is  in  some  cases  a  pure  neuralgia, 
sharp  and  lancinating,  and  extending  from  the  spine  to  the 
neighborhood  of  the  heart,  or  along  the  ribs  and  to  the 
epigastrium.  Sometimes  it  alternates  with  pain  at  the 
latter  situation,  or  with  other  disagreeable  sensations. 
In  other  instances  there  is  general  soreness  about  a  large 
portion  of  the  chest,  especially  in  the  neighborhood  of 
the  heart.  All,  or  any  of  these  sensations  may  coincide 
with  positive  organic  disease,  but  not  necessarily  so,  they 
may  be  perfectly  independent  of  it,  and  of  no  real  danger, 
although  causing  extreme  annoyance  to  the  patient.^f 


•GERHARD. 
t  HOPE. 


THE    HOMCEOPATHIC    COURIER.  323 

This  must  not  be  confounded  with  angina  pectoris, 
which  is  a  more  serious  disease. 

Persons  afflicted  with  pain  in  the  region  of  the  heart,  at 
once  conclude  that  it  is  angina  pectoris,  and  are  in  con- 
stant anxiety  and  fear  of  death,  and  by  thus  keeping  their 
minds  constantly  on  their  condition,  it  increases  the  distur- 
bance, and  may  ultimately  cause  what  was  at  first  a  mere 
temporary  nervous  disturbance,  as  rising  from  flatulency  or 
dyspepsia,  to  assume  a  much  more  serious  condition. 

The  best  description  of  angina  pectoris,  is  from  Da 
Costa  and  is  as  follows,  viz : 

"Although  the  nature  of  the  complaint  may  be  hidden, 
the  symptoms  are  obvious  enough.  We  do  not  f  know 
what  the  precise  causes  of  angina  are;  but  we  do  know 
that  they  occasion  paroxysms  of  the  most  intolerable 
anguish.  These  paroxysms  come  on  suddenly  and  pass 
off  suddenly.  Their  main  feature  is  an  agonizing  pain  in  the 
praicordia,  as  if  the  heart  were  being  firmly  grasped  by 
an  invisible  hand,  or  as  if  it  were  being  torn  to  pieces. 
The  pain  however  Is  not  limited  to  the  cardiac  region  it 
radiates  in  various  directions,  shooting  to  the  back,  to  the 
neck  and  especially  to  the  left  arm,  But  this  is  not  all ; 
worse  than  the  pain  are  the  intense  anxiety  and  the  feel- 
ing of  impending  death.  The  heart  palpitates  during  the 
fit;  and  yet,  if  we  judge  by  the  character  of  the  pulse, 
its  movements  are  not  materially  disturbed.  The  beat  of 
the  artery  at  the  wrist  may  be  small,  may  be  weak,  may  be 
irregular,  may  be  accelerated ;  but  it  may  also  be  full, 
be  strong,  be  regular,  and  not  increased  in  frequency. 
The  face  is  generally  pale ;  difficulty  in  breathing,  contrary 
to  what  might  have  been  expected,  is  not  a  prominent 
symptom,  and  is  often  wanting. 

The  duration  of  the  fits  is  as  uncertain  as  the  causes 
which  excite  them.     They  may  cease  in  a  few  minutes ; 


324  THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 

they  may  last  upwards  of  an  hour.  They  come  on  rapidly, 
without  any  assignable  reason;  they  are  reproduced  by 
bodily  ailment  or  by  exertion  or  mental  irritation." 


TREATMENT. 

In  general,  all  sources  of  stimulating,  rich,  or  indi- 
gestible  diet  must  be  at  once  abandoned,  and  in  all  cases 
a  quiet  habit  of  life  should  be  observed.  Everything 
calculated  to  produce  violent  emotions  of  grief,  anger,  joy 
or  depressing  mental  manifestations,  must  be  avoided. 

In  plethoric  persons  the  following  remedies  wilj  be 
found  useful:  Veratrium  viridCy  aconite^  bromide  of 
ammonium. 

In  anaemic  persons  on  the  other  hand,  a  more  generous 
diet  may  be  used ;  moderate  exercise  in  the  open  air  and 
everything  tending  to  restore  the  assimulative  organs,  and 
to  increase  the  standard  of  health.  The  remedies  to  be 
consulted  are:  ChinUy  cuprum,  ferrum,  mineral  acids^ 
and  the  hypophosphites  of  lime  or  soda,  nux  vom,,  ignatia, 
etc. 

In  cases  where  the  disease  is  symptomatic  of  some 
disease  existing  in  some  other  part  of  the  body,  the  ap- 
propriate remedies,  peculiar  to  such  diseased  organs 
should  be  studied;  as  Pulsatilla,  platina,  sepia,  gelsa^ 
minum,  cimicifuga,  nux  muschata,  etc,  for  uterine  difficul- 
ties. Other  remedies  that  may  be  studied  with  advantage 
are :  Digatalis,  collinso7iia,  phosphoric  acid,  bromide  of 
potassium,  sanguinaria,prunusvirginiana,  cactus  grand,,  etc. 

In  purely  functional  or  sympathetic  disease,  these  rem- 
edies will  act  sometimes  like  a  charm,  curing  permanently 
some  of  the  most  alarming  cases.  But  when  the  disease 
is  organic,  especially  if  it  is  of  long  standing,  little  can  be 
hoped  for  from  the  use  of  remedies,  and  yet,   in  some  of 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER.  325 


apparently,  the  most  hopeless  cases,  great  relief  has 
resulted  from  the  remedies  here  indicated,  and  useful  lives 
prolonged. 

Tranquility  of  both  body  and  mind  is  a  sine  qua  non, 
in  the  treatment  of  all  diseases  of  the  heart. 

The  afflicted  person  should  avoid  all  places  where  the 
mind  is  much  disturbed,  the  theatre  and  the  church  alike, 
especially  the  latter  during  a  period  of  exciting  revival. 

During  the  paroxysm  of  angina  pectoris  relief  must 
be  obtained  immediately,  if  not,  the  young  physician  will 
be  superceded  by  an  other,  or  older  practitioner. 

Hot  fomentations  over  the  breast,  and  inhalations  of 
ether  or  nit.  of  amyl,  promises  the  most  speedy  rehef. 
During  the  interval,  some  of  the  following  remedies  may 
be  given  with  hope  of  success  : 

Aconite^  especially  in  phlogistic  persons. 

Arsenic,  especially  in  malarious  districts,  and  where  the 
disease  assumes  the  periodic  character,  mix  vom,,  digiti- 
lis,  cactus  gfand,,  glon,^  spigelia^  etc. 


ABSTRACTS    OF   CURRENT  MEDICAL  LITERA- 
TURE. 

In  the  January  Number  of  the  St,  Louis  Clinical  Record, 
the  editor.  Dr.  Wm.  B.  Hazard,  one  of  St.  Louis'  most  emin- 
ent allopathic  physicians,  shows  his  manly  independence 
and  gives  that  Procrustian  bed  code  of  ethics,  that  has 
governed  (trammelled)  the  better  class  of  allopathic  phy- 
sicians, the  grand  bounce  as  follows,  viz : 

*  *  *  **The  fruits  of  this  "code  of  morals" 
show  for  themselves  the  fact  that  we  have  heretofore 
stated  :  that  the  code  has  outlived  its  usefulness ;  it  is  no 
check  upon  the  vicious,  and  the  decent  practitioner  has 
no  use  for  it ;  its  prohibitions  are  such  that  grown  men 
ought  to  feel  ashamed  to  be  asked  to  subscribe  to  them, 
and,  finally,  no  reputable  or  cultivated  gentleman  has  any 


•  -  -  - 

•  •     • 


326  THE    HOMCEOPATHIC    COURIER. 


need  for  it.  As  it  stands,  it  is  a  monument  to  the  puerility 
of  our  professional  ancestors  and  their  puny  descendants. 
We  shall  see  the  day  when  a  truly  national  medical  as- 
sociation will  be  established  upon  a  purely  scientific 
foundation;  one  in  which  village  gossip  or  private  malice 
shall  not  have  power  to  blast  the  fairest  reputation  ;  one 
to  which  achievement  in  science  shall  be  the  passport  and 
in  which  the  arts  of  the  pot-house  politic  shall  not  be  om- 
nipotent. When  that  day  comes  the  weaklings,  the 
"prostitutes  masquerading  as  honest  women,"  like  our 
attenuated  critic,  shall  keep  to  the  street  where  they 
belong  and  hold  converse  only  with  tlieir  peers.'* 

We  are  gratified  to  see  such  independence  in  our  allo- 
pathic brethren  and  look  for  the  time  to  come  when  Dr. 
Hazard  will  be  as  free  to  quote  from  homoeopathic  jour- 
nals and  text  books  as  we  are  to  quote  from   allopathic 

works, 

*'Xo  pent-up  Utica  controls  our  powers 
The  whole  boundless  continent  Is  ours.-' 

The  ridiculousness  of  one  feature  of  the  code,  is  that 
of  refusing  to  allow  their  members  to  consult  with  mem- 
bers of  another  school ;  as  was  manifested  in  the  case  of 
Dr.  Kidd,  of  London,  with  regard  to  the  sickness  and 
death  of  Lord  Beaconsfield.  No  allopath  would  consult 
with  Dr.  Kidd,  who  stands  head  and  shoulders  above 
those  who  refused. 

There  was  a  time  when  allopathy  thought,  that  by  this 
code  they  would  stamp  out  irregular  medicine,  but  their 
success  is  not  apparent  just  now  to  any  alarming   extent. 

Their  stamping  is  like  the  drunken  men  in  the  song, 
stamping  in  the  gutter  and  counting  the  strokes  of  the 
clock;  the  stamping  only  defiles  their  own  clothes,  and 
renders  them  ridiculous  to  all  sober  observers. 


A    FAIR    DESCRIPTION    OF    ALLOPATHIC    PRACTICE. 

General  Taylor  at  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista,  when  told 
by  one    of  his    corps  commanders,  that  his  army    was 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  327 

being  decimated  by  the  enemy,  replied :  "Let  us  look 
at  the  enemy  and  see  his  condition/' 

They  did  look,  and  found  that  the  forces  of  Santa 
Anna  were  nearly  demoralized,  and  from  this  the  wily  old 
Rough  and  Ready  concluded  that  victory  was  in  his  reach 
and  gave  that  immortal  order,  "a  little  more  grape, 
Captain  Bragg,'*  and  soon  the  victory  was  won. 

In  the  warfare  of  light  against  darkness,  progress 
against  bigotry  and  intolerance,  there  is  a  disposition  to 
weaken  the  efforts  of  the  army  of  right  by  dissentions  in 
their  own  ranks,  and  this  disheartens  those  who  are  labor- 
ing to  erect  the  noble  superstructure. 

While  the  rank  and  file  of  the  homoeopathic  army  are 
contending  and  weakening  its  strength  by  dissentions  on 
the  subject  of  attenuations  and  potencies,  and  the  faint- 
hearted are  disposed  to  falter,  let  us  take  a  look  at  the 
army  of  the  enemy. 

In  The  Clinical  Record  of  this  city,  one  of  the  most 
ably  conducted  of  our  allopathic  journals,  we  find  in  the 
March  number,  a  well  written  article  by  Dr.  R.  A.  Armi- 
stead,  which  we  here  reproduce  to  show  the  demoralization 
of  the  opposing  army. 

The  article  is  headed : 


MODERN    MEDICINE    AND    MEDICAL    PRACTICE. 

BY  R.  A.  AKMISTRAD,  M.  D. 

I  propose  to  offer  a  few  thoughts  upon  the  subject  of 
medicine  and  its  practice  as  presented  to  us  in  this  mar- 
velous age  of  invention  and  transcendent  progress  and 
civilization,  and  I  wish  it  distinctly  understood  that  I  do 
not  design  what  I  shall  say  as  an  attack  upon  the  learned 
profession,  but,  on  the  contrary,  I  simply  wish  to  present 
my  views  in  the  form  of  an  expose  of  what  I  conceive  to 
be  evil  practice  legalized.     If  I  did  not  believe  there  was 


328  THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER. 


truth  in  medicine  I  certainly  would  not  practice  it,  and 
yet  candor  compels  me  to  say  that  I  think  truth  and  error 
are  so  equally  blended  that  the  world  would  be  nearly  as 
well  off  without  doctors  as  with  them.  Where  there  is 
one  physician  who  cures  his  patients,  two  may  be  found 
who  kill  theirs,  consequently,  if  there  were  no  practitioners 
some  who  now  get  well  would  die,  and  others  who  die 
would  get  well,  and  the  percentage  of  fatal  cases  would 
be  no  greater  than  now.  This  is  a  sad  commentary  on  the 
practice  of  medicine,  but  it  is  my  honest  conviction,  and 
I  think  the  subject  should  be  gravely  discussed  instead  of 
being  covered  up  under  a  morbid  professional  courtesy 
whilst  hecatombs  are  daily  sacrificed  upon  the  altars  of 
ignorance  and  a  multiplicity  of  false  theories. 

Medicine  should  repose  upon  facts,  *the  offspring,  of 
experience  and  not  upon  theories,  as  is  so  much  the  case 
now. 

Is  medicine  a  science  ?  This  is  an  important  question, 
and  should  have  been  settled  long  ago,  but  like  everything 
relative  to  medicine,  remains  in  dispute.  A  science  al- 
ways proves  itself  and  leaves  no  room  for  dispute ;  then 
medicine  can  not  be  called  a  science  because  it  has  not 
within  its  whole  domain  an  undisputed  truth  or  principle. 
Medicine  stands  related  to  the  sciences,  but,  per  se,  must 
take  its  place  with  the  arts. 

Medicine,  as  presented  to  us  to-day,  is  nothing  but  a 
bundle  of  theories  as  diverse  as  the  leaves  of  the  forest, 
and  as  diametrically  opposed  to  each  other  as  the  poles. 
It  is  nothing  but  a  strange  conglomerate  of  truth  and 
falsehood  so  intimately  blended,  that  there  seems  to  be  no 
prospect  of  ever  unraveling  it.  The  only  guide  a  physi- 
cian has  is  his  experience.  Should  he  be  a  close  obser- 
ver and  a  good  reasoner  he  will  become  a  successful 
practitioner,  but  should  he,  unfortunately,  embrace  a 
theory,  he  will  only  become  a  patron  of  the  undertaker  aud 
gravedigger. 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER.  329 

In  a  legal  point  of  view,  it  is  becoming  more  and  more 
difficult  every  year  to  tell  what  mal-practice  is,  because  in 
the  regular  profession  (which  has  set  itself  up  as  the  stan- 
dard in  such  cases)  may  be  found  a  precedent  for  the 
most  absurd  and  destructive  practice  as  well  as  the  most 
contradictory,  outraging  both  reason  and  common  sense. 
Allopathic  "medicine"  may  be  compared  to  an  army  with 
an  independent  commander  for  each  brigade,  which  of 
course,  would  fall  an  easy  prey  to  a  well  disciplined 
enemy,  which  accounts  for  the  increase  of  the  irregulars 
all  over  the  country.  ' 

Homoeopathy  has  its  shibboleth,  and,  indeed,  all  other 
pathies,  but  the  only  rallying  cry  of  "Allopathy"  is  ^^quack 
quack  ;  down  with  quackery,^  and  yet,  if  there  is  any  remedy 
which  it  does  not  advocate  fqr  the  same  disease,  from 
water  of  all  temperatures  up  to  alcohol,  and  from  starva- 
tion up  to  cramming  with  food,  I  can  not  call  it  to  mind. 

Is  the  divine  art  of  medicine,  then,  advancing?  I 
answer,  it  is  ever  advancing  or  retreating,  and,  of  course, 
eternally  on  the  march.  The  misfortune  is,  that  it  never 
stops,  either  in  its  advances  or  retreats,  until  it  makes  it- 
self ridiculous.  The  medical  art  has  advanced  in  physical 
diagnosis  to  such  a  degree  that  it  has  become  a  great 
deal  more  respectable  and  fashionable  to  permit  the  symp- 
toms of  a  disease  to  proceed  in  their  regular  order  that 
they  may  be  traced  from  their  incipiency  to  the  fatal  ter- 
mination, than  to  cut  the  disease  short  or  to  cure  the  patient. 
The  physician  who  can  trace  from  day  to  day  the  symp- 
toms in  pleuritus  and  tell  with  precision  when  and  where 
effusion  has  taken  place,  then  verify  his  diagnosis  with  his 
trocar  and  let  his  patient  die,  is  much  more  popular  than 
he  who  not  only  locates  the  disease  but  promptly  arrests 
the  inflammation  before  it  terminates  in  effusion  and  saves 
his  patient.  The  morbidly  scientific  physician  may  diag- 
nosticate his  patients  to  death  by  his  long  and  too  frequent 
examinations,  but  it  makes  no  sort  of  difference,  he  will 
still  be  looked  upon  as  a  most  wonderful  man  in  his  profes- 
sion.     And  why  should  it  matter  if  his  patients  die,  so  he 


330  THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER. 

can  tell  what  kills  them,  and  illustrate  beyond  a  doubt 
that  death  commenced  in  the  head  or  in  the  lungs,  heart, 
stomach,  or  perchance,  in  the  intestinal  canal. 

I  once  had  a  very  sick  fever  patient  over  whom  a  con- 
sultation was  held.  I  had  taken  accurate  note  of  the 
pulse  rate  and  temperature  before  the  doctor  arrived,  and 
was  prepared  to  witness  the  effects  of  his  examination, 
which  lasted  about  half  an  hour.  After  he  was  through 
I  found  the  pulse  had  gone  up  from  ninety-eight  to  one 
hundred  and  twelve,  and  of  course  there  was  a  corres- 
ponding increase  of  heat.  In  this  case  the  patient's 
safety  was  jeopardized  by  the  protracted  examination, 
which  developed  nothing  new  and  was  unnecessary.  And 
thus  diagnosis,  which  is  of  the  utmost  importance  and 
indispensable,  is  being  converted  into  a  grave  evil  in  the 
hands  of  such  physicians.  The  great  bane  of  the  pro- 
fession is,  its  continual  tendency  to  run  into  extremes. 
Like  the  pendulum  of  a  clock,  it  must  vibrate  forever 
between  Scylla  and  Charybdis,  there  seems  to  be  no  mid- 
dle ground  upon  which  to  rest.  But  the  most  wonderful 
somersault  that  has  ever  been  performed  in  the  practice  of 
medicine  since  the  days  of  Hippocrates  has  taken  place  in 
the  department  of  therapeutics.  It  consists  in  the  com- 
plete substitution  of  the  stimulating  plan  of  treatment  for 
the  antiphlogistic.  Stimulants  have  entirely  superceded 
depleting  and  cooling  remedies  even  in  the  most  violent 
fevers  and  inflammations,  They  answer  equally  well  to 
bring  down  or  raise  the  pulse  or  temperature.  And  thus 
the  practice  of  medicine  has  at  last  been  reduced  to  its 
lowest  denomination,  and  its  functions  may  be  performed 
as  well  by  a  man  without  brains  as  by  one  with  brains,  as 
all  he  has  to  do  is  to  give  plenty  of  quinine  and  whisky, 
and  be  sure  to  stuff  his  patient  with  some  kind  of  food  re- 
gardless of  the  condition  of  the  stomach.  There  is  no 
possible  chance  for  the  doctor  to  make  a  mistake  unless 
he  gives  too  little. 

To  illustrate  this  practice  I  will  relate  two  cases.     The 
first  was  one  of  typhoid  fever  to  which  I  was  called  about 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  33 1 

'  . 

the  seventh  day  of  her  illness.  I  arrived  at  9  A.  m.  after 
the  attending  physician  had  made  his  morning  visit.  I 
found  the  patient  with  a  pulse  so  rapid  that  it  could  not 
be  counted,  intense  heat  and  delirium  prevailed.  She 
was  taking  five  grains  of  quinine  every  three  or  four  hours 
and  drinking  brandy  and  milk  ad  libitum,  and  being 
thirsty  she  took  it  freely,  but  fortunately  she  would  vomit 
every  thirty  or  forty  minutes.  I  was  told  by  the  nurse 
that  she  had  not  slept  for  five  days  and  nights.  Feeling 
confident  that  something  would  have  to  be  done  speedily 
or  death  would  be  the  consequence,  I  ordered  the  brandy 
milk  and  quinine  discontinued,  but  gave  her  nothing  until 
she  had  thrown  up  all  the  milk,  which  was  in  large  cheesy 
lumps  that  would  have  required  the  stomach  of  an  ostrich 
to  digest.  In  the  -mean  time  I  had  the  entire  body 
sponged  frequently  with  warm  water,  which  had  a  most 
soothing  effect  and  reduced  the  heat.  As  soon  as  the 
stomach  became  quiet  I  gave  three  drops  of  Norwood*s 
tincture  of  veratrum  viride,  which  produced  slight  nausea 
but  no  vomiting ;  the  dose  was  then  reduced  to  two  drops 
every  three  hours,  which  produced*excellent  results.  At 
night  when  the  doctor  returned,  the  pulse  could  be  counted 
and  was  a  hundred  and  thirty.  I  had  substituted  beef 
tea  for  the  milk  and  only  gave  a  tablespoonful  every  two 
hours.  At  night  we  gave  a  dose  of  Dover's  powder 
which  produced  several  hours'  sleep.  The  next  morning 
the  pulse  was  a  hundred  and  twenty  and  the  heat  still 
farther  reduced.  Two  grains  of  quinidia  were  now  given 
every  two  hours  instead  of  quinine,  which  had  produced 
almost  total  deafness,  and  in  two  days  the  hearing  was 
entirely  restored  and  the  pulse  reduced  to  ninety-five. 
No  more  brandy  or  whisky  was  given  until  approaching 
convalescence  when  the  perspiration  became  profuse. 
During  convalescence  she  drank  pure  crab-apple  cider 
with  great  relish  and  the  best  effect.  I  wish  I  could  al- 
ways get  it  for  such  patients.  This  patient  made  a  rapid 
recovery,  and  I  shall  ever  believe  she  was  saved  by  the 
radical  change  of  treatment. 


332  THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 

The  second  case  was  a  young  man  who  had  been  sick  at 
least  two  weeks.  I  found  him  taking  large  doses  of  qui- 
nine and  whisky  and  as  drunk  as  Bacchus.  By  making 
a  short  temperance  speech  I  prevailed  on  the  attending 
physician  to  "taper  him  off"  and  sober  the  poor  fellow, 
which  was  done,  and  he  recovered  in  due  time.  I  asked 
the  doctor  what  he  most  relied  upon  to  reduce  fever?  He 
replied,  whisky  and  quinine.  Then,  said  I,  in  the  event 
you  wish  to  raise  the  pulse,  what  do  you  give  ?  Whisky 
and  quinine,  of  course,  said  he.  If  such  practice  is  not  a 
complete  burlesque  on  the  profession  of  medicine  I  cannot 
divine  what  would  be,  for,  to  my  mind,  it  makes  it  look 
pretty  ridiculous. 

That  alcohol  is  a  good  medicine  none  can  deny,  but  it 
is  like  a  great  many  potent  remedies,  capable  of  doing 
immense  mischief  if  improperly  used.  That  it  is  now 
being  terribly  abused  as  a  medicine  I  have  not  the  slight- 
est doubt,  and  as  a  remedy  in  the  hands  of  physicians  I 
believe  it  has  killed  more  patients  within  the  last  seven 
years  than  were  destroyed  by  blood-letting  during  the 
zenith  of  its  glory  and  the  long  time  it  was  so  fearfully 
abused. 

The  great  objection  urged  against  bleeding  is,  that  it 
impoverishes  the  blood  by  diminishing  the  red  globules 
and  thereby  induces  anaemia.  It  is  indeed  strange  that 
such  an  objection  should  be  urged  by  any  well-informed 
physician  when  the  battle-fields  and  hundreds  of  puerperal 
cases  prove  its  entire  safety,  by  demonstrating  how  readily 
the  system,  under  proper  treatment,  generates  new  blood 
after  the  most  profuse  and  exhausting  hemorrhages. 
Blood-letting  is  the  most  powerful  promoter  of  absorption 
known  to  the  profession,  and  it  is  upon  this  principle  that 
it  gives  such  signal  relief  in  local  congestions  and  inflam- 
mations. 

Whilst  the  whisky  doctors  are  so  terribly  afraid  of 
bleeding,  they  are  offering  up  hecatombs  of  victims  on 
the  altar  of  their  fiery  god,  alcohol.  According  to  this 
stimulating  theory  we  have  no  further  use  for  the  many 


THE   HOMOEOPATHIC   COURIER.  333 


and  learned  volumes  written  on  materia  medica  and  thera- 
peutics, since  by  one  grand  retrograde  movement  it  has 
reduced  the  whole  thing  down  to  whisky  and  quinine, 
and  rendered  it  possible  for  an  individual  with  hardly  three 
ideas  above  an  oyster  to  practice  medicine.  It  is  high 
time  that  the  profession  should  cease  its  railings  against 
quackery  and  mal-practice,  and  it  would  cease  to  be  a 
wonder  that  irregular  medicine  **  flourishes  like  a  green 
bay  tree."  For  my  part,  were  I  reduced  to  the  alterna- 
tive of  choosing  between  them,  I  would  prefer  the  steam 
doctor,  because  his  therapia  embraces  at  least  four  reme- 
dies, to  wit :  lobelia^  composition  tea,  cayenne  and  steam, 
each  good  in  its  place.  I  would  prefer  the  Homoeopathist 
because  there  would  be  no  danger  of  his  killing  me,  and 
he  would  at  least  give  Dame  Nature  a  chance  to  try  her 
canny  hand.  The  Episcopal  church  should  add  the 
following  item  to  its  profoundly  solemn  litany :  ^^From 
the  evils  of  alcohol  and  whisky  doctors,  good  Lord^  deliver 
usy  For  if  ever  a  special  Providence  interferes  in  the 
affairs  of  men,  now  is  a  most  propitious  time  to  bestow  a 
wonderful  blessing  upon  poor  afflicted  humanity. 

But  the  divine  art  of  medicine  has  made  astounding 
strides  in  another  direction.  It  has  given  to  its  nomen- 
clature what  may  be  termed  a  fungous  growth,  on  account 
of  its  rapidity.  New  words  are  daily  being  substituted 
for  old  familiar  terms,  and  the  ities,  ologies  and  multiplied 
scopes  have  taken  a  wonderful  scope,  and  would  now  fill 
a  respectable-sized  volume.  Our  vernacular  tongue  is  not 
refined  and  expressive  enough  to  suit  the  lisping  twaddle 
of  the  would  be  learned  of  the  profession,  and  all  the 
French  phrases  that  can  be  brought  into  requisition  are 
being  woven  into  the  rtiedical  literature  of  the  day. 
French  weights  and  measures  have  been  introduced, 
for  what  purpose  it  is  hard  to  tell,  and  the  lives  of  the 
people  still  further  jeopardized  from  the  mutiplied  dan- 
gers of  mistakes.  Medical  dictionaries  should  now  be 
published  like  the  United  States  Dispensatory,  every  two 
yea;:s.     But  there  is  hope  that  as  the  practice  of  medicine 


334  THE  HOMOEOPATHIC  COURIER. 

has  been  narrowed  down  to  two  remedies  (whisky  and 
quinine),  good  may  spring  out  of  evil,  and  this  word-making 
propensity  man  may  be  checked,  for  under  the  new 
regime  we  have  but  little  use  for  old  or  new  medical  terms 
and  phrases. 

There  is  another  peculiarity  about  this  modern  practice 
worthy  of  note.  According  to  the  reports  of  its  votaries 
they  are  the  most  successful  practitioners  that  ever  lived, 
and  yet  the  graveyards,  as  true  as  finger  boards,  flatly 
contradict  their  statements,  for  these  receptacles  of  the 
dead  always  look  as  if  they  had  just  been  plowed  up. 

There  are  those  so  reckless  as  to  advocate  the  external  use 
of  cold  water  in  measles,  and  absolutely  affirm  that  it  acts 
like  a  charm,  and  is  one  of  the  greatest  discoveries  of  the 
age.  Now  I  might  have  believed  these  statements,  and 
been  silly  enough  to  have  tried  it,  if  I  had  not  seen  this 
practice  tested  years  before  it  was  thought  of  by  any 
physician.  It  happened  on  this  wise  :  In  the  month  of 
July  the  measles  broke  out  in  a  family  of  four,  husband, 
wife,  and  two  children,  living  in  the  country  nine  miles 
from  the  city.  The  neighborhood  physician  was  called  in 
and  pronounced  the  disease  scarlet  fever,  and  forthwith 
began  to  sponge  with  cold  water.  In  forty-eight  hours 
he  had  killed  the  mother  and  infant.  Of  course,  a  panic 
ensued,  and  I  was  sent  for  to  see  the  oldest  child,  which 
took  the  disease  last,  but  which,  unfortunately,  had  been 
treated  in  the  same  way,  and  was  entirely  insensible  from 
congestion  of  the  brain  and  lungs.  As  soon  as  I  got  the 
history  of  the  cases,  it  was  plain  enough  that  the  disease 
was  measles,  for  they  were  all  taken  with  well-defined 
catarrhal  symptoms.  The  child  died  the  next  day,  and 
in  a  few  weeks  the  doctor  left  the  country,  and  should 
have  left  the  profession,  but  he  still  hangs  on  and  is  ma- 
king a  living,  for  he  can  give  whisky  and  quinine  as  well 
as  anybody,  and  if  his  patients  die  he  has  plenty  of  good 
company,  and  they  die  according  to  law  and  an  ap- 
proved theory. 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER.  335 


TO  PREVENT  THE  SPREADING  OF  SCARLET  FEVER. 

J.  Davidson,  m.  d. 


The  following  rules  have  received  the  sanction  of  the 
highest  medical  authorities,  and  when  faithfully  carried 
out  have  been  found  effectual  in  limiting  the  contagious- 
ness of  scarlet  fever.  At  the  same  time  it  should  be 
remembered  that  it  is  also  epidemic  as  well  as  contagious, 
and  cases  frequently  occur  where  contact  has  no't  taken 
place : 

1st.  Prompt  removal  of  the  healthy  from  sick  children, 
even  members  of  the  same  family,  as  far  as  possible. 

2d.  The  destruction  or  complete  disinfection  of  every 
article  that  has  come  in  contact  with  the  sick. 

3d.  If  possible,  the  patient  should  have  a  separate 
room,  into  which  none  but  nurses  are  admitted. 

4th.  Remove  from  the  room  useless  furniture,  as  mus- 
ical instruments,  book-cases,  cupboards,  and  everything 
which  can  collect  dust  and  dirt,  as  window  curtains,  and 
above  all  woolen  or  heavy  drapery,  carpets,  etc.  The 
contagious  germs  are  deposited  as  a  fine  dust,  on  woolen 
goods  and  carpets  especially,  and  will  retain  the  vitality 
of  the  poisonous  germs  for  a  long  period.  Never  allow 
the  patient  to  expectorate  on  the  floor  or  on  carpets ; 
use  spittoons  containing  a  disinfecting  fluid.  The  secre- 
tions of  the  mouth  and  nostrils  are  heavily  charged  with 
poisonous  germs,  and  when  dry  and  deposited  on  the 
floor  or  carpets,  have  the  power  of  reinfecting  almost  in- 
definitely. 

Jth.  Ventilate  the  room  by  an  open  window  at  the  top, 
or  if  very  cold  weather,  ventilate  the  adjoining  room,  the 
door  between  being  left  open,  but  protect  the  patient  from 
direct  drafts  of  air. 

6th.  Keep  the  patient  clean,  changing  under  clothing 
often,  and  every  article  used  by  him  should  be  thoroughly 


336  THE   HOMOEOPATHIC   COURIER. 

disinfected.  The  expectoration  and  other  discharges 
should  be  received  into  vessels  containing  disinfecting 
fluids,  chloride  of  lime,  one-half  pound  to  a  pail  of 
water;  or  carbolic  acid,  two  ounces  to  a  pail  of  water,  and 
should  be  immediately  removed  and  buried.  The  under- 
clothing should  be  in  one  of  the  above  fluids  an  hour 
or  two  and  then  washed  in  very  hot  water  in  tubs  used 
only  for  this  purpose.  Water  at  the  boiling  point  promptly 
kills  the  fever  germs. 

7th.  Instead  of  using  pocket  handkerchiefs  about  the 
patient  use  pieces  of  cotton  or  linen,  and  burn  them  when 
soiled. 

8th.  The  sweepings  and  dustings  of  the  rooms  should 
be  destroyed  by  fire. 

9th.  The  nurse's  clothes  and  hands  should  be  disin- 
fected and  washed  in  one  of  the  fluids  as  above,  frequently. 

lOth.  Dry  the  clothing  after  washing  with  a  high  de- 
gree of  heat,  and  then  give  them  a  thorough  airing  in  the 
cold  air.  Extremes  of  heat  and  cold  destroy  the  fever 
germs. 

nth.  The  convalescent  should  not  mingle  with  the 
healthy  in  less  time  than  a  month  from  the  beginning  of 
the  attack.  The  room  he  has  occupied  should  be  thor- 
oughly cleaned  and  disinfected,  and  repapered  or  painted 
and  the  windows  and  doors  be  allowed  to  remain  open  a 
long  time. 

1 2th.  The  patients  should  be  separated  as  much  as 
possible  from  each  other  in  the  same  house,  as  they  re- 
infect each  other  and  add  to  its  malignancy.  Deny  to  all 
children  admittance  to  the  house,  and  all  visitors  except 
nurses,  until  the  complete  disappearance  of  all  symptoms 
of  disease  of  the  throat  and  skin. 

Finally,  all  display  should  be  prohibited  at  the  funerals 
of  those  who  have  died  of  scarlet  fever.  Children  should 
not  be  allowed  to  be  there,  and  the  opening  of  the  coffin 
in  the  presence  of  friends  should  be  avoided. 

In  conclusion,  if  these  rules  are  observed  at  the  homes 
of  the  sick,  healthy  adults,  with  no  family  of  small  chil- 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  337 


dren  at  home,  need  have  no  fear  in  giving  aid  and  nursing 
in  afflicted  families,  as  scarlet  fever  in  the  adult  is  a  very 
mild  disease,  especially  if  the  subject  has  had  it  in  child- 
hood. But  avoid  coming  in  contact  with  young  children, 
nevertheless.  If  you  cannot  assist  the  afflicted  at  their 
homes,  you  may  furnish  means  to  the  poor  in  assisting 
them  to  carry  out  the  above  means  of  prevention. — Bis- 
toury, 


PROTOPLASM. 

6.  O.  GLBA80K,  M.  D. 

This  term  is  derived  from  the  Greek,  protos,  first  plasso, 
to  form.  It  is  a  colorless,  smooth  or  granular  viscid  sub- 
stance, homogeneous  in  character.  It  is  readily  detected 
under  the  microscope  by  the  ease  with  which  it  combines 
with  coloring  matter,  such  as  aniline  and  carmine.  It 
coagulates  in  alcohol,  in  mineral  acids  and  by  heat. 

This  substance  resembles  other  albumoids  and  consists 
of  carbon,  oxygen,  hydrogen,  nitrogen,  and  a  small  pro- 
portion of  sulphur.  It  has  the  power  to  absorb  the  water 
in  various  quantities  which  makes  it  nearly  liquid,  while  at 
other  times  it  becomes  firm  and  leathery. 

Its  more  permanent  qualities  are  excitability  and  con- 
tractility. Protoplasm  is  called  the  "  physical  basis  of 
life,**  the  original  substance  from  which  all  living  beings 
are  developed  and  is  present  in  every  phrase  of  life.  All 
that  is  comprehended  under  the  term  life,  whether  in  the 
growth  of  plants  or  animals,  in  the  flight  of  birds,  or  train 
of  human  thought,  is  supposed  to  be  caused  by  organs 
which  consist  of  protoplasm,  or  have  been  developed  out 
of  it. 

It  is  present  wherever  there  is  nutrition  or  propagation, 
motion  or  sensation.  There  are  certain  protozoans — 
called  monera,  the  entire  body  of  which,  with  all  its  capa- 
bilities is  made   up  and   consists   solely  of  protoplasm. 


338  THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 


They  are  the  simplest  organizations  with  which  we  have 
any  knowledge  and  the  most  minute  and  structureless  of 
living  beings  that  we  can  conceive  as  capable  of  existing. 
Their  entire  body  is  but  a  single  formless  mass  or  rathei 
lump  of  protoplasm,  with  no  combination  of  parts ;  yet, 
they  perform  all  the  functions  which  in  their  oneness, 
constitute  the  most  highly  organized  animals  and  plants. 
They  illustrate  in  thejr  simple  existence,  the  varied  phe- 
nomena of  life.  Such  as  motion,  sensation,  nutrition  and 
propagation.  By  studying  these  simple  monera,  we 
obtain  a  very  clear  and  definite  idea  of  the  nature  and 
importance  of  this  living  substance,  called  protoplasm. 

These  tnonera  live  in  both  fresh  and  salt  water.  As  a 
rule  they  are  invisible  to  the  naked  eye  — while  some  of 
them  are  as  large  as  the  head  of  a  pin.  They  are  among 
the  things  that  are  of  intense  interest  to  the  microscopist. 
When  at  rest  the  monad  has  a  spherical  shape.  The  sur- 
face of  the  body  may  be  smooth — or  very  delicate  threads 
may  radiate  from  it  in  every  direction.  These  thread-like 
extensions  of  its  substance  are  not  permanent  organs. 
They  come  and  go — they  vary  every  moment  in  number, 
size  and  form.  For  this  reason,  they  are  pseudopodia 
or  false  feet.  Thus,  the  functions  of  the  higher  animals 
are  performed  by  these  simple  means ;  for,  by  shortening 
or  enlongating  these  finger  or  thread-like  prolongations, 
they  drag  their  bodies  after  them.  If  any  point  of  the 
body  or  any  filament  be  touched  with  the  point  of  a 
needle — or  any  chemical  substance,  or  current  of  electri- 
city, the  threads  are  drawn  in  and  the  body  contracts  and 
assumes  a  ball-like  shape.  These  filamentous  prolonga- 
tions perform  the  function  of  food  providers.  The 
psuedopodia  when  extended,  come  in  contact  with  in- 
fusoria or  other  food  particles,  envelope  them  in  their 
substance  and  convey  them  into  the  interior  of  the  body, 
where  the  nutrition  is  absorbed  and  the  remainder  is 
ejected  as  useless.  The  variations  in  the  monera  consist 
in  many  kinds  of  pseudopodia  and  in  the  many  modes  of 
reproduction.     Some  divide  into  halves;  others  put  out 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  339 


small  buds  which  in  time  separate  from  the  parent;  others, 
still  burst  into  numerous  small  round  bodies  each  of  which 
begins  a  separate  life,  until  it  reaches  the  size  of  its  an- 
cestor. 

The  single,  simple  cell  is  able  to  live  as  an  independent 
organism.  Many  of  the  lowest  plants  and  animals  retain 
for  life  aU  the  characteristics  of  a  simple  cell.  The  most 
primitive  unicellar  organism  is  the  amceba. 

The  monera  is  supposed  to  have  no  germ,  while  the 
amoeba,  as  other  cells,  has  this  germ,  an  organ  of  propo- 
gation  and  heredity,  while  the  other  functions,  alimenta- 
tion, motion  and  sensation  are  performed  by  the  proto- 
plasmic body  substance. 

Thus,  cells  reproduce  themselves  by  a  division  of  the 
germ,  around  each  half  of  which  protoplasm  gathers, 
until  the  main  body  separates  into  two  distinct  cells,  each 
of  which  grows  and  subdivides  an  indefinite  number  of 
times 

Cells  are  elementary  organisms,  minute  forms  of  life, 
which  may  live  independently,  or  in  higher  forms,  may 
combine  in  multitudes  to  form  a  community.  So,  it  comes 
to  pass  that  the  various  forms  of  life  by  differentiation  of 
cells  [brought  about  by  the  different  chemical  arrange- 
ment of  the  granular  structure  of  protoplasm]  are  evolved. 
— Bistoury, 


PERNICIOUS    INTERMITTENTS. 

Prof.  N.  S.  Davis,  M.  D.,  of  Chicago  Medical  College 
in  a  lecture  on  this  subject  (Boston  Medical  and  Surgical 
Journal^  March  3,  *8i)  claims  that  the  presence  of  the 
malarial  poison  in  the  blood  produces  a  primary  and  direct 
effect  on  the  elementary  properties  common  to  all  the 
tissues,  viz :  susceptibility  and  vital  affinity,  and  that  the 
nervous  distufbation  is  only  a  part  of  this  more  general 
action.  It  primarily  causes  an  increase  of  the  general 
susceptibility  or  excitability,  coincident  with  a  decided 


340  THE   HOMCEOPATHIC    COURIER. 


diminution  of  the  vital  affinity  by  which  the  tonicity  of 
the  tissues  and  the  atomic  movements  are  controlled. 
The  difference  between  an  ordinary  and  a  pernicious 
paroxysm  is  tlie  more  profound  depression  of. the  vital 
affinity  in  the  latter.  The  essential  pathology  of  the  per- 
nicious chill  is,  that  the  play  of  vital  affinity  is  so  far 
overcome  as  to  make  the  restoration  of  the  natural  atomic 
or  molecular  relations  between  the  constituents  of  the 
blood  in  the  capillaries  and  the  organized  tissues  ex- 
tremely difficult.  This  being  the  essential  feature  of  the 
disease,  it  is  necessarily  dangerous,  because  whenever  the 
properties  of  the  tissues  become  so  involved  that  they 
lose  their  inherent  power  to  attract  new  atoms  from  the 
blood  and  return  old  ones,  as  in  the  natural  processes  of 
secretion,  nutrition,  etc.,  there  is  not  only  imminent  dan- 
ger of  the  cessation  of  life,  but  there  is  also  great  diffi- 
culty in  obtaining  any  effect  from  the  administration  of 
remedies. 

For  clinical  purposes,  he  arranges  all  cases  classed  as 
pernicious  in  five  groups,  viz :  the  comatose,  the  spasmo- 
dic, the  pulmonary,  the  choleraic  and  the  algid.  The 
first  two  groups  may  be  united  in  one,  by  caUing  it  the 
cerebro-spinal.  In  the  first  group,  two  important  varieties 
are  included :  In  the  one  the  patient  is  unconcious  or 
comatose  from  the  very  beginning  of  the  paroxysm,  the 
coma  may  hourly  become  more  profound,  the  face  pale, 
the  temperature  low,  pulse  feeble,  respiration  irregular 
and  pupils  dilated ;  in  the  other  after  a  comatose  period, 
partial  reaction  soon  takes  place,  the  face  becomes  deeply 
suffused,  the  head  and  trunk  hot,  pulse  more  full,  and 
respiration  hurried.  The  coma  may  give  place  to  wild 
delirium,  which  may  end  either  in  the  supervention  of 
.sleep,  and  an  intermission,  or  the  return  of  coma,  general 
paralysis  and  death. 

The  second  group  is  characterized  by  the  paroxysm 
being  ushered  in,  not  by  coma,  but  by  severe  muscular 
contractions,  either  continuous  or  paroxysmal,  as  in  con- 
vulsions. 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER.  34I 

The  pulmonary  and  choleraic  groups  are  marked  by 
symptoms  of  intense  congestion  of  lungs  and  digestive 
tract,  respectively,  f  rof.  Davis  describes  them  at  length, 
but  we  have  no  space  for  a  citation  of  the  descriptions. 
The  cases  accompanied  by  a  hemorrhagic  tendency  he 
places  in  a  choleraic  group.  Primarily,  all  are  more  or 
less  cold,  but  there  is  a  class  of  cases  where  the  patient 
becomes  almost  at  once  cold  and  blue,  and  ultimately  his 
organic  functions  cease  without  any  specific  determination 
to  one  important  organ  more  than  another,  unless  it  be 
to  the  cutaneous  surface  in  the  form  of  copious  cold 
sweating.  The  autopsy  reveals  nothing  more  than  a 
paler  or  drier  state  of  the  tissues  than  natural.  In  the 
other  forms,  the  post  mortem  appearances  are  simply 
those  caused  by  an  overplus  of  blood  in  those  organs 
and  viscera  manifestly  disturbed  in  their  functions  during 
life. 

Treatment, — The  leading  and  important  indications  for 
treatment  are :  i,  to  bring  about  general  and  uniform 
reaction  by  the  prompt  use  of  such  means  as  will  most 
efficiently  increase  the  tonicity  of  the  tissues,  the  mole-, 
cular  changes,  and  the  vaso-motor  sensibility ;  2,  if  we 
succeed  in  this,  and  thereby  conduct  the  patient  safely  to 
the  commencement  of  a  period  of  remission  or  intermis- 
sion, the  second  indication  is  to  bring  him,  as  speedily  as 
possible,  so  fully  under  the  influence  of  some  anti-periodic 
as  to  prevent  the  supervention  of  a  second  paroxysm. 

To  fulfill  the  first  indication,  it  is  the  general  custom  to 
administer  hot  and  stimulating  remedies  internally  and  to 
apply  all  kinds  of  heating  and  irritant  applications  exter- 
nally. Prof.  Davis  states  that  all  these  are  without  the 
slightest  beneficial  effect  on  the  patient,  After  quoting 
Dr.  Drake  to  the  effect  that  both  external  heat  and  the 
internal  use  of  what  are  called  alcoholic  stimulants  are 
absolutely  useless  in  the  depression  of  a  true  pernicious 
paroxysm  of  malarial  fever,  he  uses  the  following  lan- 
guage, to  which  we  direct  especial  attention :  "  From 
what  we  now  know  of  the  effects  of  alcohol  as  an  ana^s- 


342  THE  HOMOEOPATHIC  COURIER. 


thetic  to  nerve  sensibility,  and  direct  retarder  of  molecular 
changes  and  capillary  circulation,  we  should  not  only 
expect  no  benefit,  but  positive  harm  from  its  use  in  these 
cases.  Under  the  theory  of  internal  congestion,  especially 
of  the  portal  system  of  vessels,  bleeding,  large  doses  of 
calomel,  and  various  kinds  of  emetics  have  been  tried, 
but  with  no  encouraging  results,  except  in  a  few  cases 
where  an  emetic  of  salt  and  mustard  appeared  to  aid  in 
establishing  reaction." 

Accepting  Milne  Edwards'  demonstration  that  heat 
diminishes  the  general  tonicity  and  relaxes  the  contractile 
tissues  of  the  body,  and  that  cold  increases  both  by 
bringing  the  atoms  closer  together  and  strengthening  the 
play  of  vital  affinity.  Prof.  Davis  is  naturally  led  to  the 
following :  "Whether  you  agree  with  me  that  malaria 
acts  directly  upon  the  elementary  properties  common  to 
all  living  tissues,  or  indirectly  through  a  primary  para- 
lyzing influence  on  the  vaso-motor  nervous  system,  as 
suggested  by  most  writers.  They  point  directly  to  the 
sudden  and  temporary  application  of  cold  as  the  most 
rational  and  efficient  means  we  possess  for  arousing  nerve 
sensibility,  capillary  circulation,  molecular  movements, 
and,  as  a  result,  an  increase  of  temperature." 

The  patient  is  stripped,  and  several  gallons  of  cold 
water  suddenly  dashed  over  the  head  and  trunk  of  the 
body;  he  is  then  quickly  rolled  up  in  dry  flannel  blankets 
for  thirty  minutes.  If  there  is  no  decided  improvement 
in  pulse  and  temperature  at  the  end  of  that  time,  he  is 
unwrapped  and  the  dashing  with  cold  water  is  repeated, 
followed  as  before  by  rolling  in  warm  blankets.  This  may 
be  repeated  three  or  four  times  if  necessary ;  generally 
two  repetitions  suffice.  This  plan,  theoretically  correct, 
has  the  endorsement  of  direct  clinical  experience.  Dr. 
Fearn,  of  Huntsville,  Alabama,  had  great  success  with  it 
as  long  ago  as  1830,  and  Prof.  Davis  has  used  it  success- 
fully on  two  occasions. 

In  those  comatose  cases  where  partial  reaction  has  taken 
place  and  the  face  is  deeply  flushed  and  the  head  hot,  an  ice 


THE   HOMOEOPATHIC  COURIER.    .  343 


cap  should  be  applied  to  the  head  and  back  of  the  neck. 
In  cases  equally  comatose  but  pale  and  cool,  instead  of 
the  ice  cap,  he  advises  to  bring  the  patient's  head  over  a 
tub,  and  with  a  pitcher  filled  with  tepid  water  to  pour  a 
douche  of  two  or  three  quarts  of  water  over  the  occiput, 
repeating  it  once  in  from  half  an  hour  to  an  hour ;  this 
constitutes  the  most  efficacious  means  of  relief.  The 
same  means  applied  to  the  neck  and  spine,  in  the  spas- 
modic or  convulsive  cases,  and  to  the  chest  in  the  pul- 
monary group,  give  the  best  results.  In  the  choleraic 
cases,  with  great  restlessness,  frequent  vomiting  aud  purg- 
ing, with  cold  sweat,  great  collateral  advantage,  he  states, 
may  be  gained  by  the  judicious  use  of  morphia  and 
atropia  hypodermically.  If  the  heart's  action  is  very 
feeble,  the  injection  of  morphia  and  atropia  may  be  alter- 
nated with  suitable  doses  of  strychnia.  In  the  purely 
algid  cases,  in  addition  to  the  efficient  application  exter- 
nally of  alternate  cold  water  and  dry  warmth,  he  advises 
the  prompt  administration,  either  by  the  stomach  or  hy- 
podermically, of  strychnia  and  atropia  without  morphia, 
as  the  best  treatment  that  can  be  adopted. 

After  reaction  has  been  established  the  second  indica- 
tion— to  prevent  the  recurrence  of  the  paroxysm — is  to 
be  fulfilled  by  bringing  the  patient  as  rapidly  as  possible 
under  the  full  anti-periodic  influence  of  quinine  which  is 
more  reliable  than  any  other  remedy  we  possess.  This 
he  accomplishes  by  giving  twenty  grains  by  the  mouth  or 
ten  grains  by  hypodermic  injection,  on  the  decline  of  the 
paroxysm,  or  as  soon  as  reaction  is  fairly  established,  and 
repeating  the  same  at  such  intervals  that  three  doses  will 
be  taken  before  the  time  for  the  next  paroxysm  to  begin. 
He  adds,  to  which  we  heartily  subscribe,  "it  is  so  impor- 
tant to  make  sure  of  preventing  another  paroxysm,  that 
it  is  better  to  err  in  giving  a  larger  quantity  than  is 
strictly  necessary  than  in  not  giving  enough.  Half  the 
quantities  just  indicated  will  be  sufficient  for  the  next 
day,  and  still  less  the  next,  after  which  the  case  shall  be 
treated  with  tonics,  rest  and  nutritious  food,  as  in  tlie  con- 


344  THE    HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 

valescence  from  other  severe  attacks  of  malarious  fever." 
A  caution  is  added  against  the  patient  resuming  active 
labor,  mental  or  physical,  until  his  strength  is  fully  re- 
stored.— Si.  Louis  Clinical  Record. 

We  insert  this,  not  because  we  endorse  the  medical  part 
of  the  treatment  but  we  do  that  of  the  use  of  water. 
The  intelligent  Homceopath  will  select  remedies  much 
more  appropriate  to  the  case  than  those  recommended 
by  Dr.  Davis.  It  is  amusing  to  see  the  attempt  to  give  a 
physiological  description  for  the*  modus  operandi  of  the 
treatment. 


Iodoform. — Dr.  Aphel  (Lo  Spallanzani)  gives  the  case 
of  a  woman  of  twenty  who  had  received  a  contusion  of 
the  right  mammae,  whic  hsoon  became  painful,  while  the 
lymphatics  of  the  axilla  became  engorged.  After  suffer- 
ing for  twenty  days,  the  patient  sought  medical  relief. 
Inunctions  with  a  pomade  of  mercury  and  belladonna, 
perserved  in  for  ten  days,  gave  no  relief.  On  using  an 
ointment  of  iodoform,  however,  instantaneous  relief  was 
gained.  At  the  end  of  ten  days  the  patient  was  dis- 
charged cured.  In  a  second  case,  that  of  a  man  who 
received  a  severe  bruise  on  the  ankle,  an  ointment  of  one 
part  of  iodoform  to  thirty  parts  of  lard  produced  rapid 
amelioration.  Prof.  Masius  uses  the  following  formula : 
Iodoform  i  part,  glycerol  of  starch  30  parts,  essence  of 
peppermint  a  sufficient  quantity  to  mask  the  odor. — 
Philadelphia  Med.  Times. 


Those  who  have  been  troubled  with  leaky  gum  bags  in 
their  operations  in  the  labratory  will  be  glad  to  have  ths 
following  receipt  for 

A  Good  Elastic  Glue. — Dissolve  two  ounces  of  India 
rubber  in  half  a  gallon  of  mineral  naphtha.  When  the 
solution  has  been  effected,  add  four  ounces  of  shellac  to 
the  naphtha,  place  it  in  an  iron  vessel,  apply  heat  cautious- 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC    COURIER.  345 


ly,  Stir  until  well  mixed,  and  then  pour  it  upon  a  slab  to 
cool.  This  can  be  melted  at^the  same  heat  as  common 
glue,  can  be  applied  with  a  brush,  sets  quickly,  is  elastic, 
and  perfectly  insoluble  in  water. 

And  those  who  are  preparing  objects  for  the  Scientific 
Lantern  will  thank  us  for  this : 


Transparent  Paint  for  Glass.  —Take  for  blue  pigment, 
Prussian  blvic;  for  r^^,crimson  lake;  ioxyelloiv^  Indian  yellow; 
andfor  other  shades,  a  mixture  of  the  appropriate  primary 
colors.  Rub  them  in  a  size  made  as  follows:  Venice 
turpentine,  2  parts;  spirits  of  turpentine,  I  part;  and  apply 
with  a  brush.  The  colors  are  moderately  fast  unless 
exposed  too  long  to  direct  sunlight.  A  solution  of  the 
various  aniline  dyes  in  shellac  varnish  has  also  been 
recommended. 


Our  ladies  may  like  to  try  the  following : 

Rust  is  readily  removed  from  white  goods  by  soaking 
the  stains  in  a  weak  solution  of  tin  chloride,  and  rinsing 
immediately  with  much  water.  The  tin  salt  is  more  re- 
liable in  removing  iron  rust,  and  quicker  in  its  action  than 
oxalic  acid,  unless  the  stains  are  soaked  in  a  solution  of 
the  latter  contained  in  a  tin  spoon,  when  the  stains  dis- 
appear in  a  shorter  time. — Pharm.  Centralb. 


nitro-glycerine  in  acute  and  chronic  bright's  disease, 
and  in  the  vascular  tension  of  the  aged. 

Dr.  A.  W.  Mayo  Robson  [Brit,  Med,  Jour.,  1880),  has 
given  nitro-glycerine  in  these  cases  with  great  benefit. 
A  man  of  65,  with  puffy  eyelids  and  o^dematous   legs,  a 

I 


346  THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER. 


pulse  tense  and  corded,  the  heart  greatly  hypertrophied, 
and  breathing  labored  and  difficult  at  times,  was  given  a 
one-per-cent.  solution  of  nitro-glycerine  in  one-minim 
doses  every  half  hour,  till  its  physiological  effects  were 
produced.  It  relieved  the  asthmatic  symptoms  so  effect- 
ually that  the  patient. would  never  afterwards  be  without 
it.  After  taking  the  medicine  in  three-minim  doses  thrice 
daily  for  a  week,  the  urine,  of  which  only  a  pint  and  a 
half  daily,  of  specific  gravity  1008,  and  very  albuminous, 
had  been  passed,  was  now  voided  to  the  amount  of  three 
pints,  specific  gravity  1012,  and  almost  free  from  albumen. 
This  patient  continued  to  take  the  medicine  for  some 
months,  with  great  amelioration  of  the  symptoms. 

Dr.  Robson  mentions  another  similar  case,  in  which  the 
relieT  gained  was  equally  striking.  In  the  case  of  a 
woman  of  52,  who  had  had  one  slight  apoplectic  seizure 
and  was  threatened  with  another,  and  where  the  pulse  was 
hard  and  corded,  and  all  her  vessels  indicated  increase  of 
tension,  nitro-glycerine  was  administered  in  one-minim 
do5es  thrice  daily,  with  the  result  of  removing  entirely  all 
symptoms  of  dizziness,  etc.  In  the  subsequent  history  of 
this  patient,  a  dose  of  the  remedy  has  been  taken  when- 
ever dizziness  has  begun  to  come  on,  with  the  result  of 
relieving*  the  symptoms,  and,  as  may  be  supposed,  of 
averting  for  the  time  a  threatened  attack  of  apoplexy. 

A  case  of  angina,  or  of  anginaform  attacks,  appeared  to 
be  cured  by  the  use  of  the  nitro-glycerine.  Other  inter- 
esting cases  are  detailed  by  Dr.  Robson,  in  which  patients 
suffering  from  an  attack  of  acute  nephritis  were  quickly 
relieved  and  cured. 

Dr.  Robson  says,  in  conclusion,  that  whether  the  vascu- 
lar tension,  which  is  the  symptom  treated,  be  due  to 
chronic  kidney  mischief  or  to  arterial  fibrosis,  this  condi- 
tion is  unquestionably  relieved  by  nitro-glycerine,  and 
with  the  diminution  of  pressure,  in  his  experience,  im- 
provement inevitably  follows,  though  in  some  cases  it  may 
be  only  temporary. — Phila.  Mcd^  Times, 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER.  347 

BILIARY  CALCULI. 

In  the  June  mimber  of  the  Medical  Brief ^  in  answer  to 
a  question  as  to  the  best  remedy  for  relieving  biliary 
calculi,  Dr.  J.  W.  Babitt  of  Ypsilanti,  Mich.,  replies  that 
upon  the  advice  of  Dr.  Pitchers,  of  Detroit,  he  took  the 
then  new  remedy,  which  relieved  him  of  over  one  hundred 
crj'stalized  globes  as  large  as  a  marrowfat  pea,  at  one 
evacuation.  Since  that  time  he  has  treated  more  than  a 
score  of  cases  with  the  best  results.  Remedy,  sweet 
olive  oil,  six  to  eight  ounces.  First  empty  the  stomach 
by  emetics  or  by  fasting,  the  latter  preferable.  Twenty 
or  thirty  minutes  after  swallowing  the  oil,  which  will  give 
time  for  it  to  pass  into  the  duodenum,  recline  on  the  left 
side  with  the  hips  elevated  higher  than  the  shoulders. 
The  oil  will  find  its  way  into  the  ductus  communis  and 
reach  the  enemy  in  their  castle,  to-wit:  the  gall  bladder. 
Every  calculi  will  be  lubricated  and  slide  out  of  the  fount 
and  through  the  intestines.  Now  to  be  certain  that  the 
desired  result  has  been  obtained,  let  the  stools  be  dejected 
into  a  vessel  half  full  of  water,  and  the  little  green  globes 
will  be  found  floating  on  the  water. 

Sweet  olive  oil,  has  been  used  by  the  allopaths  and 
eclectics  for  many  years.  It  is  useful  only  in  their  hands, 
because  it  keeps  them  from  using  something  worse ;  and  it 
may  be  useful  in  causing  a  laxative  effect ;  but  that  it  goes 
up  the  ductus  choledicus,  enters  the  gall  bladder,  we  very 
much  doubt,  and  our  experience  with  it  has  not  been 
very  encouraging. 

The  better  way  is  to  give  belladonna  low,  during  the 
paroxysm,  to  dilate  the  duct  and  relieve  distress,  and  then 
during  the  time  between  the  attacks  use  the  remedy  in- 
dicated. We  have  had  good  success  with  nux,  arsenic, 
china  and  bryonia. 

The  use  of  olive  oil  in  these  cases  was  first  introduced 
to  the  profession  by  Dr.  D.  E.  Smith,  an  Electric  physi- 
cian of  Brooklyn,  in  the  year  1871. 


348  THE    HOMCEOPATHIC    COURIER. 


EUCALYPTUS  IN  BRONCHITIS. 

Dr.  Bell  says:  The  eucalyptus  globulus  has  remark- 
able anti-catarrhal  virtues.  The  only  preparation  which 
I  have  used  has  been  the  tincture  prepared  by  several  of 
our  most  eminent  druggists  in  Edinburgh,  and  I  have 
seldom  prescribed  more  than  a  teaspoonful  mixed  with  a 
wineglass  of  water,  twice  a  day.  In  several  cases  of 
bronchitis,  with  profuse  expectoration,  I  have  witnessed 
remarkable  benefit  after  a  very  brief  use  of  the  remedy, 
evinced  by  a  rapid  diminution  of  the  discharge,  and  also 
by  a  corresponding  improvement  in  the  general  condition 
of  the  patient. — Ex, 


CHRONIC    RHEUMATISM. 

We  have  treated  several  cases  of  this  disease  during 
the  winter  months  and  found  all  of  them  quite  obstinate. 
In  one  case,  Mr.  J.  S.  had  been  suffering  from  the  first  of 
October  to  the  tenth  of  February,  and  by  the  advice  of 
his  physician  had  been  taking  from  five  to  ten  grains  of 
salicine  every  four  hours  during  the  day  for  the  whole 
time.  No  other  treatmeut  was  recommended  except  now 
and  then  a  dose  of  compound  cathartic  pills  thrown  in  by 
way  of  variety.  When  this  patient  first  applied  for 
treatment  he  was  suffering  with  pain  in  the  right  hip,  run- 
ning down  the  right  leg  to  the  ankles ;  pain  in  the  small 
of  the  back  and  left  shoulder ;  could  with  great  difficulty 
move  around.  Although  the  pain  was  often  very  severe, 
very  little  swelling  was  perceivable  about  the  joints. 
We  commenced  the  treatment  by  giving  three  grain  doses 
of  the  IX  trituration  of  alstonia  constricta,  every  two 
hours,  which  we  continued  in  alternation  with  rhus  tox 
for  four  days.  A  vapor  bath  was  given  at  bedtime  every 
night  while  taking  this  prescription.  At  the  end  of  four 
days  the  patient  came  to  the  office  to  show  us  how  high' 
he  could  kick  with  his  right  leg,  which  had  been  lame  so 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER.  349 


long.     He  seemed  to  be  free  from  pain  or  soreness,  with 
a  good  appetite,  and  soon  resumed  business.-  Med,  Call. 


PROLAPSUS  ANI. 

Gelineau  pencils  the  prolapsus  with  liquor  ferri 
sesquichlorati,  allows  it  to  dry  up  and  returns  the  prolap- 
sus, introducing  at  the  same  time  into  the  rectum  some 
lint  moistioned  with  a  diluted  solution  of  the  same  drug, 
equal  parts,  and  fastens  a  tampon  moistened  with  the 
same  fluid  to  the  anus  with  a  T  bandage.  The  following 
day  the  lint  is  carefully  removed  and  a  small  quantity  of 
a  very  diluted  solution  of  liquor  ferri  sesquichlorati  in- 
jected into  the  anus  and  the  external  tanipon  removed. 
On  the  fourth  day  the  patient  may  take  some,  castor  oil. 
In  children  the  penciling  must  be  done  with  a  weaker 
solution,  no  lint  introduced  but  only  the  tampon  applied. 
— N,  A,  J,  of  Horn. 


ECZEMA. 

A  case — child  two  years  old.  The  eruption  involved 
the  entire  scalp,  both  ears,  the  greater  part  of  the  face, 
forehead  and  one  eye.  The  discharge  was  enormous  ; 
yellowish,  purulent  and  very  offensive.  Graphites,  200c. 
one  dose,  six  powders  blank — one  every  night.  After  the 
lapse  of  one  week  the  discharge  less  copious  and  less 
offensive.  Graphites,  200c,  six  powders,  one  every  other 
night.  After  two  powders  no  more  medicine  as  long  as 
improvement  continued.     Cured. — Medical  Call. 


PILOCARPINE  IN  DIPHTHERIA. 


In  a  year  and  a  half.  Dr.  Guttman  treated  eighty-one 
cases  of  diphtheria  by  pilocarpine  without  losing  a  single 
case.  Recovery  in  mild  cases  taking  place  in  from  one  to 
three  days,  the  very  grave  cases  in  from  nine  to  eleven 


350  THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER. 


days.  He  administered  the  alkaloid  internally  with  pep- 
sine  dissolved  in  chlorhydric  acid  and  water,  which  con- 
trolled mtestinal  catarrh,  and  dissolved  the  membrane 
characteristic  of  the  disease. — Med,  Gazette, 

CHLOROFORMING   DURING   SLEEP. 

The  possibility  of  chloroforming  a  person  in  sleep, 
without  waking  him,  having  been  disputed  in  a  recent 
murder  trial,  Dr.  J.  V.  Quimby,  of  Jersey  City,  was  led  to 
test  the  question  experimentally.  The  results  were  pre- 
sented in  a  paper  before  the  section  of  Medical  Jurispru- 
dence, at  the  meeting  of  the  American  Medical  Association 
a  few  days  ago.  Dr.  Quimby  made  arrangements  with  a 
gentleman  to  enter  his  room  when  he  was  asleep  and 
apply  chloroform  to  him.  This  he  did  with  entire  success 
transferring  the  person  from  natural  to  artificial  sleep 
without  arousing  him.  He  used  about  three  drachms  of 
Squibb's  chloroform,  and  occupied  about  seven  minutes 
in  the  operation.  The  second  case  was  a  boy  of  thirteen, 
who  had  refused  to  take  ether  for  a  minor  operation.  Dr. 
Quimby  advised  the  mother  to  give  the  boy  a  light 
supper  and  put  him  to  bed.  She  did  so,  and  Dr.  Quimby 
calling  when  the  boy  was  asleep,  administered  the  chloro- 
form and  performed  the  operation  without  awakening  the 
boy.  The  third  case  was  a  boy  of  ten  years  suffering 
from  an  abscess,  and  the  same  course  was  pursued  with 
equal  success. 

Two  important  inferences  may  be  drawn  from  these 
cases.  Dr.  Quimby  said.  Minor  surgical  operations  may 
be  done  with  perfect  safety  and  much  more  pleasantly 
than  in  the  ordinary  way ;  and  secondly,  a  person  some- 
what skilled  in  the  use  of  chloroform  may  enter  a  sleeping 
apartment  and  administer  chloroform  with  evil  intentions 
while  a  person  is  asleep.  Hence  the  use  of  this  drug  in 
the  hands  of  a  criminal  may  become  an  effective  instru- 
ment in  the  accomplishment  of  his  nefarious  designs.—- 
Medical  Advance. 


THE    HOMOEOPATHIC  COURIER.  35  I 

THE   TRUE   PHYSICIAN. 

"In  these  days  of  International  Societies,  True  Hahne- 
mannians,  and  Rolls  of  Honors,  when  a  few  men  draw  a 
circle  around  medical  tenets  which  they  look  upon  as  of 
divine  origin  (although  many  of  them  are  the  coinages 
of  their  own  imaginations),  and  from  within  this  sacred* 
circle,  as  from  an  impregnable  fortress,  hurl  the  taunts 
of  mongrel  and  renegade  against  all  those  who  cannot 
repeat  the  shibboleth  of  their  peculiar  medical  faith,  it 
may  not  be  amiss  for  the  Times,  from  its  conservative 
standpoint,  regardless  of  the  din  with  which  the  air  is 
filled,  the  cries  of  regular  and  irregular — and  I  am  of 
Paul  and  I  of  ApoUos — to  state  its  convictions  as  to  what 
constitutes  a  tru€  physician. 

We  seek  no  quarrel  with  any  case  of  our  professional 
brethren;  and  while  we  have  our  own  strong  convictions; 
and  are  at  all  times  ready  to  give  a  reason  for  thdm,  we 
wish  to  treat  with  respect  and  courtesy  the  honest  be- 
lief of  others,  differing  from  us  though  it  may.  We 
simply  insist  that  so  far  as  great  principles  ate  concerned 
they  shall  be  fairly  and  clearly  presented,  and  called  by 
their  right  names;  and  deny  the  right  of  any  man  or  set/ 
of  men  to  tack  on  to  a  principle  which  has  been  clearly* 
and  distinctly  formulated,  theories  having  no  legitimate 
connection  with  it,  and  which  by  no  process  of  reasoning 
could  be  evolved  from  it 

Similia  similibus  curantur  conveys  its  own  meaning  to 
the  intelligent  mind  clearly  and  distinctly,  and  the  be- 
liever in  it  who  gives  it  its  proper  place  can  in  no  sense  be 
charged  with  sectarianism.  It  is  a  great  principle  in 
therapeutics  to  guide  us  in  the  study  of  the  action  of 
drugs  upon  the  human  organism,  and  their  proper  selec- 
tion in  disease.  It  lays  down  no  rule  that  every  drug 
shall  be  given  singly,  and  never  in  combination  or  alter- 
nation with  others ;  it  makes  no  reference  to  dynamization 
and  increased  development  of  power  by  succussion  and 


352  THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 


trituration.  The  only  legitimate  conclusion  which  can  be 
drawn  from  the  principle  is,  that  the  drug  must  be  given 
in  sufficient  strength  to  control  the  disease  without 
injury  to  the  system.  The  drug  is  given  with  this  end  in 
view,  its  primary  and  secondary  action  being  fully  under- 
stood. If  more  is  given  than  is  required  to  meet  the 
diseased  condition,  not  only  may  the  disease  not  be  con- 
trolled, but  positive  injury  may  result  to  the  system.  If 
too  little  is  given  the  disease  goes  on  unchecked.  If 
ten  or  twenty  grains  of  quinine  are  required,  or  five  drops 
of  aconite  or  belladonna,  or  twenty  grains  of  iodide  of 
potash,  or  a  quarter  or  half  grain  of  proto-iod-tnerc.^  to 
meet  the  peculiar  diseased  condition — a  condition  similar 
to  which  the  drug  "would  produce- the  man  is  a  true 
physician;  who  meets  the  demands  of  the  case,  and  pre- 
scribes for  it  intelligently.  He  is  equally  a  true  physician 
if,  the  peculiar  conditions  of  the  case  pointing  to  minute 
doses  and  attenuated  remedies,  he  prescribes  them.  The 
law  of  siniilia  stands  out  clear  and  distinct.  The  dose 
must  be  left  to  the  careful  study,  the  intelligence  and 
good  judgment  of  the  prescriber,  aided  by  all  the  light 
which  science  can  bring  to  bear  upon  the  subject.  It  is 
..  natural  to  suppose  that  every  man  will  care  more  for 
curing  his  patients — in  as  much  as  success  involves  reputa- 
tion and  pecuniary  prosperity — than  for  the  triumph  of  any 
individual  theory,  and  travel  the  path — which  the  con- 
cientious  will  always  do — the  most  likely  to  insure  that 
permanent  success  which  can  only  be  based  on  true  merit. 
We  stand  on  the  broad  ground  of  non-sectarianism 
believing  that  the  laws  of  similars  should  occupy  an  im- 
portant place  in  the  great  system  of  medicine ;  that  it 
should  be  stated  clearly  and  distinctly,  in  its  naked  beauty 
and  simplicity.  We  do  not  believe  that  the  art  of  mecii- 
cine  can  be  encircled  by  a  single  theory  or  covered  by  a 
single  dogma.  A  true  physician  is  broad  and  liberal  in 
his  ideas,  and  charitable  to  all.  Looking  upon  the  possi- 
bilities of  his  profession  as  boundless  as  the  development 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER.  353 

of  science,  he  constantly  strives  to  keep  in  the  front  rank 
of  progress,  eagerly  and  gladly  receiving  facts  coming 
from  any  scource.  In  this  path  the  Times  has  walked  and 
will  continue  to  walk." 


The  above  we  find  in  The  Homoeopathic  Times,  New 
York.  While  we  admire  the  tone  as  it  is  candid  and 
liberal,  yet  we  must  protest  to  the  sanction  given  here  for 
gross  medication ;  while  the  advanced  physicians  of  the 
allopathic  school  are  abandoning  perturbing  courses  of 
treatment  and  advocating  a  more  mild  and  rational  plan, 
it  is  no  time  for  the  leading  metropolitan  homoeopathic 
journals  to  advocate,  or  even  tolerate,  massive  doses  of 
gross  medicines. 

We  have  for  over  thirty  years  practiced  medicine  in 
the  most  malarious  portions  of  our  country;  for  some 
years  on  the  Wabash  River,  and  for  13  years  of  that 
time  as  an  allopathic  physician;  yet  we  have  never  seen 
a  case  that  required  twenty  grains  of  quinine,  and  the 
physician  who  cannot  cure  his  malarial  patients  without 
such  massive  doses  has  07(r  most  heart-felt  sympathy. 

We  are  willing  to  give  the  hand  of  brotherhood  and 
friendship  to  every  physician  who  adopts  the  law  of  sim- 
ilars as  his  guide,  and  we  disapprove  of  the  epithets 
hurled  at  some  who  cannot  see  as  others  do  in  regard  to 
attenuations,  yet  when  we  hear  of  physicians  using  large 
doses  of  gross  medicines  we  feel  like  "expounding  unto 
him  the  way  of  truth  more  perfectly."  But  above  all 
things  let  us  be  charitable. 


Department  of  Electrolog}^  &  Neurolog}^ 

J.  T.  Kent,  M.  D.,  Editor. 


MELANCHOLIA.* 

Ut  Ira  RrssKLL,  M.  D.,   Wicheudou,  Mass. 


I 


A  person  unfamiliar  with  the  peculiarities  of  insanity, 
on  entering  one  of  our  large  insane  hospitals,  will,  at  first, 
be  impressed  by  the  great  variety  of  symptoms  and  char- 
acteristics manifested  by  the  inmates.  But,  upon  a  care- 
ful examination,  he  will  find  that  they  can  be  arranged  and 
classified  into  a  few  distinct  groups ;  the  restless,  excited, 
talkative  sufferer,  from  acute  mania ;  the  general  paralytic, 
with  his  exalted  ideas  of  untold  wealth  and  power;  the 
melancholic,  stolid  and  indifferent,  with  suffering  and  gloom 
pictured  on  his  countenance  and  expressed  by  every  ac- 
tion, and  the  demented,  oblivious  to  everything  around 
him.  These  different  mental  and  physical  manifestations, 
which  at  first  seemed  a  heterogenous  aggregate,  can  be 
reduced  to  a  few  well-defined  and  distinct  groups,  not  but 
that  there  are  cases  which  seem  to  shade  into  each  other, 
making  it  difficult  to  determine  whether  a  patient  should 
be  classified  with  mania  or  with  melancholia,  or  another 
with  melancholia  or  dementia.  In  fact  there  is  a  border- 
land where  sanity  and  insanity  shade  into  each  other,  and 
many  persons  pass  their  whole  life  very  near  that  line,  as 
shown  by  eccentricities  in  regard  to  business,  morals  and 


•  Head  before  the  New  England  Psychological  Society.  Dec  14,  1n^»,  l>y  Irn 
]Uissell,M.  D.,  Wicheiuion,  AlasB  ,  Member  of  tht*  Association  of  Sureririten- 
dents  of  American  Insane  Asylums,  of  the  New  Knglaud  rsychologlcal  Society, 
Massachusetts  Medico-Legal  society,  etc.,  etc. 


THE    HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  35$ 


religion,  with  sudden  and  unlooked  for  changes  in  charac- 
ter and  disposition.     As  Dryden  says : 

^ 'Great  wit  to  madness  is  allied.^' 

Twenty-five  or  thirty  years  ago,  little  or  nothing  was 
taught  in  our  medical  schools  respecting  psychological 
medicine.  •  It  is  not  so  now ;  the  importance  of  a  knowl- 
edge of  mental  diseases  to  the  general  practitioner  is 
beginning  to  be  recognized,  and  our  medical  colleges  are 
beginning  to  give  instruction  in  this  department  of  medi- 
cine. 

My  topic  is  "Melancholia,"  one  of  the  most  common 
and  curable  forms  of  insanity.  The  term  fnelancltolia 
is  derived  from  two  Greek  words  ;  ''melas'*  and  **kole** 
meaning  black  bile.  The  invasion  of  this  form  of  insanity 
is  variously  characterized,  sometimes  sudden,  as  when 
produced  by  grief  or  some  unexpected  reverse  of  fortune ; 
but  usually  it  is  slow.  The  subject  of  it,  gradually  and 
almost  imperceptibly  loses  his  relish  for  existence,  takes 
less  interest  in  his  business  and  his  family,  is  abstracted 
in  thought,  peevish  and  fretful  in  disposition,  and  more 
easily  irritated  than  usual;  seeks  solitude,  and,  in  the 
words  of  Dryden  : 

**He  makes  his  h«^art  a  prey  to  black  despair. 
He  eats  nof,  driiilcs  not,  sleeps  not,  has  no  care 
Of  anvrliing  but  tliought;  or  if  lie  tallcs, 
"Fis  oi  himself." 

At  first  he  may  be  moody,  silent  and  taciturn,  but  he 
soon  begins  to  talk  about  himself;  he  has  done  some 
great  wrong  for  which  he  is  to  be  puuished,  etc.  An 
eminent  business  man,  of  this  State,  once  told  me  that  he 
had  misappropriated  funds  entrusted  to  his  care,  and  he 
was  to  be  hanged  for  it.  He  said  another  man  had 
committed  the  same  crime  and  been  imprisoned;  but  he 
knowing  better,  must  be  hanged,  as  that  was  the  only 
punishment  adequate  to  his  offense.  An  investigation  of 
this  man's  affairs  showed  everything  to  be  all  right. 

The  fear  of  poverty  is  very  often  manifest,  especially 
in  those  who  have  an  abundance.     Such  persons  will  re- 


356  THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER. 

fuse  food.  I  have  a  lady  under  my  care,  seventy-five 
years  old,  who  would  not  eat  were  it  not  for  the  dread  of 
the  stomach  pump.  Her  excuse  is,  that  she  cannot  com- 
pensate me  for  the  food,  and  that  it  "distresses  her 
stomach/'  For  several  years  previous  to  coming  under 
my  care  she  had  been  on  a  very  restricted  diet,  as  she 
claimed  that  everything  she  ate  hurt  her.  When  she  came 
to  me  she  was  reduced  to  a  mere  skeleton,  and  was  on 
the  point  of  starvation.  I  put  her  on  a  generous  diet  and 
she  very  soon  began  to  gain  physically  and  in  strength 
Nothing  that  she  has  eaten  has^  disagreed  with  her,  but  her 
melancholy  has  become  chronic,  and  if  left  to  herself  she 
would  soon  die  of  starvation.  On  a  great  many  subjects 
she  talks  rationally  and  even  seems  to  know  that  her 
notions  about  poverty  are  delusions. 

It  is  often  very  difficult  to  determine  whether  a  person  is 
suffering  from  melancholia  or  "pure  cussedness."  The 
willfulness,  irritable  temper,  like  and  dislikes,  the  hatred  of 
certain  persons  without  any  assignable  cause,  or  the 
assignment  of  causes  that  have  no  reality,  are  apt  to  be 
attributed  by  friends  to  anything  but  the  true  cause. 
Such  persons  will  be  treated  for  liver  complaint,  dyspepsia 
and  other  difficulties,  but  without  benefit. 

You  question  a  melancholic  closely  and  get  him  to  dis- 
close his  true  feelings,  and  he  will  tell  you  that  there  is  a 
cloud  hanging,  over  him,  he  can  see  no  sunshine.  His 
friends  seem  to  have  forsaken  him,  and  instead  of  seeming 
near  him  are  far  away  in  the  distance,  and  constantly  re- 
ceding from  him.  The  previously  indulgent  parent  abuses 
his  children;  the  loving  wife  distrusts  her  husband  and 
takes  the  lives  of  her  children  to  save  them  from  some 
fancied  evil. 

Bucknill  and  Tuke  say  that 

**No  mental  disease  stamps  itself  upon  the  physiognomy  and  de- 
meanor of  the  patient  more  decidedly  than  mehmcholia.  The  sad  and 
anxions  eye,  the  drooping  brow,  the  painful  mouth,  the  attenuated 
and  careworn  featuriis,  tne  muddy  complexion  and  liarsli  skin,  the 
inertia  of  body,  the  stooping,  crouching  position  and  the  slow  and 
heary  movements,  speak  of  cfistressing  oppression  of  the  faculties  and 
intense  wretchedness.'- 


THE  HOMCEOPATI|IC   COURIER.  35/ 

While  the  common  maniac  is  perfectly  satisfied  with 
himself,  and  thinks  everybody  else  crazy,  the  melan- 
cholic's  thoughts  are  turned  inward  upon  himself;  he  is  full 
of  regrets  and  self-blame  for  something  done  or  left  un- 
done in  the  past  and  full  of  apprehension  that  future  evils 
will  overtake  him. 

When  the  religious  element  is  involved,  the  patient  be- 
comes the  victim  of  the  most  gloomy  fancies,  and  the  con- 
science becomes  so  morbidly  acute,  that : — 

'^Night  riding  incubl 
IVoubling  the  fantasy, 
All  dire  illusions 
Causing  confusions ; 
Figments  heretical. 
Scruples  fantastical. 
Doubts  diabolicar'— 

Are  incessantly  presented  to  the  mind,  and  Hfe  is  ren- 
dered intolerable  by  perpetual  misgivings  as  to  the  pro- 
priety of  the  most  trifling  circumstances. 

A  patient  of  mine  lost  a  daughter  by  consumption;  she 
was  the  only  child  of  his  first  wife,  who  died  when  this 
child  was  quite  young.  He  had  married  again  and  had 
other  children.  After  the  death  of  this  daughter  the 
thought  occured  to  him  that  he  might  have  thought,  that, 
inasmuch  as  she  had  consumption  and  could  not  possibly 
get  well,  he  would  be  better  off  when  she  was  gone,  as  it 
would  tend  to  harmonize  the  family.  He  was  not  sure 
that  he  ever  had  such  a  thought,  but  if  he  ever  did  enter- 
tain such  a  thought,  it  was  a  horrible  sin  and  God  would 
inflict  a  terrible  punishment  upon  him  for  it. 

The  misery  and  unhappiness  that  this  one  thought  caused 
him  is  indescribable.  He  was  a  very  intelligent  gentle- 
man, and  when  his  mind  was  diverted  from  this  one  subject, 
his  conversation  and  ideas  were  rational  and  intelligent. 
So  old  a  writer  as  Plutarch  has  given  a  graphic  de- 
scription of  the  religious  melancholic : 

"To  such  a  man  every  little  evil  is  magnified  by  the  scaring  spec^trcs 
of  his  anxiety;  he  looks  upon  himself  as  a  man  whom  the  gods  hate 
and  pursue  with  their  anger.  A  far  worse  lot  is  before  him,  he  dare  not 
employ  any  means  of  averting  or  remedying  the  evil,  lest  he  be  founil 


358  THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER. 

fighting  ajS^ainst  the  gods.  The  ph5'sichin,  the  consoling  friends  are 
all  driven  awii}'.  'Leave  me!'  says  the  wretched  man,  une  the  accur- 
sed, the  hated  of  the  gods,  to  suffer  my  punishment.' 

I  might  quote  much  more  from  old  writers,  but  the 
above  is  enough  to  show  that  melancholia  is  no  new 
disease. 

At  the  present  day  the  religious  melancholic  is  very 
apt  to  imagine  that  he  has  committed  the  unpardon- 
able sin.  Such  a  one  once  consulted  a  distinguished 
clergyman,  and  he  very  frankly  told  her  that  he  was  not 
the  proper  person  to  consult,  but  that  she  should 
seek  the  advice  of  some  good  physician. 

Indecision  is  a  very  common  symptom  in  melancholia  ; 
it  may  be  slight  in  trifling  matters,  or  it  may  charac- 
terize every  action.  I  once  had  a  patient,  a  graduate  of 
Harvard  College,  a  fine  scholar  and  cultivated  gentleman. 
He  would  be  all  day  in  writing  one  line;  he  could  not 
make  up  his  mind  what  words  to  use.  I  went  to  his 
room  one  morning  and  found  him  in  undress.  I  asked 
why  he  was  in  that  condition,  and  he  said  there  were  two 
shirts  on  the  bed  and  he  could  not  make  up  his  mind 
which  to  take. 

The  delusions  of  melancholia  are  frequently  single — 
the  mind  fastens  upon  one  thing — it  may  be  rational 
upon  all   other   subjects.     It    may   be    conscious   of  the 

delusion  and  even  make  efforts  to  conceal  it  and  try  to 
overcome  it,  but  it  is  all  in  vain. 

One  of  the  most  distressing  cases  of  melancholia  that 
has  come  under  my  observation  was  that  of  a  young 
physician,  in  whom  the  disease  took  the  form  of  syphili- 
phobia.  He  belonged  to  one  of  the  most  distinguished 
New  England  families.  He  had  a  home  and  foreign  educa- 
tion, was  refined  and  polished  in  manners,  well- versed  in 
the  literature  in  his  profession,  and  very  conscientious  in 
the  discharge  of  every  duty.  He  located  in  a  large  city, 
and  soon  obtained  a  large  practice.  From  over-work  and 
anxiety  he  became  depressed,  slept  badly,  and  his  appetite 
failed.  He  soon  imagined  he  had  contracted  syphilis, 
protesting  all  the  while  that  he  had  ^been  strictly   moral, 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  359 

upright  and  honest  in  his  conduct.  He  was  constantly 
watching  for  syhpilitic  symptoms,  and  whenever  he  found 
any  abrasion  or  pimple  upon  his  person,  he  was  sure  it 
was  syphilitic.  He  would  go  to  the  mirror  a  hundred  times 
a  day  to  examine  his  face  for  syphilitic  eruptions.  He 
was  constantly  pulling  his  beard  and  hair  to  see  if  he  had 
not  got  syphilitic  alopoetia.  He  would  talk  with  any  one 
that  would  listen  to  him  about  his  syphilis  for  hours;  would 
weep  and  cry  and  lament  his  deplorable  condition,  in  fact, 
his  agony  was  indescribable.  "Nobody,"  he  would  say, 
"could  understand  his  situation."  No  one  would  believe 
him  when  he  asserted  that  he  had  been  upright  and  honest. 
He  became  suicidal,  and  made  several  attempts  to  take 
his  life.  By  my  advice,  he  went  to  New  York  and  con- 
sulted one  of  the  most  distinguished  syphilographers,  Dr. 
F.  N.  Otis,  who  found  no  signs  of  syphilis,  but  it  made 
no  differenee  with  his  belief  or  mental  sufferings.  He 
made  several  visits  to  New  York,  and  consulted  other 
physicians  with  like  results,  and,  finally,  committed  suicide 
with  a  pistol  shot  while  in  the  water-closet  of  a  railroad 

car  on  his  return  from  a  visit  to  New  York,  where  he  had 
gone  to  consult  several  experts,  all  of  whom  pronounced 
him  free  from  the  disease.  Notwithstanding  he  seemed 
pleased  with  the  opinions  given,  and  expressed  a  deter- 
mination to  give  up  the  delusion ;  he,  in  a  very  artful  man- 
ner, purchased  a  revolver  with  the  results  above  stated. 
During  all  this  time  (after  purchasing  his  revolver)  he  was 
more  cheerful  and  self-possessed  than  he  had   been   for 

months.  Bumstead  has  expressed  the  opinion  that  syphi. 
liphobia  is  in  no  way  due  to  syphilis,  as  it  is  much  more 
frequently  found  among  those  who  do  not  have  the  disease, 

Proxiina  delude  tenent  moesti  loca,  qui  sibl  letum 
Insontes  pepereve  mauu,  liicemqtie  perosi 
Projecere  aiiimas.    Quam  vellent  aethere  in  alto 
Nunc  et  pauperiera  et  dnros  perferre  labores! 
Fas  obstat,  tristique  pahis  iuumabilis  unda 
AlUgat,  et  novies  Styx  interfusa  coereet. 


36o 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER. 


Which  Governor  Long  translates  thus : 

Next  the  abode  of  melancholy  souls 

Thai  guiltless  else,  sought  death  by  their  own  band. 

And  lay  down  life  because  life  burdened  them, 

Glad  were  they  now  if  but  in  upper  air. 

Rough  toil  or  want  they  bore,  but  fate  forbids, 

The  grim  flood  pens  with  its  gloomy  wave. 

Nine  times  the  cngulphing  Styx  around  them  coils. 

No  melancholic  can  be  trusted,  however  mild  the 
symptoms. 

The  number  of  suicides  in  this  State,  during  the  last  ten 
years,  has  averaged  122  per  year.  Last  year  the  medical 
examiner  reported  the  same  number,  giving  the  meth- 
od adopted  to  **shuffle  off  this  mortal  coil,"  in  eighty   (80) 


cases ;  viz : 

By   Hanging         .         .         .         . 

23 

Drowning           -         -         .         - 

16 

Pistol   Shots         -         -         -         - 

17 

Cut   Throats     -         -         -         - 

10 

Leaping  from  Heights     - 

2 

Strangulation       -         -         -         - 

I 

Unknown         -         -         .         . 

I 

BY   POISONS. 

Paris  Green         .         -         .         - 

5 

Corosive  Sublimate 

Chloral 

Morphine         .         -         -         - 

Laudanum.         -         -         -         . 

Cantharides     -         -         -         - 

The  causes  were  not  generally  given,  but,  by  letters  of 
inquiry  and  other  means,  I  have  learned  that  considerably 
more  than  half  were  due  to  melancholy,  many  of  whom 
had  been  suffering  from  it  for  many  months,  and  no  pains 

had  been  taken  to  put  them  in  places  of  safety.     A  case 

reported    by   Dr.   Abbott  illustrates    this    carlessness  of 
friends : 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER.  36 1 

A.  B.,  a^ed  70,  a  fanner  in  comfortable  eiromnstaiiees.  His 
(lanji^hter,  witli  whom  he  lived  at  hi.*^  own  house,  was  confined.  On 
the  sixth  day  of  hor  confinememt,  her  father  stole  np  to  her  room 
witli  a  liatchet  and  aimed  a  blow  at  her  head  \>ith  the  intention  of 
killing  her;  he  did  not  succeed,  bnt  inflicted  a  sliglit  wonnd. 

He  said  it  was  Ids  intention  first  to  kill  his  danghter  and  then 
Idmself  On  the  following  day  he  was  fonnd  hanging  in  the  barn, 
dead.  The  family  being  at  chnrch,  leaving  him  withont  any  restraint, 
as  if  nothing  had  happened. 

The  general  practitioner,  when  called  to  visit  one  of 
these  cases,  will,  very  likely,  be  told  by  the  friends  that 
the  patient  is^bilious,  that  he  has  the  blues,  does  not  sleep 
well,  and  worries  about  nothing.  They  will  be  careful 
not  to  disclose  his  delusions,  his  jealousies,  his  hatred  of 
those  he  formerly  esteemed  and  loved,  his  unprovoked 
outbursts  of  passion,  his  fear  of  poverty — when  he  has  an 
abundance — and  other  delusions  of  a  dangerous  character; 
he  showing,  perhaps,  at  the  time,  a  disposition  to  act 
upon  them,  to  the  great  danger  of  himself,  and  others. 
They  conceal  these  things  for  fear  of  the  fancied  disgrace 
publicity  would  bring  upon  their  family.  The  result  is, 
that,  upon  some  fine  morning  or  calm  evening,  a  family  is 
thrown  in  the  deepest  distress,  and  a  whole  community 
shocked  by  a  case  of  cut  throat,  drowning,  pistol  shot, 
poisoning  or  strangulation.  Then  the  physician  will  be 
blamed  because  he  had  not  discovered  that  his  patient  was 
insane. 

This  tendency  of  melancholies  to  commit  suicide,  ren- 
ders it  absolutely  necessary  that  they  should  be  carefully 
watched.  Hence,  the  importance  of  sending  them  early 
to  some  insane  hospital  or  place  where  they  can  be  under 
the  constant  care  of  those  who  fully  understand  the  nature 
of  the  disease.  Here  allow  me  to  remark  that  the  hue 
and  cry  against  insane  asylums  is  liothing  but  a  morbid 
sentimentalism.  Where  there  is  one  unnecessarily  con- 
fined, there  are  scores  who  ought  to  be  thus  cared  for, 
who  are  at  large. 

The  patholpgy  of  melancholia  is  obscure.  The  late 
lamented  Dr.  Tyler,  when  called  in  consultation,  used  to 
say  to  my  melancholic   patients,  that  they  had    a  lump   in 


362  THE   HOMOEOPATHIC  COURIER. 

their  brains.  I  know  not  what  his  views  were  in  regard  to 
the  localization  of  function  as  taught  by  Heitzig  and 
Ferrier,  but  some  of  our  ablest  alienists,  and  notably 
among  them  HughHngs  Jackson  and  Crichton  Browne 
have  adopted  their  views  as  a  whole  or  in  part.  I  quote 
from  Ferrier: 

''The  organic  sensjitions  are  their  cerebral  centers,  probably  the 
occipital  lobes,  would  tlnis  seem  to  be  the  fomi'latiou  or  universal 
back-ground  of  the  pleasurable  or  painful  emotions  in  general." 

Morbid  states  of  the  viscera  and  of  the  cerebral  centers 
are  incompatible  with  pleasurable  emotions  of  any  kind. 
As  healthy  states  of  the  viscera  produce  pleasurable  feel- 
ings, and  morbid  states  of  the  viscera  produce  depressing 
or  painful  feelings,  so,  conversely,  on  the  principle  that  the 
revived  feeling  occupies  the  same  parts  as  the  original, 
pleasurable  emotions  exalt  the  vital  functions,  and  painful 
emotions  depress  the  vital  functions  and  produce  organic 
visceral  derangements.  Whether  the  various  viscera  are 
represented  individually  in  the  cerebral  hemispheres,  has 
not  been  experimentally  ascertained ;  it  is,  however,  not 
improbable,  and  the  ancient  localizations  of  certain  emo- 
tions in  certain  viscera,  though  crude,  is  not  without  some 
foundation  in  positive  physio-pyschological  fact. 

Morbid  states  of  the  viscera  or  of  the  centers  of  organic 
sensations  in  reciprocal  action  and  reaction  may  give  rise 
to- hypochondriasis  or  melancholia;  and  just  as  visceral 
derangements  frequently  express  themselves  in  localizable 
sympathetic  neuroses,  so  the  melancholic  individual  pro- 
jects the  obscure  feelings  in  some  definite  objective  form 
as  the  cause  of  his  sufferings.  He  imagines  his  vitals  are 
being  gnawed  by  some  hideous  animal  or  that  his  body  is 
the  scene  of  demonical  revels.  The  special  form  of  the 
halluncination  will  vary  with  the  individual  and  his  educa- 
tion ;  but  it  always  takes  some  dread  or  malignant  shape. 

J.  Crichton  Browne,  in  the  October  number  of  Braitty  in 
an  article  entitled  a  *'Pleafor  the  Minute  Study  of  Mania/' 
referring  to  the  localization  of  function,  says : 


THE  HOMOEOPATHIC  COURIER.  363 


••I  take  It  as  an  esrablised  fact  that  tliere  is  localization  of  function 
in  tlie  brain  •♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ 

Tlii<  hypotliesis  is  necessary  to  tlie  explanation  of  tlie  innumerable 
varieiies  of  insanity.  It  seems  certain  tliat  tliere  are  system  diseases 
anil  local  diseases,  neural  and  adneural  changes  in  the  brain,  lust  as 
there  are  in  the  spinal  cord,  and  that  tliese  are  severally'  signalized  in 
the  brain  as  in  the  cord  by  distinct  sets  o  f  sviuptoms* 

The  existence  of  niot'»^r  and  sensory  symptons  in  mania  is  obvious 
enough.  Restlessness  is  almost  indisiiensable  to  our  idea  of  it,  and 
every  <lescription  of  it  that  exists  abound.^  with  reference  to  great 
muscular  activity,  contortions,  gesticulations,  violence  and  wild 
cries. 

But  these  disorders  of  movement  in  mania  have, not  been  subjected 
to  minute  analysis.  They  have  been  regarded  only  as  expressions  of 
psychical  exaltations,  and  as  such  have  not  been  thought  worthy  of 
detailed  examination.  And  no  doubt  many  of  the  movements  of 
maniacs  arc  but  unrestrained  inani  estations  of  ideal  and  emotional 
states,  or  rellexes  of  inordinate  strength.  But  besides  these  move- 
ments there  are  others,  which,  by  their  peculiarity  and  purposeless 
persistency,  are  marked  out  as  being  of  a  different  character.  And 
these  it  is  which  will  probably,  1  think,  be  shown  to  depend  upon 
excitation  of  the  motor  centers  of  the  brain  by  a  morbid  process,  and 
which  will  thus  sometimes  supply  Indications  as  to  the  parts  of  the 
brain  involved  in  that  process,  and  as  to  its  linos  of  propagation  and 
retroiiession.  Even  at  the  very  heiglit  of  acute  mania,  when  the 
symptoms  are  intinely  complex  and  varied,  certain  markedly  predomi- 
nant movements  may  frecpiently  be  seen,  which  it  is  impossible  to 
<^onnect  with  F.ny  feeling  or  intention.  Tlius  some  nnmiacs  will  run 
about  uninterruptedly  night  and  day  in  a  i)urposeles3  nuinner,  and  if 
held  down  in  bed,  will  continue  to  move  their  feet  and  legs  as  if  still 
engaged  in  running.  Others  again  will  remain  in  bed  and  will  rarely 
move  theii  lower  limbs,  but  will  toss  their  arms  about  incessantly  oV 
busy  their  hands  unceasingly  in  smoothing  or  fraying  the  bed-clothes. 
May  we  not  suppose  that  in  the  former  class  of  cases  there  Is  irrita- 
tion of  the  postero-parietal  lobe  of  the  brain,  in  which  Ferrier  has 
localized  the  crural  movements,  antl  that  in  the  latter  class  the  irrita- 
tion is  concentrated  in  the  ascending  frontal  and  parietal  gyri,  in 
wliich  the  brachial  and  manual  movements  are  localized  ? 

Some  maniacs  talk  vociferously  and  jargonize;  may  we  not  infer 
that  in  them  is  an  irritative  lesion  of  the  oro-lingual  region,  in  the 
third  frontal  convolution  ?  Others  are  resolutely  silent,  but  shako 
heads  from  side  to  side  without  intermission 

Ma}'  we  not  suppose  that  in  them  the  cortex  of  the  superior  tempo- 
sphenoidal  gyrus  is  hyperaimic  or  imtlamed  ?"' 

As  I  have  already  shown,  nearly  all  melancholies  have 
the  suicidal  tendency,  and  it  becomes  an  interesting 
question,  upon  what  does  that  propensity  depend  ? 
Maudsley  says  it  is  due  to  the  loss  of  the  love  of  life. 
The  love  of  life  is  a  universal  instinct.  No  animal  ever 
commits  suicide.  Now,  on  the  theory  of  the  localization  of 
function,  may  there  not  be  a  cebral  center  that  presides 
over  the  instinctive  love  of  life,  and  in  the  melancholic 


364  THE    HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 

suicide,   may   not  that   center  be   either   organically   or 
functionally  diseased  ? 

A  harsh  skin,  coated  tongue,  foul  breath,  insomnia  and 
constipated  bowels  are  common  in  the  great  majority  of 
these  cases.  While  there  may  be  no  organic  disease  of 
the  brain,  there  is  mal-nutrition  and  frequently  anaemia. 

TREATMENT. 

The  first  greai  object  is  to  restore  the  defect  of  the 
brain  by  means  of  food  and  sleep.  To  produce  sleep, 
chloral  is  useful  in  the  excited  forms ;  in  sub-acute  and  less 
excited  forms,  opium  can  be  used,  usually  with  great 
benefit.  The  best  preparation  of  opium  is  meconiate  of 
morphia,  as  it  does  not  constipate  the  bowels.  Belladonna, 
conium  and  hyoscyamus  are  useful.  It  is  often  well  to 
combine  chloral,  hyoscyamus  and  meconiate  of  morphia. 
In  short,  by  various  combinations  of  sleep-producing 
medicines,  we  get  better  results  than  by  any  one  given 
alone. 

Next  to  procuring  sleep  is  the  question  of  nourishment. 
Some  patients  will  refuse  food  altogether,  and  we  have  to 
resort  to  artificial  means  of  feeding. 

The  late  Dr.  Tyler  told  me  that  he  fed  a  distinguished 
merchant  of  New  York  every  day  for  thirteen  months 
with  a  stomach  pump,  and  that  he  recovered ;  and  at  the 
time  the  Doctor  spoke  to  me,  was  well  and  actively  en- 
gaged in  business. 

Melancholies,  before  coming  under  proper  treatment, 
have  usually  been  on  a  very  restricted  diet,  complaining 
that  everything  they  eat  hurts  them.  When  put  upon  a 
full  and  nourishing  diet,  they  invariably  improve,  and,  in 
a  short  time,  the  coated  tongue  and  foul  breath  dis- 
appear. Stimulants,  such  as  wine,  ale,  and  sometimes 
.stronger  stimulants,  are  useful.  . 

I  have  no  doubt  that  many  melancholies  die  from  star- 
vation, who  are  not  reported  as  suicides.  They  are  kept 
at  home,  they  are  not  troublesome,  or  at  any  rate,  not 
dangerous,  and  so  are  not  sent  to  asylums.  Their  whims  are 


THE    HOMOEOPATHIC   COURIER.  365 

indulged,  and  they  are  allowed  to  restrict  themselves  to  a 
cracker  a  day,  perhaps.  I  once  knew  a  clergyman,  in  my 
owh  neighborhood,  in  a  physician's  family,  who  died  from 
starvation. 

In  addition  to  food  and  hypnotics,  tonics,  such  as 
Esquirol's  Red  Mixture,  iron,  conium  and  strychnine, 
phosphorus  and  quinine  are  usually  demanded. 

Very  often  one  of  the  first  things  recommended  by 
friends  and  sanctioned  by  the  physician  is  travel,  with  the 
expectation  of  diverting  the  patient's  morbid  thoughts 
from  himself,  but  all  such  devices  are  without  avail,  and 
often  worse  than  useless ;  the  patient  is  sure  Jto  take  his 
disease  along  with  him.  If  he  travels  by  rail,  there  is 
great  danger  that  he  will  leave  the  train  while  in  rapid 
motion,  or  throw  himself  in  front  of  the  engine ;  or,  if  he 
travels  by  steamboat,  the  temptation  for  taking  a  water 
bath  is  irresistible. 

Melancholia,  like  every  other  disease  in.  its  early  stage, 
requires  rest,  care  and  treatment,  and  wherever  these  can 
be  best  secured  is  the  place  for  the  patient.  A  trip  to  the 
hospital,  or  to  some  place  away  from  home  and  the  excit- 
ing causes  and  surroundings  that  have  produced  the 
attack  is  all  the  traveling  admissible. 

Many  melancholies  have  periods  of  exaltation  and 
depression,  and  these  periods  must  be  met  by  appropriate 
treatment.  If  the  patient's  means  will  allow,  the  more 
home-like  and  quiet  the  place  for  treatment,  the  sooner 
may  one  expect  a  recovery.  As  a  general  rule,  removal 
from  home  is  indispensable. 


PROGNOSIS. 

This  form  of  insanity  is  the  most  curable,  and,  if  taken 
in  its  early  stages,  almost  invariably  yields  to  treatment. 
When  neglected,  and  it  becomes  chronic,  it  is  apt  to 
become  permanent'  Here  the  question  may  arise : 
**  When  a  case  of  melancholia  is  cured,  may  we  expect   it 


366  THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 

to  be  permanent,  or  are  we  to  look  for  a  recurrence?" 

The  subject  of  the  permanency  of  the  cures  of  insanity 
is  exciting  a  good  deal  of  attention,  and  a  spirited  discas- 
sion  is  now  going  on  between  Drs.  Earle,  of  Northampton, 
and  Ray,  of  Philadelphia,  upon  that  question.  Dr.  Earle 
taking  the  ground  that  the  curability  of  insanity,  has  been 
very  much  over-estimated,  as  the  number  of  cases  cured 
very  much  exceed  the  number  of  persons — the  same  per- 
son being  reported  cured  many  times.  Now,  what  are  we 
to  expect  in  regard  to  cases  of  melancholia  ?  Are  we  not 
to  expect  a  recurrence  of  the  disease  ?  Frequently  there 
will  be  a  recurrence  of  the  disease.  A  person  goes  to  a 
malarious  district  and  contracts  fever  arid  ague — he 
recovers — he  subjects  himself  to  the  same  influences 
again  and  has  another  attack.  So  it  is  with  melancholia ; 
a  person  was  engaged  in  some  harrassing  business,  he  re- 
turns to  it;  he  had  lost  property,  it  occurs  again;  he  had 
domestic  troubles,  he  is  subjected  to  the  same  again,  and 
a  recurrence  is  the  result.  While,  if  he  had  not  been  sub- 
jected to  the  same  or  similar  causes  that  produced  the 
first  attack,  there  would  have  been  no  return  of  the 
disease. — Alie7iist  and  Neurologist. 


INFLAMMATION     OF    THE     GREAT     SCIATIC 

NERVES. 


»Y  UU(ai  M.  TAYLOR,  M.  D. 


Under  this  title,  we  find  in  the  Michigan  Medical  News^ 
of  March,  1881,  a  clinical  lecture  by  Dr.  Wm.  Pepper,  of 
Philadelphia,  and,  as  usual,  his  lecture  merits  notice.  After 
alluding  to  the  symptoms  and  crippling  effects  of  this  disease 
he  deals  with  its  causes.  Among  them  may  be  enumerated 
all  the  influences  which  combine  to  produce  neuralgic  affec- 
tions. A  very  frequent  cause  is  chronic  malaria,  which  is 
very  likely  to  affect  all  the  nerves  of  the  body.  In  other 
instances,  the  origin  of  the  symptoms  would  seem  to  have 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  367 

" r-         -  I  T  II     ^.^.^m^^^^^m^^-^^,^^-^^—: 

been  associated  with  the  absorption  of  lead,  copper  or 
mercury,  in  some  of  their  various  forms.  In  chronic  lead- 
poisoning  there  is  generally  a  neuralgia  of  almost  all  the 
nerves  of  the  body.  A  third  cause  is  inflammation  of  the 
sheath  of  the  nerve,  which  becomes  thickened,  and  so  com- 
presses the  nerve-fibres.  Rheumatism  very  often  acts  in 
this  way,  a  rheumatic  inflammation  of  the  nerve-sheath  pr 
nerve  substance  standing  at  the  root  of  a  great  many  cases 
of  the  most  obstinate  and  painful  cases  of  sciatica.  As 
regards  treatment,  in  a  case  of  chronic  mdlaria  with  chills 
and  fever,  followed  by  neuralgia,  the  best  treatment  would 
undoubtedly  be  quinine,  iron,  arsenic  and  belladonna.  In 
many  cases  I  have  found  that  more  relief  was  afforded  by 
large  doses  of  arsenic  than  by  any  other  remedy.  Occa- 
sionally I  have  injected  the  arsenic  under  the  skin.  When 
there  is  distinct  local  inflammation,  I  treat  the  disease  with 
large  doses  of  iodide  of  potassium,  and  minute  doses  of 
bi-chloride  of  mercury.  If  it  results  from  lead-poisoning, 
the  appropriate  treatment  for  that  condition  should  be  pur- 
sued. If  we  desire  to  cause  absorption  of  imflammatory 
matters  inside  the  sheath,  the  best  way  to  do  so  is  by 
means  of  severe  blistering,  or  by  actual  cautery.  The 
actual  cautery,  in  particular,  has  great  absorbent  action, 
and  powerfully  relieves  over  sensibility  of  the  nerves. 
Another  excellent  treatment  is  by  hypodermic  injection  of 
morphia  and  atropia,  deep  down  into  adjacent  muscular 
structures.  He  advises  a  formula  of  one-sixth  to  one-fourth 
of  a  grain  of  morphia,  and  from  one-ninetieth  to  one-sixtieth 
of  a  grain  of  atropia.  In  employing  this  formula,  take 
care  not  to  establish  the  opium  habit;  hence,  diminish  the 
dose  as  the  disease  subsides.  In  cases  where  the  localized 
pain  is  very  intense,  excellent  results  are  derived  from  the 
hypodermic  injection  of  from  eight  to  twelve  minims  of 
chloroform,  taking  care  to  keep  the  needles  out  of  the  way 
of  the  arteries.  Though  incomparable  as  a  temporary  de- 
stroyer of  pain,  the  effects  of  the  chloroform  are  not  very 
permanent.     Galvanism  is  very  quick,  in  some  instances,  to 


368  THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER. 

relieve  pain.  The  mode  of  application  should  be  with  the 
positive-pole  at  the  seat  of  pain,  and  the  negative-pole 
along  the  nerve  trunk.  Where  the  muscles  have  wasted 
to  any  great  extent,  the  Faradic-current  is  the  best. 
—  Va,Med,  Monthly. 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  369 


SOCIETY  TRANSACTIONS. 

KANSAS    STATE    HOMOEOPATHIC    SOCIETY. 

The  State  Hora<Bopathic  Medical  Society  met  In  full  session  at  3 
o'clock  p.  m.,  May  4th,  at  the  office  of  Dr.  Roby,  Topeka,  with  a 
fair  attendance  of  medical  gentlemen  and  ladies. 

The  meeting  was  called  to  order  by  the  president,  Dr.  J.  J.  Edic, 
of  Leavenworth,  and  after  roll  call  he  delivered  an  eloquent  and  tell- 
ing address: 

While  the  board  of  censors  were  preparing  a  report  upon  the  cre- 
dentials of  new  members,  the  minutes  of  the  previous  meeting 
were  read.  The  following  names  were  then  reported  on  favorably 
by  the  board  of  censors: 

Mrs.  Annie  M.  Haslara.  M.  D.,  Osage  City;  George  A.  Deam,  M» 
D.,  Butler  City;  Stiles  P.Swift,  M..  D.,  Burlingame;  Samuel  A. 
Xewhall,  M.  D.,  Newton;  Austin  M.  Cowan,  M.  D.,  Vallev  Falls; 
W.  E.  Taylor,  M.  D.,  Kansas  City. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  constitution  and  by-laws  was 
presented  and  adopted  by  sections. 

The  clause  in  reference  to  quaiiflcations  of  members  was  warmly 
discussed,  it  being  the  opinion  of  some  that  none  should  be  admitted 
except  those  who  are  graduates  from  some  homoeopathic  Institution, 
and  by  a  vote  of  11  to  7  that  part  qualifying  those  as  members  who 
had  10  years  pracice  in  honweopathy  as  a  Imsiness,  was  struck  out. 

The  session  then  adjourned  to  meet  in  the  evening  at  the  Con- 
gregational church. 

WEDNESDAY  EVENINQ. 

The  meeting  at  the  Congregational  Church  was  opened  with 
prayer  by  Rev.  Dr.  C.  C.  Foote,  Mr.  Fred.  Wessels  sang  with  his 
usual  easy  manner  and  strong  voice  a  solo  that  was  applauded 
by  all.  Dr.  Gentry,  of  Kansas  City  then  i^ad  an  address  which  was 
of  considerable  length.  It  stated  that  7,000  doctors  in  the  United 
States  were  honroeopathists,  and  thirteen  colleges  were  under  their 
supervision.  At  its  conclusion,  Mrs.  Dr.  Bishop,  of  Wisconsin,  sang 
a  solo  that  was  loudly  applauded  and  encored. 

Dr.  Roby  then  read  an  original  poem  on  *'Our  Mission." 

Mrs.  Judge  Foster  sang  in  her  usual  pleasing  manner  and  was 
loudly  encored  and  kindly  favored  the  audience  with  another 
selection. 

The  meeting  then  adjourned,  the  benediction  being  given  by 
Rev.  Foote. 

THURSDAY    FORENOON. 

Session  commenced  at  the  office  of  Dr.  Robv  at  9  o'clock.  The 
i*eport  of  the  treasurer  was  read  and  accepted,  and  showed  a  fair 
balance  in  the  treasury. 

On  motion  a  committee  was  appointed  to  draft  resolutions  of 
respect  to  the  memory  of  Dr.  Constantine  Hering,  of  Philadelphia. 
The  committee  appointed  was  Drs.  Roby,  Westover  and  Klenip. 

Dr.  Roby  then  presented  a  momorial  upon  the  Xestor  of  homeo- 
pathy. Dr.  Hering,  and  oa  motion  the  paper  was  included  among  tlie 
papers  and  proceedings  of  the  society  to  be  published. 

The  paper  entitled  **Synopsis  of  Genesis  of  Disease"  by  Dr.  H. 
F.  Klemp,  of  Topeka,  Wiis  a  masterly  effort,  and  freely  discussed  by 


370  THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER. 

the  learned  gentlemen  present,  who  all  fully  endorsed  the  views  of 
the  author. 

On  motion  of  Dr.  Gentry,  amended  by  Dr.  Roby,  a  committee  of 
five  was  appointed  to  see  if  homoeopathy  would  be  recognized  by  the 
state  government,  and  a  physician  of  that  school  be  selected  physician 
for  one  of  our  insane  as>hims.  The  chair  appointed  Drs.  Koby« 
Gentry.  Klemp,  Dick  and  Johnson. 

Dr.  Croskey,  of  Wichita,  thought  all  members  of  the  association 
should  endeavor  to  elect  a  homoeopathic  sympathizer  to  the  legislature 
from  their  various  districts,  thereby  gaining  proper  recognition  in 
the  state.    Dr.  Johnson  of  Atchison  endorsed  this  idea. 

Election  of  ofticers  for  the  ensuing  year  followed,  and  resulted  as 
follows :  President,  Dr.  H.  W.  Roby,  of  Topeka;  vice  president.  Dr. 
W.  D.  Gentry,  of  Wyandotte;  secretary.  Dr.  J.  H.  Mosely,  of  Olathe; 
corresponding  secretarj'.  Dr.  T.  J.  Patchin,  of  Topeka;  treasurer. 
Dr.  G.  H.  T.  Johnson,  of  Atchison. 

On  motion  Emporia  and  Wyandotte  were  suggested  as  places  of 
meeting  next  year,  and  the  latter  place  was  selected. 

Dr.  Roby  moved  that  the  association  extend  an  invitation  to  the 
Western  Academy  of  Homoeopathy  to  meet  with  them  at  Wyandotte. 
— CaiTied. 

It  was  determined  also  to  invite  the  American  Institute  of 
Homoeopathy. 

The  association  then  adjourned. 

A  reception  and  banquet  was  held  at  the  Gordon  House,  and  a 
J)all  at  Guards'  Hall.  The  whole  affair  passing  off  pleasantly  in  all 
tiie  details. 


KEBRA8KA  STATE  HOM€EOPATHlC  SOCIKTY. 


Omaha,  Neb.,  May  4th,  1881. 

The  Nebraska  State  HomcDopathic  State  Society  convened  in  the 

Academy  of  Science  rooms,  at  2  o'clock  P.  M.    Vice  President  Dr.  C. 

M.  Dinsmoor,  of  Omaha,  In  the  chair.    Dr.  H.  £.  Man*  was  chosen 

secretary  pro  tem. 

After  the  transaction  of  miscellaneous  business,  the  association 
listened  to  the  report  of  the  various  bureaus,which  included  the  ready- 
ing of  the  following  papers : 

"Hygienic  Management  of  Infants,"  by  Dr.  Cooley.  of  Lincoln. 

"Phytolacca  in  Induration  and  Swelling  of  Inguinal  Glands,"  by 
Dr.  Baston. 

"Our  Materia  Medica,"  by  Prof.  A.  C.  Copperthwaite,  of  the 
State  University  of  Iowa.  On  motion  of  Dr.  Parse  11,  a  vote  of  thanks 
was  tendered  Prof.  C.  for  this  paper. 

"Clinical  use  of  Belladonna,"  by  Dr.  B.  L.  Paine,  of  Lincoln. 

Tliese  papers  elicited  a  free  and  full  discussion. 

Dr.  Copperthwaite,  one  of  the  originators  of  the  association,  now 
Dean  of  the  Homoeopathic  Medical  Department  of  Iowa  Universityt 
being  present,  made  a  few  encouraging  remarks  concerning  the  psei 
and  present,  as  well  as  the  future  prospects  of  the  association. 

On  n>otion  adjourned  until  6;30  P.  M. 


THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  37 1 


EVENING    SESSION. 

Called  to  order  by  the  president.  Dr.  Rl^hter,  of  Lincoln.  The 
following  papers  vvere  read  and  discussed:  "Thernio  Therapeia,"  by 
Dr.  C.  M.  Dinsinoor;."  A  Clinical  Case,''  by  Dr.  O.  S.  Wood;  »*Uter- 
Ine  Displacements,"  by  Dr.  Geo  H.  Parseil. 

'Jhe  association  tlien  indulged  in  a  general  discussion  on  matters 
pertaining  to  the  interest  of  homoeopathy  in  the  state. 

Dr.  Righter  desired  especially  to  call  the  attention  of  the  profes- 
sion to  unnecessarily  large  amount  of  medicine  in  public  Institutions. 
Report  of  the  treasurer  was  read  and  adopted. 

The  association  then  proceeded  to  the  election  of  officers,  which 
resulted  as  follows: 

President—Dr.  B.  L.  Paine,  Lincoln. 

First  Vice  President—Dr.  A.  M.  Smith. 

V^econd  Vice  President—Dr.  F.  B.  Righter, 

Secretary— Dr.  C.  M.  Dinsmoor. 

Treasurer— Dr.  O.  S.  Wood. 

Censoi*s— Drs.  Wood,  Pai*sell,  Righter  Bumstead.  Dinsmoor. 

Drs.  Wood,  Dlnsm(»or,  Paine  were  elected  delegates  to  the  Wes- 
tern Academy  of  Uomoeopath}'. 

Dr.  Wood  was  elected  a  delegate  to  the  American  Institute  of 
Homoeopathy. 

A  vote  of  thanks  was  tendered  the  Academy  of  Science  for  the 
Mse  of  their  room. 

The  association  then  adjourned  to  meet  in  Lincoln,  on  the  fourth 
Wednesday  in  May,  1S82, 

.  H.  E.  MARR,  Secretary  pro  tcm. 


BOOK  REVIEWS. 

The  Prevention  of  Congenital  Malformations,  I>efect8  and 
Diseases.  By  J.  P.  Burnett,  M.  D.  Duncan  Bros.,  Chicago, 
Publishers. 

This  is  a  small  pamphlet  of  26  pages  which  was  onginally 
delivered  as  an  address  before  the  British  Homoeopathic  Congress. 
Croserio  was,  we  believe  the  first  author  who  uroposed  a  deflnite 
plan  of  antenatal  treatment  and  since  his  time  several  writers  have 
touched  on  the  subject,  but  none  we  think  have  given  it  the  attention 
it  merits. 

If  Dr.  Burnett's  article  arouses  thought  and  investigation  in 
this  matter  it  will  serve  a  good  purpose.  W.  C.  R. 

Spectacles  and  How  to  Choose  Them.  By  C.  H.  Vilas,  A.  M. 
M.  D.    Duncan  Bros.,  Publishers. 

This  is  a  book  of  UO  pages  well  written,  as  might  be  expected 
when  the  well  known  ability  of  the  author  is  taken  into  consideration. 
The  subjects  treated  of  are  well  worthy  consideration,  and  it  is  now 
a  fact  that  no  excuse  remains  for  the  blundering  ignorance  that  has 
heretofore  directed  the  selection  of  spectacles. 

The  practitioner  has  usually  given  the  subject  little  or  no  attention 
and  left  the  matter  entirely  in  the  hands  of  uneducated  opticians 
who  thought  mucli  more  of  the  pecuniary  advantages  of  the  transac- 
tion than  the  welfare  of  the  eyes  of  those  selecting. 

Doctors  should  buy  this  book  and  by  familiarizing  themselves  with 
its  le-5Sons,  protect  their  patients  from*  injury  and  imposition. 


3/2  THE  HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 

^^— —  ■ I  HMWi^a  ^—^    ■  !■■■  -  ■l■■^■■■■■  »  »^»^^^^— ^M^^i—— ^— ja^^— iM^^ar 

The  sense  of  sight  is,  if  a  discrimination  ma}'  be  made,  the  most 
precious  of  all  the  senses  and  anything  looking  to  its  preservation 
and  enhancement  is  a  benefaction  to  be  hailed  with  joy# 

Duncan  Bros,  have  done  themselves  credit  in  tlie  publication :  if 
is  indeed  the  best  book  as  to  pai>er,  typography,  etc.,  they  have  ever 
got  out.  W.  C.  B« 

How  TO  Use  tub  Forceps.     By  H.  O.  Landis,  A.  M.,  M.  D.    E. 

B.  Treat,  New  York,  Publisher. 

Much  of  the  absurd  objection  to  the  use  of  the  obstetrical  forceps 
has  arose  from  a  lack  of  understanding  as  to  the  practical  application 
of  the  instrument.  A  more  useful,  and,  in  intelligent  hands, harmless 
instrument,  was  never  invented.  A  scalpel  does  not  inspire  prejudice 
because  in  careless  or  ignorant  hands  it  might  be  used  to  produce 
serious  injury  to  the  human  subject.  Neither  should  the  forceps,  un- 
less it  is  understood  that  the  possessor  intends  to  use  them  as  a  club 
or  in  some  other  equally  preposterous  manner. 

When  we  took  up  Prof.  Landis,  book,  we  found  it  so  interesting 
that  we  could  not  lay  it  down  until  read  completely  through  from 
beginning  to  end.  He  is  a  thorough  master  of  his  subject,  and  had 
told  in  a  clear  and  lucid  way  nearly  all  that  is  known  up  to  the  pres- 
ent time  about  the  scientific  use  of  the  forceps. 

We  are  aware  that  eveiy  now  and  then  some  Doctor  thirsting  for 
advertisement  or  notoriety,  invents  a  forceps  or  writes  a  monogi*aph  on 
this  subject  and  not  infrequently  does  his  work  so  buuglingly  that 
novices  become  more  timid  and  hesitant  in  the  use  of  the  greatest 
boon  that  has  ever  been  afforded  to  the  parturient  woman. 

The  book  under  consideration  is  of  a  high  order  and  anyone  having 
any  doubts  as  to  the  usefulness  of  the  forceps,  or  auy  one  who  desire? 
to  perfect  himself  in  their  rational  and  skilful  use,  should  purchase 
this  book  at  once. 

Diseases  of  Children.    By  William  Henry  Day,  M.  D. 

This  is  the  latest  book  on  the  subject  of  which  it  treats,  by  one  of 
England's  eminent  practitioners.  Of  all  the  numerous  allopathic 
treatises  on  diseases  of  children,  this  we  think  the  most  modern. 
The  classification  of  diseases,  the  pathology  and  cspecialy  the 
hygiene  are  in  accordance  with  the  latest  and  best  authorities. 

As  to  therapeutics,  we  will  only  quote  from  the  preface.  '•!» 
an*anging  the  list  of  prescriptions  concentration  has  been  my  aim. 
Certain  broad  principles  are  kept  in  view  as  regads  dose  and  combi- 
nation, but  the  details  can  be  varied  at  the  discretion  of  the 
practitioner  according  to  the  peculiarities  of  each  case  as  met  with  in 
practice,  I  have  invariably  prescribed  remedies  in  safe  doses.^^  The 
italics  in  the  above  quotation  are  ours  and  show  the  tendency  of  oW 
school  authorities  to  be  approaching  more  and  more  to  the  stand- 
point of  individualization  and  the  minimum  dose.  It  is  said  that  no 
one  knows  his  own  language  thoroughly  until  he  has  become  well  ac- 
quainted with  another.  It  is  our  opinion  that  much  of  the  bigotry 
and  exclusiveness  in  both  the  dominant  schools  of  medicine  would 
melt  away  if  the  members  of  each  would  familiarize  themselves  with 
the  literature  of  the  other  and  that  instead  of  loosing  they  woulcl 
knew  their  own  svstem  much  better  by  becoming  acquainted  with 
the  other.  "  W.  C.  R. 

BODiNES.    By  Tliad.  S.  Up  De  Graff,  M.  D.,  Elmira.  N.  Y. 

This  book,  in  the  way  of  recreation  is  almost  as  good  as  a  summer 
vacation r    It  is  the  history  of  an  anniuil  sumuier  angler^s  method  of 


\ 

^     w 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER.  373 

putting  in  his  time  at  his  favorite  resort  by  tlie  brookside.  We 
learn  in  its  interesting  pages  man}-  things  about  trout  dshiug,  camp 
life  and  pleasures  that  fairly  make  oue*s  mouth  water. 


The  Turkish  Bath. 

A  book  of  about  200  pages,  by  Dr.  Geo.  F.  Adsras,  St.  Louis.  Tlie 
Turkish  bath,  like  electricity  and  otlier  valuable  means  of  treating 
disease,  has  not  been  employed  01  understood  in  any  way  commen- 
eurate  with  its  importaiive.  The  fact  is,  it  has  not  been  properly 
conducted  or  applied  and  in  many  cases  has  been  legated  ty  quack- 
ishpretenders  who  to  a  c*ei*tain  extent  threw  it  into  bad  repute. 

Dr.  Adams  in  his  book  has  taken  up  the  subject  in  a  scientific  and 
understanding  manner  which  does  credit  to  his  knowledge  of  the 
matter  in  hand. 

We  are  in  the  habit  of  prescribing  the  Turki&h  bath  frequently  in 
the  treatment  of  disease  and  feel  confident  others  will  do  the  same 
when  made  aware  of  its  merits  as  set  forth  in  this  valuable  little 
book.  W.  C.  R. 


Minor  Surgery.    By  J,  G.  Oildirist,  M,  D,,  author  of  *'Surgieal 
Therapeutics.'' 

This  is  an  elegantly  written  volume,  both  in  style  of  diction 
and  treatment  of  its  subjects.  We  call  to  mind  no  volume  io  medical 
literature  that  fills  its  place,  and  the  author  deserves  the  thanks  of  the 
student  and  practititioner  for  its  publication.  Like  his  previous 
'efibrts  in  this  direction,  it  shows  a  pains-taking  and  careful  attention 
to  detail  that  is  to  be  found  no  \*'here  else,  and  wbich  is  peculiarly 
characteristic  of  the  man.  From  the  arrangement,  order  and  class  of 
instruments  in  his  surgical  case  down  to  the  last  fold  or  pin  In  the 
bandage,  there  can  be  no  mistake  as  to  the  manner  and  style  of  it< 
meaning.  A  novice  in  surgery  with  a  cool  licad  and  this  little  vol- 
ume would  make  a  fair  practitioner.  It  is  nicely  and  liberally  illus- 
trated with  cuts  as  vigorous,  fresh  and  clear  as  the  author''s  style. 
The  whole  volume  bears  the  impress  of  familiarity  with  the  subject 
treated,  and  clearness  and  power  in  its  imparting  that  familiarity  to 
others.  No  student  can  afford  to  be  without  it,  while  to  the  pro- 
fessional generally  it  will  be  invaluable,  as  containing  all  that  is  new 
and  approved  in  the  line  of  minor  surgery.  We  Mspeak  for  it  a 
hearty  indorsement  and  a  wide  circulation.  J.  W.  T. 


Aids  to  Diagnosis.    Part  I,  Semeiology,  by  J.  Milncr  Fothergill. 
M.  R.  0.  P.  L.  16  mo.  75  p.,  Putman^'s  Sons,  N.  Y.    Price  50  cents. 

Whenever  Potherffill  takes  bis  pen  to  write,  he  imparts  informa- 
tion of  value.  His  style  is  of  the  best,  and  this  little  book  is  no  ex- 
ception. On  page  6  we  read:  "'A  copper-tintjcd  blush  on  a  baby's 
bottom  may  throw  a  flood  light  upon  the  otherwise  obscure  lung 
mischief  In  its  father"*s,  and  furthermore  suggest  the  appropriate 
specific  treatment."  We  would  like  to  quote  many  of  the  beau- 
ties of  this  little  brochure  but  space  forbids.  Part  II,  Physical,  61  pages, 
by  J.  C.  Thorowgood  M.  D.,  M.  R.  C.  P.,  is  no  less  valuable  and 
complete  than  Part  L    These  are  especially  valuable  for  students, 

K. 


\J 


s 

w 

374  THE   HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER. 

Hernia,  Strangulated  and  Reducible,  with  cure  by  Sub- 
cutaneous Injections  and  Improved  Method  for  Kelotomy, 
etc.  By  Josepli  H.  Warren,  M.  D.,  Ac,  with  IlhistratioDS.  Bos- 
ton.   Published  by  Chas.  N.  Thomas,  215  Fremont  Street. 

This  is  an  excellent  work  on  a  subject  that  has  not  been  as  fully 
developed  as  the  other  parts  of  surgery.  The  plan  pursued  is  simple 
and  so  plainly  described,  that  the  merest  tyro  in  surgery  can  suc- 
cessfully perform  the  operations.  The  cuts  are  not  well  executed,  and 
the  proof  reading  has  been  very  carelessly  performed.  But  the  work 
is  ver}'  necessary  to  every  surgeon  and  should  be  in  every  physician ^9 
library.  If  publishers  would  only  mark  the  price  of  the  book  sent 
us;  itwould  facilitate  the  work  of  disposing  of  them.  J.  T,  B. 

A  Guide  to  the  Clinical  Examination  of  Patients  and  the 
Diagnosis  of  Disease    By  Richard  Ha^en,  M.  D.    Published  by 
Bocricke  &  Tafel,  New  York  and  Philadelphia. 
Here  we  have  a  work  iiiuch  needed,  during  the  past  two  years  our 
students  have  inquired  where  can  we  get  a  work  on  general   patho- 
logy and  diag:nosis,  suitable  for  students?    We  have  oeen  at  a  loss 
to  answer  this  inquiry.    But  we  can  now  refer  all  our  students  and 
young  practitioners  to  this  work.  *'lt  Alls  a  long  felt  want." 

J.  T.  B. 

We  have  received  from  Rufus  Darby,  of  Washington,  D.  C,  the 
following  Greenback  works :  Money  of  The  Nations.  What 
is  Money?  The  Question  of  the  Hour.  The  Money  of  the 
Future.  The  Issue  of  1880.  The  Reign  of  Monopoly.  By 
Dr.  A.  Bland. 

All  these  tracts  are  well  written  by  leading  minds  w^bo  believe 
the  Greenback  doctrine. 

Some  may  think  that  these  pamphlets  are  out  of  date,  and  that 
the  Greenback  party  is  dead;  but  this  is  a  mistake;  some  of  the 
prominent  planks  in  the  Greenback  platform  l>ave  been  purloined  to 
establish  a  sound  bridge  for  the  Republican  administration  to  prevent 
them  from  sinking  in  the  gi:lf  of  repudiation.  Greenbfickers  said, 
** make  greenbacks  a  f  Jill  legal  tender  for  all  dues,  they  would  then  be 
at  par  with  gold  without  any  contraction  of  the  cnrreney.''  This  Sec- 
retary Sherman  did  without  law,  what  the  gi*eenbackors  wanted  done 
according  to  law,  which,  had  it  been  done  in  1875,  the  country  would 
have  been  saved  almost  universal  l>:uikruprc3'.  Another  plank  was  a 
bond  interconvertable  at  a  rate  of  3.05  per  cent. 

An  attem])t  has  been  made  to  purloin  this  also  by  issuing  the 
Post  Oftice  small  bonds  and  the  8j<  ])er-cent.  bonds  last  winter.  The 
Secretarj^  of  the  Treasury  is  taking  up  the  6  and  6  per  cent,  bonds, 
and  issuing  3 «  per  cent.,  notwithstanding  the  abuse  heaped  upon 
Greenbackers.  Another  plaukwas:  The  Government  should  issue 
its  own  n)oney,  not  turning  this  over  to  the  banks.  l>(^t  there  be  banks 
of  deposit  and  of  discount  for  commercial  purposes,  but  not  be  banks 
of  issue. 

This  plank  is  still  with  the  Greenbaekei*s,  yet  the  Independent 
press  is  com|>laining  that  '-tlie  banks  have  the  country  by  its  throat.*^ 

The  light  is  not  over  by  a  long  way,  but  phys^icians  had  better 
devote  their  energies  to  their  legitimate  business,  and  not  tarnish  their 
robes  by  descending  into  the  tilthy  political  pool ;  yet  every  man  sliould 
study  this  subject  and  be  able  to  give  an  intelligent  opinion  on  aU 
questions  of  political  economy.  J.  T.  B. 


THE  HOMCEOPATHIC  COURIER.  375 


Managing  Editor's  Easy  Chair. 

With  this  number  we  close  volume  one.  The  first  six  months  of 
our  journalistic  experience  as  nianaging  editor  has  been  far  pleasanter 
than  we  had  anticipated.  The  work  grows  on  us,  and  what  we 
feared  would  prove  irksome  has  actually  become  an  amusing  pas- 
time, so  that  we  look  forward  anxiously  for  the  time  when  we  are  to 
furnish  our  monthly  contributions  to  the  printer. 

We  were  urged,  and  in  fact  almost  forced  into  the  position,  but 
now  that  the  pen  has  been  put  into  our  hand,  we  say  emphatically 
that  it  shall  not  be  laid  aside  till  abundant  victory  has  been  awarded 
us,  and  the  Courier  shall  be  acknowledged  the  leading  journal  of 
the  great  Mississippi  Valley. 

The  greatest  men  of  the  century  in  science,  literature,  statesman- 
ship and  war,  have  been  produced  by  this  great  valley,  and  we  feel 
that  in  the  heart  of  the  grandest  countiy  in  civilization  there 
should  be  a  Homoeopathic  journal  worthy  of  its  surroundings.  It 
shall  be  our  earnest  endeavor  to  make  the  Courier  that  journal^  and 
we  ask  the  profession  to  help  us  do  so. 

We  know  there  is  a  vast  store  of  valuable  information  in  the 
possession  of  our  active  pi-actitioneis,  and  we  earnestly  ask  that  each 
and  every  one  may  hand  in  his  contributions  regularly,  thereby  aid- 
ing us  In  our  great  work. 

There  will  be  some  unimportant  changes  in  the  raake-np  for  the 
next  volume,  and  we  expect  to  have  better  mechanical  execution  as  to 
t3rpography,  proof-reading,  arrangements  of  subjects  or  depart- 
ments, etc. 

The  Courier  has  met  with  more  favor  than  could  have  been 
expected  in  so  short  a  time,  the  subsciiption  list  is  flatteringly  long, 
the  advertisement  department  pays,  has  been  kept  clear  of  objection- 
able advertisements,  and  altogether  the  prospects  are  bright  and 
encouraging. 


REtJIGNATION. 

Dr.  J.  T.  Kent,  one  of  the  editors  of  tiiis  journal  and  Professor  of 
Anatomy  in  the  HonxBopathic  Medical  College  of  Missouri,  was 
formerly,  as  is  well  known,  a  leading  Eclectio,  and  although  practicing 
Homoeopathy  oiJenly  for  nearly  a  year,  has  not,  up  to  the  present  time, 
iiad  an  opportunity  to  formally  sever  bis  connection  with  the 
National  Eclectic  Association. 

Dr.  Kent,  some  time  since,  severed  tils  connection  witb  all  local 
eclectic  organizations,  and  now,  as  will  be  seen  belo^',  strikes  off  the 
last  link  in  the  chain  that  bound  him  to  the  liberal  system  of  medical 
empiricism,  and  which  is  actually  but  a  stepping  stone  to  Homoeo- 
pathy, 

He  promises  in  the  near  future  a  full  statement  of  bis  reasons  for 
ehaiige  of  belief.    We  await  this  ' ^statement' ^  with  impatience,  be- 


376 


THE   HOMOEOPATHIC  COURIER. 


lieving  it  will  be  worthy  the  man  who  has  emancipated  himself,  and 
now  stands  fully  in  the  light  of  the  greatest  truth  ever  promulgated 
in  medicine,  Homoeopathy. 

St.  Louis,  Mo.,  May  24th,  1881. 


.! 


Prof.  Alex  Wilder,  Newark,  N".  J., 

bee.  National  Eclectic  Medical  Association 

Entertaining  views  with  regard  to  the  theory  and  practice  of  medi-- 
cine  .entirely  at  variance,  if  not  directly    opposed  to  those  held 

generally  by  the  membership  of  >jour  body,  having  indeed,  aban- 
oned  the  administration  of  drugs  in  crude  form  in  my  efforts  to  heal 
the  sick,  a  respect  for  the  association  to  which  I  have  long  been 
attached,  as  well  as  my  sense  of  duty,  impels  me  to  announce  my 
withdrawal  from  it,  and  to  request  of  you,  as  the  secretary,  to  erase 
my  name  from  the  roll  of  membership. 

In  doing  this  permit  me  to  say  that  I  shall  always  recall  with  pride 
the  uniform  courtesy  and  attention  I  have  received  from  the  member- 
ship at  large,  and  toward  whom  I  shall  always  cherish  the  kindest 
regards.  ^*r  olio  wing  the  right,  as  God  gives  each  of  us  to  see  the 
right,''  I  entertain  the  hope  that  in  the  future  my  relations  with  its 
members  may  be  marked  with  the  courtesy  of  the  past,  however 
widely  we  may  differ  or  warmly  advocate  each  of  us  our  views. 

In  the  near  future  will  be  issued  a  complete  expression  of  my 
views,  with  reasons  for  such  changes  as  I  have  apparently  made  ; 
and  be  it  henceforth  known  that  I  am  an  advocate  and  follower  of 
similia  similibus  curantur. 

Trusting  yon  will  read  this  at  the  next  meeting,  at  St.  Louis,  I 
subscribe  myself,  Respectfully, 

J.  TYLER  KENT. 


THE  AMERICAN  MEDICAL  ASSOCIATION  LASH. 

The  American  Medical  Association,  at  its  late  meeting,  determined 
to  whip  into  the  ranks  all  stragglers,  and  as  usual  made  a  faux  pauz. 
Hear  what  the  Medical  Becord,  the  leading  allopathic  journal  of  the 
country,  says  about  it : 

One  ot  the  notable  features  of  the  general  session  was  the  discus- 
sion on  the  proposed  amendment  to  the  by-laws  lef erring  to  the 
teaching  of  prospective  homceopathic  practitionei-s.  The  amendment 
to  the  by-laws  was  proix)sed  two  or  three  years  ago,  and  was  laid  on 
the  table  until  the  present  session.  Tlie  reason  for  the  previous  ac- 
tion on  the  question  was  an  obvious  and  simple  one*  It  was  the 
opinion  of  the  more  conservative  members  that  the  association  was 
not  prepared  to  take  action  on  the  subject.  Nor  does  it  appear  that 
such  an  opinion  would  not  still  hold  good  in  view  of  the  tinal  result  of 
the  vote.  The  substitute  for  the  amendment  was  no  better,  so  far  as 
concerned  the  principle  involved,  than  was  the  original  proposition. 
We  have  no  hesitation  in  saying  that  the  action  taken  will  not  be  en- 
dorsed by  the  majority  of  the  profession  of  the  country.  Unless  we 
are  willing  to  admit  that  the  teaching  of  truth  is  harmful,  that 
education  is  dangerous,  that  true  science  can  be  misconstrued,  and 
that  the  right  will  not  always  prove  itself  such,  wo  are  forced  to 
acknowledge  that  the  association  has  taken  a  step  backward  in  its 
present  course  It  is,  in  truth,  a  lamentable  confession  of  the  lack 
of  faith  in  the  perpetuity  of  rational  medicine.  It  is  so  clearly  out  of 
the  province  of  the  association  to  dictate  to  what  purposes  medical 
education  may  be  used,  that  the  action  is  absurd  on  its  face.  On  the 
contrar}^,  it  is' in  perfect  accord  with  the  interest  of  the   public  and 


THE    HOMCEOPATHIC   COURIER.  377 

with  the  honor  of  the  profession  to  use  every  menus  to  projHMh'  e(l\i- 
cate  an}*  one  who  may  wisli  to  beoome  a  physician.  After  such  an 
education  the  pliysiciaii  can  use  his  knowled«;e  as  lie  maj'  sec  lit. 
Deny  him  this  riglit,  and  we  not  only  hinder  acVvancemcnt,  hut  (h«- 
.4eend  to  bi^^otry.  Such  a  course  is  contrary  to  tlie  spirit  of  our  insti- 
tutions. 

If  \ie  desire  to  crush  out  of  existence  all  irregular  forms  of  prac- 
tice,the  safer  way  is  to  educate  the  prospective  practitioners  of  tiie  same 
up  to  the  point  of  disbelieving  in  false  science.  If  we  are  not  able 
to  do  this,  let  us  seek  for  more  light  rather  than  shut  up  what  we 
have.  As  it  is,  the  association  by  its  course  has  not  onlv  done  a  stu- 
l)id  thing  in  votihg  as  it  luis  done,  but  has  still  further  stuUitied  itself 
by  mnkiiig  a  law  which  is  virtually  inoperative,  for  there  is  reall}'  no 
power  to  enforce  it.  either  by  legal,  moral,  or  social  measures. 


PERSONALS  AND  LOCATIONS. 

We  were  honored  recently  by  a  call  from  Prof.  T.  P.  Wilson,  of 
Ann  Aibor.  He  reports  the  University  in  a  tlourishing  condi- 
tion so  far  as  the  Honueopathic  department  is  concerned.  We  feel 
eonfldent  it  will  continue  so  as  long  as  Franklin  and  Wilson  are 
'•on  deck." 

Detroit,  Mat  1st,  1881. 
Dear  Doctor.    Editor  Courier  : 

I  be^  permission  to  notify  you  that  I  have  removed  my  otlic<» 
and  residence  to  No.  66  Howard  street,  corner  of  Second. 

Respectfully, 

J.  G.  GILCHRIST.  Consulting  Surgeon. 

Hannibal,  May  Pith,  1881. 
I  shall  remove  to  Kansas  City  21st  of  Ma}'.     Dr.  F.  A.  Bishop 
of  New  York  succeeds  to  my  practice  here.        Yours, 

WM.  D.  FISTER. 
Dr.  J.  I.  Groves  removed  from  Thornton  tj  Shanondale,  In<l. 
Dr.  A.  E.  Sander  removed  from  Amity  to  Portland,  Oregon. 
Dr.  G.  H.  Morrison  has  located  at  Winetka,  Ills. 
A  Physician,  Homceopathic,  is  xcanted  at  Cumberland  Mills. 
Me.  Address,  Geo.  W.  Brown. 


HOMCEOPATHIC  SOCIETY  MEETINGS. 

Wisconsin  State.  June  1  and  2,  Fond  du  Lac 

Western  Academy,  June  8,  9,  and  10,  Chicago. 

American  Piedological,  June  3,  New  York. 

American  Institute,  June  14,  15,  16,  17,  Brighton  Beach,  N.  Y. 

World's  Convention,  July  11,  12,  13,  14,  London,  England. 


AMERICAN  MEDICAL  ASSOCLATION. 

If  this  Association  at  its  last  meeting  had  debated  the  tpiestion 
of  quack  advertising,  which  at  present  so  thoroughly  penades  the 
entire  ranks  of  our  allopathic  brethren,  instead  of  spending  their 
breath,  and  exhausting  their  eloquence  in  arguing  the  question  of 
admitting  iiTCgulars,  '-so  called,"  to  theiv  schools  and  graduating 
classes,  it  would  have  been  much  to  their  credit  and  beneficial  to  the 
country  at  large.  There  were  many  good  thin^  said  and  reported, 
but  it  was  like  looking  after  a  lost   diamond    in    a    wilderness   to 


3/8  THE  HOMOEOPATHIC  COURIER. 

\ind  and  separate  the  doings  and  sayings  of  the  Association  from 
the  advertisements  that  filled  the  greater  number  of  the  pages  of 
the  report.  Small  doctors  and  drug  manufacturers  are  so  ambi- 
tious to  place  themselves  before  the  public,  that  one  can  scarcely 
help  becoming  disgusted  with  such  nonsense  and  quackery. 

This  microcephalic  tribe  seem  to  have  a  mania  for  signing  their 
names  to  the  merits  of  some  compound  in  order  that  they  may  be- 
(^ome  noted  and  behold  their  names  in  print.  Their  experience  is  as 
vague  as  their  clinical  reports  are  ridiculous,  and  only  calculated 
to  deceive  and  mislead  the  puplic.  It  is  true  that  medical  science  is 
degraded  and  disgraced,  but  by  her  would  be  bosom  friends.  Her 
ranks  arc  thronged  with  Judases,  whose  only  aim  is  to  secure  the 
almighty  dollar.  And  the  men  who  have  so  much  to  say  about 
cpuu^fcery  are  the  Achan  in  the  camp. 

When  the  regular  stops  his  ignorant  misleading  and  ([iiackish 
advertising,  will  the  profession  attain  the  dignity  tiiey  assume, 

J.  W.  T. 


CASE  FOR  ADVICE. 

Proviuence,  May  9th,  1881. 
Dr.  Math  I  son  : 

Dear  Doctok.~I  have  a  young  lady  patient  some  14  years  old. 
Some  3  years  ago  she  had  typhoid  fiver  .and  now  every  winter  she 
has  erysipelas  of  the  leg  and  knee.  I  did  not  tend  the  case  ot  ty- 
phoid fever.  If  you  can  help  me  any,  from  so  vague  a  description, 
please  do  so  and  oblige,  Yours, 


P.S.  — She  has  mensturated. 


G.  S.  ROBINSON,  M.  D. 


ANSWER 


Graphites  200  has  helped  me  in  many  cases  of  chronic  erysipe- 
las. However,  you  had  better  obtain  more  information  concerning 
your  patient  as  to  the  characrer  of  the  erysipelatous  infiaiuniatlon, 
aggravations,  ameliorations  and  concomitant  symptoms. 

Kali  chlor.  and  natrum  sulph.  are  fre(iuently  well  indicated  in 
ervsipelas,  the  former  for  the  vesicular,  and  the  latter  for  the  smooth 
variety.  •  THOS.  MATHISON. 


The   Homoeopathic  Courier. 


Vol.  II.  July,  i88i.  No.  i. 


Theon-  and  Practice. 


THE  INSANITY  DODGE. 

BT  J.   T.   BOYD,   M.  D. 

The  attempt  to  prove  the  insanity  of  a  criminal,  and 
thus  enable  him  to  escape  punishment  for  his  crime,  is 
becoming  so  common  in  our  courts  that  sensible  people 
have  become  disgusted  ;  and  that  together  with  the  other 
means  used  to  assist  the  guilty  to  escape  their  just  punish- 
ment, have  become  so  successful,  it  is  no  wonder  that  the 
people  take  the  law  into  their  own  hands,  and  execute 
quick  justice  with  the  ready  rope. 

''Because  sentence  against  an  evil  work  is  not  executed 
speedily^  therefore  the  heart  of  tfu  softs  of  men  is  fully  set 
in  them  to  do  evil'' 

If  a  criminal  is  able  to  employ  eminent  lawyers,  and 
fight  off  his  trial  from  year  to  year,  till  the  principal  wit- 
nesses have  died  or  have  been  induced  to  move  away,  or 
if  he  can  get  up  testimony  that  he,  or  some  of  his  ances- 
tors have  had  epilepsy,  or  some  peculiarity  of  disposition, 
and  can  secure  some  stupid  doctor  to  testify  that  the 
criminal's  eccentricities  plainly  show  insanity;  he  can 
defeat  the  ends  of  justice  and  escape  all  punishment. 


8  The  Homoeopathic  Courier. 

It  is  no  wonder  then  that  the  friends  of  the  murdered 
man  refuse  to  wait  on  the  tedious  uncertainties  of  law ; 
but  take  the  law  in  their  own  hands,  and  by  lynch  law 
execute  the  criminal.  But  what  concerns  us  most  is  the 
disgrace  brought  upon  our  profession  by  expert  testitnony. 

In  the  Kring  case,  that  has  "dragged  its  slow  length 
along"  for  six  years  in  our  courts,  the  perpetrator  of  a 
most  brutal  murder  sought  to  escape  punishment  by 
pleading  insanity,  and  there  were  not  wanting  doctors 
who  professed  to  be  experts  in  diseases  of  the  mind,  whose 
testimony,  if  believed,  would  have  turned  the  criminal  out 
again  to  prey  upon  the  community. 

This  whole  business  of  bringing  into  the  courts  men  as 
experts,  whose  opportunity  of  studying  mental  diseases 
has  been  very  limited,  and  then  allowing  this  kind  of  expert 
testimony  to  over-balance  all  the  other  evidence,  and  to 
work  upon  the  sympathy  of  the  jury,  and  thus  secure  a 
verdict  of  acquital,  is  all  wrong  and  should  be  discoun- 
tenanced by  the  judges  of  all  the  criminal  courts. 

The  proper  course  to  pursue  would  be  for  the  judge  to 
appoint  a  number  of  physicians,  eminent  for  their  learning 
and  experience  with  insane  persons,  by  a  writ  de  lunatico 
inqidrendo  as  a  jury,  submit  the  testimony  depended  on 
to  prove  the  insanity,  to  this  jury,  let  them  examine  it 
carefully  and  then  decide.  If  the  decision  is  in  favor  of 
the  insanity  of  the  criminal,  let  him  be  confined  securely 
in  an  asylum ^r  life.  The  result  of  this  course  would 
curtail  the  number  using  the  insanity  dodge  to  a  very 
great  extent. 

Guy,  in  his  Principles  of  Forensic  Medicine,  page  265,  on 
this  subject  says : 

"There  are  some  who  argue  that  to  confine  the  insane 
for  life,  is  an  injustice,  in  as  much  as  the  disease  under 
which   they   labor   may   be  completely  cured.     It  is  an 


The  Insanity  Dodge, 


\ 


injustice  towards  the  individual,  but  the  step  is  demanded 
by  a  regard  to  the  public  safety ;  and  when  all  the  alter- 
natives are  weighed,  it  will  be  found  to  be  the  least  injus- 
tice that  the  case  allows  of." 

The  practical  question  is  this:  What  amount  of  injus- 
tice are  we  wiUing  to  inflict  on  the  individual,  in  order 
that  society  at  large  may  be  protected  ? 

If  the  public  safety  requires  that  the  homicidal  mono- 
maniac should  be  put  to  death,  let  the  principle  be  boldly 
proclaimed  and  acted  on ;  but  if,  on  the  other  hand,  this 
seems  too  great  a  sacrifice  and  too  glaring  an  injustice, 
we  must  be  content  to  confine  him  for  life,  to  prevent  the 
possibility  of  future  mischief. 

This  degree  of  injustice  to  the  individual  a  regard  to 
the  public  safety  will  justify." 

This  injustice  is  not  so  great  as  to  punish  the  criminal 
for  the  crime  committed  while  under  the  influence  of  in- 
toxicating liquors,  as  is  always  done,  and  drunkenness  is 
never  allowed  to  be  plead  as  extenuating  circumstances  in 
his  favor. 

Lord  Coke  says : 

"This  is  a  settled  principle  of  law,  the  drunkard  is  a  vol- 
untarious  demon,  and  whatsoever  ill  he  doth,  his  drunken- 
ness shall  aggravate  it." 

Taylor,  in  his  work  on  Medical  Jurisprudence,  says ; 

^'Drunkenness  can  not  be  plead  as  a  palliation  for 
crime,  for  then  any  person  who  wished  to  commit  a  crime 
would  first  voluntarily  become  drunk." 

The  Parliament  of  England,  in  1843,  proposed  a  number 
of  interrogatories  to  a  bench  of  fifteen  judges  on  this  sub- 
ject with  the  following  result,  viz : 

Question, — "What  is  the  law  respecting  alleged  crimes 
committed  by  persons  afflicted  with  insane  delusion,  in 
respect  of  one  or  more  particular  subjects  or  persons : — 
as,  for  instance,  when  at  the  time  of  the  commission  of  the 


lo  Tlie  Homoeopathic  Courier. 

alleged  crime  the  accused  knew  he  was  acting  contrary 
to  law,  but  did  the  act  complained  of,  with  the  view, 
under  the  influence  of  some  insane  delusion,  of  redressing 
or  avenging  some  supposed  grievance  or  injury,  or  of 
producing  some  supposed  public  benefit  ? 

Answer, — "The  opinion  of  the  judges  was,  that  notwith- 
standing the  party  committed  a  wrong  act,  while  laboring 
under  the  idea  that  he  was  redressing  a  supposed  grievance 
or  injury  under  the  impression  of  obtaining  some  public 
or  private  benefit,  he  was  liable  to  be  punished'* 

Question, — "What  are  the  proper  questions  to  be  sub- 
mitted to  the  jury,  when  a  person,  alleged  to  be  affected 
with  insane  delusion  respecting  one  or  more  particular 
subjects  or  persons,  is  charged  with  the  commission  of 
crime,  murder  for  example,  and  insanity  is  set  up   as  a 

defence  ?" 
Answer, — "The  jury  ought  in  all  cases  to  be  told  that 

every  man  should  be  considered  of  sane  mind  until  the 

contrary  were  clearly  proved  in  evidence. 

"That  before  a  plea  of  insanity  should  be  allowed, 
undoubted  evidence  ought  to  be  adduced  that  the  accused 
was  of  diseased  mind,  and  that  at  the  time  he  committed 
the  act  he  was  not  conscious  of  right  and  wrong.  This 
opinion  relates  to  every  case  in  which  a  party  was  charged 
with  an  illegal  act,  and  a  plea  of  insanity  was  set  up." 

This  is  sound  sense  and  should  be  the  law  everywhere, 
but  unfortunately  for  society,  it  is  not. 

The  works  on  medical  jurisprudence  are  full  of  cases 
where  cunning  criminals  have  attempted  to  escape  punish- 
ment by  pleading  insanity. 

Sometimes  to  supplement  their  plea,  and  to  produce  a 
sensation  in  their  favor,  they  will  have  pretended  fits  of 
epilepsy  in  the  jail ;  but  a  person  must  be  a  rare  adept  in 
deception,  if  he  succeeds  in  deceiving  a  skilful  physician. 


The  Insanity  Dodge,  1 1 

Occasionally  persons  are  found  who  from  long  practice 
and  close  sttcdy  (for  they  do  study  the  symptoms  of  epi- 
lepsy), can  deceive  all  but  the  most  experienced.  This 
thing  of  feigning  epilepsy,  or  dummy  chucking^  as  it  is 
called  among  thieves,  is  frequently  practiced  for  other 
purposes  than  to  get  exemption  from  punishment ;  as 
falling  on  the  street  or  in  public  assemblies,  to  give  their 
pals  a  chance  to  pick  the  pockets  of  the  sympathizing 
bystanders. 

It  becomes  important  to  notice  the  signs  between 
true  epilepsy  and  feigned,  especially  to  be  able  to  detect 
the  fraud  in  criminals. 

The  person  feigning  epilepsy  can  hardly  ever  carry  out 
the  fit  to  the  end,  without  detection,  by  a  physician  of 
ordinary  skill,  but  sometimes  it  has  been  done  successfully. 

A  case  was  tried  in  the  courts  of  Indianapolis,  a  few 
years  ago,  where  the  criminal,  a  brutal  murderer,  would 
have  escaped  the  gallows  he  so  justly  deserved,  by  a  very 
poor  attempt  at  dummy  chucking  that  deceived  some  of 
the  doctors  (?)  had  not  a  sharp  Irish  jailer  seen  through 
his  trick  and  exposed  him. 

During  the  fit  the  criminal  would  square  himself  for 
boxing,  and  assume  other  positions  that  no  true  epileptic 
ever  did.  The  jailer  concluded  there  was  ^  too  much 
•^method  in  the  madness"  of  the  criminal,  or  he  exhibited 
too  much  skill  in  his  boxing  while  his  "eyes  were  in  wild 
frenzy  rolling,"  and  the  jailor  called  out  to  him :  "Guetic 
if  ye  hit  me  1*11  knock  ye  down."  The  threat  had  its 
effect,  the  epileptic  took  good  care  that  he  did  not  strike 
the  jailer,  and  he  soon  found  that  his  trick  was  "played 
out,"  and  he  was  at  last  convicted  and  hung. 

To  detect  this  dummy  chucking  from  true  epilepsy  is 
sometimes   very  difficult,  especially  if  the  person  is  an 


12  Tlie  Homoeopathic  Courier, 

adept  in  the  art ;  the  following  suggestions  may  aid  the 
inexperienced  in  detecting  the  fraud. 

In  true  epilepsy  there  is  generally  sleeplessness,  a  ca- 
pricious appetite  or  complete  abstinence  from  food  ;  the 
attack  is  liable  to  comp  on  when  the  patient  is  alone  or  at 
night ;  there  is  first  pallor,  or  the  countenance  is  bloated, 
and  face  contorted,  skin  cool,  muscles  rigid,  but  the 
rigidity  when  once  bioken  does  not  return  again,  unless 
the  paroxysm  is  renewed ;  frothing  at  the  mouth,  eyes 
closed  and  pupils  dilated,  the  ball  of  the  eye  abnormally 
twisfed  up  or  there  is  squinting  present. 

On  the  other  hand  the  imposter  will  fail,or  have  symptoms 
that  never  belong  to  the  disease,  the  face  may  be  red  and 
bloated,  but  the  skin  is  warm  and  perspiring  (the  result  of 
the  muscular  effort),  he  sleeps  well  except  when  he  be- 
lieves himself  watched,  always  has  his  spells  in  public  and 
when  he  can  excite  sympathy ;  always  has  a  motive  for 
his  deception.  The  thumb  is  clasped  firmly  on  the  palm 
of  the  hand,  and  when  the  spasm  of  the  muscles  is  broken 
by  force  it  ifnmcdiately  returns,  the'  thumb  is  again  firmly 
clasped,  the  pupil,  of  the  eye  is  sensible  to  light.  If  ob- 
served carefully  he  will  open  his  eyes  slightly  to  notice 
the  effect  that  his  spells  have  upon  his  audience,  is  a  very 
excellent  plan. 

There  are  several  other  plans  that  can  be  pursued  that 
will  aid  in  the  detection  of  feigned  epilepsy,  as  dropping 
alcohol  in  the  eye,  blowing  scotch  snuff  up  the  nose,  or 
holding  ammonia  to  the  nose,  putting  aloes  in  the  mouth, 
sticking  sharp  instruments  under  the  finger  nails,  pro- 
posing to  perform  some  disagreeable  operation. 

I  think  it  is  Dr.  Cheyne  that  related  a  case  of  feigned 
epilepsy  that  was  instantly  cured  on  shipboard,  by  the 
nav.y  surgeon  giving  an  order  to  have  a  red  hot  ramrod 
introduced  into  the   anus   of  the   epileptic.     The  patient 


The  Insanity  Dodge,  1 3 

concluded,  to  use  a  slang  expression,  that  **he  did  not  want 
any  of  that  in  his'n/'  and  consequently  came  out  of  his  fit 
instantly. 

We  once  had  a  lady  patient,  who  would  •  always,  after 
a  little  family  broil,  have  fits,  returning  from  time  to  time 
for  weeks.  We  had  our  suspicions'  aroused,  and  believed 
that  she  was  shamming.  We  ordered  every  one  out  of 
the  room,  and  hid  behind  the  head-board  of  the  bed,  and 
watched.  When  she  found  herself  alone  she  opened  her 
eyes  and  ceased  her  contortions.  We  found  she  had  a 
holy  horror  of  blistering,  and  we  told  one  of  her  lady 
friends  in  the  strictest  confidence  that  when  she  had  an- 
other attack  we  would  apply  a  large  blister  from  her  chin 
to  the  pubes.  It  is  needless  to  say  that  our  patient  was 
at  once  informed  of  our  intentions,  as  we  expected  and 
intended  she  should  be,  and  the  result  was  a  perfect  cure. 
zi'ithout  any  aitemiation  or  blister  either. 

The  threat  of  applying  boiling  water  over  the  feet  and 
legs  and  the  actual  pouring  of  ^W water  instead  has  acted 
like  magic  in  some  cases. 

The  physician  can  not  be  too  careful  in  his  examination 
of  these  kind  of  cases ;  neither  should  he  be  anxious  to 
be  called  as  an  expert  in  our  criminal  courts.  Many  a 
time  if  the  physician  had  indicated  some  other  member  of 
the  profession  as  being  more  of  an  expert  than  himself, 
and  tried  to  get  excused,  he  would  have  saved  himself 
great  self-mortification,  and  retained  the  respect  of  the 
community  in  which  he  practiced,  for  an  inexperienced 
physician  is  sure  to  expose  his  ignorance  before  the  court, 
if  he  appears  as  an  expert  in  cases  where  he  is  not  com- 
petent. 


14  The  Homoeopathic  Courier, 

ABSTRACTS  AND  EXTRA  CIS, 

"The  World  does  Move." — We  find  the  following  in 
The  Pacific  Medical  Journal  (allopathic).  It  indicates 
that  the  fosseliforous  shell  is  cracking  and  leads  us  to  hope 
that  the  old  shell  will  soon  be  thrown  off.  If  these  senti- 
ments had  been  expressed  twenty-five  years  ago,  the 
editor  would  have  been  ostracised,  as  Prof.  Hanbury 
Smith  was  for  a  like  indiscretion :" 

**A  writer  in  the  Michigan  Medical  News,  raps  us  over 
the  knuckles  for  having  named  a  certain  prominent  eclectic 
in  Cincinnati  in  terms  of  respect. 

"Not  knowing  anything  against  the  individual,  and 
judging  him  only  by  his  journal,  we  had  no  reaso  n  to 
speak  of  him  otherwise.  As  we  may  desire  at  a  future 
time  to  make  use  of  the  names  of  some  non-orthodox 
doctors  in  the  East,  we  would  ask  our  critical  friend  to 
furnish  us  a  list  of  a  dozen  or  so,  of  whom  we  may  Speak 
respectfully,  without  giving  offense  to  any  sanctified 
brother." 


Some  of  the  priests  in  Spain  refuse  religious  burial, 
to  all  those  who  employ  homoeopathic  physicians.  This 
is  as  it  should  be ;  the  people  living  under  the  most  ignor- 
ance and  despotism,  fraternize  with  medical  despotism, 
intolerance  and  bigotry. 

Rheumatism. — Dr.  Frank  Heller,  in  the  Boston  Journal 
of  Chemistry,  mentions  aqua  ammonia  as  a  remedy  for 
this  complaint.  He  took  one  drop,  diluted  with  water, 
in  his  own  case,  and  felt  immediate  and  complete  relief 
from  the  pain  which  had  lasted  for  ten  hours.  He  was 
now  able  to  move  the  arm  freely,  which  before  he  could 
scarcely  bear  to  be  touched.  The  remedy,  he  claims,  has 
proved  a  positive  cure  in  all  recent  cases  of  muscular 
rheumatism,  which  has  fallen  under  his  observation,  and 
these  have  been  many. 

This  is  not  new,  but  has  been  used  by  allopathic  physi- 
cians over  twenty-five  years,  but  not  in  so  small  a  dose. 


Abstracts  and  Extracts.  15 

and  given  on  the  principle  of  an  antipathy,  as  an  alkaloid, 
for  the  uric  acid  diathesis. 


Faculty  Resignation.— The  majority  of  the  faculty 
of  Detroit  Medical  College,  allopathic,  withdrew  from  the 
college  because  they  were  dissatisfied  with  the  action  of 
the  trustees. 

We  hope  that  this  resignation  disease  may  not  become 
contagious.  We  had  an  attack  of  that  trouble  in  this  city 
about  one  year  ago,  but  supposed  that  the  result  was  so 
disastrous,  that  it  would  deter  any  other  faculty  from  ex- 
posing themselves  to  its  influence.  But  then  the  cause  of 
the  trouble  was  different  from  what  it  was  in  Detroit. 
Here  it  was,  that  in  a  lucid  interval,  the  faculty  found  that 
they  were  not  a  faculty  at  all  according  to  law,  but  a  mere 
conglomeration,  and  a  bad  one  at  that. 


The  allopathy  in  the  late  American  Medical  Associa- 
tion, passed  a  resolution,  that  they  would  not  allow 
homoeopathic  students  to  attend  their  colleges,  **  they 
\^ould  cease  to  educate  quacks,  etc." 

Oh,  how  sad  we  feel !  What  a  calamity  has  befallen  us  ? 
No  longer  can  we  listen  to  lectures  in  the  allopathic  col- 
leges, where  every  one  condemns  all  the  opinions  of  those 
who  have  preceded  them,  and  will  be  condemned  in  return 
by  their  followers,  while  wandering  in  gloomy  skepticism. 


Beneficial  Effects  of  Sunlight.  —Being  impressed 
with  the  favorable  results  which  Prof.  Vanzetti,  of  Padua, 
had  obtained  from  the  direct  influence  of  the  sun's  rays  in 
obstinate  joint  affections,  such  as  synovitis  and  white 
swelling.  Dr.  Guiseppe  determined  to  give  the  treatment 
a  trial,  and  the  results  have  been  highly  satisfactory.  The 
treatment  was  carried  on  during  the  summer  between  the 
months  of  May  and  August. 

The  treatment  lasted  from  one  to  three  weeks,  accord- 
ing to  the  intensity  of  the  disease  and  the  length  of  time 


1 6  The  Homceopathic  Courier. 

it  had  lasted.  The  affected  joints  were  exposed  to  the  sun  s 
rays  one  or  more  hours  each  day.  Under  this  treatment 
the  skin  became  brown,  the  exudation  was  absorbed,  and 
there  was  a  decided  gain  in  the  nutrition  and  mobility  of 
the  joint. 


Ether  in  Sciatica. — Dr.  Comegys  recommends  hypo- 
dermic injection  of  sulphuric  ether  for  the  treatment  of 
sciatica,  {L*  Union  Medicale,  August  5th).  He  cites  two 
cases,  one  in  detail,  which  he  has  cured  by  this  plan. 
Three  drops  of  ether  are  injected  at  intervals  of  twelve 
hours.  The  injection  need  not  be  a  deep  one;  and  though 
it  causes  a  momentary  sharp  pain,  it  does  not  bring  on 
any  consecutive  unpleasant  effects.  Dr.  Comegys  is  in- 
clined to  think  that  the  same  injection  might  be  success- 
ful in  the  case  of  tic  douloureux,  for  which  Dr.  Merino 
recommends  hypodermic  injection  of  ergotine. — Canada 
Medical  and  Surgical  Journal, 


Itch  —Scabies. — At  the  Vienna  Hospital  the  patient  is 
rubbed  all  over  with  soft  soap  for  half  an  hour,  takes  then 
a  tepid  bath  for  another  half  hour,  is  dried,  and  when  in 
bed  rubbed  all  over  with  a  solution  of  two  parts  styrax  to 
one  of  glycerine,  packed,  left  several  hours  in  his  pack, 
takes  then  another  tepid  bath,  and  after  a  few  such  pro- 
cedures is  discharged. — Horn,  Therap, 


Treatment  of  Syphilis. — Sigmund,  of  Vienna,  advises 
removal  of  the  initial  lesion  (if  the  case  be  seen  very  early) 
with  knife,  cautery,  or  caustic,  followed  by  neat  dry  dress- 
ings. After  this  he  advises  deferring  constitutional  treat- 
ment, except  hygienic,  until  the  cutaneous  manifestations 
appear.  When  these  arrive  he  uses,  for  the  lighter  forms, 
the  iodide  preparations  ;  for  graver  forms,  with  defective 
nutrition  and  strength,  palpably  due  to  syphilis   alone,   or 


Abstracts  and  Extracts,  \  7 

widespread  pustular,  papular,  or  squamous  eruptions,  mer- 
cury. But  this  must  never  be  pushed  to  salivation.  For 
the  gravest  tertiary  forms  he  recommends  mercury  and  io- 
dides alternately. — Am.  Practitioner, 


Rhus  Aromatica. — This  new  remedy  is  worthy  of  more 
attention.  Prof.  Hale  says :  I  have  used  the  rhus  aro- 
matica in  a  few  cases  with  good  results,  principally  in 
catarrhal  affections  of  the  nasal  passages  and  vagina,  and 
find  it  almost  a  specific  when  used  locally ;  internally  I 
have  not  used  it  much,  it  seems,  however,  to  act  well  in 
chronic  diarrhoea  and  dysentery. — Investigator. 


Hay  Fever. — Prof  Bins,  of  Bonn,  calls  attention  to 
the  use  of  quinine  in  hay  fever,  referring  to  the  discovery 
by  Helmholtz,  of  the  existence  of  uncommon  low  organ- 
ism in  the  nasal  secretions  in  this  complaint,  and  of  the 
possibility  of  arresting  their  development  and  action  by 
the  use  of  quinine,  as  this  article  is  destructive  to  this 
class  of  infusoria,  therefore  Prof.  Bins  used  a  solution  of 
this  drug  in  cases  of  hay  fever  with  good  effect.  As 
the  season  for  this  troublesome  complaint  is  near  it 
would  be  wellto  try  the  local  application  of  a  solution 
of  quinine  to  the  lining  membrane  of  the  nose  and  fauces. 


The  Medical  Record  assert  that  ** Ipecac  is  a  most  unre- 
liable anti-emetic,"  thereby  admitting  that^t  really  does 
possess  such  qualities.  We  would  suggest  to  our  col- 
league that  the  highest  appreciation  of  progressive  scien- 
tific investigation  should  lead  us  to  find  out  tuhich  the 
ipecac  cases  are,  rather  than  to  abandon  it  because  it  can- 
not hQ  generalized.  The  sooner  our  friends  learn  to  individ- 
ualize drug-action,  just  as  they  do  diseased  conditions,  the 
sooner  they  will  become  better  therapeutists,  and  mankind 
the  gainers. 


1 8  The  Hcniceopathic  Courier, 

Corns  may  be  cured  without  pain  by  using  thirty  parts 
salicyHc  acid,  f\vc  parts  extract  cannabis  indica,  and  240 
parts  of  collodion.  Mix  well  and  apply  by  means  of  a 
camel's  hair  pencil.  So  says  Mr  Gezon,  a  Russian  apoth- 
cary. 

Dr.  Chas.  W.  Calhoun  (Mv/.  ^r^^rrf)reports  an  interest- 
ing clinical  case  in  which  three  gall  stones  were  removed 
through  the  abdominal  walls.  Nature  had  commenced 
the  operation  by  forming  adhesions  and  sinuses. 


Eruptions. — -Where  children  are  afflicted  with  erup- 
tions behind  the  ears,  back  of  the  head  and  bend  of  the 
knee ;  where  the  eruption  is  moist  and  apt  to  become 
purulent,  graphites  is  my  favorite  remedy.  Moisten  one 
drachm  of  good  sugar  of  milk  with  ten  or  twelve  drops  of 
of  the  4x  dilution  of  graphites  and  have  it  thoroughly 
triturated,  then  give  a  three  grain  powder,  dry,  on  the 
tongue,  every  two  or  three  hours  during  the  day.  In  ad- 
dition to  the  above  internal  treatment,  I  have  used  the 
oleate  of  zinc  ointment  externally,  with  the  happie.st  effect. 
The  ointment  allays  all  irritiation  and  itching.'-^Medtcal 
Call. 


Burns  and  Scalds. — 'Wv^  Paint,  Oil  and  Drug  Reporter 
.says  that  mutton  is  as  good,  if  not  better  than  linseed  oil, 
or  linseed  oil  and  lime-water,  for  burns  and  scalds.  Mus- 
lin cloths  dipped  in  melted  mutton  tallow  are  laid  over  the 
burned  space  and  held  in  place  by  woolen  bandages.  Un- 
der this  treatment  the  healing  is  unexpectedly  rapid. 
Fresh  churned  butter,  unsalted,  anwers  as  well  as  mutton 
tallow. 


Small  Pox. — An  Englishman  of  some  note  sent  to  a 
Liverpool  paper  the  remarkable  .statement,  viz  :  That 
the  worst  case  of  small  pox  can  be  cured  in  three  days, 
simply  by  the  use  of  cream  of  tartar,  one  ounce  to  a  pint 
of  water  drank  cold  at  intervals. 


Abstracts  and  Extf  acts,  \  9 

Diphtheria.  —  Dr.  Greathead,  who  had  very  great 
success  in  the  treatment  of  this  disease  in  AustraUa,  used 
only  sulfh.  acid^  four  drops  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  to  be 
given  in  divided  doses  to  an  adult,  smaller  doses  in  pro- 
portion to  children.  He  claims  that  it  coagulates  the 
diphtheric  membrane  and  it  is  easily  detached  by  coughing. 


Bromide  of  Potassa  Aggravation. — Mr.  Prowse,  of 
Cambridge,  says  that  salicylic  acid  applied  locally,  is  a 
very  effective  and  certain  remedy  for  the  pustules  and 
peculiar  ulcerations  that  are  caused  by  the  prolonged  use 
of  bromide  of  potassium.  He  uses  a  saturated  solution 
of  the  acid — one  grain  to  the  ounce  of  water — and  ap- 
plies it  frequently,  and  where  possible,  constantly  by 
means  of  lint  and  oiled  silk.  He  states  that  he  has  seen 
sores  as  large  as  the  palm  of  the  hand,  due  to  the  bromide, 
heal  soundly  in  less  than  seven  days  under  the  use  of  this 
lotion. — Brit.  Med,  Joiimal. 


Cancers. — Mr.  Herbert  Snow  gives  in  the  Lancet  the 
result  of  the  study  of  a  large  number  of  cases  of  cancer  : 
I.  Hereditary  tendency  as  a  predisposing  cause  of  cancer 
is  almost  valueless,  and  in  practical  diagnosis  should  be  al- 
together ignored.  2.  Mechanical  injuries  directly  pro- 
duce cancer,  in  a  small  percentage  of  cases.  3.  Mental 
trouble  and  hard  work  are  the  most  potent  agents  in  the 
production  of  cancer. 


Kara-Kara. — Dr.  Childs  finds  excellent  effects  from 
this  drug  if  given  within  forty-eight  hours.  He  puts  an 
ounce  of  tincture  in  four  ounces  of  water  and  gives  a  des- 
sert spoonful  every  two  hours  the  first  day,  and  every  three 
hours  the  second.  If  no  relief  follows  in  forty-eight  hours 
the  dru^  is  to  be  discontinued.  He  thinks  it  is  almost  a 
specific  for  chordee  in  any  stage. 


Surgery. 


A    QUEER  HERNIA. 

BY  B.   B.  STBVRNBOir,   M.   D. 

January  14,  I  was  called  to  see  Ruth  M.,  aged  35,  and 
mother  of  six  children,  the  youngest  being  about  six  years. 
She  suffered  considerably  with  darting  pains  in  umbilical 
region,  so  sharp  and  severe  at  times,  that  they  would  elicit 
loud  screams ;  she  was  also  troubled  with  occasional  vo- 
miting. She  complained  of  nothing  else  hurting  hef. 
Pulse  slightly  accelerated,  respiration  hurried  after  par*- 
oxysm  subsided,  for  a  few  minutes  only.  Bowels  rather 
full,  with  but  little  tenderness  on  pressure.  Noted  nothing 
peculiar  about  the  appearance  of  the  tongue.  Bowels 
constipated.  Diagnosed  it  colic,  shot  at  it  with  the  specific 
nux  tine,  in  usual  dose,  and  returned  next  day  to  find 
her  some  worse.  All  previous  symptoms  aggravated,  and  a 
slight  indication  of  bilious  colic.  So  added  tinct.  dies- 
core,  but  without  any  effect  whatever.  Saturday  evening 
arrived,  and  found  her  still  worse,  and  looking  positively 
towards  a  funeral.  The  occasional  vomiting  had  now  be- 
come stercoraceous.  During  the  interim,  she  had  had  C 
O.  salts,  castor  oil,  comp.  cathart.  pills,  injections,  and 
nine  drops  of  croton  oil.  without  an  action  from  the  bow- 
els, or  relief  of  pain.  Was  rather  positive  I  had  a  case  of 
intussusception,  and  as  nothing  seemed  to  do  any  good, 
and  death  was  inevitable  if  she  was  not  relieved,  I  resolved 
to  operate  the  next  day,  and  see  if  I  could  find  and  reduce 
the  invaginated  bowel,  as  it  was  then  too  late  to  operate 
that  day.  So,  accompanied  by  Drs.  Slaughter  and  Mcin- 
tosh of  this  city,  1  went  to  tjxecute  my  plans,  but  found 
the  patient  too  far  gone  to  stand  the  operation,  as  death 
was  then  stealing  over  hen     With  Drs.  Gist  and  Mcintosh, 


; 


% 

A  Queer  Hernia.  21 

I  held  a  post  mortem  the  next  day.     On  laying  open  fhe 
walls  of  the  abdomen,  we  found  the  small  intestine  highly 

inflamed,  and  distended  with  gas  and  stercoraceous  mate- 
rial. We  found  the  trouble  to  be  a  hernia,  not  femoral  nor 
inguinal,  but  within  the  abdominal  and  pelvic  cavities.  A 
fibro-muscular  band,  about  one  and  a  half  inches  in  length, 
one-fourth  inch  in  diameter,  connecting  the  fimbirated  ex- 
tremity of  the  fallopian  tube  with  the  ileum,  about  four  or 
five  inches  from  its  connection  with- the  caecum,  lay  across 
the  inner  margin  of  the  iliac  crest.  The  omentum  and  ap- 
pendix vermiformis  were  also  firmly  attached  to  a  hard  tu- 
mor an  inch  and  a  half  in  diameter,  that  was  firmly  en- 
cased in  the  trumpetous  extremity  of  the  fallopian  tube,  ■ 
which  was  now  entirely  closed  and  the  opening  destroyed 
by  a  high  degree  of  inflammation  that  had  existed  at  some 
time  in  her  previous  history.  A  knuckle^of  intestine  from 
above,  had,  by  some  means  or  other,  dropped  beneath  this 
band  that  lay  across  the  crest  of  the  ileum  and  connected 
the  fallopian  tube  with  ileum,  and  had  become  completely 
strangulated.  So,  one  with  a  knowledge  of  anatomy  will  * 
see  at  once  the  condition  of  the  parts  I  have  described, 
and  a  knowledge  of  physiology  will  teach  him  the  impos- 
sibility for  the  bowel  to  act  under  such  a  strangulated  con- 
dition ;  indeed,  had  the  bowel  been  ligated  it  would  not 
have  rendered  it  more  impossible.  In  a  similar  case,  an 
operation  in  the  beginning  might  be  effectual  in  giving  re-» 
lief.  From  the  hard  tumor,  which  was  encased  in  the  ob- 
literated extremity  of  the  fallopian  tube,  1  afterward  dis- 
sected a  well  developed  fetus.  You  can  but  imagine  my 
surprise  on  finding  it  there,  as  I  believed  it  to  be  a  mere 
fibrous  tumor,  until  my  curiosity,  several  days  afterward, 
led  me  to  expose  the  contents  of  the  same.  I  have  the  spe- 
cimens now  on  exhibition  to  the  profession  in  my  office. — 
E.  M.  Journal. 

ON  THE  TREAIMENT  OF  DISEASED  JOINTS, 

From  The  Medical  Tribune  we  except  the  following: 
Professor  Verneuil  lately  read,  before  the  Societe  de 


22  The  Hoviceopathic  Courier. 

Cnirugie  de  Paris,  an  important  paper  on  immobilization 
and  the  mobilization  of  diseased  joints,  the  following 
abstract  of  which  will  interest  our  readers.  He  began  by 
declaring  that  **a  fundamental  principle  of  therapeutics 
demands  as  an  essential  condition  for  r^cow^ry,  rest  for  the 
diseased  organ'*  and  that  **a  principle  in  general  physi- 
ology not  less  fundamental  affirms  that  the  activity  of  an 
organ  is  indispensable  to  its  material  and  functional  pre- 
servation," and  went  on  to  observe  that  "from  these  em- 
barrassing contradictory  propositions  it  follows  that  the 
rest  which  cures  a  disease  may  ultimately  annihilate  the 
organ ;  the  activity  which  keeps  an  organ  alive  may  pre- 
vent its  healing  when  diseased ;  and  that  rest  and  activity 
are  equally  useful,  even  necessary,  and  yet  as  equally 
injurious  and  dangerous." 

Brought  to  bear  on  the  treatment  of  athropathies,  the 
above  propositions  tend  to  render  our  therapeutics  and 
practice  undecided  and  confused,  r^nd  thus  some  urge 
that  as  the  prolonged  fixation  of  a  joint  may  so  alter  its 
structure  as  to  lead  to  anchylosis,  therefore,  we  niust 
limit  the  fixation  to  the  shortest  possible  time;  others 
maintain  that  rest,  rigorous  and  persistent,  is  the  best  cure 
for  an  anthritis,  therefore  prolong  the  period  of  rest  to  the 
utmost  extent,  and  disallow  any  attempt  at  movement. 
Bonnet,  of  Lyons,  after  having  inclosed  the  diseased  joint 
in  immovable  apparatus  for  a  certain  time,  always  took 
care,  when  the  right  moment  seemed  to  have  come,  to 
commence  passive  movements,  in  order  to  restore  supple- 
ness to  the  joint. 

This  mixed  practice  seems  nowadays  to  be  almost 
universally  adopted.  Surgeons,  no  doubt  immobilize  the 
joints,  because  they  have  found  out  that  it  is  necessary ; 
but  they  are  always  preoccupied  by  the  supposed  ill 
effects  of  prolonged  fixation,  and  eagerly  look  out  for  the 
moment  when  they  may  recommence  the  movements 
which  are  to  prevent  anchylosis.  Now,  Professor  Vemeuil 
said,  anchylosis,  in  fact,  is  a  ghost,  which  frightens  not 
only  the  lay  public,  the  patients,  and  their  friends,  but 


Treatment  of  Diseased  Joijits,  23 

also .  nearly  all  general  practitioners,  and  not  a  few 
surgeons. 

**In  my  practice  and  teaching  for  a  long  time  past  I 
have  combated  to  the  uttermost  this  idea  of  anchylosis 
and  its  prevention  by  passive  movement.  Perhaps  my 
views  may  seem  paradoxical :  nevertheless  I  am  led  on  to 
the  discussion  by  facts.  Thus,  a  child  with  joint  disease 
was  recently  brought  to  me.  I  appHed  absolute  fixation 
to  the  joint.  All  the  pain  ceased,  swelling  disappeared, 
and  recovery  was  taking  place.  At  the  end  of  some 
weeks  I  was  asked  when  it  would  be  necessary  to  remove 
the  bandages  and  commence  movements.  To  this  I 
replied  the  time  has  not  yet  come.  Nevertheless,  in  a 
short  time,  the  general  practitioner,  probably  urged  on  by 
friends,  removed  all  the  apparatus.  As  a  consequence, 
the  benefits  then  gained  were  lost,  and  the  lesion  pro- 
gressed. The  child  was  again  brought;  some  excuses 
were  made.  I  again  ordered  fixation,  and  the  child  is 
now  in  a  fair  way  to  recovery." 

The  facts  invoked  against  fixation  are  indeed  very  few, 
and  only  moderately  conclusive ;  if  the  accusation  is  true, 
we  ought  to  be  surprised  that  the  proofs  are  so  uncom- 
mon. In  order  to  discuss  the  subject  with  advantage,  we 
must  at  least  distinguish  between  healthy  and  diseased 
joints,  and  among  the  latter  we  must  further  establish 
varieties.  First,  then,  as  regards  healthy  joints.  I  affirm 
that  there  does  not  exist  a  single  fact  which  shows  con- 
clusively that  fixation,  however  long  continued,  has  ever 
led  to  anchylosis.  This  long-continued  fixation  may,  it 
is  true,  give  rise  to  anatomical  modifications  such  as 
diminution  in  the  extent  of  the  articular  surfaces,  to  a 
thinning  of  their  lining  cartilage,  also  to  a  reduction  in  size 
of  the  synovial  sacs,  to  a  less  abundant  synovial  secretion, 
and  to  functional  changes,  such  as  stiffness  of  the  joints 
and  limitation  of  movements.  Hence  not  unnaturally, 
when  necessity  of  immobilization  has  ceased,  a  certain 
time  will  be  required  for  the  complete  restitution  of  the 
articular  function.     But  there   is  nothing   in  all  this  which 


24  The  Hoviceopathic  Courier. 

resembles  anchylyosis.  It  is  only  comparable  with  what 
takes  place  in  mucous  glands  which  are  no  longer 
traversed  either  by  ingesta  or  by  excretions ;  they  do  not 
become  obliterated,  as  was  taught  by  Bichat,  but  simply 
reduced  in  size.  Their  healthy  condition,  however,  is 
established  in  a  few  weeks,  or  at  most  in  a  few  months, 
when  their  function  is  once  more  revived.  What  better 
example  could  one  have  than  the  bladder  in  the  case  of  a 
visico-vaginal  fistula  ?  It  becomes  reduced  to  a  mere 
pouch,  but  again  resumes  its  normal  capacity,  as  soon  as 
the  fistula  is  closed.  I  am  well  aware  the  everywhere 
autopsies  and  experiments  on  animals  are  quoted ;  but 
neither  the  one  nor  the  other  have  completely  convinced 
me.  I  could  show  that  the  various  lesions  which  are  re- 
vealed are  not  in  any  way  of  the  nature  to  lead  to 
anchylosis,  but  can  be  attributed  to  other  causes  rather 
than  to  the  fixation.  On  the  other  hand.  I  might  mention 
the  numberless  examples  of  well-known  cases  in  which  the 
joint,  for  a  long  time  kept  immovably  fixed,  has,  notwith- 
standing, retained  its  structure  and  rapidly  resumed  its 
functions  when  permitted  to  do  so.  These  latter  facts  are 
at  least  as  numerous  as  the  opposite  ones,  and  being  more 
simple,  are  also  more  convincing.  It  is  clear  cither  that 
fixation  alone  suffices  to  alter  a  joint,  and  then  it  ought 
always  to  do  so ;  or  there  is  need  of  a  peculiar  predisposi- 
tion and 'a  suitably  prepared  soil,  in  which  latter  case  it 
behooves  us  to  seek  whether  this  predisposition  does  not 
play  the  principal  role.  The  learned  professor  inclines  to 
this  latter  view.  He  admits  that  at  the  termination  of  any 
anthritis  in  the  treatment  of  which  fixation  more  or  less 
prolonged  has  been  made  use  of,  there  is  a  diminution,  a 
suspension,  even  an  abolition  of  movement ;  but  does  not 

see  why  this  functional  suppression  should  be  attributed 
to  fixation  rather  than  to  other  causes,  especially  the 
anatomical  lesion  present  in  the  joint. 

Those  who  fear  anchylosis  argue  that  certain  plastic 
exudations  are  poured  out  between  the  apposed  surfaces. 


7  reatment  of  Diseased  Joints.  25 

which,  at  first  soft,  tend  to  organize  and  so  glue  these 
surfaces  together.  Fixation  allows  this  process  to  pro- 
ceed uncontrolled.  But  the  synovial  membrane  is  not 
alone  altered ;  the  ligaments  are  also  infiltrated  and 
softened.  This,  no  doubt,  cannot  be  ascribed  to  the  mere 
fixation,  but  the  fixation  allows  the  process  to  go  on, 
whereas  movement  would  certainly  prevent  the  subse- 
quent stiffness  and  shortening  which  otherwise  come  on. 
The  cartilage  may  even  be  destroyed,  and  then,  if 
fixation  is  carried  out,  the  plastic  matter  which  is  deposi- 
ted ossifies,  and  true  anchylosis  is  effected ;  whereas 
movements  would  at  least  tend  to  a  more  or  less  movable 
joint.  And,  moreover,  the  tendons  are  apt  to  get  glued 
together  within  their  sheaths,  which  is  further  favored  by 
long  continued  fixation. 

After  passing  in  review  the  varieties  of  arthropathy, 
and  the  difference  in  their  tendencies,  he  shows  that  there 
are  some  which  never  lead  to  anchylosis;  while  in  others 
fixation  may  be  carried  out  or  not,  there  will  be  some 
interference  with  movements  in  any  case,  but  not  an 
anchylosis.  Impaired  movement  is  in  all  cases  due  to 
the  disease  and  not  to  the  fixation. 

The  pain  of  certain  arthopathies  give  rise  to  reflex 
muscular  fixation.  If  moderate,  this  does  not  lead  to 
any  ill  consequences ;  but  if  excessive  or  prolonged,  if  it 
go  on  to  contracture,  it  then  becomes  harmful,  and  by 
bearing  unduly  on  circumscribed  portions  of  the  bone,  or 
cartilages,     or    ligaments,    it    gives    rise    to    secondary 

pathological  changes  of  serious  import. 

In  passive  fixation,  on  the  contrary,  when  the  mechani- 
cal means  are  used,  all  movements  are  prevented,  the 
muscles  are  kept  at  rest,  and  a  limb  is  held  in  its  normal 
position. 

After  an  examination  of  the  various  means  by  which 
immobiHzation  is  effected,  he  arrives  at  the  following  con- 
clusions : 

Prolonged  fixation  incontestably  modifies  healthy  joints, 


N 


26  The  Homceopathic  Courier, 

but  not  profoundedly  either  in  form  or  in  the  structure  of 
their  constituent  parts,  or  as  regards  their  ultimate  func- 
tion. 

There  does  not  exist,  in  scientific  records,  any  authen- 
ticated examples  of  anchylosis  produced  in  a  healthy 
joint  by  mere  fixation.  The  cases  hitherto  advanced  in 
support  of  such  an  idea  are  capable  of  another  interpreta- 
tion. On  the  other  hand,  there  are  on  record  numerous 
examples  of  joints  which  have  been  kept  immovable  for 
long  periods,  and  have  regained  their  anatomical  and 
physiological  integrity. 

Inflammation,  no  doubt,  occupies  a  first  place  among 
the  causes,  and  as  it  is  absolutely  proved  that  fixation  is 
an  antiphlogistic  of  the  first  rank,  it  is.  illogical  to  think 
that  it  produces  those  effects  which  it  is  known  to   cure. 

If,  in  certain  cases,  fixation  continues  to  produce  anchy- 
losis, it  is  not  that  fixation  which  the  surgeon  secures  by 
apparatus,  but  rather  that  which  is  due  to  the  contracture 
of  the  peri-articular  muscles.  As  much  aa  the  latter, 
which  may  be  called  active^  favors,  and  indeed  provokes 
particular  disorder,  by  so  much  the  former,  which  is  pas- 
sive, is  powerful  against  them.  There  is,  therefore,  a  capi- 
tal distinction  to  make  between  the  two  varieties  of  fixa- 
tion. 

Anchylosis,  on  the  other  hand,  far  from  being  produced 
in  articular  disease,  is  but  a  rare  termination  to  it;  excep- 
tional in  strumous  arthropathies,  a  little  more  frequent  in 
rheumatic  monosynovities,  it  is  especially  to  be  feared  in 
suppurative  and  traumatic  arthritis,  though  no  one  variety 
of  disease  is  certain  to  produce  it. 

The  exaggerated  fear,  therefore,  of  anchylosis  has 
caused  many  practitioners  to  make  grave  errors,  and  has 
frequently  led  to  the  too  early  leaving  off  of  passive  fixa- 
tion, and  the  too  premature  re-commencement  of  movement. 

Mobilization,    consequent  on  joint  disease,   is    of  two 
kinds — artificial  or  mechanical,  and  natural  or  pyhsiologi- 
cal — brought  about  muscles,  cither  voluntary  or  otherwise 
The  former,  which  anchylophobes  use  exclusively,  is  ad- 


Lupus  and  its  Treatment  27 

missible  when  we  have  to  deal  with  the  rectification  of 
vicious  attitudes  of  limbs,  and  to  treat  confirmed  anchylo- 
sis ;  but  it  ought  to  be  rejected  as  useless,  powerless  and 
dangerous,  if  we  would  avoid  anchylosis.  The  latter,  on 
the  contrary,  is  of  extreme  utility  if  applied  at  an  oppor- 
tune moment ;  with  time  it  accomplishes  in  a  remarkable 
degree  the  restoration  of  the  articular  function. 

He  concludes  by  saying  that  artificicial  fixation  on  the 
one  hand,  and  natural  fixation  on  the  other,  are  the  two 
principal  remedies  in  arthropathies;  the  one  combats  ana- 
tomical lesions,  the  other  restores  physiological  action. 
We  may  assist  the  former  by  different  means — local,  phar- 
maceutic, or  hygienic ;  we  may  favor  the  second  by  elec- 
trization of  the  peri-articular  muscles,  practised  during  the 
period  of  fixation,  with  a  view  to  the  prevention  of  degen- 
erescence. 

To  combat  the  inflammation  is  the  best  means  to  pre- 
vent anchylosis.  As  regards  surgical  measures  proper, 
I  know  of  none  better  than  continued  extension,  and,  in 
extreme  cases,  preventive  resection. — Med.  limes  ^nd 
Gazette. 


LUPUS    AND  ITS   TREATMENT    WITH  HYDRO- 

COTYLE  ASIATIC  A. 

BY  H.   C  FRANKLIN,    M.    D. 

I  have  had  in  my  surgical  clinic  five  well  marked  cases 
of  lupus  non  exedens  in  patients  who  exceeded  the 
fortieth  year.  I  propose  to  give  the  treatment  that  has 
been  eminently  successful  in  all  but  one  case,  which,  from 
the  general  impairment  of  constitution  and  extreme  old 
age  of  the  patient,  does  not  promise  such  good  results  as 
I  had  hoped  for,  in  considering  the  beautiful  cures  in  the 
other  cases.  This  latter  case  is  still  under  treatment,  and 
is  the  last  of  the  series.  The  others  are  cured  and  have 
left  the  clinic  for  a  period  of  time  varying  from  tliree  to 
sixteen  months. 


28  The  Homosopathic  Courier. 

Definition,  Under  the  term  lupus — a  heterogeneous 
neoplasm  of  the  skin,  which  consists  of  a  deposit  in  the 
corium  of  "granulation  tissue,"  the  elements  of  which 
resemble  the  cells  of  the  Malpighian  layer — I  shall  include 
all  the  varieties  of  this  disease,  viz. :  lupus  non  exedens^  the 
exedens,  and  the  erythematodes.  This  term  has  been  vaguely 
applied  to  other  forms  of  cutaneous  ulceration,  which  has 
tended  very  materially  not  only  to  embarass  the  nosology 
of  diseases,'  but  to  confuse  their  curative  treatment. 

Lupus  exedens,  says  Helmuth,  "first  appears  in  the  form 
of  a  tubercle  on  the  ala  of  the  nose ;  it  is  hard  and  dusky 
red ;  quite  sore,  the  soreness  sometimes  extending  into  the 
nostril."  A  thick  scab  first  covers  the  ulcerated  spot ; 
this  in  time  falls  off  and  shows  the  ulcer  extending  in- 
wards and  rapidly  destroying  the  alae,  tip,  and  columna* 
At  this  period  there  seems  a  respite  to  its  advance  /«- 
wards,  and  the  spreading  is  rather  on  the  surface  than 
among  the  deep  lying  tissues.  This  deceptive  pause  soon 
yields,  however,  to  a  greater  erosion  than  before,  and  all 
the  structures  that  lie  in  its  path  inwards,  whether  of  bone, 
muscle,  connective,  cartilaginous,  fibrous  or  mucous  tis- 
sues, melt  away  before  it,  presenting  a  deep,  clean-cut 
excavation,  without  fetor,  swelling  or  redness,  but  envel- 
oped in  a  dark  brown  or  blackish  crust,  the  surrounding 
skin  being  unimplicated  to  the  very  margin  of  the    ulcer. 

When  it  attacks  a  patient  of  scrofulous  habit,  the  ex- 
tension of  the  ulcer  is  more  superficial  than  deep,  and 
more  rapid  in  its  progress,  destroying  the  whole  nose  in 
two  or  three  weeks.  In  the  non-scrofulous  patient  the 
disease  moves  on  with  scarcely  any  perceptible  advance, 
occupying  years  in  completing  its  devastation. 

Occasionally  it  is  associated  with  a  syphilitic  taint,  and 
presents  all  the  evidence  of  venereal  infection. 

A  very  interesting  case  of  the  first  variety  of  this  dis- 
ease came  under  my  observation  while  in  joint  attendance 
with  Dr.  Helmuth*  in  the  Good  Samaritan  Hospital,  St. 
Louis,  Mo.,  to  which  the  reader  is  referred  for  interesting 

♦See  Helmuth '8  SyBtcm  of  Surgery,  p.  328. 


Liipus  and  its  Treatment,  29 

details  of  description  and  treatment.  It  is  rare  in  old  age 
and  frequently  is  seen  between  the  lOth  and  30th  year. 

Lupus  non  exedens  is  a  milder  type  of  the  disease,  and 
appears  in  the  shape  of  a  red  patch,  or  a  small,  soft  nod- 
ule occupying  the  nose,  face  or  chin,  which  is  covered 
by  a  fine,.brawny,  superficial  desquamation,  or  white  scales 
of  detached  epidermis.  It  often  remains  stationary  for 
years,  producing  a  contracted  appearance  of  the  skin, 
with  a  feeling  of  stiffness  or  drawing-in  of  the  features, 
resembling  the  cicatrix  following  a  burn.  It  is  covered 
with  a  light  scaly  covering,  which,  dropping  oft,  shows  a 
reddened,  brawny  appearance  of  the  integument  beneath. 
In  time  these  patches  increase  in  size  and  depth,  which 
sometimes  undergo  fatty  degeneration  and  become  ab- 
sorbed, leaving  a  superficial  or  depressed  scar,  according 
to  the  degree  of  deposit,  rvt  other  times  the  ulceration 
extends  superficially,  involving  the  entire  thickness  of  the 
skin,  which  is  covered  with  a  continuous  crust. 

LnpMS  erythcmatodes.  This  is  a  peculiar  variety  of  the 
disease,  and  unlike  the  two  preceding,  in  its  character- 
istics. It  begins  as  a  small  reddish  macule  in  the  walls 
of  the  sebaceous  follicles,  and  extends  to  the  adjacent 
structures,  and  spreads  superficially  at  the  periphery 
while  it  is  healing  in  the  central  point.  The  patches  are 
studded  with  pearl-colored  or  grayish  points  of  sebum, 
which  shoot  up  from  the  implicated  follicles  without 
producing  deep  ulceration.  Upon  the  subsidence  of  the 
disease  there  appears  a  thin,  shining,  depressed  cicatrix, 
showing  the  atrophic  changes  going  on  in  the  skin. 

An  acute  form  of  the  disease,  more  common  in  Germany 
than  elsewhere,  according  to  Hebra  and  Kaposi,  has  a 
large  number  of  these  macules  scattered  over  the  face, 
in  some  cases  being  confluent,  and  occasionally  involving 
the  trunk  and  extremities.  Th^y  are  painful  and  increase 
with  considerable  rapidity,  and  give  to  the  disease  the 
appearance  of  acuteness.  Its  leading  characteristics  are, 
the  primitive  macule,  the  color,  the  slight  brawny  scales, 
the  chronic  and  slow  course,  and  the  tendency  to  scarring. 


30  The  Homoeopathic  Courier, 

No  pain  or  priiritiis,  but  a  slight  itching,  marks  the  course 
of  lupus  in  all  its  varieties. 

Histological  elements,  '*The  lupus  tubercle  consists  of 
an  aggregation  of  small  cells,  among  which  larger  poly- 
nucleated  ones,  known  as  'giant  cells,'  are  sometimes 
found."  In  the  lupus  exedens^  "the  characteristic  mi- 
croscopic feature  is  the  occurrence  of  sharply  defined 
aggregations  of  small  non-stratified  cells,  without  much 
or  any  diffuse  cellular  infiltration."     (PifTard). 

Etiology,  The  proposition  is  almost  universally  held  in 
England,  France  and  Italy,  that  lupus  may  properly  be 
considered  an  expression  of  the  scrofulous  diathesis. 
On  the  contrary,  the  Vienna  school  and  its  adherents 
oppose  the  scrofulous  participation.  Thompson,  who  is 
excellent  authority  on  this  point,  maintains  that  it  is 
"but  the  local  manifestation  of  a  general  disease,"  a  view 
indorsed  by  Dr.  Pifford,  a  late  writer  on  the  therapeutics 
of  the  skin,  as  well  as  other  dermatologists  whose  opinions 
are  entitled  to  great  weight. 

Prognosis.  Before  any  special  lesion  is  concerned,  the 
prognosis  of  this  disease  is  ^od,  and  I  believe  better 
results  have  followed  homoeopathic  treatment  than  any 
other  known  therapeutics.  In  the  early  stages  of  the 
disease  it  yields  readily  to  internal  and  local  medication. 
If  it  has  progressed  so  far  as  to  produce  a  lesion  of 
considerable  size,  the  cure  will  be  correspondingly  pro- 
tracted. If  it  has  been  neglected  and  has  gone  on  to 
involve  the  deep  structures,  thereby  placing  the  disease 
beyond  the  hope  of  surgical  means,  with  constitutional 
impairment  which  is  the  rule  in  these  cases,  then  the 
prognosis  is  proportionately  doubtful,  more  from  the  ca- 
chetic condition  developed  than  the  extent  of  the  lesion. 
In  two  cases  I  am  sure  that  I  have  seen  epithelioma  de- 
veloped upon  the  site  of  an  old  lupoid  ulceration,  when 
all  the  characters  of  the  disease  were  changed. 

Treatmejit,  The  treatment  of  lupus  must  be  considered 
first,  with  reference  to  the  genius  of  the  disease,  viz :  A 
constitutional  dyscrasia;  secondly,  to  the  cure  of  the  local 


Lupus  and  its  Treatment,  31 

disorder  by  externally  applied  medicinal  agents.  It  can- 
not be  doubted  that,  if  the  constitutional  diathesis 
presents  well  pronounced  symptoms,  our  chief  reliance 
must  be  placed  upon  those  remedies  that  expend  their 
curative  action  over  those  internal  and  physiological 
processes  most  deeply  involved  in  tlie  disease.  If,  on 
the  other  hand,  no  systemic  impairment  can  be  detected, 
and  the  lupus  shows  no  evidence  of  acuteness,  the  local 
manifestations  being  the  most  prominent  indications  for 
treatment,  attention  to  the  external  lesion  will  be  ordi- 
narily sufficient.  It  is  right  here  w^here  the  higher 
potencies  effect  so  much  good  and  so  frequently  bring 
about  a  happy  issue  in  these  cases,  where  the  best 
directed  efforts  of  the  allopathic  physician  have  most 
signally  failed  in  effecting  a  cure. 

The  remedies  which  I  have  employed  the  most  suc- 
cessfully in  the  non  exedens  and  the  erythetnatodeSy  as 
well  as  in  the  early  stages  of  the  exedens,  are  ars.  tod,, 
calc,  iod,f  ferr,  iod.y  kali,  iod ,  mere,  iod,,  kali,  biek., 
hydro cotyle  asiat,,  silica, 

I  have  tried  most  faithfully  the  remedies  proposed  by 
Gilchrist  in  his  Surgical  Therapeutics  in  various  poten- 
cies, and  regret  to  say  the  patients  were  not  benefited 
in  the  least  by  either  one  of  the  following:  caust.^ 
staph.,  lye,,  eonium,  baryt.,  graph,,  phos,,  and  sulph. 
My  experience  has  led  me  to  remark  that  the  iodides  and 
their  bases  have  effected  better  results  with  me  than 
either  of  the  preceding  remedies,  yet  I  have  sometimes 
been  disappointed  in  their  use.  Of  all  the  remedies 
which  have  given  me  the  most  successful  results  is  the 
hydrocotyle  asiatiea,  and  I  can  testify  my  commendation 
of  this  remedy  which  Helmuth  has  called  the  attention 
of  the  profession  to,  in  his  recent  work  on  Surgery,  and 
which  acquired  such  *'great  reputation  in  the  hands  of 
Dr.  Boileau,  resident  in  the  Mauritius."  **0f  57  persons 
suffering  from  lupus  who  were  treated  by  the  remedy, 
in  all  xvithout  exeeption,  the  disease  was  arrested  and  in  a 
cAry  short  time.'* 


32  The  Homoeopathic  Courier, 

I  have  heard  the  statement  made,  I  think  by  Dr.  Gil- 
christ, that  hydrocotyle  was  not  curative  of  lupus;  that 
the  relations  of  the  drug  pointed  to  elephantiasis  arabum 
alone.  My  opinion  differs  widely  from  this,  and  I  have 
the  record  oi  three  cqses  to  prove  its  efficacy  in  lupus,  and 
I  am  sure  the  profession  can  rely  upon  it  with  certainty 
in  all  cases  whese  constitutional  diathesis  does  not  de- 
velop a  marked  indication  for  treatment. 

ABSTRACT  OF  CASES  TREATED    IN  CLINIC  AND    HOSPITAL 

THE  PAST   TWO  YEARS. 

• 

Case  I.  Sarah  C,  aet.  36.  May  6,  1880.  Had  ulcer 
on  right  side  of  cheek  covered  with  scab  size  of  a  half 
dollar.  Had  been  suffering  with  the  disease  more  or  less 
for  three  years.  Removal  of  scab  shows  the  characters 
of  lupus.  Sharp  stitching  pain  in  part.  For  the  past 
year  growth  had  ceased  till  three  months  ago,  when  it 
began  to  increase  sensibly.  Diagnosis,  lupus  non  exedens. 
Prescription,  hydrocotyle  as,  6x,  three  times  a  day  inter- 
nally and  ten  drops  in  one  ounce  of  water  locally.  May 
12.  Feels  a  little  better ;  parts  do  not  feel  so  stiff;  no  pain; 
C.  T.  May  12.  Reports  herself  decidedly  improved ;  C. 
T.  June  10.  Scab  shows  no  tendency  to  return;  skin 
feels  a  trifle  indurated,  but  shows  marked  improvement ; 
C.  T. ;  medicine  to  be  given  twice  a  day.  June  22.  Re- 
ports herself  perfectly  cured.  Discharged. 
'  Case  n.  Mrs.  T.  Webster.  Entered  clinic  May  iSth. 
History.  Seven  years  ago  had  small  pimple  on  right  side 
of  nose,  red  and  elevated,  which  ulcerated  and  spread, 
and  for  nearly  two  years  it  stopped  growing.  The  size 
of  a  silver  dollar  now,  and  extending  over  the  skin  sur- 
face. It  began  to  grow  from  being  overheated,  attended 
with  itching,  The  scabs  would  grow  and  fall  off,  leav- 
ing a  reddish  base.  Diagnosis,  lupus  no7i  exedens.  Pre- 
scription, hydrocotyle  as,  6x,  three  times  a  day  and  first 
dilution  of  the  remedy  applied  locally.  June  I.  Patient 
improving;  C.  T,     June  28.     Improvement  continues ;   C. 


Lupus  and  its  Treatment  33 

T.  This  case  continued  the  remedy  till  all  was  taken, 
and  in  consequence  of  my  absence  from  the  city  did  *not 
see  her  till  my  return  in  October,  when  she  reported 
herself  cured. 

Case  II f/  Mrs.  P.  Entered  hospital  Nov.  27,  1880. 
History  like  the  preceding.  Gave  her  ars,  tod.  6th,  three 
times  a  day,  and  ten  drops  of  iodine  in  one  ounce  of 
water  applied  externally.  In  three  weeks  she  returned 
very  little  benefited,  if  any.  Gave  fcrruvi  iod.  3d,  twice 
a  day,  and  the  same  application  locally.  Returned  in 
two  weeks  not  improved.  Ordered  □  for  one  week  and 
hydrocotyle  as,  6th  three  times  a  day  for  two  weeks,  and 
the  hyd,  externally  as  in  the  preceding  cases.  She 
reported  in  three  weeks  that  she  felt  "a  hundred  per 
cent,  better;"  C.  T.  To  report  in  three  weeks  more. 
Reported  cured. 

Case  IV.  J.  W.  H.,  act.  70,  male.  March  22,  1881. 
Had  growth  under  left  eye.  Began  as  a  red,  elevated 
pimple  in  the  skin.  The  physician  treated  it  with  es- 
charotics,  which  resulted  in  complete  ectropion,  which 
was  subsequently  operated  upon  and  cured.  Now  has  a 
similar  growth  on  nose.  Diagnosis,  lupus  non  exedens. 
Gave  hydrocotyle  as.  6th,  three  times  a  day,  and  the 
external  lotion.  April  7.  Returned  with  slight  improve- 
ment. Ordered  medicine  continued.  Have  not  seen  him 
since  and  don*t  know  positively  the  result  of  treatment. 

I  shall  look  at  this  case  with  a  considerable  interest, 
for  I  was  a  little  in  doubt  about  the  diagnosis,  although 
the  previous  surgeon  expressed  himself  with  great  pos- 
itiveness  as  to  the  disease,  and  pronounced  it  unhesitat- 
ingly the  non  exedens  variety  of  lupus. 

It  seemed  to  me  that  the  disease  was  implicating  the 
skin  too  deeply ;  the  scab  was  a  little  too  hard  for  lupus, 
and  the  adjacent  skin  too  much  infiltrated  for  a  positive 
diagnosis  of  lupus.  We  shall  see  soon  and  report  the 
result. — N.  Y.  Med,  Times, 


Painless   Operation   for    In-growing  Toe-nail. — In 


34  The  Homoeopathic  Cornier. 

\\'\^Jndepcnd€nt  Practitioner,  o{^o\^w\h^x,  1880,  Dr.  J.  H. 
Converse  says,  a  painless  remedy  for  in-growing  toe-nail 
consists  in  wedging  cotton  under  the  free  margin  of  the 
nail,  placing  over  it  a  piece  of  adhesive  plaster  with  a  hole 
cut  into  it  the  size  and  shape  of  the  nail  to  be  removed ; 
then  moisten  the  end  of  a  pencil  with  caustic  silver  and  ap- 
ply it  to  the  part  to  be  remo/ed,  taking  care  not  to  touch 
any  other  portion.  The  next  day  the  nail  will  have  as-^ 
sumed  a  black  or  brown  appearance.  Upon  raising  the 
nail  it  will  be  found  to  have  become  separated  from  the 
sub-adjacent  tissue,  and  all  that  is  required  to  complete 
the  cure  is  to  cHp  off  the  dead  portion. 


KoRACic  Acid. — Neuman  prescribes  an  aqueous  solution 
in  parasitic  skin  diseases,  an  alcoholic  solution  in  itching" 
due  to  urticaria  and  pruritus,  an  ointment  in  all  forms  of 
eczema.  It  may  also  be  dusted  over  a  part  in  powder. 
The  ointment  is  of  the  strength  of  ten  parts  in  fifty ;  the 
solution,  often  to  twenty  parts  in  three  hundred. — Der 
Practische  Art, 


The  Bkst  An/i:sthktic. — The  Amestlictic  Mixture  com- 
monly used  in  the,  Vienna  General  Hospital  is  composed 
<^f  alcohol,  90  parts ;  ether,  90  parts :  chlordfontty  309  parts. 
Billroth  has  used  this  for  nine  years  without  a  death,  ex- 
cept one  that  occured  last  summei. 


Prurigo. — Invariably  aggravated  by  cold  and  equally 
relieved  by  warmth,  especially  in  bed.  Cured  by  rumex 
crispus.  12, -Dr.  Bernard- Hardenpont,  in  Horn.  World, 


Burns. — Iodoform  in  the  form  of  spray,  or  in  the  form 
of  ointment   has  been  recommended  recently. 


Electrology  and'  Neurolog}\ 


DTAGNOSIS     OF    PROGRESSIVE    LOCOMOTOR 

ATAXIA, 

Were  only  typical  cases  brought  to  the  observation  of 
the  physician,  a  chapter  ox^diagnosis  would  be  limited. 
Unfortuunately  such  is  not  the  case,  as  a  large  portion  of 
the  cases  that  are  present,  while  many  of  the  features  of 
the  disease  are  present,  yet  complicated,  with  rare  and 
anomalous  symptoms,  show  remarkable  complexity ;  and 
this  is  especially  true  in  the  forming  stage. 

The  diagnosis  must  consist  of  a  sifting  process,  by 
which  not  only  a  definite  character  is  given  to  the  atoxic 
symptoms,  but  the  extrincic  phenomena  must  be  accu- 
rately measured.  The  time  at  sea,  as  it  were,  is  to  be 
definitely  marked,  or  at  least,  so  far  as  signs  can  guide 
us  in  our  lunar  problem.  We  have  attempted  to  show, 
that  lesions  of  sensation  and  co-ordination,  are  common 
symptoms,  but  our  diagnosis  would  be  faulty  were  it  based 
upon  even  these  prominent  features  of  the  disease,  except 
where  many  of  them  enter  into  the  totality  of  a  symptom 
picture,  which  would  be  too  extremely  typical  a  case  to 
require  an  extended  study. 

Given  a  case  with  fulgurant  pains,  paraesthesia  in  the 
extremities,  marked  staggering  on  closing  the  eyes,  the 
girdle  sensation,  the  lassitude  and  lack  of  precision  of  all 
or  some  movements,  visual  disturbances,  etc.,  then  may 
our  diagnosis  be  clear;  but  when  a  few  of  the  above  phe- 
nomena are  mixed  with  many  others,  not  mentioned  as 
typical,  then  do  we  need  to  estimate  the  relation  of  each 


36  The  Homoeopathic  Courier, 

symptom  to  the  totality,  and  its  ultimate  bearing  upon 
primary  symptoms.  No  greater  field  for  physiological 
study  exists,  than  in  the  area  of  tabes  phenomena  and 
its  complications.  No  greater  complexity  of  symptoms 
comes  to  the  observing  physician,  than  is  found  in  the 
occasional  symptom  picture  of  tabes.  It- is  the  compli- 
cations with  meningitis,  and  affections  of  the  gray  matter 
of  the  anterior  ahd  lateral  columns  that  constitute  this 
complexity. 

I  have  inferred  that  mistakes  do  often  occur,  in  not 
being  able  to  recognize  sclerosis  of  the  posterior  columns 
in  the  first  stage. 

The  fulgurating  pains  too  commonly  pass  for  an  attack 
of  rheumatism.  Every  specialist  has  noted  this  common 
mistake,  and  it  should  be  a  cause  for  a  closer  study,  by 
medical  men  in  family  practice. 

To  more  fully  comprehend  the  order  of  phenomena, 
the  dise^ise  has  been  divided  into  three  well  defined  stages. 
These  stages  have  been  designated  by  E.  C.  Seguin,  as 
follows :  The  stage  of  fulgurating  pains,  the  ataxic  stage 
and  the  pseudo-paralytic  stage.  The  line  of  demarkation 
and  the  period  of  time  in  which  the  patient  passes  through 
the  different  stages  are  variable.  When  a  case  of  poster- 
ior sclerosis  has  passed  its  entire  course,  without  fulgu- 
rating pain,  which  has  been  the  case,  we  might  suppose  the 
first  stage  of  the  disease  to  be  wanting.  But  such  cases 
require  a  more  extended  consideration  than  would  be 
profitable  to  a  common  reader. 

It  is  more  to  the  purpose,  for  us  to  dispose  of  such 
symptoms  as  are  present  in  the  majority  of  cases,  and 
attach  due  importance  to  them,  than  to  mark  the  impor- 
tance of  negative  signs. 

When  we  are  about  to  examine  a  patient,  to  detect  the 
absence  or  presence  of  posterior  spinal  sclerosis,  we  ascer- 


Locomotor  A taxia,,  3 7 

tain  as  to  the  existence  of  the  tendon  reflex,  as  a  first 
move.  If  he  has  had  fulgurant  pains  with  disorders  of 
sensation,  loss  of  deep  reflexes,  ocular  paralysis,  we  are 
confident  as  to  the  diagnosis.  The  unimportant  symp- 
toms may  be  complained  of,  such  as  exist  in  other  nervous 
affections,  and  are  not  diagnostic.  Mydriasis,  cranial 
nerve  disorders,  numbness  in  extremities,  staggering  when 
the  eyes  are  closed,  girdle  sensation,  bladder  disorders, 
excitability  of  the  genital  organs,  various  crises  men- 
tioned above,  arthropathies,  trophic  lesions  and  brain 
symptoms.  Where  the  unessential  symptoms  are  con- 
sidered in  conjunction  with  the  important  ones,  the  total- 
ity is  magnified  and  rendered  more  certain  if  possible. 
The  advent  of  the  disease  or  first  stage,  is  most  likely  of 
all  to  puzzle  the  medical  man,  and  especially  if  the  fulgu- 
rating pains  are  delayed,  and  other  irregular  manifestations 
are  present. 

Seminal  emissions  have  made  their  appearance,  as  a 
first  manifestation  of  lumbar  irritation,  soon  to  be  followed 
by  fulgurant  pains,  and  localized  unilateral  hyperaesthesia 
diplopia,  ptosis  mydriasis  anaesthesia  of  the  plantar  sur- 
faces of  feet,  sexual  excitement  (satyriasis),  weakness  of 
the  bladder,  diminished  reflex  of  the  tendon  patellae. 
These  symptoms,  constituting  the  first  stage,  may  con- 
tinue for  years,  the  patient  enjoying  excellent  health. 
Sometimes  slight  arthropathies^  amblyopia,  etc.,  are  no- 
ticed in  this  stage,  where  the  cerebral  prolongation  of 
the  posterior  columns  is  perhaps  included  in  the  forming 
sclerosis.  Many  have  been  the  cases  thus  complained, 
and  the  good  doctor  of  the  family  has  said,  "O,  its  nothing 
but  rheumatism,  you  will  get  over  it  after  a  little  while.'* 
The  continuance  of  this  stage,  previous  to  the  appearance 
of  the  ataxia,  is  about  three  years,  though  often  not  more 
than  one,  and  sometimes  as  many  as  five.   The  appearance 


38  The  Hoviccopathic  Courier. 

of  the  ataxia  marks  the  beginning  of  the  second  stage. 
The  symptoms  of  the  first  stage  are  handed  down  with 
some  exaggeration  to  the  second;  and  staggeringwith  closed 
eyeS/(.  impatience,  very  severe  arthropathies  sometimes, 
amaurosis,  the  girdle  sensation,  great  aching  in  the  back 
after  sudden  jar,  sometimes  paralytic  dementia,  catarrh  of 
the  urinary  cyst,  and  muscular  spasms  are  added  to  the 
symptom-picture.  As  has  been  intimated,  the  ataxia  is 
the  principal  feature  of  "this  stage,  and  when  in  connection 
with  the  above  group  no  mistake  can  be  made,  and  espe- 
cially the  fulgurating  pains. 

The  third  stage  compels  the  patient  to  keep  his  chair 
or  bed  the  entire  while. 

The  heretofore  enumeration  of  symptoms  has  not  di- 
minished, only  as  they  have  been  swallowed  up  by  those 
of  greater  magnitude.  They  have  all  become  greatly 
exaggerated,  and  as  we  see  the  patient  lying  in  bed  or  sit- 
ting upon  a  couch,  he  is  distressing  to  look  upon.  We 
can  but  diagnosticate  his  disease  when  we  see  his  irregular 
movements.  He  still  describes  his  lightning  pains,  his  loss 
of  sexual  power  and  great  constipation  of  his  bowels,  we 
see  his  marked  ocular  ataxia,  and  listen  to  his  complaint 
of  blindness,  deafness  and  various  crises.  We  see  the 
swelled  joints,  in  which  there  is  accumulation  of  fluid, 
and  observe  the  apparent  paralysis  of  muscles  and  de- 
mentia. 

We  may  have  the  above  symptoms,  in  combination  or 
associated  with  numerous  complications. 

To  differentiate  this  disease  from  some  afTections  of  a 
hysterical  character  is  not  difficult,  but  some  paralyses 
may  be  confounded  with  fulguiating  pains.  Reference  to 
symptomatology  may  be  made  for  a  description  of  their 
pains. 

It  may  be  differentiated  from  diphtheriatic  paralysis,  by 


Locomotor  Ataxia,  39 

the  absence  of  the  acute  attack,  from  general  paralysis,  by 
the  lack  of  fulgurant  pains  and  associate  symptoms,  and 
comparison  of  symptoms  by  stages,  the  rapid  loss  of 
mental  faculties  and  exalted  notions  of  person.  Time 
will  soon  determine  any  matter  of  doubt.  But  it  may  be 
but  just  to  remark,  that  there  are  many  features  in  common 
with  these  two  maladies,  and  a  close  study  in  comparison, 
will  amply  repay  the  medical  man.  In  disseminated  scle- 
rosis we  sometimes  see  ataxia  and  fulgurating  pains,  but 
the  former  is  not  so  regularly  progressive  in  relation  to 
other  symptoms,  and  the  latter  are  generally  circumscribed 
and  remain  in  regions.  Many  of  the  associate  symptoms 
of  tabes  are  wanting,  and  especially  the  peculiar  ocular 
paralysis.  The  rythmical  trembling  is  characteristic  of 
disseminated  schlerosis,  but  is  absent  in  progressive  loco- 
motor ataxia. 

Not  every  case  that  presents  symptoms  of  staggering 
when  the  eyes  are  closed  can  be  called  ataxia,  such  is  not 
the  ataxia,  but  an  evidence  of  plantar  anaesthesia.  Stag- 
gering and  falling  with  the  eyes  closed  should  not  be  con- 
sidered as  pathognomonic  of  any  disease,  and  this  symp- 
tom must  be  closely  conipared  with  the  loss  of  the  power 
of  co-ordination,  as  herein  lies  the  close  point  of  decision 
between  chronic  myelitis  transverse  and  tabes ;  in  the  for- 
mer is  found  staggering  with  the  eyes  closed,  from  anae- 
sthesia of  the  feet,  and  in  the  latter,  true  inco-ordination 
with  or  without  plantar  anaesthesia.  K. 


Obstetrics. 


KUMYSS  IN  CHOLERA   INFANTUM  AND   SUM- 
MER COMPLAINT. 

As  the  season  is  rapidly  approaching  when  we  may  look 
for  trouble  among  the  children,  and  as  medicines  alone 
will  not  meet  all  cases,  we  desire  to  call  attention  to  the 
following  article,  by  Dr.  Arch.  Campbell : 

To  those  who  have  the  care  of  a  large  number  of  arti- 
ficially fed  children,  the  approach  of  the  season  when 
diarrheal  disorders  are  most  prevalent  and  fatal,  is  always 
looked  forward  to  with  anxiety,  and  whatever  new  food 
is  offered,  that  promises  to  be  worthy  of  a  trial,  is  eagerly 
seized  and  used  with  the  hope  that  sufficient  good  may 
be  found  in  it  to  help  tide  us  over  in  some  trying  case. 

In  the  summer  of  1878,  Dr.  Busch  placed  at  my  dis- 
posal as  much  of  his  preparation  of  Kumyss  as  I  might 
need  for  trial.  The  success  met  with  in  its  use  that 
season,  was  such,  that  I  formed  a  decidedly  favorable 
opinion  of  it,  and  have  prescribed  it  freely  during  the 
past  two  summers.  In  a  severe  case  of  choleraic  diarr- 
hea we  derive  but  little  aid  from  medication,  the  primary 
cause  of  the  disorder  being  the  food  which  was  put  into  the 
child's  stomach  ;  for  these  cases  occur  almost  exclusively 
among  fed  children.  Our  aim  is  chiefly  directed  toward^ 
finding  something  upon  which  the  infant  can  be  nourished, 
and  which  will  not  increase  the  trouble  already  existing. 
In  kumyss  we  have  a  food  which  children  with  high  tem- 
perature not  only  take  kindly,  but  crave,  its  slightly  acid 
taste  being  grateful  to  their  parched  tongues.  It  is  an 
absolutely  non-putrifactive  food,  is  free  from  sugar,  and 
it  is  rarely  rejected  by  even  the  most  irritable  stomach. 


Kumyss  in  Cholera  Infantum  4I 

In  administering  kumyss,  the  gas  should  first  be  expelled 

by  pouring  the  contents  of  a  bottle  from  one  pitcher  to 

another.     Begin  with  small  doses  gradually  increasing  the 

amount,  and,  when  the  stomach  will  bear  it,  barley-water 

may  be  used  to  quench  thirst.     Before  returning  to  a  full 

milk  diet,  it  is  better  for  a  few  days  to  use  one  of  the 

prepared  foods.     While  I  do  not  claim  that  kumyss  is  a 
panacea  for  every  case  of  choleraic  diarrhea,   I  can  say 

we  have  in  it  a  valuable  aid  to  treat  this  most  formidable 
complaint. 

It  is  not  my  intention  to  convey  the  impression  that  I 
administer  kumyss  for  its  curative  properties  as  a  medicine 
but  regard  it  as  a  food.  Its  use  in  the  early  stage  of  a 
choleraic  diarrhea,  will  aid  in  arresting  the  disease  by 
supplying  a  nourishment  which  the  infant  can  retain,  and 
which  will  readily  be  absorbed.  It  works  best  in  cases 
where  the  temperature  is  above  normal,  from  the  fact  that 
it  must  be  given  cold.  Of  course  many  children  to  whom 
it  has  been  given  have  died,  but  I  can  say  for  it  that  it 
has  never  failed  me  in  any  case  of  cholera  infantum,  ex- 
cept some  in  whom  well-marked  brain  symptoms  had 
existed  before  it  was  administered,  to  such  a  degree  as  to 
preclude  the  possibility  of  a  recovery.  Even  in  these 
cases  it  is  an  advantage,  for  we  are  giving  a  food  which 
will  not  be  vomited,  and  which  will  satisfy  thirst.  I  know 
of  but  one  case,  provided  it  had  been  given  according 
to  directions,  where  a  child  would  not  retain  kumyss  in 
its  stomach.  This  was  a  bottle-fed  child,  with  simple 
diarrhea  of  indigestion.  The  temperature  was  one  degree 
below  normal,  and  it  required  a  warm  rather  than  cold 
food.  Nestle's  food  agreed  admirably  with  this  child  for 
about  two  weeks,  when  diarrhea  again  set  in,  and  it  died 
of  general  atrophy." 

Kumyss  may  be  made  as  follows : 

As  soon  as  the  cow  is  milked,  take  one  champagne 
bottle  of  milk,  and  into  this  put  one  tablespoonful  of 
white  powdered  sugar  previously  dissolved  in  water,  add 
one  tablespoonful  of  brewers'  or  bakers'  yeast,  and  shake 


42  The  Homceopathic  Courier. 

thoroughly,  but  not  sufficiently  to  produce  butter.  Set 
the  bottle  in  a  warm  place,  where  the  temperature  will  be 
about  sixty  degrees  Fahrenheit,  and  let  it  ferment.  It  is 
difficult  to  describe  its  appearance  when  ready  for  use, 
but  this  will  usually  occur  in  two  or  three  days.  The 
cork  must  be  well  tied  in  to  prevent  it  being  thrown  out 
by  the  fermenting  liquor.  The  next  making  of  Kumyss 
may  be  prepared  from  the  first  when  it  is  four  or  five  days 
old.  One  third  of  a  bottle  of  the  old  Kumyss  may  be 
added  to  two-thirds  of  the  new  or  fresh  milk.  Before 
drinking,  shake  the  bottle  well. 


Rest  after  Delivery. — Dr.  H.  J.  Carrigues,  {Amer. 
Journal  Obstetrics,  October,  1880,)  makes  an  extended 
study  of  this  disputed  question,  and  reaches  the  following 
results:  Anatomy  and  physiology  teach  us  that  the 
puerperal  uterus  is  large,  flabby,  anteverted  and  anteflected ; 
that  all  the  surrounding  parts  destined  to  support  it  are 
distended,  soft  and  yielding;  that  its  interior  presents 
large  wounds,  bathed  in  a  fluid  rich  in  disintegrated  tissue 
elements;  that  the  placental  site  is  pervaded  with  large, 
venous  sinuses  filled  with  recently  formed  clots;  that  at 
least  the  vaginal  orifice,  and  often  other  parts  of  the 
obstretic  canal,  present  open  wounds ;  that  the  processes  of 
regeneration,  of  transformation  and  absorption  requires  at 
least  two  months,  and  that  retrogression  is  most  active 
during  the  second  week.  His  practical  conclusion  is 
**that  the  upright  and  sitting  posture  ought  to  be  carefully 
avoided  until  involution  has  proceeded  so  far  that  the 
uterus  has  receded  from  the  anterior  wall  of  the  abdomen 
and  returned  to  the  pelvic  cavity.  In  order  to  ascertain 
this  he  daily  examines  the  position  of  the  fundus  uteri  as 
compared  with  the  symphysis  pubis.  When  he  finds  that 
it  has  subsided  behind  the  symphysis  he  thinks  that  it 
finds  sufficient  support  in  the  true  plevis.  This  process  in 
different  women  requires  different  periods.  He  has  seen 
it  occur  in  five  days,  but  in  most  of  his  cases  it  took  two 
weeks. — Detroit  Lancet, 


Pruritus  of  Pregnancy,  43 

Treatment  of  Sterility  due  to  Acidity  of  the  Utero- 
vaginal Secretions. — The  conclusions  of  Dr.  Charriere 
are  as  follows : 

1st.  There  are  certain  cases  in  which  an  acidity  of  the 
utero-vaginal  secretions  (determined  by  the  use  of  litmus 
paper)  present  the  only  bar  to  conception,  the  spermato- 
zoa being  destroyed  by  the  contact  of  the  acid  liquid  be- 
fore conception  can  occur. 

2d.  To  remedy  this  abnormal  condition,  recourse  must 
be  had  to  an  alkaline  treatment,  comprising  the  employ- 
ment of  alkaline  drinks,  baths  and  injections. 

3d.  The  acidity  then  disappears,  the  secretions  become 
neutral  in  reaction,  and  obstacle  to  conception  is  removed. 

4th.  In  this  way  we  may  account  for  the  cure  of  sterility 
in  those  frequenting  the  hot-alkaline  and  sulphuro-alkaline 
springs. 


Pruritus  of  Pregnancy. — Prof.  M.  A.  Pallen,  M.  D.,  in 
the  Medical  Gazette,  uses  thymol,  fifteen  grains;  vaseline, 
thirty  grains ;  powdered  brick  clay,  three  ounces.  Dis- 
solve the  thymol  with  the  vaseline  and  rub  it  up  with 
the  clay.  Tnis  is  to  be  applied  to  the  pruritic  parts, 
washed  off  every  day  or  two,  and  re-applied.  Dr.  Pallen*s 
experience  has  been  that,  excepting  those  cases  depend- 
ing on  trophic  nervic  causes,  this  prescription  will  always 
effect  a  cure.  He  advises  its  use  also  in  herpes  and  simi- 
liar  eruptions  accompanying  the  later  months  of  gestation. 


Puerperal  Mania. — The  Virginia  Monthly  mentions  a. 
case  of  this  disease  cured  by  ten  grain  doses  of  chloral 
hydrate  repeated  every  two  hours. 


Correspondence. 


SPECIFIC  GRA  VITY  OF  URINE. 


SAMUKL  POTTKR,  M.  D. 


In  a  review  of  my  book  {Index  of  Comparative  Thera- 
peutics), in  the  February  Courier^  I  am  taken  to  task  for 
the  statement  that  a  urinary  gravity  of  1018,  means  18 
grs.  of  solids  in  each  fluid  ounce.  The  reviewer,  J,  T,  B. 
characterizes  the  above  as  **a  mistake,"  and  argues  from 
the  weight  of  an  ounce  of  distilled  water,  that  the  18  grs. 
of  solids  are  contained  in  "more  than  two  ounces"  of 
urine,  instead  of  one  ounce  as  I  stated. 

I  will  quote  /.  TB's  authority,  Dr.  Golding  Bird  (Urinary 
Deposits,  p.  JT,  Lea's  edition)  and  show  him  that  my 
statement  is  entirely  correct.     Prof.  Bird  Says  : 

**A  glance  at  these  figures  presents  us  with  a  mode  of 
recollecting  the  quantity  of  solids  existing  in  urine  of 
different  specific  gravities  depending  on  the  curious  coinct- 
deuce  existing  between  the  figures  expressing  the  densities 
and  the  weights  of  solids  present ;  and  is  exceedingly 
useful  when  the  table  is  not  on  hand  for  reference.  Thus 
if  the  specific  gravity  of  any  specimen  of  urine  be  ex- 
pressed in  four  figures,  the  ttvo  last  will  indicate  the 
quantity  of  solids  in  a  fluid  ounce  of  urine,  within  an  error 
of  little  more  than  a  grain,  when  the  density  does  not 
exceed  1.030." 

Again,  DaCosta  (Medical  Diagnosis,  5th  ed.,  p.  627) 
says :  "From  the  specific  gravity  we  may  calculate  ap- 
proximately the  quantit)'  of  solid  matter  passed,  by  mul- 
tiplying the  number  above  1000  by  2,  for  the  specific 
gravities  below  1018,  and  by  2.33  for  those  above.  For 
instance,  in  urine  of  specific  gravity  of  loio,  there  will  be 
20  grains  of  solid  matter  in  each  1000  grains  of  urine  " 
[not  10  grains  asy.  7".  B.  would  have  it.] 

My  reviewer  confounds  the  relations  between  weights 
alone,  with  those  between  different  weights  of  similar 
volumes.     His  correction  would  hold  good  if  the  urinary 


Specific  Gravity  of  Urine.  45 

solids  had  the  same  density  as  equal  volumes  of  water. 
But  as  they  are  from  1.43  to  2.58  times  greater  in  density, 
his  statement  is  wrong  and  mine  must  stand. 

When  we  reviewed  Dr.  Potter's  work,  we  casually 
opened  at  the  analysis  of  urine,  and  seeing  this  remark 
made  by  Dr.  Potter,  viz : 

^'Specific  Gravity.  If  possible,  take  mixed  urine. 
Normal  is  about  1018  i.  e.  18  grs.  of  solids  in  each  fluid 
ounce.*' 

We  stated  that  this  was  not  exactly  right,  that 
the  specific  gravity  of  urine  was  not  exactly  the  amount 
of  solid  substances  in  a yf///rf^««^^,  and  quoted  Bird  on 
this  subject  as  follows :  **This,  if  the  degree  18  be  at 
the  surface  of  the  urine,  its  specific  gravity  is  said  to  be 
10(8  (the  number  1000  being  always  added  to  the  num- 
ber on  the  stem).  This  shows  that  a  vessel  holding,  when 
quite  full,  1000  grs,  of  distilled  water,  will  contain  just 
1018  grs.  of  urine  or  other  fluid  under  examination."* 

Now  the  fact  is,  that  neither  of  these  statements  is  ex- 
actly correct,  and  therefore  the  attempt  to  obtain  the 
specific  gravity  of  urine,  by  weighing  an  ounce  of  this 
liquid  would  lead  to  error. 

Berzilius'  table  that  has  been  adopted  by  other  chemists, 
has  urine  as  follows :     933  parts  water,  and  (ij  parts  solids, 

in  1000  parts,  t 

And  Christison's  table,  where  he  gives  the  specific  grav- 
ity of  urine  at  1020  gives  46.60  pts.,  as  the  quantity  of 
solids  in  1000  pts.  i.  e.  water  953.40  solids  46.60. 

Becquerel  and  Rodier,  state,  that  in  urine  at  specific 
gravity  of  1020,  there  is  water  971,634  pts.,  and  solids 
28,066  pts.  in  UDOO. 

The  fact  is  that  no  two  authors  agree  as  to  the  amount 
of  solids  in  a  given  quantity  of  urine,  or  the  proper  specific 

•Bird  on  Urinary  Dei>o8it6,  p.  57. 
fl^ttltaeChimie. 


46  The  Homoeopathic  Courier. 

gravity.  Prout  gives  1020,  Frick  from  1022  to  1028 , 
Becquerel  and  Rodier  1020  to  1025,  Da  Costa  from  1018 
to  1020,  and  the  plan  mentioned  by  this  last  author  of 
calculating  the  quantity  of  solids  by  multiplying  the  num- 
ber above  1000  by  2  if  below  1018,  and  by  2.33  if  above 
that,  to  get  the  amount  of  solids  in  a  given  quantity, 
shows  the  difficulty  attending  examination  in  this  way. 
We  agree  with  Frick,  he  says : 

"Of  the  different  means  of  obtaining  the  specific  gravity 
of  urine,  the  urinometer  is  by  far  the  most  convenient ; 
it  is  exceedingly  simple  in  its  construction,  and  its  mode 
of  application  is  obvious  on  inspection.* 
*  **By  aid  of  this  instrument  the  specific  gravity  is  easily 
obtained,  no  matter  what  quantity  of  urine  is  used  for  that 
purpose." 

Dr.  Potter  in  his  excellent  work  is  nearly  correct  on 
this  subject,  but  not  sufficiently  so  far  accurate  work,  and, 
we  called  attention  to  it,  fearing  that  some  would  endea- 
vor to  obtain  the  specific  gravity  of  urine  by  weighing  an 
ounce  of  it,  this  might  lead  to  error  in  diagnosis. 

J.  T.  B. 


THE  SCHOOL  OF  THE  FUTURE. 

[From  the  New  York  Medical  Times.] 

•*Give  me  a  fulcrum  for  my  lever,**  said  the  ancient 
philospher,  "and  I  will  move  the  world.**  In  the  medical 
world,  that  fulcrum  has  been  found  in  the  law  of  the  sinti-- 
lars,  and  the  lever  used  not  always  wisely  and  in  the  line 
of  its  greatest  power,  has  still  elevated  th^  medical  world 
to  a  higher  plane  and  opened  before  it  a  broad  avenue 
of  scientific  investigation,  where  each  footstep  can  be 
planted  on  the  firm  ground,  not  merely  of  theoretical  but  of 

^ITriok  on  renal  diseases,  p.  68. 


School  of  the  Future,  47 

experimental  truth.  This  has  been  done,  not  simply  by 
profound  philosophical  disquisitions,  by  fine-spun  theories 
and  logical  deductions  in  which  we  are  told  what  ought  to 
be — for  the  logic  of  facts  often  upsets,  by  strange  and 
unlooked-for  development,  the  logic  of  the  schools — but 
by  tracing  cause  to  effect  and  reasoning  back  from  effects 
to  a  closer,  analysis  of  causes. 

The  Catholicism  of  Hippocrates  gave  place  to  the  dog- 
matism and  sectarianism  of  Galen,  which  ruled  the  medical 
world  as  with  a  rod  of  iron  for  sixteen  centuries.  The 
catholic  spirit,  the  broad  yet  searching  habits  of  investi- 
gation of  the  Father  of  Medicine,  were  lost  sight  of  in 
the  one  idea  of  Galen  and  that  coarser  line  of  thought 
which  divested  the  human  frame  of  all  the  finer  influences 
of  vital  forces  and  spirit  life,  and  looked  upon  it  only  as 
so  much  gross  material  to  be  controlled  only  by  the 
stronger  forms  of  material  force. 

We  are  not  surprised,  in  looking  at  the  records  of  the 
medical  world  from  Galen  down  through  the  centuries  to 
Hahnemann,  at  the  small  advance  made  in  the  great  field 
of  therapeutics,  in  the  line  of  scientific  investigation. 
What  could  we  expect  where  the  revelations  of  the  ana- 
tomists, the  studies  of  the  chemist  and  botanist,  were  met 
by  the  inflexible  and  iron  law  of  contratia?  Surgery 
could  and  did  advance  with  rapid  strides,  for  here  was 
something  tangible ;  but  the  therapeutist,  hedged  round 
by  a  sectarian  bigotry,  could  find  but  little  practical  use 
for  the  facts  unveiled  by  the  pathologist  of  the  footprints 
of  disease.  The  pathological  conditions  revealed  from 
the  toxicological  action  of  drugs  gave  no  clue  to  treat- 
ment where  similar  pathological  conditions  were  found. 
The  results  of  the  disease,  and  records  of  the  patholo- 
gist, were  but  little  more  than  a  gathering  together  of 
facts  which  could  not  be  utilized. 

With  the  inductive  method  of  Hahnemann,  and  his  un- 
folding the  law  of  similars,  the  key-note  of  scientific 
progress  was  struck,  and  the  chains  of  old-time  error 
which  for  sixteen  centuries  fettered  the  medical  world 


48  The  Homceopathic  Courier. 

were  broken  at  a  blow.  No  longer  was  the  work  of  the 
physiologist,  the  pathologist  and  the  microscopist,  a  mere 
gathering  together  of  facts  which  had  but  little  practical 
use  in  therapeutics,  and  which  served  but  little  more  than 
to  gratify  scientific  curiosity,  but  the  open  sesame  to  a 
new  world,  so  bright,  so  glorious,  with  its  unfoldings  of 
truth,  that  we  can  scarcely  wonder  that  those  Upon  whom 
the  light  had  just  broken  were  astonished  at  the  results 
obtained,  and  the  grand  possibilities  of  the  future. 

History  tells  us  of  the  dark  ages,  when  liberty  seemed 
blotted  out,  mind  held  in  thraldom,  and  the  despotism  of 
barbaric  ignorance  and  brute  force  had  swept  away  al- 
most the  last  vestiges  of  the  civilizations  of  Greece  and 
Rome.  But  in  reality  there  never  was  a  dark  age.  Dur- 
ing all  those  centuries  when  the  human  race  seemed 
drifting  back  into  barbarism,  mind  was  at  work  in  the 
quiet  cloisters,  back  among  the  mountains,  away  from  the 
warring  strife  of  men,  hewing  out  from  its  God-given 
quarries,  thoughts,  truths,  principles,  which  in  the  fullness 
of  time'were  to  ripen  into  that  progress  which  has  marked 
the  past  two  centuries.  And  so,  during  that  long  period 
of  medical  sectarianism,  the  close  observations  of  earnest 
men,  and  the  facts  revealed  by  scientists,  were  accumula- 
tions of  truth  to  be  utilized  in  therapeutics,  when  in  the 
progress  of  time,  some  master  mind  strikes  the  key-note 
of  a  great  truth,  which  opens  wide  the  door  to  medical 
progress,  and  lifts  our  profession  from  empiricism  to  the 
ranks  of  science. 

Hahnemann,  in  bringing  out  into  strong,  clear  light, 
the  dual  power  of  drugs,  and  the  similarity  between  their 
action  upon  the  human  system  and  the  progress  of  dis- 
ease, showed  how  one  could  be  made  to  combat  the  other, 
and  established  a  principle  which  has  been  only  strengrth- 
ened  by  the  labors  of  the  chemist,  the  physiologist  and 
the  pathologist.  Through  these  revelations,  now  guided 
by  a  scientific  principle,  we  reach  conclusions  more  clearly 
and  with  more  certainty,  in  a  short  space   of  time,   than 


School  of  the  Future,  49 

could  be  obtained  by  the  ancients,  even  after  a  long  period 
of  careful  watching  and  close  observation. 

Bichat,  in  his  experiments  with  strychnine  upon  nerve 
tissues  and  nerve  action,  opened  a  line  of  physiological 
investigation  eagerly  taken  up  by  Magendie,  and  followed 
out  with  a  careful,  pains-taking  spirit  by  the  brilliant  array 
of  physiologists,  microscopists,  and  pathologists  of  the 
past  half  century,  placing  in  the  hand  of  therapeutists  a 
magnificent  array  of  facts  to  be  utilized  in  their  study  of 
disease  and  drug  action. 

It  requires  no  prophet's  eye  to  foresee  the  school  of 
the  future.  The  inductive  method  of  Hahnemann,  the 
labor  of  scientific  minds  everywhere  in  the  medical  world 
lead  along  the  same  path  and  point  to  the  same  conclu- 
sions. Side  issues  there  are,  and  will  continue  to  be — 
differences  of  opinion  as  regards  the  mode  of  adminis- 
tering drugs  and  their  power  of  action ;  but  the  great 
central  idea,  now  so  firmly  established,  will  be  the  guiding 
spirit  in  the  school  of  the  future ;  and  as  one  after  another 
of  the  barnacles  which  cling  to  it  drop  off,  it  will  be  found 
to  be  the  golden  chain  linking  together  in  fraternal  fellow- 
ship the  whole  medical  profession. 

As  in  the  past,  when  the  great  principles  for  which  the 
Abolition  party  contended  became  the  principles  of  the 
nation,  its  great  work  was  accomplished,  and  its  name  — 
as  a  distinctive  party  name — was  embalmed  in  the  mem- 
ory of  a  vast  work  performed  and  a  great  victory  obtained; 
so,  in  the  future,  as  the  great  principles  for  which  we  have 
so  long  contended  become  (as  they  are  fast  becoming) 
th«  principles  of  scientific  medical  men  everywhere — 
under  different  names,  perhaps,  yet  still  the  same — the  old 
war  flags  will  come  down  and  be  placed  away  among  the 
records  of  vast  contests,  and  those  who  cling  with  blind 
tenacity  to  old  issues  which  have  no  longer  any  real  exis- 
tence, will  find  themselves  floundering  in  the  rear  while 
the  great  tide  of  scientific  progress  sweeps  over  and  be- 
yond them. 


Editorial. 


The  interest  a  jonrnal  creates,  depends  mnch  less  npon^ts  editors  than  ft 
does  upon  its  contributors.  Physicians  wont  practical  facts,  briefly  stated, 
which  are  applicable  to  every  day  bed-side  practice.  In  oixler  to  meet  this  rea- 
sonable expectation  as  fully  as  muy  be,  we  cordiallv  request  our  readers  every- 
where, to  send  ns  items,  reports  ot  cases,  conflrmea  symptoms, provings, society 
proceedings,  personals,  etc.  if  you  huve  an  interesting  case  to  report,  don't 
wait  until  yuu  forget  all  about  it,  but  sit  down  and  write  it  out  in  a  oompact 
form,  and  send  it  on.  If  you  have  not  the  time  to  write  in  full,  send  on  the 
facts,  and  we  will  put  them  in  proper  shape  for  publication.  If  you  hare  a  new 
instrument,  or  a  discovery  in  materia  mcdica  or  therapeutics  yon  wish  to  brin^ 
before  your  medical  brethren,  sit  down,  write  the  facts  and  forward  them  to  us. 


''ALL  THINGS  TO  ALL  MENr 

In  the  Eclectic  Medical  Journal  we  read  a  bit  of  news 
quite  spicy  in  the  main,  as  things  of  this  kind  generally 
are,  coming  from  the  editorial  pen.  In  referring  to  the 
practice  of  some  physicians  Dr.  Howe  says :  "If  they 
happen  to  drop  into  a  family  having  homoeopathic  pro- 
clivities they  are  thoroughly  versed  in  the  doctrines  of , 
Hahnemann  and  admire  all  the  nice  features  of  the  practice, 
&c.,  &c.  And  if  they  happen  to  be  called  into  an  Eclectic 
family,  they  assure  the  new  found  patrons  that  they 
understand  all  there  is  in  Eclecticism.  Such  are  the  'all 
things  to  all  men*  tricksters,  and  they  train  in  orthodox 
camps,  and  a  plain  feature  of  their  'make  up'  is  that  they 
know  very  little  about  any  kind  of  medical  practice.'  " 

We  would  like  to  inform  Dr.  Howe  that  these  "all 
things  to  all  men"  are  not  entirely  within  the  scope  of 
orthodox  camps.  We  know  a  would-be  leading  Eclectic 
in  St.  Louis  who  carries  his  sugar  pills  to  such  families  as 
will  not  permit  the  use  of  anything  else  and  informs  them 
that  he  trains  with  the  simon  pure  Hahnemannians.  He 
is  so  far  from  believing  in  the  law  of  similars,  that  he  once 
upon  a  time  attempted  to  convict  Prof.  Scudder  of  Horn- 


Personals.  5 1 

ceopathic  inclinations,  because  the  latter  had  used  carb. 
veg.  2x,  in  uterine  hemorrhage.  This  only  shows  the 
hypocritical  nature  of  the  anthropos.  For  an  eclectic  to 
pretend  to  understand  the  homoeopathic  practice,  and 
then  give  nasty  compounds  of  crude  drugs,  is  but  the 
summit  of  absurdity.  He  either  does  not  kno>v  the  law 
or  his  monied  interest  will  not  permit  him  to  practice 
according  to  his  understanding.  K. 


PERSONALS  AND  HEMS, 

Jos.  W.  Thrasher,  M.  D.,  St.  Louis,  has  removed  his 
office  to  2713  North  14th  Street,  near  St.  Louis  Avenue. 

A.  R.  Barret,  M.  D.,  Richmond,  Va.,  has  associated 
with  him  Dr.  George  L.  Stone.  Office  No.  100  Seventh 
St.,  cor.  Franklin. 

An  association  has  been  formed  in  the  District  of  Co- 
lumbia, to  establish  a  Homoeopathic  Hospital  which  shall 
be  national.  The  executive  committee  will  be  glad  to 
receive  any  contributions  through  Hon.  M.  Blair,  chair- 
man, or  C.  B.  Gilbert,  M.  D.,  corresponding  secretary. 

A.  M.  Leslie  &  Co.,  instrument  dealers,  have  now 
removed  to  No.  204  N,  Fifth  Street,  on  the  east  side  bet. 
Pine  and  Olive  streets. 

Dr.  C.  A.  Mayer  has  been  appointed  Resident  Physician 
to  the  Brooklyn  Hom.  Hospital.  This  institution  now  has 
an  ambulance  service  which  provides  a  large  number  of 
accident  cases,  thereby  adding  to  its  facilities  for  clinical 
instruction. 

Chas.  Deady,  M.  D.,  Resident  Surgeon  at  the  N.  Y. 
Ophthalmic  Hospital,  reports  for  February,  number  of  pre- 
scriptions, 3,536  ;  new  patients,  539  ;  residents,  22  ;  aver- 
age daily  attendance,  153  ;  largest,  217. 

Dr.  J.  J.  Navarro  has  returned  to  his  old  field  of  pracr 
tice  in   Santiago   de   Cuba,   and   is  engaged  in  writing  a 


52  The  Homoeopathic  Courier. 

Manual  of  Homoeopathic  Practice,  for  popular  use.     We 
are  sure  the  work  will  be  well  done. 

Dr.  C.  E.  Fisher  is  looking  carefully  after  the  interests 
ol  "our  school,"  in  the  proposed  establishment  of  a  medi- 
cal department  of  the  University  of  Texas. 

Dr.  J.  P.  Dake,  of  Nashville,  Tenn.,  has  been  requested 
to  prepare  a  paper  on  "  Drug  Attenuation,"  to  be  read  at 
the  meeting  in  London  this  month. 

Mr.  George  I.  Seney  has  given  ^270,000  for  a  general 
hospital  to  be  located  in  the  southern  part  of  Brooklyn. 

Dr.  a.  p.  Williamson.  Chief  of  Staff,  reports  794  pa- 
tients treated  at  the  Homoeopathic  Hospital  W.  I.,  during 
March,  with  a  death  rate  of  3.02  per  cent. 

The  Homoeopathic  surgeon  general  of  New  York,  Wm. 
H.  Watson,  M.  D.,  has  been  appointed  regent  of  the 
University  of  the  State  of  New  York,  in  place  of  Chan- 
cellor Benedict,  deceased. 

Recognition  in  France. — Two  eminent  homoeopathic 
physicians  in  France,  have  had  conferred  on  them  the 
cross  of  the  Legion  of  Honor. 

A  HoMCEOPATHic  HospiTAL  will  soon  be  built  at  Berlin 
or  some  other  city  in  Prussia,  50,000  thalers  having  been 
bequeathed  by  Herr  von  Wiesecke,  a  member  of  the 
aristocracy. 

Dr.  Sigh,  a  distinguished  homoeopathic  physician,  has 
been  nominated  by  the  Wuertemberg  government,  pro- 
fessor at  the  Royal  Faculty  of  Medicine. 

The  Queen  of  Wuertemberg  has  just  given  one  thou- 
sand marks  to  the  homoeopathic  association  called 
Hahnemannia,  as  a  scholarship  fund  for  poor  students. 

At  Leipzig,  in  1880,  the  number  of  new  patients  treated 
at  the  homoeopathic  dispensary  was  3,957.  The  previous 
year  it  had  been  3,400. 


Societies. 


AMERICAN  INSTITUTE  OF  HOMCEOPATHY, 


THII^TY-FOURTH  ANNUAL  MEETING. 


FIRST  DAY.—Tuesday,  June  14th,  1S81. 

The  meeting  was  called  to  order  by  the  President,  Dr.  J.  W. 
Dowling,  of  New  York.  Prayer  was  offered  by  Rev.  Dr.  Morse, 
Third  Baptist  Church,  Brooklyn.  ITie  order  of  business,  as  prepared 
l)y  tlie  Executive  Committee,  was,  on  motion,  accepted  and  adopted. 

After  some  preliininai*y  remarks,  the  able  address  of  the  President 
was  read  and  referred  to  the  usual  committee,  consisting  of  Dis. 
Cooke,  Morse  and  Owens. 

The  Pi-esident  then  appointed  the  Auditing  Committee,  consist- 
ing of  Dr.  C.  S.  Orme  and  I.  T.  Talbot. 

The  report  of  the  Committe  on  Publication  for  1880,  was  then 
presented  by  J.  C.  Burgher,  Gen.  Sec'y,  and  was  briefly  as  follows — 
that  the  transactions  of  1880  were  published,  and  delivered  to  those 
entitled  to  receive  them,  within  the  alloted  time,  by  the  Institute. 
The  work  contained  '^38  octavo  pages,  and  was  substantially  bound 
in  cloth.  A  supplemental  report  was  also  presented,  stating  that 
over  3.000  circulars,  to  the  profession  at  large,  had  been  issued. 
Circulars  had  also  been  seat  out  the  profession  at  large  by  Drs.  J.W. 
Dowllng  and  W.  L.  Breyfogle,  at  their  own  expense. 

Dr.  J.  C.  Guernsey  presented  his  report,  as  editor  of  the  Trans, 
of  1876  and  1879,  in  which  he  recounted  the  obstacles  he  had  met 
with  in  the  work,  and  asked  the  institute  to  take  action  in  respect  to 
the  disposal  of  the  stereotype  plates.  Upon  motion  the  report  was 
accepted  and  referred. 

Dr.  £.  M.  Kellogg  made  his  report  as  Treasurer,  showing  $111.43 
cash  on  hand,  and,  on  motion,  the  accounts  were  referred  to  the  Au- 
diting Committee. 

SUMMARY  OF  THE  NECROLOGICAL  REPORT. 

BT  DB.  HBNBT  D. PATBB. 

Eleven  members  of  the  Institute  have  been  removed  from  its  fel- 
lowship by  death,  since  the  last  annual  session.  If  other  losses  have 
occurred  during  the  same  interval  that  are  not  embraced  in  this 


54  1^^^  Hofuceopathic  Courier. 

record,  it  isr  because  they  have  not  been  reported  to  this  Bureau,  or 
have  escaped  the  dilHgent  inquiry  of  the  compiler. 

The  report  contains  brief  memorials  of  all  these,  our  recenUy 
deceased  associates,  which  will  appear  at  length  in  the  Transactions, 
together  with  a  few  others  that  were  omitted  from  former  reports  for 
want  of  the  necessary  information. 

An  invitation  was  received  from  the  Homoeopathic  Medical 
Society  of  the  County  of  New  York,  to  a  reception,  which  was  ac- 
cepted with  thanks,  and  referred  to  the  Executive  Committee  for 
arrangement  of  time. 


BUREAU   OF   ORGANIZATION,    REGISTRATION    AND    STATISTICS. 

Dr.  Talbot,  Chairman,  read  the  report  which  contained  the  fol- 
lowing suggestions:— 1.  That  the  form  of  application  be  changed, 
so  that  instead  of  being  as  at  present  a  mere  certificate  of  fitness  for 
membership  it  shall  be  a  direct  application  made  in  the  hand- writing 
of  the  applicant,  and  certified  to  as  now,  by  three  members. 

2.  That  persons  elected  to  memberships  may  become  life-mem- 
bers, and  exempt  from  annual  dues  on  the  payment  ot  one  iiundred 
dollars.  3.  That  membei's  by  paying  five  dollars  per  j'ear  from  the 
date  of  his  last  annual  due  up  to  the  time  when,  by  his  twenty-five 
years  of  membership  he  could  become  a  senior,  he  shall  thus  become 
a  life  member  and  exempt  from  annual  dues. 

4.  That  the  names  of  all  applicants  for  membership,  with  their 
residence,  place  and  time  of  graduation,  and  names  of  members 
certifying  thereto,  shall  be  pasted  in  some  conspicuous  place  during 
the  session,  at  least  twenty-four  hours  before  election. 

5.  That  the  number  of  Vice-Presidents  of  the  Institute  be  in- 
creased to  four. 

6.  That  a  salary  of  three  hundred  dollars  per  annum  be  paid  to 
the  treasurer,  and  that  he  give  bonds  in  the  sum  of  three  thousand 
dollars  for  the  faithful  performance  of  his  duties. 

7.  That  there  be  a  more  strict  observance  of  the  by-laws,  that 
every  bureau  organize  and  arrange  the  work  of  the  succeeding  year 
before  the  close  of  the  session. 

8.  That  the  Secretary  shall  prepare  and  publish  a  sketch  of  tlie 
work  of  the  next  annual  session,  and  send  the  same  to  members  with 
the  published  transactions  at  the  latest  before  the  first  of  Januaiy. 

In  registration  it  was  suggested  that  the  annual  list  of  members 
w^as  the  most  reliable  list  published,  and  the  Institute  cannot  go  be- 
yond this  without  danger  of  a  quasi-endorsement  of  those  not 
entitled  to  it. 

In  statistics  facts  were  given  of  National,  State  and  local  societies, 
of  hospitals,  dispensaries,  colleges  and  journals. 

The  American  Institute  of  IIomoBopathy  has  842  members  in  the 
various  States.    Although  this  membership  is  large  it  should  be  more 


Societies.  5  5 

doubled.    The  larger  membership  would  enable  it  to  do  a  much  lar- 
er  amount  of  worli,  and  thus  render  the  membership  more  valuable. 

There  are  24  State  Societies,  17  of  which  are  incorporated.  Of 
about  100  county  or  local  societies,  only  52,  a  little  more  than  one- 
half,  have  made  a  full  report,  though  many  others  are  expecting  to 
report  at  this  meeting.  The  report  dwelt  upon  the  importance  of 
an  active  judicious  secretary,  to  the  life  and  usefulness  of  a  medical 
society. 

Of  38  hospitals  13  have  already  reported  1,007  beds,  and  the  treat- 
ment of  13,877  patients  with  a  mortality  of  2  1-10  per  cent.  Satls- 
factoi-y  progress  has  been  made  In  many  of  these  hospitals,  particu- 
larly in  Cleveland,  Pittsburgh,  Brooklyn,  New  York  and  Boston. 
Qi  31  dispensaries  17  only  have  reported  as  yet.  In  these,  62.137 
patients  have  been  treated  and  received.  193,772  prescriptions,  at  a 
cost  of  about  $6,000,  and  a  great  deal  of  hard  work  given  by  the- 
physicians. 

The  11  colleges  are  all  reported  In  good  condition  with  an  aggre- 
gate of  1,250  students  In  attendance.  Of  these  431  have  been  gradu- 
ated the  past  year.  An  appeal  was  made  for  greater  aid  to  these 
colleges  by  the  profession  and  the  public.  They  are  established  for 
the  welfare  of  the  public,  and  It  Is  of  great  Importance  that  they 
should  be  well-sustained,  so  as  to  give  the  greatest  amount  of 
instruction  to  the  students.  Of  journals  17  are  now  published.  Four 
have  been  establij^hed  during  the  3rear,  and  three  have  suspended. 

The  report  then  closed  with  detailed  statltlcs  of  the  various  instit- 
utions, and  an  appeal  for  greater  promptness  and  completeness  In 
regard  to  details. 

Dr.  I.  T.  Talbot  was  appointed  Chairman  of  the  Bureau  for  the 
ensuing  year. 

The  Bureau  of  PstcoLoaiCAL  Medicine  reported  through  Its 
Chairman,  Dr.  T.  L.  Brown,  a  paper  on  "Indeepensables  In  the  Cure 
of  Insanity,^'  by  Uie  Chairman. 

Dr.  S.  Llllenthal  was  appointed  Chairman  for  the  ensuing  year. 

The  Bureau  of  Gekeral  Sanitary  Science,  Climatology  and 
Hygiene,  reported  through  Its  chairman,  Dr.  B.  W.  James,  the  fol- 
lowing papers: — 

I.  Bushrod  W.  James,  M.  D.,  Philadelphia,  Pa..  Chairman, 
* 'Progress  of  Sanitary  Affalrswdurlng  the  Year;  Introductory  Paper 
on  Hygiene  and  Medicatloti  In  General.'' 

TI.  1.  D.  H.  Beckwlth,  M.  D.,  Cleveland,  O.  ''Personal  Hy- 
giene ad  to  Air  Breathed.'' 

2.    T.  S.  Verdi,  M.  D.,  Washington,  D.  C,  "Pei-sonal  Hy- 
giene as  to  Dwellings  Occupied." 


$6  The  Homaopathic   Courier. 

3.  A.  K.  Wright,  M.  D..  Buffnlo,  N.  T-,  "Personal  Hj-g;1«ie 
;iii  to  Business  FnlloweJ." 

4.  T.  P.  Wilson,  M.  D..   Ann   Arbor,  Mleli.,    '-Pereonal 
Hygiene  as  to  Hubits  FonneJ." 

5.  E.  U.  Jones,  M.  D.,  Tuunton,  Muss,,  "Personal   Uygleiie 
lis  to  Dietriota  Inbablced." 

G.    George  Ockford,  3tf.  D.,  Burlington,  Vf..  "Personal  H)-- 
gieue  as  lo  Fluids  Drank." 

7,    H.  W.  Taylor,  M.  D.,  Terre  Hnnie,  Ind  ,  "Personal  B.v- 
giriie  Ks  to  Clothing  Worn." 

Dr.  T,  P.  Wilson  of  Ann  Arbor.  Micb.,  was  nppolitteii  uliairmiiti 
of  liie  bnreiiu  for  the  ensuing  ,rear. 

rhe  BuitEAu  OF  Uateria  Ueuica.  Pharuact  and  Provixks, 
iflioitRd  llirough  ila  L'hairniun,  Dr.  A.  C.  CoujxirtbwKiie,  the  following 
liapers  reluticg  to  the  history,  phurmai'Ology,  tosicology*  proving*. 
inoJe  of  uclion,  and  elinicnl  npplteation  of  eafadjum  Krjnimim,  papaya 
rulgartg  and  ribumiim  oputva,  as  follows: 

1.  History  and  Phariniicology— K.  M.  Oiile,  M.  D.,  J.  Heber 
Smith,  M.  D. 

2.  Toxluology.{Jj:^;^^'°-^-«D-. 

».    Critical  Einminations  of  Provings— T  F.  Allen,  M,  D. 

4.  DiHerentiHl  Diagnosis— E.  A.  Farilngtoii.  M.  D. 

5.  Arrangement  of  Sehemn.— A.  C.  Cowperthwaite,  M,  D. 

6.  Mode  of  Action,  Pathogenetic  and  Tberaijentic— Wm.  Oivene. 
M.  D..  W.  J.  Hawkes.  M.D. 

7.  Primary  and  Secondary  Action,  and  Action  on  the  Oenltn- 
I'Huary  System— W.  H.  Leonaril,  M.  D.,  E.  M.  Hale,  M-  D. 

S.     Action  on  Female  Generative  System— K.  Parsons,  M.  II. 
Dr.  E.  A.  Furrlugton  was  elected  chairman  tor  the  ensuing  year. 
The  Bureau  of  Clikicai.  Medicine  reported  through  Dr.  J.  S. 
Mitchell,  the  following: 

1.  "Manla-a-Potu,"  by  Dr  Geo.  F.  Foote. 

2.  "Ubserralion  on  Dose,"  by  W,  P.  Armstrong;  and  Dr.  T.  F. 
Poineroy  was  appoiutcd  chairman  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Adjourned. 


SECOND  DAY.—Weduesday,  June  15th,  18S1. 

The  President,  Dr.  J.  W.  Dowling.  In  the  chnir. 

The  Bureau  of  Oi'itTHAi.MOLOOV,  Otology  and  Lar^-noolooT 
l>reaented  the  following  papers  by  title : 

'■Hyperreinia  of  Internal  Ear."  By  W.  H.  Wlnslow.  M.  D.. 
Pittsburg,  Pa. 

■'Belaiaiiou  of  Mcnibrana  Tyuipaiii,"  by  J.  II-  Buffuni,  M.  D., 
of  Obicago,  ni. 


Societies,  57 

^'Kali  phosphorica  in  t:uppurative  Otitis,'^  by  H.  C.  Houghton, 
of  New  York. 

"Color  Blindness,"  by  C.  H.  Vilas  of  Chicago,  111. 

"The  papers  were  received  aad  i^eferred.  . 

Dr.  F.  Park.  Lewis  cf  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  was  appointed  chairman 
for  the  ensuing  year. 

The  Bureau  of  Obstetrics  reported  through  George  B.  Peck,  M. 
D.,  Providence,  R.  I.,  Chairman,  the  following  papers : 

"Puerperal  Mortality,  a  Study,"  by  George  B.  Peck,  M.  D. 

"Hemorrhage  as  a  cause  of  Puerperal  Mortality,"  by  Millie  J. 
Chapman,  M.  D.,  Pittsburg,  Pa. 

"Prevention  of  Puerperal  Fever,''  by  C.  G.  Higbee,  M.  D.,  St. 
Paul,  Minn." 

The  papers  were  received  and  referred  to  the  Publishing  Com- 
mittee. 

Dr.  C.  G.  Higbee,  St.  Paul,  Minn.,  was  appointed  chairman  of  the 
bureau  for  the  ensuing  year. 

The  Bureau  op  GYNiECOLOOY  reported  the  following  papers 
whicli  were  presented  by  title  and  referred  to  the  Publishing  Com- 
mittee. 

"Treatment  of  Lacerations  of  the  Cervix  Uteri,"  by  Dr.  Allen  of 
Philadelphia. 

"Practical  Observations  on  Lacerations  of  the  Cei-vix  Uteri,"  by 
by  Dr.  R.  Ludlam,  Chicago,  111. 

"Intra-niural  Fibro-cellular  Tumor  of  Uterus— Removal,"  by 
C.  Ormcs,  M.  D.,  Jamestown,  N.  Y. 

Dr.  H.  Minton  was  appointed  chairman  of  the  bureau  for  the  next 
year. 

In  the  bureau  of  Padology,  the  following  papers  on  "The  Mode 
Communication  and  Treatment  of  Infantile  Syphilis,"  were  presented 
by  Dr.  T.  C.  Duncan,  acting  chairman  of  the  bureau, 

The  papers  were  prepared  by  Dr.  W.  A.  Edmonds  of  St.  Louis, 
Mo.,  VV.  H.  Jenny,  Kansas  City,  Mo.,  J.  C.  Morgan,  Phila.,  Pa.,  and 
T.  M.  Strong,  Allegheny,  Pa.    Papers  received  and  referred. 

Dr.  A.  K.  Hills  was  appointed  chairman  for  the  ensuing  year. 

ITie  Invitation  of  the  New  York  County  Society  was  reported 
favorably  by  the  committee,  and  Friday  evening  appointed  as  the 
time  for  the  reception,  at  such  place  as  might  be  agreed  upon. 

Reports  of  delegates  from  the  various  State  and  county  medical 
societies  and  clubs  were  presented  and  accepted. 

Dr.  P.  Dudley,  chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Medical  Literature 
presented  a  report  which  was  received  and  referred. 

Delegates  from  hospitals  and  dlspensanes,  medical  colleges  and 
journals,  presented  reports  which  were  accepted  and  referred. 
Adjourned. 

THIRD  DAY— Thursday,  June  16. 
The  President,  Dr.  J.  W.  Dowllng,  In  the  chair. 


5  8  The  Homeopathic  Courier. 

Itpports,  oral  or  wiltteu.  were  presented  by  the  Intercollegiit 
CommlHee,  I.  T.  Talbot,  M.  D,,  Cbalrinan;  CDinmlUee  on  Rsilroail 
FBI'S!!.  C.  H.  Vilas.  M.D..  Chairman;  CommlEtee  of  ArninEements 
for  thi!  Iiiternutioniil  Con)pi.'»8.  and  the  Ueiegatea  to  tlie  Anierloaii 
Pllblk-  Health  AnsDcIation,  J.  P.  Duke,  U.  D  ,  Cliuii-maii.  Reueived 
and  accepted. 

The  Provident  then  made  the  following  nppolntuiente: — Commii- 
lep  on  I.egWalion,  Dr.  John  C.  Morgan.  Philadelphia,  Pa.;  Com- 
niltiee  on  Foreign  CoiTespondence.  Dr.  W.  U.  Wlnslow,  Itttsbitrg. 
Pa.;  DolegHtes  to  t)ie  American  Public  llfalili  Aaaoclsiloti,  Or.  J. 
P.  r>al4e,  NnsliTille,  Tenn. 

The  ButtEAU  OF  SruQEHY  H.  F.  Btggnr,  U.  D.,  Chairman. 
l>resente(l  the  following  paper  in  his  Bureau : 

'■t<eptieiemia.''  S.  R  Beckwith,  M.  D. 

'■I^aterul  Curvature  of  Spine,"  J.  H.  Mt^CleltanJ,  M.  D. 

'■Modes  of  Treatment  of  the  Fracture  of  tlie  Neck  of  llie  Femur 
in  ihe  Aged  and  Feeble."  J,  M.  Jamea,  M.  D. 

"Perineorrhaphy,"  I.  T.  Talbot,  M.  IJ. 

■'Stricture  of  the  (Esophagus."  D.  W.  Hartahorue,  M.  D. 

"Supni-pubic  Lithotomy,"  Win.  Tod  Ilelniuth,  M.  D. 

■■Varluocele."  J.  G.  GllchrlBl.  M.  D. 

'  Anipiilatlous,"  G.  J.  Jones,  M.  D. 

'■Spinal  AbDuesae^,"  H.  F.  Blggar,  H.  O. 

The  papers  were  received  and  accepted. 

Dr.  A.  R  Thomas,  of  Philadelphia,  was  appointed  Chairman  for 
1  S8-i. 

Bnre.iu  of  Mickoscopv  and  Histology,  Dr.  J.  Edwards  Smith. 
Chairman,  presented  the  following  papers: 

*-0u  some  Membranes,  especially  the  Dlphtheretlc,"  by  W.  H. 
Winslow,  M.  D. 

-■Cancer  and  Ita  Diagnosis,"  J.  Edwards  Smith,  M,  D. 

.1.  Edwards  iJniiih  appointed  Chairman  for  the  Bnreau  for  ISS3. 

Bnreau  of  Anatomy  and  Physiolooy,  Dr.  Wm.  von  Gottsuhalk, 
Oh.iirnian.  presented  the  following  papers: 

■■Some  |>ointB  ol  Slmllarlly  In  the  Eye  and  Ear,"  W,  11.  Winslow. 
M.  D. 

"Surface  Marks  of  the  Abdomen,"  A.  8.  Everett,  M.  D. 

"How Shall  Wb Teach  Anatomy?"  A.  S.  Everett.  M.  D. 

■■References  to  Several  Anatomlc.il  Points."  E.  H.  Piatt,  M.  D. 

"Physiology  of  Menstruation."  Wm.  von  Oottschalk,  M.  D. 

Dr.  Wm.  von  Gotlschalk,  appointed  Chairman  for  18S2. 

The  Institute  then  proceeded  to  the  election  of  officers  lor  the  en- 
fuing  year,  and  with  the  following  result: 

W.  L.  Breyfogle.  M.  D..  Louisville.  Ky. 

Fiee-Preei(ifn(. 
B.  W.  Jame-s  M.  D.,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 


Socieius.  59 

Of  Hera!  Seoretars/. 

J.  U.  Bnrglier,  M.  D.,  PHtsb.iig.  Pa. 

Correiponding  Hecretai'i/. 

J.  C.  Giii-rnaey.  M.  D.,  PhllHdelphla,  Pa. 

E.  M.  Kellogg,  M.  D..  New  York. 

Board  u/  Cfnuort, 

Ctanirman.  F.  B.  McManus.  M.  D.,  Bultlinore.  MU. 

M.  J.  Chiipman,  M  D.,  Pittsburg.  Pa. 

r,.  8.  Ordway.  M.  D.,  Hot  Spriugs.  Ark. 

£,  Rending.  U.  D..  Hull)oro,  Pa 

The  natiicB  ofCbalauqiiaLake,  Rlclimoud.  Vn.,  and  Omaha.  N'ub.. 

nere  presented  as  places  of  meeting  for  tlie  year. 

It  nne  Anally  delermined  by  tlie  Institute,  to  meet  at  Richmond. 
Va.,  on  llie  first  Tuesday  of  June. 

THE    PRESIDENT    ELECT. 

Tlie  Convention  honored  itself  In  eleeting  to  tlie  presidency  for 
llie  ensiling  year  that  noble  son  of  Kentucky,  the  grand  old  wnr- 
horee  of  our  school  at  the  West.  Dr.  Breyfogle.  We  heartily  endorse 
the  follo»'ing  telegram  of  congratulation  from  Surgeon  Ueneral 
Wiiiaon: 

"FerLnit  nie  most  earnestly  to  congratulate  the  American  Institute 
of  Honiteopathy  on  the  eleetloa  ol  a  scientific,  conservative,  and 
tlioronghly  repress ii tall ve  man  as  Pi-esldent.  In  the  person  of  that 
young,  vigorous,  and  dauntless  Kentucky  stiilwart.  whose  will  ami 
ability  to  everyivhere  uphold  the  dignity  and  honor  of  our  school, 
none  doubt." 

Reception.— The  HomoMpHthic  Medical  Society  of  the  Coun^  of 
New  York,  tendered  a  reception  Co  the  members  of  the  Institute  and 
their  ladies,  at  Delnionico's  on  Friday  evening,  June  17th,  at  eight 
o'liock. 

THE    BANQUET. 

Another  of  the  social  events  of  the  occasion  was  ihe  banquet 
tendered  by  James  H.  Breslln.  Esq.,  proprietor  of  Ilotet  Brighton, 
and  was  served  with  all  Chat  elegance  which  the  well-ki.own  name  of 
'■-mlue  host"  is  a  guanmteo.  Then  followed  the  feast  of  reason  and 
Che  flow  of  soul,"  and  out  gushed  in  a  sparkling  stream  of  pent-up 
eloquence  of  the  N'orth  and  the  South,  the  E:vst  and  the  Weal. 


EXCURSION. 

The  excursion  tendered  by  the  Presideoton  Wednesday  afternoon 
wu  a  most  enjoyable  and  pleasant  affair.    The  detigbUul  sill  up  the 


6o 


The  Honiaopathic   Courier. 


Imrbor  ana  through  Hell  G^ite.  interspersed  with  luucb,  the-  mtMt 
cordial  sociability,  and  plenty  of  good  music,  miile  the  uip  to  Uie 
Honiceopathic  Hospital,  W.  I.,  an  event  lonjt  to  be  reniembcreU. 
There  the  company  was  met  by  the  medical  offloers  of  the  Hospital, 
and  Dr.  Egbert  Guernsey,  Presideut  o(  the  Uedlcal  Board,  made  a 
most  felicitous  welcome  greeting. 


THE  MISSOURI  INSTITUTE  OF  HOMCEOPATHV. 


OFFICE    OF   THE   GENERAL  SECRETARY. 

Kansas  City,  June  SOth,  1S6]. 


Gssion  of  the  Missouri  Institute  will 
Weduesday  and  Thursday,  August  3 


The  Fifth  regular  annua] 
l>e  held  at  Sweet  Springs.  Mo., 
Knd  4,  ill  Amusement  IIall. 

The  headquarters  of  the  President  and  Secretary  will  be  at  the 
Sweet  Springs  Hotel.  This  hotel  Is  only  a  few  rods  from  the  hnll, 
both  being  upon  the  grounds  of  the  spiings.  Charges  for  lueiubers 
and  their  families,  92  per  day ;  this  lucludes  meals,  rooms,  lights  nnil 
attendance. 

It  Is  ImpoBsibte  to  procure  special  rates  from  vjiriona  parts  of  the 
state  to  the  Springs,  but  excursiou  tickets,  at  reduced  prices  for  the 
round  trip,  can  be  obtained  at  any  railroad  ofHce. 

Any  questions  )u  regard  to  the  Springs,  details  of  the  meeting, 
etc.,  will  be  answered  by  the  President,  D.  T,  Abell,  M.  D.,  Sedalia. 

Blank  appUcailous  for  menbershlp  can  be  obtained  of  the 
Secretary.  ApplicaUons  must  be  signed  by  two  members  of  the 
Institute,  and  accompanied  by  an  untruuce  fee  of  $3;  this  entitles 
the  applicant,  if  elected,  to  a  beautifully  engraved  certlHcate  of 
membership.    Annual  dues,  92. 

Papers  from  phyalclnne,  whether  members  or  not,  on  auy  medical 
subject,  will  be  welcome. 

The  HomfPopaihic  physicians  throughout  the  State  are  urged  to 
turn  out  and  lend  their  Influence  to  malce  this  meeting  a  great  sue- 
['CSS,  as  well  as  to  enjoy  a  short  sojourn  la  the  most  popular  resort  In 
the  West.  The  great  and  increasing  Influence  of  Homeopathy  in 
the  State  can  in  no  way  be  more  certainly  encouraged  than  by 
joining  the  Institute  and  attending  the  annual  meetings  thereof. 
On  behalf  of  the  Executive,  Committee, 

WM.  D.  FOSTER,  M.  D.,  Genl  S«c-y. 


The  Feeiiing  and  Mahaoembnt  of  Infants  and  Children 
AKD  THE  Home  Treatment  of  their  uisEASEa.  By  T.  0. 
Diimiin.M-  D..  Aiiihor  of  "How  lo  be  Plump;"  ■■How  to  Feed 
Children  to  Prevent  Hftknese,"  "A  Professional  Treat iae  on  tliu* 
Diseases  of  Iiifaais  and  Children  and  their  Treatmeut."  Coii- 
snlting  PhyMoIan  to  CfalcHf[o  Fotiiidllngs'  Home.  Editor  of  the 
'Untied  Siateji  Medical  InvcBtiKBtor.  Member  of  the  Mloroswiplciil 
Society  of  Illinois.  Chicago  P.-edologltnl  Society.  President  of 
the  American  Pfedologlca]  Society,  cic,  etc,  Duncan  Bros., 
Chicago.    Sold  only  by  suttfcrlption. 

The  most  Iniposlns  iini]  awe-inspiring  part  ot  n  coinet  is  Us  tall. 
Its  length  Is  our  wonder;  and  bo  It  Is  wlHiBomeof  our  literary  Inraln- 
aiics;  their  track  dnses  us  by  Its iirilllaneynnd length.  We  confess  to 
a  liesitancy.  l>orn  of  awe,  whenever  called  upon  to  notice  a  work 
wherein  the  autlior's  name  is  tHiIiHl  by  a  li^t  of  achievements  tn  litera- 
tnre,  and  lengthened  by  membership  and  poiiitlin  In  honorable 
societies,  so  numerous,  that,  like  the  tall  of  a  comet.  Its  end  Is  hid  to  by 
a  horizon  or  lost  In  stellar  depths,  snch  a  literary  appendage  as 
attnches  to  the  author  in  the  title  pnge  above. 

If  anything  more  than  the  abbreviated  biogmphy  and  honorable 
association  mentioned,  is  needed  to  recommend  this  book  to  the  pub- 
lic, they  have  it  in  a  tasty  and  beautiful  piece  of  binding,  the  design  of 
which  Is  simply  esquisite.  The  artist  we  commend  to  public  favor. 
The  book  Is  illustrated.  Immensely  Illustrated.  I'he  title  page  is 
fai-ed  with  an  old  familiar  group,  the  cut  of  which  has  been  the  round 
of  newspapers  and  magazines  for  years,  and  aside  from  being  well 
worn.  Ib  horribly  printed.  Cut  2  is  from  Roger's  Catalogue  of  his 
groups,  and  is  called  Weighing  the  Baby.  Like  the  former  Illustra- 
tion, It  la  familiar  lo  everybody  In  America.  Tn-o  verses  of  doggerel 
follow  It.  Pages  24  and  25  have  two  more  old  cuts,  while  p.  30  Is 
illustrated  with  Infantile  faces  in  outline,  and  might  property  be 
styled  the  butchery  of  Innocence  by  an  engraver  and  printer.  Page 
33  is  illustrated  by  a  solitary  cut,  an  inch  wide  by  about  an  Inch  and 
a  half  tn  length,  in  the  centre  of  which,  occupying  about  one  tenth 
ot  Ibis  immense  space  is  a  boy.  Listen  to  tlie  importance  attached 
to  this  miniature  boy.  as  worked  up  by  the  author.  '-Prang  has 
transferred  the  poet's  Ideal  to  canvass,  and  kindly  contributed  a  pic- 
ture of  the  boy  for  this  work,  for  the  beueflt  of  mothers  nho  are 
looking  for  a  model."  Model  for  what  ?  One  Is  puzzled  to  know 
whether  the  autlior  is  satyrlzlng  Piling's  generous  contribution,  or 


62  The  Hom-xopathie  Courier. 

whether  he  Is  fooligh  enough  (o  believe  that  the  HoniCBop^tliio  publti! 
are  such  IdioU  a<>  to  tti[nk  thetit  is  any  connection  between  this  cut 
anfl  the  subject  o£  his  book.  Farther  on  in  the  work,  at  psges  413 
iind  4]4.  two  old  spelling  hook  cuts  are  diluted  on  and  tortured  Into 
use,  to  Illustrate  something  else.  On  pnge  200,  "Healthy  Sleep/*  is 
illustrated  by  a  shaggy  dog  in  a  chair  with  a  sleeping  infant.  If  a 
Mark  Twalu  or  Artemus  Wanl  hud  ever  coupled  healthy  sleep  and 
fleas  so  inlimateiy  together,  tlie  joke  would  have  provoked  a  smile, 
ilonc  here  In  all  seriousness,  it  is  simply  rldlculmis.  There  are 
utorc  cuts,  some  old  and  some  new,  which  the  author  has  pressed 
into  service,  the  last  page  closing  wllh  auolber  of  Roger's  Catnlogiie 
cuts,  called  "School  Days."  It  would  be  well  It  this  propensity  of 
the  author,  to  illustrate  his  books  by  such  cuts  as  took  his  fancy. 
stopped  here,  but  unfortunately  It  does  not.  One  E.  Hairis  Ruddock. 
M.  D.,  Licentiate  of  the  Royal  College  of  Phj'^iulans,  Member  of  the 
Royal  College  of  Surgeons;  Licentiate  In  Midwifeiy,  London  And 
Edinburg;  Physician  to  the  Reading  and  Berkshire  Homwipathic 
Dispensary,  etc.,  in  1874.  published  a  work,  entitled  "The  Diseases 
at  Infants  and  Children."  It  went  through  two  editions,  and  in 
167S,  after  his  death,  a  third  edition  was  gotten  out,  edited  by  Dr. 
Geo.  Lade  of  Glasgow.  To  this  last  edition,  T.  C.  Duncan,  M.  D., 
author  of  "How  to  be  Plump,"  "How  to  Feed  Children  to  Pre- 
vent Sickness;''  "A  Profession^]  Treatise  on  the  Diseases  of  Infants 
and  Children,  and  their  Treatment;"  Consulting  Pliyslclan  to  Chi- 
cago Fouudllng's  Home;  Editor  of  the  United  States  Medical 
Investigator;  member  of  the  Microscopical  Society  of  Illinois,  Chi- 
cago Piedologlcal  Society;  President  of  the  American  P.'edological 
Society,  etc.,  etc.,"  has  taken  a  great  fancy  and  illustrated  his  ideit. 
of  meum  and  teum  by  incorporating  Into  his  work  whole,  IibU 
and  parts  of  pages  wllh  a  coolness  that  Is  absolutely  sublime.  Tears 
ago,  when  plain  snxon  was  In  more  common  use,  the  author  who 
would  do  this  would  be  called  a  "literary  pirate,"  But  it  is  vul- 
gar to  say  such  hard  things  now.  A  dlstlngnUhed  doctor  ami 
author  of  Cincinnati  terms  It,  "  the  simillarlty  of  cerebration  In 
great  minds,"  and  just  how  far  this  similailty  of  cerebration  In 
great  minds  can  run  the  reader  may  learn  by  consulting  the  two 
works  and  comparing  Duncan,  jiBges  217,  3^,  224,  220,  330,  231,  333. 
234,236,246,  348.  34U,  with  Ruddock,  pages  14B,  ISO,  156,  157,  158, 
IC9, 102,  105, 166, 168  and  how  much  more  deponent  satth  not. 

The  book  is  sold  only  by  subscription.  Young  met)  whose  notions 
of  business  have  never  been  bins  by  Sunday  School  irainliis  would, 
however,  do  well  to  remember  that  the  law  for  obtaining  nionej' 
under  false  pretenses  is  frequently  rigidly  enforced.  K. 


TRAKBimONS  or  TIIK  WORLi)"a  UOMIEOI'ATBIC  CoHVKNTION 
Vol.  I.      1»T6. 

M-Iniites,  cganys  niul  ilNciisaloii*  art;  eon ut lied  in  tliU  voliifnt?  <jf 
great  value.  AfU-r  lite  nddreee  ot  C.  Diinhum,  which  U  diai-iicti'i'- 
Utlo  of  tills  master  mind,  uomes  the  De|inrtiii<>iit  of  Mnioria  Uedk-H 
wlileli  coiitntiig  eleveu  papers  of  greiit  vhIiic.  The  Clliilcul  Depart- 
nieiil  uoiitaliis  thirteen  pnpei's,  the  miijoritj'  of  whli-h  represent  :i 
hl^h  (k'sii^e  of  mevU.  The  Depiiriuieut  of  Surgery  shows  tliai 
lii>iiin"ipii[hii-  snrgery  Is  not  Inferior  in  its  iiifobunlcHl  lesouree?.  nnd 
ill  the  iheinpeiitles  of  »iir^ry  then;  Is  nowhere  else  to  be  fouoil  sueh 
ii  hrgh  iloKrecof  pnrfecllou  In  the  art.  Prfrfegaors  T.  P.  WiJBOii. 
Wni.  TiiU  lleliiiiith  and  R.  U.  Fi'aiiklhi.  are  Iiiiportuiit  feiiiiires  In  this 
ptirt  of  Ihe  voliiiiie. 

The  Department  of  Obstetrics  and  Gynieeology  Is  mI*o  ably  pro- 
piired.  Dr.  Duvklson.  of  Florenoe,  !ialy,  on  Hysteria,  ha«  glvm  n 
imisierly  digest  with  the  therapeiitiu  iise  of  tamnluia  In  this  dUeaiie. 
Lii'dliiin  and  Qiirnsey  uut  no  aninll  llgure  tn  this  depnrtment. 

The  volume  eloses  with  n  Hlstoritml  Sketch  of  Minerin  Mcdlea, 
by  the  lamented  Conitsntine  Hering.  tbiit  needs  no  comment.  The 
volume  has  1117  pagi'S,  and  It  Is  in  every  part  as  creditable  a»  It  1? 
ponderous.  Could  Unhnemnnn  look  upon  thiH  ehlld,  ffomiiopaihy, 
»s  repi-esented  in  the  two  volnmes  o(  Trim  auctions  of  the  World'^ 
Homueopathic  Convention,  be  would  not  ihluh  he  hud  lived  In  vain. 

The  publiiatiiin  immmiiiee  desene  the  united  ihanks  of  the 
floniaeopnthlc  profession  for  their  able  and  etHcient  aei-vlcc  in  tlie 
aiTAiigement  and  completion  of  tills  great  work.  K. 

Diseases  of  the  Nervocs  System.  By  Charles  Iliivt.  M.  D., 
Biierlcke  A  Tufel.  409  piiges.  cloth. 

We  are  very  glad  to  welcome  this  new  treatise,  a$  it  Is  the  fir<t 
work  on  dibeasee  of  the  nervous  system,  of  any  value,  hi  hoinieo- 
pathlc  literature.  It  Is  brief  and  clear,  espeelally  adapted  to  tlie 
student  and  practitioner.  We  shall  advise  iu>  adoption  as  a  text 
book.  The  publishers  are  to  be  coaipUment«d  on  Ihe  style  and 
"make  up''  of  the  entire  volmue. 

It  contains  typieal  cases  to  llliistnLte  every  subject.  tHkeu  from 
accumulated  literature,  and  its  therapeutics  is  as  ample  as  could  lie 
expected,  as  the  malecia  luedica  can  nut  be  couibiui'd  ivlth  eiich  a 
work.  K. 

Lectures  on  Diseases  of  the  .Vkhvoub  System.  >;si'ii:ciALi.Y 

OF  Women.     By  S.  Wdr  Hltcbcll.  M.  D  .  rhUadelphia.     Heniy 

C.  Lea's  Son  A  Co.    23S  pages.  Cloth  <1.T5. 

lliis  book  Is  especially  valuable,  as  it  discusses  u  class  of  i>ecullar 

nen-ons  disorders  not  generally  treated  of  In  standard  works  on  the 

nervous  system.    It  fills  a  vacancy  In  the  needs  of  the  speclulist.  as 

well  Rs  the  general  prnctiuiier.    The  author  Is  too  n'cll  known  for 


Pamlysis  of  hysteria,  hysterical  motor  ataxia,  nilmjcry  of  disease. 


64 


The  Homwopathk  Ccu 


sjinsmocliu  affections  in  tvom«ii.  trhnoe  of  i.'IiiIil1iot>i],  dl3or<]ere  0( 
t^kep  Hiicl  several  olhi.'ri'  are  treated  uirh  great  clearncsE. 

The  Bubjeuts  generally  are  thoiie  tliiit  the  physlciiin  has  been  eoni- 
pelW  to  meet  and  manage,  ivithoiit  tile  :iid  of  aiitliorlty.  and  this 
jittle  voltime  lionies  very  iiccep tabic.  It  \%  full  of  tiimiglit,  and  U  an 
crideiice  nf  extensive  oiiaervatlon.  K- 

TiiE  CHKMisxnT  OF  tiKUiCiN'K.  By  J.  U.  I.oyd.  Professor  of 
Clit'iiiistry  and  Pharuiacy.  In  tlic  Bclei-ilu  Medii-'al  Institnte,  Clii' 
diiiiiitl,  Oliln,  uorre»pundlug  meinbiir  ol  the  CcilWgc  of  rhiiruiaty 
nf  the  dty  of  New-  York,  etc.,  elc. 

A  practical  text  nnd  reft^rence  book  for  the  nuc  of  stndentfl,  pliy- 
»loiiini  and  pharmrtclKtH,  embodying  the  principles  of  chemical 
liliiloaophy  uiiO  their  npplltiiitinn  to  Ihu^e  chemk-als  Ihnt  arv  used  In 
niodiciue  and  in  pharmacy,  Inclndlng  all  those  that  are  olHoinnl  in* 
the  pharniflcnplH  of  the  Unltpd  Sutes.  with  mty  orlgliml  cuts- 

We  have  examined  this  work  with  uon«ldernlile  care  and  can  recnni- 
niend  it  heartily  to  stuiteiita.  It  is  ft  moat  esoellent  work.  The  pliin 
ol  the  author  iii,  to  leave  nnt  nil  but  what  Is  necessary  to  the  ptiy^t- 
cinn  nnd  pharmacist,  and  ho  has  bo  elmplilled  the  sttidy  of  eliemlstj-y 
tliat  with  this  work  Ihc  student  vrlll  And  the  actpilsltion  of  chemicnl 
knowled](e  very  eniiy,  J.  T.  B. 

JN  TO  McDiciNK.     By  Robcri* 

'l*he  author  enya  In  his  preface : 

'*!  Hssnrne  an  entire  unncqnalntiince  with  tlie  clcmPiiU  of  tJiu 
subject  Hi  the  point  of  depiirture;  for  I  am  addre»ing  tlioAe  who 
have  either  failed  to  ac(|iiire  this  preliminary  know) edKo,  or  ha%ing 
ncipilred  It.  find,  after  the  lapse  of  years,  it  \v\s  become  misty  »nd 
confnsed." 

'■This  book  then,  mnst  be  i-egnrded  as  nii  expofiltion  of  electricli]'. 
ns  a  remedial  agent  made  by  a  medical  practitioner  for  the  use  of 
medical  practitioners." 

A  physician  who  does  not  know  the  proper  use  of  this  most  escel- 
lent  lemedlal  agent,  and  who  allows  a  certain  class  of  dfseanefl  of  ib^ 
nervous  system  to  become  chronic  and  Incurable,  should  quit  the 
biiHinesK  for  whicli  he  is  not  ixnaillletl. 

This  book  of  Banholow's,  will  aid  the  conscientious  phyelciao  to 
cure  many  of  tlie  above  iliseases.  livery  physician  should  send  lor 
It  nnd  study  its  pages.  Jt  is  pubiished  by  Henry  C.Lee*sSonG  ACo., 
rhlladelphia.  Pa.  This  of  itself  Is  enough  to  recommend  It.  J.  T.  B. 

A  Text  Book  of  Hi:man  PHrsiOLOGV.  designed  for  the  use  of 
practitioners  and  eliideiits  of  Medicine.  By  Austin  Film,  ,Ir.,  M. 
n..  Professor  nf  Phviiiological    Anammy  in  Belleview  Uoi«pt  al 


Book  Notices. 


H 


and  porrectflil.     Pnlili^hed  by  D.  Appleton  *  Co.,  X09.  1.  3  and  5 

BimJ  Street.  Sew  York. 

The  Ha  tbnt  the  thiii]  edition  of  thi«  work  in  su  ehurt  &  time 
WHB  ijemaiided  Hhon's  that  It  la  upjireeiutod  by  iliu  profession.  In  ttii; 
preeent  etIUioii  ibe  aiilhor  has  re-writi^n  a  good  portion  of  ilie  work 
und  Hllered  some  parts  of  Uie  prevtoiia  editions,  bo  hs  to  (.-onfoni)  to 
tiie  very  laicec  JistMiverii^a  of  Bowman,  Heidenheiti  and  others. '  Tliu 
uiithor  lias  contx-lentioiisly  prepared  a  work  on  physio! OK)-,  altering 
nnd  changing  ceit4ilD  parte  to  make  It  reliable  authority  in  this  im- 
portant branch  of  science,  and  Ihne  tnanlfeailng  thiit  h^  hxs  no  hobby 
or  writes  to  defend  one.  bnt  tii»t  he  is  ready  to  adopt  every  trutii  as 
soon  as  It  Is  clearly  proven. 

The  Appletnns  publish  nothing  bnt  what  is  reliable  and  in  n  flrst- 
i'Iass  manner.  We  have  placed  this  work  on  on*r  college  announce- 
ment as  a  text-book.  J.  T.  B. 

The  Homeopathic  Therapeittics  of'  Di*brh(i:a,  Dvsektaui, 

Ciioi.KKA.  Ciioi.euA  Morbus,  Cuolbka  IitrAKTUM.  Etc..  Etc. 

By  James  B.  Bell.  M.  D.    Boerecke  &,  Tsfei.    13mo.  275  p.,  priue 

SI.60.    Send  to  the  above  143  Grunil  Street.  New  York.  ■ 

This  Is  HO  excellent  and  timely  work,  and  U  fully  up  to  date  in 

the  ilomiBopnlhtc  traalment  of  the  aliove  diseases.    Let  every  yonnj; 

Homoeiipftthic  practitioner  secure  a  copy  nnd  reap  tlie  liinrels  from 

the  heads  of  the  allopnths  in  his  vielnlty,  in  the  treatment  of  these 

diseases.  J.  T.  B. 

Halk's  T.KCTVKE8  ON  Diseases  op  the  Heart.  By  Edwin  M. 
Hale.    Published  by  Boeiecke  A  Tivfel. 

This  is  the  second  edition  of  this  escellen''  work.  Of  the  writer 
we  need  not  speak,  lie  is  to  well  known  lo  the  medical  profcs«lou 
to  need  any  praise  from  iis,  but  of  Ida  work  that  many  physiclnna 
have  not  seen,  we  may  say,  that  it  is  the  best  treatise  on  the  b^art 
thiit  we  ktiow  of.  We  have  In  onr  library  three  or  four  other  works, 
devoted  exclusively  to  the  heart,  bnt  we  like  this  best. 

J.  T.  B. 

A  Treatise  on  Diseased  Peculiar  to  Infakts  and  Cbildren. 
By  W.  A.  Edmonds.  Boerecke  &  Tafel,  New  York  and  Phlladel- 
phfa. 

This  is  an  excellent  work  from  a  physician  whose  every  word  can 
be  relied  upon. 

The  arrangement  of  tlie  work  Is  excellent,  and  it  will  be  an  im- 
portant aid  to  piiysician!i  In  treating  the  dise^ises  of  children  In  tliis 
coimtry,  especially  in  the  West.  Dr.  Edmonds  does  not  favor  the 
cxtrcnieiy  high  dilutions.  J.T.  E. 

BCKT'3  PITT3IOL0G1CAL  MATERIA  MediCA.  Gross  &  DellridgC,  Pub- 
lishers, Chicago. 
We  have  been  kindly  supplied  with  a  copy  of  the  recent  publu-a- 


66  Th(  Homeopathic   Coiirkr. 

tion  of  Biirt.'s  Charnftfi'latio  Materia Mi'dlcn,  wlik-li  liowever 
''liwt't  J'h^»%olog(eal  Xaleria  Xediea." 

This  llili'd  edUlnn  rontaine  everj'lhln^  known  lo  date  of  the  Oif- 
fercut  drugs  treated,  niid  h  n  decided  linprovt-inviil  oti  Ilie  prevloits 
Cine  oF  1873.  'Ilie  book  Is  well  bound.  Is  put  up  in  elegiint  «lmpe 
with  good  pnper  nnd  type,  and  cmimins  OTO  pages.  It  kIvus  tliii 
^p]iere  of  nctiitii  with  clmrac-terii'tic  indltv.itlonf'  'if  mme  two  hiintli'^d 
i'('inedie».  Hml  should  torni  a  pnrt  ut  the  library  of  every  pliysk-lnii 
nnd  student  of  hoinwopHlby.  In  tronipiiriitKlhU  work  with  former 
oiiPS.  we  lire  pleitseil  lo  And  a  striking  i^hniige  in  the  s,rmptoiiintic 
nrinngeinenc  of  lhech:irni<terl»tlc  Indluations  of  »oiiie  two  linndred 
i^medles, 

Firft  we  hnve  tlie  nnnie  of  tlie  drn<;;.  Itelow  it.  a.  stnieuient  of 
uliiit  it  \g.  whure  foiiiid.  how  procnred.  witli  ii  11^1  of  its  HiitidnU>s> 
Ne\i  111  onlei'  we  note  tlie  spei'inl  aetion  of  tlie  diiig,  how  it  affert^ 
the  differeni  parts  of  ilie  srsiem.  nud  lastly,  the  therapentic  indl- 
vidnulity.  We  now  find  all  reliable  ludie-HIions  of  the  remedy,  such 
as  liiive  stood  the  test  of  inveBttgniion,  and  hnve  been  repeaiedly 
I'd  11*0  hum  led  by  tlie  leading  men  of  tlic  profesfiion.  The^e  iinporiAnt 
ehiii-neteristics  arcarningefl  ill  miatonileal  order,  so  thai  refereufu 
iiiaj  be  hnd  at  a  ginnire  lastly  we  tind  the  aggravations  and  anieli- 
orations,  wlileh  alone  is  an  Iniporlui'it  iniprovcmeut. 

TIIOS.  MATUISOK. 

I'KESLEr  Bi.AKtSTON.  Publisher 

In  the  lasinmnher  of  the  CoeHIEB,  in  reviewing  Dr.  Day's  exeel- 
lent  book  on  01sea«es  of  women  and  cblldi'en,  we  inadvertently 
oinllted  the  name  of  Pkrslky  Blakiston  us  iiublislier. 

Thlp  oniix^lon  is  to  be  'regretted,  as  the  very  name  of  Blakiston  is 
a  guarantee  that  any  book  whleh  may  be  publislied  under  it.  is  viilu- 
ahle  and  worthy  of  eoiifideratlon.  W,  C  S. 

1  Bn- 

Tbis  is  a  second  edlllon  of  Prof.  Tan  Bnrcu's  bool;,  and  we  have 
tio  besltenty  in  saying  It  Is  the  best  book  on  the  subject  that  liiu 
I'ver  been  publUhed  In  Ameiiea.  It  eontains  over  400  pages,  and 
should  be  in  the  hands  of  all  wlio  wish  iiifonnailon  on  The  subjects 
ol  which  it  ti-eats.  W,  C.  R. 

A  Trratisr  UN  Diphtheria.      By  A.  MeNcil,  M.   I>.     Duiicau 
Broc,  Pnbliihci-8,  Chicago. 

This  is  a  book  of  some  150  pages,  written  in  response  to  a  priB« 
oirnr  of  f  100  by  the  publtsheri  for  the  best  treatise  on  the  snbjw-l. 

r>r.  McN'ell  is  a  believer  in  pure  homteopathy.  and  bis  book  la  thM 
latest  and  best  publlslied  on  tlie  sn)ijeet,  from  a  lioma-opatliic  nnnd- 
point  W.  C.  R. 


1)1- 

Biiiiilmld  has 

lin< 

j-eara  of 

exporLer 

ce  in  tb 

trenliuent  at  Ca- 

IllrHi, 

mill  111" 

book 

iiicl 

ld.-S 

nil 

the  oW 

StllOOl 

lierapeuilve,  both 

wirgle 

il  ami 

i.'i|j>.'i 

:il. 

llHt 

iri'  k 

lOWll  ll> 

th;it  briiiiL-h  ol  tlie  profes- 

slim, 

W.  0.  R. 

Atlas  of  Ovn^-cologv  akh  Obstktuics.  EdiiedhyDr.  A.Mnr- 
lin.  Pm-tsl.  II,  111  and  IV.  A.  E.  Murilii  *  Co..  I'libllshers. 
Cliidnnnil,  Ohio. 

'riiis  U  a  K'ripH  ol  tliP  most  »iiperb  tUliognphic  eiigiuvlngs.  thai. 
liav«  «ver  heen  pnbll^lied  In  Anierii'tt.  Thv  ]irii-tt  Is  only  91  per  pan. 
tlip  wliole  work  lo  be  i-onipleted  in  llfteen  parts.  The  teitt  is 
airnnged  so  as  to  be  on  Ilia  side  opposite  the  plate,  niaking  the  wholr 
Iiiicllij^lble  at  n  glance. 

There  will  be  upwards  ol  TiOO  Illustrations,  I'olored  and  plain  al- 
togctlKT.    Sold  by  Biibscriptton.    Address  the  publisher. 

W.  C.  R. 

FOETRV. — Wb  notii'C  ill  tbeNew  YortpH|)ers  that  our  confrere,  Dr. 
A.  n.Scegri'inhn  has  made  quite  a  reputation  hi  literaiT circles  under 
the  iiuin  tie  plum  of  Alcttt.  is  about  to  send  to  the  publisher  a  ixvve 
volume  of  poetical  prodticrioiia. 

We  look  forward  to  tlie  time  when  we  shall  read  this  book  wiiti 
pleaBiii'e,  as  evervttilng  hei'eioforc  written  by  Dr.  Seeger  has  been  of 
II  iiigh  order,  and  we  have  no  doubt  tbat  the  fortbcondng  work  will 
bp  up  lo  the  standard  of  merit  ali-eady  established  in  previous  pro- 
ductions. W.  C.  R. 

Thk  Intkknationai.  Ekctclop.eria  or  ScROEiiY,    By  authors  of 
Various  Nations.    Edited  hy  .lohii  Ashhnrst,  Jr..  M.D.,  Professor 
Of  Clinicnt  Surftcry  iu  the  University  of  Pensyivanla.  In  6  voliiuie'-. 
royal  octavo.     Illustrated  with  Ohronio-lithognipiis    and  Wood 
EngraTings.     Piiblicaiiou  to  begin  in  the  AiituRin  of  18S1  by  Wni. 
Wwil  A  Co.,  New  York. 
Noither  labor  nor  expense  are  being  spared  to  make  the  -'Intcr- 
TiHiiouiil  EiicycloptedlB"  in  everj- respect  the  most  complete,  the  most 
liiorougli,  the  most  practical,  and  witbul  the  most  authoritative  treat- 
ise on  surgery  extant. 

While  It  will  be  thoroughly  scientific  in  its  character,  and  will 
aim  to  occupy  the  first  place  In  the  library  of  the  specialist  In  surgery, 
it  is  specially  written  for  and  adapted  to  the  cvery-day  use  of  the 
general  practitioner  of  medicine.  It  is  desired  to  make  it  a  complete 
lilirary  In  itself  upon  the  i^cleuce  and  art  of  surgery. 

An  original  work  of  this  magnltutlc,  InTolvlng  such  an  extraor- 
dinary outlay,  could  not  be  prolllably  published  if  aotd  througli  tiie 
orillnary  channels  of  trade.  The  International  Kncyclopivdia  of 
Surgery  will  be  sold  by  subscription  only. 

There  can  be  no  donbt  as  to  the  value  of  this  great  publication 
and  we  Btlvise  our  friend»-  to  forward  their  subscription  at  once. 

W.  c,  a. 


68  The  Hotiuxopalhic  Cc 

SEVENTH  ANNUAL  CONVENTION  OF  THE  WES- 
TERN A  CADEMY  OF  HOMCEOPA  THY. 

The  seveiilh  anim«l  t'onveiuion  of  tlie  Western  Auademv  o\ 
Hfiiiireopolliy,  was  culM  to  order  at  3:46,  in  ihe  ulub-rooot  of'  Uie 
Pfllmer  House,  Chicago. 

Dr.  C.  H.  Vllfts,  President,  in  tlie  I'huir. 

The  President  appointed  Drs  G,  W.  Foote.  H.  W.  Robey  Knd  t. 
0.  DuDcnn  as  a  Committee  on  Audits,  and  Drs.  W.  C.  Barker,  A.  C- 
Cowpertliwaite,  W.  H.  Rirsons  and  W.  J.  Harris,  ks  a  Coiiimitree  nn 
Credentlnls.  He  alm>  appointed  Dr.  C.  H.  Ooodmnn  its  ti  meiitber  of 
the  Board  of  CenBors,  in  the  plnee  of  Dr.  Josiah  Cowpbell,  the  vhalr- 
niiin.  who  was  absent. 

The  report  of  Uie  Bureau  or  Sanitary  WCtENCE,  Ctiniatologr 
iind  Hygiene  was  preiented  by  Dr.  G.  W.  Foote  of  Gali;»biirg.  ilio 
uhairmnn.  In  the  absence  of  otiier  papers  from  this  Bureau,  he 
presented  an  essay  prepared  by  himself  bearing  on  the  subject  of 
■'ground  and  water  pohuion."  He  referred  to  the  coniiuiied  use  of 
vaults,  with  which  the  soil  of  the  oountrj-  Is  honey-coKibed.  The^ 
Impregnated  the  soil  to  snch  an  exteat  tliat  when  the  gasee  were 
generated  the  air  beeame  infected  with  pestilence  und  miasmMtli;  ex- 
lialatlons.  He  believed  that  the  perfection  of  sewerngc  could  be 
obtained  only  by  utlltitiDg  properly  the  natural  streams  of  tbu  coun- 
try. He  urged  that  all  Hvei's  and  streams  be  properly  conltiied  by 
walls  or  dykes,  that  the  current  may  be  used  In  the  most  coiiventcut 
nnd  natural  channels.  This  he  believed  to  be  the  most  cflectlre 
system  of  disposing  of  the  pestilential  sewage  of  the  great  cillra. 

A  special  point  to  be  Insisted,  was,  that  the  kitchen  slops  luid 
refuse  should  in  no  cases  be  thrown  Into  the  vaults.  The  tlryei*  the 
vault  the  less  harmful  they  hnTB  proved  tobe.  T.iiiie,  carbolic  acid, 
and  other  dl^iufeetants  are  not  of  such  value  as  generally  supposed. 
They  mitigate,  but  do  not  eliminate,  the  poison  of  the  gases.  The 
speaker  Insisted  on  the  necesi^ity  of  cleaning  vaults  at  least  yearly, 
but  suggested  the  general  use  of  earth  closets  as  a  more  oertAlik 
remedy  for  all  the  evils  of  vaults.  He  further  advocated  the  use  of 
drawers  uf  ashes  to  be  used  iu  oi-dinaiy  vaults.  The  paper  «]io  re- 
ferred to  ordlnai'y  hlth  of  the  streets,  which  should  be  at  onue 
removed;  to  the  rotting  plank  sidewalks  which  are  known  tobeprinin 
factors  in  the  dissemination  of  disease,  and  to  the  eeaspoolB  Mill 
poisonous  wells,  which  are  only  additional  means  of  infection. 

The  paper  was  supplemented  by  the  remarks  of  Dr.  John  Harris, 
who  said  that  the  sewage  question  is  of  the  utmost  iniportuure  In 
connection  with  the  health  of  the  community.  The  speaker  referrvd 
to  two  systems  of  disposing  of  the  offensive  sewage.  In  addition 
to  digging  vaults  and  cleaning  them  systematically,  flowing  w«iet 
was  greatly  depended  upon.  In  London  he  had  found  100.000,000 
gallons  were  daily  dumped  lnt«  the  Thames,  on  the  tlieory  Uut  Um 
current  would  carry  the  matter  seaward.    This  had  proved  not  to  b* 


IVesteni  Academy  of  Hointvopathic 

tiie  i-ftse.  A  iwrlion  of  the  nnimal  innUer  is  cnrrli-il  off,  but  [lie  river 
■ml  its  banks  become  polluted,  nnd  tlie  ijiiestlon  □(  illBpoiitloii  is 
fitill  Opel).  CompnnieE  had  been  formed  to  use  the  sewnge  lor  ferti- 
lizing purposes,  but  tbey  liiiil  only  been  piirtially  succensfiil.  na  this 
fpecleE  of  tiiiiiiure  tntkkeii  tlie  Itind  Bolt  uiii]  lioggy.  By  mixing  witli 
disinfect  an  IS,  liowever.  some  success  Und  bet>D  obtained.  By  niixlnj; 
one  bnriielof  quii'k-Ume,  four  gnllona  of  conl  tar,  nnd  a  varj'ing 
(juiintlty  of  mngnesln  witii  etioh  36.000,000  gallons  of  »e\vnge  wliili' 
lioiving.  a  Miccessful  fertliizer  had  bet;n  obtnineil. 

Dr.  F.  W.  Foote  was  appointeiJ  cbuirmaii  of  this  bureau  for  the 
PUB  ilnj?  yenr. 

TXk  report  of  tlie  Bureal'  ov  Obstktbics  wag  presented  by  the 
chHirman.  Dr.  Julia  H- Smltb,  of  Ciiiirigo,  atid  several  of  the  pii- 
pers  were  freely  discussed. 

TUE  BVENIKG  HESSIOK 

was  uitlled  to  oi-der  ut  a  quarter  before  0  o'clooli  witli  about  the  same 
nttendimee  as  had  marlied  tlie  day  session.  Dr.  Vilas  occupied  the 
I'liair.  aud  culled  upon  Dr.  A.  E.  Small  of  Chicago,  to  deliver  the 
address  of  welcome.  In  the  nnce^ury  absence  of  Mayor  Hnrrleon. 
His  remarks  were  greeted  by  warm  npplnUie.  Dr,  McAfee,  of  Clin- 
ton. In.,  was  called  on  for  a  response,  but  declining  that  honor  the 
I'halr  read  a  few  i-emnrks.  The  secretary  read  a  paper  which  had 
been  sent  to  the  Academy  by  Dr.  Richard  Iliighes  of  Brighton. 
Englnmt.  President  of  the  World's  Homteopathic  Convention,  about 
ro  meet  lu  London.  The  subject  of  the  paper  was  the  "Org.anon  of 
HTihnemnnn." 

'{"he  secretary  i-ead  nn  account  of  a  new  pocket  spygmograpli,  in- 
vented by  nn  English  physician,  Dr.  Dudgeon. 

Dr.  J.  Hartz  Miller,  Chairman  of  the  Board  or  Censors,  reported 
favoi-ablyon  the  applications  of  the  following  practitioners,  who 
were  accordingly  declared  elected  10  memherahip  in  the  Academy: 
Drs.  E.  M.  P.  Lndlam.  T.  S.  Hoyne,  Wm.  II.  Burt,  H.  M.  Hobari. 
audprof.  E.  H.  Piatt  of  Chicago;  Drs.  .Tohn  Silfel,  Bui-yms,  O.; 
Mary  E  Farnham,  Qnincy;  A.  P.  Bowman.  Keolcuk:  W.H.  Parsons, 
Glenwoofl.  la,;  Edgar  Schmidt,  Quliicy;  Q.  M.  Say  lor,  St.  I>iuis: 
Julia  F.  Haywood,  St.  Joseph,  Mo.;  Oeorge  M.  Haywood.  St.  Joseph. 
Mo.;  S.  E.  Htwlett.  Palatine. 

Dr.  Harris,  of  St.  Louis,  rend  a  paper  on  the  condition  of  "Horn- 
teopathy  in  England,"'  referring  to  the  treatment  of  the  late  I^rd 
Bcacoufifleld  by  Drs.  Kidd  and  Qualn. 

Dr.  Hnclntosli  entertained  the  HcuUemy  with  the  csblbltion  of  a 
solar  microgco]>e,  operated  nn  thl.i  occasion  with  an  oxy -hydro gen 
light.  Numerous  seciious  of  the  lining  membranes  of  the  Internal 
organs  were  eiihlblted.  and  other  portions  of  the  minute  anatomy 
shown,  a  most  interesiing  feature  of  which  wa»  the  admirable  repre- 
sentation  of  the  circulation  of  'the  blood  In  the  capillaries.  Sevenil 
Insects  were  thrown  on  the  screen  and  an  Idea  ot  the  high  magnify^ 


■JO  Ihc  Homixopathic   Courier. 

ing  powei-  of  tlie  instnniient  wilt  be  ^vsew  (ly  tlie  fact  Ihiit  a  Ttedbog 
appeared  precisely  sis  feet  long,  and  the  wing  of  a  fly  twenty  fo«i. 

Tlie  ctiair  annouuued  tlint  the  ai'ademy  would  be  tendered  a  re- 
(;optii>n  and  banquet  by  the  local  pliyslolans  thU  eveuing,  after  wbicli 
adjourn  ineiit  wa.><  had  until  9  o'clock  this  morning. 
SECOND  nAY-S  SESSION. 

Dr.  E,  M.  McAfee,  iLe  flret  vice-president  occupied  the  chair. 

On  recomincnctiiticin  of  the  board  of  censors  the  following  new 
iiienibers  were  elected :     . 

Drs.  A.  P.  McConiber,  of  Atlantic,  Iowa:  E.  R.  Donajjiiue.  E,  S, 
Builey  and  M.  1'.  Wcelis,  of  Cliicago,  and  U.  M.  Bacon,  ol  Ottawa, 
Uliaois. 

Dr.  W.  C  Barter,  of  Wimkegon,  III.,  ctaairnian  ol  tlio  cnnniittve 
on  credentiiUs,  submitted  the  names  of  the  following  delegates  fiom 
other  societies: 

Dr.  L.  Bishop,  of  Fond  dn  I.ac.  Wis.,  from  the  Wisconsin  atat« 
sodety;  Dr.  E.  M.  Haspel,  of  Denver,  fi-oin  the  Medical  Society  of 
Colorado;  Dr.  H.  W.  Robey.  of  Topeku,  from  the  Kansas  stai« 
society;  Dr.  Parsons,  from  the  Northwestern  academy,  and  Dr, 
pHtchen  from  the  Iowa  state  society. 

Tlie  report  of  the  Bl'rkau  Of  Climcal  Mkdicims  being  taken 
up,  Dr.  Sarah  C.  Harris,  of  Qalena,  submitted  a  paper  ou  "Uyiiene- 
luia  of  the  Kidneys  In  General  Practice." 

Dr.  A.  C.  Uuwperthwaite  announced  that  the  Baltimore  &  Ohio 
ntllroad  had  reduced  the  fare  tor  delegatee'to  tlie  American  InstUnt« 
in  New  York,  down  to  #23  for  the  round  trip. 

llie  report  of  the  Bureau  of  Subokbv.  Dr.  A  S.Everett,  of 
Denver,  Chairman,  was  taken  up,  the  Hret  pajier,  on  "Concnesloa  ol 
the  Brain,"  being  submitted  by  Dr.  E.  tl.  Fi-att,  of  Chicago. 

Dr.  0.  A.  Hall,  of  this  city,  read  a  paper  on  "Malignant  Stricture 
of  the  Hectnni." 

Dr.  W.  H.  Caine,  of  Stillwater.  M!ch„  reid  a  pa|)er  on  the  buc- 
cessfnl  operation  of  tracheotoiiiy  In  menibrauons  croup,  udvlslug  It 
not  as  a  cure,  but  as  a  last  resort. 

A  paper  ou  "Nerve-Stretching,"  by  Dr.  J.  G.  Gilchrist,  of  De- 
troit, was  presented  by  the  secretary,  and  Dr.  Everett.  Clininiian  of 
the  Bureau  under  consideration,  closed  tlie  report  witli  a  paper  of 
hie.  on  "Fractures  ol  the  Tibia  and  Flhula.*' 

Dr.  Caine.  of  Stillwater,  Mich.,  was  ai)poiuted  chairman  of  the 
biu'eau  for  next  year,  and  the  convention  took  a  recess  for  luncheou. 

Upon  reconvening  at  half-past  2.  Dr.  C.  H.  Vilas,  the  preshlcnt. 
occupied  the  chair.  There  were  over  a  hnndred  ladles  and  gentlemen 
present. 

The  BUBEA17  OP  Pac'UYCOLOGiCAL  Meiiicixe  anii  Akatomt  was 
lirgt  on  the  programme.  Dr.  FI.  A.  Fennoyer.  of  Kenosha.  Wis.,  the 
chairman,  rend  a  paper  on  "The  Effects  of  Exii'emes  of  Tenipem- 
tnre  on  the  Nervous  System."  and  Dr.  H.  K.  Fellows,  of  ChlcajOt 
submitted  some  ideas  on  "Epileptlcal  Fits." 


Western  Academy  of  Homceopathic  y  t 

The  BDRE&n  or  CLnnCAi.  Medicine  wils  reverted  to,  auil  Dr. 
C.  U>  Ooodman  reiid  n  paper,  narrating  ti  rAther  extraortllnary  ex- 
periment he  hnd  performed,  uniting  to  Ititllans~an  olU  innn  nnd  a 
jOKng  one— at  the  request  o(  the  former,  who  thought  lie  would  be 
rejuvinatud  by  the  InfuFlon  of  the  young  man's  blood  into  Ills  own 
old  veins.  Thereaultwns  that  both  patients  nearly  died,  and  ilie 
old  man  was  taken  wlili  a  fever  mUL'h  like  the  venli-e  fever,  which 
tlie  young  man  had  once  had. 

Two  voluntarj'  reports  were  submitted — one  by  Dr.  E.  E.  Holman 
of  Warren,  III.,  and  another  by  Dr.  Alma  Bennett,  of  Elk  Pomt, 
Ditkotn. 

Dr.  W.  J.  Hawkes  read  a  vaiuabie  report  on  cilnleal  and  bed-aide 
mcdkine.  In  whluh  he  In^ilsted  on  finding  the  key-note  symptoms 
and  preM'rlblng  from  their  totality,  no  matter  what  tlic  disease. 

Dr.  E.  M.  HcAffcu  also  reported  several  Instrnctivo  papers. 

Dr.  W.  I..  Breyfogle,  of  Lonisvitle.  Ky.,  was  appointed  chairman 
o{  the  bureau  of  clinlual  medicine. 

Dr.  Julia  Ford,  of  Uilwankee,  read  a  paper  showing  the  need  of 
rest  in  ilie  eiire  of  eertain  nervous  dtaeases  of  women. 

The  report  of  the  Bureau  of  UvkjECOlofit  was  next  in  order.  A 
paper  by  Dr.  M.  M.  Eaton,  of  Cincinnati,  the  ehalrman,  wlio  was 
nbnent,  war  mentioned  by  title:  "How  the  young  physician  beeame 
proflctent  in  the  diagnosis  and  treatment  of  Diseases  of   Women." 

Dr.  R  Ludlnni  contribut4?d  a  voluntary  report  on  the  "Laceration 
of  the  Uterine  Cervix,"  illusirftting  his  remarks  with  several  floe 
India  ink  drawings  of  the  dltTereut  forms  of  laeeratioH.  Bo  also  ex- 
hibited a  specimen  of  an  ovarian  tumor  which  he  had  removed  by 
enucleation,  without  wlilch  the  o|>eratIon  must  have  been  abandoued 
and  another  specimen  of  a  tumor  removed  one  week  ago,  sliowing 
how  the  coars  of  the  sac  can  bo  separated. 

Dr.  I.iidluro  was  appointed  chairman  for  the  bureau  on  synajcol- 
ogy  for  next  year. 

llie  report  of  the  bureau  on  OrnTHALMOLOtir  and  Otoloist 
being  in  order.  Dr.  Vilas  the  chnirman,  gave  an  instruetive  talk  on 
certain  cases  lie  had  found  destitute  of  auricles,  ami  one  wliere  tiii-re 
was  nolhing  of  the  eye  hut  tlie  external  membrane. 

Dr.  S.  K.  Wlsner  presented  a  pailent  atUlcted  with  esophtalmie 
goitre,  asking  how  to  cure  It.  Dr.  R.  Lndium  was  asked  by  the  eiiair 
to  examine  the  patient,  and.  In  response,  gave  an  interesting  talk  on 
the  subject.    He  was  followed  hy  Dr.  Vilas  and  Dr.  Fellows. 

Dr.  Joshua  A.  Cralivogi'l,  of  St.  Johns,  was  appointed  chairman  of 
tho  bureau  for  next  year. 

The  bureau  of  V^DOLoay  was  next  in  order,  and  Dr.  T.  C.  Dun- 
can, of  Chicago,  read  a  paper  on 'The  Qenlus  Epldcmicus,  and  irx 
EffeslRon  Cliiidrou." 

Two  papers  wei-e  submlrfed  liy  title— one  by  Dr.  Brooks,  of  Hot 
Springs,  and  anotlier  by  Dr.  Ordwwy  of  the  Bamc  place. 


7*  The  Homwopathic  Courier. 

Dr.  Sarah  Harris  treated  of  dliilitherla.  believing  belladonna  to 
te  the  best  remedy  (or  the  sore  throat,  and  Iodide  of  merenty  for 
blood  poison. 

The  /ollowing  new  members  were  elected : 

Dra.  H.  R.  Arndt,  of  Grand  Rapids;  E.  Manning  of  Amboy;  G. 
W.  S.  Brown,  of  Dixon,  ni.;  W.  F.  Knoll,  of  Logan,  Ili.;  C.  C. 
Shinnic.  of  Knoxville,  la.,  und  E.  A.  WIdtlock,  of  Pariuington,  la. 

Dr.  W.  C.  Barker,  of  Wnukcgan.  hncl4ed'_by'  forty  years'  exiierl- 
ence,  Mated  that  he  hnd  only  used  four  remedies  in  diphttatiria — 
aconite,  belladonna,  nierenriusi  jodatiis,  and  kali  bi-ohromatum,  and 
believed  tliat  tile  last  mentioned  Is  tlie  best  remedy  in  dlphtiierttk 

THIRD  DAY'S  SESSION. 

Prci^ident  Viias  in  the  ehalr. 

In  tlie  evening,  the  doctor?,  with  their  wives  and  lady  friends,  en- 
joyed a  reception  in  the  parlors,  and  a  banquet  in  the  large  dliilux 
room  ol  tlie  Palmer  House.  About  ninety  persons  sat  down  to  the 
feaat  and  the  evening  past  pleasan  ly  witli  music,  and  tonsia  by  Ors. 
R.  l.ndlam,  A.  £.  Small.  J.  H,  Miller,  J.  W.  Hankes,  G.  W.  Foole, 
W.  H.  Uaine,  A.  8.  Everett  and  W.  H.  Burt. 

The  report  of  the  Bureau  of  Phakmacy  was  taken  up.  and  Dr. 
Sherman,  of  Mllwankei',  read  a  paper  on  '-Urng*,"  lelHiig  liow  ti> 
ti-9t  their  genuineness. 

It  was  reported  tliat  hills  amounting  to  %aS  bad  tx-en  paid  dtiiing 
the  session  and  that  0145  remained  in  the  hands  of  llie  trensiirer. 

The  following  otHcers  were  elected  for  the  ensuing  year : 

President— Dr.  E.  M.  McAfTce,  of  Clinton.  Iowa. 

First  Vice-President— Dr.  A.  8.  Evpiftt.  of  Den  ver.  Col. 

Seeond  Vice-President — Dr.  W.  J.  Ilawke*,  of  Chicago. 

Third  Vice-President- Dr.  R.  L.  Hill,  of  Oakland,  Cnl. 

Secretary — Dr.  C.  H.  Ooodman.  of  St.  l.^uiH. 

Provisional  Secretary- Dr.  H.  W.  Rohey.  c.f  Topeka.  Kan. 

Treasurer — Dr.  G.  W.  Foote,  of  Galeabiirg,  III. 

Board  of  CensorB-Dr.  J.  Harte  Miller,  of  Ablngton.  111. ;  Dr.  W. 
C.  Barker,  of  Waukegan,  111.;  Dr.  C.  H.  Vilas  and  Dr.  T.  O.  l>uncaH. 
of  Cliicago,  and  Dr.  K.  F.  Baker,  of  Davenport,  la. 

Dr.  M.  T.  Runnells,  of  Indianapolis,  was  designated  aa  I'halrnMn 
of  the  bnreau  of  materia  niedifa  for  nest  year. 

Dr.  A.  W.  Woodward,  of  this  city,  was  chohen  aa  the  delegate  of 
the  academy  to  attend  the  world's  convention  of  homceopailmtB  In 
I.ondon,  England,  next  month. 

After  a  praclleal  exhibliion  hy  Dr.  I..  Sliermnn,  from  Milwunli*^, 
of  the  fact  that  yellow  light  Ih  the  bust  for  the  pnitei'thm  of  driiga. 
and  n  paper  by  Dr.  T,  O.  Duncan,  of  this  city,  showing  that  great 
care  must  be  exercised  in  the  preparation  of  homeopathic  iiie<llcitie, 
(he  convention  adjourned  sine  die. 

In  the  afternoon  the  membeni  of  the  academy  took  a  carrlajge  rtde 
at  the  Invitation  of  Dr.  Vllaa.  vlsUing  the  various  points  of  inlrnvt 
itbont  the  elty.  and  joining  Dr.  Lml'am  in  Ida  clinic.  Thiii'  ended 
one  of  ttie  most  practically  benettcial  and  socially  agreeable  mcdivnl 
conventions  ever  held  In  Chicago. 


The   Homceopathic  Courier. 


Theory  and  Practice. 


CLINICAL  CASES. 


Case  I. — Nasal  Catarrh.  Child  4  years  old,  rather 
small;  backward  in  learning  to  talk;  complexion  yellow; 
often  has  chills,  sometimes  followed  by  fever;  much  thirst 
constantly.  The  child  has  eaten  salt  out  salt  dish  by 
mother's  plate.  Child  constipated;  constant  discharge 
of  white-of-egg  substance  from  both  nostrils,  down  the  lip. 
The  father  has  had  syphilis.  The  child  is  peevish  and 
changeable  in  disposition. 

Natrum  mnr.  12  x,  2  weeks.  No  return  of  the  disease. 
In  three  months,  child  presents  healthy  look  and  articu- 
lates plainly.     Nasal  discharge  all  gone. 

Case  II.  Ecsema. — Child  six  years  old,  eruption  entirely 
covering  the  skin.  The  face  very  red  and  covered  with 
scales,  piled  one  upon  anotherthe  thickness  of  an  eighth  of 
inch — scales  thin  and  dry.  No  moisture  about  the  erup- 
tion. When  the  scales  were  torn  off  by  violence  the  skin 
would  bleed  slightly,  but  otherwise  no  blood  and  no  dis- 
charge, In  the  hair  the  scales  looked  like  a  gross  variety 
of  dandruff,  shelling  off  in  great  flakes.  The  thickness  of 
piled  up  scales  in  the  hair,  over  the  entire  scalp  was  very 


k 


The  Hoinaofalhic  Courier. 


great.     The 

The  eyelids,  pali 


and   legs   produced   a   thinner    crop. 


nis  and  so. 


les  V 


e  exempt.     The  mucou 


membranes  were  healthy,  and  the  child  went  about  re- 
markably healthy,  considering  the  extent  of  the  eruption. 
There  was  much  itching  and  burning.  She  would  not 
scratch  it  as  it  aggravated  the  itching.  This  case  had 
been  treated  by  crude  medicine  in  good  hands,  for  more 
than  eight  months,  constantly  growing  worse.  The  child 
took  calc.  c.  200.,  repeated  as  indicated.  In  three  months 
the  child  was  entirely  smooth,  No  other  remedy — no 
wash.     Mother  and  child  happy. 

Case  III.  Gastric  Irritation — Vomiting  persistent,  even 
water  was  ejected  as  soon  as  it  reached  the  stomach. 
Tenderness  over  pit  of  stomach;  tongue  red  at  lip  and 
very  dry;  great  thirst;  fluids  gurgled  down  cesophagus — 
three  days  standing.  After  the  usual  remedies  failed, 
amygdalis  persica,  6  x  was  given  no  more  vomiting. 

Case  IV.  Consumption. — Mrs.  McHugh,  tail,  spare, 
stoOp-shouldered  Irish  woman;  has  suffered  from  phthisis 
pulm.  many  years;  diagnosis  of  several  physicians :  dullness 
over  upper  part  of  both  lungs;  coughs  night  and  day; 
sleep  little;  raises  an  enormous  quantity  of  thick  yellow 
sputum.  Much  pain  in  both  lungs ;  able  to  be  about  the 
house;  somewhat  asthmatic  and  considerably  emaciated;  no 
appetite;  she  seems  to  be  going  down  fast.  May  10, 
prescribed  calcaria  silicata  30,  to  be  taken  in  water ;  three 
powders,  each  powder  to  be  put  in  a  half  glass  of  water 
and  a  tablespoonful  to  be  taken  every  two  hours. 

To  the  calcaria  silicata  is  attributed  the  remarkable 
train  of  mental  symptoms,  below  enumerated  : 

She  finished  the  first  powder  in  two  days,  when  the 
following  symptoms  began : 

She  is  surrounded  by  corpses,  She  sees  friends  (husband 
and  sons)  who  have  long  been  dead.     Talks  nonsense  and 


Clinical  Cases. 


silly  things;  talks  coherently,  but  about  impossible  things. 
There  is  no  fever;  her  temperature  is  normal  through- 
out; wants  to  get  dinner  for  the  dead  folks  all  day; 
must  hurry ;  constantly  calls  those  who  are  dead;  answers 
the  voices  of  the  dead  ;  thinks  they  are  living;  answers 
correctly  and  goes  off  into  muttering;  wants  to  go  out 
through  the  windows;  she  is  not  violent  yet  feels  grieved 
and  cries  wKile  they  refuse  to  let  her  go  out  afler  her  (dead) 
husband  and  (dead)  son ;  she  sits  and  weeps  by  the  hour 
all  because  they  restrain  her  from  waiting  on  her  husband 
and  son,  saying,  "they  will  starve   if  I  do  not  feed  them." 

The  living  son  (who  is  now  with  her,  attending  to  herl 
she  calls  by  the  name  of  the  dead  one.  Some  of  the  time 
she  does  not  comprehend  what  is  said  to  her;  all  tlie  time 
muttering  fooUshJy;  no  fever,  and  sees  dead  folks. 

This  state  of  affairs  began  tlie  second  day  of  medicine. 
The  15th  of  May,  symptoms  unchanged;  she  was  given 
blanks.  The  i6th  and  17th,  no  change  in  symptoms  day 
or  night  :  sleepless  and  wandering — walking  up  and 
down  the  floor.  In  the  evening  the  son  asked  me  if  I 
could  not  relieve  the  terrible  state. 

Hyoscyamus,  200,  one  dose  was  administered.  She 
came  to  herself  one  hour  after  and  slept  well  during  the 
night.  The  cough  is  much  improved,  and  the  sputum 
has  a  milder  appearance.  There  has  been  no  mental  dis- 
turbance in  the  family.  Extreme  aggravation  of  the 
mental  symptoms  was  noticed  in  afltmoon  and  evening. 
June  20,  she  has  recovered  entirely.  July  20,  she  is  a 
picture  of  health.  K. 


•](>  The  Ilomaopalhic  Courier. 

TRANSLATIONS  FROM  THE  RUNDSCHAU. 


HYDROPHOBIA, 

A  case  of  seven   weeks  in  incubation  stadium. 

On  the  29th  of  June,  1880,  in  the  afternoon,  I  was  called 
to  see  an  eight-year-old  boy  named  Glaser,  in  the  village 
of  Denstedt,  who  had  complained  of  fever  and  pain  in  the 
throat  when  swallowing,  since  June  28th,  at  noon. 
According  to  the  opinion  of  the  parents,  the  measles, 
which  prevailed  at  the  time  in  the  village,  were  coming 
on.  I  found  the  boy  in  a  moderate  fever,  perspiring 
copiously,  with  a  very  uneasy  expression  upon  the  coun- 
tenance, and  breathing  laboriously.  The  pupils  ap- 
peared somewhat  dilated.  Auscultation  and  percussion 
showed  nothing  abnormal.  By  holding  the  tongue  down 
to  examine  the  throat  the  boy  made  peculiar  strangling 
movements,  upon  which  1  did  not  bestow  any  special  at- 
tention at  the  time,  because,  a  great  many  such  move- 
ments will  be  produced  by  holding  down  the  tongue,  The 
tongue  itself  showed  nothing  peculiar,  no  inflammation 
was  perceptible.  Ut  aliquid  fiat,  I  prescribed  natr.  nitr. 
with  the  instruction  to  let  me  hear  the  news  the  following 
morning.  As  early  as  four  o'clock  the  father  summoned 
me  and  said,  that  since  eight  hours  the  boy  was  lying  in 
uninterrupted  spasms;  that  he  could  not  take  the  medicine 
because  he  could  not  swallow;  but  that  there  appeared 
to  be  great  thirst.  After  abatement  of  the  convulsions, 
he  gains  his  recollection,  but  speaks  very  peculiarly  hasty 
and  broken.  These  symptoms  disclose  to  me  a  rabbles 
poisoning.  I  found  out  from  the  father  by  questioning, 
that  on  the  first  Whitsuntide  holiday,  his  son,  while  p!ay- 
eet,  had  been   bitten  by  an  ownerles; 


ingii 


'£•« 


that  ran  through  the  village.     The  wound  had  hardly  bled 


Translaliotts  from  the  Rundschau.  "jj 

[  and  therefore  no  further  notice  was  taken  of  it.  When  I 
\  came  to  the  patient,  a  perfect  collection  of  symptoms  of 
hydrophobia  were  evident.  The  boy,  covered  witli  pers- 
piration, threw  himself  about  restlessly  in  bed  ;  by  speak- 
ing loudly  to  him,  he  instantly,  as  it  appeared,  became 
conscious,  but  he  was  not  able  to  speak.  The  pupils  were 
dilated  ad  maximum.  The  cicatrized  wound  on  the  left 
humerus  was  as  large  as  a  pea,  and  possibly  not  distin- 
guishable from  any  other;  the  surroundings  did  not  show 
the  least  deviation  from  the  normal.  The  attempt  to 
swallow  a  spoonful  of  water  which  I  handed  him,  caused 
Biviolent  throat  and  lung  convulsions.  The  same  continued 
'  almost  uninterruptedly  during  my  hour's  visit.  I  injected 
subcutaneously  morphium.  About  9  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  not  48  hours  from  the  beginning  of  the  stadium 
podromorum,  he  expired ;  death  approached  under  general 
convulsions.  The  same  day  I  learned  that  in  a  neighboring 
village,  Kromsdorf,  about  one  mile  distant,  two  dogs  were 
killed,  because  they  were  thought  to  be  mad.  The  above 
mentioned  dog  was  seen  in  this  vicinity  during  Penticost. 
Therefore  it  appears  obvious  that  the  infection  of  the  boy 
and  two  dogs  occurred  on  the  same  day.  The  incubatio 
stadium  lasted  seven  weeks  in  both  cases. 

Dr,  Knoph  Weimar. 


SYCOSIS, 

A  lady  was  taken  sick  after  a  fright  which  the  sudden 
death  of  a  sister  caused.  She  was  affected  with  a  violent 
pain  in  the  right  thigh,  which  proved  to  be  sciatica.  The 
tibia  as  well  as  the  femur  was  affected  very  much.  The 
family  physician  was  first  called  in ;  the  treatment  did  not 
affect  a  cure.  Then  the  more  prominent  physicians  of 
the  neighboring  towns  were  called  in  for  consultation. 
The   patient   received   subcutaneous   injections,  narcotic 


78 


The  Homceopatliic   Courier. 


poultices,  etc.  Internally  they  gave  so  much  morphium 
and  chloral  hydrate  that  the_y  did  not  relieve  her  any  more. 
After  treating  her  three  months  without  any  result  the 
doctors  told  her  that  they  could  not  help  her,  not  even 
if  she  was  the  Emperor  of  Russia.  The  incurable  nature 
of  her  disease  was  published  in  the  papers.  She  being 
in  that  condition  they  sent  a  telegraph  despatch  to  me. 
I  went  and  found  the  patient  whimpering  and  groaning. 
She  told  me  that  the  strongest  doses  of  cliloral  hydrate 
produced  no  relief,  and  since  three  horrible  months  she 
suffered  day  and  night  from  these  pains  as  at  present.  By 
thejeast  movement  the  pain  increased  in  tlie  joint  and 
whole  extremity,  particularly  in  the  region  of  the  ischium. 
She  felt  a  sensation  of  crawling  (as  of  insect)  in  the  ex- 
tremities and  pains  extended  through  the  tibia  into  the 
heel  and  were  continuous.  An  inguinal  gland  in  the 
region  of  the  groin  was  swollen.  I  concluded  to  give 
internally,  sepia,  6x,  and  to  have  the  foot  rubbed  with 
scrophulosis  m  salve.  The  improvement  was  slight  for 
the  first  day,  but  the  patient  constantly  remained  hopeful. 
By  my  second  visit  I  discovered  little  insignificant  green 
spots  in  the  chemise ;  then  it  occcurred  to  me  at  once, 
that  the  fright  as  an  incidental  cause,  the  swollen  inguinal 
gland,  the  green  spots,  all  indicated  sycosis.  I  tarried 
no  longer  and  gave  thuja  at  once — the  result  was  striking. 
Immediately  after  the  first  day  the  pains  were  so  allevia- 
ted that  the  patient  became  tolerably  comfortable,  and 
for  the  first  time  after  a  long  period  a  refreshing  sleep 
set  in.  In  about  six  weeks  the  patient  attended  her  work 
again.  She  told  me  that  she  could  still  feel  where  the 
pain  had  been,  and  thought  it  was  so  slight  she  would 
discontinue  the  treatment  and  let  it  pass  away  itself.  For 
about  one  or  two  weeks  everything  passed  favorably; 
then  she  went  to  a  ball  and  was  induced  to  dance.      She 


About  Liars. 


79 


'  had  to  suffer  for  this  indiscretion.  On  the  following  morn- 
[  ing  her  trouble  had  returned  nearly  as  severe  as  before. 
First  they  waited  a  few  days  to  see  whether  it  would  not 
pass  off  itself,  then  they  sent  for  me.  I  found  the  in- 
guinal gland  much  swollen,  although  it  returned  to  its 
normal  size  by  the  same  treatment,  as  at  first  the  os  sa- 
crum was  also  verj'  painful  and  sensative,  !  gave  thuja 
again  and  caused  immediate  relief,  as  the  lirst  time. 

Dr.  Mlenmnghoff. 


LIARS    HARDLY    EVER   MAKE    THEIR    STATE- 
MENTS "  CONSIST." 

A  writer  in  the  Druggist's  Circular  has  the  following 
about  ■■  homoeopathic  pharmacy : 

"In  regard  to  the  claims  of  homceopathic  pharmacy, 
permit  me  to  give  you  my  own  personal  experience." 

"Years  ago,  I  acted  as  bookkeeper  in  a  certain  very 
popular  German  homceopathic  pharmacy  in  one  of  the 
larger  cities.  The  proprietor  also  kept  stationery,  books, 
pictures,  etc.  Sometimes,  when  there  was  a  rush  of  cus- 
tomers, I  would  assist  him.  His  modus  operandi  in  dishing 
out  similia  similibus  was  as  unique  as  it  is  simple.  It 
also  paid  tolerably  well.  He  had,  neatly  arranged  in 
drawers,  hundreds  of  one  and  two-ounce  vials;  the 
corks  bore  the  imprints:  Aconitum  nap.,  arnica,  bella- 
donna, nux  vomica,  sulphur,  etc.,  etc.  The  clear  li- 
quids were  ostensibly  official  dilutions  used  for  satura- 
ting the  nice,  dear  little  pellets  or  globules,  to  medicate 
them,  as  it  were,  with  this  or  that  homceopathic  potency. 
His  charges  were  from  ten  to  twenty  cents  for  each  one- 
drachm  vial  filled  with  sugar  pellets  so  saturated.  Well 
the  larger  one  and  two-ounce  stock  vials  would  often  run 
out,  especially  the  more  popular  brands,  when  Mr.  Hom- 
ceopathic Pharmacist  would  simply  send  for  a  pint  of 
alcohol  to  the  ne.'ct  drug  store,  dilute  the  same  witli  aqua 


So  The  Homccppathic  Courier. 

fiiivialis,  shake  the  mixture,  and  refill  all  these  nice  vials  in 
his  drawers,  oi^en  remarking — when  no  victim  was  near — 
that  that  was  all  right.  It  was  all  humbug  anyhow! 
And  so  it  was  !  The  fools  paid  their  honest  money  for 
the  cute-looking  little  drachm  vials  filled  with  sugar 
pellets,  and  supposed  that  they  were  really  medicated 
with  infinitesimal  dilutions  of  the  active  principles  of  the 
homceopathic  mother  tinctures  !  Even  homceopathic  doc- 
tors would  buy  this  diluted  alcohol,  and  they  got  it  at  a 
discount,  say  about  25  cents  per  ounce  vial !  For  mo- 
ther tinctures,  common  fluid  extracts  from  an  Eastern 
manufacturer  who  never  enjoyed  much  of  a  reputation 
were  used.  This  pharmacy  does  yet  a  flourishing  busi- 
ness in  that  city!  H.  A." 

No  doubt  this  statement  will  be  published  and  repub- 
lished in  allopathic  journals,  and  be  taken  up  and  used 
by  cross  road  country  doctors,  as  an  evidence  of  the  dis- 
honesty of  homceopathic  pharmacists  and  the  gullability 
of  homceopathic  practitioners,  when  the  whole  statement 
stamps  itself  as  a  base  falsehood.  Imagine  homceopa- 
thic doctors,  medicating  pellets  of  sugar  of  milk  with 
dilute  alcohol,  and  never  knowing  the  difference,  when 
the  child  knows  that  dilute  alcohol  would  dissolve  the 
pellets  at  once.  B. 


ABSTRACTS. 

The  following  is  the  additional  clause  of  the  code  that 
was  adopted  by  the  American  Medical  Association  : 

"  It  is  not  in  accord  with  the  interest  of  the  public  or 
the  honor  of  the  profession,  that  any  physician  or  medical 
teacher,  should  examine  or  sign  diplomas  or  certificates 
of  proficiency,  for,  or  otherwise  be  specially  concerned, 
with  the  production  of  persons  whom  they  have  good 
reasons  to  believe,  intend  to  support  and  practice  any  ex- 
clusive or  irregular  system  of  medicine," 


Psor/t,  Psari'iufii,  Etc.  Si 

I  unconcealed  attack  on  the  University  of 
,  and  Dr.  Diinslcr  of  that  Slate,  defended  the 
position  and  said,  that  to  pass  this  addition  to  the  code, 
"would  be  a  step  backwards,  and  lead  the  world  to  think 
it  a  confession  of  lack  of  confidence  or  faith  in  the  per- 
petuity of  rational  medicine,  and  add  force  to  reproaches 
so  often  heaped  upon  us  for  our  intollcrance  and  bigotry." 

Notwithstanding  the  association  passed  the  resolution. 
and  the  code  is  so  amended. 

Now  the  question  is,  what  will  the  University  of  Michigan 
do  in  the  premises?  Will  they  abandon  their  medical  de- 
partment, exclude  the  homceopaths,  or  ignore  the,  code  ? 
Of  course,  they  cannot  do  the  first  or  second,  and  will  be 
compelled  to  do  the  last. 

We  are  glad  to  see  this,  for  "whom  the  Gods  wish  to 
destroy,  they  first  make  mad,"  and  this  is  the  entering  of 
the  wedge  that  will  soon  split  the  code  wide  open,  and  the 
reaction  must  be  in  favor  of  liberty  in  medicine. 


PSORA.  PSOR/^'0'M.  AUTOPSORIN.  ETC. 


In    the   Pacifie   Medical  Journal    there   is    an    article 
against  Homceopalhy,  headed  as  above.    The  writer  says: 
"  It  is  a  common  cause  of    complaint    by   homceopaths 
against.physicians  of  the   regular  school,   that  the  latter 
denounce  honioceopathy  without  inquiring  into  it,  and  that 
their  judgment  of  the  system  is  therefore  founded  on  ig- 
norance   and    prejudice.       In    the   early    period  of    my 
■  professional   hfe,   when   the   system,    or   practice — for  it 
I  scarcely  admits  of  either  appellation — was  a  novelty  in 
k>America,  1  made  it  the  subject  of  inquiry,  taking  Haline- 
j.mann's  Organon  as  my  guide.     From  that  time  onward  I 
l,}lAve  never  lost  sight  of  it,  either  in  tlie  presentation  by 


82 


The  Homosopathie  Courier. 


its  own  press  or  through  the  practice  of  its  professed 
lievers.  Again  and  again  I  have  come  into  friendly 
collision  with  its  avowed  practitioners,  sometimes  in 
public  discussion,  more  frequently  in  private  conversation, 
and  I  am  now  prepared  to  say  deliberately  and  confidently 
that  in  all  the  fifty  years  covered  by  my  inquiries,  I  have 
met  with  very  few  who  seemed  to  know  much,  or  any- 
thing, about  their  own  system,  or  who  gave  evidence  that 
they  had  ever  read  the  great  bible  of  their  founder." 

This  assertion  may  go  for  what  it  is  worth.  Ignorance 
of  the  science  that  they  profess  to  follow  is  not  peculiar 
to  homceopaths.  It  is  a  lamentable  fact,  that  many  prac- 
ticing allopathy,  are  sadly  ignorant  of  the  principle 
branches  of  their  own  profession,  and  in  practice  pursue 
a  routine  course  or  follow  the  fashion  of  the  time.  Some- 
times the  fashion  is  to  follow  pathology,  that  is  commonly 
called  the  Brownoning — that  is,  that  all  diseases  arise  from  a 
sthenic  diathesis,  and  consequently  bleeding  and  anti- 
phlogistic treatment  is  the  result  and  the  fashion.  Then 
it  is  the  idea  of  an  asthenic  diathesis,  and  consequently 
whisky  and  quinine  is  the  practice  and  the  fashion,  and 
very  many  practicing  allopathy  do  not  know  anything 
but  to  give  whisky  and  quinine. 

Ignorance  is  reprehensible  in  the  individual,  but  it  does 
not  argue  against  the  science  that  he  pretends  to  under- 
stand; if  it  did  there  would  be  no  science,  for  there  are 
not  wanting  men  who  profess  to  understand,  but  jvho  are 
remarkably  ignorant  of  all  science. 

"I  will  go  a  little  farther.  Take  a  given  number  of 
homceopathic  'doctors'  just  as  they  come,  say  twenty, 
and  the  same  number  of  regular  practitioners  just  as  you 
find  them,  the  latter  will  know  more  collectively  about 
homceopathy  than  the  former ;  that  is  to  say  the  average 
regular  practitioner  has  more  knowledge  on  the  subject 
than  the  average  homceopath.     It  is  only  within  a  lew 


Psora,  Psorimim,  Etc.  83 

years  that  any  considerable  portion  of  the  'doctors'  of 
this  school  have  been  taught  or  trained  in  it.  Most  of 
them  went  into  it  on  speculation,  or  because  they  were 
starved  out  of  the  old  school.  Even  now,  when  you  en- 
counter a  homoeopath  profound  in  his  own  literature,  he 
is  likely  to  have  a  German  brain." 

If  the  writer  means  by  this,  the  gags  or  witty  or  other- 
wise sayings  against  the  practice  of  homceopathy,  it  is  not 
likely  that  allopathy  will  allow  them  to  be  forgotten,  but 
if  he  means  the  science  of  the  homceopathic  law,  it  is  a 
plain  fact  that  very  few  allopaths  know  anything  of  that 
science ;  and  when  they  do  come  to  understand  it,  they 
adopt  the  homceopathic  practice  at  once. 

"Homceopathy  is  a  like  a  coin— it  has  two  sides,  a  head 
and  a  tail,  as  boys  say.  The  head  bears  the  inscription, 
'similia  similibus;'  the  tail  has  a  unit  followed  by  sixty 
ciphers,  indicating  the  number  of  doses  which  one  grain 
of  chalk  or  charcoal,  or  one  drop  of  poppy  or  belladonna 
juice  would  make  when  carried  to  the  30th  potency — the 
Hahnemannian  standard.  Now,  a  homoeopath  never  shows 
this  side  of  the  coin.  He  always  talks  'similia;'  never 
potency.  Who  ever  heard  of  a  hom<Eopath  explaining 
to  a  patient  that  the  pellet  he  is  swallowing  contains  less 
than  the  millionth  part  of  the  millionth  part  of  the  mil- 
lionth part  of  a  grain  of  common  salt  or  of  flint !  Who  ever 
heard  of  one  ofthis  school  informing  a  patient  with  incipient 
hydrophobia,  that  the  medicine  given  him  to  $mdl,  not  to 
swallow,  and  which  will  cure  him,  contains  the  decillionth 
part  of  a  grain  of  chalk;  or  rather  that  it  contains  no 
chalk  at  all,  but  derives  its  curative  power  from  a  grain 
of  chalk  which  has  been  rubbed  up  with  sugar  into  a  sort 
of  infinite  non-existence  !  {How  is  that  for  a  knowledge 
of  chemistry).  Did  you  ever  know  a  homceopath,  in 
prescribing  for  the  itch,  to  inform  his  patient  that  the 
medicine  consisted  in  minute  quantities  of  itch  scabs?" 

HomtEopaths  have  never  tried  to  hide  the  obverse  side, 
but  it  is  a  remarkable  fact,  that  those  of  the  profession 


S4  77""  Homa'opathic  Couritr. 

who  use  the  higher  attenuations  are  loud  in  their  expressions 
on  that  subject,  so  much  so  that  some  members  complain 
that  they  are  continually  thrusting  this  obverse  side  before 
the  people. 

"One  instance  has  come  to  my  knowledge  of  ahomteo- 
pathic  doctor  teaching  in  a  public  lecture  against  vacci- 
nation, that  small-pox  could  be  prevented  by  swallowing 
homceopathic  doses  of  small-pox  matter.  But  this  gen- 
tleman had  been  educated  in  a  regular  school,  and  had 
not  practiced  honiceopalhy  long  enough  to  learn  the  trick 
of  never  showing  the  obverse  side  of  the  coin. 

"My  object,  however,  in  penning  this  article,  was  to  ex- 
hibit a  scrap  of  homisopathic  literature,  from  the  pen  of 
Dr.  Constantine  Hering,  the  Hahnemann  of  America,  to 
whom  more  than  to  any  other  man  belongs  the  credit,  if 
it  be  a  credit,  of  introducing  the  system  in  this  country. 
Dr.  Hering  was  a  German,  who  possessed  an  abundance  of 
wealth,  learning  and  imagination.  He  had  imbibed  the 
favorite  idea  of  Hahnemann,  that  chronic  diseases  arc  the 
result  of  repelled  itch,  and  that  'psorinum,'  the  supposed 
poi.son  of  itch  contained  in  the  exudation  orscab,  was  the 
orthodox  remedy.  His  experience  in  regard  to  its  medi- 
cinal action  will  serve  as  a  specimen  of  the  therapeutic 
logic  peculiar  to  the  school.  The  article  is  copied 
from  the  North  A»ierican  Joitmal  of  Homixopathy  for 
February,  1881,  which  is  perhaps  the  leading  journal  of 
that  school  in  America.  To  guard  against  all  suspicion 
of  unfairness,  I  give  the  entire  article,  word  for  word. 
Although  many  readers  will  find  nothing  new  in  it.  others 
may  take  an  interest  in  its  perusal.  The  italicized  portions 
are  according  to  the  original." 

The  writer  then  proceeds  to  quote  from  Hering,  and 
tries  to  ridicule  his  ideas  on  psorinum,  and  Hahnemann's 
ideas  on  psora,  etc.  etc. 

Aristotle  says :  "We  consider  whether  it  is  not  true 
that  the  word  and  doctrine  have  not  the  same  good  effect 


Abstracts.  8$ 

upon  all,  but  it  is  requisite  that  the  soul  of  the  hearer 
should  have  been  cultivated  as  the  ground  for  the  seed 
which  it  is  intended  to  nourish."  * 

It  requires  aesthetic  culture  in  the  mind  that  would  ap- 
preciate the  fine  arts. 

It  requires  a  cultivated  ear  to  properly  enjoy  the 
delights  of  music.  So  an  uncultivated  medical  mind  that 
has  always  traveled  in  a  circumscribed  round  of  gross 
medication,  can  not  see  the  philosophy  of  anything  less 
than  substantial  doses  in  disease ;  but  when  the  under- 
standing has  been  enlightened  by  the  knowledge  derived 
from  chemistry  and  physiology  and  the  laws  that  govern 
matter,  both  organic  and  inorganic,  it  becomes  very  plain 
how  these  articles  can,  and  do  effect  cures,  and  no  intelli- 
gent,  honest  physician,  whose  mind  has  been  enlarged, 
cultivated  and  improved  by  liberal  study,  will  denounce 
these  facts  stated  by  the  great  masters  of  our  profession. 


The  Kidd  Qua  in  Embroglio. — The  Medical  Counselor 
of  last  month  has  an  editorial  on  the  consultation  of  Drs 
Kidd  and  Quain  over  Earl  Beaconsfield. 

We  were  also  disposed  to  take  up  the  cudgels  for  Dr. 
Kidd,  and  had  partly  prepared  our  statement  on  this  sub- 
ject, until  we  saw  his  letter  to  Dr.  Quain,  where  he  dis- 
claims homoeopathy  and  declares  that  he  is  not  treating 
Beaconsfield  on  homoeopathic  principles,,  but  on  general 
principles^  whatever  that  means. 

This  statement  of  Dr.  Kidd*s  took  the  wind  completely 
out  of  our  sails,  and  we  concluded  to  let  the  eclectic  (that 
he  claims  himself  to  be)  and  the  allopath  fight  their  own 
battles. 

•  £th..x-8. 


86 


The  Homa'opathic   Courier 


Whooping  Cough  Cure — Corallium  rub,  30th.  and 
Cheledonium  30th.  A  dose  every  four  hours  alternately 
during  the  paroxysm.  Let  the  patient  inhale  from  a  folded 
napkin  a  teaspoonful  of  the  following  mixture:  ether, 
ninety  parts;  turpentine,  ten  parts;  the  child  to  be  kept 
from  draughts  of  cool  air,  and  the  room  fumigated  with 
boiling  vinegar  or  a  small  quantity  of  sulphur  placed  on 
the  hot  stove  or  hot  brick. 

Soap  Suds  in  Bukns. — Dr.  Likerink  recommends  soap- 
suds made  of  any  soap  on  hand  spread  over  the  burned 
surface. 

The  action  in  relieving  pain  and  reducing  inflammation 
is  due  to  the  presence  of  the  alkali,  and  this  article  pos- 
sesses advantages  over  powdering  with  bi-carb.  of  soda. 
The  solution  of  bi-carbonate  of  soda  will  answer  better 
than  the  dry  soda  in  such  cases. 


Onions  in  Phthisis. — Dr.  W,  H,  Pearce,  physician  to 
the  Plymouth  (England)  fublic  Dispensary,  recommends 
in  strong  terms  the  free  use  of  onions  for  consumptive  pa- 
tients, and  says:  "It  is  a  continually  recurring  experience 
with  me  to  hear  young  persons  express  a  desire  for 
onions,  which  are  often  preferred  raw,  with  a  little  salt, 
and  I  have  rarely  heard  that  the  onions  disagree.  I  con- 
cieve  that  it  is  of  the  greatest  importance  to  follow  nature's 
lead  in  the  matter  of  appetite.  I  concieve  further,  that  a 
marked  passion  for  a  special  food,  such  as  that  of  the 
phthisical  for  onions,  puts  us  on  a  right  track  for  further 
knowledge. — Medical  Gasette. 


Coffee  in-  Calculus  Diseases, — Dr.  Mosby  says  that 
the  great  use  of  Coflee  in  France,  is  supposed  to  have 
abated  tiie  prevalence  of  gravel  in  the  French  Colonies, 
where  colTee  is  more  used  than  in  the  English,  in  Turkey 
where  it  is  the  principal  beverage,  not  only  gout,  but 
gravel  is  scarcely  known. 


Abstracls. 


87 


Mind  ,■ 


<  Body, — The  v. 


of  the  mind  ; 


e  passions  ( 

erfiil  either  for  good  or  ill.  Bad  news  weakens  the  action 
of  the  heart  and  lungs,  destroys  the  appetite,  affects  di- 
gestion, and  partially  suspends  all  the  functions  of  the 
system,  ^n  emotion  of  shame  flushes  the  face,  fear 
blanches  it,  joy  illumines  it.  and  en  instant's  thrill  electri- 
fies a  million  nerves.  Powerful  emotion  has  killed  at  a 
stroke,  Chilo,  Diagoras  and  Sophacles,  were  said  to  have 
died  of  joy  at  the  Grecian  games.  The  news  of  the  defeat 
killed  Phillip  V.  Sargrave,  a  young  I'ansian,  died  on 
learning  that  the  musical  prize  for  which  he  had  competed 
had  been  awarded  to  another.  Public  speakers  have  died 
in  the  midst  of  an  impassioned  burst  of  eloquence,  or  when 
the  deep  emotion  producing  it  had  suddenly  subsided. — 
Medical  GazetU. 


Colored  Coxfectionery. — The  yellow  is  mostly  made 
by  the  use  of  salts  in  lead.  Seven  grains  of  lead  chro- 
mate  to  a  pound  of  candy  have  been  found.  The  red  is 
usually  made  of  cochineal  and  is  harmless. 


^ 


The  Promise  of  the  Sick  not  Binding. — A  French 
court  has  decided,  that  promises  made  to  a  doctor  by  a 
sick  person  are  not  valid  in  law. 

"The  ground  for  this  is  the  fact,  that  the  sick  person  is 
no  longer  master  of  his  will,  and  any  agreement  entered 
into,  must  be  under  the  influence  of  either  fear  or  neces- 
sity." 

We  did  not  think  that  sick  men's  promises  would  ever 
be  made  a  matter  of  legal  discussion,  but  we  always  knew 
that  these  kind  of  promises  were  repudiated  by  the 
patient  on  his  recovery.  "Oh,  doctor,  if  you  will  only  cure 
me  I  will  pay  you  anything  you  ask,"  is  a  usual  exclama- 
tion which  has  its  complement  in— "that  is  a  damned  big 
bill  of  yours  doctor  for  the  short  time  I  was  sick — I  wont 
pay  it ; "  and  if  he  is  not  responsible,  be  don't. 


88  The  HimitEo/tnthii-    Co:irier. 

Abortive  Treatment  is  Small  Pox. — Dr.  Bayer,  in 
Bull  de  Therapeutic,  recommends  salicylic  acid  in  this 
disease.  His  fDrmiila  isas follows;  Alcohol,  4  oz.. salicy- 
lic acid.  I  s  grains,  simple  syrup,  5  drachms, water,  2  drachms. 
Tai;e  a  tablespoonful  every  four  or  six  hours.  Under  this 
treatment  the  disease  is  cut  short.  Ia.sting  but  8  or  10 
days. 


AlLO-EcLECTO-HosTOIO      TREATME^T      FOR      WhOOPINC. 

Cough. — Dr.  Rowsey,  of  Toledo,  read  a  paper  before  the 
Homreopathic  Medical  Society  of  Ohio,  on  the  treatnicnt 
of  whooping  cough,  and  it  is  published  in  the  Medical 
litvcstigator  {]ane  No,)  It  is  hard  to  know  under  what 
head  to  class  the  treatment,  so  to  make  sure  tliatwc  would 
not  mi.ss  in  its  classification,  we  use  the  shot-gun  practice 
in  its  description,  .and  unite  all  in    one    charge,  as    above. 

The  doctor  says,  "Assuming  that  pertussis  is  caused  by 
an  inflammatory  condition  of  the  upper  part  of  the  tra- 
chea, (so  much  for  the  patholngj).  1  have,  after  fifteen 
years  of  persistent  trial,  discarded  every  remedy  but  the 
following:  Tinct.  Ca.stanca;  tinct.  lobelia  infl. ;  tinct. 
symplocarpus,  a  a,  I  oz.  Sig.  Two  teaspoonsful  into  a 
goblet  half  full  of  water,  mbc  well  and  give  two  teaspoons- 
fill  every  hour,  continue  this  treatment  steadily. 

"In  cases  of  very  young  babies  I  have  been  compelled 
to  lessen  the  dose.  I  have  made  it  a  point  to  produce 
vomiting  as  early  as  possible  in  the  paroxysm. 

"I  use  this  remedy  invariably.  I  have  met  with  six  or 
seven  failures  during  my  e.vpericnce  with  the  remedy. 
My  experience  has  been  obtained  from  nearly  five  hun- 
dred ca.ses  {!)  in  this  city  and  abroad.  The  average  time 
of  the  treatment  has  been  fifteen  days,  (we  would  hardly 
have  expected  them  to  last  that  long  under  such  heroic 
treatment).  Many  infants  under  two  years  would  cease 
coughing  in  ten  days  (we  tlioughl  so). 

■'1  have  rarely  been  called  on  to  continue  the  treatment 
beyond  the  third  week  (of  course  not).     I  have  said  noth- 


Abstracts.  89 

ing  about  diet  (no  use),  for  I  do  not  change  the  daily 
habit  •  •  ***«•« 

"If  the  method  proves  to  be  somewhat  novel  in  thera- 
peutics of  our  school  (which)  I  cannot  help  it.  If  I 
have  wandered  somewhat  from  the  limits  of  the  fold 
(stampeded  away  off"  like  blazes),  any  sorrow  that  I  might 
feel  thereat,  is  drowned  in  the  consolation  of  the  success- 
ful ramble." 

We  can  only  add  (by  way  of  improvement)  that  if  his 
patients  could  stand  this  treatment  and  the  disease,  both, 
and  not  die,  we  are  ready  to  light  another  fire  on  the  altar 
of  vis  meiiicatrix  tiatura. 

That  castanea  has  a  pathogenesis,  like  whooping  cough 
and  is  an  excellent  remedy,  in  proper  doses,  we  freely 
admit,  but  we  don't  see  it  so  clearly  in  tlie  lobelia  or 
skunk  cabbage. 

Possibly  there  is  a  typographical  error  in  the  Investiga- 
tor, and  it  should  read  drachms  instead  of  ounces,  we 
wonder  at  that  excellent  journal  selecting  such  matter 
for  its  pages. 

To  analyze  the  treatment,  it  amounts  to  this:  two  tea'- 
spoonsful  is  two  drachms  of  the  combined  tincture  in  half 
a  goblet  of  water  (four  or  five  ounces),  dose  two  teaspoons- 
ful  every  hour,  would  be  giving  from  six  to  eight  drops 
of  this  strong  tincture  to  infants;  this  is  sufficiently  heroic 
without  vomiting,  we  should  think. 

Deod.  TiNCT.  Iodine.  — TJiis  can  be  obtained  in  a  few 
seconds,  by  the  aid  of  a  small  piece  of  caustic  potash  ad- 
ded to  the  ordinary  tincture,  the  result  being  a  solution 
of  iodoform. 


L 


Citric  Acid  for  Palatable  Water. — One  part  of  a 
fresh  solution  of  this  acid  to  2000  parts  of  impure  water  or 
water  containing  large  quantities  of  animalcules,  causes 
the  death  of  these  organisms,  and  renders  the  water  pala- 
table. 


90 


The  Hommopaihic  Courier. 


Salicylated  Starch.— This  has  been  recommended  in 
eczema.  It  is  often  made  by  simply  combining  salicylic 
acid  with  starch;  but  this  will  not  produce  as  intimate  a 
mixture,  as  by  adding,  in  portions,  potatoe  starch,  to  a 
large  quantity  of  three  per  c%nt  solution  of  salicylic  acid 
in  alcohol ;  the  stickey  mass  to  be  pressed,  dried  and  ^ovi- 
deted.— Pacific  Medical  and  Stitgical  Journal 


IMPURE    ICE   AS   A     CAUSE    OF    INTESTINAL 
DISEASES. 

Tliat  period  of  the  year  when  ice  (which  is  now  used 
by  all  classes  to  an  extent  entitling  it  to  rank  as  a  neces- 
sity instead  of,  as  formerly,  a  luxury  of  life)  is  employed 
in  various  beverages  to  the  amount  of  millions  of  pounds, 
can  not  delay  much  longer,  so  that  a  few  words  of  cau- 
tion in  regard  to  the  purity  of  this  article  will  be  season- 
able. 

It  is  popularly  believed  that  water  frees  itself  from  dan- 
gerous organic  matter,  as  it  does  from  some  saline  con- 
taminations, during  the  process  of  freezing,  and  also  that 
the  vegetable  or  animal  germs  of  typhoid  and  other  zym- 
otic fevers  are  killed,  or,  at  least,  sterilized,  by  congeala- 
tion  of  the  water  in  which  they  exist.  Both  of  these 
ideas,  however,  are  unquestionably  erroneous,  as  has  been 
repeatedly  proved  by  various  experiments  which  igno- 
rant hotel-keepers  try.  without  the  least  intending  it, 
upon  their  guests,  on  a  scale  which  would  make  the  bold- 
est vivisector  stand  aghast  before  the  suffering  inflicted, 
even  if  it  were  only  upon  the  brutes  which  form  the  sub- 
jects of  his  researches. 

Such  was  notably  the  case  in  an  epidemic  of  intestinal 
disorder  which  occurred  at  Rye  Beach,  N.  H.,  a  few  years 
since,  of  which  an  excellent  account  was  published  in  the 
report  of  the  Massachusetts  Health  Board  for  1876,  by 
Dr.  A,  H.  Nichols,  who  attended  most  of  the  persons  suf- 


fering  from  the  malady.  It  appears  that  early  in  the  sea- 
son a  mild  form  of  gaslro-intestinal  distiirbiince  made  its 
appearance  among  the  guests  of  a  particular  hotel  at 
this  watering-place.  The  symptoms  were,  in  general,  giddi- 
ness, nausea,  or  vomiting,  diarrhcea,  and  severe  abdomi- 
nal pain,  accompanied  by  fever,  loss  of  appetite,  and 
mental  depression.  The  disorder  was  at  first  attributed  to 
the  well-water  of  the  place,  which  is  strongly  impregnated 
with  sulphate  and  carbonate  of  lime  and  magnesia,  but 
the  peculiar  grouping  of  the  patients  almost  exclusively 
among  the  sojourners  at  a  single  hotel,  accommodating 
about  three  hundred,  whilst  occupants  of  another  hote] 
and  of  neighboring  cottages,  to  the  number  of  about 
seven  hundred  persons,  were  free  from  illness,  strongly 
indicated  some  specific  local  origin.  The  well-water  was 
almost  immediately  suspected  of  sewerage  contamination, 
but,  on  inquiry,  it  was  found  that  the  wells  were  all  sunk 
in  an  elevated  ridge,  safely  removed  from  drains,  cess- 
pools, and  other  sources  of  pollution.  Moreover,  it  was 
also  ascertained  that  in  some  cases  the  individuals  affect- 
ed, being  suspicious  of  the  water,  had  limited  themselves 
to  other  beverages ;  but,  as  afterwards  transpired,  had 
not  hesitated  to  use  ice,  either  melted  or  otherwise.  The 
drainage  system  of  the  establishment,  which  had  recently 
been  put  in  complete  order,  was  found  almo.st  faultless, 
and  the  milk  supply  of  unquestionable  parity;  but,  on  the 
attention  of  the  examining  physician  being  directed  to  the 
stock  of  ice  used  in  the  hotel,  conclusive  proof  of  its  dan- 
gerous quality  was  promptly  obtained.  A  resident  of  the 
place  stated  that  on  tasting  a  portion  of  the  ice  the 
previous  winter,  he  had  experienced  nausea  and  dis- 
tress for  the  remainder  of  the  day.  Two  gentlemen  hav- 
ing taken  a  quantity  of  ice  with  them  upon  an  excursion, 
during  which  they  drank  the  water  formed  from  it,  were 
made  violently  ill.  Beth  the  house  in  which  the  ice  was 
stored  and  the  water  from  thtf  melted  ice  gave  off  a  decid- 
edly disagreeable,  or  even  offensive  odor.     Finally,  a  visit 


92 


The  Homwopnthic  Courier. 


to  the  pond  from  which  the  ice  had  been  gathered  dis- 
closed the  fact  that  much  of  its  water  was  dark-colored. 
foul,  and  highly  contaminated  with  filthy  marsh-mud  and 
decomposed  saw-dust.  Chemical  analysis  showed  that 
both  it  and  the  suspected  ice  contained  a  large  excess  of 
organic  and  volatile  impurities,  including  0.04  of  a  grain 
per  gallon  of  albuminoid  ammonia.  The  crucial  test. 
however,  of  injurious  quality  pertaininjj  to  this  ice  was 
afibrded  by  its  disuse  in  the  hotel,  coincident  with  which 
was  noticed  an  abrupt  amelioration  of  the  symptoms  in 
all  who  had  previously  been  ill,  and  the  entire  absence,  so 
far  as  known,  of  any  new  cases.  The  ice  was  partaken  of 
during  a  period  of  six  weeks  by  about  five  hundred  per- 
sons. Of  these,  the  majority  escaped  without  injury;  a 
large  number  suffered  slight  or  temporary  attacks  of  ill- 
ness; and  twenty-six  adults  manifested  grave,  continued, 
and  characteristic  symptoms. — Med.  News  and  Abstract. 


HARD     TO     KILL  -  ATROPIA     POISONING—  RE- 
COVERY. 

In  looking  through  the  vast  numbers  of  fatal  and  recov- 
ered cases  of  medical  poisoning,  we  have  been  unable  to 
find  a  parallel  case  with  the  one  we  now  give  to  youf 
readers : 

On  the  —  day  of  February,  1S80,  we  were  summoned 
in  great  haste  to  see  Dr. ,  whom,  the  messen- 
ger informed  us,  had,  by  mistake,  taken  poison  and 
desired  us  to  come  quickly  to  his  relief. 

Not  being  apprised  of  the  peculiar  poison  taken,  we 
hurried  to  him,  the  distance  being  about, two  and  one- 
half  miles,  and  on  arriving  we  obtained  the  following  his- 
tory of  the  case;  Ttie  doctor  had  been  up  and  worrying 
all  night  with  a  very  sick  lady  the  previous  night,  and 
being  a  great  sufferer  from  neuralgia,  he,  on  awaking 
from  a  very  short  nap  of  sleep,  which  he  chanced  to  get 
about  day-break,  found  his  old   bane,  neuralgia,  had  re- 


Hard  to  Kilt. 


93 


L 


newed  its  attack,  and  he  at  once  thought  of  taking  a  dose 
of  morphine  which  he  knew  was  already  portioned  out  in 
his  vest  pocket,  but  by  mistake  he  got  hold  of  a  paper 
which  contained  by  actual  weight  one  grain  of  sulphate 
of  atropia,  which  he  took,  then  made  necessary  prepara- 
tion for  breakfast,  and  had  nearly  finished  that  repast 
when  he  discovered  there  was  something  wrong  with  him, 
and  announced  he  was  sick,  arose  and  went  out  into 
the  yard,  and  called  the  gentleman  of  the  house  to  come 
to  him  and  read  the  writing  on  the  piece  of  paper  which 
he  held  in  hand.  The  gentlemen  read  out  to  him,  "atro- 
pia." The  doctor  remarked,  "that  is  it;  that  is  what  I 
have  taken;  prepare  me  some  warm  salt  water  as  quick 
as  you  can,  and  send  for  my  wife  and  Dr.  Carothers,  I 
will  be  a  dead  man  in  two  hours."  He  then  produced 
a  free  emesis  with  warm  salt  water,  after  a  lapse  of  prob- 
ably one  hour  since  he  took  the  poison,  and  then  took  a 
large  dose  of  morphine  before  we  arrived. 

We  found  him  lying  on  a  bed  with  eyes  glistening, 
pupils  dilated,  skin  dry.  hot,  and  as  red  as  scarlet,  mouth 
and  throat  very  dry,  pulse  not  noted,  speech  drawling  and 
incoherent. 

This  was  the  first  dawn  upon  us  of  the  nature  of  the 
poison,  and  we  instantly  thought  of  the  hypodermic 
syringe  and  injected  thirty  minims  of  Magendies'  solution 
(sulphate  morpia  i6  grains,  dist.  water  r  ounce)  into  the 
insertion  of  the  deltoid,  and  though  repeated  at  short  in- 
tervals of  eight  hours  to  the  amount  of  something  over 
one  ounce  of  the  solution  (i6  or  i8  grains  of  morphine), 
yet  my  friend  and  patient  had  convulsions  for  about  two 
hours,  but  was  sufficiently  recovered  to  partake  of  sup- 
per, only  losing  one  meal,  dinner,  that  day,  and  suffering 
no  other  inconvenience;  was  not  overcome  by  the  mor- 
phine sufficiently  to  even  feel  drowsy  during  the  day,  and 
far  into  the  night  his  eyes  were  strangers  to  sleep. 

We  had  Dr.  J.  W.  Gilbert,  of  Verona,  with  us  from  i 
to  3  p.  M.,  having  wired  him  the  condition  of  the  patient. 


94 


7he  Hotnixopathic   Courier, 


and  he  fully  agreed  with   us  as  to  the  line  of  treatment, 
and  rejoices  in  our  united  success. 

The  patient  drove  home  the  next  morning  in  a  buggy, 
and  to  this  day  has  never  felt  any  inconvenience  that  he 
attributes  to  the  unfortunate  dose,  but  enjoys  his  wonted 
health.  Suffice  it  to  say,  he  did  enjoy  an  immunity  from 
his  neuralgia  for  a  brief  period. 

Have  you  or  your  readers,  Mr.  Editor,  in  record  or  of 
memory  a  parallel  case:  One  grain  of  sulphate  of  atro- 
pia  on  an  empty  stomach  for  one  hour,  combated  in  the 
main  by  sixteen  or  eighteen  grains  of  morphine  (the  case 
not  addicted  to  the  use  of  morphia  either)  and  yet  feel  no 
constitutional  effects  from  the  morphia  ?  Let  us  hear 
from  you  on  the  subject. 

J.  S.  Carothers,  M.  D.,  in  the  Brief. 


RHUS  AROMATIC  A. 


I,  J.  M.  Goss,  A.  M.,  M.  D.,  Marietta,  Ga.,  in  the  E.  M. 
Joutnal,  has  the  following: 

Sometime  in  the  year  1880,  Dr.  J.  T.  McClanahan,  of 
Boonville,  Mo.,  sent  me  a  package  of  the  bark  of  the 
root  of  the  rhus  aromatica,  requesting  me  to  test  its  vir- 
tues in  diabetes  mel.,  and  other  urinary  diseases.  I  made 
a  saturated  tincture  of  it  by  covering  it  in  alcohol.  Hav- 
ing no  case  of  diabetes  on  hand  for  sometime,  I  used  it 
in  irritable  bladder  and  other  urinary  troubles,  until 
finally  a  case  of  diabetes  mel.  was  presented  to  me.  The 
subject  was  an  old  man,  some  75  or  78  years  of  age,  and 
his  case  of  eight  months'  standing.  I  found  him  passing 
a  very  large  quantity  of  urine  (of  a  pale  color)  day  and 
night,  with  great  thirst,  prostration,  loss  of  flesh,  morbid 
appetite,  and  pain  in  his  feet  and  legs,  like  that  of  gout 
or  rheumatism.  I  had  no  urinometer  with  me,  to  take 
the  specfic  gravity  of  the  urine,  but  evaporated  a  few 
drops  of  the  urine  over  a  candle,  upon  a  slip  of  thick 
glass,  which  yielded  a  large  per  cent,  of  syrup  as  the  rest- 


Rhus  Arom^lica. 


95 


due.  This  satisfied  me  that  I  had  a  case  of  diabetes  mel- 
litus,  although  two  old  physicians  had  pronounced  the 
case  one  of  diabetes  insipidus.  Not  having  any  of  the 
tincture  of  the  rhus  aroraatica,  I  prescribed  the  nitrate  of 
uranium  (ist  dec.  tritaration)  3  grs.  ter.  die.  I  continued 
this  remedy  for  one  month  with  no  apparent  benefit,  but 
taking  the  specific  gravity  of  the  urine,  and  finding  it 
10.30  degrees  or  IO.32  degrees,  I  now  put  my  patient 
upon  the  rhus  aromatica,  one  teaspoonful  three  times  a 
day.  with  a  milk  diet,  with  some  meat  and  hominy,  the 
last  well  boiled  to  get  out  all  the  starch.  This  course  was 
continued  for  three  months,  with  regular  improvement, 
when  the  patient  was  dismissed  as  cured,  and  still  remains 
well.  On  examination  of  the  urine,  at  the  end  of  three 
months,  I  found  10.22  degrees,  and  of  proper  color,  I  am 
now  treating  another  case  of  diabetes  melhtus.  which  is 
improving  very  rapidly.  I  treated  a  case  of  diabetes 
insipidus,  in  which  the  old  man  passed  daily  a  large  quan- 
tity of  pale  urine,  with  the  specific  gravity  of  10.  lO  de- 
grees. He  has  morbid  thirst  and  appetite,  but  great  loss 
of  flesh  and  .strength.  He  is  improving  rapidly.  1  have 
used  the  rhus  aromatica,  alternated  with  actinomeris  heli- 
anthoides,  in  several  cases  of  ardor  urin^,  with  positive 
effects,  and  in  some  cases  of  irritable  bladder,  from  calcu- 
lous diathesis,  alternated  with  the  carbonate  of  lithia, 
with  equal  success.  For  incontinence  we  have  no  remedy 
equal  to  this  one.  In  chronic  dysentery,  diarrhcea,  leu- 
chorrhcea,  and  gleet,  it  is  a  valuable  remedy. 


IODIDE  OF  ETHYL  IN  ASTHMA. 


The  New  York  Medical  journal  publishes  tliree  cases 
of  asthma  treated  with  inhalations  of  iodide  of  ethyl, 
with  remarkable  benefit.  They  occurred  in  Dr.  R.  M. 
Lawrence's  service  at  the  Boston  Dispensary.  Following 
the  cases  are  some  remarks  by  Dr.  Lawrence,  in  which 


96 


The 


'ic   Courier. 


he  says  of  the  iodide  of  ethyl:  "  Its  speedy  absorptibff 
into  the  blood,  its  anti-spasmodic  quality,  and  prompt  re- 
flex stimulation  of  the  respiratory  muscles,  may  reason- 
ably account  for  its  beneficial  action  in  the  asthmatic  par- 
oxysm, while  its  power  of  liquefying  and  detaching  accu- 
mulations of  mucus  sufficiently  explains  its  curative  influ- 
ence in  chronic  bronchitis.  •  •  •  Experience  has 
confirmed  my  faith  in  its  remedial  worth  in  a  large  major- 
ity of  cases  of  labored  respiration  (whether  due  to  bron- 
chial spasm  or  to  increased  raucous  secretion),  and  also 
in  certain  obstinate  cases  of  dyspntea,  not  due  to  organic 
pulmonary  or  cardie  lesions,  where  other  remedies  may 
have  proved  inefficient.  In  a  small  minority  of  cases  it 
has  failed  to  afford  relief."  He  does  not  recommend  it  as 
a  substitute  for  internal  medication,  but  rather  as  an  ad- 
junct thereto. 


Naphaline. — Dr.  Cassidy  {Med.  Counselor)  found  this 
drug  in  the  3X  trituration  extremely  useful  in  whooping 
cough,  repeated  at  short  intervals.  It  cuts  short  the  par- 
oxysm, and  lessens  their  frequency  in  a  short  time.  It 
has  surpassed  my  expectations  in  a  disease  which  has 
been  exceedingly  obstinate  heretofore  under  any  form  of 
treatment.  The  indications  for  its  use  are:  Excessive 
spasmodic  cough;    paroxysm  lasting  a  long  time. 


The  Treatment  of  Scabies. — As  the  result  of  experi- 
ments by  M.  Frissart  at  Saint  Louis  Hospital,  Paris  {La 
Presse  Medicals  Beige),  it  appears  that  carbolic  acid  may 
be  employed  with  advantage  in  the  treatment  of  scabies. 
Two  patients  were  cured  of  the  affection  by  friction  twice 
a  day  with  the  following  mixture  :  Crystallized  carbolic 
acid,  3  grammes;  almond  oil,  300  grammes.  Dr.  Frissart 
was  ted  to  make, these  experiments  by  noticing  the  dis- 
appearance of  scabies  in  several  patients,  affected  with  it, 
who  had  been  put  under  Lister's  treatment  for  some  sur- 
gical affections. 


L 


Abstracts.  97 

Baking  Powders  in  Bread. — When  cream  of  tartar  is 
saturated  with  bicarbonate  of  soda,  the  result,  outside  of 
the  carbonic  acid  which  the  chemicals  are  used  for  gene- 
rating, is  a  double  tartrate  of  potassa  and  soda,  better 
known  as  RoehelU  salt,  the  main  ingredient  of  the  familiar 
seidlitz  powder.  This  salt  is  certeinly  harmless  enough, 
yet  it  can  not  be  healthy  for  any  one  to  lake  several  doses 
of  it  every  day  of  his  life.  It  is  like  taking  a  .seidlitz 
powder  every  morning.  The  medicine  may  prove  of 
great  benefit  on  certain  occasions,  but  it  does  not  follow 
that  it  would  do  good  at  all  times,  and  under  all  circum- 
stances. This  answers  your  query,  which  only  refers  to 
the  standard  baking  powders  made  of  cream  tartar  and 
bicarbonate  of  soda.  As  to  those  containing  alum,  they 
can  not  be  otherwise  than  decidedly  harmful.  Somu 
chemists  are  of  a  contrary  opinion,  but  certain  it  is  that 
England  and  other  European  governments,  which  are  sel- 
dom hasty  in  sanitary  matters,  make  the  addition  of  alum 
to  bread  a  penal  offence. — S.  A.  W.,  in  Druggist's  Cir- 
cular. 

Weise  on  the  Treatment  of  Diphtheria. — The  au- 
thor states  (Berl.  Klin.  Wochen.  No.  4),  as  the  result  of 
his  experience  of  Guttmann's  treatment  of  diphtheria  by 
pilocarpin,  that  it  produces  an  excellent  and  rapid  effect 
in  many  cases.  His  own  treatment,  under  which  he  has 
had  fifty-four  cases  without  a  death,  is  with  salicylic  acid 
and  benzoate  of  soda.  Every  hour  and  a  half  the  patient 
inhales,  or  has  his  throat  painted  with,  a  solution  of  sali- 
cylic acid  (one  part,  by  weight,  to  fifty  of  glycerine  and 
rectified  spirit  in  equal  parts),  and  at  the  same  time  takes 
benzoate  of  soda  internally,  and  stimulants.  The  inhala- 
tion is  given  with  an  instrument  constructed  by  Dr. 
Weise,  consisting  of  a  small  «ipray-apparatus  combined 
with  a  tongue  depressor. 

Tre.^tment  of  Spasmodic  Asthma. — Dr.  R.  B.  Falk- 
ner,  in  Medical  Record,  says  he  has  cured  some  of  the 


98  The  Hommopathic  Courier. 

worst  forms  of  this  disease,  being  chronic  cases  that  had 
bid  defiance  to  other  known  good  treatment,  by  painting 
with  tinct,  iodine,  even  to  blistering,  over  the  tract  of  the 
pneumogastive  nerves  in  the  neck,  commencing  from  the 
upper  part  of  the  thyroid  cartilage  to  near  tlie  upper 
border  of  the  clavicles,  making  a  streak  about  half  an  inch 
wide. 


Bright's  Disease. — The  idea  is  advanced  that  Bright's 
disease  is  often  caused  by  the  immoderate  use  of  ice 
water.  The  people  of  this  country  drink  more  ice  water 
than  any  other,  and  we  have  75  per  cent  more  of  Bright's 
disease. — Albany  Journal. 


ACUTE  DELIRIOUS  MANIA. 


Acute  delirious  mania  is  an  intensified  form  of  acute 
mania,  accompanied  by  delirium,  and  terminating  ordi- 
narily in  exhaustion  and  death. 

Diagnosis  of  the  disease  is  not  easy,  from  its  similarity  to 
typho-mania  and  acute  mania,  but  we  have  the  character- 
istic temperature  of  former  cases  to  aid  in  diagnosing; 
and  we  find  the  excitement  of  acute  mania  exaggerated 
to  violence  and  complete  incohcrency,  with  only  brief  in- 
tervals of  quiet,  in  acute  delirious  mania. 

Inception  of  disease,  like  many  cases  of  simpl.c  mania, 
may  be  sudden,  but  outbursts  of  maniacal  fury  are  more 
severe,  and  uncontrollable  by  any  appeal  to  the  under- 
standing. 

Progno.sis  generally  unfavorable,  while  the  opposite  may 
be  considered  the  rule  in  mania. 

A  noteworthy  feature  is  the  remissions  occurring  in 
periods  of  excitement,  The  lucid  interval  may  be  short 
and  only  partial. 


Acute  Delirious  Mania.  gt) 

The  disease  has  been  divided  into  two  stages:  First, 
that  of  excitement ;  second,  of  collapse. 

During  first  period  face  of  patient  has  peculiar  expres- 
sion, a  mixture  of  incredulity  and  maliciousness.  The 
eyes  are  bright  and  active,  rolling  and  turning  from  natural 
direction. 

Grinding  of  teeth  for  hours  during  attack,  although 
there  is  no  apparent  pain. 

Lips  and  teeth  covered  with  sordes.  Frequently  spit 
a  great  deal,  the  spittle  having  a  tenacious  character. 

Tongue  generally  coated  brown,  and  is  dry  and  cracked, 
but  may  be  red. 

Peculiarity  often  noticed  is  strong  aversion  to  liquids, 
especially  water.  Food,  in  most  instances,  must  be  forci- 
bly administered. 

Skin  is  hot  and  dry,  imparting  a  burning  sensation  to 
the  touch. 

Some  portion  of  body  is  kept  in  continual  motion.  In 
one  case  coming  under  my  observation  the  hands  were 
kept  moving  in  circles,  alternately  over  head  and  chest. 

Hallucinations  of  sight  commonly  present. 

The  patient  may  be  noisy  and  demonstrative  or  quiet 
and  muttering,  or  he  may  maintain  an  obstinate  silence. 

The  sleep  obtained  practically  amounts  to  nothing.  If 
the  patient  begin  to  sleep  after  a  week  or  ten  days  it  may 
be  considered  a  favorable  symptom. 

Temperature  is  high. 

The  stage  of  collapse  may  be  brief,  or  may  continue  for 
several  days,  according  to  the  strength  of  patient. 

Two  cases  given  illustate  the  course  of  the  disease. 

At  the  expiration  of  two  months  the  first  recovered  sut 
ficiently  to  be  taken  home. 

The  cause  of  attack  in  the  second  case,  that  of  a  farmer, 
was  overwork  and  sunstroke. 

To  those  who  know  but  little  regarding  the  methods 
often  used  in  getting  a  patient  to  an  asylum,  the  course 
pursued  in  this  instance  may  be  of  interest.     Whatever 


100 


The  riomiropalUic  Courier. 


may  be  said  of  abuses  carried  on  within  the  walls  of 
asylums,  the  inhuman  efforts  of  relatives  and  friends  too 
frequently  surpass  tlic  inquisitorial  cruelties  of  the  asylum 
attendant. 

The  day  on  which  this  patient  came  uas  exceedingly 
warm.  On  leaving  home  he  had  been  excited,  and  had 
so  frightened  the  three  strong  men  who  accompanied  him 
that  they  placed  him  in  the  bottom  of  an  express  wagon, 
and  retained  him  in  that  position  by  sitting  on  him  most 
of  the  distance  of  forty  miles  over  a  rough  country  road. 

An  exhausted  man.  covered  with  bruises  and  abrasions, 
for  whom  no  medical  skill  could  avail,  was  presented  to 
us  for  treatment.  Died  three  days  after.  'Y\\(t  post  niottetit 
revealed  nothing  to  indicate  the  severity  of  attack,  aside 
from  general  appearance  of  drj-ness  of  all  the  organs  and 
viscera.  An  ounce  of  serum  and  blood  escaped  on  open- 
ing skull.  Membranes  were  not  adherent,  but  gray  mat- 
ter of  brain  was  of  more  reddish  tinge  than  normal. 

In  the  treatment  of  acute  delirious  mania,  utmost  care 
should  be  observed  that  the  patient  in  fits  of  violence  in- 
jure neither  himself  nor  others.  Forthis  reason  the  skilled 
care  found  in  an  asylum  is  most  to  be  desired;  for  the 
patient  then  has  a  constant  attention,  and.  with  baths, 
regular  diet,  and  medicine,  the  chances  of  recovery  are 
greatly  increased. 

Pathological  condition  of  the  disease  is  probably  menin- 
gitis  and  limited  or  general  arteritis. 

Remedies  used  are  aeon.,  bapt.,  belt.,  gels.,  thus  tox., 
and  ver.  v. — Neiv  York  Medical  Times. 


LECTURES  OA  THE  PATHOLOGICAL  ANATOMY 
OF  THE  SKIN. 


Having  considered  certain  general  pathological  states  of 
the  ^\u.a  at  the  last  lecture,  we  will  pass  on  to  the  study  of 
a,  &eti9«  of  condition.':,  rather  more  specialized,  but  still  of 


Pathological  AnatotMy  of  the  Skin.  lOl 

a  general  character,  which  may  be  included  under  the 
general  term  of  hypertrophies. 

In  considering  these  conditions  we  must  first  recall  the 
relation  which  the  epidermis  bears  to  the  papillary  body ; 
that  it,  in  fact,  is  derived  from  it.  The  cells  of  the  papillic 
wander  out  to  the  periphery,  and  form  the  first  row  of 
cells  without  the  papillary  body,  the  first  layer  of  the  rete 
malpighii,  which  recede  and  give  place  to  successive  lay- 
ers of  younger  cells,  until  finally  they  become  the  oldest 
and  most  peripheral  cells  of  the  horny  layer.  It  is  inter- 
esting to  note  that  the  same  cells  which,  remaining  in  the 
papilla,  constitute  connective  tissue  corpuscles,  become, 
as  soon  as  they  pass  the  boundary  line  between  the  cori- 
um  and  epiderm,  epithelial  cells. 

The  first  of  the  hypertrophies  of  the  epidemi  to  which  I 
call  attention  is  the  callosity.-  It  is  an  overgrowth  or 
thickening  characterized  by  a  horny  hardness,  and  is  in- 
variably associated  with  pressure  on  a  particular  part.  It 
is  most  marked  on  the  hand  of  the  laborer,  and  soon 
stamps  the  hand  of  the  constant  oarsman  or  batsman.  It 
is  a  simple  increase  in  the  number  of  layers  of  the  epi- 
derm, and  is  the  result  of  an  increased  vascularity — a 
hyperaemia  of  the  papillary  body.  A  more  intense  hyper- 
a^mia  would  result  in  a  blister,  but  the  moderate  degree 
alluded  to  produces  a  moderate  and  gradual,  but  still  in- 
creased supply  of  pabulum,  and  a  consequent  thickening 
of  the  epiderm.  The  horny  layer  thus  produced  differs 
from  the  normal  layer  only  in  the  greater  number  of  its 
strata. 

The  next  of  the  hypertrophies  \s  the  com  or  clatits. 
Here  we  have  the  same  overgrowth  of  ihe  homy  layer  tf 
the  epiderm  as  in  the  callosity,  but  it  differs  from  it  in  the 
fact  that,  instead  of  growing  exclusively  outward,  the  di- 
rection of  the  growth  of  its  central  portion  is  also  inward. 
In  the  callosity  the  older  layers  are  pushed  out  by  the 
joung  layers,  but  here  the  latter  seem  to  force  their  way 
downward  at  the  expense  of  the  papiUarj-  body.     The  re- 


i 


102  The  Homceopathic  Courur. 

suit  of  this  downward  growth  is  that  the  corn  is  not  so 
much  elevated  above  the  surrounding  skin,  though  such 
elevation  is  always  present  in  a  degree,  as  you  well  know. 

If  you  make  a  cut  through  a  corn  you  will  find  layer 
upon  layer  of  the  epidermis,  with  their  convexities  down- 
ward, and  in  consequence  pressing  the  underlying  and 
exquisitely  sensitive  papillary  bodies,  causing  their 
atrophy.  Sometimes,  indeed,  corns  cure  themselves  by 
encroaching  on  the  papillary  bodies  to  such  a  degree  as 
to  destroy  them  by  exciting  inflammation  and  suppura- 
tion. 

Corns  are  also  the  direct  result  of  a  hyperemia  of  the 
papillary  body,  due  to  pressure.  But  here  the  pressure  is 
exercised  differently  from  what  it  is  in  the  simple  callosity. 
In  the  latter,  it  is  applied  to  a  part  which  is  comparatively 
fixed  and  immovable ;  in  the  corn,  the  pressure,  usually 
that  of  a  boot,  is  exercised  on  a  part  that  is  movable,  and  it 
is  less  directly  applied,  In  the  callosity  the  pressure  is 
exerted  directly  over  the  part  affected. 

The  next  of  these  hypertrophic  states  of  the  epiderm  is 
the  keratoma,  which  may  be  circumscribed  and  diffused. 
The  circumscribed  form  is  rare,  but  here  are  two  well- 
marked  instances,  in  preparation  taken  from  life;  in  the 
onf ,  a  horn  an  inch  long,  growing  from  the  temple,  and 
anotlier  over  two  inches  in  length,  growing  from  the  wrist. 
The  diffuse  form  produces  a  peculiar  fish-scale-like  ap- 
pearance of  the  skin,  called  ichthyosis,  also  well  shown  in 
the  preparation. 

If  we  take  one  of  these  scales  and  make  a  section  we 
will  find  a  very  interesting  histological  structure.  It  is 
found  to  be  made  up  of  a  number  of  prisms,  or  columns, 
which  on  transverse  section  are  found  composed  of  con- 
centric layers  of  the  epithelirtl  cells,  arranged  about  a  cen- 
tral canal,  although  the  cellular  structure  is  not  easy  of 
demonstration,  unless  the  scale  be  treated  by  a  solution  of 
potash.  Each  one  of  these  columns  corresponds  to  a 
papule  on  which  it  rests,  If  we  break  a  scale  off  we  will 
find  a  large  number  of  depressions  in  its  base,  each  corres- 


Patkcrlogical  Analoniy  cf  the  Skin.  103 

ponding  to  a  papule.  The  same  process  extends  also  into 
the  hair  follicles,  without,  however,  involving  the  hair 
bulb.  Since  the  process  docs  not  originate  in  the  hair 
follicle,  it  is  only  an  overgrowth  of  the  epidermis  which 
encloses  the  hair.  Hence,  the  nutrition  of  the  hair  in  its 
upper  third  is  interfered  with,  and  it  dies. 

Notwithstanding  the  superficial  difference  in  the  circum- 
scribed keratoma,  or  horn,  the  mode  of  production  is  pre- 
cisely similar  to  that  of  the  scale.  If  you  examine  the 
horn  you  will  find  a  vertical  striation  which  corresponds 
to  the  columns  in  the  scales  of  ichthyosis,  and  if  you  break 
the  horn  off  you  will  find  again  on  its  base  a  number  of  de- 
pressions corresponding  each  to  a  papilla.  Here,  too,  the 
process  interferes  with  the  hair  follicles,  but  yet  does  not 
start  from  them  ;  each  column  is  an  overgrown  papilla. 

Among  these  same  conditions  we  include  the  peculiar 
distortions  to  which  the  nails  in  their  overgrowth  are  sub- 
ject. As  a  consequence  of  injuries  the  nail  of  the  great 
toe  often  grows  in  the  vertical  direction  rather  tlian  in 
length,  and  thus  acquires  extraordinary  thickness,  sug- 
gesting, indeed,  a  short,  stubby  horn,  which  has  to  be 
trimmed  from  above,  and  not  at  the  end, 

It  must  be  remembered  that  the  nail  is  an  epidermic 
structure,  with  its  deeper  or  malpighian  layer,  resting  on 
a  depression  in  a  papillary  body,  which  is  called  the  ma- 
tri.x.  The  papillae  differ  from  those  of  the  papillary  body 
elsewhere,  in  being  arranged  in  parallel  straight,  in.stead 
of  curved  lines,  which  give  rise  to  the  longitudinal  strije 
on  the  surface  of  the  nail.  The  nail  grows  chiefly  by  the 
addition  of  cells  from  that  part  of  the  matri.v  which  under- 
lies its  posterior  extremity,  the  lunula.  In  this  manner  it 
is  pushed  upward  and  forward,  sliding  over  the  anterior 
portion  of  its  bed,  which  contributes  but  slightly,  if  at  all, 
to  its  thickness. 

Now  if  the  matrix,  the  cells  of  which  are  the  source  of 
the  nail,  is  in  any  way  injured,  and  substituted  by  cica- 
tricial tissue,  the  development  of  the  nail  is  irregular  and 
uneven,  and  according  to  the  degree  of  injury  we  have  the 


104 


7h£  Homccopathic   Courier. 


varying  degrees  of  deformity,  including  those  which  pre- 
sent superficial  transverse  markings  or  depressions,  due  to 
the  irregularities  in  the  rate  of  growth  or  temporary  in- 
juries to  the  matrix,  as  well  as  ugly,  horn-like  projections, 
which  sometimes  substitute  the  nail  of  the  great  toe  after 
it  has  been  crushed  by  a  powerful  force.  In  the  latter  the 
anterior  part  of  the  bed  of  the  nail  produces  rapidly  nu- 
merous layers  ot  epithelium,  one  upon  the  other,  thus 
raising  the  nail  from  its  bed,  and  causing  it  to  grow,  as  it 
were,  in  an  upright  direction. 

A  better  defined  deformity  of  the  nail  is  that  to  which 
Virchow  has  given  the  name  onychogryphosis.  or  cla-w-like 
deformity,  from  the  Greek  onych,  a  nail,  and  gry^phoiii 
crookedness.  The  disease  is  one  of  the  entire  matrix, 
and  in  it,  in  addition  to  the  elevation  and  loosening  of  the 
front  of  the  nail,  the  posterior  part  contributes  a  rapid 
thickened,  incurve  or  twisted  growth,  of  a  brown  or  yel- 
lowish color,  and  horn-like  consistency — the  whole  result- 
ing in  the  deformity  named. 

Here,  too,  the  nails  of  the  toes  are  more  frequently 
affected  than  those  of  the  fingers,  and  in  old  persons. 
These  conditions  also  result  not  merely  from  injuries,  but 
also  as  the  result  of  certain  skin  diseases,  as  psoriasis,  ich- 
thyosis, leprosy,  and  as  the  result  of  constitutional  disease, 
as  syphiUs. 

To  the  A>'/c?/TO////Vi  of  the  skin  belong  also  the  ivarts 
or  verruca,  but  to  a  hypertrophy  of  the  epiderm  is  added 
also  a  hypertrophy  of  the  papillary  body,  while  in  the  con- 
ditions heretofore  considered  the  epidermis  only  played  a 
part. 

There  are  several  varieties  of  warts.  The  common  hard 
wart,  verruca  vit/ffiin's  or  verruca  dura,  consists  of  a  more 
or  less  circular  collection  of  enlarged  papillx,  tlie  intervals 
between  which  are  filled  by  large  numbers  of  transition 
cells  of  the  mucous  layer  of  the  epiderm.  and  the  whole 
covered  with  a  horny  layer,  but  little  thicker  than  in 
health.     Each  of  the  prominences  of  the  wart  corresponds 


Patkologieal  Anatomy  of  the  Skin.  I05 

to  a  single  papilla.  They  become  more  or  less  distinct 
from  each  other  as  the  wart  grows  older,  as  the  result  of 
fissures  in  the  horny  layer,  which  generally  extend  them- 
selves toward  the  bases  of  the  papillae,  from  three  to 
twenty  of  which  a  single  wart  is  composed.  The  verruca 
vulgaris,  as  the  result  of  variations  in  shape,  receives  at 
times  the  name  v.plana,v.filiformii,v.disitata. 

The  papilloma  cutis  or  cauliflower  excrescence  of  the  skin 
is  a  similar  growth,  known  in  its  smaller  form  as  porrum 
or  acrothymion.  It  difiers  from  the  ordinary  wart,  in  that 
the  constituent  papillae  do  not  possess  a  common  covering 
of  horny  layer,  and  thatthe  papilla;  are  overgrown  laterally 
as  well  as  vertically  ;  but  there  is  here  also  dilatation  and 
elongation  of  the  capillaries  and  a  rapid  hyperplasia  of  the 
connective  tissue  in  which  they  lie.  It  is,  in  fact,  inflamma- 
tory in  character,  and  the  fissures  and  clefts  on  its  surface  are 
generally  bathed  in  pus.  /although  similar  in  growth, 
which  is  rapid,  and  in  its  outward  form,  to  the  pointed 
condyloma,  it  is  in  no  other  way  allied  to  it,  and  it  is  not 
due  to  venereal  disease  of  any  kind.  It  is  a  benign 
growth,  and  may  occur  upon  any  part  of  the  body  and  at 
any  time  of  life. 

The  verruca  acuminata,  condyloma  acuminatum,  or 
pointed  condyloma,  I  have  already  said  is  sim- 
ilar to  the  smaller  examples  of  papilloma  cutis, 
both  in  outward  shape  and  mode  of  growth. 
In  these  two  there  is  an  absence  of  a  common 
horny  layer  to  the  closely  set  more  or  less  solid  mass  of 
hyperplastic  papiUx.  Another  peculiarity  pointed  out  by 
Biesiadetzki  is  an  excessive  development  of  the  mucous 
layer  of  the  epiderm,  which  is  the  cause  of  the  softness  of 
the  condyloma,  as  well  as  its  red,  fleshy  aspect ;  its  resem- 
blance, in  a  word,  to  mucous  membrane. 

The  favorite  seats, of  the  pointed  condylomata  are  the 
genitals — the  glans,  penis  and  prepuce  in  the  male,  and  the 
labia  and  vagina  in  the  female:  but  they  are  also  found 
in  the  neighborhood  of  the  anus,  and  more  rarely  in  that 
of  the  mouth,  umbilicus,  axillae  and  toes.     The  individual 


lo6 


The  Hommopatkic  Courier. 


prominences  are  not  always  acuminated,  as  the  nani£ 
would  indicate ;  they  are  sometimes  short  and  club- 
shaped,  at  times  distinct  and  dotted  over  a  swollen  massi 
as  in  the  preparation  I  show  you,  of  condyloma  about  the 
anus;  at  others  they  are  close  set  and  give  the  appear- 
ance of  the  lobules  of  a  red  raspberry;  or  they  may  give 
rise  to  an  appearance  like  granulation  tissue. 

They  vary  in  size,  often  reachinjj  that  of  a  hen's  egg. 
as  in  the  specimen  before  you,  or  they  may  even  become 
as  large  as  a  fist.  Their  most  striking  peculiarity  is  the 
disgusting  fetor  to  which  they  give  rise,  and  which  is  due 
to  the  decomposition  of  a  purulent  secretion  by  which 
they  are  constantly  bathed. 

The  pointed  condylomata  are  believed  to  be  due  to  the 
irritating  secretions  of  venereal  disease,  and  especially  to 
that  of  gonorrhcea,  but  they  are  not  the  result  of  consti- 
tutional syphilis. 

The  condylomata  lata,  the  fiat  or  broad  condylomata  or 
mucous  patches,  come  next  to  be  considered.  They  are 
characterized  by  a  more  diffuse  lateral  overgrowth  of  the 
papillary  body,  while  the  connective  tissue  is  also  the 
chief  seat  of  the  hyperplasia  rather  than  the  epidermis, 
which  is  exceedingly  thin.  The  resultant  is  a  flat,  rounded 
elevation,  about  a  line  in  height  and  from  two  to  five  lines 
in  width,  and  upon  its  surface  the  papilla  appear  as 
rounded  elevations  of  the  second  order.  It  is  of  a  pale 
red  or  dirty  red  color,  and  in  the  folds  between  adjacent 
papillae  accumulates  a  cheesy,  epithelial  mass,  whose  de- 
composition repeats  the  stinking  odor  of  the  pointed  con- 
dyloma already  described. 

Mucous  patches  occur  in  those  situations  in  which 
opposing  surfaces  are  repeatedly  brought  into  contact,  as 
in  the  nates,  perineum,  axillje,  beneath  the  mammre  in 
women,  etc.  They  are  one  of  the  results  of  secondary 
syphilis,  but  it  would  seem  that  they  are  capable  also  of 
being  excited  by  the  secretion  and  moisture  incident  to 
opposed  surfaces.     Here  an  accumulation  of  cheesy  epi- 


Pathological  Anatomy  of  the  Skin.  107 

thelium  is  apt  to  occur,  which  emits  a  most  unpleasant 
odor,  and  sometimes,  as  the  result  of  a  rapid  catarrhal 
separation  of  cells,  suppuration  is  seen  to  occur,  extend- 
ing even  to  the  subcutaneous  connective  tissue. 

Among  the  broad  condylomata  are  sometimes  included 
certain  flat,  tabular,  circular  elevations  of  the  papillary 
body,  about  an  inch  in  diameter  and  two  lines  in  height, 
first  described  by  Beigel,  under  the  name  papilloma  area- 
elci'alum,  and  which  consists  of  an  cedematous  hyperpla- 
sia of  a  group  of  papillary  bodies  over  which  the  epider- 
mis is  but  slightly  altered.  According  to  Rindfleisch 
these  growths  seem  to  bear  some  relation  to  irritated  con- 
ditions of  the  central  nervous  system.  The  papillary 
bodies  themselves  are  but  slightly  sensitive. 

Finally,  we  have  to  consider  the  soft  or  fitihy  wart 
(verruca  mollis  vel  carnosa').  These  include  the  moles, 
both  pigmented  and  unpigmented.  Some  are  mere  flat, 
tabular  elevations,  but  slightly  raised  above  the  surface, 
while  others  are  quite  as  high  as  the  hard  wart.  The  pig- 
mented moles  are  familiar  to  all  of  you ;  the  soft,  unpig- 
mented moles  are  very  common  on  the  back  and  face  of 
old  persons.  They  are  also,  however,  congenital,  when 
they  are  called  mother  moles,  or,  nain  matemi. 

In  the  soft  mole  the  connective  tissue  of  the  papilla  is 
the  principal  seat  of  the  hyperplasia,  the  epithelium  being 
little  increased,  or  indeed,  altered,  except  as  the  result  of 
pigmentation;  to  a  slight  degree  also  does  the  growth  in- 
volve the  connective  tissue  of  the  corium,  very  rarely 
only  the  entire  corium  and  subcutaneous  tissue.  The 
hyperplasia  shows  large  numbers  of  small  cells,  and  a 
small  amount  of  soft  intercellular  substance,  in  fact,  gran- 
ulation tissue. 


Surgery. 


OVARIAN  CYST. 

Probably  the  Largest  on  Record — The  Fluid  never  He- 
moved  During  Life — Death  from  Exhaustion,  Dee.  i8, 
1880.. 


Miss  W.,  :et.  49.  Unmarried;  seamstress;  nervous 
temperament;  muscular;  large  frame;  when  in  health, 
weight  180  pounds.  Had  always  been  in  robust  health, 
until  June,  1873,  when  it  became  impaired,  and  she  first 
noticed  a  slight  swelling  in  the  region  of  the  right  ovary. 

In  August  or  September  of  the  same  year,  she  called 
the  attention  of  her  physician.  Dr.  Woodruff,  now  of  De- 
troit, to  the  "swelling."  He  found  an  ovarian  tumor  of 
some  inches  in  diameter,  and  rapidly  increasing.  After  a 
few  weeks  her  health  improved  and  the  tumor  entirely 
disappeared,  and  was  not  noticed  until  the  following  June. 
when,  in  the  median  line,  just  above  the  pubis,  she  dis- 
covered a  fluctuating  tumor,  already  of  so  great  a  size  as 
to  reach  nearly  to  the  umbilicus,  when  first  noticed.  This 
continued  gradually  to  increase,  but  much  more  rapidly 
each  month  during  the  menstrual  flow.  The  menses  con- 
tinued regular  for  several  months,  perhaps  a  year  or  more, 
then  disappeared. 

After  the  flow  ceased  the  sam^  aggravation  occurred 
each  month  as  before.  But  by  far  the  most  rapid  in- 
crease in  the  size  of  the  tumor  occurred  in  June  of  each 
year. 


Ofarian  Cyst. 


109 

.  the 


With  these  aggravations,  each  month  an 
tumor  continued  steadily  to  increase  until  it  reached  the 
enormous  size  of  eighty-two  and  one-half  inches  in  cir- 
cumference. 

After  the  first  two  years  her  general  health  was  quite 
good,  and  she  suffered  httle  inconvenience,  except  from 
the  size  and  weight  of  the  cyst. 

She  suflfered  very  little  pain,  except  at  the  time  of  the 
monthly  aggravations,  when  she  complained  of  a  tearing, 
rending  pain  in  the  integuments. 

Until  the  last  few  months,  there  was  no  functional  dis- 
turbance of  any  of  the  organs,  except  of  the  reproduc- 
tive, and  of  the  kidneys,  the  latter  quite  severe  at  the 
time  of  the  monthly  aggravations,  at  other  times  very 
slight, 

Though  the  heart  and  lungs  were  forced  into  the  apex 
ol  the  chest,  into  a  space  one-third,  or  less,  their  natural 
dimensions,  yet  the  circulation  remained  quite  good,  and 
the  respiration  free.  During  the  last  six  months  the  res- 
piration became  somewhat  impaired  when  lying  on  the 
back  or  right  side,  but  was  perfectly  free  until  the  last  day 
of  life  when  lying  on  the  left  side,  and  when  sitting  or 
standing,  During  these  last  months  there  was  great 
cedema  of  the  inferior  extremities,  causing  fissures  with 
copious  discharge  of  serum. 

I  first  saw  her  in  July,  1878,  at  which  time  she  meas- 
ured fifty-six  inches  in  circumference  across  the  most 
prominent  part  of  the  tumor.  When  I  next  saw  her,  in 
October  of  the  same  year,  she  had  increased  to  sixty 
inches  in  circumference.  After  the  first  two  years  she 
received  no  treatment  for  the  ovarian  disease. 

She  would,  at  no  time,  consent  to  any  operation,  either, 
for  radical  or  temporary  relief. 

Until  the  ver>-  last,  she  could,  with  slight  assistance 


I  to  The  Homceopaihic  Courier. 

change  from  her  bed  to  a  wheeled  chair  which  she  used, 
and,  without  any  assistance,  stand  upon  her  feet  support- 
ing all  the  weight  of  the  cyst- 
There  were  present,  by  invitation,  at  the  post-mortem 
examination:  Dr.  C.  C.  Ford,  professor  of  anatomy  and 
physiology,  University  of  Michigan;  Dr.  E.  S.  Dunster, 
professor  of  obstetrics  and  diseases  of  women  and  child- 
ren. University  of  Michigan;  Dr.  S.  A.  Jones,  recently 
professor  of  materia  medica,  etc.,  in  homceopathic  depart- 
ment, of  University  of  Michigan;  Dr.  G.  A,  Hendricks, 
assistant  demonstrator  of  anatomy.  University  of  Michi- 
gan ;  Dr.  H.  R.  Clark,  my  assistant ;  Mr.  Hall,  assistant 
to  Prof.  Dunster,  and  Mr.  HulT.  student. 

The  examination  was  conducted  by  Dr.  Hendricks  and 
Prof.  Dunster. 

In  shape,  the  tumor  was  nearly  spherical — somewhat 
flattened  at  the  umbilicus — the  subject  on  the  back — 
slightly  uneven — the  larger  part  occupying  the  left  side. 
The  superficial  vessels  were  much  enlarged,  some  of  the 
veins,  before  death,  measuring  more  than  one-half  inch  in 
diameter;  the  muscles  of  the  abdomen  very  much  atten- 
uated, while  the  skin  seemed  as  thick  or  even  thicker 
than  normal ;  the  muscles  of  the  whole  body  were  re- 
duced to  the  utmost  tenuity;  the  lower  extremities  were 
(Edematous,  fissured,  and  ulcerated ;  some  superficial 
ulceration  on  the  most  dependent  portions  of  the  abdo- 
men, and  on  the  back. 

When  the  fluid  was  partly  withdrawn,  there  was  discov- 
ered within  the  large  cyst,  a  smaller  one,  containing  sev- 
eral gallons  of  fluid,  and  after  this  one  was  reduced,  sev- 
eral others  of  still  smaller  size,  some  not  larger  than  a 
hen's  egg.     There  were  fourteen  in  all. 

The  fluid  in  the  large  cyst  was  of  a  dark  brown  color, 
and  quite  thin.    That  in  the  smaller  one  was  of  a  much 


Ovarian  Cyst. 


Ill 


Tighter  color,  and  that  in  the  smallest  ones  almost  as 
light  and  clear  as  water. 

The  cyst  was  extensively  adherent  to  the  walls  of  the 
abdomen,  principally  anteriorly  and  inferiorly. 

The  pedicle  was  attached  to  the  right  ovary. 

The  chest  was  belUshaped,  with  the  lungs,  heart,  and 
liver  crowded  far  up  into  its  apex. 

MEASUREMENTS     OF    THE     CYST. 

Antero-posterior  diameter,  twenty  inches;  circumfer- 
ence of  this  diameter  across  the  most  extended  portion  of 
the  cyst,  taken  three  days  before  death,  eighty-two  and 
one-half  inches. 

Transverse  diameter,  twenty-three  and  three-fourths 
inches;  vertical  diameter,  from  the  sternum  to  below  the 
pubes,  twenty-five  inches;  circumference  to  this  diameter, 
one  inch  anterior  to  the  body — seventy-seven  and  three- 
fourths  inches;  four  inches  anterior  to  the  body,  seventy- 
seven  and  one-half  inches. 

From  sternum  to  pubes,  semi-circumference  across  the 
umbilicus,  forty-four  and  threc-lourths  inches.  From 
sternum  to  umbilicus,  twenty-five  and  one-fourth  inches. 
From  umbilicus  to  pubes,  nineteen  and  one-half  incnes. 

Total  amount  of  fluid  in  the  cyst,  twenty-two  gallons 
and  three  quarts,  besides  the  small  portion  necessarily 
lost  in  its  removal.  Sp.  gr.  1039.  Total  weight  of  fluid, 
one  hundred  and  ninety-nine  pounds  average.  Weight 
of  cyst  with  fluid  contents  removed,  twenty-eight  pounds 
average.  Total  weight  of  cyst,  two  hundred  and  twenty- 
seven  pounds  averdupoise. 


The  Homoeopathic  Courier. 


EXTRACTS  FROM  SOME  OF  THE  PAPERS  PRE- 
SENTED AT  THE  SIXTEENTH  ANNUAL  SES- 
SION OF  THE  H0M(E0PA1HIC  MEDICAL 
SOCIETY  OF  PENN.  SEPT.,  iSSo. 

<  Trom  lhr>  HuiKcal  Timts. 

Vesico-Vaginal  and  Recto-Vaginal  Fistula. — A  pa- 
tient, 55  years  of  age.  had  been  under  various  forms  of 
treatment  for  eight  years.  The  following  symptoms  were 
present:  Great  sadness  and  despondency;  yellowish 
complexion,  sunken  eyes ;  gums,  mouth,  and  throat  sore 
and  ulcerated,  with  much  ptyalism  burning,  stitching 
pains.  All  the  symptoms  worse  on  a  change  to  damp 
weather,  with  a  suspicion  of  a  syphilitic  taint,  led  to  the 
use  of  nitric  acid  6x.  An  injection  of  equal  parts  of  gly- 
cerine and  rose  water  was  also  used.  This  treatment  was 
continued  for  nearly  eight  months,  and  a  complete  heal- 
ing of  the  fistula  was  the  result.  W.  D.  Hall. 


A  Modification  of  the  Vance  Jacket. — After  getting 
a.  plaster  cast  of  the  curvature,  the  jacket  is  made  by  us- 
ing crinoline  strips,  one  to  two  inches  in  width  and  long 
enough  to  reach  two-thirds  around  the  cast.  Beginning 
at  the  lower  part  of  the  back  the  strips  are  applied  hori- 
zontally (with  prepared  glue),  overlapping  one-half  of  the 
strip  each  time.  The  front  is  done  in  the  same  way. 
Next  apply  steel  rods  (hoop  skirt  steel)  perpendicularly, 
two  inches  apart  and  wrap  with  strong  linen  thread,  cov- 
ering all  with  a  coat  of  glue.  Then  a  second  layer  of  crin- 
oline, but  applied  perpendicularly,  lapping  as  before, 
wrapping  with  thread,  and  covering  with  glue.  The  third 
layer  of  crinoline  is  put  on  like  the  first  and  covered 
thickly  with  glue.  The  jacket  is  allowed  to  dry,  when  it 
is  cut  down  the  front  and  removed.  It  is  thoi'uiighly  per- 
forated and  covered  inside  and  out  with  shellac,  bound 
around  the  edges  with  chamois  skin,  and  English  walking- 
shoe  hooks  inserted  for  lacing.    It  is  worn  next  to  a  close 


Ei  tracts. 


113 


fitting  undershirt.  No  padding  is  used,  and  when  the 
jacket  becomes  soiled  it  can  be  readily  cleansed  with  cold 
water  and  a  sponge.  When  the  jury  mast  is  required,  it  is 
placed  next,  and  externally,  to  the  steel  rods,  thoroughly 
wrapped  with  Unen  thread,  and  the  jacket  finished  as  be- 
fore. S.  C.  Scott, 


Sarcoma — Operation  and  Subsequent  Treatment. — 
The  patient,  a  lady,  was  suffering  with  a  tumor  of  the  left 
breast.  The  whole  gland  was  involved  and  was  very 
hard,  purple,  and  for  quite  a  space  seemed  to  adhere  to 
the  skin  as  if  just  ready  to  break  through,  Lack.  200 
changed  the  color  of  the  tumor,  and  relieved  the  darting 
.ind  corrosive  pains  which  she  experienced.  The  tumor 
was  finally  amputated  by  Dr.  J.  H.  McClelland,  of  Pitts- 
burg. The  wound  was  dressed  with  carbolized  oil  and 
the  severe  pain  relieved  by  staph  200.  When  the  wound 
had  healed,  which  it  did  kindly,  I  put  her  upon  the  second 
decimal  dilution  of  carbolic  acid,  in  water,  every  two 
hours,  which  she  has  taken  ever  since  (three  years)  with 
only  one  interruption.  The  tumor  was  a  spindle-celled 
1  and  weighed  five  pounds  and  six  ounces, 

H.  N.  Martin. 


GasgrjENA. — The  patient  was  a  :iiaiden  lady.  62'  years 
of  age.  The  second  Joe  appeared  as  a  black,  shrivcUed 
eschar.  Great  restlessness,  pain,  heat,  swelling,  redness, 
burning,  and  tingling  in  all  the  toes  of  the  affected  foot, 
and  also  cramps  in  the  calf  of  the  leg.  S<cate  cor.  was 
prescribed,  and  bread  and  milk,  with  crude  pulverined 
charcoal,  applied  externally.  There  was  no  improvement 
followed  this  treatment,  but  rather  a  tendency  of  the  dis- 
ease to  spread  upwards,  with  tearing,  burning  pain  relieved 
by  motion.  Anen.  alb.  30  was  given,  and  two  days  after- 
wards a  well-defined  line  of  demarcation  was  established. 
One  week  later  the  dead  tissue  was  removed  and  the 
patient  was  soon  restored  to  health.  Six  months  later 
she  noticed  a  dark  bluish  spot  on  the  extremity  of  the 


114  The  Hcmaopathic  CourUr. 

great  toe  of  the  same  foot.  Tile  cuticle  was  detached 
and  the  sWin  under  it  of  a  dark  red  color.  She  felt  un- 
easiness through  the  foot  and  ankle  joint,  particularly  iit 
night:  tearing  pains,  heat,  redness,  and  swelling  super- 
vened. Arscn.  alb.  30  was  given  and  the  same  poultice 
applied.  Improvement  began  immediately,  and  the  line 
of  separation  could  be  traced.  A  few  days  later  the  gan- 
grenous portions  of  the  toe  (nearly  one-half  of  the  mem- 
ber) was  amputated  and  recovery  was  prompt. 

In  a  case  of  compound,  comminuted  fracture  of  the 
femur,  involving  the  knte-joint,  where  acute,  humid  gan- 
grene ensued,  with  a  tendency  to  spread  upwards,  and 
accompanied  with  marked  constitutional  symptoms,  Ar- 
s/H,  alb.  30  arrested  the  mortification.  After  the  amputa- 
tion of  the  thigh,  gangrene  occurred  in  the  stump,  when 
arsenicum  again  arrested  the  mortification  and  counter- 
acted the  typhoid  symptoms.  J.  J.  Detwiller. 


Eseriniii  Glaucoma. — Case  I. — Patient  had  suffered  from 
neuralgia  foryears,  but  within  the  last  six  months,  after  an 
unusually  severe  attack  of  headache,  she  noticed  that  her 
vision  was  blurred.  Objective  symptoms:  The  left  eyt- 
would  follow  the  light  of  a  candle,  but  could  not  define 
the  shape  of  the  blaze.  The  field  was  rather  con- 
tracted; pericorneal  injection;  iris  widely  dilated  and  im- 
mobile; shallow  anterior  chamber;  T  x  2  ;  cornea  sensi- 
tive; fundus  not  visible.  The  right  eye  was  apparentlj- 
normal.  A  broad  iridectomy  upwards  was  performed 
and  the  usual  after-treatment  pursued,  which  was  followed 
byentirereliefof  ail  pain  after  the  second  day.  Two  weeks 
later  there  was  still  a  moderate  ciliary  injection,  an  appre- 
ciable increase  of  tension,  and  no  variation  in  the  vision. 

A  drop  of  a  four  grain  solution  of  eseriii  stilph.  was  in- 
stilled every  six  hours  for  three  days,  and  a  drop  night 
and  morning  for  three  weeks  longer.  At  this  time  vision 
stood  20-100,  and  she  could  read  Jsger  No.  4,  with  some 


Cases, 


"S 


increase  in  strength  of  her  former  glasses.  The  drug  was 
discontinued  on  account  of  a  slight  headache  with  con- 
junctival irritation.  Eight  months  later,  there  had  been 
no  return  of  the  neuralgia  and  the  vision  remained  the  same. 

Case  II. — Patient,  aged  48  years,  suffered  from  neural- 
gia, headache,  pain  in  the  eyes,  and  defective  vision  of 
the  left  eye.  Objective  :  The  glare  of  a  lighted  candle 
could  be  barely  detected  in  the  center  of  the  field  of 
vision  of  the  right  eye.  Tx2;  mild  ciliary  injection; 
dilated  pupil;  insensitive,  slightly  steamy  cornea;  cloudy 
vitreous;  fundus  not  visible.  With  the  left  eye  she  read 
JiLger,  No.  1",  at  eight  inches  with  difficulty,  T  x  I : 
ciliary  injection;  clear  and  sensitive  cornea;  vitreoUs 
somewhat  cloudy,  but  sufficiently  clear  to  permit  a  view- 
of  the  disc,  which  showed  the  characteristic  e.xcavation. 
An  iridectomy  on  each  ey* relieved' the  pain.  Instillation 
<A  eserin  was  immediately  begun,  and  at  the  end  of  ten 
days  an  examination  of  the  vision  showed  ior  the  right 
eye  a  marked  improvement ;  for  the  left,  no  change, 
although  the  media  seemed  .somewhat  clearer.  A  contin- 
uation in  the  use  of  the  escrin  produced  an  improvement 
in  the  left  eye.  which  was  still  continuing  at  the  last 
report. 

Case  III. — This  patient  was  attacked  Jwo  months  ago, 
with  severe  pain  in  his  left  eye,  with  great  redness  of  the 
ball,  but  no  discharge  except  of  tears.  Record  ;  Vision 
perfectly  blank,  even  for  bright  hght ;  general  coarse  in- 
jection of  the  conjunctiva;  marked  pericorneal  redness; 
T  X  2;  he  bears  the  touch  of  the  fingers  on  the  cornea 
without  flinching ;  the  pupil  is  dilated  and  without  motion ; 
the  lens  is  clear;  the  fundus  is  not  visible.  Instillation  of 
fserht,  four  grains  to  the  ounce,  was  ordered,  but  reduced 
to  one-half  strength  on  the  second  day,  on  account  of 
severe  headache.  At  the  end  of  a  week  an  examination 
.showed  a  slight  appreciation  of  light;  a  blurred  view  of 
the  fundus,  and  less  injection  of  the  ball,  both  ciliary  and 
otherwise.     The  patient  is  still  under  treatment. 


k 


C.  M,  Thosias. 


1 16  The  Homceopatliif   Courier. 

SHORT  PAPER   ON  SYPHILIS. 


Primary  Manifestations — The  Initial  Lesion  (C/tanert) 
and  near  Lymphatic  Involvement. — The  nature  of  syphilis 
is,  fortunately,  not  so  obscure  as  its  origin;  although  in 
different  ages  different  views  have  been  entertained  in 
regard  to  It,  and  even  now  there  is  not  an  entirely-  unani- 
mous agreement  among  the  men  who  have  devoted  the 
most  time  and  attention  to  its  study. 

At  present  there  are  two  views,  one  called  tlje  theory 
of  ■' unicism,"  the  other  that  of  "dualism,"  Accordin" 
to  the  theory  of  unicism,  all  venereal  ulcerations,  whether 
what  Hunter  called  hard  chancres  or  what  he  called  soft 
chancres,  are  syphilitic.  Unicists  claim  the  poison  to  be 
identical  in  both  classes.  The  fact  that  the  former  are 
invariably  followed  by  remote  manifestations  of  syphilis, 
and  the  latter  never,  they  explain  on  the  hypothesis  that 
the  difference  is  due  to  the  different  soil  into  which  an 
identical  seed  falls.  According  to  the  theory  of  dualisru, 
there  is  no  syphilis  but  syphilis.  Its  initial  lesion  usually 
has  certain  characteristics,  while  sometimes  these  are 
masked  by  accidental  influences,  so  that  the  real  chancre 
may  present  every  physical  phenomenon  of  a  simple  local 
ulcer,  which,  however,  it  is  not.  Such  modified  and  typi- 
cal lesions  have  given  rise  to  the  erroneous  impression 
that  the  simple  venereal  ulcer  (chancroid),  may  be  derived 
from  a  syphilitic,  and  in  turn,  communicate  this  disease  to 
others  The  crucial  test,  it  is  claimed  by  dualists,  i.s  that 
no  lesion  which  proved  to  be  the  starting  point  of  true 
syphilis  was  ever  derived  from  an  individual  who  did  not 
then  or  soon  after  have  what  are  known  as  remote  mani- 
festations of  the  disease  ;  and,  conversely,  that  no  person 
unaffected  with  what  is  sometimes  tautologically  called 
constitutional  syphilis,  ever  communicated  this  disease  to 
another.  Thousands  of  confrontations,  in  which  the  giver 
and  receiver  of   syphilis   have   been   brought   togetlier. 


Short  Piiptf  on  Syf'hilis.  117 

prove  that  when  the  second  has  syphilis,  so  has  the  first. 

The  controversy  over  these  two  theories  has  been  long 
and  sometimes  bitter.  Any  one  who  has  tlie  desire  and 
tile  opportunity  may  follow  it  through  the  medical  litera- 
ture of  the  most  of  this  century.  The  issue  has  been 
that,  with  a  few  exceptions,  the  most  eminent  syphilog- 
raphers  are  dualists.  There  are  still  some  distinguished 
adherents  of  the  unicist  theory,  but  they  are  not  numer- 
ous and  the  number  is  steadily  decreasing. 

This  being,  then,  the  generally  accepted  theory,  that 
syphilis  is  distinct  from  all  other  venereal  diseases,  in  that 
it  is  constitutional — not  purely  local  —we  dismiss  the 
chancroid  from  our  iJresent  consideration,  except  as  it 
may  be  incidentally  necessary  to  compare  or  contrast  its 
appearance  with  that  which  is  sometimes  presented  by  the 
true  chancre,  the  initial  lesion  of  syphilis. 

Syphilis,  except  when  hereditary,  is  communicated 
from  an  individual  already  affected  to  one  as  yet  unaffect- 
ed, by  means  of  the  inoculation  of  a  specific  poison  or 
virus.  This  virus  has  never  been  isolated.  From  time  to 
time  believers  in  the  germ  theory  of  disease  have  dis- 
cussed what  they  thought  to  be  the  fungus  that  causes 
syphilis.  Every  such  description  has  been  proved  to  be 
erroneous,  and  no  more  is  now  known  as  to  the  physical, 
chemical,  and  vital  characteristics  of  the  syphilitic  poison 
than  was  known  four  hundred  years  ago.  Still,  it  is  uni- 
versally believed  that  there  is  such  a  poison,  which  must 
effect  an  entrance  into  the  body  in  order  to  exert  its  in- 
fluence. In  whatever  place  and  in  whatever  way  it  is 
inoculated,  it  starts  the  disease  to  which  it  owes  its  birth. 

The  first  evidence  of  this  disease  is  usually  indistin- 
guishable for  some  days  after  the  inoculation  has  taken 
place.  After  a  week  or  two,  or  even  more,  there  appears 
a  little  spot,  like  a  mosquito  bite,  which  is  not  painful  or 
likelj'  to  attract  attention,  unless,  from  its  own  nature,  or 
by  reason  of  accidental  influences,  it  becomes  ulcerated. 
If  this  do  not  take  place,  we  have  the  simplest,  most  per- 
fect initial  lesion.     If  it  does,  then  we  usually  6nd  a  shal- 


The  Homa'opafhic   Courier. 

low,  sloping,  rather  excoriated  than  ulcerated  surface, 
covered  witli  a  scanty,  clear,  viscid  secretion.  This  is 
the  so-called  primary  syphilitic  ulcer. 

But,  as  the  simplest  lesion  imaginable  may  become  irri- 
tated and  inflamed  under  the  influence  of  accidental  cir- 
cumstances, and  take  on  an  appearance  of  unnatural  vir- 
ulence, so  may  the  initial  lesion  of  syphilis,  so  does  the 
initial  lesion  of  syphilis,  if  subjected  to  the  influence  of 
any  mechanical,  chemical  or  physiological  irritant,  become 
distorted  by  an  angry  inflammation,  which  may  mask  all 
its  simple  characteristics. 

If  we  examine  a  secretion  of  a  typical  initial  lesion  of 
syphilis  (chancre)  under  the  microscope,  we  find  that 
there  is  present  an  infiitration  of  smal!,  round  cells  into  the 
perivascular  spaces  and  lymphatic  meshes  of  the  papillae 
of  the  skin.  It  is  this  infiltration  which  causes  the  indu- 
ration usually  found  in  the  true  chancre.  Induration  is  a 
very  characteristic  .sign  of  such  a  lesion,  and  one  of  great 
diagnostic  value.  Yet,  it  is  not  infallible,  when  present; 
nor  is  its  absence  conclusive  against  the  notion  of  syphilis. 
For  accidental  influences  sometimes  cause  rapid  ulcera- 
tion of  an  initial  lesion  of  syphihs,  as  a  consequence  of 
which  the  infiltrated  portion  is  broken  down  and  cast  ofC 
after  which  one  might  search  in  vain  for  the  sign  of  indu- 
ration, or  attempt  to  predicate  a  prognosis  upon  its  ab- 
sence. It  would  be  as  reasonable  to  hunt  for  the  sign  of  ' 
a  tavern  that  had  been  burned  down,  and  to  deny  that  it 
was  a  tavern  if  that  could  not  be  found.  In  such  cases 
no  physical  signs  of  tJie  cliancre  might  be  demonstrable  ; 
but  the  sequel  would  be  sure  to  correct  any  error  of  diag- 
nosis dependent  upon  the  lack  of  them. 

Let  it  be  aKvays  borne  in  mind,  that  any  lesion  that  is 
the  starting  point  of  syphilis,  is  an  initial  lesion  of  syphilis 
— a  chancre;  and  that  nothing  else  ever  is.  Any  defini- 
tions or  tests  depending  solely  upon  the  physical  appear- 
ances of  the  lesion  may  lead  to  grave  errors.  When  all 
the  signs  of  a  chancre  are  present,  it  is  safe  to  say  there 


i 


Short  Paper  on  Syphilis.  1I9 

is  a  chancre;  but.  it  is  by  no  means  safe — it  is  in  the 
iiighest  degree  hazardous — to  saj'  there  is  no  chancre, 
because  any  or  all  of  the  physical  signs  are  absent. 

After  the  appearance  of  the  initial  lesion  of  syphilis, 
tliere  occurs  often,  though  not  always,  an  inflammation  of 
tlie  lymphatic  ducts  leading  to  the  nearest  cluster  of 
glands.  This  condition  is  most  frequently  found  on  the 
dorsum  of  the  penis,  where  it  is  easily  detected  and  pre- 
sents an  unmistakable  sensation  to  the  examining  touch. 
At  about  the  same  time  that  this  ofccurs,  the  nearest  clus- 
ter of  glands  is  involved,  becoming  slightly  swollen  and 
harder  than  is  normal.  They  are  not  made  more  sensi- 
tive, and  they  so  rarely  undergo  active  inflammation  and 
suppuration,  that  the  suppurating  bubo  was  once  taken  to 
be  a  proof  of  the  non-syphilitic  character  of  the  primary 
lesion.  This  was  a  mistake  which  no  one  should  now 
make,  for  almost  ever)-  syphilographer  has  seen  suppurat- 
ing buboes  follow  true  chancres.  I  have  myself  seen  them 
in  the  axilla,  after  non-venereal  inoculation  with  syphi- 
litic virus  upon  the  forearm,  which  was  followed  by  the 
whole  train  of  other  symptoms  of  syphilis. 

The  lesions  we  have  just  considered — the  initial  lesion 
and  the  involvement  of  the  nearest  lymphatic  ducts  and 
glands — belong  to  what  is  called  the  primary  stage  of 
syphilis.  They  are  sometimes  classed  together  as  "  prim- 
ary syphilis;  "  but  this  is  a  loose  and  inexact  expression, 
which  ought  never  to  be  used.  For  syphilis  is  a  unit: 
there  is  but  one  syphilis,  which  is  continuous  and  indivisi- 
ble. There  are  primary,  secondary  and  tertiary  mani- 
festations, which  usually  appear  at  certain  well-marked  in- 
tervals, but  they  are  only  varying  symptoms  of  a  disease 
that  knows  no  internii-^sions. 

The  chronological  division  was  first  suggested  by  John 
Hunter,  and  subsequent  experience  has  modified  but  little 
the  views  he  entertained.  The  order  of  appearance  of  the 
manifestations  of  syphilis  is  usually  pretty  well  marked  by 
stages,  to  which  the  names   Hunter  used  may  be  applied. 


120  The  Houitxopathic  Courier. 

Yet,  it  miist  never  be  forgotten  that  this,  like  so  many 
other  statements  that  may  be  made  in  regard  to  diseases, 
is  usual,  but  not  invariable.  For  the  lesions  of  syphilis, 
which  ordinarily  do  not  come  on  until  months  have 
elapsed,  may  follow  close  upon  the  heels  of  the  earliest, 
or,  indeed,  be  found  at  the  same  time  that  they  are. 

With  this  fact  ever  in  mind,  there  is  no  danger  of  error 
in  using  the  term  "  primary  manifestations  "  Co  indicate 
the  lesions  we  have  just  considered,  as  distinguished  from 
those  which  shall  later  engage  our  attention,  under  the 
denomination  of  "secondary"  and  "tertiary." — 71u 
'I  Spfcialist. 


TO  DESTROY  THE  ODOR  OF  FOUL  BREATH— 
THE  SMELL  OF  THE  AXHLA  AND  THE  FETOR 
OF  THE  SMELL  OF  THE  FEET, 


■  S"--  v;. 
.  -OZ  vj. 


R     Potass,  permanganat 

Aquje 

Sig. — Apply  frequently. 
It  is  a  fact  too  little  appreciated  by  physicians  that  suc- 
cess in  practice  often  depends  more  on  attending  to  some 
such  trivial  affections  as  the  above  than  on  the  successful 
management  of  a  complicated  medical  or  surgical  case. 


-pRURHhS  VULVAE. 

R     Sodii  hyposulphitis z  iy 

Glycerini z  ij 

Aqux  destilat z  vj 

M.     Sig. — As  lotion. 


Obstetrics. 


RETENTION  OF  PLACENTA  AND  POST-PARTUM 

HEMORRHAGE. 

hy  c.  sciicmachkr.  m.  d.,  norwalk,  oiiio. 

On  Feb.  27,  at  i  o'clock  p.  m.,  I  was  called  to  Mrs.  E., 
who  is  forty-three  years  old,  and  who  had  half  an  hour 
previous  given  birth  to  her  tenth  child.  She  was  suffering 
from  post-partum  hemorrhage  and  undelivered  placenta, 
caused  by  atonia  uteri.  I  found  uterine  pains  very  teeble, 
face  and  extremities  cold  with  clammy  sweat,  pulse  weak 
and  rapid.  After  secal^  c.  3d,  slight  contracting  pains  of 
OS  uteri  were  noticed,  hemorrhage  checked,  but  placenta 
remained.  Secale  c.  and  puis,  not  having  any  more  effect, 
the  woman  vomiting  continually,  being  faint  and  growing 
weaker,  at  5  o'clock  p.  m.  counsel  was  held,  and  erigeron 
and  baptisia  prescribed.  At  3  a.  m.  she  was  in  the  same 
condition :  bcllad.  3d  every  fifteen  minutes,  which  soon 
dilated  the  os  uteri,  contracted  the  fundus,  and  at  4  a.  m. 
the  placenta  was  in  pieces,  but  wholly  delivered,  and  con- 
valescence took  place  rapidly. 


The  Iloma'of'iUhii  Courier. 


'•  SPOA'TANEOUS  VliRSlON  A.\'D  EVOLUTION  OF 
THE  FCETUS  IN  SHOULDER  AND  ARM  PRE- 
SENTATION. AND  THE  MANAGEMENT  OF 
S.OCH  CASES  WIJHOUT  SACRIFICfNG  THE 
CINLD." 


The  burden  of  llie  paper,  wlilcli  Dr.  Taylor  stated  he 
h:id  previously  read  before  the  Section  on  Obstetrics,  No- 
vember. 1880,  was  a  narration  of  niimeroiift  cases,  snnie 
recorded  by  other  observers,  others  that  had  come  under 
the  .iiithor's  own  care,  which  tended  to  prove  the  genn- 
ineness  of  spontaneous  version  and  evokitioti  in  shoulder 
and  arm  presentations,  the  method  by  which  this  process 
v^.is  accomph'shed,  namely,  by  retraction  and  recession. 
The  method  of  treatment  laid  down  to  avoid  sacrificing 
the  child  was  by  cross-section  of  the  perineum. 

Dr.  Taylor  gave  a  complete  exposition  of  the  views  of 
Dcnman  and  Douglass  as  bearing  on  the  theme  discussed 
in  his  paper,  and  substantiated  his  theorj-  by  quoting  the 
opinions  of  Velpeau,  Ca/,eaux.  Playfair.  Barnes,  aud  other 
distinguished  obstetrician,?, 

.\n  animated  discussion  followed  the  reading  of  the 
jjapcr.  in  which  the  president  (Dr.  Barker).  Dr.  .-Xmold, 
Ilr-  Polk.  Dr.  Munde.  Dr.  Gillette,  and  Dr.  Lusk  took  part. 

Dr.  Barker  spoke  as  follows :  1  find  the  older  I  get  the 
more  often  is  the  truth  of  the  scriptural  saying.  "  that  out 
of  the  mouths  of  babes  and  sucklings  comes  wisdom." 
proven.  I  have  gained  many  most  valuable  hints  in  ob- 
stetrical practice  from  the  younger  practitioners.  In  the 
first  place  we  have  certain  natural  processes  dependent 
on  vital  physiological  and  mechanical  principles.  Again 
we  must  consider  the  influence  of  amesthetics  in  modify- 
ing vital  and  physiological  phenomena.  In  regard  to  the 
process  by  which  evolution  takes  place  in  the  cases  under 
consideration,  I  can  understand  recession,  but  not  the 
term  retraction  as  applied  to  this  process. 


Spontaneoiii    Vtrsion  and  E-!olittion. 

Dr.  Arnold  said,  I  have  had  two  cases  of  spontaneous 
version,  botli  occurring  m  Ihc  same  jiaticnt,  one  in  second 
hibor,  the  membranes  ruptured  and  the  left  arm  presented. 

1  could  just  reach  to  the  shoulderon  one  side,  the  os  well 
dilated,  and  on  the  other  side  the  cord  was  down  and  I 
could  reach  to  the  umbilicus,  pains  every  three  minutes.  I 
waited  an  hour,  when  1  found  I  could  reach  the  neck;  by 

2  o'clock  the  head  was  in  position,  and  at  4:30  the  head 
presented  naturally,  the  ami  receding  as  evolution  was  ac- 
complished. Tiie  second  case  was  in  the  fourth  labor  of 
this  same  woman.  The  membrants  ruptured  at  8  o'clock 
in  the  evening,  the  right  arm  presented.  In  twenty-fivf 
minutes  I  could  reach  the  head,  which  gradually  got  into 
position,  the  arm  receding ;  and  about  2  o'clock  the  child 
was  born,  head  presenting  naturally.  I  was  puzzled  to 
know  the  processes  in  the.se  cases  ;  it  occurred  to  me  thai 
where  the  arm  presents  that  the  legs  might  be  extended. 
the  head  on  one  side,  lateral  pressure  would  then  lift  tht 
abdomen,  and  the  head  would  be  forced  down.  There 
were  certainly  cases  of  spontaneous  version.  Dr.  Polk 
•said,  in  explaining  spontaneous  version.  Dr.  Taylor  used 
the  term  retraction  ;  now  it  seems  to  mc  in  regard  to  the 
one-sided  contraction  of  the  uterus,  if  we  assume  that  the 
contractions  begin  at  the  fundus,  of  course  tlie  force  trans- 
mitted is  upon  the  breach,  through  the  spine  to  the  head, 
and  the  tendency  is  to  make  room  for  the  head  upward.i. 
If  contractions  begin  at  the  cervix  we  may  use  the  same 
explanation  ;  this  idea  has  simply  presented  itself  to  mcas 
an  explanation  of  the  phenomena. 

In  regard  to  making  lateral  section  of  the  perineum  so 
as  not  to  sacrifice  the  child,  ]  believe  it  advisable  in  these 
cases,  if  the  child  is  alive,  but  if  dead,  I  think  the  anii  can 
be  removed  with  benefit. 

Dr.  Munde  said :  The  difference  between  version  and 
evolution  is  very  clear,  though  the  terms  arc  mixed  in  the 
books,  spontaneous  evolution  is  version,  evolution  and 
expulsion.  The  term  retraction  and  the  idea  expressed  by 
it  in  these  cases  is,  to  mc,  hard  to  believe.     It  seems  to 


124  "^^'^  Ilomwopathic   Courier. 

ine  that  in  spontaneous  evolution  it  is  simply  a  matter  of 
displacement;  it  is  recession,  not  retraction.  As  regards 
treatment  I  think  Dr.  Taylor's  views  of  especial  value  sincc 
a  large  proportion  of  children  presenting  thus  arc  alive, 
therefore  section  of  the  perineum  is  advisable,  still  I  think 
this  should  be  done  only  where  the  orifice  is  small  as  in 
primipara;.  If  the  child  is  dead  it  is  useless  to  mutilate 
the  mother. 

Dr.  Gillette  spoke  as  follows :  1  think  there  is  no  ques- 
tion but  there  is  such  a  thing  as  spontaneous  version  and 
also  expulsion,  but  I  think  spontaneous  expulsion  very 
rare;  it  may  occur  where  the  child  is  small  and  the  ori- 
fice large,  or  where  the  child  is  dead.  I  have  seen  but  one 
case  of  spontaneous  expulsion.  I  can  not  undcrstanti  how 
retraction  occurs,  except  Dr.  Taylor  means  by  retraction, 
retrocession. 

In  regard  to  treatment,  I  think  mutilation  and  eviscera- 
tion are  old  stories,  and  are  not  repeated  often  at  the 
present  day  on  account  of  anaesthetics,  by  the  use  of 
which,  carried  to  tJie  surgical  point,  I  have  always  been 
able  to  turn.  Stili,  I  don't  presume  to  state  my  experi- 
ence as  forming  a  rule,  but  I  do  say  that  the  question  of 
shoulder  presentations  is  solved  by  anesthesia.  1  do  not 
think  wc  are  justified  in  waiting  in  these  cases. 

Dr.  Lusk  said  that  there  were  so  many  important  points 
suggested  by  the  paper  read  it  was  hard  to  discuss  it 
with  brevity. 

The  child  is  acted  upon  by  all  the  fluid  contents  of  the 
uterus ;  the  uterus  not  only  contracts,  but  it  retracts ;  as 
the  lower  segment  is  distended  the  child's  head  is  forced 
down.  When  retraction  is  complete  contraction  ceases. 
This  retraction  is  ol  very  great  importance  in  connection 
with  the  subject  before  us.  Pressure  is  brought  to  bear 
directly  upon  the  breach,  and  the  child's  movements  are 
easil}'  explained  by  pressure  in  this  direction.  I  believe, 
with  Dr.  Gillette,  that  version  can  be  done  by  the  use  of 
a n.-esthetics.  If  the  child  is  dead  we  may  decapitate,  1 
also  believe  in  section  of  the  perineum  in  these  cases. 


Ulttv-^'iiginal  lujecHons.  125 

The  discussion  was  dosed  by  Dr.  Taylor,  after  which 
tlie  society  adjourned.— /^-i7rff(//;ig-  of  the  S(w  York 
.  icademy. 


UTERO-VACmAL  lAyECTIONS. 


Dr.  W.  J.  Smyly  read  a  paper  on  this  subject  beff.re  the 
Obstetrical  Society  of  Dublin.  L'tero-vaginal  injection  in 
childbed  was  a  practice  of  great  antiquity,  but  had  of  late 
year.'!  been  practiced  to  an  extent  far  exceeding  that  of 
furmcr  times.  The  cause  of  this  he  considered  to  be  two- 
fold: First,  the  more  general  adoption  of  the  dktinii  of 
Scnimelwci.i.  "  that  puerperal  fever  was.  without  any  ex- 
ception, a  fever  of  absorption,  arising  from  the  absorption 
of  decomposed  animal  organic  matter,"  which  led  to  a  be- 
lief in  the  identity  of  that  fever  with  ichorhaemia,  septi- 
cemia, and  pyieniia ;  and,  second,  the  wonderful  power  of 
so-called  Listerism  in  preventing  the  disease  in  the  field  of 
fjcneral  surgery,  which  leads  to  a  desire  for  the  employ- 
ment of  similar  antiseptic  precautions  in  childbed.  Dr. 
Smyly  then  proceeded  to  show  that  the  use  of  the  utero- 
vaginal douche  in  childbed,  though  apparently  rational, 
and  easy  of  accomplishment,  was,  nevertheless,  one  not 
unattended  with  considerable  risk — either  {1)  from  the 
irritation  it  might  produce,  owing  to  the  high  state  of  ner\- 
ous  excitability  at  the  time  of  parturition,  resulting  in  fits 
of  hystero-epileptiform  convulsions  ending  even  in  death, 
as  in  some  cases  quoted ;  or  (3)  from  the  displacement  of 
uterine  thrombi,  causing  hemorrhage;  or  (3)  from  over- 
distension of  the  uterus  giving  rise  to  inflammation,  or 
possibly  to  the  escape  of  into  the  abdominal  cavity  through 
the  fallopian  tubes ;  or  (4)  by  the  entrance  of  air  into  the 
uterine  sinuses,  as  suggested  by  the  younger  Legallois  in 
1829.  Dr.  McClintock  had  explained  the  mechanism  by 
which  tlie  entrance  of  air  into  the  veins  in  such  cases  took 
place.     The  veins  of  the  gravid  uterus  were  remarkable 


126 


Thi  Hoiiia'o/iathlL-    Coiinir. 


for  their  extraordinary  size,  their  freedom  of  iiioscuIau^7 
their  total  freedom  from  valves,  and  their  te nil i nation  iin 
the  internal  surface  of  the  uterus,  at  the  site  of  the  pluc- 
centa,  by  large  open  orifices.  The  same  condition  of  the 
organ  which  caused  flooding  was  exactly  that  which  was 
indispensable  for  the  ingress  of  air;  so  that  the  latter, 
'  when  it  did  take  place,  was  almost  of  necessity  preceded  or 
accompanied  by  hemorrhage.  That  he  considered  a  nio^t 
important  point,  and  one  which  had  been  observed  in  al- 
most all  cases  where  air  or  other  fluid  had  entered  the 
circulation.  The  usual  symptoms  of  such  an  accident 
having  occurred  were  :  A  gurgling  sound  ;  escape  of  blood 
from  the  genitals  ;  sudden  sense  of  oppression  and  breath- 
lessness,  collapse,  and  asphysia.  The  following  case  came 
under  Dr.  Smyly's  observation  in  the  Rotunda  Hospital, 
in  1879:  M.  M,,  aged  35,  was  delivered  of  herflrst  child 
in  the  hospital ;  the  labor  was  natural,  with  the  exception 
of  laceration  of  the  perineum,  down  to.  but  not  through, 
the  sphincter  ani.  All  went  well  until  the  third  dL;y,\vhen 
the  lochia  being  oftensive  and  the  perinatal  wound  un- 
healthy, she  was  ordered  to  have  the  vagina  syringed  with 
a  solution  of  Condy's  fluid,  which  was  done  by  means  of 
a  Higginson's  syrynge,  in  the  ordinary  way.  Suddenly 
the  woman  became  collapsed,  respiration  ceased,  the  pulse 
at  the  wrist  became  indistinguishable,  and  the  cardiac  im- 
pulse, which  could  faintly  be  felt  for  some  time,  soon 
ceased.  The  surface  presented  a  mottled  marble-like  ap- 
pearance, from  over-distension  of  the  superficial  veins; 
and,  in  spite  of  all  the  efforts  to  restore  vitality,  the  woman 
died  within  twenty  minutes  of  the  accident.  The  /lost 
mortem  examination  showed  a  quantity  of  frothy  blood  in 
the  heart ;  and,  when  the  knife  was  thrust  into  the  dis- 
tended iliac  veins,  air  escaped  with  an  audiblf  whiff.  The 
dangers  following  the  injection  of  carbolic  lotion  into  the 
womb  were  not  mainly  due  to  the  poisonous  nature  of 
carbolic  acid,  but,  as  shown  by  Dr.  Fritsch,  were  really  to 
be  ascribed  to  the  action  of  heterogeneous  fluid  upon  the 


I'ti-iv  J'n^imt/  /nj'ich'oHS.  \2y 

nervous  centres ;  as  the  traii8ru.>^iun  of  lamb's  blood,  and 
the  injection  of  salicylic  acid  lotion,  were  followed  by  a 
similar  scries  of  symptoms.  There  was  yet  another  danger 
iiltcnding  the  use  of  the  vaginal  douche  in  childbed — viz.: 
The  possibility'of  communic.iting  thereby  the  verj'  disease 
it  was  intended  to  prevent,  either  by  direct  infection  from 
septic  instruments,  or  by  the  admission  of  air  into  the 
Momb — a  circumstance  which  must  be  looked  upon  as 
somewhat  analogous  to  making  a  simple  fracture  into  a 
compound  ont.  He,  therefore,  deprecated  the  use  ofvj- 
{:inal  injections  as  a  routine  practice  to  be  employed  in 
every  case ;  but  admitted  that  in  a  certain  number  of 
cases,  especially  those  in  which  there  was  already  gan- 
grene, decomposition,  or  the  formation  of  gas  going  on  in 
llie  uterus,  it  was  most  desirable.  When  injections  were 
resorted  to  it  was  most  advisable  that  the  method  em- 
ployed should  be  simple,  and.  at  the  same  time,  such  as 
to  reduce  the  risks  to  a  minimum  ;  for  which  qualities  he 
recommended  the  common  irrigator,  with  metalic  tube 
and  stop-cock,  and  condemned  all  pumping  contrivances. 
^iich  as  Higginson's  syringe,  as  its  gum-elastic  tube  soon 
became  soft,  and  readily  cracked — thus  rendering  the  ab- 
sorption of  septic  matter  most  probable.  It  was  also 
\cry  liable  to  pump  in  air  along  with  the  fluid,  and  the 
stream  being  sent  in  jets  was  more  dangerous  than  the 
even  flow  from  an  irrigator.  In  conclusion.  Dr.  Smyly 
wished  to  ask  the  opinion  of  the  Society  on  three  ques- 
tions: I.  Are  injections  advisable  in  all  cases;  and.ifnot, 
what  are  the  indications  for  using  them  ?  2.  Should  they 
be  continuous  or  intermittent :  and,  if  the  latter,  at  what 
intenals  should  they  be  repeated?  3.  What  is  the  best 
method  of  carrying  out  the  process? — British  Medical 
Journal. 


12$  The  Homeopathic   Courier. 

OBSTWATE  rO^lITING  IN  PREG NANCY. 

In  reply  to  Drs.  Alexander,  Price,  and  others,  on  the 
treatment  of  vomiting  in  pregnancy".  I  would  respectfully 
call  their  attention  to  Dr.  Copeman's  theory  of  the  cause 
in  these  cases,  in  an  article  from  him  in  the  British  Medi- 
cal Journal  of  Obstetrics,  (transactions,  vol.  XllI).  sup- 
ported by  facts  and  observations,  that  obstinate  vomiting. 
and,  indeed,  ordinary  vomiting  in  pregnancy,  are  due  to 
a  flexed  condition  of  the  uterus,  the  compression  of  the 
tissues  of  llie  uterus,  at  the  seat  of  the  flexion  constituting 
the  irritation  which  gives  rise  to  the  vomiting,  M.  Tan- 
nier,  acting  upon  the  principle  advanced  by  Copeman,  re- 
ports a  case  {yovrjtal  de  Medictnd  dc  Chirngid),  in  which 
A  "  multipara  in  the  third  month  of  pregnancy  witli  seri- 
ous and  unmanageable  vomitings  were  arrested  by  the 
simple  application  of  a  plug  of  wadding  to  the  vagina," 
The  London  Medical  youmal  (Aug.  28,  "75),  commenting 
upon  the  above,  adds:  "The  plug  and  dilatation  of  the 
neck  are  two  mechanical  methods  which  are  very  rational. 
The  plug  prevents  the  shaking  about  of  the  womb  ;  the 
dilatation  of  the  neck  detaches  the  membranes  over  a  cer- 
tain space  and  prevents  the  twitchingsordistention  of  the 
internal  orifice."  Prof.  Bemiss,  in  the  jVtw  Orleans  Medi- 
cal Journal  (]n\y,  187s),  stales:  "  I  have  had  occasion  sev- 
eral times  in  the  first  months  of  pregnancy  to  elevate  the 
body  of  the  uterus  with  the  view  of  arresting  vomiting. 
In  some  instances  the  result  has  been  so  satisfactory  that 
I  intend  to  investigate  the  matter  more  thoroughly,"  and 
recommends  the  block-tin  ring  pessary,  or,  where  this  can 
not  be  obtained,  the  ordinary  pessary  (Hodge's)  for  retro- 
version. .About  a  year  ago,  I  had  a  very  aggravating 
case  of  vomiting  to  contend  with,  and  after  exhausting  all 
the  remedies  in  my  command,  pepsine,  ingluvin,  bismuth, 
assafcetida,  oxalate  of  cerium,  etc.,  with  no  good  results, 
as  a  dernier  resort  I  tried  the  plug, — in  twelve  hours  all 
symptoms  of  vomiting  had  passed.  Now,  if  flexure  of  the 
uterus  be  the  true  physiological  cause,   and  dilatation   of 


Maternal  Impreistons.  139 

the  OS  gives  relief,  "  removing  the  cramped  condition  of 
the  uterus,"  all  our  remedies  as  above,  singly  or  combined, 
are  worse  than  useless,  giving  neither  relief  to  our  patient 
nor  satisfaction  to  the  physician. 

Belleville.  La.  H.  Neeson.  M.  D..  in  the  lirUf. 


MA  TERXA  L  IMPRESSIONS. 


In  the  Maj-  number  of  the  Brief  \ix.  \V.  A.  Ligon  asks. 
'■  At  what  stage  of  gestation  does  the  embryo  or  fcetus 
seem  to  be  most  susceptible  to  the  influence  of  strange 
sights?"  Permit  me  to  ask  him  what  peculiarconnection 
he  conceives  to  exist  between  mother  and  fcetus.  which 
warrants  the  idea  that  maternal  influence — impressions, 
over  operate,  or  can  operate  upon  the  physical  formation 
of  the  fcetus  ?  In  view  of  the  fact  that  no  nervous  con- 
nection exists  between  mother  and  ftetus.  and  that  there 
is  not  even  a  direct  blood  conimunrcalion  between  them, 
it  is  strange  that  any  reasonable  physician  can  yet  enter- 
tain the  notion  that  the  mother's  mind  has  an  influence  in 
causing  pathological  conditions  which  are  known  as  mark> 
and  malformations.  All  these  malformations  resolve  them- 
selves as  arrests  of  development,  caused  by  placental  ad- 
hesions, intra-uterine  diseases,  excessive  or  incomplete  evo- 
lution, and  many  other  pathological  conditions.  Even  in 
Dr.  Ligon's  own  case,  the  arrested  development  of  tlic en- 
tire structure  of  the  maxillary  process  caused  the  compli- 
cated hair-lip.  In  conclusion,  permit  me  to  ask  him  and 
all  others  who  believe  in  maternal  impressions,  how  it 
comes  that  horrible  sights  which  make  the  strongest  im- 
pression upon  the  mother,  even  to  syncope,  convulsions. 
and  temporarj-  aberration  of  mind,  have  no  influence  upon 
the  ftetus  she  bears  ?  It  is  certainly  a  lucky  thing  for  the 
fcetus  that  its  development  is  not  left  to  these  maternal 
impressions,  otherwise  we  would  have  an  almost  general 
abnormally  formed  "  humanity." 

C.  H.  Wagner,  in  the  Brief. 


Editorial. 


t»Ulll>ll<  I'XIH-CtUtlnU  M  fll 


fUrm.  himI  >pnil  It  on.     ir  fou  Im 

hHlt*,  HHil  wu  will  Ulll  Ull'ni  III  I 


COLLEGE  BUILDINGS  AND  LIBRARIES.  ■ 
When  tile  Germans  set  about  founding  a  university-  they  ' 
first  gather  a  great  collection  of  good  books.       These, 
with  a  corps  of  eminent  teachers,  constitute  the   umvef- 
sily,  though  the  school  may  occupy  buildings  for  lecture;> 
and  instruction  of  only  the  meanest  quality. 

In  America,  on  the  other  hand,  a  good  library  is  com- 
monly the  last  desideratum  sought  by  the  founders  of 
colleges.  Our  colleges  have  no  hbraries  north  mention- 
ing. The  educating  value  of  good  hbraries  in  connection 
with  a  medical  college  can  scarcely  he  over-estimated. 
The  presence  of  a  large  collection  of  books  in  a  college 
helps  powerfully  to  create  there  an  intellectual  atmos- 
phere, so  important  in  medical  education,  and  one  which 
justly  offers  a  chief  attraction.  The  ready  access  by  stu- 
dents to  the  treasures  of  a  good  library  is  a  great  aid  to 
tile  instructor  in  any  department  of  knowledge,  but  espe- 
cially so  in  medicine.  In  fact,  the  better  methods  of  in- 
struction now  prevailing  are  impracticable  without  tliis 
constant  aid  of  many  books. 

A  good  library  is  a  good  advertisement  for  any  school. 
Such  a  school  will  naturally  be  reputed  to  be  more  thor- 
ough in  its  methods  of  instruction,  and  broader  in  the 
spirit  of  the  culture  imparted  to  its  students  than  one 
whose  library  shelves  are  conspicuous  for  their  i 
ness. 


-ir  cmp^HH 


The  Preiidiitt. 


131 


The  distinguished  Prof.  Fisher,  of  Vale,  is  reported  to 
have  said  to  an  officer  in  a  young  Western  college:  "  If 
I  were  to  found  a  college  in  the  West,  I  would  make  it  a 
first-point  to  create  a  good  library.  This  would  attract 
public  notice.  This  would  tend  to  create  the  right  atmos- 
phere about  the  young  school." 

Let  us  have  no  more  preposterous  promises  and  ttvaddic 
about  fine  buildings,  but  give  us  a  college  endowed  with 
;i  good  library  and  an  able  faculty.  Such  an  institution 
will  always  have  students,  and  find  ample  accommoda- 
tion.'i  for  them  in  the  way  of  buildings.  The  homitopathic 
college  that  is  first  to  act  on  the  suggestions  of  this  article 
will  be  the  one  to  win,  W,  C.  R. 


THE  PRESIDENT 


■ 


L 


Our  readers  are  doubtless  kept  well  posted  through  the 
daily  papers  as  to  the  condition  of  the  president,  from 
day  to  day,  and  all  are  doubtless  familiar  with  the  surgical 
liistorj-  of  the  case,  from  the  dale  on  which  Guiteau,  the 
would-be  assassin,  fired  the  shot  that,  from  present  indica- 
tions, will,  indirectly,  in  all  probability,  result  in  death. 

While  we  have  no  sjnnpathy  with  the  reckless  tramp 
who  lodged  the  bullet  in  the  body  of  President  Garfield, 
and  are  anxious  to  see  the  full  penalty  of  the  law  meted 
out  to  him,  we  insist  there  are  others  as  much  or  more  to 
blame  for  the  fatal  result,  if  fatal  it  proves,  as  Guiteau. 
The  whole  management  of  the  case  by  tlie  physicians, 
from  the  first,  seems  to  have  b«en  aimed  chiefly  to  adver- 
tise the  attending  and  consulting  sui^eons — the  patient's 
welfare  being  a  secondary  consideration. 

We  have  not  the  time  or  space  in  this  issue  to  go  into 
and  show  up  all  tlie  blunders  perpetrated,  but  will  content 


132 


The  Homceopathic   Con 


ourselves  with  a  few  remarks  on  the  medical  treatment 
»lone,  leaving  the  surgical  management  proper  for  another 
issue. 

We  have  watched  the  bulletins  and  other  sources  of 
information  closely,  and  find  that  when  the  case  is  sum- 
med up,  as  the  lawyers  say,  it  consists  of  the  latest  and 
most  approved  scientific^ (?)  allopathic  treatment  of  the 
day,  viz:     Morphine,  quinine,  and  whisky  1 

First,  he  had  pain  and  must  have  morphine  ;  then  he 
was  weak  and  must  have  quinine  and  whisky,  and  they 
have  given  him  these  remedies  in  every  conceivable  way; 
first  by  mouth,  until  the  stomach  rebelled;  then  hypo- 
dermically,  and  by  enemata.  Sometimes,  pure  and  sim- 
ple, at  others  mixed  with  his  nutriment,  but  always  and 
nvariably  have  these  three  powerful  destroyers  of  human 
life  been  administered  when  occasion  presented  to  give 
anything. 

We  defy  the  world  to  produce  a  man  strong  enough  to 
withstand  seven  weeks  of  morphine,  quinine,  and  whisky. 
It  would  destroy  the  stomach  and  nerves  of  the  most 
hardy.  Is  it  any  wonder,  then,  that  we  are  informed  the 
end  is  approaching ;  that  the  poor  sufferer  can  no  longer 
retain  anything  on  his  stomach;  that  his  nervous  system 
is  completely  shattered  and  broken  down,  and  that  he 
has  spells  of  delirium?  The  greatest  wonder,  to  those 
who  know  anything  of  the  action  of  these  three  remedies, 
is  not  that  he  is  so  bad,  but  that  he  has  survived  so  long. 

If  he  dies  it  will  be  a  grave  and  important  judicial 
question  to  decide  whether  GuiCeau  or  the  doctors  killed 
the  President,  and  if  Guiteau  has  good  lawyers,  it  will  be 
;m  easy  matter  to  show  that  the  medical  treatment  was 
quite  as  dangerous  and  fatal  as  the  bullet. 

W.  C.  R. 


Quackery. 


»$3 


QVACKERY. 

The  National  Eclectic  Society  has  met,  rcsoluted,  ami 
liiive  retired.  One  of  the  resolutions  was  in  regard  to 
indorsing  an  eclectic  (or  botanic)  medical  college,  at 
Atlanta,  Ga.,  and  one  at  Indianapolis,  Ind.  We  did  not 
learn  what  the  trouble  was  against  the  Atlanta  college 
that  it  should  be  put  on  probation,  but  the  difficulty  in 
the  Indianapolis  concern  was  too  much  Kendrick  in  it^ 
faculty. 

When  a  college  has  as  one  of  its  faculty  and  officers,  a 
man  engaged  in  the  sale  of  patent  nostrums  and  other 
arrant  quackery,  no  respectable  medical  association  should 
recognize  it. 

The  following  is  the  Globe-Democrat's  report  of  the 
proceedings : 

"  Minutes  of  the  committee  meetings  were  read.  From 
these  it  appeared  that  Dr.  Kendrick,  a  professor  in  the 
college,  was  the  proprietor  of  a  "Sovereign  Remedy  for 
Diseased  Liver." 

"'  Dr.  Duff,  of  Chicago,  delivered  a  very  eloquent  speecii 
leveled  at  the  "dean  of  a  college  who  peddles  patent 
medicines." 

"Dr,  Boots  displayed  two  bottles,  large  and  small,  of 
the  much-talked-of  medicine.  He  made  another  passion* 
ite  appeal  for  his  college. 

"  Dr.  Kendrick  explained  his  connection  with  the  liver 
medicine.  It  was  one  he  had  invented  for  his  own  case. 
was  not  patented,  and  its  formula  he  would  give  to  any  of 
the  assembled  physicians. 

'•  Dr.  Russell,  of  Ohio,  explained  the  action  of  the 
committee,  done  "  in  charily  to  all.  with  malice  to  none," 
:ind  exhibited  a  bottle  of  the  liver  cure  with  its  inventor's 
name  and  likeness  upon  it. 

"After  Dr.  J.   A.  Reid,  of  Davenport,   Iowa,  had  ap- 


134 


The  Homaopathic   Courier. 


[jcaled  in  belialf  of  the  two  colleges,  the  previous  qtus-  | 
tion  was  put,  and  Dr.  GLinn's  motion  prevailed,  that  tlie 
two  colleges  be  admitted  on  probation  for  one  year,  t" 
have  no  vote  until  after  the  report  of  the  committee  on 
credentials  at  the  next  convention." 

There  are  several  other  evidences  of  quackerj'  that. 
had  the  society  known,  they  would  not  have  received  the 
college  even  on  probation  while  Kendriclv  was  connected 
with  it. 

Some  years  ago  this  same  Kendrick  issued  hand-bitis, 
and  circidated  them  all  over  the  state,  that  we  criticised, 
in  a  journal  we  then  published,  as  follows  : 

"  We  have  just  been  shown  a  hand^blll  that  is  being  cir- 
culated in  the  city,  on  which  we  find  in  display  lines,  the 
following,  viz : 

"The  iNSTiTtiTE  OK  Mercy. 

"The  Only  Institute  of  the  Kind  in  the  World. 

'■  THE  BLIND  see!    THE  DEAF  HEAR !    THE  L.AME  WALK  !" 


■*  And  we  might  add,  to  the  poor,  the  gospel  is  preached 
by  Dr.  Kendrick  and  Dr. ,  a  spiritualist. 

"These  modest  fellows  claim  that  they  are  '  i:ow/»v//c(/ 
iiy  mysterious  injluevces,  founded  on  inspiratiov.' 

"  The  senior  member  of  this  '  iiis/'iretf'  firm  is  a  sort  of 
Methodist  preacher,  and  an  eclectic  physician. 

"There  is  a  great  deal  of  elasticity  in  Eclecticism  and 
Spiritualism,  but  if  these  .sects  can  stand  this  base  attempt 
at  inspired  humbuggery  and  extortion  without  putting  tlic 
seal  of  their  condemnation  on  such  conduct,  we  will  con- 
sider them  very  delinquent  In  duty.  It  is  due  to  our 
eclectic  brethren  that  they  promptly  disown  a  member  of 
tiicir  profession  who  thus  violates,  not  only  the  obligations 
of  a  physician,  but  the  dictates  of  common  honesty."  J.T.  B. 


Book  Notices. 


A  Practical   Treatise  on  Impotenxe,  Sterility,  and 
Allied  Disorders  of  the  Male  Sexual  Organs.     By 
Samuel  W.  Gross,  A,  M.,  M.  D.,  Lecturer  on  Venereal 
and  Genito-Urinary  Diseases,  in  Jefferson  Medical  Col- 
lege, of  Philadelphia,  Pa.     175  pp.,  8vo. 
This  work  is  a  valuable  addition  to  the  literature  of  the 
profession.     The  author  handles  these  subjects  in  a  mas- 
terly manner.     We  have  derived  considerable  information 
from  reading  this  work,  and  would  advise  every  physician 
to  purchase  it.     It  is  published  by   Henry  Lee's  Sons, 
Philadelphia,  Pa.  J.  T.  B. 


William  Wood  &  Co.'s  Special  Catalogue  for  Dele- 
gates AT  THE  International  Medical  Congress. 
London. 

We  have  never  seen  a  more  tasty  and  handsome  thing 
in  its  way,  than  this  elegant,  satin  bound  catalogue  and 
note  or  memorandum  book.  It  is  an  evidence  of  what 
this  great  firm  can  do,  and  its  contents  show  what  a  vast 
amount  of  valuable  literature  they  have  furnished  to  the 
profession.  W.  C.  R. 


Portrait  of  Hahnemann. 

Mr.  Dodge,  of  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  has  sent  us  one  of  the 
finest  portraits  of  Hahnemann  we  ever  saw.  It  is  a 
chromo  and  hard  to  distinguish  from  an  oil  painting. 


New  Music — Mr.  CharHe  Baker  has  sent  us  a  nic^ 
little  song,  *'  God  Bless  the  Little  Women,"  which  we  can 
recommend  to  our  music-loving  readers.  The  words  arc 
well  adapted  to  the  flowing  melody,  the  accompaniment 
easy,  and  the  chorus  {ad  libitum)  well  harmonized.  Pub- 
lished by^F.  W.  Helmick,  180  Elm  street,  Cincinnati,  O. 


Book  Notices.  136 

DixLiNE  OF  Manhood.     By  A.  E.  Small,   A.  M.,  M.  D., 
President  of  Hahnemann  Medical  College,  etc.    Second 
lidition,     Duncan  Brothers,  Publishers,  Chicago. 
This  is  a  neatly  bound  and  printed  little   book  of  102 
pages.     We  have  no  fault  to  find  with  it  other  than  there 
is  not  enough  of  it.     The  subject  is  one  that   heretofore 
has  not  been  extensively  written  about  by  reputable  prac- 
titioners, but    lately    the    questions    involved   have    been 
taken  from  the  hands  of  the  quacks,  and  we  look  forward 
to  the  time  when  we  shall  have  an  extensive  treatise  on 
the  subject.     Dr.  Small  has  made  a  good  beginning,  and 
we  advise  all  who  desire  literature  of  this  kind   to  invest 
in  the  book.  W.  C.  R. 


We  have  received  and  shall  review  in  our  next  issue, 
the  following  books :  **  Materia  Medica  and  Therapeu- 
tics." By  Hempel  and  Arndt.  W.  A.  Chatterton,  Pub- 
lisher. Chicago.  "  Ludlam  on  Diseases  of  Women." 
Fifth  Edition.     Duncan  Brothers.  Publishers.  Chicago 

W.  C.  R, 


The   Homoeopathic    Courier. 


Vol.  II.  September,  i88i.  No.  3. 


Theory  and  Practice. 


CASES  FROM  PRACTICE. 

BY  TIIOS.    MATniSOX,    M.   D. 

Boy,  aged  4  years,  is  drowsy  every  morning  and  fore- 
noon ;  sensation  of  paralysis  of  the  legs ;  staggering  walk 
and  weakness  of  the  legs ;  loss  of  appetite  and  soreness 
in  region  of  liver;  great  sensitiveness  in  and  distention  of 
pit  of  stomach ;  fever,  without  chill  at  6  or  7  p.  m.,  and 
thirst;  yellowness  around  the  mouth,  nose,  and  eyes. 

R.     Ntix  vom,  200  every  two  hours. 

This  case  had  been  treated  some  eight  or  ten  days  by 
the  attending  physician,  but  the  drowsiness,  etc.,  con- 
tinued. My  attention  being  called  to  the  case,  I  noticed 
the  yellow  discoloration  around  the  mouth,  nose,  and  eyes. 
The  following  remedies  have  this  yellowness  in  a  marked 
degree:  Yellow  around  the  eyes:  Nitric  acid,  nux  vom. ; 
yellow  around  the  mouth:  Nux  vom.,  sepia;  yellow 
around  the  nose  :     Nux  vom. 

Nux  vom,  has  all  the  other  symptoms,  and  especially 
the  morning  drowsiness.  It  is  needless  to  say  that  recov- 
ery was  rapid  under  the  action  oi  nux  vom.  200. 


138  The  Hommopathic  Couritr. 

Girl,  aged  7  years,  taken  suddenly  with  pain  in  one 
knee  and  hip-joint,  so  that  she  could  scarcely  walk.  Gave 
slram.  200,  one  dose  dry  on  tongue.  Slept  well  thai 
night  and  got  up,  when  suddenly  she  felt  the  pain  in  the 
other  hip-joint  and  knee.  Upon  examination,  I  found 
some  fever,  accelerated  pulse,  tenderness  in  lower  spinal 
region.  QAvefcn:  phos.  Sx.  She  began  at  once  to  im- 
prove, rested  well  during  the  remainder  of  the  day,  passed 
a  good  night,  and  was  free  from  pain.  On  the  following 
morning,  the  fever  and  tenderness  to  spine  having  passed 
off,  continued  theyiTr.  phos.  Sx  for  two  days  longer,  then 
gave  a  powderof ^rt/^V/i/ur,  8x,  dissolved  in  water,  a  table- 
spoonful  to  be  taken  every  four  hours,  for  two  days. 
There  was  a  scarlet  eruption  (about  one  centimetre  in 
diameter)  all  over  the  body,  which  disappeared  under  the 
influence  of  the  kali  chlor.  8x,. 


Boy,  aged  4  years,  was  taken  suddenly  with  green,  bit- 
ter vomiting,  followed  by  stupor  and  dilated  pupils. 
When  seen  several  hours  after  attack,  found  him  breath* 
ing  heavily,  drowsy,  pupils  dilated,  with  bilious  vomiting. 
Gave  bell.  200  and  left  opium  200,  with  the  instruction 
to  give  the  opium  200  if  no  relief  from  the  bell,  within 
two  hours,  or  in  case  the  child  should  become  worse. 
No  relief  followed  the  bell.,  although  repeated  at  short 
intervals.  Opium  200  was  then  substituted  followed  by 
immediate  relief  of  all  symptoms.  On  calling  the  next 
day  the  boy  was  found  running  about  as  usual. 

H.  P.,  aged  17  years,  strongly  developed,  and  in  good 
health,  complained  of  headache  in  the  morning,  become  an- 
gry and  indignant  at  some  remark  his  employer  had  made 


Cases  from  Piacticc.  139 

to  him,  and  drank  some  in  consequence  thereof.  At6p.  m. 
of  same  day,  was  summoned  to  see  him.  Found  him  in- 
sensible, and  learned  from  the  attendants  that  he  had 
complained  suddenly  of  cramps  in  hypochondriac  region, 
and  fell  back  upon  the  bed  unconscious.  His  pulse 
seemed  to  be  normil,  however,  and  he  soon  recovered 
consciousness,  I  now  gave  him  maffi.  phes.  6x  in  water, 
not  knowing  of  the  indignation  to  whicK  he  had  been  sub- 
jected in  the  morning.  Within  five  minutes  after  taking 
the  niagn.  pkos.,  he  put  his  hand  to  abdominal  region, 
threw  himself  on  the  bed  in  a  doubled  up  posture,  and 
became  unconscious.  His  pulse  now  began  to  grow 
weaker,  and  his  mother  mide  mention  of  the  anger  and 
indignation  of  the  morning,  stating  that  he  had  suffered 
from  a  similar  attack  when  a  child  from  the  same  cause. 
I  now  at  once  dissolved  a  little  culaeynth  200  in  a  half 
glass  of  water,  and  forced  a  couple  of  teaspoonfuls  into 
his  mouth  by  prying  open  his  firmly  closed  jaws  with  the 
spoon.  In  a  minute  or  two  he  began  to  move,  and  was 
soon  sitting  up,  calling  for  water  to  drink,  and  insisting 
on  going  to  the  well  himself  to  get  the  water.  The 
colocynth  was  continued  every  five  minutes,  until  a  few 
doses  had  been  taken.  I  left  a  dose  oi /err.  phos.  7x,  to 
be  given  in  water,  in  case  there  should  be  any  congestion 
to  head,  and  he  should  become  delirious.  On  calling 
early  the  next  morning  {7  a.  m.),  I  learned  that  he  had 
slept  well  during  the  night,  had  suffered  from  no  cramps 
but  became  delirous  soon  after  I  left,  wanted  to  get  up, 
tore  his  shirt  with  his  teeth,  etc.  The  ferr.  pkos.  jx.  was 
then  given  at  short  intervals,  until  he  fell  asleep,  when  it 
was  discontinued.  I  found  him  now  apparently  sleeping, 
pulse  fifty-eight,  but  firm.  On  being  spoken  to,  he 
opened  his  eyes,  said  he  had  no  cramp,  but  some  pain  on 
breathing  deeply  in  hypochondriac  region,  had  not  much 


140  The  Homa:opathic  Courier. 

headache,  but  felt  dizzy  and  drowsy.  Stra>non.  200  was 
now  given  in  water  every  two  hours.  The  following 
morning  word  was  sent  tliat  lie  was  improving,  was  sitting 
up,  and  that  it  would  be  unnecessary  to  call,  as  he  would 
continue  to  take  the  medicine  left.  Sent  stramon.  200  to 
be  given  every  three  hours  for  a  day  or  two  longer.  The 
recovery  was  complete. 


THE  HEALING  POWER  OF  COTTON. 


rrom  tb>  "RniiilBcTitiu 


Cotton  possesses  a  considerable  healing  power.  fn 
order  to  cure  rheumatic  inflammation  of  the  eyes,  the 
head  must  be  wrapped  up  with  cotton  as  far  as  the  eyes, 
being  careful  not  to  exert  any  pressure  upon  them. 

In  case  of  a  sore  throat,  cotton  produces  a  favorable 
effect  in  one  night,  if  the  neck  be  inclosed  by  it. 

Cough  and  catarrh  loosen  up  and  become  considerably 
alleviated,  if  the  neck  be  wrapped  up  with  cotton  and  a 
large  patch  be  applied  to  the  chest. 

Diarrhcea,  caused  by  a  cold,  will  be  immediately  re- 
lieved, if  the  abdomen  be  covered  with  a  good  supply  of 
cotton  and  the  individual  remains  quiet. 

Headache  ceases,  if  the  head  be  tied  up  with   cotton. 

Rheumatic  toothache  can  be  removed  by  applying 
cotton  to  the  part. 

Burns  can  be  cured  with  cotton,  if  the  parts  are  first 
besmeared  with  fine  oil.  This  last  treatment  was  used 
successfully  in  a  hospital  and  applied  to  those  who  were 
injured  by  an  explosion  in  a  beer  saloon  in  Berlin. 


Abcess  of  Scalp. 


141 


RHUS  TOX.  POlSOmNG. 

Allen,  Mich..  August  8,  1881. 

H,  L.  Verdier.  Di'ar  Sir:  —Noticing  that  the  editors 
of  the  Cquricr  invite  subscribers  to  report  cases  of  in- 
terest to  general  practitioners,  I  thought  that  it  might 
probably  be  of  possible  advantage  to  some  one,  were  I 
to  report  that  I  had  recently  a  case  of  rhus  poisoning  in 
my  practice  that  was  cured  promptly  and  most  satisfacto- 
rily by  giving  gels,  jx  in  pellets  No.  35,  internally  (four 
pellets  at  a  dose),  every  three  hours,  and  at  the  same 
time  using  a  local  applicatioit  of  the  mother  tr.  of  the 
same  strength  of  ten  drops  to  the  ounce  of  water. 

Received  the  hint  from  an  allopathic  journal  that  I  saw 
sometime  since.     Respectfully  yours,       H,  A,  Stonex. 


ABCESS  OF  SCALP. 


B.  L.,  age  14;  just  recovered  from  a  severe  attack  of 
measles;  eyes  and  ears  both  affected  ;  on  the  vertex  was 
an  abcess  of  the  scalp  somewhat  remarkable  for  its  size, 
being  two  inches  in  diameter  and  elevated  about  three- 
fourths  of  an  inch;  previous  to  coming  to  the  clinic  it 
had  been  punctured,  and  was  said  to  have  discharged 
"near  a  gill"  of  pus;  had  gathered  and  grown  larger; 
margin  well  detined  and  seemed  to  be  cut  down  into  the 
bone  all  round;  painful;  an  incision  was  made  in  it  of 
about  tliree-fourtlis  of  an  inch,  when  it  discharged  a  large 
quantity  of  yellow  serous  fluid  and  was  dressed  with  car- 
bolated  water  ten  drops  to  the  half  pint ;  the  patient  re- 
turned the  following  week,  in  which  time  it  had  again 
gathered;  the  incision  was  reopened,  discharging  a  small 


142 


The  Homoeopathic  Courier. 


quantity  of  serous  fluid  and  considerable  coagulated 
blood;  she  was  instructed  to  keep  the  incision  open  and 
syringe  the  cavity  twice  a  day  with  the  carbolated  lotion  ; 
sulph.  8th,  internally.  Fourteen  days  after  she  came  to 
the  clinic  again ;  adhesion  of  the  scalp  to  the  "bone  had 
taken  place  firmly  and  gradually,  the  incision  was  nicely 
closed,  and  her  general  good  heahh  established.  Similar 
abcesses  of  the  scalp  are  not  uncommon  as  sequela  of 
exanthematous  fevers,  but  one  of  the  above  magnitude  is 
i^uite  rare. 


RESECTION    OF    THE  SUPERIOR  MAXILLARY 
NERVE  BEYOND  MECKEL'S  GANGLION, 

The  history  was  furnished  by  Dr.  J.  S.  Hawley,  of  the 
New  York  hospital. 

F.  O .  forty-seven  years  of  age,  was  admitted  to 

the  hospital  on  February  22,  1881.  Patient  has  suffered 
from  neuralgic  pain,  affecting  right  superior  maxillary 
nerve  for  twenty-four  years.  During  the  last  ten  years, 
the  pain  has  existed  in  the  parts  supplied  mainly  by  the 
infra-orbital,  and,  to  a  less  degree,  by  the  inferior  maxil- 
lary nerves.  The  pain  is  spa.smodic,  coming  without  peri- 
odicity, and  lasting  from  two  seconds  to  a  minute.  It  is 
also  brought  on  by  much  talking,  reading,  or  brushing 
the  teeth  of  the  right  jaw,  The  hearing  is  lost  in  the 
right  ear.     Never  has  had  headache  or  dizziness. 

Patient  had  a  single  paroxystn  of  intermittent  fever  in 
1856.     Denies  venereal  or  rheumatic  history. 

Patient  has  had  medical  treatment  of  the  most  varied 
description,  without  relief — all  anti-neuralgic  remedies  and 
galvanism  having  been  faithfully  tried.  The  list  embraces 
not  only  arsenic,  quinine,  and  other  remedies  of  older 
reputation,  but  also  gelseminum,  aconitia,  ammonio-sul- 
phate  of  copper,  chloroform   hypodermically,  and  tonga. 

Two  years  ago  about  one  inch  of  the  superior  maxil- 
lary nerve  was  removed  by  Dr.  E.  C.  Seguin,  the  opera- 


Resection  of  Supnior  Maxillmy  Ntrt'c.  143 

tion  being  followed,  after  two  months  of  constant  pain, 
by  partial  relief,  estimated  by  patient  at  fifty  per  cent. 
After  this  time  the  pain  again  returned,  and  the  former 
symptoms  are  at  present  existing. 

It  having  been  thought  that  a  division  of  the  superior 
maxillary  nerve  farther  back,  if  possible,  beyond  Meckel's 
ganglion,  would  offer  a  reasonable  hope  of  success,  on 
February  23d,  Dr.  Weir  operated  as  follows,  having,  pre- 
viously to  the  etherization,  given  a  hypodermic  of  sol, 
morph.  magend.,  m.  ix. 

The  patient  being  secured  in  a  semi- recumbent  position, 
a  curved  incision,  two  inches  long,  was  made  parallel  to 
thtf  inferior  margin  of  the  orbit,  and  three-fourths  of 
an  inch  below  it,  being  Joined  at  the  junction  of  its  inner 
and  middle  third  by  a  second  incision,  two  and  one-half 
inches  long,  directly  downward,  on  a  line  with  the.  second 
bicuspid  tooth.  Both  triangular  flaps  thus  formed  were 
dissected  back  from  the  bone,  and  the  periosteum  raised 
with  an  elevator.  The  antrum  was  opened  by  breaking 
through  its  anterior  wall  with  a  gouge.  The  infra-orbital 
foramen  was  found  to  be  filled  with  tissue,  at  first  thought 
to  be  a  reproduced  infra-orbital  nerve,  but  attempts  to 
follow  it  backward,  by  breaking  through  the  floor  of  the 
infra-orbital  canal,  were  futile.  The  posterior  wall  of  the 
antrum  was  broken  through  at  its  upper  part  by  means  of 
blunt-pointed  scissors,  a  hook  waS  introduced,  and  a  por- 
tion of  the  nerve,  recognized  as  such  by  its  glistening  ap- 
pearance and  stri^,  pulled  forward.  The  nerve  was  separa- 
ted from  its  attachments  by  sliding  along  it  a  wire,  with  a 
forked  extremity,  until  the  instrument  met  the  resistance 
of  bone  at  the  back  of  the  sphe no-maxillary  fossa.  By 
this  means  the  nerve  was  also  intentionally  stretched.  The 
instrument  was  moved  about  with  the  design  of  loosening 
or  breaking  up  Meckel's  ganglion.  Long,  curved  scissors 
were  then  introduced,  and  the  nerve,  which  was  fixed 
with  a  pair  of  fine  forceps,  cut  off  close  to  the  foramen 
rotundum,  about  three-fourths  of  an  inch  being  removed. 


144  ^''^  Hoi)ii£opathic  Courier. 

Hemorrhage  had  been  quite  free,  but  was  arrested  by 
pressure  and  torsion. 

The  edges  of  incision  were  united  by  means  of  silk 
sutures,  and  a  dry  compress  applied,  after  the  cavity  of 
the  antrum  had  been  thoroughly  washed  with  carbolized 
water  ( I  to  20). 

One  hour  after  the  operation,  the  axillary  temperature 
fell  to  95.4°,  and  the  respirations  to  eight.  A  hot-air 
bath,  and  atropia  gr.  1-48  hypodermically,  were  adminis- 
tered, and  in  a  few  hours  both  respiration  and  tempera- 
ture were  normal.  It  was  subsequently  learned  that  the 
patient  was  very  susceptible  to  the  influence   of  opium. 

There  was  no  return  of  the  pain,  with  the  exception  of 
a  small  amount  in  teeth  of  the  lower  jaw,  and  on  March 
loth  the  patient  was  discharged  cured. — ^ledUal  Rtcord, 


ESSENTIAL    DIFFERENCES  BETWEEN   HUMAN 
AND  COWS  MILK. 

Human  milk  is  always  alkaline,  cow's  milk  nearly  al- 
ways a  little  acid  and  easily  turns  sour,  which  human  milk 
does  not  so  readily  do.  Cow's  milk  contains  a  largerpro- 
portion  of  proteine  than  human  milk,  and  more  albumen 
in  proportion  to  saccharine  matter,  which  is  the  converse 
of  human  milk. 

A  glance  at  the  differences  between  human  and  cow's 
milk  shows  how  well  nature  has  provided  for  both  man 
and  beast.  The  young  calf,  which  very  soon  skips  about 
after  parturition,  requires  more  albumen  and  less  sugar 
than  tJie  young  child,  whose  tender  stomach  requires  a 
milk  which  will  not  easily  turn  suur,  which  contains  less 
albumen  and  more  calorific  matter,  which  it  then  actually 
finds  in  the  greater  proportion  of  sugar. 

It  is  to  be  hoped  that  a  due  consideration  of  the  facts 
here  brought  to  light  will  enable  the  chemist  to  propose  a 
fit  substitute  for  human  milk  for  children  that  can  not  be 
nursed  by  their  mothers  or  wet-nurses. 


02ir  Morbid  Terrors.  14S 

OUR    MORBID     TERRORS— WHAT    THEY   ARE 

AND  WHY  THEY  ARISE. 

In  his  recent  work  on  "  Nervous  Exhaustion,"  Dr. 
George  M.  Beard  has  opened  a  department  of  inquiry  • 
which  will  interest  all  students  of  psycho-physics,  inde- 
pendent of  the  medical  aspect  of  his  observations.  One 
ot  the  mysteries  of  speculative  physiology  has  hitherto 
been  associated  with  the  most  remarkable  symptoms  of 
hydrophobia — nervous  terror  of  water,  which  sets  in  as 
the  disease  approaches  its  climax.  What  relation  subsists 
between  the  nervous  affection  itself,  involving  generally 
no  circumscribed  and  well-defined  section  of  the  brain 
and  spinal  marrow  and  the  development  of  the  psycho- 
logical factor  of  fear  of  water,  so  that  the  one  is  inevit- 
ably followed  by  the  other,  constitutes  one  of  those  sub- 
tle problems  of  mental  physiology  upon  which  experi- 
mental science  and  medical  ingenuity  have  alike  expended 
their  most  acute  efforts  altogether  in  vain.  The  fact  has 
been  so  repeatedly  observed  that  successful  denial  is  im- 
possible, and  the  best  authorities  admit  without  explain- 
ing its  reality.  But  our  ablest  medical  minds  are  as  com- 
pletely in  the  dark  as  to  the  reason  why  the  mental 
symptom  of  dread  of  water  should  follow  that  specific 
form  of  nervous  poisoning,  and  no  other,  as  they  were 
when  inquiries  relative  to  rabies  canina  were  first  com- 
menced in  our  veterinar}'  colleges,  in  emulation  of  similar 
inquiries  in  progress  in  Europe.  A  case  was  brought  to  the 
hospital  of  the  New  York  College  of  Veterinary  Surgeons 
not  long  ago  of  an  animal  apparently  in  the  last  stages  of 
the  disease,  which  shows  that  other  causes  may  produce 
symptoms  allied  to  those  of  true  rabies.  Paralysis  of  the 
limbs  had  already  supervened,  and  the  only  signs  of  life 


146  The  Homeopathic   Courier. 

were  stertorous  breLitiiiiig  and  a  low,  sullen,  .spasmodic 
bark  at  intervals  of  four  or  five  seconds.  One  of  the  pro- 
fessors dissented  from  the  diagnosis  of  hydrophobia,  and, 
relying  upon  the  data  of  canine  anatomy,  diagnosed  ab- 
ccss  of  the  brain,  and  even  pointed  out  the  probable 
location  of  the  ulcer.  On  the  third  day  the  animal  ex- 
pired of  exhaustion,  and,  on  post-mortem,  the  abcess  was 
exposed  at  the  exact  point  indicated  by  the  acute  coin- 
p.irative  anatomist;  and  yet  the  ensemble  of  symptoms 
had  been  exactly  that  of  rabies,  in  a  case  where  no  ves- 
tige of  the  poison  of  rabies  existed.  It  is  conceivabk- 
that  an  analagous  hydrophobia,  not  propagated  from  the 
i..iliva  of  a  diseased  animal,  may  occasionally  occur  in  the 
himian  patient;  the  researches  of  Dr.  Beard,  in  relation 
to  morbid  terrors  ol  all  tj'pes  and  descriptions,  while 
throwing  no  light  upon  the  niysteryof  their  origin,  having 
shown  that  the  special  terror  of  water  associated  with 
hydrophobia  is  not,  as  is  generally  supposed,  a  unique 
phenomenon  ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  one  of  a  class  com- 
mon in  functional  disturbances  of  the  nervous  system. 

He  groups  these  morbid  terrors  under  several  heads. 
The  first  is  astraphobia  (fear  of  lightning),  of  which  he 
has  collated  the  notes  of  a  large  number  of  cases.  The 
leading  symptoms  are  oppressive  pains  in  the  head, 
numbness  at  the  nape  of  the  neck,  nausea,  and  vomiting. 
and  in  some  cases  convulsions — accompanied  by  an  over- 
whelming terror  and  dread,  all  phenomena  arising  from 
purely  subjective  causes.  A  patient  troubled  with  astra- 
phobia will  sit  for  hours  at  the  window,  of  a  summer's 
day,  watching  the  horizon  for  the  slightest  sign  of  a  thun- 
der-storm, and  unable  to  help  doing  so,  although  per- 
fectly aware  that  her  terror  is  absurd  and  ridiculous.  Tlie 
tendency  often  arises  dc  novo  as  a  symptom  of  nervous 


Our  Morbid  Terrors.  147 

exhaustion,  but  is  more  frequently  an  inherited  predispo- 
sition. 

Westphal,  a  distinguished  German  writer  on  psycho- 
physics,  has  recently  described  a  number  of  cases  of 
morbid  terror  under  the  term  of  agoraphobia,  or  fear  of 
places.  The  patient  is  terrified  by  the  prospect  of  having 
to  cross  an  open  street  or  square,  and  the  symptoms  are 
faintness,  shuddering,  and  sometimes  convulsions.  Dr. 
Beard  had  a  patient  of  this  class  who  could  walk  up 
Broadway  without  fear,  because  the  stores  offered  him  an 
opportunity  of  escape  in  case  of  peril,  but  he  could  not 
walk  on  Fifth  avenue  without  extreme  terror,  and  on  one 
occasion,  when  riding  up  Broadway  in  a  stage,  he  shrieked 
out  in  horror  when  the  vehicle  turned  into  Madison 
square,  and  had  to  alight  and  return  to  the  crowded 
street.  The  gentleman  was  tall,  athletic,  and  physically 
vigorous — apparently  the  last  man  to  suffer  from  a  malady 
of  this  kind.  The  doctor  has  known  four  persons  who 
had  a  special  terror  of  crossing  the  ferry  to  Brooklyn, 
and  Dr.  Smith,  of  Bronxville,  recently  had  a  lady  patient 
who  was  unable  to  come  to  the  city  for  many  months, 
not  because  she  was  physically  ill,  but  because  her  fear  of 
crossing  Harlem  bridge  in  the  cars  was  too  overwhelming 
and  unconquerable  to  admit  of  the  attempt. 

One  of  the  most  interesting  cases  in  the  literature  of 
this  department  of  the  subject  is  that  of  a  young  litho- 
grapher who  for  many  months  was  unable  to  enter  a  lith- 
ograph establishment.  One  day,  having  resolved  to  con- 
quer this  absurd  terror,  he  set  out  to  visit  the  shop  where 
he  had  formerly  worked ;  but  when  he  came  in  sight  of 
the  building  his  emotion  overcame  him.  He  was  within 
a  block  of  the  place,  but  could  no  more  have  entered  its 
door  than  he  could  have  plunged  into  a  blazing  furnace. 
Determined  not  to  give  up,  he  retired  into  a  by-street  and 


hs 


Thi  Hom<eoJ>atliic   Courht. 


advanced  upon  the  fortress  from  a  new  direction.  But  it 
Avas  in  vain  to  try  to  conquer  his  whim,  and  he  was  at 
last  compelled  to  abandon  the  attempt  and  return  home. 
Having  engaged  a  place  in  Syracuse,  he  went  to  the  Grand 
Central  Depot  to  take  the  train  for  that  city;  but  on 
entering  the  railway  station  to  buy  his  ticket,  and  going 
to  the  window  for  that  purpose,  he  burst  into  a  passion  of 
tears  and  finally  had  to  withdraw.  At  another  time,  after 
going  all  the  way  to  Cincinnati,  where  he  had  secured  a 
good  position  in  a  lithographing  establishment,  his  cour- 
age broke  down  when  he  came  in  sight  of  the  building, 
and  after  repeated  trials  he  had  to  return  to  New  York 
without  communicating  with  his  employers.  A  physician 
of  great  muscular  strength  has  a  morbid  fear  of  entering 
a  horse  car,  and  will  often  let  half  a  dozen  pass  him  be- 
fore he  can  summon  the  fortitude  to  hail  one  and  get  on 
board. 

Dr.  Meschcde,  of  Casscl,  Germany,  has  lately  read  a 
paper  on  another  class  of  morbid  terrors — fear  of  narrow 
places.  His  patient  was  a  young  man,  who  was  seized 
with  dizziness  and  dread  on  entering  a  small  room,  and 
was  obliged  to  camp  out  in  summer  in  order  to  obtain 
any  sleep,  while  in  winter  a  large  airy  apartntent  kept  him 
tolerably  comfortable.  He  was  ultimately  obliged  to  quit 
his  university  studies  and  become  a  farmer.  Prof,  Ball, 
o(  Paris,  was  the  first  to  describt;  this  form  of  phobia  in  a 
paper  read  before  the  British  Medical  Association  in  1879. 
In  this  memoir,  under  the  caption  of  "Claustrophobia." 
Dr.  Ball  related  a  number  of  cases  of  persons  who  could 
not  stay  within  doors  by  reason  of  morbid  fear,  and  were 
compelled  to  live  and  sleep  in  tents  and   other   pavilions. 

But  the  most  interesting  class  of  all  these  terrors  is, 
perhaps  anthropophobia, — or  terror  of  contact  with  per- 
sons.    Men  of  strong  physical  organization  are  sometime? 


Our  Morbid  Tenors.  149 

troubled  with  this  symptom  in  a  form  so  severe  that  they 
iire  compelled  to  abandon  active  business  and  live  recluse- 
lives  for  long  periods  at  a  time.  The  patient  averts  his 
eyes,  and  can  not  look  even  his  physician  in  the  face,  and 
is  terror-stricken  at  the  suggestion  of  making  an  acquain- 
tance. This  diseased  condition  has  its  antipodes,  which 
may  be  styled  monophobia,  or  fear  of  being  alone.  The 
patient  can  not  travel  alone — can  not  even  take  a  walk 
unaccompanied.  A  Philadelphia  practitioner  relates  an 
instance  that  came  under  his  treatment  in  which  the  pa- 
tient could  not  leave  the  house  unattended,  and  paid  a 
man  $20,000  a  year  to  be  his  constant  companion  and 
never  to  leave  him  alone  for  a  single  moment.  The  fear 
of  contracting  some  disease,  pathophobia,  is  perhaps  one 
o(  the  most  common  forms  of  nervous  terror,  and  cer- 
tainly one  of  the  most  serious  in  its  indications  of  deep- 
seated  nervous  disturbance.  To-day  it  is  disease  of  the 
heart;  to-morrow,  of  the  brain;  the  third  day,  of  the  di- 
gestion or  the  liver.  The  pathophobic  sufferer  lives  in 
terror  of  cancer  and  consumption— rarely  of  acute  and 
contagious  diseases.  He  is  perpetually  being  examined 
for  some  imaginary  trouble,  and  spends  his  time  and 
money  in  demonstrating  that  he  is  tlie  greatest  sufferer 
under  the  sun.  Mysophobia,  the  constant  fear  of  con- 
tamination, is  closely  allied  to  the  preceding  type.  Pa- 
tients in  this  condition  have  been  known  to  wash  their 
hands  as  many  as  200  times  a  day. 

Tormenting  as  these  terrors  are  to  their  victims,  who 
are  as  often  men  as  women — and  they  are  protean  in  form 
as  well  as  legion  numerically— there  is  some  consolation 
to  the  sufferer  in  knowing  that  they  are  seldom  or  never 
associated  with  organic  disease  of  the  nervous  system, 
but  almost  invariably  betoken  functional  trouble.  A  very 
brilliant  and  able  scientist  started   one  day  to  cross  the 


ISO 


The  llai'Caopathic   Con 


ferry;  he  had  been  engaged  in  a  protracted   experimcRtal 

inquiry,  and  was  thoroughly  exhausted.  As  the  boat  left 
the  ferry  house  he  was  seized  with  a  sudden  paroxysm  of 
terror  of  the  motion  of  the  steamer,  and  before  he  could 
restrain  himsefhad  nearly  rushed  overboard.  Recovering 
his  senses  he  went  into  the  cabin  and  sat  down  until  the  boat 
was  moored  in  the  slip  on  the  Brooklyn  side  of  the  river. 
He  declares  that  he  should  have  furnished  an  ine.xplicablc 
case  of  suicide  had  not  self-restraint  come  to  the  rescue, 
and  believes  that  many  cases  of  suicide  arise  from  ner- 
vous impulses  as  sudden  and  little  more  uncontrollable 
than  that  which  afflicted  him.  It  was  over  in  a  few  minutes 
and  has  never  recurred. 

The  fascinating  aspect  of  these  inquiries  is  their  relation 
to  the  specific  terror  of  hydrophobia,  which  has  been  so 
long  supposed  Co  stand  alone,  and  the  inference  they  tend 
to  establish,  that  transmitted  hydrophobia,  is  a  functional 
not  an  organic  disease  of  the  nervous  system,"  induced  by 
some  subtle  neurotic  in  the  saliva  of  the  diseased  animal 
which  has  the  action  of  alkaloid  poison.  Many  cases 
have  proved  that  there  is  no  circumscribed  organic  lesion 
of  the  brain  or  spinal  marrow  in  hydrophobia  in  the  dog 
or  the  man,  and  the  local  conjestions  are  exactly,  accord- 
ing to  pathologists  of  the  class  that  arise  from  profound 
functional  disorder.  But  why  should  one  type  of  nervous 
exhaustion  produce  a  terror  of  water,  another  a  fear  of 
disease,  a  third,  a  dread  of  open  spaces,  and  so  on  through 
the  list?  What  is  the  relation  between  the  physical  fact 
and  the  strange  subjective  or  emotional  phenomenon? 
Dr.  Beard  has  contributed  a  valuable  monograph  to  the 
description  and  classification  of  these  terrors.  Perhaps 
some  acute  dialectician  in  psycho-physics  will  excogitate 
a  coherent  theory  of  this  final  relation  between  nervous 
dynamics  and  mental  and  emotional  phenomena. 


Some  Pi-itctuiil  Points  i 


SOME  PRACTICAL  POINTS  IN  DIGESTION. 


The  subject  of  digestion  and  assimilation  has  received 
a  decided  impetus  from  the  recent  Lumleian  lectures,  deliv* 
ered  before  the  Royal  College  of  Physicians,  by  Dr. 
William  Roberts.  F.  R.  S..  of  Manchester.  In  considering 
the  digestive  ferments  and  artificial  digestion,  he  laid 
liefore  us  lucidly  what  has  recently  been  done  by  physio- 
logical experiment  and  observation,  and  showed  how  it 
bears  on  practical  medicine.  We  all  know,  only  too  well, 
what  a  large  proportion  of  the  ailments  we  are  called 
upon  to  treat,  are  directly  or  indirectly  connected  with 
the  digestive  act.  Not  only  with  the  digestive  organs, 
but  with  those  errors  of  "interstitial  digestion"  which  pro- 
duct; either  struma  or  tubercle.  We  all  recognize  that 
failure  of  the  digestive  tract,  now  on  the  increase,  of  which 
dental  caries  is  a  part  only.  Why  and  how  this  failure  is 
becoming  so  distinct  and  so  wide-spread  at  present,  can 
scarcely  be  discussed  here.  It  is  sufficient  that  we  recog- 
nize tile  clinical  fact. 

All  digestion  is  a  process  of  solution  by  hydration  ;  i.e. 
as  starch  is  converted  into  sugar  by  adding  a  molecule  of 
water  to  it,  under  the  action  of  a  ferment,  so  the  albu- 
minoid "proteid"  is  converted  in  the  stomach  into  a 
"peptone,"  by  a  like  process  of  hydration.  It  is  easy  to 
see  that  our  food  could  not  ver>'  well  be  stored  in  soluble 
form  by  the  vegetable  world,  which,  from  ammonia,  water, 
and  carbonic  acid,  builds  up  for  us  starch,  sugar,  albumi- 
noids, and  fats.  If  soluble  in  water,  they  would  con- 
stantly be  dissolving  in  rain.  So  lliey  are  insoluble  ;  aiid 
the  digestive  act  renders  them  soluble,  so  tliat  they  can 
pass  from  the  intestinal  canal,  through  its  walls,  into  the 
blood  first,  and  from  it  again  to  the  viscera  and  tissues. 

Let  us  take  the  career  of  starch.  The  act  of  bursting 
the  starch  granule  open   by  cooking,  is  a  preparatory  act 


of  no  little  value  in  lessening  the  demand  upon  the  diges- 
tive processes.  This,  is  illustrated  by  the  practice  of  ad- 
vanced agriculturists,  who  cook  the  starchy  matters  of 
the  food  of  their  stock,  or  ferment  them  by  brewer's 
grains.  Under  the  influence  of  the  ferment  of  the  saliva, 
starch  is  converted  into  sugar.  This  ferment  is  known  as 
"  diastase,"  and  an  identical  "  ferment "  is  produced  in  the 
process  of  malting  barley,  where  the  starch  of  barley  is 
"  hydrated  "  into  malt.  This  barley  ferment  is  now  largely 
used,  medicinally,  for  ill-nourished  infants  and  invalids, 
and  very  useful  it  is. 

All  digestion  is  a  process  of  solution ;  but  for  proper 
perfect  solution,  disintegration  is  essential  and  indispens- 
able. The  food,  no  matter  whether  starchy,  albuminoid, 
or  fat,  must  be  reduced  to  tiny,  minute  particles  before 
the  ferments  can  act  efficiently.  We  grind  our  corn  before 
we  cook  it.  We  disintegrate  it  before  it  is  subjected  to  a 
process  which  chemically  affects  it.  That  is,  so  much 
"digestion"  is  actually  performed  upon  the  food,  before 
the  digestion  of  the  body  is  brought  to  bear  upon  it.  So 
we  cook  our  flesh  in  order  to  make  it  less  tough ;  i.  e.,  in 
order  to  make  the  tiny  fibrill^e  of  the  muscles  fall  more 
readily  asunder.  This  reduces  the  act  of  chewing  very 
considerably,  and  so  reduces  the  work  of  digestion.  The 
flesh  of  the  pig  and  the  calf  is  especially  indigestible,  be- 
cause it  is  not  readily  disintegrated — as  dyspeptics  know 
to  their  regret,  when  they  have  been  indiscreet  enough  to 
partake  of  either,  often  when  some  persuasive  woman's 
voice  has  persuaded  that  "  that  /////f  piece  can't  hurt  you," 
These  persuasive  women  are  valuable  allies  for  the  pro- 
fession !  Cooking  and  mastication,  then,  reduce  the  labor 
of  the  stomach  in  disintegration.  And,  again,  we  see 
how  bad  teeth,  and  habit  of  eating  rapidly,  lead  to  indi- 
gestion. With  bad  teeth,  mastication  is  imperfectly  per- 
formed, and  disintegration  by  the  movements  of  the 
stomach  rendered  more  difficult  and  also  painful.  The 
digestion  in  the  stomach  is  thus  converted  from  a  painless 


Some  Priiclital  Points  in  Digestion.  153 

and  rather  comfortable  matter,  to  a  painful  and  uncou]- 
fortable  matter.  The  food  should  then  be  tlioroughly 
chewed  for  divers  reasons. 

Now  we  can  proiilably  return  to  the  matter  of  the  effects 
of  artificial  diastase.  It  is  quite  clear  that  children  and 
invalids  should  be  taught  to  eat  slowly,  and  mix  their 
food  patiently  with  saliva.  The  dairy  farmer's  wife  and 
maids  used  of  old  to  patiently  feed  their  calves  "off  the 
finger;"  /.  c,  they  made  the  calves  lick  the  milk  from 
their  fingers,  and  so  it  got  well  mixed  with  saliva.  But 
the  increasing  pace  at  which  we  live  has  reached  tlic 
slow-going  agriculturist,  and  now  the  calves  are  allowed 
to  bolt  their  milk,  with  the  natural  consequence  of  too 
firm  curds  in  the  stomach,  diarrhj;a  to  get  rid  of  them,  a 
bottle  of  medicine  to  stop  nature's  efforts,  and  an  in- 
creased mortality  among  calves.  So,  when  children  do 
not  eat  slowly,  their  digestive  processes  are  embarrassed  ; 
and  especially  is  this  the  case  where  the  milk  teeth  arc 
decayed. 

Then  again,  in  order  to  aid  the  defective  action  upon 
starch,  fay  the  natural  diastase  being  deficient  in  quantity 
or  impaired  in  power,  we  add  the  artificial  diastase  "ma!- 
tine."  But,  as  Dr.  Roberts  points  out,  in  order  to  make 
this  ferment  operative  it  must  not  be  taken  after  a  mea! 
is  over.  Rather  it  should  be  added  to  the  various  forms 
of  milk  porridge  or  puddings,  before  they  are  taken  into 
the  mouth.  About  this  there  exists  no  difficulty.  Malline 
is  a  molasses-like  matter,  and  mixes  readily  with  milk, 
gruel,  etc.,  without  interfering  either  with  its  attractive- 
ness in  appearance  or  its  toothsomencss ;  indeed  its  sweet 
taste  renders  the  gruel,  etc.,  more  palatable.  A  minute 
or  two  before  the  milky  mess  is  placed  before  the  child 
or  invalid,  the  maltine  should  be  added.  If  a  certain 
portion  of  baked  flour,  no  matter  in  what  concrete  form, 
were  added  to  plain  milk,  and  some  maltine  mixed  with 
it  before  it  is  placed  on  the  nursery  table,  we  should  hear 
much  less  of  infantile  indigestion  and  mal- nutrition. 


134 
Then  < 


The  Ilomccopathk   Con 


I  comes  the  question  of  the  digestion  of  albumi- 
noids. Under  the  influence  of  the  gastric  juice,  an  insol- 
uble albuminoid,  a  "proteid"  is  converted  into  the  solu- 
ble "  peptone."  As  such,  it  passes  into  the  blood,  where 
it  at  once  passes  back  to  proteid  form.  This  digestion 
into  a  "peptone"  is  achieved  by  the  addition  of  a  mole- 
cule of  water,  and  as  soon  as  the  soluble  peptone  has 
reached  the  blood  it  is  dehydrated  back  to  a  proteid. 
This  is  the  special  function  of  the  stomach,  viz..  to  digest 
albuminoids.  And  here,  again,  we  see  that  disintegration 
is  essential  to  solution.  If  the  albuminoid  be  flesh  it  must 
first  be  cooked,  which  makes  it  tender,  so  tiiat  one  minute 
fibril  readily  parts  from  its  next  neighbor.  And,  as  per- 
sons advance  in  years  they  usually  prefer  their  meat  well 
done,  while  youthful  appetites  like  underdone  meat  gen- 
erally. Then  it  must  be  masticated  so  as  to  thoroughly 
break  dowu  the  separate  fibrill.-c.  If  these  two  prepara- 
tory operations  have  been  imperfectly  performed,  then 
the  work  of  the  stomach  is  increased.  Hence,  the  move- 
ments of  the  stomach  are  active  and  prolonged,  so  that 
the  individual  becomes  conscious  of  ihtm  ;  this  is  the  in- 
digestion of  "imperfect  disintegration."  This  form  of  dys- 
pepsia is  very  amenable  to  treatment,  and  the  indications 
are  plain  enough.  Suitable  food  miist  alone  be  taken; 
mastication  must  be  efficient  and  careful.  If  the  teeth 
are  decayed,  the  dentist  must  be  consulted,  and  false 
teeth  if  necessary  supplied.  Practically,  milk  puddings, 
with  or  without  stewed  fruits;  "steam-cooked,  crushed 
cereals,  to  be  procured  of  leading  grocers :  fish,  especially 
short-fibred  white-fish;  and  the  white  flesh  of  fowLs,  arc 
to  be  preferred.  Let  the  time  spent  at  meals  be  sufficient 
for  proper  mastication,  and  the  mixture  of  the  saliva  with 
the  starchy  or  glycogenous  matters  of  the  food;  by  this 
last  the  starch  is  converted  into  sugar,  which  being  solu- 
ble passes  from  the  stomach  to  the  blood,  and  the  gastric 
digestive  act  is  not  embarrassed  by  the  presence  of  too 
much  starch.  These  little  matters  reveal  their  practical 
importance  under  the  bright  light  which  advancing  pbysi- 


Some  Prijfticnl  Poiitls  in  Digestion.  IJJ 

ology  is  throwing  upon  them.  They  have  long  been 
known  to  careful  clinical  observers  empirically,  and  as 
matters  of  fact,  but  now  we  know  them  scientifically, 
which  reveals  their  importance  to  all.  Thus  perfect  dis- 
integration is  essential  in  all  cases  of  dyspepsia.  After 
that  comes  the  question  of  "solution." 

Digestion  is  really  solution.  The  gastric  juice  is  the 
solvent  of  the  albuminoid  elements  of  our  food.  Now, 
when  this  juice  is  secreted  in  insufficient  quantity,  or  is 
impaired  in  quality,  then  the  solvent  process  does  not 
progress  properly.  We  have,  then,  indigestion  from  im- 
perfect action  of  the  ga.stric  juice.  Having  secured  for 
the  patient  a  suitable  dietary,  and  as  perfect  disintegra- 
tion as  tlie  circumstances  of  the  case  will  permit,  we  come 
to  the  next  matter,  the  gastric  juice.  We  must  secure 
more  gastric  juice,  or  a  belter  quality  of  it.  For  this  end. 
wc  stimi'ilate  the  secretion  by  appropriate  measures,  or  we 
employ  artificial  digestive  agents,  procured  from  outside 
the  organism. 

Wc  know  that  there  are  agents,  which,  in  considerable 
quantities,  excite  inflammation  of  the  coats  of  the  stomach 
and  which,  when  taken  in  medicinal  doses  merely,  increase 
ihe  vascularity  of  the  gastric  mucous  membrane,  and  so 
stimulate  the  flow  of  gastric  juice.  Such  agents  we  pos- 
sess in  arsenic  and  ipecac,  and  certainly  aUohol.  The 
action  of  the  latter  is  often  excellent  in  weak  digestion, 
either  taken  with  the  food  or  as  a  fillip  to  the  appetite 
immediately  before  food. 

Beyond  these  measures  lies  the  use  of  artificial  pepsinc. 
Pepsine,  if  properly  prepared,  will  digest  albuminoid 
bodies  outside  the  body.  The  pepsine  of  the  pig  or  calf 
is  potent  within  the  human  stomach.  But,  as  pepsine  only 
digests  albuminoids  in  an  acid  medium,  it  is  clear  it  must 
be  given  shortly  after  a  meal.  And  from  what  has  been 
said  before,  it  is  quite  clear  that  in  each  case  the  medical 
attendant  must  distinguish  betwi.\t  the  indications  for 
giving  maltine  to  digest  starch,  and  pepsine  to  digest 
albuminoids.      There  is  room  for  fear  that  this  distinction 


rgfi  The  Hoii:a\'pathic  Coiirur. 

is  not  invariably  made  as  carefully  as  it  ought  to  be  made. 
Vet  it  is  evident  that  in  every  case,  such  discrimination  is 
necessary  for  its  right  manafjement,  and  it  will  not  do  to 
give  maltine  or  pepsinu  indiscrininately.  By  careful  at- 
tention to  these  difTerent  matters,  ciearly  distinguishing 
the  indications  for  treatment  in  each  case,  the  difficulties 
can  usually  be  stirniounlod  successfully;  but  it  is  by  no 
"happy-go-lucky"  plan,  or  rather  want  of  plan,  whicli 
will  enable  the  practitioner  to  so  diet  and  treat  these 
patients  as  to  be  generally  successful.  A  chance  success 
here  and  there  may  be  attained,  but  s>-stenmtic  success 
can  only  be  hoped  for  by  systematic  study  of  the  sub- 
ject. 

All  this  time  fat  has  never  been  discussed.  The  diges- 
tion of  fat  is  not  effected,  cither  by  the  saliva  or  the  gas- 
tric juice.  It  is  a  moot  pcint,  yet,  how-  far  some  portion 
of  the  fat  in  the  stomach  may  not  be  broken  up  into  fatty 
acids  and  glycerine ;  and  that  the.se  fatty  acids  may  aid 
the  bile  and  the  pancreatic  juice  in  the  cmulsionizing  and 
saponifying  of  the  rest  of  the  fat. 

Hut  the  digestion  of  fat  takes  place  beyond  the  stomach, 
to  speak  broadly.  When  the  contents  of  the  acid 
stomach  pass  the  partially-relaxed  pyloric  ring,  they  come 
into  contact  with  the  bile  and  are  rendered  alkaline.  And 
then  the  action  of  the  pancreatic  secretion  comes  into 
play.  About  this  Inst  matter  older  practitioners  know 
little.  That  is  not  their  fault,  however.  The  subject  is 
one  which  has  been  cleared  up  since  their  student  days. 
The  pancreatic  secretion  contain.s  four  principles:  "{li 
A  ferment  which  changes  starch  into  sugar;  (2)  trypsin, 
which  digests  albuminoids  in  an  alkaline  medium;  (3)  a 
substance  which  will  curdle  milk ;  and  (4)  another  sub- 
stance which  will  emul.sionize  fats.  Consequently,  con- 
trary to  what  is  thought  by  many,  it  is  beyond  the  stom- 
achthat  the  greate.st  digestive  activity  occurs.  When 
the  contents  of  the  stomach  pass  into  the  small  intestine 
the  pancreatic   secretion  commences  its  operation.     Tbc    - 


SoDif  Prai'tii'iil  Points  in  Digfstion,  157 

remaining  starch,  unconverted  into  sugar,  by  the  saliva,  is 
acted  upon  now.  once  more;  the  albuminoids  not  alread)- 
tligcstcd  by  the  gAstric  pcpsine  are  digested  by  the  pan- 
creatic trypsin,  while  the  fats  are  emulsionized  so  that 
thc)-  can  be  taken  up  by  the  lacteals  in  the  vHlU  of  the 
i  ntcstines. 

Here,  then,  we  h;ive  digestive  activity  in  its  most  pro- 
nounced form.  But  of  digestion  here,  we  as  yet  know 
notliing;  we  merely  know  that  fat  is  not  digested  in  cer- 
luiin  cases.  Vut  there  are  some  matters  connected  with 
the  digestion  of  fat  which  arc  not  made  as  much  the  sub- 
ject of  thought  as  they  ought  to  be. 

There  is  the  broad  fact  that  cod-liver  oil,  cream,  butter. 
the  liquid  portion  of  fried  bacon,  are  the  most  digestible 
f.its;  that  these  can  often  be  assimilated  when  thc  ordi- 
nary (at  of  meat  is  not  digested,  and  is  turned  from  with 
loathing.  Many  a  child  will  reject  with  disgust  the  fat  of 
meat,  so  sweet  and  toothsome  to  many  persons  with  good 
assimilative  powers,  and  readily  take  cod4iver  oil.  admit- 
ting that  the  latter  is  not  attractive  by  its  taste.  There  is 
clearly  something  hcr«  in  the  albuminoid  envelope  of  the 
animal  fat,  F.it,  as  found  in  the  bodies  of  animals,  con- 
sists of  connective  corpuscles  crammed  with  fat  globules. 
Before  such  fat  can  be  digested,  the  albuminoid  envelope 
must  be  removed.  How  far  thi.s  film  of  connective  tissue 
interferes  with  the  digestion  of  the  fat  contained  in  it.  wt 
c.in  not  yet  say.  Rut. the  facts  stand  in  a  very  suggestive 
relationship. 

Now  Avhat' means  have  we  for  influencing  this  portion 
of  the  digestive  act?  Again,  we  may  stimulate  the  pan- 
creas, or  fall  back  upon  artificial  pancreatic  secretion. 
For  the  purpose  of  stimulating  the  pancreas  we  possess 
une  agent  alone  of  which  we  as  yet  have  any  knowledge. 
This  is  sulphuric  ether.  Dr.  Balthazar  Foster,  of  Bir- 
mingham, first  brought  forward  ether  for  this  purpost, 
giving  it  with  cod-liver  oil.  where  the  oil  alone  did  not 
seem  to  be  assimilated.  This  work  has  been  corroborated 
sion  appointed  in  the  United 


fay  the  report  of  a 


'  Homeopathic  Cou 

States  of  America  to  investigate  the  matter.  It  is  cer- 
tainly a  measure  well  worth  trial  in  cases  where  pancre- 
atic digestion  is  impaired. 

Then  there  is  the  use  of  pancreatic  secretions  obtained 
from  that  useful  omniverous  animal,  the  pig.  These,  if 
well  made,  are  of  great  potency,  and  are  not  objection- 
able in  taste.  We  all  know  that  Dr.  Horace  DobeU  has 
long  had  before  the  profession  a  "Pancreatic  Emulsion." 
for  the  treatment  of  phthisis  e.specially.  There  can  be 
little  if  any  doubt  about  the  fact  that  It  is  the  imperfect 
assimilation  of  tat  which  impairs  "interstitial  digestion" 
in  the  body.  This  impairment  gives  us  those  modifica- 
tions of  nutrition  which  are  summed  up  in  the  word 
"  struma." 

We  know  that  if  we  can  manage  to  enable  a  patient 
with  pulmonary  phthisis  to  digest  and  assimilate  cod- 
liver  oil,  tissue  nutrition  becomes  so  altered  that  the  de- 
velopment of  tubercle  is  usually  arrested.  That  is,  wc 
have  once  more  given  to  growing  tissue  that  fat  which  is 
essential  to  healthy  tormatlon.  Call  growths  of  tubercle 
by  what  name  each  man  pleases,  Virchow's  broad  view 
that  tubercle  is  a  growth  of  connective  tissue  corpuscles 
degraded  in  quality,  while  produced  in  great  quantity,  is 
the  one  to  hold  In  order  to  best  grasp  the  subject  from  its 
therapeutic  aspect.  What  we  have  to  attempt  to  do,  is  to 
give  to  the  tissues  the  fat  without  which  they  arc  not 
healthy.  Now  the  perusal  of  the  foregoing  remarks  will 
tell  every  reader — him  that  reads  and  runs,  »s  well  as  bim 
who  reads  slowly — that  in  the  treatment  of  tissue  malnu- 
trition, whether  of  phthisis  or  some  other  form,  there  are 
many  points  to  be  attended  to,  beyond  ordering  cod-U> 
oil  or  change  of  air.  The  last,  as  being  directed 
solely  to  the  effect  of  the  inspired  air  upon  the 
membrane  of  the  air-tubes  locally ,^*|ttry  narroV 
limited  view  of  phthisis;  and  it  isj 
tors  who  sing  the  pt 
should  ]cnow  a  lUUe 


Some  Practical  Points  in  Digestion,  159 

little  less  taken  up  with  the  atmospheric  disturbances,  and 
the  mere  number  of  hours  of  sunshine  of  different  locali- 
ties. For  instance,  a  young  lady  was  sent  to  Davos  the 
winter  of  iS/S-'/q,  and  came  back  considerably  improved. 
She  after  that  came  under  my  notice  professionally,  and  I 
put  her  upon  a  course  of  pills,  containing  arsenic  and 
iron.  On  this  she  improved  nicely,  and  I  insisted  upon 
her  continuing  the  medicine  during  her  stay  at  Davos  last 
winter  (iS/Q-'So),  so  as  to  derive  the  maximum  benefit  for 
the  heavy  expenditure.  But  when  she  got  to  Davos  her 
doctor  stopped  the  medicine  without  any  communication 
Vith  me  in  the  matter.  What  are  the  consequences?  She 
comes  back  in  such  a  condition  that  her  mother  gives  her 
the  pills  again,  on  which  she  soon  improves.  Now  will  any 
reasoning  being  believe  that  if  that  course  oi  arsenic  and 
iron  had  been  continued  during  the  stay  at  Davos,  the  girl 
would  not  have  been  all  the  better  for  it  ? 

In  tissue  malnutrition,  it  is  not  sufficient  to  merely  order 
cod-liver  oil  and  change  of  air,  as  is  evident  by  what  has 
gone  before,  but  to  first  see  that  the  digestive  and  assim- 
ilative processes  are  going  on  properly;  that  the  food  con- 
tains the  requisite  quantities  of  nutritive  power,  with  ready 
disintegration  ;  that  the  natural  digestive  ferments  are  en- 
couraged or  supplemented  by  artificial  ferments ;  and  then 
comes  the  question  of  the  assimilation  of  fats.  The  last  is 
the  crowning-point  of  the  therapeutic  edifice,  not  its  foun- 
dation. It  should  not  be  the  first  thing  done  to  order  the 
cod-liver  oil,  but  to  lead  the  organism  up  to  its  ready  di- 
gestion, and  ultimately  to  that  of  other  less  digestible  but 
more  stable  fats. 

Then  it  is  ot  the  utmost  moment  always  in  disease,  to 
watch  the  condition  of  the  tongue  and  humors  of  the 
stomach.  However  capricious  the  latter,  it  must  be  hu- 
mored and  conciliated  ;  and  whenever  the  tongue  becomes 
denuded  of  its  epithelium,  or  is  covered  with  a  layer  of 
dead  epithelium,  the  plan  of  treatment  must  be  at  once 
suspended ;  and  if  nausea  or  eructations  follow  the  oil,  then 


t6o 


The  Homa-opatkie   Courift. 


for  a  time  it  must  be  withheld.  No  matter  how  tantaliz* 
ing  to  see  a  satisfactory  progress  checked,  submission  to 
the  stomach  is  essential ;  to  pursue  the  same  line  when  the 
stomach  is  disturbed  is  not  gDod  generalship.  To  rctiru 
for  strategic  purposes,  is  not  always  the  equivalent  of  de- 
feat; it  maybe  a  wise  and  prudent  manoeuvre,  Verj- 
often,  indeed,  the  result  of  a  case  hangs  upon  the  readiness 
with  which  this  strategic  manceuvre  is  executed.  It  is  to 
be  feared  that  the  clinical  skill  of  a  generation  or  two  in 
these  matters  of  apparent  minutic,  have  been  largely  for- 
gotten by  a  race  who  study  disease  in  the  dead-house. 
and  who  look  at  tissues,  healthy  and  diseased,  too  exclu- 
<>ively  through  a  microscope. — London  Practitieiter. 


Taste  Not,  Touch  Not. — F.  J.  Bancroft,  senior  sur- 
geon to  the  Denver  and  Rio  Grande  Railroad,  concludes 
his  circular  of  instructions  to  the  conductors  of  that  line 
as  follows: 

"  The  continued  or  excessive  periodical  use  of  malt  or 
alcoholic  liquors  should  be  abstained  from  by  everj'  one 
engaged  in  operating  the  road,  not  only  on  account  of  the 
great  risks  to  life  and  property  incurred  by  intrusting  them  • 
to  the  oversight  of  those  whose  intellects  may  be  dulled 
at  times  when  most  care  is  needed,  but  also,  and  essen- 
tially, because  habitual  drinking  has  a  very  bad  effect 
upon  the  constitution,  which  is  a  serious  matter  to  men  so 
liable  to  injury  as  railroad  employees  are.  It  so  lessens 
the  recuperative  powers  of  the  body  that  simple  wounds 
are  followed  by  the  most  serious  and  dangerous  compli- 
cations. Fractures  unite  slowly,  if  at  all,  and  wounds  of 
a  grave  nature,  such  as  those  requiring  the  loss  of  a  limb, 
are  almost  sure  to  end  fatally.  No  employe  can  afford  to 
take  such  risks,  ami  the  raikvay  company  can  not  t, 
such  responsibilities." 


Surgety. 


THE  PROGRESS  OF  SURGERY. 

IJy  J.  G.  GiLciimsT,  M.  D.,  n*a«l  bofore  the  College  of  rhysiciats  and  9r.r- 

geuns,  of  Michigan. 

It  was  formerly  the  custom  to  preface  systematic  works 
on  surgery  by  a  so-called  history  of  the  art,  and  however 
excellent  the  conception  of  its  necessity  might  have  been, 
certainly  the  execution  of  the  task  was  always,  and  natu- 
rally, very  unsatisfactory.  Some  writers  of  to-day,  em- 
phatically of  the  old  school  (not  as  applied  to  a  system  of 
therapeutics,  rather  to  habits  and  methods  of  study),  arc 
still  found  burdening  their  opening  chapters  with  a  chron- 
ological detail  that  is,  in  the  ver}'  nature  of  things,  a 
travestie  upon  histor}'.  Seeking  to  give  a  bird's-eye  view 
of  the  achievements  in  surgerj",  they  have  at  best  suc- 
ceeded in  giving  an  imperfect  table  of  important  opera- 
tions performed,  of  necessity  omitting  very  much,  and 
frequently  printing  much  of  doubtful  value.  If  an  histor- 
ical resume  is  worth  anything,  if  it  has  any  legitimate 
object,  certainly  it  is  at  once  to  give  us  a  comprehensive 
idea  of  the  natural  development  of  our  science,  mark  the 
periods  of  great  reform  or  advancement,  and  prepare  us 
for  still  further  advancement  by  pointing  out  the  route  by 
which  perfection  is  to  be  attained.  For  this  purpose  wc 
are  led  to  inquire,  what  are  the  essentials  in  surgery,  be- 
fore we  can  conceive  of  a  rational  arrangement  of  our 
subject. 

The  qualified,  conscientious  practitioner,  approaching 
a  case  submitted  to  him  for  treatment,  must  realize  that 


1 62 


his  first  duty  i 


The  Homxopalhic  Courier. 
'.  to   avoid    mutilation  of  his 


s  patient, 

within  the  resources  of  art.  Failing  in  this,  or  recogni-tinj; 
the  hopelessness  of  the  attempt,  he  must  tabulate  tlie 
desiderata,  as  follows : 

1st.  Protect  from  unnecessary  loss  of  blood. 

2d,  Preserve  as  much  of  the  part  as  possible, 

3d.  Lessen  or  banish  pain, 

4d.  Prevent  or  modify  shock. 

In  other  words,  he  is  to  select  such  a  course  of  treat- 
ment as  will  accomplish  the  end  desired  iji  the  most  piiin- 
Icss,  certain,  safe,  and  rapid  manner.  As  the  old  maxim 
has  it:     "  Cito,  hitc,  eljiicmide." 

Whilst  it  would  be  folly  to  affirm  that  these  indications 
are  all  met  in  the  present  stage  of  development  of  the  sci- 
ence and  art  of  surgery,  we  can  certainly  maintain  with 
truth  that  a  certain  measure  of  success  lias  been  secured, 
and  each  indication  has  been  fulfilled  only  after  the  preced- 
ing one  has  been  secured  and  perfected.  Hence  wc  can  for- 
mulate a  systematic  history  of  the  Chirugic  art  by  imita- 
ting the  methods  of  the  general  historian,  and  consider 
our  subject  as  arranged  under  four  heads,  each  represent- 
ing an  epoch,  not  artificial  in  any  sense,  but  each  marking 
a  genuine  advance,  from  which  collateral  topics  naturally 
ramify,  and  leading  in  an  equally  natural  sequence  into 
the  next.  These  epochs  would  also  number  four,  each 
having  a  certain  relation  to  the  indications  to  be  fuiniled 
in  a  given  case.  Thus  the  discovery  of  Harvey  marks  the 
advent  of  the  first;  that  of  Pare  the  second;  that  of  Mor- 
ton, Jackson,  and  Simpson  the  third ;  that  of  exscction  iff 
bones  the  fourth,  to  wiiich  we  can  add  a  fifth,  as  related 
to  both  the  first  and  second,  although  coming  much  later. 
the  bloodless  operations  of  Esmarch, 

Viewed  in  this  relation,  it  is  at  once  apparent  to  the 
most  careless  observer,  that  surgery,  as  with  the  fine  arts. 


The  Progress  of  Surgery,  163 

passed  through  a  period  of  decay  and  degradation,  and 
then  entered  upon  a  true  renaissance.  The  student  will 
be  surprised  to  discover  that  the  elevation  of  this  depart- 
ment of  medicine  into  a  place  among  the  sciences  com- 
menced very  recently;  that,  judged  by  its  age  alone,  thus 
rehabilitated,  it  can  scarcely  have  entered  upon  its  career. 
As  a  matter  of  fact,  surgery,  as  we  know  it  to-day,  did  not 
commence  to  live  until  less  than  300  years  ago ;  all  that 
has  been  handed  down  to  us  from  periods  of  time  ante- 
rior to  this,  is  almost  valueless,  excepting,  it  may  be,  to 
satisfy  the  cravings  of  the  antiquary. 

Epoch  I. — Between  the  years  15 17  and  1590,  there 
lived  a  military  surgeon  in  France,  whose  genius  and 
learning  gave  the  first  impulse  to  the  scientific  develop- 
ment of  surgery. 

Ambrose  Pare,  whose  name  alone  brought  health  and 
courage  to  the  wounded  strewn  on  the  field  of  battle ; 
whose  presence  in  the  beleaguered  city  reanimated  the 
the  fainting  soldiers,  he  it  was  that  emancipated  surgery 
from  the  shackles  of  superstition  and  charlatanry  that  up 
to  that  time  had  enslaved  it,  and  lifted  it  up  as  an  object 
worthy  to  engage  the  thoughts  and  command  the  best 
efforts  of  students  everywhere.  H'e  entered  upon  his 
career  at  a  time  when  boiling  oil  poured  into  gun-shot 
wounds  was  the  accepted  remedy  all  over  Christendom. 
When  the  hemorrhage  from  amputations,  or  other  great 
operations,  was  controlled  by  dipping  the  bleeding,  quiv- 
ering stump  into  boiling  tar  or  pitch,  or  searing  it  with  a 
red-hot  iron.  At  a  time  when  strangulated  or  incarcer- 
ated hernia  was  treated  by  clamping  the  neck  of  the  sac, 
and  either  excising  all  beyond  the  clamps,  or  allowing  it 
to  detach  itself  by  sloughing.  In  his  day  a  surgical  oper- 
ation and  death  were  synonymous  terms.  No  man  sub- 
mitted his  body  to  the  surgeon's  knife  until   life  hung  in 


164 


Tile  HomcEopathic  Con 


balance,  and  tlie  equal  barbarism  of  the  physician  Iiad 
failed  to  ward  off  the  arrows  of  the  king  of  terrors.  This 
fearful  mortality  was  the  result  of  hemorrhage,  tlie  means 
taken  to  avert  the  shock  of  the  operalion,  and  the 
usually  hopeless  character  of  the  case  when  brought  tn 
the  surgeon.  Up  to  this  time,  all  the  operations  u-e  read 
about,  from  Hippocrates  down  through  the  times  of 
Celsus,  Galen.  Avicenna,  Paul  de  ^gina.  Guy  de  Chau- 
liac.  and  others,  were  of  the  crudest  descri_ption;  per- 
formed with  less  than  an  elementary  knowledge  of  anat- 
omy, no  knowledge  wliatever  of  physiology,  and  with 
pathology  hidden  from  view  in  the  densest  fog.  With 
the  light  they  had,  their  achievements  were  wonderful, 
arguing  heroic  bravery  in  the  operator,  and  more  than 
Spartan  courage  and  hardihood  in  the  victim.  They 
attempted  much,  often,  in  consideration  of  the  means  they 
possessed,  they  succeeded  beyond  what  we  would  con- 
sider possible.  They  failed  as  often,  and  the  failure  was 
attributed  to  the  anger  of  an  offended  God.  or  a  jealous 
saint  who  had  not  been  adequately  feed.  It  were  unrea- 
sonable to  suppose  that  any  conjunction  of  circumstances 
would  enable  a  single  generation  of  surgeons  to  com- 
pletely over-turn  the  errors  of  practice  then  in  vogue. 
.Much,  however,  could  be  accomplished  by  removing  one 
of  the  elements  of  danger,  chiefly  by  giving  confidence 
to  the  patient  and  adding  to  the  courage  of  the  sui^eon. 
When  it  was  recognized,  as  Pare  soon  compelled  the  fra- 
ternity to  do.  that  the  loss  of  blood  was  poorly  compen- 
sated for  by  tlie  disastrous  results  of  shock  from  the  bar- 
barous nature  of  the  hemostatics  in  vogue,  and  that  a 
simple,  rational  method  would  at  once  effectually  prevent 
death  from  bleeding  and  banish  the  shock  and  torture 
surgical  patients  were  called  upon  to  endure,  it  required 
but  little  time  to  direct  the  efforts  of  the  practitioner  into 


77/e  Progress  of  Surgery,  165 

a  new  channel,  enable  him  to  attempt  operations  formerly 
unknown  and  correspondingly  enlarged  the  list  of  curable 
diseases  commensurately  with  the  enlargement  of  the 
sphere  of  surgical  practice.  This  great  discovery  is 
known  to  every  one  as  the  application  of  ligatures  to  bleed- 
ing vessels.  The  application  of  the  system  of  acupres- 
sure, Esmarch*s  bandage,  and  vitalized  ligatures  were  all 
natural  outgrowths  of  the  principle  thus  discovered. 
More  than  this,  the  cutting  off  blood  supply  in  vascular 
tumors  and  the  radical  cure  of  aneurisiij,  while  taught 
later  by  Hunter  and  Carnochan  might  never  have  been 
known  or  attempted  had  Fare's  discovery  never  been 
made. 

Hence,  the  meanest  understanding  can  scarcely  fail  to 
acknowledge  tkat  the  first  epoch  in  surgical  history,  com- 
mencing in  the  dim  light  of  remote  antiquity,  closed  with 
the  discovery  of  the  ligature,  and  a  new  era  was  then 
commenced,  an  era  of  genuine  progress  and  scientific 
advancement. 

Epoch  II. — In  the  year  1628,  less  than  half  a  centur}' 
after  the  introduction  of  the  ligature  into  surgical  prac- 
tice, appeared  a  small  treatise  on  the  **  Circulation  of  the 
Blood,*'  by  Wm.  Harvey,  in  London,  England,  which  not 
only  marked  the  commencement  cf  another  era  in  sur- 
gical advancement,  but  at  the  same  time  stamped  on  the 
practice  of  medicine  in  its  entirety  an  impression  that 
can  be  traced,  more  or  less  distinctly,  in  all  the  thera- 
peutic, pathological,  and  physiological  discoveries  that 
have  been  made  since  that  time.  What  Pare  had  accom- 
plished in  providing  means  to  avert  the  loss  of  the  life- 
fluid,  was  ably  supplemented  by  Harvey  in  teaching  its 
functions  in  the  animal  economy,  the  manner  in  which  it 
was  distributed   in  the  body,  and  the  processes  by  which 


1 66 


The  tfcnia-opathic   Courin 


it  acquired  properties  fitting  it  for  the  purposes  of  life. 
To  the  surgical  practitioner,  the  feature  in  this  discovery 
that  was  of  especial  and  particular  interest,  was  the 
method  of  distribution.  Up  to  the  present  time  surgeons 
had  been  emboldened  to  attempt  formidable  operations 
from  the  confidence  reposed  in  the  ligature  as  a  haemos- 
tatic; not  having  an  accurate  knowledge  of  the  route  by 
which  the  blood  reached  the  part  under  treatment,  they 
had  no  recourse  but  to  boldly  cut  into  the  tissues,  incising 
with  rapidity  and  securing  the  larger  vessels  as  they 
sprang.  In  proportion  as  they  acquired  knowledge  of  the 
physiology  of  the  biood  they  realized  that  more  was 
needed  than  was  at  present  possessed  to  avoid  the  alarm- 
ing loss  of  blood  that  followed  division  of  a  vessel  of  Iaq;e 
size  before  a  ligature  could  be, applied.  Harvey's  discov- 
ery stimulated  investigation  and  experiment,  until  passing 
through  the  invention  of  the  simple  bandage  about  the 
limb,  various  kinds  of  tourniquet  to  that  of  Petit,  next  lo 
the  spring  compressors  of  Dupuytren  and  Mott,  culmin- 
ating in  the  elastic  bandage  of  Esmarch,  in  1874.  True 
merit,  such  as  is  usually  possessed  by  original  investiga- 
tors in  scientific  study,  prompted  Har\'ey  to  give  to  his 
preceptor,  Fabricius,  the  credit  of  directing  his  attention 
to  the  matter.  About  the  same  time,  in  addition,  Cesal- 
pino,  of  Italy,  announced  very  much  the  same  discover)-, 
and  claimed  the  honor  for  his  countrymen.  It  is  now 
quite  certain,  however,  that  the  discovery  of  Harvey  was 
made  some  years  before  the  publication  of  it,  and  by 
universal  consent  the  credit  of  priority  was  freely 
accorded  to  him. 

The  Hunterian  operation  for  aneurism;  the  starvation 
treatment  in  vascular  neoplasmata;  the  cure  of  elephanti- 
asis by  Ugature  of  the  feeding  arterj',  each  and  all  arc 
directly  related  lo  the  knowledge  of  the  anatomy  aad 


The  Progress  of  Surgery,  167 

physiology  of  the  organs  of  circulation  due  to  the  genius 
of  Harvey.  So,  also,  in  other  departments  of  surgical 
pathorogy,  without  the  work  he  did,  we  would  still  be 
without  accurate  information  of  repair  of  injuries,  as  well 
as  the  genesis  of  morbid  growths,  at  least  with  a  later 
development  of  his  discovery,  all  cognate  discoveries 
would  be  correspondingly  delayed. 

Epoch  III. — Much  as  had  now  been  accomplished, 
there  was  much  needed.  The  surgeon  had  been  taught 
to  ^ave  loss  of  blood,  and  the  elements  of  conservism. 

On  all  hands  the  conviction  was  felt  that  science  should 
be  able  to  lessen  mutilation  in  ordinary  cases  of  accident. 
Serious  compound  comminuted  fractures  were  treated  on 
the  expectant  plan ;  every  effort  was  made  to  save  the  part 
to  the  sufferer,  and  all  the  learning  of  the  age  was  engaged 
in  devising  means  to  promote  repair.  Galen,  Hippocrates, 
and  Avicenna,  indeed  many  of  the  older  surgeons,  had 
frequently  removed  portions  of  protruding  bone,  or  frag- 
ments that  were  completely  detached,  in  cases  of  com- 
pound fracture,  and  with  a  success  somewhat  astonishing 
when  the  means  at  their  command  are  considered.  The 
practice  gradually  fell  into  disuse,  and  in  the  beginning 
of  the  present  century  very  few  practiced  even  such 
crude  attempts  at  resection.  Whilst  Celsus,  Paul  of 
i4igenia,  and  Pott,  in  the  last  centur}'*,  had  furnished 
numerous  examples  of  complete  and  speedy  recovery 
where  large  fragments  of  bone  had  been  removed,  none 
had  attempted  more  than  to  remove  such  fragments  when 
completely  detached,  and  the  patient  not  in  a  dangerous 
condition  from  suppuration  and  hectic.  But  about  the 
year  181 5,  nearly  two  hundred  years  after  the  discover}' 
of  Harvey,  Moreau,  both  father  and  son,  taught  the  possi- 
bility of  removing  dead  or   diseased   bone   by   incision 


l6S  The  Homaiopalkic  Courier. 

through  the  unbroken  soft  parts.  Without  the  confidence 
furnished  by  the  knowledge  of  the  hgature,  none  would 
have  been  sufficiently  bold  to  cut  into  tlie  deep,  soft  partft 
of  the  thigh,  or  the  complicated  anatomy  of  the  parotid 
triangles,  to  remove  masses  of  bone  situated  in  the  midst 
of  large  blood-vessels  and  nerves,  some  of  which  could 
scarcely  escape  serious  wounding.  Without  a  knowledge 
of  the  functioji  of  the  blood  in  restoring  lost  parts  and 
facilitating  repair,  no  inducement  would  have  arisen  to 
suggest  the  complete  removal  of  parts  so  essential  to 
functional  life  as  bones  of  the  extremities  or  face.  Tlic 
sub- periosteal  exsections  of  later  days,  the  operations  to 
construct  artificial  joints,  and  the  many  improvements  in 
bone-surgery  commenced  with  Moreau.  who  derived  his 
conception  from  the  important  advancements  in  surgical 
pathology  commencing  with  Harvey  two  hnndred  year^ 
before. 

We  now  find  the  surgeon  able  to  fill  many  of  the  indi- 
cations in  our  opening  formula,  but  an  important  one 
remains.  Whilst  parts  formerly  condemned  to  the  ampu- 
tating table  iian  now  be  saved ;  while  exhaustion  from 
hemorrhage  is  much  diminished,  many  still  succumb  to 
shock.  How,  then,  can  pain  be  diminished  or  avoided 
and  thus  avert  this  fatal  shook?  Numberless  experiments 
were  tried  Tobacco  clysters,  stupefying  with  opiates, 
and  freezing  the  part  to  be  operated  upon  were  used,  yet 
an  important  item  in  the  surgeons  outfit  was  still  a 
multitude  of  straps,  straight  jackets,  and  complicated  har- 
ness to  keep  the  victim  on  the  table  during  the  torture  to 
which  he  was  subjected.  The  operating  theatre  was  httic 
better  than  a  chamber  of  horrors  in  the  dungeons  of  the 
inquisition.     The  question  was  solved  in  our  next  cpoclu 

Epoch  IV. — Popular  prejudice  has  given  to  Dr.  Morton, 


Th(  Prcgn'ss  of  Snr^fn: 


169 


of  Boston,  Mass.,  the  credit  of  the  discovery  of  anesthe- 
sia, but  whilst  it  can  not  be  denied  that  its  general  use  as 
a  recognised  practice  dates  from  his  experiments,  the  dis- 
covery was  made  long  before.  In  1846,  Dr.  W.  T.  G. 
Morton  "discovered"  the  anesthetic  properties  of  sul- 
phuric ether,  and  assisted  by  Dr.  Warren,  at  the  Massa- 
chusetts Genera!  Hospital,  first  administered  it  for  an 
operation  of  the  first  class.  Many  claimants  have  arisen 
for  the  honor,  but  up  to  the  present  lime  none  have  suc- 
cessfully establkhed  the  same.  Quickly  upon  the  heels 
of  this  diacoveiy,  Mr.  Waldie,  of  Apothecaries  Hall, 
Liverpool,  England,  suggested  to  Sir  Jas.  Y.  Simpson  the 
anesthetic  properties  of  chloroform,  and,  in  1848,  it  was 
used  in  the  operating  theatre  of  that  distinguished  sur- 
geon. The  national  character  of  these  two  events  has 
continued  to  make  chloroform  the  favorite  anesthetic  in 
England,  while  ether,  until  very  recently,  has  been  more 
commonly  used  in  this  country.  The  experiments  of  Sir 
Humphrey  Davey,  in  1805,  ivith  nitrous  oxide  gas.  devel- 
oped nothing  in  this  direction,  the  agent  having  continued 
a  simple  "  laughing  gas  "  for  the  traveling  juggler,  or  as  a 
means  for  experiment  in  the  chemists'  laboratory,  until 
within  a  very  recent  period.  As  an  anestlietic,  pure  and 
simple,  recognized  as  such  by  every  practitioner  of  sur- 
gery, ether  will  always  be  admitted  as  first  in  the  period 
of  development.  Who  was  the  first  to  give  it  this  rank,  ifi 
stiU  far  from  being  decided.  Dr.  Morton  claims  it  in  1846; 
but  Dr.  Sam'l  Woulston,  in  a  recent  numbjsr  of  the  Medi- 
ical  Record,  states  that  he  has  an  old  copy  of  the  National 
iNUUigencer.  in  which  a  dentist  advertises  to  use  it  for 
the  painless  extraction  of  teeth,  as  early  as  1S36,  ten 
years  before  Morton  used  it.  Later,  then,  is  resurrected 
an  old  magazine  article   by  Dr.  C.  B.  Matthews,  formcrlj* 


1^0  7hc  HomccopatkU   Courier. 

.  A  professor  in  the  Homceopathic  Medical  College  of  Penn- 
sylvania, in  which  some  reports  of  its  use,  for  anesthetic 
purposes  in  surgeiy.  are  mentioned  as  early  as  1824. 
tzuenty-tzi'o  ye3.T^  before  Morton!  So  far  the  honor  rests 
with  hointEopathy,  and  will  so  rest  until  more  is  known  of 
the  early  history.  All  this  refers  to  the  use  of  the  agent 
for  anesthetic  purposes;  it  was  a  recognized  article  in  the 
pharmacopKa,  since  the  early  part  of  the  last  century. 

Who  can  adequately  estimate  the  immense  value  of 
this  discoverj'?  Shock  is  lessened,  pain  is  banished,  the 
fears  of  the  patient  calmed,  and  the  courage  of  the  oper- 
ator augmented,  Many  of  the  most  useful  operations 
are  now  possible  that  were  never  dreamed  of,  or  if  so, 
were  never  practiced  irom  the  suffering  they  entailed.  It 
would  seem  as  if  the  siimmnm  hintum  had  been  reached. 
but  a  momentis  reflection  would  show  this  to  be  untrue. 
We  have  still  shock,  tardy  repair,  loss  of  blood,  and  suf- 
fering subsequent  to  the  operation.  The  want  is  admitted 
by  all  schools,  and  each  of  the  two  great  schools  has 
added  its  quota  to  the  pressing  demand.  It  is  scarcely 
necessary  to  include  what  remains  to  be  said  in  separate  , 
fpoilts,  as  it  represents  a  simple,  natural  development 
from  what  has  been  briefly  sketched;  they  would  never 
have  been  attempted  in  the  absence  of  the  great  achieve- 
ments of  the  past. 

On  the  22d  of  December,  1873,  Dr.  Valerani,  of  Turin, 
Italy,  reported  a  number  of  operations  by  a  method  thxt 
obviated  the  loss  of  a  drop  of  blood,  by  a  system  of  elas- 
tic bandaging.  His  cases  had  all  occurred  within  a  few 
weeks  of  the  date  of  his  report,  and  did  not  attract  the 
attention  of  the  profession.  At  a  meeting  of  the  German 
Surgical  Association,  in   April,    1874,   Prof.   Esmarch,  of 


The  Progirss  of  Surge'y.  171 

Kiel,  announced  the  discovery-  of  s.  bloodless  method  of 
performing  operations  on  the  extremities,  citing  cases 
occurring  long  before  those  reported  by  Valerani.  There 
c.in  be  no  doubt  that  while  his  report  is  some  four  months 
later  than  the  Italian,  the  method  was  practiced  long  be- 
fore. In  proper  cases,  not  used  indiscriminately,  this 
method  is  of  inestimable  value,  and  one  of  the  missing 
links  in  the  chain  of  evolution  has  been  thus  supplied. 
We  can  then  inquire,  is  there  prospect  of  a  completion 
of  the  chain?  The  answer  is,  easy;  it  is  affirmative! 
liomreopalhy  gives  the  rest  in  ful!  measure.  Excluding 
from  consideration  all  that  homtEopathy  has  done  for 
medical  science  in  general,  the  laurels  it  has  earned  in 
surgery  may  be  worn  with  pride.  What  if  surgery  with- 
out it  is  enabled  to  perform  brilliant  operations,  if  the 
sufferer  perish  from  shock?  If  a  bone  is  successfully 
resected,  yet  no  new  bone  takes  its  place?  It  is  to  con- 
firm what  surgery  promises,  that  is  the  field  for  homceop- 
athy ;  to  render  a  reality  what  mere  mechanical  art 
longs  and  hopes  for,  but  can  never  attain. 

When  Harvey  taught  us  the  circulation  of  the  blood 
and  the  physiology  of  the  process,  homccopathy  more 
than  counter-balances  it  with  acoti.,  gels,,  and  bell.,  to 
control  its  abnormal  function.  When  Pare  taught  us  to 
save  this  precious  fluid,  the  doctrine  of  similia  offers  us 
cliiit.  or  phos.  to  mitigate  the  evil  results  of  its  loss.  When 
Moreau  taught  us  conservatism  by  the  resection  of  dead 
bone,  the  followers  of  Hahnemann  find  calc,  sil.,  and 
sj'iiipliytum  at  once  to  insure  the  reproduction  of  the  lost 
p.irt,  and  often  to  restore  the  dead  tissue  to  life  again,  and 
save  even  this  modified  mutilation.  Anesthesia  has  ren- 
dered operations  painless,  but  to  complete  the  indication, 
our  hypcrictim  is  equally  potent  to  prevent  pain  aftcrwar 


172  The  Hommopalhic   Courier. 

Esniarcli  has  enabled  us  to  operate  without  the  loss  of  a 
drop  of  blood,  but  am.,  opi.,  and  cainph.  are  furnished 
from  our  store  houses  to  ward  off  shock  and  collapse. 

So,  everj'where,  when  we  meet  a  genuine  advancement 
in  surgical  art,  our  beneficent  system  is  ever  found  to 
furnish  just  what  was  needed  to  fully  perfect  it.  Nay, 
more.  It  has  lurnished  the  well  equipped  physician  with 
a  thousand  instruments  to  banish  the  necessity  for  sui^i- 
caI  operations;  instruments  that  in  time,  I  verily  believe, 
will  enable  us  to  strike  the  word  incurable  out  of  our  dic- 
tionaries, and  leave  to  the  surgeon  only  accidents  and 
malformations  to  exercise  his  prowess  upon. 

Inasmuch  as  it  has  done  what  has  been  sketched,  up  to 
the  present  time,  homceopathy  can  answer  the  taunts  of 
its  adversaries,  by  pointing  to  the  fact,  if  they  say  we  have 
no  surgeons,  we  have  done  more  for  surgery  ihan  the 
learning  of  over  three  hundred  years  has  been  able  to 
accomplish,  and  can  emphatically  claim  that  we  have  in- 
deed added  to  the  sum  of  human  happiness  by  subtract- 
ing from  the  sum  of  human  suffering, 


Elastic  Collodion  in  Hydroc;ele  of  Chiluren. — Dr. 
Anger's  {Courier  Medicate)  method  is  to  paint,  daily  or 
every  other  day.  the  sac.  or  along  the  cord,  if  it  is  hydro- 
cele of  the  cord,  elastic  collodion.  This  treatment  he 
says  is  successful  in  curing  children  from  two  to  eight 
years  old,  but  is  of  no  avail  in  youths  or  adults. 

Dissecting  Laws  in  Maine.— They  have  a  law  that  no 
medical  student  shall  be  allowed  to  graduate  and  practice 
medicine  who  has  not  had  regular  practice  in  the  dissect- 
ing-room. Then  they  passed  a  law  that  no  bodies,  save 
only  the  bodies  of  executed  criminals  should  be  cut  up  in 
dissecting-rooms.  Then,  as  a  climax  to  all  this,  they 
abolished  capital  punishment.  That's  the  kind  of  a  coun- 
try Maine  is.  Students  must  come  west  to  quahfy,  and 
we  can't  recommend  them  to  a  better  place  than  Saint 
Louis. 


The  Whale  Tendon  Ligature.  173 

THE    WHALE  TENDON  LIGATURE. 

Ilr  T.    UiiK.inn,    i\     II..   Chlff  >^nr0Fi>ii  nf  the  Imiwrlnl   Jupancta    Armi  — 
TrnuBliXi-il  liy  ft.  Kittiiii. 

The  ligatures  formerly  in  use  in  tying  vessels  of  the 
human  body,  were  of  different  kinds  to  those  of  the  pres- 
ent day.  Silk  and  hemp  ligatures  were  at  one  time  ap- 
plied by  surgeons  to  such  purpose,  but  as  both  had  the 
defect  of  acting  as  foreign  bodies  in  the  animal  economy, 
they  were  superseded  by  ligatures  made  of  thin  strips  of 
leather.  In  support  of  the  use  of  leather,  it  was  thought 
that  ligatures  of  that  material  would  be  decomposed  by  the 
heat  and  moisture  of  the  body,  and  that  they  would  finally 
become  absorbed;  but  numerous  trials  convinced  those 
most  favorable  to  the  use  of  leather  ligatures  that  the  idea 
was  a  fallacy :  for  leather,  it  was  found,  was  far  from  being 
easily  dissolved,  and  besides,  it  was  very  apt  to  break  off 
at  the  time  of  its  application. 

Dr.  Lister's  ligature  (cat-gut),  though  of  comparatively 
recent  origin,  is  held  in  such  high  estimation,  that  it  is  now 
almost  exclusively  used  for  tying  vessels,  or  applying  the 
suture  to  the  viscera.  Il  was  in  the  year  1874  that  I  firs-t 
saw  its  practical  application  in  the  operating  theatre  of 
the  College,  by  Dr.  ScluOtz,  Instructor  of  Surgery  to  the 
Imperial  Medical  College.  Tokio.  which  was  possibly  the 
first  introduction  and  utilization  of  Lister's  ligature  in 
Japan, 

My  whale  tendon  ligature  was  invented  a  few  years 
after.  I  first  conceived  the  idea  upon  seeing,  in  the  coun- 
try, a  whale  tendon  bow-string,  used  in  whipping  cotton. 
The  thought  .struck  nie  that,  with  slight  modifications, 
such  strings  might  be  made  into  lig.itures;  but  I  left  the 
matter  untouched,  until  subsequently,  in  1877.  when 
urgent  necessity  caused  me  to  turn  my  mind  to  the  sub- 
ject again. 

It  was  in  that  year  that  the  Southwestern  Rebellion — 
which  kept  the  Empire  for  some  months  in  a  state  of  great 
disturbance — broke  out     In  tlie  month  of  February,  ol' 


174  Thi  Hi 


I S77,  I  was  ordered  by  the  Government  to  proceed  to 
Osaka,  to  take  charge  of  the  hospital  which  was  specially 
estabHshed  there,  for  the  purpose  of  treating  wounded 
Imperialists.  The  cases  sent  to  and  treated  at  that  post, 
from  the  commencement  to  the  end  of  the  ivar,  amounted 
M  more  than  seven  thousand,  among  which  I  had  occa- 
sion to  make  frequent  trials  of  Lister's  ligature.  On  re- 
flection I  was  strongly  persuaded  to  bring  out  the  whalc 
tendon  ligature,  as  a  substitute  for  Lister's  and  finally  I 
accomplished  my  invention  by  adopting  the  following 
course: 

L  The  Preparation. — The  mode  of  making  the  ligature 
is  very  simple.  Firstly,  a  whale's  tendon  is  dissected  by 
the  points  of  needles,  and  teased  out  until  the  fibres  look 
very  like  tiiose  of  hemp.  Secondly,  the  longest  and  finest 
fibres  among  them  are  selected,  and  they  are  then  spun 
together  as  ordinary  silk  thread.  I  find  that  the  whale- 
tendon  is  the  best  for  the  purpose.  Any  others,  for  in- 
stance those  of  the  horse  or  cow,  are  deficient  in  strength. 

II.  The  results  of  the  tests  to  ivhich  this  Ligature  fiat 
been  subjected. — ist.  A  weight  of  41b.  40Z.  was  suspended 
on  a  cord  of  one  metre  in  length  and  0.18  gramme  (3  gr.) 
in  weight,  but  it  was  not  broken.^ 

2d.  The  ligature  was  boiled  for  seventy-two  hours,  and 
then  kept  at  blood  heat  for  five  days,  but  it  only  showed- 
slight  expansion  or  softening  without  the  least  dissulutioa 
or  loss  of  strength. 

3d.  The  ligature  was  soaked  in  a  solution  of  pepsin  (2 
drachms),  dilute  hydrochloric  acid  {\.  drachm),  &a6.aqHa{^ 
07..),  and  then  kept  at  the  temperature  of  the  body  for 
twenty  hours,  but  showed  not  the  least  sign  of  dissolution. 

4th.  It  was  tested  likewise  by  soaking  in  acetic  acid  aaA 
lactic  acid  (both  in  a  diluted  stale),  and  Ulso  in  liquor  fo- 
tasses,  in  alt  of  wliich  cases  the  strength  of  the  ligature  was 
proved  by  like  results.  The  soaking  lasted  from  five  to 
six  days,  but  no  dissolution  took  place. 

Sth.  The  first  actual  trial  was  made  upon  a    patient,  to 


The  Whale  Tcnthm  Ligature,  17; 

whom  excision  of  the  femur  was  necessary.  In  this  case 
une  of  the  ends  of  the  ligature  was  cut  off  close  to  the 
knot,  while  the  other  was  left  hanging  out  of  the  wound. 
After  the  lapse  of  seven  days  an  examination  was  made, 
and  it  was  found  that  not  the  least  trace  of  the  ligature 
was  to  be  detected.  Subsequent  trials  proved  that  three 
days  after  the  application  were  sufficient  for  the  full  ab- 
sorption of  this  ligature, 

6th.  The  same  experiment  was  made  on  the  femoral  of 
a  dog.  On  examination  five  days  afterwards,  it  was  found 
that  the  ligature  had  exercised  its  full  powers  on  the 
vessel,  while  there  was  not  the  least  trace  of  it  remaining 
in  the  body;  the  whole  of  it  having  been  absorbed  by  that 
time. 

The  success  of  these  several  tests  gave  great  satisfac- 
tion to  me.  But  there  still  remained  another  question  to 
ascertain,  which  was — For  what  length  of  time  would  it 
remain  in  the  body  as  ligature?  for  a  too  speedy  absorp- 
tion is  liable  to  cause  secondary  hemorrhage.  Opportu- 
nities soon  occurred  for  trials  on  that  point,  and  convinced 
me  of  its  safety.  A  case  of  leg  amputation  afforded  a  very 
good  opportunity;  the  ligature  was  applied  to  both  the 
tibial  &wA  fibular  &xX.zt\^%  of  the  patient,  but  there  was  not 
the  least  manifestation  of  secondary  hemorrhage.  The 
subsequent  trial  which  was  made  on  the  femoral  was  at- 
tended with  like  result.  A  like  success  followed  in  both 
instances. 

After  submitting  the  ligature  to  these  tests  myself,  it 
was  presented  to  my  medical  colleagues  for  trial,  among 
whom  were  Surgeon  Nagamatsu  and  Surgeon  Nagase,  of 
the  army,  who  were  at  Osaka,  and  whose  duty  was  then 
to  attend  on  many  hundreds  of  those  who  had  been  wound- 
ed in  battle,  and  who  possessed,  consequently,  more  op- 
portunities of  making  practical  tests  than  most  other  sur- 
geons. They  informed  me  that  the  ligature  >vas  availed 
of  by  them  in  a  large  number  of  cases,  with  entire  success. 
They  conlerred  upon  it  the  name  of  "  Ishiguro's  ligature ;" 
and  so  I  made  my  invention  publicly  known  in  October, 


^176  The  Honiaopalhic   Courier. 

iSyy.  In  Japan  the  ligature  has  rapidly  established  itself 
in  estimation  among  the  medical  men,  and  there  is  no  other 
than  that  used  now  in  the  military  hospitals. 

Bearing  in  mind  the  strength  which  the  ligature  natu- 
rally possesses,  and  which  can  be  still  more  increased  by 
soaking  it  in  carbolic  oil,  it  may  be  concluded  that  it  can 
be  relied  on  to  answer  every  purpose  of  lig.tturing  and 
suturing. 

With  these  words  the  inventor  commits  his  ligature  to 
his  professional  brethren,  respectfully  asking  them  to  sub- 
mit it  to  that  practical  trial  which  is,  after  all,  the  only 
true  test  of  its  efficacj-. 

ToKio,  June  lOth,  iSSo. 


T//£  TREATMEiVT  OF  TOOTHACHE. 

An  English  publication  contains  an  article  oil  tooth- 
ache, from  which  the  following  items  are  taken  ; 

For  AppLiCAiiON. — A  few  drops  of  chloroform  on  cot- 
ton wool  inserted  into  the  hollow  of  a  decayed  aching 
tooth  often  gives  permanent  relief,  but  sometimes  when 
the  ansestlietic  effect  has  passed  away  the  pain  is  aggra- 
vated, the  application  having  irritated  the  inflamed  pulp. 
A  better  plan  is  to  hold  over  the  hollow  tooth  a  piece  of 
lint  moistened  with  chloroform,  so  that  the  vapor  only 
comes  in  contact  with  the  interior  of  the  tooth.  The  pre- 
paration sold  as  camphorated  chloroform  often  proves 
useful.  A  mixture  of  equal  parts  of  chloroform  and  laud- 
anum, or  of  chloroform  and  creasote,  constitutes  an  ex- 
cellent application. 

Creasote  may  nearly  always  be  employed  with  a  fair 
hope  of  success.  It  may  be  mixed  with  an  equal  quantity 
of  chloroform,  or  of  laudanum,  or  with  tannin.  Laud- 
anum, either  alone  or  mixed  with  tannin  or  creasote,  and 
inserted  into  the  cavity  of  the  hollow  tooth,  enjoys  a  high 
and  well  merited  reputation. 


The  Trealinent  of  Toothache. 


177 


For  cases  in  which  the  pulp  is  exposed  and  inflamed,  a 
jelly  is  made  by  melting  in  a  test  tube  some  crystalli/.cd 
carbolic  acid,  and  then  adding  an  equal  quantity  of  collo- 
dion. A  small  quantity  is  placed  on  cotton  wool  and  in- 
serted into  the  hollow  painful  tooth.  It  may  at  first  some- 
what aggravate  the  pain,  but  in  a  few  seconds  it  diminishes 
and  soon  abolishes  it.  Care  should  be  taken  not  to  let  it 
come  in  contact  with  the  inside  of  the  cheek",  for,  as  we 
can  testify  from  personal  experience,  it  would  give  rise  to 
considerable  pain  and  smarting. 

When  there  is  a  large  hollow  and  the  pain  is  severe,  a 
good  application  is  a  mixture  of  camphor  and  opium,  of 
i.ach  one  grain,  made  into  a  paste,  with  which  the  cavity 
siiould  be  filled,  it  having  been  previously  dried  by  means 
of  lint  or  cotton-wool. 

When  equal  parts  of  chloral  and  powdered  camphor  are 
rubbed  up  together,  they  form  a  syrupy  liquid.  This  will 
sometimes  succeed  in  relieving  toothache  even  when  ap- 
plied externally;  but  ts  is  more  likely  to  afford  relief  when 
introduced  into  the  cavity  of  the  decayed  tooth  on  cotton 
wool.  A  plug  of  hnt  dipped  in  sulphurous  acid  and  in- 
serted in  the  hollow  tooth,  will  often  give  immediate 
relief. 

For  Internal  Ad-MINISTRATION. — Gray  powder  proi-cr^ 
useful  in  many  forms  of  toothache,  and  is  regarded  by 
many  as  one  of  the  best  remedies  for  this  complaint.  It 
proves  of  most  value  when  the  pain  is  gnawing,  tearing,  or 
boring  in  character,  and  is  aggravated  by  eating,  and  also 
at  night  in  bed,  but  is  temporarily  relieved  by  cold  water. 
It  is  of  value  when  the  pain  effects  the  entire  side  of  the 
face,  extending  upwards  to  the  head  and  backwards  to 
the  ears.  It  is  especially  indicated  when  the  toothache  is 
accompanied  by  an  increased  flow  of  saliva,  and  by  pro- 
fuse perspiration  in  bed,  which  fails  to  afford  relief.  In 
many  cases  it  is  a  good  plan  to  introduce  a  small  quantity 
of  gray  powder,  of  course  not  mixed  with  sugar,  into  the 
hollow  of  the  decayed  tooth. 

Aconite  is  useful  in  toothache  arising  from  cold.     It  is 


Th{  Hi>inwopatkic  Courio 


17S 

especially  indicated  when  the  pain  is  sharp  and  stinging. 
and  is  relieved  by  cold  water.  This  form  of  toothache  is 
usually  accompanied  by  heat  of  the  face  and  chilliness.  A 
drop  of  the  tincture  of  aconite  should  be  taken  every  ten 
minutes. 

Belladonna  is  found  to  do  best  when  there  are  shooting, 
tlirobbing  pains  affecting  several  teeth  on  one  side,  so  that 
it  is  impossible  to  say  exactly  which  tooth  it  is  that  is 
aching.  This  form  of  toothache  not  unfrequently  shifts 
from  place  to  place,  and  it  is  usually  increased  by  both 
hot  and  cold  applications.  It  is  often  accompanied  by 
determination  of  the  blood  to  the  head,  flushed  face,  ex- 
cessive sensitiveness  to  external  impressions,  such  as  noise 
or  light,  and  by  dryness  of  the  mouth  and  mental  confus- 
ion. A  drop  of  the  tincture  of  belladonna  should  be  taken 
every  ten  minutes. 

Arsenic  is  used  when  the  pain  is  grinding  in  character, 
when  it  is  increased  by  touching  the  affected  tooth,  or  by 
lying  on  the  painful  side.  This  form  of  toothache  is  usual- 
ly increased  by  rest  and  by  cold,  but  is  relieved  by  mov- 
ing about  and  by  the  application  of  warmth.  Arsenic  is 
also  indicated  when  the  pains  are  jerking  in  character,  or 
when  they  occur  chiefly  or  are  much  aggravated  at  nigiiL 
It  usually  proves  of  benefit  when  the  sufferer  is  much  ex- 
hausted by  the  pain. 

liryonia  is  recommended  when  the  pain  is  of  a  screwing 
character,  when  it  is  worse  from  warmth,  is  momentarily 
relieved  by  cold  water,  and  more  permanently  by  walk- 
ing in  the  open  air. 

Nux  vomica  is  found  to  be  useful  for  darting  pain  in  the 
teeth  and  for  toothache  of  a  boring  or  gnawing  character, 
especially  when  it  comes  on  after  dinner,  A  drop  ol  the 
tincture  of  nux  vomica  may  be  taken  every  ten  minutes 
for  an  hour. 

Phosphorous  should  be  given  for  tearing,  shooting  pains, 
worse  in  the  open  air  or  after  taking  warm  food.  It  is 
especially  indicated  when,  in  addition  to  decayed  teeth, 
there  are  gum-boils. 


Th(  Trealmciit  of  Tcothachc.  179 

Nitro-glycerine,  or  glonoinc.  is  the  remedy  for  pulsa- 
ting toothache,  accompanied  by  headache.  A  teaspoon- 
ful  of  the  one  per  cent  solution  should  be  added  to  a  pint 
of  water,  and  of  this  a  teaspoonfui  may  be  taken  every  ten 
minutes  till  relief  is  obtained,  It  is  a  most  valuable  rem- 
edy. 

Pulsatilla  docs  good  in  cases  where  the  pain  comes  on 
as  soon  as  anything  is  taken  into  the  mouth.  The  pain 
which  is  relieved  by  this  remedy  is  worse  in  the  evening. 
at  night,  and  after  the  application  of  warmth. 

Clianiomile  tea  is  indicated  when  the  violent  paroxysms 
of  toothache  come  on  from  exposure  to  a  draught  or 
from  a  sudden  check  to  the  perspiration. 

Arnica  is  the  remedy  for  pain  in  the  teeth  caused  by 
mechanical  violence.  It  does  well  in  throbbing  tooth- 
ache, and  in  pain  in  the  teeth  as  if  tliey  were  being 
scraped.  The  tincture  of  arnica  should  be  given  in  drop 
doses  everj'  ten  minutes. 

Chamomile  is  the  remedy  for  the  irritation  produced 
in  children  by  teething. 

Gelseminuni  has  been  highly  recommended  for  tooth- 
aclie.  It  is  undoubtedly  a  very  valuable  remedy,  but  we 
are  inclined  to  think  that  it  does  not  do  much  good  in 
pure  toothache.  It  is  the  neuralgia  arising  from  decayed 
teeth  that  it  cures,  and  in  these  cases  we  believe  that  it 
stands  unrivalled,  Very  frequently  the  pain  of  the  de- 
cayed tooth  and  the  neuralgia  are  experienced  at  the 
same  time.  If  now  gelseminum  be  given  it  will  generally 
cure  the  neuralgia,  but  leave  the  toothache  unaflected. 
This  of  course  is  an  advantage  by  no  means  to  be  de- 
spised, for  neuralgia  is  usually  a  much  more  obstinate 
complaint  than  toothache.  Ten-drop  doses  of  the  tincture 
may  be  taken  every  hour  for  three  or  four  hours. 

Another  excellent  remedy  for  neuralgia  arising  from  a 
decayed  tooth  is  croton  chloral.  It  should  be  given  dis- 
solved in  water  in  five  grain  doses  every  four  hours. 

When  toothache  resists  every  other  means  of  ti 


The  Hotnceopathic  Courier. 


we  may  have  to  resort  to  a  hypodermic  injection  of  mor- 
phia, but  this  is  seldom  necessary. — Dentists'  Circular, 


Relief  of  the  Pain  of  Cancer. — M.  Angen  {Union 
Med.)  prescribes  a  lotion  of  one  part  of  sulphate  of  atro- 
pia  to  one  thousand  parts  of  distilled  water.  Compresses 
wetted  ivilh  this  solution  are  applied  to  the  painful  part 
and  covered  with  oiled  silk  or  gulta  percha,  renewing . 
them  three  or  four  times  daily.  They  give  material  relief 
to  pain  without  causing  symptoms  of  absorption,  such  as 
dilatation  of  pupils  or  dryness  of  throat.  The  action 
seems  to  be  entirely  local,  consisting  in  contraction  of  the 
vessels  with  diminution  of  sensibility.  —Med,  Times  and 
Gazette. 

Transverse  Fracture  of  the  Two  Patell-e. — Simul- 
taneous transverse  fracture  of  the  two  patella  caused  by 
muscular  contraction  is  rare  enough  to  deserve  notice. 
Such  a'  case  entered  the  service  of  M.  Pallailon,  of  the 
Hotel  Dieu,  recently.  A  young  man,  who  was  neither 
«.crofulous  nor  addicted  to  alcohol,  Kt.  33,  was  playing  at 
leap-frog,  and  was  about  to  take  the  jump  when  he  stop- 
ped suddenly,  his  limbs  bending  involuntarily  under  him ; 
at  the  same  time  he  heard  a  distinct  sound  of  snapping. 
He  was  carried  to  the  hospital  where  it  was  discovered 
that  the  two  patella;  were  fractured,  a  space  of  nearly  an 
inch  separating  the  fragments,  At  the  same  time  consid- 
erable effusion  was  present  in  the  joints,  The  fragments 
being  brought  together  as  well  as  possible  by  means  of 
sticking  plaster,  fifteen  days  sufficed  for  union  to  com- 
mence, and  in  three  weeks  afterwards  all  the  apparatus 
was  taken  off. — MeiT,  Times  and  Gazette. 


Billroth — Canxer  of  the  Stomach. — The  latest  news 
from  Vienna  is  that  all  the  five  cases  of  cxsection  of  the 


Mn<c-fUiJ>if{>i/s  /Urns.  iSi 

pylorus  performed  by  Billroth  and  his  pupils  are  dead, 
except  the  last,  which  was  reported  two  weeks  ago  as 
executed  by  Wolfurd.  Death  was  due,  not  to  the  conse- 
quences of  the  operation,  but  to  a  recurrence  of  the  can- 
cer ill  another  part  of  the  abdominal  cavity. — Louisville 
Med.  Ne%vs. 


Jaco8and[  for  stimulating  the  growth  of  hair. — 
The  Union  Pharina<iiitique  fast  year  published  a  note 
to  the  effect  that  a  German  physician  had  been  struck  with 
the  curious  production  of  hair  in  places  where  he  had  ap- 
plied pilocarpine  in  hypodermic  injection.  A  pharmacist 
having  read  that  note,  writes  to  say  that  he  has  found  a 
mixture  of  tincture  of  cinchona  and  arsenic  in  which  Jab- 
orandi  leaves  have  been  macerated  produce  excellent 
results, 


Tkeatmest  of  Goitre  by  Ckloride  of  Ammonium. 
— Dr.  Stevens  his  treated  seven  cases  of  goitre  success- 
fully by  means  of  chloride  of  ammonium,  in  the  dose  of 
three  grains  thrice  daily.  Six  young  girls  and  a  married 
woman  of  forty  comprised  the  patients,  and  the  duration 
of  treatment  was  two  or  three  months, — Drug^rsti  Cir- 
cular. 


The  Medical  Regiitratioit  Law  in  Alabama  is  said  (/«- 
liepeiuienl  Practitioner)  Inhs  wonderfully  well  enforced 
Of  ten  candidates  for  diplomas  who  came  before  the  Ex- 
amining Board  at  Huntsville,  nine  were  rejected.  The 
county  societies  have  also  the  power  to  enforce  prelim- 
inary examinations  of  persons  desiting  to  study  medicine. 


IS2 


The  Honiaopalhic    Courier. 


Oleate  of  Zinc  in  Eczema.— Dr.  Sawyer  records  his 
testimony  in  favor  of  the  efficacy  of  the  ointment  of  oleate 
of  zinc  in  the  treatment  of  eczema.  He  has  used  the 
remedy  for  nearly  six  monlhs,  in  a  farge  number  of  cases 
arising  in  hospital  and  private  practice.  The  author  has 
always  used  the  oleate  of  zinc  made  into  an  ointment, 
either  with  vaseline  or  with  lard.  The  preparation  with 
vaseline  he  has  employed  in  private  practice,  and  that  with 
iard.  on  account  of  its  comparative  cheapness,  for  hospital 
patients.  Vaseline  is  preferable  to  lard,  because  it  is  not 
so  liable  to  change.  Lard  sometimes  disagrees  with  the 
skin.  The  oleate  of  zinc  is  serviceable  in  the  treatment 
of  eczema  capitis  of  children. — your.  Mat.  Med.,  April. 


LOSS  OF  THE  SENSE  OF  SMELL  THROUGH 
0  VER-STIMULA  TION. 

The  sense  of  smell  is  very  easily  lessened,  and  may  be 
wholly  lost,  through  excessive  stimulation.  In  a  recent 
lecture,  Dr.  Julius  Althaus  gives  some  curious  e^^amplcs 
quoted  in  tlie  Medical  and  Surgical  Reporter. 

It  is  related  of  Marshal  Richeiiue  that  he  habitually 
lived  in  an  atmosphere  of  the  strongest  scents,  which  made 
his  visitors  quite  ill,  while  he  was  himself  ultimately  quite 
unaware  of  them.  Scavengers,  dustmen,  and  tallow  boil- 
ers become  after  a  time  insensible  to  the  disgusting  odors 
surrounding  them,  anatomists  to  the  smell  of  the  dissect- 
ing room,  and  patients  suffering  from  cancer  to  tlie  ema- 
nations from  their  sores.  But  even  true  anosmia,  or  in- 
sensibility to  fl/y  odorous  substances,  may  thus  be  pro- 
duced. Graves  has  recorded  the  case  of  a  captain,  who, 
in  the  Irish  rebellion  of  179S,  had  to  superintend  the  work 
of  emptying  out  an  old  cesspool  which  was  filled  with  the 
offscourings  of  the  market  and  all  manner  of  filth,  and  on 
the  bottom  of  which  five  hundred  pikes  were  reported  to 
have  been  concealed,  and  were  actually  discovered.  He 
was  all  this  time  exposed  to  most  abominable  effluvia,  and 


Diagnostic  Imporlanct  of  Odors. 


■83 


suffered  greatly  from  the  stench.  Next  day  he  found  that 
he  had  entirely  lost  liis  smell,  and  thirty-six  years  after- 
ward, when  Graves  examined  him,  the  anosmia  still  per- 
sisted, A  similar  thing  happened  to  a  surgeon  at  Bremen, 
in  Germany,  who  had  to  make  the  post-mortem  examina- 
tion of  an  archbishop  who  had  died  of  cancer  of  the 
stomach.  The  fearful  emanations  arising  from  the  body  of 
this  dignitary  of  the  church  destroyed  the  surgeon's  smell 
for  life. 


THE  DIAGNOSTIC  IMPORTANCE  OF  ODORS. 
In  a  recent  lecture  Dr.  Julius  Althaus,  of  London,  says  : 
I  must  say  a  few  words  on  the  diagyiostii-  iuiporlaiice  of 
certain  smells  in  the  sick  room,  which  was  formerly  much 
insisted  upon;  indeed,  whole  treatises  have  been  written 
on  the  recognition  of  disease  by  sniffing.  Dr.  Hcim,  who 
was  the  popular  physician  of  the  day  at  Berlin  some  fifty 
years  ago,  recognized  measles,  scarlet  fever,  and  small  pox 
by  their  peculiar  smell  on  first  entering  a  house,  and  be- 
fore having  seen  the  patient.  Mr.  Bernard,  of  Upton 
Park,  has  recently  recorded  in  the  Lancet  two  cases  of 
small  pox  in  which  the  patients  themselves  perceived  a 
dreadful  smell,  apparently  Just  at  the  moment  of  being 
exposed  to  contagion;  and  one  of  them  when  suffering 
from  the  eruption,  said  that  his  perspiration  had  the  same 
smell  as  that  which  made  him  sick  before.  When  attend- 
ing Skoda's  chnique  in  Vienna,  twenty-five  years  ago,  I 
noticed  that  this  celebrated  teacher  was  in  the  habit  of 
sniffing  when  approaching  the  bedside  of  patients  suffer- 
ing from  the  last  stages  of  pneumonia,  phthisis,  typhoid 
fever,  etc.,  and  he  would  give  a  bad  prognosis  when  he 
perceived  what  he  called  the  "  cadaverous  smell."  Mr. 
Crompton,  of  Birmingham,  has  noticed  a  peculiar  earthy 
smell  from  the  body  a  week  or  a  fortnight  before  des 
which,  he  says,  has  never  deceived  him — an  appi 
illustration  of  the  saying,   "  Earth  to  cartli." 


lS4 


The  Homeopathic  Courier. 


distinguished  typhus  and  typhoid  fevers  by  the  sanguine* 
ous  (others  called  it  "mousy")  smell  of  the  former.  Prof. 
Parkcs  has  noticed  a  peculiar  odor  in  the  skin  of  clioler.i 
patients.  A  pungent  smell  in  the  chamber  of  a  lying-in 
woman  shows  that  lacteal  secretion  is  well  established, 
while  an  ammoniacal  smell  has  been  said  to  indicate  the 
approach  of  puerperal  fever.  Many  women  emit  a  pecul- 
iar odor  while  menstruating,  which  resembles  a  mixture  of 
blood  and  chloroform,  and  this  is  believed  to  arise  not  so 
much  from  the  discharge,  as  from  the  more  pungent  char- 
acter of  the  sweat  secreted  in  the  axilla.  Persons  of  cost- 
ive habit  have  a  fecal  smell ;  and  this  is  also  often  noticed 
in  hypochondriacs  and  lunatics.  In  uricmia,  whether  ow- 
ing to  kidney  disease  or  to  severe  retention  of  the  urine, 
a  urinous  odor  is  emitted  by  the  body,  and  the  presence 
of  pus  in  some  part  of  the  body  has  been  recognized  by  a 
peculiar  warm,  milky  smell  of  the  patient. 

Apart  from  the  odor  of  the  sick  room  and  the  body 
generally,  the  smell  of  the  sputa,  urine,  fxces,  sweat,  ul- 
cers, etc.,  was  carefully  noted  by  the  older  practitioners 
and  utilized  for  prognosis  and  treatment.  Unquestionably 
there  was  much  that  was  fanciful  in  such  ideas;  but  occu- 
pied as  we  are  at  present  with  the  study  of  more  preci.w 
and  definite  symptoms  we  have  perhaps  gone  to  the  other 
extreme  in  neglecting  such  signs  altogether.  Everybody 
has  his  own  special  odor,  and  this  varies  according  to  the 
circumstances  of  life,  the  food  taken,  and  the  state  of 
health  in  which  he  happens  to  be.  That  it  should  be  al- 
tered in  disease,  and  that  special  diseases  should  have 
special  odors,  is  only  what  one  would  expect;  yet  the  in- 
crease of  cleanhness  and  ventilation  has  no  doubt  done 
away  with  a  large  variety  of  smells  which  formerly  used  to 
assail  the  nostrils  of  the  physician. 


Obstetrics. 


SUBINVOLUTION  OF  THE  UTERUS  AND 
NEURASTHENIA. 


The  chief  purpose  of  this  paper  is  to  invite  attention  to 
the  impottance  of  neurasthenia  as  a  factor  in  the  produc- 
tion of  subinvolution  of  the  uterus.  While  malnutrition 
is  often  associated  with  neurasthenia,  so  that  the  two  con, 
ditions  are  to  each  other  as  both  cause  and  effect,  I  think 
that  the  priority  of  causative  influence  belongs  to  neilras- 
thenia.  Neurasthenia  and  subinvolution  are  often  seen 
together  without  any  evidence  of  malnutrition,  but  never 
are  malnutrition  and  subinvolution  combined  without 
very  manifest  tokens  of  neurasthenia.  If  instances  of 
enlarged  womb  are  found  associated  with  laceration  or 
inflammation,  it  by  no  means  follows  that  the  enlarge- 
ment is  due  to  the  presence  of  either  of  these  lesions,  nor, 
indeed,  that  the  enlargement  is  subinvolution  at  alL 

The  cases  I  have  chosen  in  illustration  of  the  subject 
are  typical.  They  ail  belong  to  the  best  class  of  our 
countrywomen  in  respect  of  mental  endowments  and 
strength  of  character.  All  have  the  brunette  complexion, 
with  dark  eyes  and  hair,  .ind  present  the  traits  usually 
associated  with  the  nervous  temperament.  All  had  had 
a  plurality  of  children,  and  were  not  far  from  thirty  years 
of  age  when  they  came  under  treatment.  All  sought 
professional  aid,  not  for  pelvic  distresses  nor  for  any  sus- 


i86. 


The  Homeopathic  Courier. 


pected  uterine  ailment,  but  (or  persistent  debility,  sj-mp- 
toms  of  physical  or  mental  exhaustion,  or  both,  associated 
with  a  variety  of  nervous  disturbances.  All  were  alike 
wholly  free  from  any  trace  of  laceration  of  cervix  or  peri- 
neum, and  from  any  marked  atony  or  relaxation  of  the 
walls  of  the  vagina,  bladder,  or  rectum,  in  fact  important 
as  evidence  against  the  idea  that  excessive  or  premature 
bodily  exertion  had  any  direct  or  mechanical  influence  on 
the  pelvic  organs. 

Case  i.  Mrs.  A.,  mother  of  three  children,  from  early 
girlhood  had  suffered  from  a  variety  of  nervous  pains. 
These,  in  part  affecting  the  stomach,  had  simulated  dys- 
pepsia. Sometimes  she  went  almost  without  food  lor 
two  or  three  days.  Her  pregnancies  were  exceptions,  for 
then  she  always  ate  heartily.  Nothing  unusual  marked 
her  experience  at  or  immediately  after  last  confinement, 
but  for  many  months,  both  before  and  after,  she  shared 
ti'ith  her  husband  the  burden  of  financial  anxieties. 
It  was  not  until  a  year  later,  and  after  much  watching 
over  serious  sickness  in  the  family,  and  eating  less  than 
ever,  that  a  convulsive  fit  occurred  ;  violent  and  distress- 
ing palpitation  of  the  heart  followed,  with  feelings  as  of 
impending  suffocation,  and  her  strength  totally  collapsed. 
Four  or  five  months  of  extreme  nervous  exhaustion  fol- 
lowed, during  which  time  she  was  intolerant  of  noise,  of 
food,  incapable  of  any  excitement  or  effort,  obtaining 
sleep  chiefly  by  chloral.  She  then  placed  herself  under 
my  charge.  At  tliis  lime  her  weight  was  less  than  lOO 
pounds,  its  former  average  being  about  1 1 5.  The  diagno- 
sis was  chronic  neurasthenia  as  the  primarj-  trouble,  with 
malnutrition  (starvation,  in  fact),  present  as  one  result, 
subinvolution  as  another.  The  uterine  cavity  measured 
at  least  nine  centimeters.  Having  taught  her  to  gratify 
the  cravings  of  appetite  for  wholesome,  generous  food,  it 
was  not  many  weeks  before  a  weight  of  1 30  pounds  testi- 
fied to  the  absence  of  malnutrition.     Restoration  of  mus- 


Subinvolution  of  the   Ulfnts. 


1R7 


CLiiar  tone  and  strength  ;  but  nerve  power,  steadiness  and 
trustworthiness  of  nerve  function  were  withholden. 

This  is  the  point  to  take  note  of,  for  this  is  what  hap- 
pens again  and  again  in  subinvolution  arising  from  neuras- 
thenia. Either  subinvolution  reacts,  and  from  being  a 
consequence  becomes  a  cause  of  neurasthenia  ;  or  subin- 
volution, as  a  uterine  ailment,  by  virtue  of  its  power  to 
perturb  the  nerves  and  simulate  other  disorders,  gives  rise 
to  pseudo-neurasthenia,  differing  from  the  real  in  being 
not  constant,  but  capricious  and  variable.  Perhaps  both 
forms  occur,  and  combine  in  different  individuals  in  vary- 
ing proportions.  Certainly  a  very  attentive  study  of  the 
individual  patient  is  often  needed  to  secure  the  solution  of 
doubts,  and  the  removal  of  perplexities  having  important 
bearings  upon  treatment,  and  one's  judgment  upon  the 
requirements  of  a  case  is  liable  to  frequent  need  of  revision. 

What  is  certain  from  more  than  five  years'  observation 
of  the  case  of  Mrs.  A.,  is  this:  That  after  good  nutrition 
and  fair  muscular  strength  had  been  restored,  an  appear- 
ance of  chronic  neurasthenia  continued,  varying  in  degree 
of  severity,  however,  very  nearly  in  proportion  to  the 
degree  of  intensity  of  the  uterine  engorgement  and  ca- 
tarrh. According  as  the  local  condition  improved  under 
local  treatment,  the  patient's  power  to  do  became  more 
continuous,  and  her  perturbations  of  nerve  force  became 
less  trying.  And  further,  when  all  appreciable  endomet- 
ritis had  been  removed,  tlie  engorgement  very  much 
lessened,  and  the  uterus  comfortably  sustained  at  its 
natural  elevation,  by  the  aid  of  a  high-reaching  pessarj-. 
there  still  remained,  on  tJie  one  hand,  a  liability  to  depres- 
sions and  disturbances  of  ner\-e  inllucnce,  such,  for  exam- 
ple, as  several  successive  nights  of  utter  sleeplessness,  or 
sudden  invasions  of  general  nervous  weakness,  and,  on  the 
other  hand,  recurrences  or  exacerbations  of  uterine  catarrh 
and  engorgement;  and  tlie  tide  of  general  nerve  unr 
worthiness  was  always  tolerably  synchronous  w 
and  flow  of  local  disorder.    Only  as  the  basic  li 


188 


The  HovKEopathic  Courier. 


uterine  enlargement,  at  last  and  radically  diminished 
under  a  more  vigorous  and  persistent  local  treatment,  lias 

normal,  uniform,  and  continuous  capability  of  energj-  and 
tranquility  been  possible.  It  is  several  months  since  Mrs, 
A.  lias  been  released  from  professional  care,  and  she 
remains  in  thoroughly  good  health.  Her  uterine  cavity 
now  has  a  depth  of  sixty-nine  millimetres,  a  measurement 
which  represents  a  cure  of  the  subinvolution. 

Case  2.  Mrs.  B.  had  no  previous  history  of  neuras- 
thenia, and  of  uterine  disorder  only  an  inconsiderable 
experience,  following  a  miscarriage  which  occurred  be- 
tween the  two  completed  pregnancies.  When  two  months 
advanced  in  her  latest  pregnancy,  she  experienced  the 
shock  and  grief  of  a  sudden  and  great  bereavement,  but 
maintained  throughout  the  remainder  of  her  term  her 
accustomed  cheerfulness  and  calm.  The  prolonged  exer- 
cise of  will  to  control  or  put  aside  natural  emotion  doubt- 
less involved  a  heavy  strain  upon  her  nerve  power.  No 
unusual  experience  attended,  or  immediately  followed,  her 
lying  in.  After  a  few  weeks,  however,  feelings  of  mental 
depression  began  to  grow  upon  her.  A  year  and  a  half 
after  confinement  she  underwent  more  domestic  experi- 
ences of  a  very  trying  nature,  and  also  suffered  sonic 
shock  by  the  breaking  of  a  cord  of  a  hammock.  Finally 
she  began  to  show  a  disposition  to  faint ;  and  a  fainting 
attack  in  a  theatre  was  the  immediate  cause  of  her  placing 
herself  under  my  professional  care,  two  years  after  con- 
finement. The  womb  was  found  to  be  retroverted  ;  and 
its  replacement  removed  the  only  pelvic  discomforts  which 
she  had  experienced.  It  was  also  deeply  congested  ten- 
der, and  harder  than  normal.  Its  cavity  measured  ten 
centimetres  in  depth,  and  was  filled  with  very  tenacious, 
transparent  mucus,  and  was  easily  made  to  bleed.  The 
vagina  was  deeply  injected  and  the  h?emorrhoidal  vessels 
swollen  with  blood.  Accompanying  this  local  condition 
were  symptoms  of  disordered,  one  might  almost  say,  col- 
lapsed, innervation,  affecting  almost  every  important  organ 


Siibiuvoliilion  of  the  Uterus.  189 

and  function.  The  emotions  were  not  always  under  con- 
trol of  the  will :  sleep  was  uncertain ;  paroxysms  of  dys- 
pncea  sometimes  occurred.  The  circulatorj'  system  was 
disturbed  ;  the  heart's  action  weak  and  Frequent.  There 
was  total  disrelish  for  food,  and  constipation.  She  was 
unable  to  apply  her  mind  to  reading,  or  her  hands  to  any 
employment.  Attempts  at  these  or  at  walking,  were  fol- 
lowed by  increased  prostration,  Notwithstanding  this  ex- 
treme state  of  neurasthenia,  there  were  no  visible  signs  of 
impaired  nutrition.  Face  and  figure  remained  full,  and 
weight  was  probably  undiminished.  Treatment  begun  16 
months  ago.  During  last  six  months  patient  has  resumed 
much  of  her  former  activity.  The  only  recognizable  de- 
viation fiom  the  normal  state  of  the  uterus  is  its  size,  for 
the  subinvolution  is  not  cured.  Associated  with  this,  and, 
as  I  believe  now  chiefly  dependant  upon  it.is  a  liability  to 
occasional  nervous  perturbations,  and  an  uncertainty  and 
capriciousness  in  the  display  of  nerve  power,  of  which 
power  I  thmk  she  has  now  regained  a  moderate  reserve 
supply. 

Case  3.  Mrs.  C.  is  an  example  of  subinvolution  arising 
solely  from  neurasthenia  of  constitutional  origin,  Had  al- 
ways been  delicate,  and  during  her  first  two  pregnancies 
had  been  greatly  restricted  in  her  capacity  oi  effort,  but 
during  the  whole  course  of  her  third  and  latest  pregnancy 
debility  was  so  profound  as  to  excite  anxiety.  All  possible 
means  were  used  for  invigoration,  including  frequent  feed- 
ings, massage,  and  the  withdrawal  of  all  care,  yet  she  re- 
mained a  nine  months'  prisoner  to  her  bed,  totally  unable 
to  exercise  either  mental  or  bodily  power.  So  extreme 
was  the  nervous  exhaustion  tliat  she  could  not  bear  the 
prolonged  presence  in  her  room  of  her  dearest  friends 
without  harmful  eflecls.  Normal  labor  of  two  hours'  du- 
ration took  place  Sept.,  1S79,  terminating  in  the  birth  of 
a  healthy  female  child.  The  utmost  care  was  used  to 
guide  the  patient  safely  through  her  puerperal  convales- 
cence, to  reinvigorate  her,  and   at  the  same  time  to  res- 


igo  The  Hom(Eopathic  Courier. 

train  her  from  any  premature  exertion.  Trusting  to  these 
precautions  and  to  the  absence  of  all  suspicious  symptoms, 
no  uterine  examination  was  niade  for  nine  months  after 
confinement.  It  was  proposed  because  it  was  found  that 
-with  every  advantage  the  patient  still  remained  weaker 
'than  was  reasonably  to  be  expected,  and  that  she  began 
to  experience  nervous  feelings,  which  she  could  scarcely 
control.  The  uterus  was  found  inclined  towards  retro- 
version, somewhat  engorged,  patulous,  and  catarrhal,  and 
with  a  depth  of  eight  centimetres,  indicating  a  grade  of 
subinvolution,  when  the  patient's  natural  delicacy  of  or- 
ganization is  considered,  quite  sufficient  to  produce  and 
perpetuate  debility  and  nervousness. 

Eighteen  months  have  now  elapsed  since  her  confine- 
nient,  and  she  has  at  last  regained  a  near  approximation 
to  her  earlier  standard  of  strength  and  efficiency,  and  is 
not  nervous  except  for  reasonable  cause.  The  uterus  is 
very  nearly  healthy,  and  has  a  depth  of  seven  centimetres. 
Ca-E4.  Mrs.  D.,  Oct.,  1S76,  when  her  fifth  child  was 
Jhree  weeks  old,  she  arose  from  bed,  and  began  a  long  and 
devoted  attendance  upon  a  member  of  her  family,  whose 
illness  resulted  fatally  four  months  later.  This  double 
strain  upon  mind  and  body  was  attended  by  menstrual  de- 
rangements and  pelvic  sufferings,  and  was  followed  by 
profound  prostration  of  all  her  energies.  The  presence  of 
subinvolution  was  recognized  by  her  physician.  Eight 
weeks  of  repose  was  succeeded  by  six  months  of  active, 
congenial,  out-of-door  life,  and  she  returned  home,  to  ap- 
pearance, wholly  reinvigorated,  with  pelvic  symptoms 
gone.  Soon  she  began  to  be  annoyed  by  persistent  gen- 
eral pruritus,  later,  by  distressingly  severe  headaches,  and 
by  a  sense  of  returning  debility.  The  uterine  cavity  meas- 
ured eight  and  a  half  centimetres.  The  use  of  the  probe 
caused  pain  and  bleeding.  Form  and  position  of  uterus 
normal.  Some  sensitiveness  of  the  body  of  the  womb  and 
of  the  left  broad  ligament,  which  latter  was  somewhat 
thickened.     This  tenderness  was  subsequently   increased 


Subinvolution  of  the   Utirtn. 


191 


by  too  violent  horseback  exercise,  and  by  imprudence  in 
lifting.  Local  treatment  entered  upon  in  July.  1S78,  and 
continued  over  a  period  of  rather  more  llian  a  year,  with 
an  interruption  in  the  spring,  occasioned  by  a  brief  ab- 
sence oT  patient  in  a  trip  to  Europe.  About  the  middle 
of  August,  1879,  the  menstrual  flow  came  on  with  unusual 
and  startling  copiousness.  After  this  occurrence  treat- 
ment was  discontinued,  the  womb  having  regained  a  suf- 
ficiently healthy  condition,  and  a  calibre  of  scarcely  more 
than  seven  centimetres.  Another  very  abundant  catamen- 
ial  flow  occurred  in  September,  and  thence  dated  her  sixth 
pregnancy.  There  was  some  adhesion  of  the  membranes, 
and  the  lochia  were  not  quite  normal.  Quinine  and  ergot 
and  hot  vaginal  lavements  were  used,  the  stay  in  bed  was 
prolonged,  and  the  first  effort  permitted  was  carriage  exer- 
cise. Progress  was  delayed  by  an  attack  of  severe  ab- 
dominal colic,  from  indigestion,  on  the  13th  day  after  de- 
livery. At  the  end  of  five  weeks  the  uterine  cavity  still 
measured  Si  1-2  millimetres.  At  the  end  oi  nine  weeks 
the  second  measurement  was  made,  and  indicated  69  mil- 
limetres. The  patient  supplied  her  infant  in  part  from  the 
breast  and  has  since  remained  in  good  health. 

I  have  reported  the  foregoing  selected  cases  to  empha- 
size the  importance  of  watching  closely  all  the  symptoms 
in  puerperal  patients  which  may  be  connected  with  check- 
ed involution  ;  of  watching  these  with  peculiar  solicitude 
in  those  patients  who  may  be  constitutionally  inclined  to- 
wards neurasthenia,  or  in  those  ivho,  not  being  especially 
so  inchned,  have  undergone  any  unusual  mental  trial  or 
nervous  shock ;  the  importance,  further,  of  determining  the 
question  by  actual  measurements,  when  i)\^  gciural  con- 
dition of  the  patient  presents  room  for  a  reasonable  doubt, 
even  though  the  usually  accepted  local  indications,  de- 
rived from  the  course  of  the  lochial  discharge,  etc.,  be 
wholly  reassuring;  the  importance,  finally,  of  retaining 
the  full  responsibility  of  lUcouc/unr  until  the  vitally  im- 


192 


The  Honmopathic  Cojiriet, 


portant  process  of  involution  in  each  case  committed  to 
the  physician's  charge  shall  be.  in  his  judgment,  success- 
fully completed. — Boston  M.  &■  S.  Jour.  Aug.  11, 


INFLUENCE    OF    STRANGE    SIGHTS     O.V    FFEG- 

NANCV. 

Already  much  has  been  written  on  "the  influence  of 
strange  sights  on  pregnancy,"  and  I  propose  contributing 
one  article,  touching  a  very  striking  case  of  that  kind. 
Some  years  ago,  about  186S,  I  was  requested  to  see  a 
child  teething,  and  while  talking  with  the  mother  about 
the  child's  condition  my  attention  was  directed  to  one  of 
the  little  fellow's  eyes,  the  mother  remarking  the  while 
that  "about  one-half  of  that  eye  is  darker  than  the  other 
half,  and  always  has  been  since  I  first  noticed  the  color  of 
his  eyes."  His  were  dark  enough  to  be  called  black.  On 
close  inspection,  1  found  that  the  eye  resembled  an  eclipse 
so  closely  that  the  impression  at  once  entered  my  mind 
that  probably  the  mother  had  been  looking  at  the  sun 
during  an  eclipse,  and  upon  inquiry,  elicited  the  fact  she 
had  looked  long  at  an  eclipse  of  the  sun  during  the  early 
months  of  utero-gestalion.  It  was  a  complete  fac -simile ; 
the  line  of  disk  of  the  eclipse  being  perfect  and  smooth. 
I  may  add,  it  was  not  discernable  at  about  the  distance 
of  one  yard  from  the  eye,  and  did  not  extend  outside  of 
the  colored  part  of  eye. — J.  G.,  M,  D.,  in  the  Btief. 


A  SIGN  OF  OBSTRUCTED  LABOH. 

From  the  Canada  Medkal  Journal  we  condense :  "  Dr. 
L.  Bandt,  of  Vienna,  has  recognized,  by  inspection  of  the 
abdomen  during  labor,  in  those  cases  where  there  exists 
an  abnormal  obstacle  to  the  expulsion  of  the  child,  such 
as  contracted  pelvis,  ma!-position  of  the  child,  etc.,  a  dis- 


■  Nipples. 


193 


tiiiet  Ira'isverse  furroiv,  which  appears  on  llie  abdomen, 
midway  between  the  umbilicus  andpubes,  Just  at  the  junc- 
tion of  the  cervix  and  body  of  the  uterus.  This  furrow  is 
produced  by  the  wedging  in  of  the  cervix  into  the  brim 
of  the  pelvis  by  the  presenting  part  of  the  concomitant. 
fruitless,  concentrive  contractions  of  the  uterine  body.  He 
has  seen  this  furrow  also  in  several  cases  where  there  was 
an  excessive  obliquity  of  the  pelvis  and  consequent  ante- 
version  of  the  uterus,  a  condition  simulating  in  its  influence 
on  the  progress  of  labor  the  minor  degrees  of  contracted 
pelvis. 


SORE  NIPPLES. 


When  cracked  nipples  are  not  caused  by  constitutional 
disease,  they  should  be  freely  washed  with  tincture  of  ben- 
zoin. Under  this  treatment  they  will  generally  heal  in 
from  five  to  ten  days.  The  benzoin  forms  a  varnish  over 
the  surface  of  the  cracks,  and  this  protects  them  during 
the  act  of  nursing.  The  great  advantage  of  the  treatment 
is,  that  it  in  no  wise  interferes  with  lactation. —  E.  AI.  Jour- 
nal, St.  Louis. 


A  REMARKABLE  case  of  early  maturity  in  the  person  of 
a  girl  but  nine  years  of  age  giving  birth  to  an  infant,  and 
weighing  seven  pounds  !  The  case  is  recorded  by  Henry 
Dodd,  M.  R.  C.  S.,  in  the  London  Lancet,  for  April,  1881. 


THE  QUESTION  AND  THE  ANSWER. 

In  your  August  number  you  cite  the  Coward's  Clause 
recently  adopted  by  the  American  Medical  Association, 
which  you  say  "  was  an  unconcealed  attack  on  the  Uni- 
versity of  Michigan." 

You  then  continue  : — "  Now  the  question  is,  what  will 
the  University  of  Michigan  do  in  the  premises?  Will  they 
abandon  their  medical  department,  exclude  the  horaor- 
paths,  or  ignore  the  code?  Of  course  they  cannot  do  the 
first  or  second,  and  will  be  compelled  to  do  the  last." 

Your  conclusion  would,  on  the  face  of  it,  be  deemed 
logical  by  ninety-nine  in  a  hundred  readers,  and  yet  it  is 
wholly  wrong. 

You  present  a  three-horned  i/ilemma,  and  as  that  is  an 
Irish  bull,  let  me  say  a  irilemma.. 

Pritmis:— Abandon  their  medical  department.  Never ; 
it  furnishes  a  living  to  professors,  "' passing  rich,"  at 
S2.200  a  year, 

Sccundus : — Exclude  the  homceopaths.  Alas !  that  can't 
be  done,  for  the  people  have  said  "  the  homceopaths  came 
to  stay." 

Tcrtius : — Ignore  the  code.  Ah,  no !  That  would  place 
the  "  regular  "  faculty  under  the  ban,  deplete  the  benches, 
stop  the  mill,  and  put  an  end  to  the  annual  salary. 


The  Question  oiid  the  Atisw 


195 


Here  are  obstacles  insuperable ;  obstacles  before  which 
Richard  the  lion-hearted  would  quail ! 

Now,  your  lion  is  a  noble  animal,  but ,  your  rcjnard  the 
fox  sees  his  way  clearly — and  here  it  is : 
Ignore  the  Homceofaths  ! 

Sublime  conception;  can  it  be  done?  It  )j  done,  and 
thus : 

"The  Department  of  Medicine  and  Surgery  is  distinct 
in  its  organization  from  every  other  department  of  the 
University,  and  under  the  regulations  established  by  the 
Regents,  the  Professors  are  not  required  to  take  any  part 
in  conducting  the  examinations  of  other  students,  or  in 
recommending  them  for  graduation,  or  in  signing  their 
certificates  or  diplomas." 

The  italics  are  my  own.  but  all  the  rest  of  this  bare- 
faced assertion  is  quoted  faithfully,  not  from  any  secret 
circular,  but  from  page  12,  of  "The  Annua!  Announce- 
ment of  the  Department  of  Medicine  and  Surgery  of  the 
University  of  Michigan  for  1881-S2,  Ann  Arbor:  Pub- 
lished by  the  University." 

As  homa;pathic  matriculates  of  the  University  of  Mich- 
igan have  to  study  anatomy,  physioIog>-,  general  chemis- 
try, physiological  chemistry,  microscopy,  and  obstetrics 
under  Professors  who  "  are  not  required  to  take  any  part 
in  conducting  the  examinations  of  other  students,"  you 
can  see  in  what  an  abject  position  this  unrighteous  dis- 
erimination  bet',veen  matriculates  of  the  University  of 
Michigan  places  the  "  homiropathic  "  student.  Yet  we  are 
told  such  a  discrimination  is  authorized  "under  the  regu- 
lations established  by  the  Regents." 

If  any  evidence  of  the  power  of  the  American  Medical 
Association  is  needed,  surely  we  have  it  in  its  ability  to 
make  the  Board  of  Regents  of  our  sovereign  State  serve 


19*5 


The  Homa:opiilhic   Coiifift 


its  nefarious  purpose,  and  violate  their  oath  of  office  in 
this  shameless  manner. 

Any  honest  man  will  find  it  difficult  to  believe  that  the 
University  of  Michigan  is  capable  of  issuing  a  false  prom- 
ise, or  of  making  a  contract  which  she  really  intends  not 
to  fulfill;  yet  this  is  being  done  as  I  will  now  show. 

"The  Seventh  Annual  Announcement  of  the  Homce- 
opathic  Medical  College  of  theUniversity  of  Michigan  for 
1881-82.  Ann  Arbor:  Published  by  the  University," 
contains  the  following  on  page  1 1 : — 

"  In  anatomy,  obstetrics,  physiology,  general  chemistry, 
histology,  zoology,  physics,  electro-therapeutics,  clinical 
analysis  and  toxicology  instruction  will  be  given  by  the 
Professors  of  the  department  of  medicine  and  surgery. 
While  in  attendance  upon  these  lectures  and  demonstra- 
tions 5/K(/i'«/j  of  this   college  are  entitled  to   all  the 

PRIVILEGES  ACCORDED  TO  STUDENTS  OF  SAID  DEPARTMENT." 

The  italics  and  "  small  caps  "  are  not  in  the  original,  all 
else  is. 

This  gives  the  reader  to  understand  that  students  of 
both  schools  have  like  privileges,  that  they  fare  alike, 
are  treated  alike,  have  like  examinations,  and  receive  like 
certificates;  all  of  which  both  the  homceopathic  faculty 
and    the  homceopathic  matriculates  imno  is  mit  the  case. 

It  is  simply  a  false  promise  deliberately  and  knowingly 
made  by  the  homceopathic  faculty  when  issuing  the  an- 
nual announcement;  it  allures  the  intending  matriculate 
with  promises  that  are  not  kept;  promises  which,  as  the 
old  school  announcement  openly  declares  "the  Professors 
are  not  required"  to  make  good  "under  the  regulations 
established  by  the  Regents," 

This  is  a  foul  blot  on  the  escutcheon  of  the  University 
of  Michigan. 

I   know  whereof  I  write;  and  1  write  in  heaviness   of 


The  Question  and  the  Aiiswei 


197 


heart.  I  challenge  contradiction,  having  the  absolute 
truth  with  me.  I  tell  the  truth  thus  plainly  in  the  hope 
that  this  foul  wrong  may  be  corrected. 

The  homreopalhic  faculty  cannot  correct  it.  An  inflex- 
ible demand  that  the  homteopathJc  minority  in  the  Uni- 
versity shall  have  all  its  rights  to  the  very  dot  over  an  i.  is 
to  make  him  who  so  demands  sit  insecurely  in  his  chait — 

EXPERTO  CREDE  1 

Something  must  be  done.  The  people  of  Michigan 
mean  right  and  justice,  and  their  intyit  is  thwarted  in 
obedience  to  the  behest  of  the  American  Medical  Associ- 
ation. 

Everything  is  now  designed  to  ^discourage  the  matric- 
ulation of  homteopathic  students,  and  when  a  small  class 
of  homojopathic  students  gives  the  color  of  an  excuse  the 
college  will  be  closed,  and  the  trial  of  homasopathy  in  the 
University  of  Michigan  pronounced  a  failure 

Then  all  action  on  the  part  of  our  school  will  be  too 
late.  The  podtion  is  too  important  to  be  allowed  to  go 
by  default,  or  to  be  forfeited  by  the  trade  jealousy  of 
rival  colleges.  Here  the  conflict  is  face  to  face  and  hand 
to  hand  witli  old  ph)-sic  in  its  decrepitude.  In  its  rage  it 
even  dares  to  pronounce  anathemas  which  are  an  insult 
to  the  spirit  of  the  age;  and  shall  our  supineness  allow 
such  anathemas  to  become  operative  ?  _  They  can  get 
strength  only  from  our  zveakness  ! 

By  all  that  is  true  in  honiceopathy,  I  appeal  to  every 
honiLKOpath  to  stand  closely  by  the  Ann  Arbor  College, 
Give  it  an  earnest  support.  It  has  most  desirable  oppor- 
tunities, and  the  trade  value  of  a  large  class  (for  that  is 
recognized  by  even  a  Board  of  Regents)  will  enable  every 
homceopathic  student  to  reap  their  full  benefit  without 
sacrilicing  one  fraction  of  his  manhood,  as  he  is  now 
obliged  to  do. 


198 


Personal  and  General  Items. 


With  the  influence  which  comes  from  large  classes,  the 
college  can  command  the  best  teaching  ability  in  the  land 
— there  will  be  no  place  for  a  "Professor"  who  is  only 
known  as  such  by  the  accident  of  his  sitting  in  a  "  Chair ;" 
for  things  will  get  misplaced  in  even  a  well-regulated 
University. 

Reader,  as  yon  value  the  truth,  give  these  things  a 
thought.  S.  A.  Jones. 

Ann  Aruor,  Sept.  3d, 


PERSONAL  AND  GENERAL  ITEMS. 
W.  N.  6uNiiAM,  M.  D.,  has  located  at  Kcnlland,  Ind, 
Anyone  having  an  extra  copy  of  the  last  April  (No.  4) 
Courier,  will  confer  a  favor  by  sending  it  to  the  man- 
aging editor. 

Dr.  W.  B.  Morgan  has  reopened  an  office  in  North  St. 
Louis,  at  the  northeast  comer  of  Grand  and  Penrose  ave- 
nues.    Consultation  hours  until  9  a.  m,,  I  to  3  and  7  to  S 


Book  Notices. 


Materia  Medica  and  Therapeutics,  Arranged  upon  a 
Phvsiological  and  Pathological  Basis.  By  Charles 
J.  Hemple,  M.  D,  Third  edition.  Revised  by  the 
author  and  greatly  enlarged  by  the  addition  of  many 
new  and  valuable  remedies,  clinical  contributions,  &c. 
By  H.  R.  Arndl,  M.  D.  Two  royal  octavo  volumes. 
W.  A.  Chatterton,  83  and  85  Fifth  avenue,  Chicago, 
publishers. 

Medical  students  may  safely  be  credited  with  a  highly 
critical  judgement  as  regards  the  value  of  a  text  book  on 
medicine  or  the  qualifications  of  a  teacher  or  professor  in 
a  medical  college.  We  are  inclined  to  believe  indeed  that 
the  student  is  a  more  competent  judge  in  these  matters 
tlian  the  average  practitioner. 

It  is  only  rational  to  suppose  that  the  student  knows 
actually  from  his  practical  necessities  what  book  or  teacher 
on  a  given  subject  affords  him  the  most  information  at  the 
least  outlay  of  time  and  study. 

Composed  of  men  and  women  in  the  first  flush  of  ed- 
ucational maturity  with  self-trained  minds  actively  alive 
to  their  own  interests,  we  know  gf  no  tribunal  more  thor- 
ougly  competent  to  sum  up  and  render  decision  on  the 
comparative  merits  of  medical  authorities  than  a  class  of 
medical  students. 

Weighed  by  such  a  tribunal,  Hemple's  Materia  Medica 
always  has  and  always  will  be  one  of  the  most  popular 
text  books  on  materia  medica. 

Full  enough  to  be  complete,  from  a  pathological  and 
physiological  stand  point,  and  not  so  full  as  to  be  prolix, 
with  a  thorough  history,  pathogenetic,  to.\icological  and 
therapeutic,  of  each  remedy,  it  is  one  of  the  most  read- 


-2C» 


Book  Nolicis. 


able  and  instructive  books  that  has  ever  been 
printed  in  the  liomceopathic  school.  We  remember 
reading  and  re-reading  many  years  ago  the  first 
edition  with  a  fascination  equal  to  that  of  perusing  a  novel, 
and  the  present  edition  has  not  lost  any  of  the  charm,  but 
has,  as  stated  on  the  title  page,  been  greatly  enriched  and 
enlarged. 

It  is  in  fact  a  v-ork  on  materia  medica,  and  as  such  is  a 
necessity  to  the  student  and  practitioner,  before  an  intelli- 
gent understanding  of  the  many  works  on  symptomatol- 
ogy can  be  arrived  at.  We  cannot  understand  why  auth- 
ors of  books  on  symptomatology  persist  in  calling  their 
productions  works  on  materia  medica. 

The  two  subjects  are  no  more  alike  than  a  spelling-book 
and  a  reader,  and  by  the  way,  the  illustration  suggests 
that  it  is  as  necessary  to  learn  materia  medica  before  you 
begin  the  study  of  symptomatology  as  it  is  to  learn  to  spell 
before  you  commence  to  learn  to  read. 

We  have  not  a  single  unfavorable  comment  or  criticism 
to  offer  on  this  book.  The  great  ability,  learning  and  ex- 
perience as  an  author  of  the  lamented  Hemple  are  guar- 
antees that  his  part  of  the  work  is  well  done. 

As  to  the  reviser  and  editor,  Dr.  H.  R.  Arndt,  he  seems 
to  have  performed  his  duty  faithfully  and  well ;  this  coup- 
led with  the  fine  paper,  typography,  and  press  work. 
makes  these  two  magnificent  volumes  indispensible  to  any 
homteopathic  physician's  library. 

W.  C.  R. 


The   HomcBopathic    Courier. 


N0.4- 


Theory  and  Practict 


THE  INTERNATIONAL  HOMCEOPAIHIC  CON- 
VENTION. 

The  following  report  of  the  Homceopathic  Convention, 
held  in  London,  July  Iith-i8th,  is  condensed  from  the 
British  journals,  the  World  and  the  Review.  As  both  of 
these  Journals  speak  enthusiastically  of  it,  we  may  con- 
clude that  their  accounts  of  its  proceedings  are  fair  and  un- 
biassed. The  World  says:  "Rarely  has  it  fallen  to 
our  lot  to  chronicle  such  a  complete  success."  The 
Rti'iew  says:  "This  important  meeting,  which  has  been 
anticipated  for  so  long  by  many  of  us,  the  preparations  for 
which  have  occupied  so  much  of  the  time  and  thought  of 
some,  is  now  an  event  of  the  past.  Happily,  the  retrospect 
it  affords  is  one  of  undiluted,  of  unalloyed  pleasure.  *  * 
*  From  a  scientific  point  of  view  especially,  the  meeting 
was  a  success  of  a  high  order."  Whether  or  not  these 
tributes  are  merited,  our  readers  can  judge  from  the  fol- 
lowing extracts  of  the  Convention's  work. 

The  business  part  of  the  Convention  commenced  its  ses- 
sions Monday.  July  nth,  by  the  address  of  Dr. Hughes,  the 
President.  After  a  touching  reference  to  the  life  and  char- 
acter of  the  late  Carroll  Dunham,  he  also  noticed  the 
deaths  of  Drs.  Quinn,  Nunez,  Hering,  Hempal,  Grauvogel 
and  Jahr,  all  occurring  in  the  last  five  years.  He  then  de- 
scribed tlie  arrangements  which  had  been  made  for  secur- 
ing papers  and  for  facilitating  discussion,  and  passed  to 
the  consideration  of  the  objects  aimed  at  in  holding  these 
meetings.     These,  he  said,  were — 


202  The  HoiHiXopathic  Courict. 

First,  The  consideration  of  the  best  plans  for  propagat- 
ing the  method  of  Hahnemann.  He  iirj;ed  that  hninteo- 
pathy  was  a  method,  and  not  a  doctrine  orsystem.  Hahne- 
mann had  his  thaories,  pathological,  such  as  psora  ;  physi- 
ological, such  as  dynamization;  but  there  was  no  such 
thing  as  homceopathic  pathology,  no  such  thing  as  lioniceo- 
palhic  physiology.  He  then  considered  the  leading  feat- 
ures of  homceopathy — the  principle,  the  dose,  the  single 
medicine^describing  these  as,  collectively,  the  method  be- 
queathed us  by  Hahnemann.  He  then  vindicated  the  lib- 
erty of  the  physician  who  practiced  honiteopathy  in  the 
use  of  such  measures  as  appeared  to  him  to  be  best  adapt- 
ed to  the  individual  case  before  him ;  arguing,  at  the  same 
time,  that  departure  from  homceopathic  prescribing  was  a 
grave  responsibility — a  responsibility  that  ought  to  be  as- 
sumed only  after  a  full  conviction  of  its  necessity. 

Secondly,  The  Convention  had  in  view  the  development 
of  homceopathy. 

Thirdly,  The  Convention  would,  it  was  hoped,  have  a 
powerful  influence  in  cementing  in  friendly  union  the  phy- 
sicians practicing  homceopathy  in  various  parts  of  the 
world. 

Dr.  Pope  was  elected  Vice-President;  Drs.  Talbot.  Bos- 
ton; Breyfugle.  Louisville;  Meyhoffer,  Nice,  and  Drys- 
dale,  Liverpool,  were  elected  Honorary  Vice-Presidents. 
Then  followed  reports  on  the  history  of  honiosopatliy  in 
different  parts  of  the  world  during  the  last  five  years;  re- 
ports being  presented  by  Dr.  Martiny,  for  Belgium ;  by 
Drs.  Logan  and  Nichol,  for  Canada;  by  Dr.  Allan  M.  King, 
for  the  provinces  of  New  Brunswick  and  Nova  Scotia ;  by 
Dr.  Claude,  for  France  ;  in  absence  of  Dr.  Goulion.  Jr.,  Dr. 
Dudgeon  reported  for  Germany;  Dr.  Pope  reported  for 
Great  Britain  and  the  Colonies;  Dr.  Sircar,  of  Calcutta,  re- 
ported the  progress  of  homoeopathy  in  India;  Dr.  Bernard 
Arnulphy  reported  for  Italy.  Dr.  Bojanus,  of  St.  Peters- 
burg, opened  his  interesting  account  of  homceopathy  in 
Russia,  with  a  notice  of  the  report  made  to  the  late  Km- 
peror  by  military  medical  officers.  The  number  of  ho- 
moeopathic physicians  in  Russia  is  about  200.  Scant  lit- 
erature. Dr.  Lloyd  Tuckey  spoke  for  Spain.  The  chief 
event  in  the  last  five  years  was  the  opening  of  the  homte- 
opathic  hospital  in  Madrid.  The  Hahnemannian  Society 
is  very  prosperous,  and  the  journal  El  Criteria  M(di(o  has 
been  enlarged.     For  the  United  States,  the  diffident  Dr. 


InUrnational  HotmropaShic  Contention. 


203 


Talbot  reported  6,000  physicians  [to  whom  only  1,000 
copies  of  Hahnemann's  Organon  have  been  sold  ! — Ed], 
26  organized  State  societies,  over  100  local  societies,  38 
hospitals.  40  dispensaries,  ll  medical  colleges,  and  17 
jouinals. 

After  these  reports  had  been  made,  a  discussion  ensued 
on  "the  condition  and  prospects  of  homo-'opathy  at  the 
present  time,  and  the  best  means  of  furthering  its  cause." 

This  problem  was  solved  by  Drs.  Talbot,  Claude,  Dud- 
geon. De  GersdorfT,  Bushrod,  James,  Pope,  Leon  Simon 
and  others. 

One  gentleman — well  known  as  an  eclectic — exclaimed : 
"  Give  me  (!)  l\\e young  "len  to  instruct,  and  I  will  guaran- 
antec  the  future  of  homoeopathy."  Can  Punch  or  Puck 
beat  that f  Suppose  Calaline  had  exclaimed:  "Give  me 
the  yotivg  men  of  Rome  to  teach,  and  I  will  guarantee  her 
future  !" 

The  following  subjects  were  discussed.  We  can  only 
give  abstracts.     (From  the  Revie'ii.'). 


Thoughts  0 


the  Scientific  Application  of  the  Principles 
Homtsopathy  in  Practice. 


'f 


Thomas  Havle,  M.  D.,  Edin.,  of  Rochdale, 


Dr.  Hayle  commenced  his  paper  by  dwelling  upon  the 
importance  of  facts  as  distinguished  from  speculations,  ar- 
guing that  it  was  from  rash  speculations  and  reckless  ex- 
periments that  much  of  the  evil  that  had  resulted  from  the 
use  of  drugs  in  the  past  had  accrued.  Referring  to  the 
effect  produced  on  llahnemann  by  his  reflections  on  the 
practice  of  medicine,  and  his  resolution  not  to  terminate  his 
train  of  thought  until  he  had  arrived  at  a  definite  conclu- 
sion, he  describes  it  as  "a  frame  of  mind  of  which  it  may 
be  asserted,  as  an  everlasting  truth,  that  those  who  seek 
shall   find,   and    that   unto  them  who  knock  it  shall  be 

Briefly  noticing  the  circumstances  which  led  Hahne- 
mann to  the  assertion  of  the  law  of  similars  as  the  basis  of 
drug  selection,  to  the  researches  made  by  him  confirming 
its  truth,  and  to  such  as  have  since  been  made,  he  points 
to  them  as  having  established  Hahnemann's  discovery 
beyond  question. 

Noticing  Hahnemann's  sole  reliance  upon  symptoms  and 
their  most  minute  surroundings,  with  the  result  of  setting 


204  ^•'"'  Honmopathic  CourUr. 

them  forth  in  a  schema  which  was  artificial,  he  proceeded 
to  consider,  from  an  historical  point  of  view,  the  infinites- 
imal dose,  describing  it  as  a  discovery  as  brilliant  as  any 
in  the  annals  of  medicine,  and  one  to  which  the  law  was  a 
step.  Of  the  reception  of  homceopathy  among  its  adher- 
ents, he  said,  the  great  majority  materialized  its  teach- 
ings; their  habits  and  instincts  led  them  to  compromise — 
they  preferred  the  lower  attenuations,  often  giving  the 
crude  material.  Anotlier  branch  of  homceopathists  out- 
Hahnemanned  Hahnemann — he  gave  thirtieths,  they^ave 
miUionths.  He  observed  positions,  aspects  and  the 
weather,  and  they  attended  to  the  most  minute  particulars 
and  circumstances.  That  which  Hahnemann  did  from  ne- 
cessity they  do  from  choice.  The  resources  of  pathology 
were  not  open  to  him,  and  he  was  therefore  compelled  to 
find  his  similar  in  a  very  roundabout  way.  Symptom  cov- 
ering was  his  only  resource. 

Encumbered  as  it  has  been,  the  achievements  of  homce- 
opathy  have  been  great ;  but  what  may  not  be  expected 
when  science  has  cleared  away  the  impediments,  and  has 
revealed  the  essentials  in  their  unadulterated  beauty,  when 
we  shall  have  ascertained  the  nature,  extent  and  limits  of 
the  law,  and  the  essence  and  relative  importance  of  the 
symptoms ! 

Dr.  Hayle  then  passed  to  a  consideration  of  a  rational 
theory  of  medicinal  action.     *     *     * 

Dr.  Hayle  then  detailed  a  case  where  fever  and  pleu- 
ritic stitches  were  the  result  of  exposure  to  a  northeast 
wind,  which  was  completely  checked  by  one  dose  o{  aco- 
nite 30.  The  next  day  the  patient  was  free  from  pain  and 
fever,  but  weak.  In  explaining  the  mode  of  cure  in  this 
case,  he  says:  "Medicinal  action  consists  in  a  particular 
mode  of  motion,  controlling  and  altering  the  mode  of  mo- 
.  tion  which  is  constantly  going  on  in  the  different  nerves. 
It  does  not  alter  the  mode  of  motion  that  is  going  on.  if 
healthy,  that  is  synchronous  with  its  own  mode  of  motion ; 
but  whatever  is  amiss,  out  of  gear,  it  restores  to  its  nor- 
mal action,  and  in  fact,  sets  all  right  that  is  wrong."  A 
large  dose  or  low  dilution  not  only  acts  on  the  diseased 
parts,  but  sets  up  morbid  movements  of  its  own,  derang- 
ing the  whole  nervous  tracts. 

Comparing  Stanley's  account  of  his  successful  treat- 
ment of  his  marsh  fever  in  Africa  by  large  doses  of  qui- 
nine with  those  recorded  in  Ruckert's  Klinischt  Erfaltntn- 


Inttrnational  Homo'tipiithic  Convention.  205 

gen,  wliere  small  dnses  were  used.  Dr.  Hayle  s.iys  that  he 
believes  that  the  cures  wrought  by  the  larger  doses  arc 
more  violent  and  less  rapid,  and  more  apt  to  return  than 
those  by  smaller  doses,  which  are  accompanied  with  less 
struggle,  as  only  the  diseased  parts  are  touched,  while  the 
healthy  parts  remain  unaffected.  In  the  smaller  dose  the 
vibrations  are  synchronous  with  the  healthy  parts,  and  only 
those  which  are  out  of  gear  are  touched.  In  the  other  case 
the  whole  sphere  of  the  medicine,  that  is,  the  sphere  on 
which  it  acts,  is  abnormally  and  violently  acted  on. 

In  chronic  cases,  the  vessels' of  the  part  are  chronically 
dilated,  and  have  lost  their  elasticity.  Speedy  relapse  fol- 
lows restoration  by  a  single  dose.  This  state  of  things  is 
to  be  met  by  a  skillful  repetition  of  dose,  and  if  the  part 
is  accessible  by  a  typical  stimulant,  or  by  large  doses,  we 
should  not  give  a  second  dose  until  the  first  has  exhausted 
its  action,  and  we  should  persevere  with  our  medicine  as 
long  as  it  seems  to  do  good.  Alternations  impede  the 
action  of  the  right  medicine,  and  prevent  the  acquisition 
of  experience.  "The  charioteer  in  the  car  of  homa;- 
opathy,"  says  Dr.  Hayle,  "  always  drives  at  least  a  pair  of 
horses,  but  rarely  well  matched."     •     »     • 

Dr.  Hayle  concluded  by  advocating  the  remodeling  of 
the  materia  niedica,  by  arranging  the  symptoms  in  the 
order  of  their  occurrence.  The  doses  in  which  the  drugs 
have  produced  them  should  be  stated,  and  the  effects  of  a 
change  of  dose  upon  the  nature  and  order  of  symptoms 
should  be  ascertained.  The  causes,  seat  and  nature  of  the 
symptoms  should  be  analyzed. 

To  accomplish  this  end.  Dr.  Hayle  proposes  the  forma- 
tion of  an  experimental  committee.  By  such  work  all  at- 
tempts to  include  truth  by  including  everything,  even  the 
unimportant  and  minute,  would  be  unnecessarj'.  Transit- 
i'jnal  and  temporary  aberrations  would  be  merged  in  one 
uniform  and  scientilic  system  of  practice,  which  might 
admit  of  additions  but  not  of  change. 


Generalization  and  /nJividualizatioii.'- 

R.  Hl-ghes,  L.  R.  C.  p.,  Edin,,  of  Brighton. 

In  opening  his  paper,  Dr.  Hughes  spoke  of  the  necessity 

of  defining  the  word  "likes."     In    doing  so,  he  described 

•Dr.  nTiiil»-8*»e(.say  imsn-.-niiBn'll^niv  Hr.  nry-lnlc,  wli..  i.-lnr".!  i.nl  lh»l 


The  Homwopathic  Courier. 

two  classes  of  honiLEopalliic  practitioners,  the  one  satisfied 
only  when  he  can  st;cure  a  drug  which  will  produce  the 
morbid  state  supposed  to  constitute  the  disease  he  is  call- 
ed upon  to  treat ;  while  the  other  ignores  disease  for  thera- 
peutic purposes  as  a  pathological  state,  and  regards  only 
sick  persons.  The  totality  of  the  symptoms  is  the  sole 
guide  to  the  similiimiini,  and  if  that  is  not  attainable,  re- 
liance must  be  placed  on  the  more  peculiar  symptoms. 
Dr.  Hughes  then  proceeded  to  show,  by  quotations  from 
The  Organon  and  Hahnemann's  Lesser  iVrittiigs,  that, 
while  Hahnemann  taught  tiiat  for  the  multitudinous  and 
divers  forms  of  disorder  which  come  before  the  physician. 
arising  from  common  causes  (atmospheric  and  such  like), 
and  having  no  permanent  character,  selection  by  totality 
of  .symptoms  and  treatment  as  individual  maladies  formed 
the  best  mode  of  proceeding,  yet  he  ever  recognized  that 
there  were  a  certain  number  of  diseases  of  fixed  type,  ac- 
quiring this  by  origination  from  a  specific  (generally  mi- 
asmatic) cause.  To  these  he  appropriated  one  or  more 
specific  remedies,  as  always  applicable  and  usually  indis- 
pensable. And.  further,  he  considered  it  a  positive  gain 
when  morbid  states,  hitherto  regarded  as  individuals, 
could  be  referred  to  a  common  type  and  treated  by  rem- 
edies chosen  from  a  definite  group,  instead  of  being  made 
the  subjects  of  an  indiscriminate  search  through  t lie  ma- 
teria medica. 

From  the  evidence  he  adduced,  showing  that  Hahne- 
mann recognized  certain  specific  forms  of  disease,  which 
are  always  essentially  the  same,  and  always  curable  by  the 
same  remedy;  that  he  divided  miasmatic  diseases  into 
acute  and  chronic,  and  defined  another  class  of  diseases  as 
specific  fevers,  each  epidemic  having  fevers  of  its  own,  but 
all  cases  of  each  being  amenabl*  to  the  same  specific  rem- 
edy ;  that  he  asserted  the  value  of  the  same  remedy  for 
the  few  diseases  which  have  a  constant  character ;  and 
from  the  importance  he  attached  to  the  facility  afforded  in 
prescribing  by  the  recognition  of  the  psoric  origin  of 
chronic  disease;  as  well  as  from  the  fact  that  he  ac- 
knowledged the  curative  power  of  spongia  over  goitre ;  of 
bark  in  endemic  malarial  fever;  oi verairiim  album  in  the 
water  colic  of  Lauenburg;  of  aiiriim  in  suicidal  melan- 
cholia; of  the  prophylactic  power  of  belladonna  over 
scarlatina,  and  of  eopper  over  cholera.  Dr.  Hughes  argued 
that  Hahnemann  was  no  mere  individualizer,  that   he    re- 


hiternat'xonal  Hoiinropathie  Comi'itton.  207 

sorted  to  this  method  only  where  other  guidance  failed 
him,  that  for  him  there  wi;re  marbid  species  and  specific 
medicines,  and  that  he  counted  it  real  giin  to  reclaim 
funiis  of  disease  from  the  desert  of  symptomatology,  to 
trace  them  to  a  common  origin  and  connect  them  with 
certain  remedies. 

Having  thus  shown  that  pure  indJvidualizers  were  with- 
out authority,  he  argued  that  they  had  no  foundation  in 
reason.  To  obtain  a  group  of  allied  remedies,  generic  and 
.specific  characters  are  necessary.  Generalization  mu.st 
precede  individualization.  Further,  by  generalization  wc 
are  able  to  utilize  the  experience  of  the  piist. 

There  are  cases.  Dr.  Hughes  urged,  such  as  goitre  and 
mimips,  where  we  must  alt  generalize  exclusively  ;  others, 
such  as  nervous  disorders,  varieties  of  dyspepsia,  and  of 
defective  nutrition,  which  cannot  be  conformed  to  any 
known  type  of  disease,  and  here  individualization  is  the 
only  reasonable  course.  Between  these  two  extreme  poles 
there  is  an  extensive  zone  of  genuine  morbid  species,  each 
requiring  the  allotment  of  a  group  of  specific  remedies  to 
be  dilTcrentiated  in  accordance  with  each  variety  and  each 
case.  Where,  on  the  other  hand,  this  is  not  possible, 
where  the  practitioner  has  to  choose  between  a  remedy 
producing  symptoms  similar  to  some  of  the  peculiarities  of 
the  instance  before  him  or  to  the  type  of  disease  of  which 
the  instance  in  question  is  a  specimen.  Dr.  Hughes  ar^^ued 
that  it  was  of  greater  consequence  to  secure  similarity  to 
the  pathological  process  itself  than,  to  use  Hahnemann's 
own  words,  "to  some  accidental  concomitant  circumstan- 
ces which  do  not  alter  its  essential  character."' 


A  Nt-w  Stjnila. 
A.  W.  Woodward,  M,  D.,  Chicago. 

Dr.  Woodward  defined  disease  a.i  a  combined  picture  of 
pathological  lesion, //;/j  the  special  sympathetic  disturban- 
ces attending  it ;  necessitating  a  remedy,  which  is  simil- 
limum.  not  only  to  the  local  lesion,  but  to  all  the  symp- 
toms in  the  order  of  their  relative  importance.  Our  drug 
provings  fail,  he  said,  in  giving  the  combination  and  sub- 
ordination of  the  symptoms  peculiar  to  and  characteristic 


208 


The  Homaopalhic  Courier, 


of  each  drug,  rendering  us  unable  to  estimate  correctly  the 
attending  symptoms  which  govern  the  success  of  the  rem- 
edy, A  drug  can  only  be  radically  curative  when  it  pre- 
sents a  complete  parallel  to  the  totality  of  the  disease 
symptoms.  If  it  cures  to-day  and  fails  to-morrow  in  the 
same  disease,  it  must  be  owing  to  differences  existing,  not 
in  the  local  lesion  itself,  but  in  the  epiphenomena  which 
modify  and  present  a  favorable  result,  and  to  which  the 
drug  is  not  homoeopathic.  To  obtain  the  knowledge  nec- 
essary for  prescribing  in  this  manner.  Dr.  Woodward  ar- 
gued that  provings  must  be  made  on  the  healthy  by  a  sin- 
gle dose  taken  in  sufficient  quantity  to  produce  disturb- 
ance oi  the  entire  economy,  Dr.  Woodward  then  adduced 
a  series  of  provings  of  arsenic,  mix  vomica^,  cinchona, 
veratrum  album,  aconite  and  belladonna,  which  were 
brought  forward  to  show  (ist)  That  the  same  drug  when 
taken  in  health,  and  in  a  single  dose,  will  affect  many  per- 
sons in  the  same  general  manner,  though  the  special  symp- 
toms will  vary,  (2d)  That  all  medicines  begin  their  action 
by  excitement,  either  of  the  motor,  the  sensory,  or  the  ex- 
cretory functions;  and  that  they  divide  themselves  natur- 
ally into  three  groups  or  classes,  according  to  the  order  in 
which  their  general  functions  are  disturbed  successively; 
{3d)  That  each  drug,  while  exhibiting  the  general  method 
of  action  belonging  to  its  class,  shows  its  individuality  by 
the  succession  in  which  it  disturbs  the  special  organs  and 
functions  of  the  body,  thus  presenting  a  combination  of 
symptoms  peculiar  to  that  drug  alone. 

In  the  proving  of  arsenic  by  three  persons— two  male 
and  one  female — the  single  dose  was,  in  one  case,  three 
drops  of  the  ix,  in  a  second,  a  grain  and  a  half  of  the  l.v 
trituration,  and  in  the  third,  three  grains  of  the  2X.  An 
analysis  of  the  provings  showed  that,  while  special  symp- 
toms varied,  uniformity  of  physiological  action  was  seen 
in  the  symptoms  beginning  with  morbid  sensations,  and 
being  followed  by  morbidly  increased  or  altered  secre- 
tions— with  a  final  general  disturbance  of  a  febrile  char- 
acter. These  provings  are  held  to  show  that  arsenic  dis- 
turbs not  only  special  organs,  but  the  entire  economy  in 
one  specific  direction,  and  that  these  disturbances  are  cu- 
mulative. Its  use  then,  clinically,  must  be  governed,  not 
alone  by  the  local  symptoms  of  disease,  for  they  may 
belong  to  many  drugs,  but  by  the  associated  sympathetic 
disorders  that  must  always  characterize  this  remedy  in  aay 


InUrnational  Homoeopathic  Convfntion. 


209 


disease.  Thus,  excluding  the  locus  morbi,  gastric  symp- 
toms always  lead,  cephalic  are  next  in  importance,  and 
cutaneous,  respiratory,  spinal,  renal  and  enteric  each  pro- 
gressively decrease  in  importance,  except  when  one  oT 
them  becomes  the  leading  feature  as  the  seat  of  disease. 

The  new  simila  governing  the  use  of  arsenic  in  disease 
is,  that  whatever  the  disease  may  be  called,  the  indications 
for  this  drug  are  invariable,  and  will  be  limited  to  only 
two  conditions.  1st.  That  the  sufferings  and  morbid  ex- 
cretions shall  exceed  the  fever.  2d.  That  the  chief  sym- 
pathetic disorder  must  always  be  gastric,  the  second  ce- 
phalic, the  third  cutaneous,  etc.  In  this  manner.  Dr. 
Woodward  examined  the  provings  he  had  conducted  of 
the  medicines  already  named. 


On  the  Alternation  of  Medicine i. 

Dr.   Martinv,   of  Brussels,   and  Dr.  Berkard,  of  Mons, 
Belgium. 

The  authors  define  alternation  as  the  successive  admin- 
istration of  two  or  more  remedies  which  rectir  in  turn  in  a 
regular  order  and  at  intervals  sufficiently  approximated, 
so  that  the  duration  of  the  action  of  the  one  drug  may  not 
be  quite  exhausted  before  another  succeeds  it. 

This  methodical  alternation  they  consider  constitutes 
an  important  step  in  practical  progress. 

In  taking  a  retrospective  view  o(  the  practice  of  alter- 
nation, they  refer  to  Hahnemann,  who,  in  the  edition  of 
the  OrgaiioH  published  in  iSiO,  admitted  its  necessity,  be- 
cause of  the  "  insufficient  number  of  remedies  tried  up  to 
that  time." 

Heriag,  Gross,  Rummel,  ^gidi,  Koempfer,  Hirsch, 
Hartmann  and  Perry,  are  cited  as  supporting  the  alterna- 
tion of  medicines  in  the  early  history  of  homoiopathy,  and 
Teste,  Jousset,  Mouremans,  Espanet  and  Van  den  Necker 
as  doing  so  in  later  years. 

The  ideal  of  the  practice  of  homoeopathy,  the  finding  of 
a  remedy  whose  pathogenetic  symptoms  comprise  the  to- 
tality of  the  morbid  symptoms,  actual  and  antecedent, 
personal  and  hereditary,  objective  and  subjective,  is,  they 
say.  one  bristling  with  difficulties — difficulties  which  have 


2!0  Thi  Hoiimopatkic   Courier. 

led  to  the  alternation  of  drugs.  They  doubt  whether  the 
progress  of  therapeutics  will  ever  bring  us  exclusively  and 
definitely  to  the  simplicity,  so  seductive,  and.  in  appear- 
ance at  least,  so  much  more  logical,  of  the  administration 
of  one  single  remedy ;  and  consider  that  so  long  as  this 
ideal  or  even  unrealizable  perfection  of  the  method  is  not 
attained,  it  is,  from  a  chnical  point  of  view,  advantageous 
in  ordinary  practice  to  habitually  alternate  remedies  two 
by  two,  or  three  by  three,  or  even  four  by  four,  when  two 
or  three  drugs  are  not  sufficient  to  cover  all  the  syinp-, 
toms,  or  do  not  answer  to  all  the  causes  of  disease,  both 
profound  and  occasional,  For  example,  an  acute  pleurisy 
occurs  in  an  emphysematous  patient  who  has  had  haemorr- 
hoidal  troubles: — ^comVt*  will  be  alternated  with  bryonia 
and  arsenic ;  and  when  the  acute  symptoms  are  calmed, 
we  believe  that  to  obtain  a  prompt  and  durable  cure,  wc 
must  give  bryonia  the  first  day,  arsenic  the  second,  nux 
voin.  the  third,  and  perhaps  snlphiiriht  fourth. 

They  then  illustrate  tJiis  method  of  prescribing  by  re- 
ports of  a  series  of  cases,  in  each  of  which  several  reme- 
dies were  used  either  in  alternation  or  succession. 

In  discussing  the  modus  agendi  of  medicines  iJius  pre- 
scribed, they  argue,  ist,  that  sometimes  they  act  as  adju- 
vants, and  instance  spcngia  and  hepar  in  croup,  and  ac- 
onite in  acute  inflammation,  alternated  with  belladona  or 
nureurius,  etc. 

2d.  They  act  sometimes  as  correctives — as  in  cases 
where  special  susceptibilities  to  the  action  of  certain  med- 
icines exist — as  when  sulphur  cannot  be  taken  singly; 
but  when  alternated  with  nux  it  does  good,  while  the 
nux  vem  alone  would  be  inefficacious. 

3d.  They  think  that  sometimes  alternated  remedies  seem 
to  constitute  a  new  medicinal  means  endowed  with  new 
properties,  Illustrating  this  by  Dr.  Kafka's  experience,  who 
says  that  he  has  cured  chronic  catarrhs  of  the  stomach  by 
alternating  nux  vom.  and  calcarea  after  having  uselessly 
administered  these  two  remedies  singly. 

4th.  That  under  the  influence  of  remedies  of  more  or 
less  different,  sometimes  even  antidotal  action,  the  remedy 
seems  to  react  more  briskly ;  the  vitality  seems  to  emerge 
from  the  torpor  into  which  it  appeared  plunged. 

They  next  proceed  to  consider  the  objections  made  to 
alternation. 

Ist.  Alternations  were  condemned  by  Hahnemann. 


Inttrntitional  Homatopathii:  Cimvtiition. 


2i\ 


2d.  With  alternation  it  becomes  difficult  or  impossible 
to  discuss  the  characteristic  effects  of  each  of  the  agents 
employed.  The  object  of  giving  remedies  being  to  cure 
and  not  to  experiment,  they  regard  this  objection  as  hav- 
ing no  weight. 

3d,  The  alternation  of  medicine  is  nothing  more  or  less 
than  a  disguised  return  to  polypharmacy.  This  objection 
they  assert  is  only  a  specious  one.  Polypharmacy  means 
the  simultaneous  employment  or  mixture  in  one  formula 
of  several  different  substances,  whilst  the  method  advo- 
cated consists  in  the  employment  of  single  remedies  at 
short  intervals. 

4th.  The  alternation  of  medicines,  if  elevated  to  a  sys- 
tem, will  simplify  too  much  the  practice  of  homceopathy ; 
it  will  favor  the  laziness  of  medical  men,  and  the  usurpation 
of  the  art  by  outsiders. 

The  simplification  of  the  practice  of  homcKopathy.so  far 
from  being  matter  for  regret  should,  they  argue,  be  con- 
sidered as  a  benefit, 

5th.  We  can  admit  strictly  the  alternation  of  two  med- 
icines, but  that  is  the  extreme  limit  of  the  concession  we 
can  make  to  the  partisans  of  alternation. 

This  objection  they  regard  as  specious,  as,  if  it  is  ad- 
mitted that  two  remedies  may  be  alternated,  there  can  be 
no  valid  reason  why  a  greater  number  should  not  be  used 
in  succession." 

The  President  now  resumed  the  chair,  and  a  discussion 
on  the  Alternation  of  Remedies,  opened  by  Dr.  Clark, 
took  place. 

At  its  conclusion  the  following  papers  were  presented  : 

Drug  AtUnuation :   Its  Influence  upon  Drug  Matter  and 
Drug  Poxver. 

JABEZ  P.  Dake,  M.  a..  M.  D.,  Nashvijle. 

Dr.  Dake  opened  his  paper  by  stating  that  the  remedy 
to  be  employed  in  the  combat  with  disease,  upon  what- 
ever therapeutic  principle  or  theory  chosen,  must  be  ex- 
hibited in  proper  form  and  quantity,  to  the  end  that  its  in- 
fluence may  be  satisfactorj'.  What  then,  he  asks,  is  the 
effect  of  drug  attenuation  upon  drug  matter?  What  its 
effect  upon  drug  power? 

*  EiCL-UuDl!  Why  not  slve  lb*  whole  Uii[.  UbiI.  In  uTiTr  cnse  ! 


212  The  Homeopathic   CoiirUr. 

Drug  attenuation  is  defined  as  the  diniunition  of  a  drag 
mass  by  division  and  subdivision  and  admixture  with  some 
neutral  or  non-medical  substance  as  a  menstruum  or 
vehicle. 

Viewing  the  question  historically,  he  showed  that  Hahne- 
mann adopted  this  method  of  dealing  with  drugs,  ist. 
To  avoid  aggravation  of  disease  from  too  large  a  dose.  2d. 
To  secure  a  thorough  diffusion  of  drug  particles.  3d.  He 
claimed  that  through  a  better  preparedness  for  absorption 
and  an  increased  surface  for  contact  increased  power  was 
obtained.  4th.  A  given  dose  of  a  homceopathic  remedy 
was  increased  in  power  by  the  increased  susceptibility  to 
it  produced  by  disease.  5th.  In  order  to  explain  or  ac- 
count for  the  action  of  infinitesimals, Hahnemann  broached 
the  theory  that  medicine  does  not  act  atomrcally.  but  dy-. 
namically,  6th,  Hahnemann  conceived  the  idea  that  vig- 
orous succussion  and  trituration  effected  a  great  unltnown 
and  undreamed  of  change  by  the  development  and  liber- 
ation of  the  dynamic  powers  of  the  medicine. 

Passing  to  the  latter  history  of  drug  attenuation.  Dr. 
Dake  described  Korsakoff's  "  dry  contact  potencies,"  put- 
ting one  dry  medicated  globule  in  a  bottle  full  of  pure 
sugar  pellets  in  order  to  medicate  the  whole  ;  Jenlchen'a 
high  potencies;  those  of  Lehrnian  and  Fincke — all  of  whom 
had.  Dr.  Dake  observed,  exceeded  the  utmost  limits 
thought  of  by  Hahnemann  in  the  diminution  of  drug  mat- 
ter and  development  of  drug  power. 

After  noting  the  observations  upon  trituration  of  Segin 
and  Mayliofer  made  with  the  microscope,  those  of  Dr. 
Breyfogle  made  with  chemical  reagents,  those  of  Professor 
Edwards  Smith,  Professor  S.  A.  Jones,  Dr.  Lewis  Sher- 
man and  Professor  Conrad  Wesselhoeft  with  the  micro- 
scope, those  of  Professor  WesselhtEft  with  the  spectro- 
scope, and  some  of  the  teachings  of  analogy,  which.  Dr. 
Dake  says,  compel  us  to  conclude  that  potent  drug  ma- 
terial may  exist  in  attenuations,  where  every  test  save  that 
of  the  living  animal  organism  fails  to  detect  its  presence, 
he  thence  draws  the  inferences:  1st,  That  medicinal  sub- 
stances differ  greatly  in  their  cohesive  property  and  divis- 
ibility, zd.  That  some  may  be  readily  diffused  in  minute 
particles  through  a  menstruum.  3d.  That  others  are  com- 
minuted with  great  difficulty  and  slowly.  4th.  That  in 
tile  case  of  some  metals  the  comminution  is  much  more 
complete  by  chemical  than  by  mechanical  measures,     jth. 


Inlirmitioiia!  Homaofmthic  Conventmi.  213 

Tliat  in  the  (decimal  or  centesimal  scale  the  tlienretical  or 
mathematical  rate  of  diminution  in  the  size  of  the  particles 
is  very  different  from  the  actual.  6th,  Tliat  by  chemical 
reagents  drug  matter  can  be  recognized  in  no  decimal  at- 
tenuation above  the  third  ;  bj'  the  spectroscope,  in  none 
above  the  seventh;  and  by  the  nnicroscope,  in  none  above 
the  eleventh  or  twelfth,  yih.  That  analogy  warrants  the 
belief  in  drug  presence  when  not  a  particle  of  drug  mat- 
ter can  be  discerned  by  direct  observation,  inasmuch  as 
impalpable  and  invisible  material  agents,  as  morbific 
causes,  have  often  demonstrated  their  presence  by  Iheir 
destructive  influence  upon  the  human  OT^anism.  8th.  That 
all  efforts  must  fail  to  attenuate  drug  matter  beyond  its  ul- 
timate molecule,  the  division  of  a  molecule  being  a  reduc- 
tion of  the  substance  into  its  elements,  or  the  destruction 
of  its  identity,  gtli.  That  according  to  the  accepted  the- 
ory of  molecular  magnitudes,  the  ultimate  molecule  must 
be  reached  in  the  twenty-third  decimal  attenuation,  anil 
that  beyond  that  there  must  be  a  gradual  dimunition  in 
the  number  of  molecules  till  all  are  gone.  loth.  That 
neither  direct  observation,  nor  analogy,  nor  anything 
learned  of  the  conditions  and  behavior  of  drug  matter,  can 
justify  the  inference  that  there  is  a  single  molecule  of  med- 
icine in  one  gr.iin  of  the  thirtieth  attenuation  when  faith- 
fully made. 

Dr.  Dake  then  proceeded  to  consider  the  influence  of 
attenuation  upon  the  power  of  drugs. 

In  doing  so,  he  noticed  .some  of  the  leading  theoric;! 
which  have  been  advanced  upon  the  subject;  and  first,  the 
earliest  theory  of  Hahnemann,  and  that  still  entertained  by 
many  of  his  disciples,  that  drug  power  may  be  developed 
but  not  increased  by  the  processes  of  attenuation.  That 
the /iJ/^«/('i7/ medicinal  force  of  a  given  drug  mass  is  in 
proportion  to  the  number  of  its  medicinal  molecules,  and 
its  actual  medicinal  force  in  proportion  to  the  number  of 
its  medical  molecules  made  superficial  or  ready  for  an  im- 
mediate contact  with  nerve  tissue,  or  an  immediate  absorp- 
tion and  conveyance  to  its  special  field  in  the  organism. 
That  attenuation  and  trituration  have  for  their  ends  simply 
the  overcoming  of  cohesion  in  drug  matter  and  comminu- 
tion of  drug  particles. 

2d.  In  later  years  Hahnemann  inculcated  not  only  the 
development  but  the  great  increase  of  drug  power  through 
attenuation.     Korsakoff  believed   in   the  existence  of  a 


214 


The  Hom<sopathic  Couriet. 


drug  aura ;  Lutze  believed  in  animal  magnetism  being  im- 
parted by  the  hand  to  the  dose  employed. 

Dr.  Bachmann's  theory  and  the  recent  neiiranalytic  ex- 
periments, and  the  hypotheses  of  Dr.  Lawton  were  tlien 
considered. 

In  applying  the  physiological  test  to  the  question  under 
discussion,  Dr.  Dake  referred  to  Hahnemann's  early  prov- 
ings,  in  which  drug  power  was  present  beyond  any  ques- 
tion; to  the  expfrinients  of  Professor  Conrad  Wessel- 
hosft,  those  of  the  Milwaukee  Academy  of  Medicine,  and 
to  those  of  Dr.  Sherman  and  Dr.  Potter,  From  these  he 
concluded  that  drugs  are  recognized  in  attenuations  up  to 
the  7th  X  by  their  effects  upon  the  healthy  human  organ- 
ism, while  in  the  Sth  x  and  ptii  x  their  recognition  is  less 
certain. 

Dr.  Dake  concludes  his  paper  with  an  examination  of 
clinical  experience  on  drug  power. 

He  points  out  in  the  first  place,  the  large  variety  of  in- 
fluence, besides  those  pertaining  to  drugs,  which  may  de- 
termine recovery.  Conversions  to  high  potency  views 
have,  he  shows,  often  resulted  from  a  single  experience  in 
using  them,  and  this  often  after  a  lower  attenuation  has 
been  in  action,  though  not  really  fruitlessly  for  some  day.'S. 
He  gives  his  personal  experience  on  this  point,  showing 
that  he  was  nearly  led  to  place  confidence  in  their  prepa- 
ration, because  he  observed  the  paroxysms  of  an  inter- 
mittent fever  suddenly  stop  after  the  administration  of  a 
single  dose  of  arsenic  200,  when  he  had  been  exhibiting 
the  6th  and  30th  with  no  apparent  benefit.  Another  case, 
one  of  pneumonia,  is  reported,  where,  after  giving  .firyow. 
3  X  with  little  apparent  benefit,  a  single  dose  of  the  200th 
was  followed  by  a  great  change  for  the  better.  Reflec- 
tion, however,  convinced  him  that  the  change  was  really 
due  to  the  preparation  which  had  been  previously  admin- 
istered. Dr.  Dake  further  argues,  that  not  one  of  the 
cases  reported  in  journals  ascured  with  any  high  dilutions, 
furnishes  a  particle  of  satisfactory  proof  that  there  is  me- 
dicinal power  in  attenuations  above  the  thirtieth   decimal. 

Finally  where  homieopathy  has  gained  her  greatest  vic- 
tories, as  in  cholera  and  yellow  fever,  the  battles  have  been 
fought  almost  entirely  by  means  of  the  lower  attenuations. 


Iiitcriiatioiiiii  HomiSopathic  CoiU'enlion.  2 1 J 

A  PUafor  a  Standard  Limit  of  AlUnuahd  Doses. 
C.  WiissELHffiPT,  M,  D.,  Boston. 

Dr.  Wesselhceft,  after  some  introductory  remarks  of  a 
general  charHCter  on  the  importance  of  the  question  of 
dose,  gives  a  sunmiary  of  recent  researches  that  have  been 
made  on  triturations  and  dilutions.  These  point  to  the 
fact  that  limits  of  minuteness  to  which  particles  of  hard  in- 
soluble  substances  can  be  reduced  are  arrived  at  between 
the  j-r;:,th  and  the  Tirn^h  of  a  millimetre. 

Dr.  Wesselhoeft,  in  discussing  the  molecular  structure  of 
matter,  showed  that,  whereas  in  Hahnemann's  time  it  was 
regarded  as  infinitely  divisible,  and  that,  consequently, 
homceopathists  were  on  this  basis  right  in  proceeding  to 
attenuations,  however  high,  it  had  now  been  demonstrated 
that  there  was  a  limit  beyond  which  molecular  divisibility 
did  not  extend.  He  then  proceeded  to  estimate,  from  the. 
calculations  and  experiments  of  Sir  William  Thompson 
and  Professor  Clerk-Maxweli,  that  with  the  eleventh  cen- 
tesimal dilution,  the  number  of  molecules  in  a  drop  of 
liquid  is  exhausted.  Ky  a  series  of  further  calculations, 
he  concludes  that  the  supposition  of  transmission  of  mole- 
cular force,  separated  frc  m  the  original  medicine  mole- 
cules, is  untenable  in  the  light  of  modern  molecular  science. 

Dr.  Wessclhojft  then  argued  that  the  molecular  consti- 
tution of  matter  demanded  the  omission  from  our  statis- 
tics of  all  clinical  results  obtained  with  dilutions  above  the 
eleventh  centesimal.  With  regard  to  the  value  of  clinical 
experience  in  enabling  us  to  estimate  the  best  standard  of 
dose,  Dr,  Wesselhceft  contended  that  it  is  at  present  but 
slight,  owing  to  the  inadequacy  of  statistical  materials. 
What  is  deemed  clinical  experience,  consists,  he  says,  of 
recorded  cures,  with  the  entire  omission  of  opposite  or 
negative  results,  which  must  be  presumed  to  be  large,  and 
a  decision  will,  therefore,  be  impossible  until  "  experience  " 
includes  numerous  and  accurate  statistics  of  negative  as 
well  as  of  positive  results.  Dr.  Wesselhoeft  concludes  by 
urging  the  limitation  of  the  dose  to  attentuations  below 
the  eleventh  centesimal.  * 


*  TSt  Homaeftlhic  Werli  e>y>  if  (hli  •llECnMinn  nn  llio  |«ai>l"gleBl  <|iHittluD: 
"  S|H3)ik1iifEfEiivn<1ly.  ihv  oiiijit  trrri'  nil  kmiliial  inltnlWislmaU,  UiiWKb  m 
iHiliiU  wrrv  mllv  mnilv  BMInX  th'-mi  airl  a  ivruitkl  it  th«?i»v(  sbnWH  [hoi 
theTBriolUPBMjliiemPVflj  g>n>srr  vi-r.v  -ilrl  proiind  Ihm1ilngnn|<tf  ■inirb] 
tlif  way.     Altbuugh  tlw  dsmji  nvM  airafiHI  Ibe  laflnlluUmBU,  It  mud  U'CSu.i 


2l6  The  Honiceopalhic  Courin. 

The  Question  of  Doses :  Hahnemannism  and  Hafnceapatky. 
Dk.  Cretin,  Paris,  France. 

Dr.  Cretin  opens  his  paper  by  asserting  the  therapeutic 
power  of  inRnitesimai  doses,  but  he  demands  that  their  de- 
gree of  this  power  be  ascertained  by  experiment  alone. 

He  desires  to  inquire,  1st,  What,  for  each  drug,  are  the 
limits  of  its  therapeutic  action;  at  what  stronger  dose  does 
its  action  commence;  at  what  weaker  dose,  what  attenua- 
tion does  it  cease?  These  Hraits  being  fixed,  what  is,  in 
each  case,  the  dose  which  shows  itself  the  most  effica- 
cious, the  strong,  weak,  or  even  the  infinitesimal  ? 

Dr.  Cretin  denies  that  there  is  any  evidence  of  Hahne- 
mann's having  been  led  to  the  use  of  attenuation  in  con- 
sequence of  aggravation  from  larger  doses,  but  that  he 
proceeded  to  them  by  analogies,  by  indication,  by  aniici- 
pating  generalization,  and  also  by  studies,  This  he  en- 
deavors to  make  good  by  analyzing  Hahnemann's  patho- 
logical illustration  of  the  law  of  similars  In  the  Organon. 

In  the  following  two  chapters  he  examines  attenuations, 
dynamizations,  and  medicinal  aggravations,  and  then  the 
practice  of  Hahnemann.  From  thisn  iquiry  he  concludes 
that  Hahnemann  has  not  established  on  any  data,  ratioaal 
or  experimental,  either  the  necessity,  the  utility,  or  the 
action  of  the  infinitesimal  attenuations,  and  still  less  the 
aggravations,  which,  according  to  him,  should  be  at  once 
the  proof  of  the  condition  and  the  product  of  their  ciction. 

The  clinical  aspect  of  the  infinitesimal  do*;  shows  that 
the  admission  of  its  power  rests   upon   an   experimental 

tvlrtBDt  Jhnt  lliP  Ri-i'ii'  miMiini,   .  i  tln'-i-  ini -iti!    hiivn  iiiin)p|ilrul  cnnQdctlM  la 
llicni.    Fullowliiy  ill  111.'  w, 1 1 Ill I  ■III  V,  I  I'    liTiriiril.  of  l.iindi.n,  pwluiMl 


vtrtin  or  (jrmikn)'.    Be  luiitpii  uiiKiiiion,  itkitfoy'  i 
Klnu»E  all  ihe  nldrr  0]>|>nnrii[H  uf  InllnllMlmol*  m  ■  < 
kamaBjmlk^  ii^  Naming  thi  rffttlt  nf  llim  wmat  trfnii.  /  ■  ■ 
idrnFOFnUrnrfl,  irhn  nuie  trrk  laHaliMt  l»»  i'tjnfmin-.ii 

tlcei..    Jir-     KrLnii'ii  aiil   Txii  nUvouBt?  Uie  raelii»lvenH.uf  luIiLlu-Bil 
liiil  (iiii  in  I  1 1 1'  II  Ini-  111.'  M  h'lli-  rniigi',  rroni  thecriiilc  ilnig  light  up  ti 


Indoned  Dr.  BnrTic 


Uin[  hull  hPi'n  to  lilni  a  Kuiile  Ihrailgh  K  ioaK  and  i 
Dr.  U<-1mu(li,  Nvw  Turk,  maik'  h  nulrlteil uir 
nr.  UmcklffvCKUthornfavtortuo  "Hay  rener.' 
euoy  at  inBuUftlniaiB  from  hia  nwn  ntleroacdulot 
a'cilln^ly  niiniilp  lioillvti  Allngclher,  Itie  farlli 
lliveneacy  ur  iiie '-■■-■•— ' — ■-      " "' 


llnx 

it  R-«..- 


IntfrneitioHal  Hotnaopalhic  Conx'tntion,  217 

basis.  The  questions  then  arise,  at  what  dose  does  medic- 
inal action  begin  -at  what  attenuation  does  it  cease?  And 
again,  are  infinitesimal  doses  preferable  to  appreciable 
doses  in  all  cases,  or  in  what  cases  only?  A  lengthened 
inquiry  in  using  all  dilutions  from  the  30th  downwards  has. 
Dr.  Cretin  says,  convinced  him  that  the  action  of  a  drug 
is  less  sttre  as  the  attenuation  is  high.  "  In  acute,  as  in 
chronic  affections."  he  adds,  "  I  have  never  obtained  from 
the  higher  dilutions  the  results  whicn  have  been  given  me 
in  a  more  positive  fashion  by  the  dilution  below  the  sixth, 
and,  above  all,  by  the  unattenuated  medicine. 

With  some  remarks  on  the  choice  of  the  dose  in  indi- 
vidual medicines  and  a  comparative  view  of  Hahnemann- 
ism  and  homceopathy,  Dr.  Cretin  brings  his  essay  to  a  close. 
,  A  discussion  followed  on  the  relative  value  of  chnical 
and  extra  clinical  evidence  as  to  the  efficacy  of  the  in- 
finitesimal dose. 

On  the  following  morning  (Thursday)  a  sectional  meet- 
ing was  held,  of  members  especiaity  interested  in  gynse- 
cological  studies.  The  chair  was  taken  by  Dr.  Eaton,  of 
Cincinnati.  The  papers  on  this  subject  to  be  brought  for- 
ward in  the  afternoon  formed  the  basis  of  discussion. 

In  the  afternoon,  at  the  general  meeting,  business  com- 
menced by  the  presentation  of  papers,  of  which  the  fol- 
loxving  are  abstracts: 

On  the  Differential  Diagnosis  and  Treatment  of  Ytlltno 

Fever. 

Wm.  H,  Holcombe,  M.  D.,  New  Orleans, 

After  a  full  definition  of  yellow  fever,  Dr.  Holcombe 
spoke  of  its  geopraphical  range.  It  is  epidemic  in  the 
islands  and  cities  of  the  Atlantic  coast  of  tropical  America. 
From  this  habitat  it  may  be  transported  northward  and 
southward  many  degrees  of  latitude,  but  very  few  of  long- 
itude. Yellow  fever  has  no  second  week.  It  and  the 
plague  are  the  shortest  of  all  febrile  diseases,  as  they  are 
also  the  most  fatal.  Yellow  fever  becomes  more  fatal  as 
it  advances  nprthward.  It  is  the  hottest  of  all  fevers.  I 
is  a  hemorrhagic  fever,  the  haemorrhages  depending  on 
chemical  changes  in  the  blood  itself.  The  jaundiced  or 
icteric  condition  is  a  peculiarity  of  the  fever,  and  is  en- 
tirely of  blood  origin.  An  abnormally  slow  pulse  down 
to  50,  40,  and  even  30  pulsations  is  found  in  many  cases. 


3t8 


The  Homaopathic   Couriet, 


Yellow  fever  lias  a  melancholy  pre-eminence  m  its  marked 
or  latent  features,  its  sudden  changes  and  terrible  surprises 
requiring  more  watchful  care  and  vigilant  nursing  thao 
any  other  disease,  the  danger  being  often  out  or  propor- 
tion to  the  symptoms. 

Dr.  Holcombe  then  described  the  post-mortem  appear- 
ances of  yellow  fever,  and  then  proceeded  to  compare  its 
phenomena  witli-those  of  the  other  great  fevers.  In  speak- 
ing of  the  treatment  of  yellow  fever,  Dr.  Holcombe  laid 
especial  stres.s  on  the  importance  of  nursing  and  hygiene 
— a  sudden  noise,  movement  in  bed,  conversation,  a  piece 
of  bad  news,  any  excitement,  the  presence  of  food  in  the 
.stomach  at  the  wrong  time,  the  omission  of  a  stimulant  at 
the  right  moment,  bting  often  enough  to  transform  a 
hopeful  into  a  hopeless  case. 

Of  the  medicinal  treatment,  Dr.  Holcombe  says  that  wc 
have  no  specific  for  the  first  or  febrile  stage  of  yellow 
fever.     His  paper  concluded  as  follows: 

"  It  is  in  the  second  stage  of  fever,  when  we  contend 
with  local  congestions,  special  inflammations,  and  the  ef- 
fects of  local  blood  poisonings  or  other  morbid  processes, 
that  homoeopathy  asserts  its  specific  and  unquestionable 
power.  We  may  not  be  able  to  break  or  materially  short- 
en the  continued  fevers,  but  we  can  control  the  bronchitis 
of  measles,  tJie  sore  throat  of  scarlatina,  the  suppuration 
of  small-pox,  the  pneumonia  of  typhus,  the  diarrhcea  of 
typhoid,  the  jaundice  and  ha:morrhages  of  yellow  fever, 
etc..  in  the  most  remarkable  manner,  thereby  reducing 
the  mortality  of  all  those  diseases  to  a  point  considerably 
below  the  acknowledged  allopathic  level. 

"  What  enormous  services  have  been  rendered  in  these 
cases  by  those  chemically  isomorphous  substances,  ar- 
seme,  plwiphoriis  and  tarta*  emetic,  applied  upon  the 
homceopathic  principle !  To  these  may  be  added,  as 
special  remedies  for  yellow  fever,  the  snake  poisons,  la- 
chesisy  crotalus,  naja  tripiidians,  elaps  coralliniis  and 
vipera  torva,  introduced  into  practice  from  the  long-rec- 
ognized resemblance  between  ihe  symptoms  of  yellow 
fever  and  those  which  have  followed  the  bite  of  serpents. 
These  serpent  poisons  will  no  doubt  be  found  valuable  al- 
so in  the  haemorrhages  and  jaundice  of  the  plague,  of  tj-- 
phus,  relapsing  fever,  billious  typhoid  and  malignant  re- 
mittents. 


Inlernational  Homitopathk  Convenlion.  219 

"The  homoeopathic  treatment  of  yellow  fever  is  still  in 
its  infancy,  comparatively  speaking,  but  the  results  al- 
ready achieved  constitute  one  of  the  strongest  arguments 
ever  offered  in  behalf  of  the  practice." 

Indian  Dysentery  and  Cholera. 

P.  W.  Carter,  Ph.  D.,  L.  M.,  etc.,  Sydney. 

This  paper  opens  with  a  minute  account  of  the  phenom- 
cnaofliidian  dysentery.  Then  follow  a  series  of  well-re- 
ported cases  of  the  disease,  Dr  Carter  makes  the  follow- 
ing statement  of  the  results  of  his  practice  while  in  India : 
"The  total  number  of  cases,"  he  says,  "treated  by  me  al- 
lopathically  up  to  November  1875,  was  213 — deaths  99. 
Cases  treated  homceopathically  up  to  the  end  of  1878  (I 
left  India  in  March  1879)  were  77,  with  14  deaths — all  in 
dispensary  practice,  when  the  disease,  and  every  disease, 
is  generally  seen  in  an  advanced  stage." 

With  regard  to  cholera.  Dr.  Carter  had  seen  little  ad- 
vantage from  the  use  of  camphor  even  in  the  stage  of  in- 
vasion. In  the  first  stage,  he  says,  he  did  best  with  aco- 
nite IX  or  tinct.  This,  when  given  early,  prevented  the  ad- 
vancement to  the  second  stage  in  every  instance.  In  the 
second  stage  verat.  alb.  3X,  arsen.  3,  cup.  acei.  2  or  3. 
sec.  cot.  3x,  anl.  tart.  3X  and  3,  and  croton  3  were  the 
chief  and  most  reliable  remedies.  In  the  stage  of  col- 
lapse, arsen.  30  was  used  with  the  happiest  results.  In 
pulmonary  congestion,  phos.  3  or  5.  When  this  had  grown 
to  blood-poisoning,  with  brain  symptoms,  bell.,  strain., 
hyosc.  or  ac  hydrocy,  were  used  with  better  effect  than 
any  treatment  he  had  obtained  under  old-school  practice. 
Three  out  of  four  cases  of  intra-cranial  effusion  yielded  to 
digitalis.  In  renal  congestion,  with  albuminaria  or  sup* 
pression  and  ursemia,  be  found  terebinth.  3X,  kali  bich.  j 
canth.  2  or  3,  and  digit.  3x  very  effective. 


Hotnceopathy  in  the  Treatment  of  Diseases  pretaUnt  in  India. 
Mahendra  Lal  Sircar,  M.  D. 
The  paper  sent  in  by  Dr,  Sircar  was  found  too  lengthy 
for  the  Transactions,  and  to  cover  more  ground  than  had 
been  intended.  Such  portions  only  were  introduced  to 
the  Convention  as  bore  upon  the  therapeutics  of  the  spe- 
cial types  of  Indian  disease. 


320  The  Hoi'iceofiatkic  Couriet, 

Diarrhoea,  generally  traceable  to,  bad  food,  but  some- 
times to  extremes  of  temperature,  was  first  noticed,  and 
the  indications  given  for  the  use  of  china,  arsftt,  eoloc, 
puis,  etc.  Of  dysentery.  Dr.  Sircar  says :  "  In  the  ma- 
jority of  cases  I  find  ipecac,  to  be  quite  competent  to  deal 
with  the  disease.  Failing  this,  1  have  recourse  to  the 
mere,  sol.,  and  in  very  grave  cases  to  mere.  cor.  Other 
medicines  meeting  special  cases  are  aeontte,  bellad., 
canth.,  capsicum  and  colehicum." 

The  liver  is  an  organ  very  frequently  disordered  in  In- 
dia. In  malarious  enlargement,  remedies  that  are  suitable 
for  the  general  condition,  prove  corrective  of  it.  Aeon,  and 
(i>y.  in  febrile  states;  caU.  c.  especially  in  young  chil- 
dren ;  mix  V.  when  there  is  "constipation ;  lycopod.  when 
with  constipation  there  is  tympanitis,  especially  of  the  co- 
Ion,  In  acute  congestion,  no  remedy  equals  aconite; 
sometimes  Bryonia  is  required  subsequently.  When  the 
secretory  structures  are  inflamed,  werciiry  is  wanted.  In 
suppuration,  aconite  and  then  cinchona  or  quinine  in  mas- 
sive doses.  In  very  prostrate  conditions,  arsenic,  carb,  f. 
and  lachesis. 

In  hypertrophic  cirrhosis  with  jaundice,  lachesis  is  a 
capital  remedy.  In  chyluria,  Dr.  Sircar  has  seen  good 
done  by  ca>^.  v.  3.r\A  phosph  acid..  In  hydrocele  and  e!c- 
phantasis  of  the  scrotum,  Dr.  Sircar  has  seen  benefit  de- 
rived from  silica,  rhododendton,  and  sometimes  from 
rkus. 

Malarious  Fever  in  India. 
Pratap  Chandon  Majumba,  L.  M.  S.,  etc.  Calcutta. 
This  communication  was  one  of  inquiry  rather  than  one 
presenting  good  therapeutic  results,  Dr.  Majumba  says 
that  quinine,  which  is  almost  the  only  drug  resorted  to, 
does  more  harm  than  good  in  many  cases — though  useful 
in  some.  So  far  as  his  experience  has  gone,  he  has  found 
aconite  useless.  Bell,  in  some  cases  of  a  remittent  type, 
has  proved  serviceable;  so,  also,  has  gelsemiuum,  espe- 
cially in  children  with  a  delicate  nervous  system.  Bap- 
tisia  iollowed  by  Bryonia,  rhus.  arsenic  and  muriatic  acid, 
have  been  of  great  value  in  cases  where  fever  has  assumed 
a  typhoid  type.  Dr.  Majumba  concludes  by  remarking  on 
the  necessity  of  a  careful  study  of  the  materia  medica  in 
each  case,  etc. 


Intemalicnal  Hornxopathtc  Convention.  221 

These  papers  having  been  introduced  by  the  President, 
a  discusssion  followed  on  hotnteopathy  in  hyper-acute 
disease,  including  hyper-prexia. 

The  subject  of  cancer  was  then  brought  before  the  Con- 
vention in  a  paper  by  Dr.  Gutterldge,  ot  which  the  fol- 
lowing is' an  abstract: 

After  some  reference  to  the  statistics  of  cancer,  and  hav- 
ing given  a  definition  of  the  disease,  Dr.  Gutteridge  ex- 
pressed his  doubts  as  to  the  value  of  a  microscopic  obser- 
vation and  chemical  analysis  as  means  of  diagnosis.  Re- 
ferring to  the  researches  of  Maviland  on  the  geographical 
distribution  of  disease,  he  showed  that  districts  where  the 
mortality  from  cancer  w,is  high  were  such  as  are  Hable  to 
somewhat  long-continued  floods  from  the  overflowing  of 
rivers.  He  then  entered  on  a  somewhat  minute  differen- 
tiation of  cancer  and  simple  glandular  enlargement. 
Passing  to  the  consideration  of  the  propriety  of  operation, 
he  showed  that  extirpation  by  the  knife  does  not  cure  can-  . 
cer,  docs  not  always  remove  it,  and  that  the  liability  to  re- 
turn is  ever  present,  and  often  an  absolute  certainty.  The 
results  of  enucleation,  he  says,  are  in  no  way  more  favora- 
ble. He  Concludes,  therefore,  that  cancer  patients  do  bet- 
ter when  treated  medicinally  alone.  Inscirrhus  he  pointed 
the  indications  for  bell,  and  ionium.  Cicula  is  also 
named  as  useful,  t)f  all  most  generally  useful  remedies, 
Dr.  Gutteridge  speaks  most  favorably  of  hydrastts,  and 
especially  of  Tilden's  preparation,  liydrastin.  intimately  in- 
corporated with  an  equal  quantity  of  hydrasHs.  When 
this  drug  is  given  internally,  a  lotion  of  the  tincture  or 
powdered  root  should  be  applied  at  the  same  time.  When 
ulceration  has  taken  plac&.  Dr.  Gutteridge  laid  great  stress 
on  the  value  oi  kydrastis,  hamamcUs,  comocladia,  baptisitt, 
and  the  iodide  of  arsenic,  pointing  out  the  special  indica- 
tions for  the  use  of  each. 

In  epithelioma.  Dr.  Gutteridge  drew  attention  to  ranun- 
culus, arsenic  and  kydrastis  as  medicines  from  which  the 
best  results  had  accrued.  In  discussing  the  treatment  of 
cancer  of  the  stomach,  he  pointed  out  the  indications  for 
the  use  oi ranunculus, pltospk.,  argent,  nitric,  arsenic,  ky- 
drastis and  baptisia,  Witli  some  observations  on  the  na- 
ture of  the  diet  best  adapted  to  cases  of  cancer,  Dr.  Gut- 
teridge concluded  his  paper. 

A  discussion  ensued  on  the  Possibilities  of  Medicine  in 
Cancer, 


212  The  Homeeopathic  Courier. 

Papers  were  then  presented  on  gyna;co logical  subjects, 
the  first  being  by  Dr.  Edward  Blake.  On  The  Place  of  Mr- 
chanicai  Measures  in  Pelvic  Disease. 

After  some  introductory  remarks  on  the  anatomy  and 
physiology  of  the  uterus,  Dr.  Blake  argued  that  the  great- 
er number  of  the  disorders  of  the  female  pelvis  may  be  in- 
cluded in  four  categories — i,  niechanicat  changes  acting 
from  without;  2.  mechanical  changes  acting  from  within; 
^,  physiological  changes  acting  from  without;  4,  physio- 
logical changes  acting  from  within. 

"The  inclination,"  said  Dr.  Blake,  "of  the  dominaot 
school  of  therapeutics,  is  probably  whilst  attaching  undue 
importance  to  mechanical  methods  to  ignore  the  second 
orvitalside;  whereas  our  own  tendency  as  undoubtedly 
is  to  decry  the  former." 

Dr.  Blake  said  that  during  the  first  six  years  of  his  prac- 
tice he  abjured  local  physical  examination  almost  entirely. 
and  worked  laboriously  at  subjective  symptomatolog)-. 
with  comparatively  unsatisfactory  results;  that  during  the 
succeding  six  years  he  turned  his  attention  to  the  use  of 
various  means  of  physical  diagnosis,  but  without  using  any 
mechanical  contrivances  for  the  purpose  of  local  treat- 
ment; while  during  this  time  he  frequently  witnessed 
through  homceopathy  the  temporary  removal  of  results  of 
morbid  processes  without  necessarily  attacking  the  cause; 
he  never  during  this  time  witnessed  the  smallest  cervical 
excoriation  healed  under  the  influence  of  internal  medica- 
tion alone,  even  when  such  medication  was  carried  on  un- 
der the  most  favorable  circumstances-  Subjective  symp- 
toms Dr.  Blake  relies  on  to  differentiate  between  a  group 
of  closely  allied  remedies,  but  to  lead  up  to  that  group  for 
diagnotistic  and  prognostic  purposes  he  trusted  solely  to 
objective  signs. 

Dr.  Blake  concluded  his  paper  by  urging  greater  atten- 
tion to  the  mechanical  causes  of  diseases. 


On  the  Treatment  of  Common  Metritis,  especially  that  Form 

known  as  Emlo-Cen-icitis,  -with  Ulceration  of  the  cervix. 

D.  Dyce  Brown,  M.  A.,  M.  D. 

Dr.  Brown  commenced  his  paper  by  dwelling  on  the  im- 
perfections which  exist  in  our  provings,  so  far  as  they  re- 
late to  chronic  uterine   inflammation.     A  medicine  to   be 


International  Homeopathic  Conxtnlion. 


223 


selected  in  this  class  of  disease  must  show — ist,  from  the 
provings  filled  up  by  the  results  of  clinical  observation, 
that  it  has  a  specific  relation  to  the  genital  organs  by  pro- 
ducing disordered  menstruation,  leucorrhcea,  ovarian  pain, 
etc. ;  or,  2d,  if  the  symptoms  should  be  scanty  in  the  prov- 
ings. the  medicine  must  be  one  which  shows  a  specific  af- 
finity for  mucous  membrane  in  general,  producing  catarrh 
or  acute  inflammation,  with  their  results  m  the  shape  of 
increased  secretion  or  ulceration;  or,  3d,  it  is  of  the  ut- 
most importance  that  it  should  "cover"  the  constitutional 
dyscrasia  that  may  be  present  with  the  various  symptoms 
referable  to  other  organs  than  the  uterus  and  ovaries.  In 
other  words,  it  must  cover  the  totality  of  the  symptoms, 

The  greatest  amount  of  success  Dr.  Brown  thought  was 
attainable,  when  a  remedy  is  selected  which  covers  the 
general  state  of  disordered  health,  more  especially  il  this 
remedy  is  known  to  have  a  specific  affinity  for  the  uterine 
organs. 

Before  considering  medicines.  Dr.  Brown  drew  atten- 
tion to  local  appiicalions.  Weak  solutions  of  astringent 
remedies  he  regarded  as  acting  in  accordance  with  the  ho- 
inceopathic  law  in  cases  of  chronic  inflammation.  Whi^n 
first  practising  homceopathy,  he  thought  thatsuch  applica- 
tions as  nitrate  of  siii-ir  hastened  the  cure  of  disease  of 
the  cervix.  Clinical  observation  had.  however,  convinced 
him  that  with  specific  general  treatment  such  applica- 
tions as  nittate  of  silver  iodine,  carbolic  acid,  applied  by 
the  mop  through  the  speculum  were  unnecessary.  Just, 
however,  as  every  one  would  use  water  dressing  or  caUn- 
dula  or  kydraslis  to  promote  healing  in  ulcerated  surfaces, 
so  he  employed  these  means  in  such  cases.  When  in  ad- 
dition to  ulceration  the  cervix  was  hypertrophied,^/j'fc- 
rine  diluted  with  water  or  with  a  few  drops  of  Hydrastis 
added,  was  useful.  Where  vaginal  catarrh  is  excessive  in- 
jection of  calendula  and  kydrailis  ot  tt'en  in  chronic  can- s 
of  a  wall  solution  of  zinc  or  ahim  were  benefit^ial.  In  suitable 
cases.  Dr.  Brown  attached  great  importance  to  the  wet 
compress  and  to  the  tepid  sitz  bath. 

Dr.  Brown  then  pointed  out  the  indications  for  the  use 
of  medicines.  Belladonna,  he  said,  was  required  in  almost 
every  case  of  chronic  cervicitis  with  ulceration  at  some 
period  of  its  progress.  The  indications  were  fully  and  mi- 
nutely given,  but  at  too  much  length  to  allow  of  our  tran- 


224  The  Homoeopathic  Courier. 

scribing  them  here.  Sulphur  he  found  often  required,  es- 
pecially in  cases  of  chronic  inflammation  of  the  venous 
type — when  that  sluggish  state  of  the  system  exists  which 
refuses  to  respond  to  the  action  of  medicines.  The  sym- 
tomatological  indications  were  then  given.  Sepia,  he 
showed,  was  indicated  in  endo-cervicilis.  where  the  uter- 
us is  enlarged,  prolapsed,  or  where  version  has  occurred. 
When  there  is3  tendency  to  skin  eruptions,  ftc.  Pir/satiUa 
he  pointed  out  at  some  length,  was  indicated  in  cer^'ical 
disease  by  the  appearance,  complexion,  and  tf  mperament 
of  the  patient,  the  scanty  or  irregular  menstruation,  tlie 
menstrual  pain,  the  leucorrhcea,  prevailingchillness,  aggra- 
vation of  symptoms  in  the  evening,  but  especially  by  the 
gastric  or  gastro-intestinal  catarrh  with  headache,  ytd/aa 
corresponded  to  the  nervous  neuralgic,  hyper-Fcstlietic  pa- 
tient suffering  from  uterine  disease.  The  coincidence  of 
cervical  inflammation,  slight  or  severe,  with  well-marked 
hyper  a;sthesia  {showing  itself  by  the  spinal  tenderness, 
the  peculiar  head  aches,  tKe  palpitation  and  sleeplessness 
from  mental  depression,  or  alternation  of  depression  with 
excitement,  and  sinking  pain  at  the  epigastrium)  indicates 
the  kind  of  case  in  which  it  is  useful.  Jgnatia  was  indica- 
ted rather  by  the  general  state  of  nervousness  that  char- 
acterized some  cases  than  by  local  manifestations  of  dis- 
ease. Calcaria  cmb.  in  cervical  disease  associated 
with  struma  he  describes  as  a  remedy  of  immense  value, 
especialiy  if  the  catameiiia  arc  too  frequent  and  profuse. 
,  Lycopodium  is  useful  in  cases  where  the  pelvic  organs  are 
congested  and  leucorrhcea  and  endo-cervicitis  are  set  up 
in  cases  where  the  pelvic  organs  are  congested  and  leu- 
corrhcea and  endo-cervicitis  are  set  up  in  consequence  of 
the  liver  and  portal  circulation  becoming  congested.  The 
condition  requiring  nux  vomica  resembles  that  in  which 
Lycopodium  is  useful.  Mercury  is  especially  indicated  in 
cases  of  endo-cervicitis,  when  the  ulceration  is  of  un- 
healthy and  sloughy  type,  and  when  vaginal  catarrh  with 
thick  leucorrhcea  is  present  to  a  marked  degree;  2,  when 
gonorrhoea  has  extended  upwards  to  the  uterus;  3, 
when  syphilitic  ulceration  is  made  out,  or  when  there  in 
reason  to  expect  a  syphilitic  taint;  4,  when  the  coUatteral 
symptoms,  those  of  the  stomach,  liver,  and  intestines,  es- 
pecially call  for  Mercury'.  Dr.  Brown  also  noticed  lilium 
graphites,  anenic,  and  plalina  as  often  indicated  in  ute- 
rine disease,  and  concluded  by  saying  that,  in  his  opinion. 


International  Homaopathic  Cotn'tntion.  225 

we  quite  as  often  require  to  select  our  remedy  less  on  the 
grounds  of  its  local  action  than  on  those  of  the  systemic 
disturbance  of  constitutional  taint  which  may  be  present 
in  a  given  case,  and  the  more  carefully  such  selection  is 
made,  the  better  it  seemed  to  him  were  the  results. 


Tections  of  the  Cervix 


Oh  the  Treatment  of  some  of  the  i 
Uteri. 

George  M.  Carfrab,  M.  D. 

Dr.  Carfrae  commenced  with  some  remarks  on  the  un- 
satisfactory character  of  much  of  the  materia  medica,  and 
this  especially  as  related  to  the  action  of  medicines  on  the 
cervix  uteri.  Restricting  his  attention  to  the  consideration 
of  cervical  endo-metritis,  or  cervical  catarrh,  or  uterine  leu- 
corrhtea  and  granular  erosion,  or  ulceration  of  the  cervix, 
he  entered  into  a  full  account  of  the  etiology,  symptomat- 
ology, and  pathology  of  the  condition.  Passing  to  the 
treatment,  he  divided  it  into  constitutional  and  local,  in 
discussing  the  former,  he  took  Guernsey's  book  on  obstet- 
lics,  and  examined  the  medicines  named  therein  as  appli- 
cable to  this  condition.  He  insisted  that  as  leucorrhcea 
was  a  constant  symptom  of  this  disease,  it  ought  to  be 
among  the  phenomena  produced  by  each  medicine  adapted 
to  cure  it,  if  the  totality  of  the  symptoms  was  to  be  our 
guide.  Many  of  the  medicines  recommended  by  Guern- 
sey have  not  this  symptom  in  their  provings.  Of  iheprov- 
ings  of  Others,  it  must,  he  thought,  be  admitted  that  they 
were  unreliable.  He  then  proceeds  to  examine  seriatim 
all  the  medicines  named  by  Guernsey,  concluding  that  out 
of  seventy-two  such  remedies,  about  a  dozen  and  a  half 
have  no  leucorrhcea  in  the  list  of  symptoms  attributed  to 
them;  while  about  one-half  of  the  whole  number  have 
been  proved,  Dr.  Carfrae  thinks,  in  a  manner  too  loose  to 
merit  our  confidence,  reducing  the  number  of  drugs,  the 
provings  of  which  entitle  us  to  look  upon  them  as  truly 
homceopathic  to  cervical  leucorrhcea  to  scarcely  a  dozen: 
and  of  these  Dr.  Carfrae  is  doubtful  of  at  least  six.  Of 
eleven  other  medicines  recommended  by  Hale,  the  value 
is  chiefly  empirical,  few  of  them  having  been  thoroughly 
proved. 


I  226  The  Ho»i<ropathic  Courier. 

Regarding  the   materia   medica  as   poor   in    relatio 
^  truly  homceopatliic   remedies  in  cervical   leucorrhosa  <iiid 
!■  granular  and   follicular  disease  of  the  cervix,  he  asks,  do 
we  get  any  help  from  local  applications,  and    if  so,  from 
what?     He  then  examines  the  views  of  Guernsey,  Mad- 
den, Leadam,  Ludlani    and  Hale,  with    regard    to  the  use 
and  mode  of  action  of  externally-applied  irritants.    He  con- 
cludes that  we  are  far  from  having  arrived  at  that  amount 
I  of  scientific    precision    which   is  desirable   or  attainable. 
I  This  he  attributes  to  some  extent  to  the  number  of  unreli- 
r  ble  provings  which  are  incorporated  in  our  ttxt-books.  To 
some  extent,  also,  it  is  due  to  the  difficulty  of  getting  ggod 
provings  of  drugs  which  have  a  specific  relation  to  tlic 
uterus;  while,  lastly,  the  semeiology  of  these  affections  is 
often  very  vague,  and  no  sure   indication  of  their  patho- 
logical condition.     To  admit  that  the  combined  local  and 
constitutional   treatment  of   cervicitis,   granular,   erosion, 
etc.,  gives  the  patient  the  best  hope  of  a  cure,  is  to  allow 
that  our  treatment  is  to  a  certain  extent  empirical.  "This," 
he  adds,  "I  fear  must  be  so,  until  we  have  a  reformed  ma- 
teria  medica."     As   medicines.  Dr.  Carfrae  relies   chiefly 
I  on  arsenic,  mercuritis,  mix  vomica,  phosphorus,  pulsattlla, 
sabina,  sepia,  and  fenum,  while  gelsemimtm,  kelomas,  ha- 
metis,   [ilium,  Phytolacca,    and    xanthoxylum    are.   he 
thinks,  valuable  additions  to  our  armamentarium,  but  re- 
quiring more  thorough  proving.     Th<f  best  local  applica- 
tions are  chromic,  carbolic,  and  nitric  acids    and  nilratt  of 
silver. 

He  concludes  by  hoping  that  ultimately  we  may  treat 
these  cases  altogether  without  the  aid  of  local  applica- 
tions. So  long  as  these  are  used,  we  must  admit  that  our 
treatment  is,  to  a  certain  extent,  unscientific  and  unsatis- 
factory. When  we  can  abolish  them,  it  will  be  because 
we  have  attained  that  amount  of  scientific  precision  which 
meanwhile  must  be  our  constant  endeavor  to  reach. 

A  discussion  followed  on  the  Influence  of  Homceop.ithy 
on  Uterine  Disease,  at  the  conclusion  of  which  the  meet- 
ing adjourned. 

On  Friday  afternoon  the  subject  of  general,  ophthalmic, 
and  aural  surgery  were  brought  under  the  consideration 
of  the  convention,  and  received  full  discussion. 

The  first  contribution  presented  was  from  Dr.  Bojanus. 
of  Nischny-Novogorod,  in  Russia,  It  was  in  the  iorm  of 
a  book,  entitled  Homceopathic  Therapeutics  in  its  AppU- 


Iiiternalional  Homveopathic  Convenlion. 


227 


I 
I 


cation  to  Operative  Surgery  ;  and  upon  this  Dr.  Dudgeon 
prepared  a  report,  giving  a  brief  r«w*«^  of  its  contents.  It 
is  occupied  with  a  detailed  analysis  of  the  operations  per- 
formed in  the  hospital  to  which  the  author  is  attached. 

Surgical  Therapeutics  is  the  subject  of  Dr.  J,  C.  Mor- 
gan's (Philadelphia)  contributions  to  the  Transactions. 

Dr.  Morgan  commences  his  paper  with  some  remarks 
on  the  comparative  value  of  aconite  in  wounds  and  other 
injuries.  In  these  classes  of  cases.  Dr.  Moigan  contends 
that  aconite  is  superior  to  arnica — i,  in  injuries  of  the  eye- 
ball; 2,  in  the  reaction  which  occurs  some  hours  after  an 
injury;  3,  in  the  commencement  of  a  sprain.  Dr.  Mor- 
gan then  adduces  some  illustrations  of  the  sorbefacicnt 
effects  of  the  internal  exhibition  of  hydratis  30,  sepia  im. 
arsen.  iod.  jx  and  kypericnm  2x  in  mammary  tumors. 

Passing  to  tumors  of  the  uterus  and  ovaries,  Dr.  Mor- 
gan has  no  records  of  absolute  cure  by  drugs,  but  he  can 
say  that  in  no  case  has  it  been  necessary  to  submit  any 
such  to  a  surgical  procedure,  except  the  pedunculated 
polypi,  fibrous  and  mucus;  these  he  has  uniformly  re- 
moved by  the  wire  ecraseur.  All  others  he  has  treated 
with  drugs  "in  potency"  for  months  and  years,  according 
to  the  various  changes  of  symptoms,  to  the  great  satisfac- 
tion of  patients,  who,  in  sheer  desperation,  had  previously 
courted  the  most  formidable  resources  of  surgery. 

Dr.  Morgan  concludes  by  giving  the  characteristic  indi- 
cations for  the  use  of  a  number  of  medicines  in  the  treat- 
ment of  tumors. 

Dr.  Watson,  of  Hammersmith,  contributed  a  paper 
entitled  Surgical  Observations,  which  consisted  of  some 
general  observations  on  the  pathology  and  treatment  of 
abcess,  illustrated  by  several  cases. 

A  discussion  then  ensued  on  the  Help  brought  to  the 
Surgeon  by  Homctopatliy,  in  which  Dr.  Dunn,  Dr.  Mc- 
Clelland. Dr.  Helmuth.  and  others  took  part. 

A  paper  on  the  Therapeutics  of  Iritis,  by  Dr.  Vilas,  of 
Chicago,  was  tlien  presented. 

Dr.  Vilas  dechncd  to  discuss  the  curability  of  iritis  by 
internal  remedies  alone,  because  he  is  of  the  opinion  that 
internal  medication  alone  will  never  cure  all  diseases 
which  might  be  cured  were  they  treated  with  all  the 
means  at  our  command.  The  first  point  in  the  treatment, 
he  says,  consists  in  perfect  rest  of  both  eyes,  shutting  out 
of  bright  light,  and  protection  from  injurious  change^of 


228  The  Homceopathic  Courier. 

temperature.  The  second  consists  in  obtaining  complete 
rest  for  the  iris.  Of  all  mydriatics,  atropia,  he  said,  was 
the  best,  and  the  best  preparation  a  carefully  prepared 
sulphate.  The  advantages  to  be  obtained  and  the  dangers 
to  be  avoided  were  fuily  pointed  out.  Various  other  my- 
driatics were  noticed  by  Dr.  Vilas.  In  all  cases,  save 
those  in  which  there  are  no  synechia  likely  to  form,  can, 
he  alleged,  a  mydriatic  be  safely  dispensed  with.  If  there 
be  exudation  from  the  iris,  and  it  Is  not  drawn  away  from 
its  resting  place,  synechia;  must  form,  and  more  or  less 
firmly  tie  down  the  iris.  Dr.  Vilas  next  considered  the 
indications  for  the  use  of  internal  remedies.  These  com- 
prised some  twenty-eight  drugs,  and  form  a  useful  collec- 
tion of  references  for  ophthalmic  surgery.  We  roust, 
however,  direct  our  readers  to  the  Transactions  for  their 
study. 

The  Treatment  of  Iritis,  simple  and  syphilitic,  was  then 
the  subject  of  discussion,  the  debate  being  opened  by  Dr. 
Bushrod  James,  of  Philadelphia. 

This  being  terminated,  the  last  paper  to  be  presented  to 
the  convention,  that  by  Dr.  Cooper,  of  London,  on  Aural 
Surgery,  was  introduced  under  the  title.  Notes  on  some 
Homceopathic  Remedies  in  Aural  Disease.  After  some 
introductory  remarks  on  the  position  of  the  therapeutics 
of  aural  surgery,  Dr.  Cooper  pointed  out  the  indications  | 
for  the  use  of  tlie  following  medicines  in  different  forms  of 
deafness :  Gelseminum,  Hydrastis  canadensis,  picric  acid,  cupsi- 
cum,  arnica,  rhus,  ignatia,  quinine,  amyl  nitrite,  chloroform, 
salicylic  acid  and  salicylate  of  soda,  apis  mrllijica,  lacheait  dapt 
cor.,  croialus  formica,  naja  and  vespa.  In  reviewing  his  ex- 
perience, Dr.  Cooper  says  that  the  conclusion  is  forced 
upon  him  that  very  long  standing  cases  are  best  met  by 
highly  dynamized  preparations;  these,  beyond  question, 
he  says,  exert  a  most  powerful  and  satisfactorj-  influence. 
He  especially  names  ///wj.and  calcarea  as  remedies  which  in 
a  high  dilution  have  proved  of  most  essential  service. 

After  Dr.  Cooper's  paper  had  been  introduced,  a  dis- 
cussion ensued  on  the  plan  of  homceopathic  medication  in 
ear  disease. 

The  convention  assembled  at  two  o'clock  on  the  fullow- 
ing  day  for  the  transaction  of  miscellaneous  business. 

The  report  of  the  committee  and  the  president's  address 
were  brought  forward,  and  as  practical  results  it  was  de- 
termined  to   appoint  a   committee,   consisting   of  one  or 


\ 


International  Homaopathic  Convention.  229 

more  skilled  pharmaceutists  in  each  country  represented 
by  the  convention,  to  co-operate  with  the  editor  of  the 
Pharmacopoeia  of  the  British  Homoeopathic  Society  in  the 
preparation  of  a  pharmacopoeia  which  shall  be  adopted  by 
all  nations. 

It  was  also  resolved  that  a  permanent  secretary  of  inter- 
national homoeopathic  conventions  be  appointed,  and  to 
thisofBce  Dr.  Richard  Hughes  was  appointed. 

After  some  conversation,  it  appeared  to  be  the  wish  of 
the  members  of  the  convention  that  the  meeting  of  the 
convention,  which  would  in  the  ordinary  course  of  events 
be  held  in  1886,  should  take  place  at  Brussels. 

The  statistics  of  the  convention  were  presented  by  the 
president,  from  which  it  appeared  78  British,  31  American, 
4  French,  l  Italian  and  i  Russian  physician  had  entered 
their  names  on  the  books  of  the  Congress,  while  there  is 
reason  to  believe  that  some  20  British  practitioners  had 
been  present  at  the  meetings,  but  had  omitted  to  record 
the  fact  of  their  presence. 

After  very  cordial  votes  of  thanks  to  the  president,  vice- 
president,  secretaries  and  treasurer,  the  members  separa- 
ted.— Homoeopathic  Physician, 


SurgeiT. 


MANAGEMEN7  OF  DEEP  ABSCESSES. 

ISyJ.  r.  Kkmt.  U.D. 

In  the  discussion  of  the  management  of  deep-seated 
chronic  abscesses,  much  difference  of  opinion  prevails, 
some  favoring  free  incision,  others  opening  by  trocar,  or 
the  aspirator,  avoiding  the  admission  of  air  into  the  cav- 
ity. It  is  not  my  purpose  to  lake  a  part  in  this  discussion, 
as  the  admission  or  exclusion  of  air,  in  my  judgment, 
seems  to  have  Hltle  to  do  with  the  true  principles  of  re- 
pair. Perfect  evacuation  and  coaptation  of  the  walls  of 
the  abscess  cavity  seem  to  be  the  points  to  be  constantly 
held  in  view. 

Perfect  evacuation  is  at  times  not  so  easily  obtained  in 
deep  abscesses.  The  surgeon  is  too  much  inclined  to 
open  the  cavity  in  its  most  accessible  locality,  when  the 
floor  of  the  cavity  is  the  only  possible  place  to  secure  per- 
fect drainage.  The  floor  of  an  abscess  cavity  will  be  also 
changed  as  the  patient  changes  his  altitude  from  the 
walking  to  the  recumbent  position  ;  therefore,  an  abscess 
upon  a  patient  walking  about  should  be  sometimes  opened 
in  a  different  locality  from  one  in  bed.  I  consider  these 
important  questions ;  and  the  anatomical  study  of  the 
parts  can  only  render  the  solution. 

By  perfect  evacuation  we  obtain  perfect  coaptation, 
wliich  is  imperative  ;  rest  is  therefore  the  only  means  of 
cure,  as  it  permits  nature  to  do  her  work  in  her  own  good 
way. 


Management  of  Deep  Abscesses.  23 1 

If  a  mistake  has  been  made  by  the  surgeon,  and  he  has 
not  opened  the  cavity  at  its  most  depending  point,  the 
patient  may  be  changed  in  bed,  that  the  opening  may  be 
made  in  the  lowest  part  of  the  cavity. 

Superficial  abscesses  are  of  little  importance  compared 
with  deep-seated  cavities  involving  important  structures  ; 
therefore,  not  so  much  knowledge  and  judgment  are 
required  in  the  management  of  them. 

Another  important  feature  of  deep  abscess  is  the 
change  that  occurs  in  the  anatomical  relations  of  the  part. 
No  anatomist  will  pretend  to  be  able  to  give  the  relation 
of  the  arteries,  veins,  muscles,  and  nerves  in  a  post-phar- 
yngeal  abscess  of  any  proportions.  What  anatomist  will 
attempt  to  delineate  the  relation ^of  the  structures  of  sub- 
muscular  abscess  of  the  anterior  and  ftiternal  aspect  of  the 
thigh  ?  But  not  having  dwelt  upon  this  subject,  a  surgeon 
might  say,  as  I  was  once  known  to  say,  "  Plunge  in  the 
knife."     This  is  not  my  practice  at  present. 

To  make  an  opening  in  a  deep  abscess  at  its  most  de- 
pending part  is  at  times  a  most  difficult  undertaking, 
hence  it  becomes  necessary  to  perform  the  operation  with 
as  little  risk  as  possible.  From  general  symptoms  and 
local  signs  the  surgeon  suspects  a  deep  abscess  of  the 
axilla.  Some  surgeons  say  :  **  Wait  till  it  comes  near  the 
surface;  but  the  patient  may  die  in  the  meantime;  and  to 
plunge  in  the  knife  may  prove  fatal  to  the  patient,  by 
opening  an  important  branch  of,  or  the  axillary  artery 
itself.     The  aspirator  is  in  reputable  use. 

Suppose  the  surgeon  is  in  the  country,  or  has  not  the 
means  to  purchase  »uch  a  valuable  instrument? 

I  am  in  the  habit,  according  to  Hilton's  method,  of  mak- 
ing an  incision  with  my  scalpel  through  the  skin  at  the 
most  depending  point,  then,  with  my  groove-director,  I 
force  an  opening  to  the  supposed  cavity.     If  I  have  en- 


232  The  Homeopathic    Courier. 


tered  an  abscess  a  small  drop  of  pus  will  appear  ia  the 
groove  of  my  director,  tiien,  with  my  dressing  forceps,  I 
follow  the  groove  in  the  director  to  the  cavity,  and  by 
separating  my  finger  I  force  an  opening  which  may  bt 
enlarged  at  will,  and  with  perfect  safety. 

I  should  be  very  unwilling  to  relate  my  early  experi- 
ence in  the  management  of  this  class  of  surgical  maladies, 
and  when  I  simply  say  that  being  compelled  to  ligature 
the  profunda  femoris,  for  my  rashness,  was  not  the  IcasI 
of  my  unpleasant  experience,  you  may  not  wonder  at  the 
precaution  I  now  advise  in  relation  to  these   troubles. 

A  child,  about  ten  years  old,  was  once  brought  to  ray 
office  in  its  father's  arms  with  a  large  fluctuating  tumor 
behind  the  pharynx,  enlarging  the  cervix  and  rendering 
deglutition  very  difficult,  liquid  food  often  passing  out  the 
nostrils.  The  child  was  pale  and  cachectic — in  a  general 
feeble  state  of  health.  With  my  scalpel  handle  I  made 
pressure  upon  the  posterior  wall  of  the  pharynx,  and  the 
impression  led  me  to  the  conclusion  that  there  was  pus  in 
the  tumor,  and  the  manner  of  opening  it  was  all- 
important. 

It  seemed  an  easy  matter  to  open  through  the  mouth, 
but  the  child  might  strangle  and  die  in'the  operation; 
and  with  a  trocar  I  might  do  much  damage,  in  opening 
externally  by  puncturing  an  artery,  having  no  means  of 
knowing  the  precise  locality  of  any  structure  under  the 
integument. 

With  my  scalpel  I  cut  through  the  skin  and  superficial 
fascia,  over  the  lower  part  of  the  sterno-cleido-mastoid 
muscle,  and  with  my  grooved  director  I  forced  an  open- 
ing through  the  muscle  and  on  toward  the  most  depend- 
ing part  of  the  fluctuation,  when  I  observed  a  small  quan* 
tity  of  thin  gruraous  fluid  passing  along  the  groove  of  the 
director.  I  then,  with  my  dressing  forceps,  followed  up 
the  director,  dilating  sufficiently  to  evacuate  the  cavity. 


Crime  and  Punishment,  233 

These  hints  are  not  written  for  the  purpose  of  frighten- 
ing the  timid  from  making  their  usual  free  incisions  in 
superficial  and  ordinary  abscesses,  but  to  encourage  pre- 
caution in  the  very  rarely  met  with  deep-seated  formations 
of  pus  in  dangerous  localities,  as  sub-muscular  abscess  ol 
the  thigh,  submammary,  gluteal,  cervical  and  post-phar- 
yngcal  abscesses. 

Injections  into  large  abscess  cavities  are,  as  a  rule,  of 
little  use,  and  often  dangerous.  Perfect  rest  must  be 
procured.  If  it  cannot  be  obtained  by  the  recumbent 
pobition,  it  must  be  had  by  strapping,  bandaging  or  com- 
pressing. The  means  will  readily  suggest  themselves  to 
the  competent  anatomist  of  procuring  rest  and  coaptation, 
which  is  the  all-important  issue  to  be  uppermost  in  the 
mind  of  the  surgeon  after  the  evacuation  has  been  com- 
pleted. 

Any  treatment  directed  to  a  permanent  cure  must  be 
conducted  in  accordance  with  the  history  and  etiology  of 
each  respective  case.  Internal  remedies  are  often  de- 
manded ;  so-called  alteratives  and  tonics  are  commonly 
resorted  to  by  nearly  all  allopathic  surgeons,  but  the  pro- 
per homoeopathic  remedy  should  be  selected. 

Then,  with  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  most  potent 
of  all  remedies,  re^t  will  crown  the  surgeon's  labor  with  a 
fair  degree  of  success  and  satisfaction. 

CRIME  AND  PUNISHMENT. 
In  the  current  numljer  of  the  North  American  Review  Rev. 
Dr.  Howard  Crosby  discusses  crime  and  punishment ;  but 
fails,  we  think,  in  handling  the  subject  with  anything  like 
the  breadth  and  thoroughness  which  so  important  a  topic 
demands.  Dr.  Crosby  enumerates,  among  the  principal 
causes  of  crime,  the  unrestricted  sale  of  distilled  liquors, 
and  the  apathy  of  the  public,  especially  the  officers  in 
supporting   the   excise   law.     We  very  much   doubt  the 


77/f  Homeopathic  Courier. 

correctness  of  these  positions,  but  bL-lieve,  on  the  con- 
trdry,  the  real  cause  of  very  much  of  the  crime  which 
exists  in  every  community,  includes  the  cause  of  intem- 
perance itself.  If  you  go  back  a  few  generations  in  the 
history  of  every  criminal,  of  every  man  who  gives  loose 
play  to  his  appetites  and  his  passions,  you  will  find,  some- 
where, a  violation  of  nature's  law,  perhaps  in  defective 
brain,  or  physical  nutrition  and  training,  and  especially  in 
an  unwise  marriage  in  which  the  plainest  psychological 
and  physiological  principles  are  violated,  and  the  brain  of 
the  offspring  changed  in  quality  at  least,  and  sometimes 
in  conformation.  The  riot  and  the  discord  in  the  system 
produced  by  ignorant  violation  of  nature's  laws  may  be 
visited  upon  the  children  from  generation  to  generation. 
and  the  unhealthy  longings,  the  violent  passions,  and  lack 
of  harmony  in  the  brain  which  lead  to  crime  and  intem- 
perance can.  in  the  majority  of  cases  be  traced  back  to 
hereditary  taint  and  the  transmission  of  mental  and  phys- 
ical qualities  from  one  generation  to  another.  Two  men. 
brought  up  side  by  side,  with  the  same  surroundings,  and 
moral  and  physical  training,  find  life  actually  different. 
With  one  there  is  an  incessant  battle  with  unhealthy  pas- 
sions, while  with  the  other  life  glides  smoothly,  with 
scarcely  a  single  mental  contest.  To  the  one  the  life 
current  has  flowed  down  from  the  past  uncontaminated, 
while  the  other  has  been  tainted  with  vice  and  perhaps 
crime.  A  work  of  a  distinguished  French  savant  recently 
published  by  Wm.  Wood  &  Co..  and  translated  by  Dr. 
Fowler,  shows  the  peculiar  organization  of  a  large  number 
of  criminals  and  consequently  how  easy  it  is  for  them  to 
fall  into  temptation.  It  is  well  enough  to  enact  laws  to 
prevent  crime,  but  we  should  go  further  back  than  this  to 
the  healthy  development  of  the  human  system,  thus  tak- 
ing away  the  strong  tendency  to  vice  and  crime.  After 
all  the  keynote  to  the  regeneration  of  the  world  is  in  the 
family,  in  the  training  there  received,  and  in  the  pure  and 
litalthy  relation  between  husband  and  wife  and  parents 
and  children. 


lyjCTRIOUS  EFFECTS  OF  RED  VULCASIZED 
RUBHER  PLATES  IN  DENTISTRY. 

There  ere  two  serious  objections  to  the  use  of  this  ma- 
terial, composed,  as  it  is,  of  bisulphuret  of  mercury  and 
sulphur,  viz.:  loss  of  bony  substance  from  undue  absorp- 
tion, caused  by  the  retention  of  heat  under  the  plate  ;  and 
the  poisonous  effects  of  the  coloring  materia!,  which  con- 
stitutes one-third  of  the  whole  plate. 

The  first  of  these  is  the  least  serious  of  the  two,  but 
affects  all  who  wear  it,  only  in  different  degrees.  I  have 
never  yet  seen  a  mouth  where  this  material  has  been  worn 
but  there  were  evidences  of  undue  absorption,  and  thous- 
ands of  mouths  are  ruined  by  it,  for  absorption  goes  on 
until  there  is  no  "  process"  left,  and  no  ridge,  or  only  a 

flexible  one  of  this membrane.     The  effect  produced 

by  the  coloring  material  is  far  more  serious,  although  not 
so  often  realized,  because  it  seriously  affects  the  health  of 
the  patient.  (L.  P.  Haskell,  Chicago  Med.  Jour,  and 
Exam.,  Jan.,   l88i.) 


SORACIC  A£ID. 

This  is  being  much  used  now  as  an  antiseptic  and  anti- 
blenorrhagic.  In  profuse  purulent  conjuctivitis,  the 
instillation  of  a  saturated  solution  will  often  give  brilUant 
results.  It  has  also  been  employed  in  gonorrhcea  as  well 
as  otitis.  The  solubility  of  boracic  acid  is  as  follows  :  In 
cold  water,  19  grains  to  the  ounce ;  in  hot  water,  80 
grains  (only  23  grains  remain  in  solution  upon  cooling) ; 
in  hot  glycerine  three  drachms  can  be  dissolved,  the 
whole  remaining  in  solution  upon  cooling.  For  use  in 
blenorrhcea  of  tlie  conjunctiva,  the  solution  in  water  ia 
strong  enough.     (St.  Louis  Clin.  Record,  Feb.,  1881.) 


236 


Tht  Homixopathic   Courtet. 


KOUMISS  A  TEMPERANCE  DRINK. 
In  Monday's  Leader  an  article  appeared  under  tlie  head 
"  Prayer  Versus  Alcohol,"  which  was  an  extract  from  a 
sermon  delivered  by  ]?ev,  D.  K.  Brown,  D.  D.,  in  Uie 
BrookviUe  Church,  in  which  the  reverend  gentleman,  in 
speaking  of  koumiss,  which  has  been  administered  to 
President  Garfield,  called  it  a  "miserable  Turkish  alcoho- 
lic drink,  (a  beer  made  from  mare's  miik),  and  that  Presi- 
dent Garfield's  stomach  gave  out  under  such  treatment," 
A  communication  has  been  received  from  Dr.  W.  H.  F. 
O'Keefe,  who  is  agent  for  koumiss  in  this  vicinity,  in 
which  he  produces  the  original  of  a  letter  from  J.  Stanley 
Brown,  the  President's  private  Secretary,  dated  August 
27,  in  which  that  gentleman  says:  -'It  is  one  of  the  few 
things  that  would  stay  on  his  stomach,  and  he  still  con- 
tinues taking  his  koumiss,  and  at  one  time  it  is  all  he 
could  take."  Dr.  O'Keefe  states  that  it  is  not  an  intoxi- 
cating beverage,  but  on  the  contrary  the  drinking  of  it 
will  sober  a  drunken  man,  by  counteracting  the  effects 
of  the  liquor.  The  doctor  and  the  reverend  gentleman 
can  now  settle  this  matter  between  themselves,  both  sides 
having  been  heard. 


Cure  for  Fetid  Foot  Sweat. — The  stockings  arc 
th;mged  twice  daily,  and  the  stocking  feel  are  placed  for 
some  hours  in  a  Jar,  containing  a  saturated  solirfioa  of  bo- 
racic  acid.  They  are  then  dried  and  are  fit  for  wear  again^ 
if  it  be  desired.  The  boracic  acid  effectually  destroys 
tht  smell.  But  the  leather  in  the  bottom  of  the  boot  is 
wet  and  sodden,  and  smells  as  vilely  as  the  stocking. 
This  difficulty  is  got  over  by  the  use  of  cork  soles.  Half 
a  dozen  of  these  will  be  found  sufficient.  A  pair  must 
only  be  worn  one  day  unchanged;  at  night  they  are  placed 
in  the  boracic  jar,  and  are  put  aside  the  next  day  to  dry. 
If  these  directions  be  accurately  carried  out,  llje  evil 
smell  is  perfectly  destroyed. — Bril.  Med.  Jour.,  Sept.  18. 
1880. 


MUSCARINE  AS  A  REMEDY  FOR  NIGHT 
SWEATS. 

Dr.  W.  Murielt,  Ne-.v  RtmeMes,  has  treated  twenty-six 
cases  of  night  sweating  with  a  one  per  cent,  solution  of  a 
liquid  extract  of  agaricus  muscariiis,  of  the  consistence 
of  molasses.  Sixteen  of  the  cases  were  in  males,  the 
remainder  in  females  of  ages  ranging  from  46  to  10  years. 
Five  minims  of  the  above  solution  was  the  smallest  relia- 
ble dose;  this  was  taken  in  water,  three  times  daily,  or  in 
the  evening  an  hour  before  going  to  bed.  Improvement 
was  usually  apparent  on  the  second  or  third  night,  and 
perspiration  usually  ceased  by  the  end  of  a  week.  Bene- 
fit followed  its  use  in  every  case. 

ANCIENT  MEDICAL  TRAINING. 

Prof.  Huxley,  in  his  closing  address  at  the  International 
Medical  Congress,  traced  the  origin  of  the  heahng  art 
back  to  the  Asklepiads  of  Greece,  and  the  connection  be- 
tween anatomy  and  medicine  to  the  Alexandian  school 
of  Erasistratus  and  Herophilus.  The  London  Academy 
think  that  the  Hindoos  have  at  least  an  equal  claim  to 
have  founded  an  art  of  therapeutics  upon  the  study  of 
anatomy.  In  Hindoo  history  it  is  impossible  to  fix  dates; 
but  the  best  era  of  Indian  medicine  was  contemporary 
with  the  ascendency  of  Buddhism.  Besides  attending  to 
hygiene,  regimen  of  the  body,  and  diet,  the  early  Indian 
doctors  undertook  the  most  difficult  operations  with  a 
confidence  that  could  only  be  derived  from  anatomical 
study.  It  is  known  that  students  were  trained  to  perform 
operations,  not  only  upon  wax  models  and  specimens  of 
the  vegetable  kingdom,  but  also  upon  "the  carcass  of  a 
dead  bullock."  It  is  said  that  the  Greek  surgeons  under 
the  Ptolemies  were  permitted  to  experiment  upon  living 
criminals 


b 


238  TJie  Ilomaopathie   Courier. 

Lacerated  Perineum — Mrs.  B.,  M.  D.,  has  practind  I 
sixteen  years  and  never  yet  had  a  case  of  lacerated  pnv  I 
neum,  "Why?  Because  1  use  sweet  oil  freely — hotil  I 
possible:  To  prevent  laceration  of  cervix,  use  a  tampon  i 
of  cotton  saturated  in  warm  Urd  or  oil  mixed  with  thtw 
drops  of  bell,  tincture.  It  is  easily  applied  and  will  ra- 
pidly relieve  all  tension." — U.  S.  Med.  Invest.  Feb.  li 


Dr.  a.  p.  Williamson  Chief-of-StafT,  reports  65  5  clients 
treated  during  June,  at  the  Homoeopathic  Hospital,  W.  I., 
with  3.96  per  cent,  death  rate. 


APPROPRIA  TION. 
The  Pennsylvania  Legislature  has  appropriated  >!50,OOI> 
toward  the  fund  of   the   new    Homoeopathic    Hospital  in 

Pittsburgh. 


MALTINE. 


Travancore,  India,  Mission  House,  Kdin,  Oct.  1878. 
I  have  tried  Reed  &  Carnicks  Maltine  with   two   of  our 
patients,  and  the  result  has  been  most  satisfactory.     The 
increase  in  weight,  improved  appearance,  and  general  im- 
provement in  health,  have  been  most  gratifying. 

John  Lowe.  F.  R.  C.  S. 


I 


Ellsworth,  Me,,  Sept.  1881. 

Editor  Courier  : — I  read  with  much  pleasure  and  profit, 
your  ably  conducted  journal;  but  in  your  August  issue  I 
notice  a  few  things  that  perhaps  will  bear  a  word  of 
criticism. 

"About  Liars."  Why  say  the  man  lied?  Does  any  one 
suppose,  with  the  ample  opportunity  offered  our  different 
]iharmacists,  by  our  defective  method  of  preparing  our 
remedies  (defective  as  regards  its  certain  accuracy),  that 
all  of  them  are  always  honest  and  never  cheat,  especially 
high  potency  users,  without  their  knowing  it? 

I  don't  for  one,  and  believe  the  only  method  is  to  use 
only  such  remedies  and  preparations  that  we  can  always 
distinguish  as  accurate. 

And  again,  I  see  nothing  impossible  in  his  statement  of 
using  dilute  alcohol  in  saturating  pellets.  I  always  do, 
and  find  them  to  be  more  evenly  and  thoroughly  satura- 
ted with  the  dilutions  than  if  the  alcohol  had  been  evapo- 
rated from  the  surface  of  the  pellet.  In  fact,  our  system 
of  preparing  and  prescribing  remedies,  is  defective,  in  as 
much  as  it  gives  great  scope  to  both  physician  and 
pharmacist  for  fraud.  How  many  patients  are  reported 
brilliantly  cured  by  homceopathic  medicine,  when  the 
report  shows  sac.  lac.  frequently  repeated. 

And  further:  Why  waste  so  much  time  on  that  Pacific 
bigot  (page  Si).  Is  it  not  answer  enough  to  his  growl- 
ings,  to  point  to  scores,  yes,  hundreds  of  educated  and 
intelligent  old  school  practitioners,  that  are  yearly  dis- 


240  The  Ifomteapathic   Courier. 

carding  the  worn  out,  seedy  rags  of  allopathy  and 
donning  the  new,  clean  garments  of  homceopatliy  ?  Why 
do  these  men,  not  poor  in  this  world's  goods  by  any 
means,  nor  inferior  in  any  manner  to  their  conferees  in  an- 
cient medicine,  drop  this  abominable  method  of  pukes, 
purges,  morphine,  quinine  and  whisky,  and  take  up  our 
plain  yet  superior  method  of  treatment.  Not  because  it 
\s  easier — because  it  is  infinitely  harder — but  our  superior 
success  in  practice  well  pays  us  for  our  extra  labor. 

Then  again:  Why  try  to  defend  psora  against  this 
man's  statements.  Are  there  not  as  good  intelligent  and 
well  educated  men  in  our  ranks,  who  totally  discard  this 
theory,  and  yet  are  the  equals  in  every  respect  of  any 
homoeopaths  of  our  school? 

Does  it  make  the  man  any  the  less  a  homceopath  if  he 
does  not  believe  all  the  theories  of  Hahnemann? 

He  was  not  divine,  despite  many  efforts  to  make  him 
appear  so.     A  man  who  is  never  wrong  is  always  wrong. 

We  have  much  to  thank  Hahnemann  for,  but  let's  not 
swallow  without  masticating  everything  he  said  or  wrote, 
simply  because  he  wrote. 

No,  our  defense  of  homceopathy  must  and  can  be  made 
upon  its  merits  and  essential  principles,  and  not  upon  any 
outside  theories. 

Say  to  them,  the /ijfi'  is  plain;  follow  it  and  see  for 
yourself.  Do  not  be  turned  aside  by  a  theory  of  any 
man.  Remember  you  are  just  as  gojd  a  homceopath  if 
you  do  not  use  a  pellet  or  dilution,  and  meet  similar  with 
similar  (and  I  believe  more  so),  than  if  you  swallow  and 
follow  all  the  ideas  and  theories  of  Hahnemann,  and  pre- 
scribe the  potenized  moonshine  of  some  of  his  follower 
of  to-day.  Let  us  lop  off  these  excrescencies  and  dying 
limbs,  and  we  have  a  sound,  smooth  trunk  which  will  be  a 
lasting  support.      But  allow  them  to   remain   and    grow 


Correspondence,  241 

and  I  fear  they  may   check   and    destroy   the  truth   and 
beauty  that  lies  within. 

Excuse  these  hastily  written  words ;  uphold  homoeo- 
pathy, pure  and  simple,  and  receive  my  gratitude  and  sub- 
scription fee. 

Your  friend, 

W.  M.  H. 


We  are  in  receipt  of  the  following  calls  for  aid.  Will 
some  reader  answer  in  the  next. 

Providence,  September  9,  188 1. 
Editor  Homceopathic  Courier: — I   have   a   case    in 

which  I  would  like  some  help.     The  patient  is  a  lady,  past 
turn  of  life  and  very  fleshy.     She  has  a  terrible  burning 

of  the  feet  and  legs ;  leaves  them  and  goes  to  the  hands 

the  and  arms  and  sometimes  across  the  bowels.    There  is  no 

redness;  nothing  to  be  seen;  no  swelling;  no  breaking 

out  except  in  the  palm  of  the  left   hand ;    looks    like    a 

blister  the  size  of  a  pea,  and   fills   with   a  bloody    pus   if 

opened ;  will  be  two  or  three  months  before  it  w'ill  heal  if 

unopdned  ;  will  dry  up  in  about  three   weeks  ;    has    been 

troubled  for  five  or  six  years ;  the  weather  has   no   effect, 

but  the  heat  from  the  fire  makes  it  worse.      In   all  other 

respects  she  is  alright. . 

Now  doctor  I  want  you  to  tell  me  what  to  do  for  her, 
and  I  will  report  progress. 

She  says  when  her  bowels  are  attacked,  (that  is,  across 
the  bowels),  she  has  an  all  gone  feeling.  I  prescribed 
canth.  3x,  but  have  not  heard  from  her  since. 

S.  Robinson,  M.  D. 


Editor  Homceopathic  Courier: — Will  you  please  give 
me  and  others  a  course  of  treatment  in  the  Courier  for  ca- 
ries of  the  hip  joint.    Patient  56  years  old;  has  been  troubled 


243 


The  Hinnaopathic  Courier. 


over  six  years.  Discharges  the  color  and  consistence  dT 
whey;  no  stench  when  first  discharged;  little  or  no  pain; 
appetite  fair.  Give  113  light  in  the  next  issue  and  obligc- 
I  would  like  to  have  you  give  the  case  a  complete  ovi:r- 
hauling,  and  oblige  me  and  many  others. 

Call  for  cases  that  have  been  treated  by  other   doctor^. 
Lackawana.  G.  S.,  M.  D. 

East  Rockpoht,  Ohjo. 

Editor  Homceopathic  Courjhr: — In  the  "sample  copy" 
of  the  Homceopathic  Courier  you  kindly  sent  me,  I  saw 
a  report  of  thus  poisoning  and  the  treatment.  Will  the 
Doctor  please  inform  me,  which  variety  of  rhus  the  patient 
was  poisoned  witli.  And  when  he  says  he  uses  the  200  of 
a  remedy,  does  he  wish  to  be  understood  as  using  the  200 
trituration  or  dilution,  or  the  200  potency,  according  to 
Hahnemann.     See  Chronic  Diseases,  vol.  i,  pp.  190-igi. 

And  where  does  he  procure  the  mother  tincture,  6tb  ur 
loth. 

I  have  been  practicing  homceopathic  medicine   foi 
years,  and  yet  there  are  some  things  to  learn.       H.L^J 


Allen,  Mich,  September  21,  18^ 
Editor  Homeopathic    Courier: — 1  have  just  sed 
"Sample  Copy  "  of  the   Couriek,   in   which  appears 
commtinicatiou  I  sent  you  on  rhus  poisoning.      In 
pears  a  mistake  tliat  I  should  like  to  have  corrected,  ] 
is  to  appear  in  the  regidar  September  No.,  as  you  intima- 
ted.    The  word  "same"  just  before  the  word  "strengl 
should  be  eliminated,     Third  hne  from  bottom. 
Respectfully  yours. 

H.  A.  StonJ 


Society  Proceedings. 


L 


ANNUAL    SESSION    OF   THE    UISSOUKI    INSTITUTE    OF    HOMtEO- 
PATHV. 

The  fifth  annual  meeting  of  the  Missouri  Institute  of 
Homoeopathy  was  called  to  order  at  8  p.  m.,  October  5th, 
18S1,  at  Parlor  ty.  Lindcll  Hotel,  St.  Louis.  Mo.,  by  the 
President,  D.  T.  Abcil.  M.  D.,  Scdalia ;  the  Provisional 
Secretary,  H.  W,  Wcstovcr.  M.  D..  of  St.  Joseph,  at  the 
desk. 

W,  A.  Edmonds,  M.  D.,  in  behalf  of  the  physicians  of 
St.  Louis,  extended  a  cordial  welcome  to  the  Institute  in 
A  very  able  and  entertaining  address  as  follows: 

The  Society  of  Honitcopatliic  Physicians'  and  Sur- 
geons, of  St.  Louts,  has  delegated  to  me  the  very  pleasing 
duty  and  distinguished  honor,  of  tendering  to  you  words  , 
of  welcome,  good  cheer  and  hospitality.  The  ceremony 
of  a  public,  formal  welcome,  has  become  so  frequent  in 
behalf  of  our  various  delegated  and  associated  activities 
of  a  scientific,  fraternal  and  professional  character,  as  to 
render  it  difficult  for  me  to  say  anything  new  or  original 
in  the  perf'irmance  of  my  present  duty. 

I  shall  not  therefore  strive  after  verbal  novelties  in  con- 
veying to  you  a  greeting  from  the  physicians  of  St.  Louis. 
but  shall  be  only  too  anxtous  to  give  a  thorough  quality 
of  heartiness  to  my  words  of  greeting,  with  a  full  assur- 
ance that  your  professional  brethren  of  this  city  will 
cheerfully  enforce  the  present  ceremony  by  abundant  acts 
uf  courtesy,  attention  and  kindness,  during  your  sojourn. 

We  welcome  you  then,  right  heartily,  to  our  great  and 


344  ^-^^  Homceopathie   Courier. 

growing  city,  in  this  valley  of  munificence  and  splendor 
and  by  the  side  of  the  great  Father  of  Waters,  which  for 
untold  centuries  has  made  its  perennial  pilgrimage  to  its 
great  southern  sluine,  the  Mexican  Gulf  Wc  welcome 
you  to  our  busy  marts,  with  all  their  inlemiioable  mazes 
of  trade  and  activity.  We  welcome  you  to  our  maji^ifi- 
cent  parks,  with  their  broad,  beautiful  drives  and  promen- 
ades, fragrant  flowers,  spraying  fountains,  green  foliage 
and  warbling  songsters  of  the  forest;  we  welcome  you  to 
our  public  museums  of  science,  literature  and  art;  ue 
welcome  you  to  our  spacious  temples,  dedicated  to  the 
worship  of  The  Most  High,  with  all  their  aesthetics  in 
architecture,  music  and  eloquence;  we  welcome  you  to 
our  great  annual  Fair,  with  all  its  wealth  of  wonders  in 
the  way  of  things  novel,  useful  and  beautiful;  we  welcome 
you  to  our  beautiful  ihespian  temples,  with  all  their  his- 
trionic appointments  and  splendors;  we  welcome  you  to 
our  sweet,  pure  homes,  the  abode  of  our  domestic  joy  and 
bliss;  we  welcome  you  to  any  and  everything  that  may  . 
make  your  stay  pleasant  and  profitable. 

And  now,  while  giving  you  these  few  words  of  hearty 
welcome,  allow  me  to  congratulate  you  that  so  many  have 
yielded  to  the  inclination  and  opportunity  to  be  present 
at  this  appointment,  where  we  may  all  meet  on  the  broad 
plane  of  professional  equality,  for  a  free  interchange  of 
individual  views  and  experience,  and  the  promotion  of 
pleasant,  social  and  personal  relations. 

Nothing  serves  so  well  as  to  take  the  kinks  and  snarls 
out  of  men  who  have  the  smallest  element  of  kindness 
and  forbearance,  as  to  bring  them  face  to  face  and  hand 
to  hand.  Those  of  us  who  may  have  grown  somewhat 
pretentious  and  self-conceited,  are  very  likely  to  get  a 
little  of  the  grace  of  humility.      Those    of    us   who  may 


Society  Proceedings,  245 

have  become  timid  and  unhopeful,  are  very  Hkely  to  gain 
hope  and  strength,  by  learning  that  others  have  weakness 
and  foibles  much  like  our  own. 

But  to  no  class  of  practitioners  are  these  meetings  of 
so  much  importance  as  to  our  village  and  countr}''  breth- 
ren, who  probably  perform  three-fourths  of  the  entire 
professional  work  in  any  given  year. 

Practitioners  in  the  large  cities,  by  engaging  so  con- 
stantly in  college,  dispensar}',  hospital  and  local  society 
work,  are  enabled  to  keep  well  abreast  of  the  various  ad- 
vances and  improvements,  to  say  nothing  of  their  close 
local  neighborship,  giving  every  facility  for  help  and  con- 
sultation, in  moments  of  peril  and  emergency.  These 
meetings  are  certainly  of  importance  to  us  all,  but  doubly 
important  to  those  of  us  who  may  be  so  situated  while 
full  of  work,  with  no  time  to  read,  have  no  access  to  hos- 
pitals and  public  clinics.  To  practitioners  thus  situated, 
meetings  like  the  present,  do  much  to  prevent  routinism 
in  practice,  and  wipe  off  the  professional  mould  and  rust, 
which  so  insiduously  settles  down  upon  us  in  the  more 
advanced  periods  of^life. 

Allow  me  to  hope,  that  the  physicians  whom  I  have  the 
honor  to  represent,  will  make  your  stay  so  pleasant,  that 
you  will  consent  to  make  our  city  your  future,  permanent 
place  of  meeting.  If  so,  be  assured  you  will  always  find 
the  professional  latch  hung  on  the  outside. 

To  which  the  president,  D.  T.  Abcll,  M.  D.,  very  appro- 
priately responded. 

The  minutes  of  the  preceding  meeting  were  read  and 
approved. 

The  Treasurer,  P.  G.  Valentine,  M.  D.,  presented  his 
annual  report,  which  was  referred  to  an  auditing  commit- 
tee composed  of  S.  B.  Parsons,  M.  D. ;  C.  J.  Burger,  M. 
D.,  and  W.  C.  Richardson,  M.  D. 


46  The  Homccopatkic   Courier. 

A  committee  on  credentials  was  appointed,  consisting 
of  J.  A.  Campbell,  M.  D. ;  Wm.  Collisson.  M.  D..  and  J. 
M.  Kershaw,  M.  D. 

On  motion,  all  visiting  physicians  were  invited    to    se3t-< 

in  the  Institute,  and  to  take  part  in  its  discussions.       The 

invitation   was   accepted   by  J.   W.  Feld,  M.   D.,  Kansas 

I  City:    W.  E,   Green,   M.   D.,  Little   Rock.  Ark.;    J.    H. 

Moseley.  M.  D.,  (Hathe,  Kas. 

Miss  E.  E.  Curtiss,  M.  D.,  St.  Louis;  G.  S.  Walker.  M- 
IJ.,  St.  Louis;  C.  H.  Goodman,  M.  D,.  St.  Louis  ;  W.  B. 
Morgan,  M.  D.,  St.  Louis,  and  Mrs.  A.  E,  Scott,  St.  LouU, 
then  applied  for  membership. 

The  Bureau  of  Ophthalmology  and  Otology  being 
■railed,  Dr.  Campbell  reported  a  case  of  Keratitis  Speci- 
lica  with  a  resume  of  treatment,  and  presented  patient 
Lured. 

Discussed  by  several  members. 

Dr.  W.  H.  Westover  read  a  paper  on  "  Otitis  Media 
Suppurativa  Chronica."  After  discussion  the  bureau  was 
declared  closed. 

Dr.  J.  M.  Kershaw,  in  behalf  of  the  board  of  Censors, 
leported  favorably  upon  the  application  of  C.  H.  Good- 
man, M.  D.,  of  St.  Louis  ;  Miss  E.  E.  Curtiss,  M.  D..  St. 
Louis;  G.S.Walker.  M.  D.,  St.  Louis;  W.  B.  Morgan. 
M.  D.,  St.  Louis,  and  Mrs.  A.  E.  Scott.  M.  D.,  St.  Louis, 
as  regular  members,  and  W.  E.  Green.  M.  D.,  of  Little 
Rock,  as  an  honorary  member.  Dr.  Green  was  unani- 
mously elected  an  honorary  member. 

On  motion  the  secretary  was  instructed  to  cast  an 
affirmative  ballot  for  the  several  applicants  for  member- 
ship, which  being  done,  they  were  declared  elected. 

The  Bureau  of  Surgery  being  called.  Dr.  S.  B.  Parsons, 
Chairman,  presented  three  papers,  as  follows:  "  Intesti- 
nal Obstruction."  by  himself,  which  he  read ;  "The  Inhala- 
tion of  Sulphuric  Ether,"  by  VV,  Jno.  Harris,  M.  I). , 
■Anesthetics,  and  their  Relative  Safety,  by  W.  H.  West- 
over,  M.  D.     Dr.  Harris  read  his  paper,  and  exhibited  an 


improved  English  inhaler,  illustrating  his  subject.      After 
general  discussion,  the  Bureau  was  declared  closed. 

The  Bureau  of  Climatology  and  Prevailing  Diseases 
Iicinj;  called  the  Oiairman,  J.  C  Ciimmings,  M.  D.,  read 
his  paper  on  '■Climatology,"  which  was  discussed  by  Drs. 
Wm.  Lollisson  and  W.  Jno.  Harris. 

A  Idler  rtas  lh«n  read  on  ihe  same  subject  from  Dt. 
Van  Sycle,  of  Canton,  Mo. 

The  Bureau  of  Education  and  Legislation  reported 
through  the  Chairman,  C.  J.  Burger,  M.  t>.,  a  long  and 
.tble  paper. 

An  inquiry  was  made  as  to  parties  issuing  fraudulent 
diplomas,  a  case  being  on  trial  in  Sedalia  of  a  man  hold- 
ing an  alleged  diploma  from  a  homofopathic  college  in 
St.  Louis,  signed  F.  R.  Moore,  Secretary,  and  others. 

On  motion,  the  Bureau  on  Education  and  Legislatioii 
was  instructed  to  investigate  the  report  that  medical  di- 
plomas arc  being  sold  by  one  or  more  persons  in  thc 
State  of  Missouri,  and  particularly  in  the  city  of  St.  Louis, 
and  tliat  they  be  empowered  to  take  such  steps  as  ar<- 
necessary  for  the  suppression  of  the  traffic. 

Moved  and  carried  that  when  the  meeting  adjourns,  il 
adjourns  to  lo  a,  m.,  October  6th. 

The  Auditing  Committee  presented  their  report,  show- 
ing that  the  Treasurer.  Philo  G.  Valentine  had  erroneously 
entered  up  certain  bills  as  paid  twice,  and  that  he  was 
indebted  to  the  society  for  the  amount  thus  wrongly  eii. 
tered.  The  report  was  referred  back  to  them,  and  they 
were  directed  to  meet  with  the  treasurer  and  have  him 
correct  the  matter  and  report  at  the  next  meeting. 
Adjourned. 

The  Missouri  Institute  of  Homoeopathy  was  called  t" 
order  by  President  D.  T.  Abell,  M.  D. 

On  motion,  it  was  ordered  that  the  various  bureau- 
report  their  papers  by  title,  and  the  papers  be  referred  t" 
.1  committee  on  publication. 


48  The  Homa'Dpathic   Couriei. 

Wm.  Colllsson,  M.  D. ;  W.  B.  Morgan,  M.  D. ;  and  E.  E. 
Curtiss,  M.  D.,  were  appointed  the  committee. 

The  Bureau  of  Materia  Medica  and  Provings  reported 
a  paper  on  "  Erythoxylon  Coca,"  by  L.  E.  Whitney,  M. 
D,,  of  Carthage, 

The  Bureau  of  Pjedology  reported  the  following  papers; 
"Hydrocephaloid,"  by  W.  A.  Edmonds,  M.  D.,  Chairman: 
"Symptoms  of  Hydrocephalus,"  by  Josie  Johnson,  M,  D. 

The  Bureau  of  Obstetrics  reported  tlie  following  papers : 
'■Puerperal  Convulsions,"  by  D.  T.  Abell,  M.  D,;  "Treat- 
ment of  Adherent  Placenta,"  by  J.  Feld.  M.  D.;  •■Obstet- 
rics," Chairman,  J.  W.  Primm,  M.  D, ;  "Uterine  Hemor- 
rhage." by  J.  R.  Taylor,  M.  D. ;  "Cases  Illustrating  viilue 
of  Hot  Water  in  Post  Partum  Hemorrhage,"  by  H.  W. 
Westover;  "Anesthesia  in  Obstejrics,  Illustrated  by  In- 
haler," by  Wm.  Collisson,  M.  D.  The  use  of  anesthetics 
in  labor,  elicited  quite  extensive  discussion  by  most  uf  the 
^nembers  present. 

The  Bureau  of  Psycological  Medicine  presented  "Epi- 
lepsy in  its  Relation  to  Crime,"  by  J.  Marline  Kershaw, 
M.  D.;  "Hysteria,"  by  D.  T.  Abell,  M.  D. 

The  Bureau  of  Materia  Medica  supplied  a  paper  on  , 
"Clinical  Materia  Medica,"  by  J.  \V.  Primm,  M.  D, 

The  Bureau  of  Gyniecology  reported  "Laceration  of 
the  Cervix  Uteri,"  by  William  Collisson,  M.  D. ;  "Dys- 
menorrhtea,"  by  C.  J.  Burger,  M.  U. 

The  Bureau  of  CUuical  Medicine,  P.  G.  Valentine  M. 
D.,  Chairman,  reported  "Facial  Neuralgia,"  by  N.  V, 
Wright,  M.  D.;  "Five  Cases  of  Crusta  Lnctea,  cured  by 
Graph.  6x;"  by  P.  G.Valentine,  M.  D.;  "Scalds  and  Burns, 
cured  by  Soda  Bicarb.  Locally,"  by  P.  G.  Valentine,  M. 
D.;  "The  Tongue,  and  its  Indications."  by  H.  W.  West- 
over,  M.  D. 

The  Board  of  Censors  made  their  final  report,  recom- 
mending the  following  applicants  Tor  membership:  J, 
T.  Kent,  M.  D ;  J.  T.  Boyd,  M.  D.,  and  J.  M.  Stevens.  M. 
D.,  all  of  St.  Louis,  Mo.     The   report  was  received,   and 


Society  Proceedings.  249 

Secretary  directed  to  cast  the  ballot  for  the  applicants 
named,  who  were  thereupon  declared  elected. 

J.  H.  Moseley,  M.  D.,  as  delegate  from  the  Horn.  Med. 
^ori^ty  of  the  Stntp  of  Kan<5n<;  was  welcomed,  and  ad- 
•  dressed  the  meeting,  reporting  upon  the  progress  of 
homoeopathy  in  Kansas.  Dr.  Moseley  was  then  uAani> 
inously  elected  an  hcnorr.ry  member  of  the  Missouri  Insti- 
tute of  Homceopathy. 

The  amended  report  of  the  Auditing  Committee  on  the 
Treasurer's  accounts  was  accepted,  and  Committee  dis- 
charged. 

Moved  and  carried,  that  the  next  annual  meeting  be 
held  at  St.  Joseph,  Mo.,  on  the  second  Wednesday  in 
May,  1882. 

It  \\ias  voted  to  proceed  to  the  election  of  officers, 
whereupon  the  following  officers  were  duly  elected : 

C.  J.  Burger,  M.  D.,  of  Boonville       -         Preifjident. 

H.  W.  Westover,  M.  D.,  of  St.  Joseph    -    Vice-President. 
\V.  John  Harris.  M.  D„  of  St.  Loui--    -       Gen'l  Secretary. 
W.  B.  Morgan,  M.  D.,  ''  -      -  Provisional    " 

D.  T.  Abell,  M.  D.,  of  Sedalia      -       -       Treasurer. 

S.    B.    Parsons,    M.    D.,    of   St.  Louis  ^ 
J,  Martine  Kershaw,  M.  D.,         "  ^.Cei 

W.  C.  Richardson,  M.  D., 

The  following  chairmen  to  the  different  bureaus  were 
iippointed  by  the  President: 

Climatology  and  Prevailing  Diseases,  I).  Van  Sycle,  M. 
1 ).,  of  Canton.  Chairman. 

Obstetrics,  W.  (1.  Hall,  M.  D.  of  St.  Joseph,  Chairman. 
Ophthalmology  and  Otology,  H.  W.  Westover,  M.  D., 
.  nf  St.  Joseph,  Chairman. 

Gynaecology,  W.  D.  Foster.  M.  D.,  of  Kansas  City, 
Cihairman. 

•^    Surgery.  J.  T.  Kent,  M.  D.,  of  St.  Louis,  Chairman. 

Materia  .Medica,  W.  B.  Morgan,  M.  D.,  of  St.  Louis, 
Chairman. 


>  L^ensors. 
I 


250  The  liomaopathic   Courier. 

Education,  Legislation  and  Statistics,  D.  T.  Abell,  M. 
D.,  of  Sedalia,  Chairman. 

Psychological  Medicine,  J.  Martine  Kershaw,  M.  D.,  of 
St.  Louis,  Chairman. 

Clinical  Medicine,  J.  C.  Cummings,  M.  D.,  of  St,  Louis, 
Chairman. 

Provings,  L,  E.  Whitney,  M.  D.,  of  Carthage,  Chairman. 

Piudology,  Josie  Johnson,  M.  D.,  of  St.  Louis  Chairman. 

The  chairmen  of  the  several  bureaus  were  directed  to 
appoint  their  associates,  and  to  report  them  to  the  Secre- 
tary. 

On  motion,  the  meeting  adjourned. 

Among  the  many  good  papers  presented,  wc  publish  in 
this  issue  the  following: 


THE    MANAGEMKNT    OF    LA!!OR. 
KVJ.W.  rUIMU,IIANMBAl.,  VO- 

Mr.  Presidentand  Gentlemen  : — My  remarks  on  the  pres- 
ent occasion  will  be  more  general  than  scientific  00  the 
question  under  discussion.  Obstetric  practice  is  one  of 
the  most  responsible  places  that  physicians  are  called  to 
fill.  The  health  of  wom^n,  peace  and  happiness  of  fami- 
lies, and  the  launching  and  directing  of  a  human  soul  ; 
there  is  no  time;  the  advice  and  sympathy  of  a  physician 
is  sought  with  so  much  confidence  and  womanly  modesty 
as  when  a  soon-to-be-niother  places  herself  in  his  care, 
with  the  fullest  confidence  that  he  will  do  all  in  his  power 
to  relieve  her  pains,  and  carry  her  through,  what  nearly 
every  mother  thinks  to  be  the  most  trying  time  in  her  life. 

From  my  standpoint,  I  think  every  physician  ought  to 
make  it  a  point  to  impress  it  upon  the  minds  of  such  of 
his  patients,  that  when  ihey  become  eaccicnte.itistoihcir 
interest  to  let  their  physician  know  it,  so  he  can  h.ive  the 
care  of  them  before   confinement,  and  neVcr  in  any  in- 


Management  of  Labof.  251 

stance  tell  them  of  some  case  you  had  the  other  night 
where  "the  lady  had  such  a  hard  time,  she  came  near  not 
getting  through  with  it,  and  if  I  had  not  been  there  the 
consequence  would  have  been  terrible.**  On  the  other 
hand  always  speak  assuringly  and  sympathetically.  The 
question  is  often  asked,  "Doctor  can't  you  give  me  some- 
thing that  will  keep  me  from  suffering  during  confinement, 

Can*t  you  give  me  chloroform,  Doctor gives  it  to 

his  patients  ?  **  As  not  long  ago  a  lady  came  to  me,  ask- 
ing me  if  I  would  give  her  chloroform  in  her  confinement  ? 
I  told  her  I  would  not  promise  her.  If,  in  my  judgment,  I 
saw  she  needed  it,  I  would  do  so.  Such  is  invariably  my 
answer.  But  that  would  not  satisfy  her,  she  had  to  have 
my  promise,  or  she  would  get  some  other  physician.  To 
clinch  her  argument,  she  said,  all  the  homotopathic  phy- 
sicians in  St.  Louis  give  chloroform.  She  having  given 
birth  to  three  children  there,  and  received  an  anaesthetic 
each  time  from  the  hands  of  a  homoeopathic  physician. 
She  employed  another  doctor ;  she  took  chloroform,  also 
got  four  weeks  in  bed,  and  four  more  she  was  not  able  to 
go  out  on  the  street. 

That  is  one  out  of  several  cases  that  would  have  come 
under  my  care,  if  a  promise  had  only  been  given  to  use  chlo- 
roform. How  are  we  to  get  around  such  patients  and  keep 
them?  Shall  we,  contrary  to  our  better  judgment,  yield 
to  their  wishes,  or  shall  we  take  a  bold  and  upright  stand 
against  using  an  anaesthetic,  and  let  those  who  will  have 
it  anyway,  go  to  our  "regular  brethren,'*  when  after  a 
shorter  or  longer  period  they  will  be  glad  to  come  back 
to  us?  I  would  like  to  hear  from  the  St.  Louis  gentleman 
that  may  plead  to  the  charge,  that  all  of  them  give  anaes- 
thesia in  obstetric  cases.  I  would  like  to  hear  it  dis- 
cussed pro  and  con.  My  way  of  attending  to  my  obstet- 
ric cases,  is,  as  soon  as  one  comes  to  my  knowledge,  to 


2$2 


The  Homeopathic    Co:, 


impress  upon  the  mind  of  the  woman  the  very  best  I  can, 
ihat  it  is  essential  to  take  remedies  for  any  little  trouble 
ihat  may  arise  while  carrying  the  child.  If  anything  is 
the  matter,  a  prescription  for  the  symptom  is  jjiven.  If 
no  inconvenience  is  suffered  during  pregnancy,  no  medi- 
cine is  given.  I  never  have  had  a  case  of  no  pain  or 
trouble  before  labor,  which  did  not  make  a  rapid  and 
thorough  recovery  after.  When  a  woman  is  feverish  al 
limes  and  has  a  great  deal  of  thirst,  it  means  something 
and  ought  to  be  attended  to.  As  much  may  be  said 
about  any  pain  that  is  persistent  in  staying  about  a  preg- 
nant woman.  Trouble  may  be  looked  for  as  regards  the 
safety  of  the  child  when  a  woman  goes  through  preg- 
nancy without  any  sickness  or  nausea  in  the  stomach. 
To  Be  prepared  for  confinement,  patients  are  advised  to 
iiave  an  oil-cloth  .spread  over  the  bed,  and  over  that 
some  material  to  absorb  water  and  blood.  When  labor 
begins,  the  patient  must  dross  for  bed  by  fastening  the 
gown  to  be  worn,  close  up  under  her  arms,  then  slip  up 
iiver  the  limbs  and  body,  some  soft  garment  to  protect  the 
abdomen  from  any  air  that  may  be  let  in  by  the  fanning 
..f  the  bed  clothes. 

Being  satisfied  as  to  the  presentation  and  position  of 
the  child,  if  everything  is  all  right,  the  parts  arc  manipu- 
lated just  as  little  as  possible.  I  keep  informed  of  the 
progress  of  labor,  never  I'aising  the  cover  more  than  t»' 
let  my  hand  and  arm  pass  under,  and  am  exceedingly 
careful  not  to  touch  the  limbs  or  ihighs  any  more  than  i,-; 
absolutely  necessary.  All  the  waj'  through  labor,  I  never 
(;xpose  the  person  of  my  patient  in  any  way.  Near  the 
end  of  the  second  stage  of  labor  I  have  hot  water  brought 
and  apply  clothes  wrung  out  of  it,  to  the  vulva,  U5ing 
i:are  to  apply  it  to  the  posterior  part  of  vulva,  changing 
clothes  often.     In  my  opinion,  if  this  practice  was  onnxr- 


Management  of  Labof.  253 

sally  followed,  there  would  be  fewer  lacerated  perineums. 
After  delivery,  if  possible,. the  child  is  taken  to  another 
room  to  be  dressed,  the  saturated  clothes  removed,  the 
mother  wiped  dry,  and  a  dose  of  arnica  given  with  the 
strict  instructions  for  mother  to  be  left  quiet  until  she  has 
some  sleep.  On  waking  from  her  first  nap,  the  babe  may 
be  put  to  the  breast.  From  now  on  until  mother  is  conva- 
lesced we  have  a  constant  fight  with  all  the  old  women 
in  the  neighborhood.  The  babe  will  cry,  and  it  must 
have  catnip  tea  or  paregoric  or  some  other  concoction 
equally  as  bad.  The  mother  if  she  is  so  unfortunate  as 
not  to  have  plenty  of  milk,  must  be  wearied  half  to  death 
by  being  advised  to  drink  teas  and  slop  for  the  purpose  of 
increasing  her  milk,  and  oneof  the  worst  things  to  contend 
with,  is  the  miserable  habit  of  mother's  drinking  beer  to 
increase  the  flow  of  milk.     It  is  no  uncommon  thing  to  hear 

a.  mother  say,  Dr. recommends  beer  for  mothers 

to  drink  while  nursing  their  babe,  and  it  increases  the 
milk  wonderfully  quick  ;  while  others  say,  **!  have  taken 
a  drink  of  beer  when  I  had  no  milk  in  the  breast  and  in 
half  an  hour  I  had  plenty  of  milk  for  baby."  Experience 
teaches  me,  that  mothers  using  beer  while  nursing  their 
child,  invariably  has  "a  baby  with  the  colic.**  The  face 
ill  so  becomes  bloated,  flesh  very  soft,  and  if  diarrhoea  sets 
m  it  would  be  very  hard  to  check.  At  such  times  if  the 
mother  likes  milk,  it  is  well  for  her  to  drink  freely  of  that 
and  take  generally  good,  wholesome  food.  It  is  often 
the  case  the  mother  can  not  drink  milk  from  some  cause, 
and  most  generally  her  appetite  is  capricious;  such  per- 
sons, if  we  wish  them  to  get  strength,  we  have  to  advise^ 
guard  and  guide  their  nourishment,  and  through  that  we 
must  expect  the  babe  to  keep  well. 


154  7X^  Homeopathic  Courier. 

CASE  OF  FACIAL  NEURALGIA. 
BT  N.  Y.  WRIGHT,  OKHtlLGEE,  t.  T. 

During  the  month  of  December,  i8So,  I  was  called  to 
see  Cklo-e  Sof-kee,  age  27,  complexion  dark,  brown, 
chino-obscuro,  tall,  rather  muscular,  and  mother  of  two 
chiMren.  I  found  her  suFTering  from  intense  facial  neu- 
ralgia. Flushed  face  ;  injected  eyeballs  ;  could  not  bear 
noise,  bright  light  or  the  least  jar;  occasional  nausea; 
every  tooth  sound;  tongue  with  thick,  yellowish-white, 
coat  but  red  tip.  Had  been  constipated  for  at  least  two 
months,  during  which  time  she  had  been  having  sharp 
stitches  in  the  side  and  frequent  attacks  of  neuralgia. 
The  neuralgia  would  gradually  increase  in  severity,  until 
it  would  become  unendurable,  and  then  she  would  sleep 
it  ofT.      Each  attack  seemed  worse  than  the  preceding. 

Here  was  what  1  would  call  a  bryonia  patient  with 
belladonna  symptoms,  and  I  was  tempted  to  prescribe  the 
two  remedies  in  alternation.  But  on  further  inquiry  I 
ascertained  that  just  before  the  first  attack,  and  preced- 
ing the  constipation,  she  had  been  troubled  with  morning 
diarrhwa,  stools  almost  white.  Before  the  passage, 
weight  in  the  hypogastric  region  ;  alter  the  passage,  pains 
in  the  sacroischiatic  foramina,  and  pains  in  the  lower 
limbs.  She  had  neither  displacement  of  the  womb  or 
rectum.  She  checked  the  diarrhtea  and  pains  with  a  bot- 
tle of  blackberry  bal.sam,  after  which  the  neuralgia,  con- 
stipation, etc.,  came  on. 

I  decided  to  give  podophyllum;  would  gladly  have 
given  the  si:(th,  but  had  none  but  the  first  trituration  with 
me.  This  was  about  3  p.  m.  Gave  one  powder  and  left 
two  others,  with  directions  to  take  one  at  night  and  the 
other  in  the  morning,  and  to  report  during  the  afternoon. 

The  pains  entirely  ceased  within  thirty  minutes  after  the 


Otitis  Media  Suppurativa  Chronica.  255 

first  powder  was  administered,  and  as  no  other  pains  came 
on  she  neglected  to  take  the  remaining  two.  In  the 
morning  she  had  three  copious  stools,  but  since  then  her 
bowels  have  been  regular,  her  appetite  normal,  and  she 
has  had  no  pain  whatever,  through  to  this  date,  March  19, 
she  has  taken  no  more  medicine. 

I  have  twice  since  been  called  on  to  prescribe  for  facial 
neuralgia,  accompanying  constipation,  which  had  been 
preceded  by  morning  diarrhoea,  and  on  both  occasions 
gave  podophyllum  6x  with  entire  success ;  and  I  am  now 
convinced  that  facial  neuralgia,  or  other  complaint,  accom- 
panying constipation,  which  has  been  preceded  by  morn- 
ing diarrhoea,  is  a  good  indication  for  that  remedy. 


OTITIS    MEDIA    SUPPURATIVA   CHRONICA. 
BY  H.  W  WESTOVER,  ST.  JOSEPH,  MO. 

It  having  been  my  privilege  to  treat  a  large  number  of 
diseases  of  the  eye  and  ear,  many  cases  of  chronic  sup- 
puration of  the  middle  ear  have  come  under  my  observa- 
tion, and  my  excuse  for  calling  your  attention  to  this 
condition  for  a  short  time,  is  the  fact  that  such  patients 
are  by  no  means  rare,  and  the  advice  they  often  receive 
is  equally  unsatisfactory  to  both  physician  and  patient ; 
and  if  I  can  drop  a  few  hints  which  will  serve  to  assist 
any  practitioner,  to  arouse  a  spirit  of  inquiry,  concerning 
this  bete  noir  to  many  of  us,  or  help  relieve  a  suffering 
mortal,  I  will  be  amply  repaid.  Too  often  is  the  unfortu- 
nate patient  simply  told  to  syringe  out  the  ear  with  a  little 
tepid  soap  suds  as  needed  to  preserve  cleanliness,  and  in- 
structed to  outgrow  it;  too  often  are  they  told  to  see  if  it 
does  not  get  better ;  that  it  is  the  sequel  of  some  other 
condition,  and  that  it  will  gradually  correct  itself. 


256  The  Honiosopathic  Courier. 

But  comparatively  few  practitioners  are  prepared  to 
make  a  careful  examination  of  the  external  meatus,  tym- 
panum and  internal  ear,  and  if  we  have  the  instruments 
iicccasary  thereto  wc  feci  a  hesitancy  about  a  correct 
and  intelligent  diagnosis. 

To  intelligently  treat  a  case  of  otorrhcea,  we  must  have 
a  perforated  concave  reflecting  mirror,  about  three  inches 
in  diameter,  with  a  head  band,  a  barbed  probe  for  cotton, 
angular  ear  forceps,  an  ear  syringe  and  aural  specula, 
three  sizes,  the  silver  tube  speculum,  with  a  funnel-shaped 
base,  being  the  best  for  general  use.  These  instruments 
are  a  sine  qua  non  and  others  are  convenient.  .The  spec- 
ulum which  is  often  used,  but  does  not  meet  our  requir- 
ments,  is  Kramer's  bivalve  speculum,  with  long  handles 
by  which  it  can  be  spread,  and  the  meatus  put  upon  the 
stretch  in  the  hope  that  thereby  we  can  obtain  a  better 
view  of  whatever  is  to  be  seen ;  but  the  hairs  and  loose 
epedermis  coming  between  the  valves,  obstruct  the  view 
more  than  enough  to  counterbalance  the  dilatation.  This 
expansion  is  equally  unnecessary  and  painful  to  the  pa- 
tients, often  causing  them  to  forsake  the  treatment,  thus 
contributing  to  the  emaciated  condition  of  the  physicians 
pocket  book.  Therefore  let  us  devote  a  few  minutes  to 
the  manner  of  examining  the  ear,  as  it  is  impossible  to 
form  a  correct  diagnosis,  without  thoroughly  inspecting 
the  auditory  canal  and  membrana  tympani  if  it  be  present, 
and  in  its  absence  we  view  the  cavity  of  the  tympa- 
num. 

In  the  first  place,  we  do  not  use  the  direct  sunlight,  it 
being  too  dazzling  and  bright,  so  that  minute  change.s 
cannot  be  recognized.  Good,  artificial  light  may  be,  and 
often  is  used;  but  the  natural  light  reflected  through  a 
good  window,  from  the  clouds  or  an  adjacent  building,  is 
preferable,  as  the  color  and  condition  of  the  parts  is  bet- 


Otitis  Media  Suppurativa  Chronica,  257 

tcr  appreciated,  especially  if  the  examiner  is  not  an 
expert.  The  pitient  is  placed  between  the  physician  and 
the  light,  the  ear  to  be  examined  being  on  the  side  away 
from  the  light.  With  the  left  hand  the  auricle  is  drawn 
moderately  upward  and  backward,  while  with  the  other 
the  speculum  is  gently  introduced  with  a  slight  rotary  mo- 
tion, when  it  will  retain  its  position,  by  being  gently 
steadied  by  the  leTt  thumb,  while  the  index  and  middle 
fingers  retain  the  auricle  in  position.  With  the  mirror  wc 
throw  the  reflected  light  into  the  meatus,  and  by  rotating 
it  a  trifle  to  right  or  left,  soon  bring  the  membrane  into 
distinct  vision,  and  as  the  speculum  is  slowly  withdrawn, 
we  obtain  a  view  of  different  parts  of  the  external  canal. 
But  to  return  more  specifically  to  the  disease  under 
consideration,  we  find  that  the  discharge  may  be  of  vari- 
ous  characters,  being  bland,  or  acrid  and  excoriating,  it 
may  be  fetid  or  oderless,  it  may  be  serous,  purulent  or 
sanious,  or  it  may  be  of  an  intermediate  character,  par- 
taking  more  or  less  of  the  different  varieties,  and  our 
prognosis  will  vary  accordingly,  being  favorable  if  serous 
more  doubtful  if  purulent  and  fetid,  and  unfavorable  when 
bloody  and  ichorous  with  the  characteristic  odor  of  dead 
bone. 

We  often  find  a  polypus  sprouting  from  the  walls  of  the 
tympanum,  crowding  through  the  perforated  membrane 
and  occluding  the  meatus,  and  only  a  careful  examination 
will  show  whether  its  origin  be  in  the  middle  ear  or  ex- 
ternal canal.  They  are  bathed  in  pus,  the  secretion  of 
which  is  aggravated  by  their  irritating  presence,  and  they 
vary  in  size  from  an  exhuberant  granulation  or  nodule,  tu 
a  growth  which  completely  fills  the  meatus. 

When  a  case  of  otorrhoea  present's  itself,  we  may  be 
led  astray,  supposing  the  flow  originates  in   the   meatus 


2$S  The  Homoeopathic  Courier. 

externus,  and  that  the  membrana  tympani  is  intact,  when 
in  fact  the  pus  is  secreted  in  the  cavity  of  tympanum,  and 
slowly  oozes  through  a  small  opening  in  the  membrane. 
In  this  case  a  careful  examination,  assisted  by  Valsalva's 
experiment  or  the  eustachian  catheter  will  set  all  right, 
as  air  can  be  heard  whistling  through  the  perforation, 
which  will  be  more  readily  visible  afterward,  and  if  fluid 
be  contained  in  the  tympanum,  it  will  be  forced  into  the 
external  meatus,  and  may  be  seen  by  means  of  the  mirror 
and  speculum. 

Patients  sometimes  suppose  the  discharge  to  have 
ceased,  when  we  will  find  in  the  cavity  of  the  tympanum 
a  mass  of  dried  pus  and  cerumen.  Impacted  cerumen  is 
also  not  an  uncommon  occurrence  during  a  chronic  sup- 
puration of  the  middle  ear.  The  pulsation  w^hich  at  times 
is  noticed  at  the  bottom  of  the  canal,  is  a  suspicious  cir- 
cumstance, showing  the  proximity  of  a  throbbing  vessel. 

In  treating  these  cases,  the  condition  of  the  fauces  must 
not  be  neglected,  as  an  inspection  of  the  pharyngeal  space 
often  gives  us  valuable  indications  for  the  drug  which  is 
homoeopathic  to  the  otorrhoea,  and  in  curing  one  condition 
the  other  will  be  greatly  benefited  or  completely  cured. 

In  nearly  every  case  of  chronic  suppuration  of  the 
middle  ear  the  fauces  will  be  implicated.  Indeed,  it  seems 
that  a  chronic  inflammation  of  the  naso-pharyngeal  mu- 
cous membrane,  is  very  liable  to  result  in  a  diseased 
condition  of  the  cavity  of  the  tympanum,  the  disease 
seeming  to  extend  by  simple  continuity  of  tissue. 

The  catarrhal  inflammation  of  the  tympanum,  does  no^ 
necessarily  result  in  otorrhoea,  for  all  who  have  had  occa- 
sion to  devote  considerable  attention  to  the  ear  have  %^^x\ 

hundreds  of  cases  of  otitis  media  catarrhalis  chronica, 
with  no  external  discharge. 


Otitis  Media  Suppurativa  Chronica.  259 

However  in  my  experience,  the  most  prolific  cause  of 
chronic  suppuration  of  the  middle  ^r,  is  the  inflammatory 
condition  so  often  produced  by  scarlatina  and  measles. 
If  you  go  to  the  asylums  for  the  deaf  and  dumb, "you  will 
find  that  deaf-mutism  is  a  frequent  sequel  to  scarlatina 
and  measles,  and  that  these  diseases  afford  the  most  pfbli- 
fie  recruiting  ground  for  such  institutions. 

When  we  reflect  that  this  is  largely  due,  either  to  the 
incompetency  of  the  practitioner,  or  the  neglect  to  exam- 
ine the  ear,  and  carefully  watch  for  and  correct  all 
untoward  symptoms,  even  when  not  prominent,  we  are 
prepared  to  see  what  a  fearful  weight  of  responsibility 
rests  upon  the  profession. 

When  we  consider  the  important  surroundings  of  this 
little  organ  of  hearing,  we  will  not  be  surprised  at  the 
frequent  baneful  effects  of  its  diseased  condition,  but  will 
be  amazed  that  fatal  results  do  not  occur  more  frequently. 
Therefore  let  us  briefly  consider  the  anatomy  of  the  tym- 
panum and  petrous  portion  of  the  temporal  bone. 

The  tympanum  is  placed  above  the  jogular  fossa,  only 
a  thin  plate  of  bone  intervening  between  it  and  this  im- 
portant vein,  the  carotid  canal  lies  in  front,  with  only  a 
tenuous  bone  intervening,  and  the  mastoid  cells  are  behind. 
Its  roofs  are  formed  by  a  very  thin  asseous  lamina  separa- 
ting it  from  the  cranial  cavity. 

It  communicates  with  the  pharynx  by  means  of  the 
Eustachian  tube  and  in  the  posterior  wall  are  the  openings 
of  the  mastoid  cells,  which  are  convenient  receptacles  for 
pus,  and  are  only  separated  from  the  lateral  sinus,  by  a 
thin  bony  lamella,  while  the  outer  wall  presents  three 
small  apertures,  convenient  paths  of  tranKit  for  inflamma- 
tion to  the  meninges  of  the  brain.  Its  internal  wall  is  the 
abyriiith  wall,  with  its  two  fenestral,  covered  only  by  thin 


26o  The  Homaopathic  Courier, 

membranes,  and  opening  into  the  ramifications  of  the 
acoustic  nerve,  and  the  fluid  which  is  continuous  with  that 
of  the  sub-arachnoid  space. 

The  mucous  membrane  of  the  tympanum,  is  in  reality 
also  the  periosteum  or  the  bone,  and  in  many  cases  these 
thin  bony  plates  are  deficient,  leaving  in  places  only  mem- 
branous partitions,  to  exclude  the  adjacent  important  ves- 
sels and  organs  with  which  this  little  cavity  is  in 
immediate  relation,  the  disease  of  any  of  which  is  danger- 
ous to  life  itself,  and  we  can  only  wonder  that  so  many 
live  so  long  in  the  midst  of  such  grave  danger.  Indeed 
an  otorrhcea  is  a  constant  menace  to  life  itself,  and  rapidly 
fatal  results  are  more  common  than  is  generally  supposed  ; 
therefore  it  behooves  us  to  be  careful  how  we  violently 
wrench  away  a  polypus,  or  jam  our  probe  against  a  thin 
bone  which  may  already  be  in  a  diseased  condition. 

As  regards  treatment  we  will  not  stop  to  consider  the 
orthodox  system  of  constitutional  alterations  and  tonics, 
or  local  applications  and  lotions  in  vogue  with  the  allo- 
pathic school,  but  proceed  to  the  more  specific  indications 
for  homoeopathic  remedies. 

The  only  local  applications  usually  needed,  are  air,  by 
Politzer's  method  of  inflation  or  by  the  Eustachian  cathe- 
ter, and  warm  water  intelligently  applied ;  and  as  this  can 
seldom  be  done  satisfactorilly  by  the  patient,  it  had  better 
be  attended  to  by  the  surgeon,  who  can  more  thoroughly 
remove  the  pus  and  epithelial  debris.  If  simple  syringing 
does  not  answer  every  requirement,  the  following  method 
mentioned  by  Roosa  in  his  excellent  work,  is  efficient  for 
securing  cleanliness. 

**The  ear  is  first  carefully  cleansed  with  lukewarm  water, 
by  means  of  a  good  hard  rubber  syringe.  The  bowl  to 
contain  the  water  coming  from  the  ear  should  be  held  by 
the  patient  himself — unless    a    very   young   child   be    the 


Otitis  Media  Suppurativa  Chronica.  261 

subject — and  well  into  the  glencoid  fossa,  when  no  water 
will  be  spilled.  After  this  the  ear  is  filled  with  luke-warni 
water,  poured  from  a  test  tube  or  spoon,  and  the  meatus 
carefully  stopped  by  a  bit  of  cotton  wool.  The  Eustach- 
ian tube  is  then  inflated  by  means  of  Politzer's  method, 
and  to  such  an  extent,  that  a  few  drops  of  water  are 
forced  by  the  side  of  the  cotton  out  of  the  canal.  This 
is,  of  course,  conclusive  evidence  that  air  has  been  forced 
through  the  tube  into  the  middle  ear.  and  through  the 
hole  in  the  drum  head,  into  the  external  canal."  The  ear 
is  again  carelully  syringed  and  examined  by  the  surgeon. 
At  the  beginning  of  such  a  treatment,  and  especially  in 
chronic  cases,  small  portions  of  inspissated  or  glutinous 
material  will  still  be  found.  These  should  then  be  thor- 
oughly removed  under  a  good  illumination  from  a  mirror 
upon  the  forehead,  by  means  of  a  cotton  holder,  which  is 
simply  a  slender  steel  probe,  roughened  at  one  extremity." 

An  impalpable  powder  of  boracic  acid,  can    be    placed* 
upon  cotton  and  inserted  in  the  ear,  with  beneficial  effect 
upon  the  suppurative  process. 

In  old  cases  of  perforation,  we  may  use  Hinton's 
method  of  driving  an  injection  through  the  tympanum 
into  the  pharynx,  with  a  close-fitting  syringe.  Proof  alco- 
hol is  good  to  stimulate  the  parts,  and  get  up  an  action  so 
that  the  indicated  remedy  can  take  hold. 

You  will  notice  that  the  drugs  which  will  be  mentioned, 
are  mostly  those  which  have  a  deep  and  lasting  action  on 
the  tissues,  and  not  those  which  principally  cause  func- 
tional disturbance.  And  here  let  me  remark,  that  the 
best  method  is  to  administer  the  single  remedy  and  give 
it  time  to  assert  its  power,  and  not  changing  too  often  from 
one  to  another.  Be  not  disappointed  at  slow  progress, 
and  be  not  overcome  if  disappointment  sometimes  rewards 
your  carefully  selected  remedy,  for  we  are  deahng  with  a 


262  The  Hovtcpopathic  Courier, 

stubborn  foe,  which  will  dispute  every  inch  of  progress. 
•  However  I  trust  the  following  indications  will  be   found 
reliable,  as  they  have  been  verified  in  actual  practice. 

AURUM. 

Necrosis  of  mastoid.  Fetid  pus  with  odor  of  diseased 
bone.  Disintegration  of  ossicula.  Ozoena,  suspicious  or 
5>yphilitic  history.  Differentiate  from  acid  nitricum  and 
silicea,  by  the  general  symptoms.  Suicidal  tendency  ; 
symptoms  relieved  by  warm  applications,  aggravated  by 
cold.     Overdosing  with  mercury. 

GALCAREA    CARBONICA. 

Fat,  rapidly  growing,  fair-haired,  soft-boned  children  : 
scrofulus  subjects.  Sweat  about  the  head;  feet  cold. 
The  pain  pressing  or  throbbing,  with  tinnitus  auriuni. 
^     Thick,  creamy,  may  be  foul  smelling  discharge. 

Strong  tendency  to  granulations  on  membrana  tympani. 

Exuberant  granulations ;  mucous  polypi. 

Hypertrophied  tonsils ;  enlarged  lymphatics. 

Discharge  apt  to  be  profuse;  muco  purulent  discharge. 

Have  seen  a  number  of  polypi  in  different  subjects  com- 
pletly  removed  during  the  administration  of  this  remedy^ 
with  no  local  treatment. 

CALC.    JODAT. 

General  symptoms  quite  similar  to  Calc.  carb.  Otorrhoea 
inclined  to  be  rather  more  excoriating.  More  especially 
indicated  by  glandular  implication,  tonsils  very  large, 
pharyngeal  tissues  boggy  and  hypertrophied. 

CAPSICUM. 

Pc;iostitis  of  mastoid,  and  suppuration  in  niastoid  c^lls: 


Otitis  Media  Suppurativa  Chronica,  263 

tenderness,  redness  and  swelling  over  mastoid  process, 
acute  pain,  violent  pain  deep  in  the  ear.  Pus  not  particu- 
larly offensive.  Often  affords  great  relief  when  an  inflam- 
mation of  mastoid  cells  and  threatened  meningitis  is  de- 
veloped in  a  chronic  otorrhcea.  The  pains  in  and  about 
the  ear  are  acute,  shooting,  with  bursting  headache,  thirst 
with  chiUiness  and  shiverings. 

CHAMOMILLA. 

Acute  exacerbation,  sharp- shooting  pains:  patient  irri- 
table, can't  endure  the  suffering.  Especially  applicable  to 
children.  Thin  purulent  discharge,  excoriating,  Auricle  red 
and  hot     Mental  symptoms  give  the  key  note. 

CHINA. 

Pale  debiKtated  subjects.  A  bloody  purulent  discharge 
under  its  use  will  become  laudable  pus,  when  another  drug 
can  complete  the  cure.  If  hemorrhage  occurs  in  a  spongy 
necrosed  condition  of  the  tissue,  it  is  a  serious  symptom 
and  strongly  hints  at  a  fatal  issue.  Several  times  in  this 
condition  China  has  accomplished  wonders,  the  patients 
not  only  improving  in  general  condition,  but  the  flow  of 
blood  and  bloody  pus  gradually  ceased. 

GRAPHITES. 

Eczeniatous  condition  back  of  the  ears ;  oozing  of  bloody 
pus;  fissures.  Snapping  and  cracking,  membrana  tym- 
pani  usually  not  perforated.  Exudation  of  ichorous 
bloody  serum. 

HEPAR  SULPH. 

Useful  in  acute  and  chronic  forms.     Symptoms  worse 


264  The  Homoeopathic  Courier, 

at  night,  pains  ameliorated  by  warm  appli^rations.  Ex- 
treme tenderness  of  parts,  more  painful  to  contact  than 
would  be  supposed.  Stitching  pain  from  throat  to  ear. 
Thick  cheesy  or  creamy  collection  in  auditory  canal. 
Thick  purulent  discharge ;  discharge  not  particularly  offen- 
.sive. 

Disease  of  mastoid.  During  the  administration  of 
I  lepar,  two  cases  lately  rapidly  recovered  where  the 
meatus  was  completely  filled  with  thick  cheesy  pus  and 
epithelial  exfoliation,  and  the  pain  rapidly  abated.  Hepar 
fi>llows  well  after  mere,  but  should  never  be  alternated 
with  mere.     Useful  after  over-doses  of  mercury. 

Slight  injuries  produce  suppuration. 

KALI  BICUROMICUM. 

^  Thick  yellow  fetid  pus.  Stitches  from  ear  to  throat. 
Ulceration  of  naves;  chronic  nasal  catarrh;  chronic  laryn- 
j^itis! 

LVCOPODIUM. 

Scrofulous  patients:  those  suffering  with  abdominal 
troubles.  Sequela:  of  scarlatina.  Chronic  suppuration. 
Offensive  ichorous  discharge  excoriating  external  meatus. 
Eczcmatous  eruption  around  ear.  A  companion  to  Graph- 
ites ;  following  one  another  welL     Enlarged  glands.    Brick 

dust  sediment  in  urine.  Usually  not  sufficient  for  a  cure, 
but  prepares  the  way ;  a  useful  intercurrent  remedy. 

MERCURIVS. 

There  seems  to  be  but  little  preference  between  mere, 
viv.  and  mere,  sol.,  but  I  have  drifted  into  the  habit  of  gen- 
erally using  mere.  viv. 

It  is  useful  in  both  acute  and   chronic  cases.     Chronic 


Otitis  Media  Suppurativa  Chronica.  265 

cases  that  have  taken  cold,  and  suffering  from  pain.  Pains 
often  extending  to  the  inferior  mixilLi.  Pains  aggravated 
at  night.  Fauces  red;  tongue  flabby;  difficulty  in  open- 
ing the  mouth;  sharp,  tearing  pain  in  ear,  aggravated  by 
warmth,  ameliorated  toward  morning,  often  quite  easy 
during  the  day;  sensitive  to  cold;  tenderness  just  in  front 
of  the  meatus.  Enlarged  and  painful  cervical  glands. 
Membrana  tympani  badly  disorganized.  Otitis  secondary 
to  exanthematous  diseases.  Bloody  purulent  discharge, 
and  may  be  fetid.  Excoriation  and  redness  of  lobule  and 
meatus. 

PULSATILLA. 

Generally  exceedingly  well  adapted  to  acute  forms; 
very  valuable  when  the  disease  is  a  sequel  of  measles. 
May  be  used  during  an  acute  exacerbation  of  a  chronic 
case. 

PSORINUM. 

Filthy,  peevish  children;  exceedingly  off*cnsive  cases. 
Scabby  ulcers  on  and  aronnd  auricle,  oozing  fetid,  bloody 
pus.  Yellow  discharge,  picking  at  ears ;  digging  fingers 
into  meatus.  After  debiHtating  illness.  Have  only  used 
it  during  two  years  but  have  seen  good  results. 

RHUS   TOX. 

Ichorous  sanious  discharge;  offensive  discharge.  Ves- 
icles upon  auricle;  intense  itching,  nightly  aggravations. 
Eczema  behind  auricle. 

Not  frequently  indicated. 

5ILICEA. 

Silicea  is  the  drug  for  ostitis  and  curies  old  chronic  case's 


2(A  The  Homoeopathic  Courier, 

when  the  ulceration  has  affected  the  bone.  Ichorous 
offensive  discharge,  eminently  applicable  to  the  suppura- 
tive process.  The  great  drug  to  control  suppuration. 
The  more  laudable  the  pus  the  better  the  drug  acts.  Si- 
litea  is  a  good  drug  for  caries  in  general,  and  is  useful  in 
such  a  condition  of  the  temporal  bone. 

Cracking  in  ears  when  swallowing,  itching  in  ears.  Sen- 
sitive to  cold  air,  keeps  head  wrapped  up.  Discharge  not 
profuse ;  meatus  externus  generally  dry;  ulceration  internal; 
ulceration  of  membrana  tympani.  Sometimes  remarkable 
repair  of  membrana  tympani. 

SULPHUR. 

In  psoric  patients  not  benefitted  by  other  treatment. 
Tendency  to  eruptions  and  catarrhs.  Itching,  stinging  in 
ear;  sharp  stitching  extending  to  throat.  Purulent  offen- 
sive discharge. 

Make  selection  from  general  symptoms  and  indications 
for  the  drug  aside  from  ear  symptoms. 

TELLURIUM. 

Discharge  of  watery,  foul  smelling  fluid,  smells  like  fish 
brine.  Thin  ichorous  discharge  leaving  a  red  streak 
wherever  it  goes,  causes  vesicular  eruption  on  ear  and 
neck.  Ear  blueish  red,  infiltrated.  Dull  throbbing  pain. 
A  very  reliable  medicine  when  indicated  by  the  watery 
ichorous  fluid  of  peculiar  odor  causing  vesicles  on  reddened 
surface.  Sometimes  difficult  to  obtain  a  view  of  mem- 
braiva  tympani  on  account  of  soreness  of  meatus. 

THUYA. 

Putrid  discharge.  Granulations  of  warty  condylomatoufr 
character.  Thuya  useful  in  blennorrhouic  affections  of 
mucous  membrane,  not  with  a  carious  condition   of  bone. 


Fothergill  on  use  of  Maltine,  267 

In  addition  to  these  special  indications  by  ear  symptoms, 
the  selection  of  the  proper  drug  will  be  greatly  influenced, 
and  often  determined  by  the  general  symptoms  presented 
by  the  patient,  for  the  ear  symptoms  are  often  so  vague 
and  unsatisfactory  that  we  are  undecided  as  to  the  simili- 
mum,  but  when  the  indications  for  a  drug  by  the  ear  symp- 
toms  are  reinforced  by  the  general  constitutional  symptoms 
of  our  case,  we  can  dispense  our  medicine  with  a  very 
cheering  expectation  of  benefitting  our  patient. 


DR.  J.  MILNER  FOTHERGILL  ON  USE  OF  MALTINE. 
[From  the  London  Practitioner.] 

In  order  to  aid  the  defective  action  upon  starch  by  the 
natural  diastase  being  difficient  in  quantity  or  impaired  in 
power,  we  add  the  artifical  diastace  *'maltine."  But  as  Dr. 
Roberts  points  out,  in  order  to  make  this  ferment  opera- 
tive it  must  not  be  taken  after  a  meal  is  over.  Rather  it 
should  be  added  to  the  various  form  of  milk  porridge  or 
puddings  before  they  are  taken  into  the  mouth.  About 
this  there  exists  no  difficulty.  Maltine  is  a  molasses-hke 
matter  and  mixes  readily  with  the  milk,  gruel  etc.,  without 
interfering  either  with  its  attractiveness  in  appearance,  or 
its  toothsomeness ;  indeed  its  sweet  taste  renders  the  gruel 
etc.,  more  palatable.  A  minute  or  two  before  the  milky 
mess  is  placed  before  the  child,  or  invalid,  the  maltine 
should  be  added.  If  a  certain  portion  of  baked  flour,  no 
matter  in  what  concrete  form,  were  added  to  plain  milk^ 
and  some  maltine  mixed  with  it,  before  it  is  placed  on  the 
nursery  table,  we  should  hear  much  less  of  infantile,  in- 
digestion  and  mal-nutrition. 


AMERICAN    DOCTORS. 

American  doctors  have  during  the  Congress  just  held  in 
London,  says  a  writter,  received   the    highest  praise   and 


268  The  Homceopathic  Courier. 

gained  the  greatest  laurels.  It  is  a  fact  that  the  great  dis- 
coveries of  Bigelow  in  lithotrity  were  considered  by  every- 
body assembled  at  the  Congress  as  being  the  greatest 
event  chronicled  of  late  years.  Mr.  John  Eric  Erichsen, 
President  of  the  surgical  section,  went  so  far  in  his  open- 
ing-address to  say  that  "It  is  undoubted  that  a  complete 
revolution  has  been  effected  by  the  skill  and  enterprise  of 
one  of  our  American  brethren,  for  it  cannot  be  questioned 
that  *'Bigelow's  operation"  has  completely  changed  the 
aspect  of  lithotrity,  and  there  is  a  very  reason  to  believe 
that  it  constitutes  one  of  those  real  advances  in  a  method 
which  marks  an  epoch  not  only  in  the  history  of  the  ope- 
ration, but  in  the  treatment  of  the  disease  to  which  it  is 
applicable.*'  This  is  strong  language,  when  it  is  rembered 
how  poor  an  opinion  the  majority  of  English  doctors  have 
professed  to  entertain  of  American  medical  or  surgical 
practice,  and  to-day  the  Daily  Telegraph,  in  a  leading  ar- 
ticle, or  editorial,  calls  special  atttention  to  Bigelow  as 
one  of  the  leading  surgeons  of  the  day.  This  should  be, 
and  I  know  is,  especially  gratifying  to  the  American  sur- 
geons who  are  in  London  at  this  moment. 


THE    PIIV'SIC    OF    OUR    GRANDFATHERS. 
[From  the  Virginia  City  (Nov.)  Enterprise.] 

W.  A.  Perkins,  druggist  of  this  city,  has  a  curious  old 
])ook,  published  in  London,  1657.  It  is  entitled,  "The  Ex- 
pert Doctor's  Dispensatory ;  or.  The  whole  Art  of  Physick 
Restored  to  Practice,"  with  the  following  sub-title :  "The 
Apothecaries  Shop  and  Chyrugions  Closet  Opend  ;  where- 
in all  safe  and  honest  practices  are  maintained  and  dan- 
gerous mistakes  discovered ;  and  what  out  of  subtilty  to 
their  own  profits  they  have  endcavered  to  reserve  to  them- 
selves, now  at  last  impartially  divulged  and  made  common. 
Together  with  a  strict  survey  of  the  dispensatories  of  the 
most  renowed  colleges  of  the  world,  wh.ich  being  corrected, 
are  here  epitomized  and  drawn  into  an  easier  and  useful 
method  for  practice. 


The  Physic  of  our  Grandfathers,  269 

Following  arc  some  few  of  the  more  agreeable  among 
the  many  agreeable  remedies  with  which  our  fore-fathers 
were  dosed:  "The  fat  of  a  cat,  a  plaster  of  mashed  frogs, 
brain  of  a  hare  roasted,  fat  of  serpents;  the  fat  of  men, 
foxes,  vipers  and  dogs ;  oil  of  vipers,  grease  of  a  mummy  ; 
ashes  of  a  man's  skull,  ashes  of  glass,  of  earth-worms,  of 
an  ass'  liver,  hedgehog,  scorpions  blood,  cheese  mites, 
wood  lice,  beetles,  warts  of  a  horse's  hoof,  pike  jaws,  craw- 
fish, the  stoppings  of  a  snail's  shell  in  winter,  crab's  eyes, 
king-fishers,  stones  from  an  ox-gall ;  blood  of  a  goat  in 
wine  ;  turtle-dove  roasted  with  its  belly  filled  with  cinna- 
mon ;  man's  skull  powdered  and  stewed  in  the  milk  of  a 
sow;"  spider's   web,  "especially  if  it  be  such  as  is  full  of 

the  fine  flower  of  mils  or  bake-houses;"  clots  of  blood 
"dryed;  haire  of  horses  and  men  burnt ;  burned  sponge  ; 
soot  scraped  from  the  mouth  of  an  oven  or  off  a  brass  pot ; 
oyle  of  frogs.  The  "oyle  of  frogs  is  recommended  to  those 
who  are  troubled  with  sleeplessness.  It  is  said  to  operate 
**by  sending  mild  vapors  up  to  the  head,  to  temper  the  hot, 
i\ry  and  sharp  fumes  that  are  in  the  brain."  We  all  know 
(who  have  ever  handled  frogs)  that  they  are  cool  to  the 
touch. 

For  taking  away  scars  are  recommended  "Fats  and  mar- 
rowes  of  men,  asses,  harts,  and  the  fat  of  the  fish  Thymal- 
lus." 

For  wounds  "Craw-fish,  mummy,  and  crab's  eyes"  are 
recommended;  also  "earth-worms  and  hare's  hair  burned." 

"Extractors"  for  "drawmg  out  splinters  and  other  things 
fastened  in  wounds,  we  are  told  there  is  nothing  like  "land 
snailcs  beaten  with  their  shels,  the  head  of  a  lizard  pow- 
dered, or  a  fox  tongue  prepared  as  its  lungs  are  moys- 
tened  with  red  wine."  Loadstone  "draws  forth  iron  and 
amber  draws  straws." 

For  a  "moderate"  emetic  "the  shavings  of  one's  own 
nails  drank  in  wine"  are  recommended. 

Many  things  heartily  recommended  for  various  diseases 
are  unmentionable  to  ears  polite. 


2JO  The  Homceopathic  Courier. 

WOMEN    AS    PHYSICIANS. 
[ITrom  th«  ClnolDnati  Gazette] 

Though  the  action  of  various  Legislatures  has  shown 
that  the  dominant  sex  is  not  yet  prepared  to  give  women 
the  equality  which  a  full  enjoyment  of  suffra  gemay  fur- 
nish, the  actual  extension  of  women's  perogatives  and  em- 
ployments during  the  last  thirty  years  is  enough  to  make 
departed  advocates  of  oldtime  conservatism  turn  in  their 
graves.  The  change  is  specially  marked  in  medical  circles. 
Not  very  long  ago  a  female  physican  was  only  heard  of  in 
the  ranks  of  quackery  and  jugglery.  If  mentioned,  she 
was  at  once  classed  with  fortune-tellers  and  other  hum- 
bugs. Personal  incidents  are  always  more  forcible  than 
general  statements ;  hence  the  address  of  Dr.  Rachel  Bod- 
ley,  a  Cincinnatian  by  birth,  at  the  late  twenty-ninth  com- 
mencement of  the  Women's  Medical  College  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, of  which  she  is  Dean,  has  unusual  interest.  The 
institution  has  244  living  graduates,  from  189  of  whom  let- 
ters have  been  received  in  answer  to  inquiries  seJt  out.  Of 
those  replying,  all  but  twenty-three  are  in  active  practice ; 
150  report  that  they  are  accorded  due  social  and  profes- 
sional recognition,  and  only  seven  the  contrary.  Seventy- 
six  tell  how  much  they  are  making  as  follows  :  Twenty- 
four  between  ;^  1,000  and  ^2,coo  per  annum;  twenty  be- 
tween ^2,000  and  ^13,000;  ten  between  ^3,000  and  ^4,000; 
five  between  1^4,000  and  ^5,000;  three  between  J5, 000  and 
;g 1 5,000  ;  four  from  $15,000  to  $20,oco;  and  ten  less  than 
gi,oco.  The  average- is  ;g2,907.30.  Sixty  one  answer  the 
question,  **What  influence  has  the  study  and  practice  of 
medicine  had  upon  your  domestic  relation  as  wife  and  mo- 
ther ?"  Fifty-two  of  the  number  are  married,  and  of  these 
forty-five  report  "favorable,"  six  "not  entirely  favorable," 
and  one  ''unfavorable."  Nine  unmarried  practitioners,  after 
striking  out  the  words  "wife  and  mother/'  reply  as  follows : 
In  three  cases  that  there  professional  duties  have  prevented 
marriage;  a  fourth  that  she  "has  remained  single  for  reasons 
entirely  distinct  from  her  profession/'    and    seven    others 


Women  as  Physicians,  271 

that  the  interest  of  dependent  relatives,  etc.,  have    kept 
them  in  ceHbacy.     The  author  adds : 

Returning  to  the  answers  of  married  women,  because 
these  possess  the  greater  general  interest,  I  remark  that 
the  song  of  domestic  life,  as  I  have  listened  with  ear  at- 
tend, has  been  sung  in  no  minor  key.  In  the  melody  (as 
the  tabulated  statement  shows)  are  a  few  discordant  notes, 
but  these  are  such  as  a  master  might  throw  in  to  enhance 
the  harmonies  of  his  strain.  For  example,  a  thoroughly 
conscientious  mother  writes  from  her  nursery,  where  three 
quite  young  children  claim  the  mother's  ministry :  **The 
study  of  medicine  is  of  great  benefit,  but  the  practice 
often  interferes  with  my  duty  to  my  family."  The  clear, 
pure  quality  of  the  replies,  as  a  whole,  is  truly  exhilara- 
ting,  for  example:  "Purifying  and  enabling.  Married  a 
physician,  since  I  began  practice.  Am  the  mother  ]of  a 
boy  of  eight  years  of  age."  Another:  *'I  keep  house,  and 
care  for  husband  and  three  children  as  I  would  if  not  in 
practice ;  perhaps  not  quite  as  well,  however." 

Another:  "I  have  not  been  less  a  wife  or  mother.  My 
duties  as  such  have  never  been  neglected.  At  times  I  may 
have  been  more  taxed  than  if  I  had  not  these  duties  to  at- 
tend to."  Another  wife  and  mother,  whose  successful 
training  of  three  children  now  in  addult  life  entitles  her  to 
an  opinion:  "If  the  history  of  the  families  of  women  phy- 
sicians were  written  it  would  be  found  that  their  children 
are  well  cared  for,  well  trained,  well  educated ;  all  this,  and 
household-duties  not  neglected.  *  ♦  *  Women  who 
study  medicine  are  watchful  and  careful."  Another  •  "As 
a  wife  my  duties  have  never  been  interfered  with  as  a  mo- 
ther I  have  been  incalculably  benefited.  *  ♦  ♦  My  hus- 
band is  also  a  physican,  I  am  often  enabled  to  assist  him 
with  his  cases,  both  in  diagnosis  and  treatment,  and  I 
often  find  his  advice  of  great  value  to  me. 'We  are  mutual- 
ly, a  help  to  each  others." 

On  the  whole  Dr.  Bodley   is  highly  encouraged.     She 

■ 

calls  attention  to  the  small  number  of  deaths  among  the 


272  The  Homosopathic  Courief. 

graduate — thirty-two  out  of  2^6  in  thirty  years —  as  a  re- 
futation of  the  idea  that  the  female  constitution  can  not 
stand  the  wear  and  tear  of  medical  practice,  and  dilates 
upon  the  usefulness  of  the  graduates  among  their  class 
at  home  and  in  foreign  mission  fields,  and  sums  up  by  de- 
claring that  **the  inherent  vitality  of  the  cause  is  in  no 
manner  more  thoroughly  demonstrated  than  in  the  fact 
that  as  workers  fall  or  sleep,  new  oilers  arise,  the  ranks 
close  solidly  up,  and  the  work  with-  accelerated  strength 
moves  on."  She  has  certainly  made  a  good  showing  for 
the  institution  with  which  she  is  connected. 


PERSONAL  AND   GENERAL  ITEMS. 

Dr.  J.  P.  Dake. — It  will  be  gratifying  to  his  many 
friends  to  learn  that  there  is  a  decided  improvement  in  the 
condition  of  Dr.  J.  P.  Dake,  who  has  been  exceedingly 
ill  with  typhomalarial  fever  for  two  weeks  past.  At  a  con- 
sultation of  physicians,  a  few  days  ago,  at  which  Dr.  Brey- 
fogle,  of  Louisville,  was  present,  assurances  were  given  of 
a  speedy  recovery. 

We  have  received  from  Bokricke  &  Tafel,  Manufac- 
turing Homoeopathic  Pharipacists,  New  York,  one  of  Rends 
Galvanic  generators. 

It  may  be  inserted  into  the  vagina  and  rectum  and  worn 
without  inconvienance. 

It  will  be  found  to  be  a  valuable  adjunct  in  the  treatment 
of  chronic  uterine  diseases. 

Professor  E.  C.  Franklin  has  resigned  his  position  as 
dean  in  the  Homoeopathic  department  of  Michigan  Uni- 
versity and  has  been  succeeded  by  Dr.  J.  P.  Wilson. 

Dr.  Franklin  has  announced  his  intention  to  return  to 
St.  Louis,  the  field  in  which  he  achieved  his  greatest  tri- 
umphs, and  were  his  friends  are  anxious  to  welcome  him. 


Editorial. 


THE  FUTURE  OF  THE  COURIER. 

With  the  beginning  of  Volume  3  of  the  HomceopathiC 
Courier  a  number  of  radical  changes  will  be  made  : 

First,  Dr.  Lee  H.  Dowling,  Special  Lecturer  on  Chem- 
istry and  Electrology,  in  Hering  Medical  College,  of  this 
city,  will  become  the  managing  editor; 

Second,  It  will  be  made  a  medical  journal  for  the 
masses  as  well  as  for  the  busy  practitioner.  It  has  been 
unquestionably  demonstrated  that  the  more  the  people 
know  of  homoeopathy  the  more  highly  do  they  appreciate 
it,  and  the  more  educated  they  become  in  medical  science 
the  more  positively  do  they  learn  toward  homceopathy. 
The  Cot:rier  will  hereafter  go  forth  as  a  helper  of  the 
practitioner  in  publishing  the  merits  of  the  law  Sijnilia, 
Similibus  Curantot  among  the  masses. 

Thifd,  It  will  publish  only  "  pith  points  in  practice." 
The  busy  practitioner  has  no  time  to  read  long-winded 
articles,  and  the  masses  will  not  read  them.  Metaphysical 
questions  and  theories  will  be  discussed  very  little  in  future 
columns  of  the  Courier.  Only  short,  pungent  items  that 
can  be  fully  grasped  at  sight  by  the  practitioner  and 
**  home  doctor"  will  be  published.  Paragraphs  o{ z.  feio 
lines  only  will  be  the  rule,  and  in  no  case  wfll  an  article, 
exceeding  five  hundred  words,  be  published  in  a  single 
issue. 

Fourth,  The  subscription  price  will  be  reduced  to  one 
dollar  per  volume  of  twelve  monthly  numbers  of  thirty- 
tii'o  pages  each.  Volume  III  will,  however,  contain  but 
ten  monthly  numbers,  beginning  with  March   and  closing 


2/4  T^^^  Homoeopathic  Courier, 

with  Decemher,  1882.  The  March  number  will  appear 
early  in  Januarys,  and  preceeding  numbers  on  the  15th  of 
the  month  preceeding  date  of  issue. 

Fifth.  E.  Sellers  &  Co.,  No.  2022  North  9th  Street, 
St.  Louis,  will  be  the  publishers  of  the  Courier,  with  whom 
all  business  contracts  must  be  made.  The  publishers  have 
their  subscription  and  advertising  books  already  opened 
and  patronage  is  solicited. 

Sixth,  All  contracts  for  advertising  and  subscription 
made  by  Mr.  Verdier,  the  present  publisher,  will  be  as- 
sumed by  the  new  publishers. 

Seventh,  The  same  contributors  and  authors  will  be 
identified  with  the  Courier  under  the  new  management  as 
under  the  old. 


Dr.  F.  Park  Lewis  desires  to  inform  his  friends  that, 
having  returned  from  Europe,  he  has  re-opened  his  form- 
er office,  230  Pearl  Street,  Buffalo,  N.  Y.  Hours,  9  A.  M. 
to  12  M. 


LUTON'S  EXHILARANT  MIXTURE. 
Dr.  Luton,  of  Rheims,  has  found  that  the  following  mix- 
ture produces  a  highly  exhilarating  effect,  somewhat  sim- 
ilar to  that  of  nitrous  oxide,  especially   in  excitable  tem- 
peraments : 

R.  Tincture  of  ergot 5  grams, 

Sol.  of  phosphate  of  soda  (i-io) 15       " 

Take  in  a  quarter  glass  of  sugared  water. 

This  produces  "a  lively  gaiety  and  uncontrollable   hilar-  \ 

ity."  ' 

[This   looks   like   personal  revenge.     Dr.  Luton   must 

have  some  spite  against  the  manufacturers  of  the  spark- 
ling beverage  for  which  Rheims  is  celebrated. — Dmggists^ 
Circular^ 


BOOK  REVIEWS. 


The  Science  and  Art  of  Midwifery.  By  Wm.  Thomp- 
son Lusk,  M.  A,p,  M.  M.  D.  Appleton  &  Co.,  Publishers, 
New  York. 

This  work,  which  will  be  issued  from  the  press  early  in 
October,  will  furnish  to  students  and  practitipners  the 
most  recent  acquisitions  in  obstetric  physiology  and  pa- 
thology, and  full  details  as  regards  the  obstetric  procedure. 
The  science  and  art  of  midwifery  will  not  be  considered  as 
two  distinct,  independent  subjects,  but  the  one  as  the  log- 
ical deduction  from  the  other. 

The  sections  devoted  to  operations  and  to  the  influences 
exerted  by  the  contracted  pelvis  upon  pregnacy,  labor, 
and  childbed,  are  based  upon  purely  clinical  experience, 
and  are  intended  to  furnish  complete  and  safe  guides  to 
these  difficult  departments  of  midwifery  practice.  To  be 
complete  in  one  volume  of  about  700  pages,  8vo.  Pro- 
fusely illustrated. 

A  System  of  Surgery  in  Treatises,  by  Various  Auth- 
ors.    Edited  by  T.   Holms,  M.  A.   Cantaby.     Vol.  I. 
H.  C.  Lea's,  Son  &  Co.,  Publishers,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 
We  are  in   receipt   of  this    magnificent  first  volume  of 
Holmer's  Surgery  Americanized  by  J.  H.  Packard,  A.  M.. 
M.  H.,  and  find  it  to  be  one  of  the  grandest  productions 
of  the  century. 

The  present  volume  contains  over  one  thousand  pages 
of  solid  double  column  matter  printed  in  the  usual  superb 
style  of  publishers  who  are  recognized  as  among  the  first 
in  the  land. 

There  are  two  hundred  and  forty-five  wood-cut  illus- 
trations and  nine  chromo-Hthographic  plates,  including 
twenty-one  figures,  making  it  one  of  the  best  illustrated 
books  on  surgery  that  has  ever  been  issued. 

The  list  of  authors  contributing  to  volume  one  com- 
prises   twenty-one    English     and    seventeen    American 


X 


2/6  .  The  Homceopathic  Courier, 

names,  among  which  we  recognize  some  of  the  ablest  sur- 
-gical  writers  of  their  respective  countries. 

The  plan  of  the  work  is  to  let  each  contributor  write  up 
the  subject  or  subjects  on  which  he  is  a  recognized 
specialist,  thus  bringing  together  in  one  work  all  that  is 
known  in  the  many  departments  of  surgery,  and  present- 
ing it  to  the  practitioner  at  a  merely  nominal  cost. 

This  book  should  be  in  the  hands  of  every  practitioner 
of  medicihe  and  surgery,  and  no  one,  we  feel  confident, 
will  regret  the  small  outlay  that  puts  them  in  possession  of 
it.  The  entire  work  will  be  issued  in  three  volumes  and 
it  may  be  had  through  J.  H.  Chambers  &  Co.,  401,  403 
and  405  North  Third  street,  St.  Louis,  Western  managers 
for  H.  C.  Lea\s,  Son  &  Co.,  and  oblige.  W.  C.  R. 

Lectures,  Clinical  and  Hidactic,  on  the  Diseases  ok 

Women.     By  R.  Ludlam,  M.  D.     Fifth  edition ;  revised, 

enlarged  and  illustrated.     Duncan  Brothers,  Publishers. 

Chicago. 

This  is  a  book  of  over  a  thousand  pages,  and  without 
going  into  details  or  commenting  invidiously  as  it  were, 
on  the  many  good  things  it  contains,  we  will  simply  say 
that  a  better  book  on  the  subject  has  never  been  published. 

It  is  pleasantly  readable,  scholarly,  accurate  and  reli*' 
able  on  all  the  subjects  of  which  it  treats. 

It  is  not,  as  might  be  inferred  from  the  second,  third 
and  fourth  editions,  a  mere  reprint  from  the  same  stereo- 
typed plates  of  the  first,  but  an  entirely  re-written,  newly- 
printed  and  newly-illustrated  work. 

All  who  have  one  of  the  former  editions  of  this  book 
know  its  worth  and  should  not  be  satisfied  till  they  have 
procured  this  last  and  best  effort  of  the  able  author. 

W.  C.  R. 

Drugs  that  Enslave.  The  Opium,  Morphine,  Chloral 
AND  Hachisch  Habits.  By  H.  W.  Kane,  M.  D.,  New 
York.     Presley  Blackiston,  Philadelphia,  Publisher. 

This  is  an  inv^aluable  work  by    an    able  author,    and 

should  be  in  the  hands  of  every  homceopath. 


Book  Reviews,  277 

• 

Especially  will   it  be  found   useful  to   those   who  have 

habitually  a  tendency  to  prescribe  the  drugs  whose  dan- 
gers are  so  graphically  portrayed  in  this  little  volume. 

No  one,  after  perusing  the  224  pages  that  go  to  make 
up  this  book,  will  feel  like  prescribing  the  horribly  dan- 
gerous drugs  that  have  caused  so  much  misery. 

W.  C.  R. 

Chemical  Analysis  of  the  Urine.  Bv  Drs.  Edcjar  F. 
Smith  and  John  Marshall.  Presley  Blackiston,  Phila- 
delphia, Publishers. 

This  little  book  contains  upwards  of  a  hundred  pages, 

and  as  it  contains  the  latest  information  on  the  subject  of 

which  it  treats,  will  be  found  well  worth  the  one  dollar  for 

which  it  is  sold.  W.  C.  R. 

Transactions  of  the  American  Homoeopathic  Ophthal- 

MOLOGICAL  and  OtOLOGICAL  SoCIETY. 

Through  the  politeness  of  Dr.  W.  A.  Phillips,  we  are  in 
receipt  of  a  copy  of  these  transactions.  There  are  four- 
teen good  articles,  making  a  pamphlet  of  80  pages,  which 
may  be  had  for  50  cents  of  Dr.  Park  Lewis,  Secretary'. 
Buffalo,  N.  Y. 

Lippe's  Repertory.     Bedell  &  Bro.,  Publishers,  N.  Y. 

We  take  great  pleasure  in  announcing  that  the  "Reper- 
tory to  the  more  Characteristic  Symptoms  of  the  Materia 
Medica,"  compiled  by  Constantine  Lippe,  M.  D.,  is  com- 
pleted and  ready  for  delivery.  This  work  was  originally 
prepared  by  Dr.  C.  Lippe  as  his  repertory,  and  having  been 
examined  by  many  physicians,  he  was  strongly  urged  by 
them  to  publish  it.  The  work  is  based  upon  the  repertory 
to  the  Jahr's  Manual,  published  at  AUentown,  Pa.,  in  1338, 
with  additions  by  Dr.  C.  Hering.  To  this  was  added  first 
Lippe's  Text  Book,  then  Laurrie*s  Jahr,  and  afterwards 
Boenninghausen's  Pocket-book  on  Intermittent  Fever  and 
Whooping   Cough;    Bell's    Diarrhoea,  H.  N.   Guernsey's 


278  The  Homoeopathic  Courier, 

Obstetrics  and  various  symptoms  collected  from  other 
sources.  The  endeavor  was  to  collect  in  one  volume  the 
symptoms  which  many  authorities  and  experience  have 
proved  to  be  characteristic.  The  author  has  done  the 
best  with  the  material  at  his  command.  The  book  will  be 
valuable,  as  it  contains  much  from  books  which  are  now 
out  of  print  and  not  available  to  the  student. 

Dr.  Lippe  will  gratefully  receive  any  communications 
of  characteristic  symptoms  which  he  has  omitted. 

It  is  neatly  printed  on  good  paper,  in  small  but  clear 

type,  making  in  all  about  325  octavo  pages. 

The  Physician's  Memorandum  Book:  A  Weekly  Visit- 
ing List  with  Clinical  Columns  and  Ledger  Sheets. 

Price  ^1.25.     J.  A.  Miner,  Publisher,  Ann  Arbor,  Mich. 

This  new  Visiting  List  has  all  the  general  advantages 
of  books  of  its  class.     Its  tables  of  printed  matter  are  as 
serviceable  as  in  any  similar  book ;    its  size  is  that  pre- 
ferred   by   most   physicians;    and    its   variety  of  blanks 
cover  all  that  is  usually  required  in  such  books. 

It  has,  besides,  special  claims  to  superiority  in  the  gene- 
ral convenience  of  its  blanks,  its  Ledger  Sheets,  its  Clini- 
cal Record  and  its  Cash  Account. 

The  Weekly  Record  Sheet  (32  families)  provides  for  the 
usual  record  of  appointments  and  visits,  and  the  charges 
therefor. 

It  is  good  for  any  year  and  any  time  of  the  year,  and 
more  or  less  than  a  page  can  be  used. 

A  Treatise  on  the  Diseases  of  the  Nervous  System. 
By  Wm.  Hammond,  M.  D.  D.  Appleton  &  Co.,  Pub- 
lishers, N.  Y. 

We  are  in  receipt  of  a  copy  of  this  most  valuable  book, 

which  was  reviewed  in  a  recent  number  of  the  Courier  hy 

Prof.  Kent.     We  endorse  all  he  said  of  the  book. 

W.  C.  R. 


Book  Retfitivs,  279 

The  Medical  Counselor  now  appears  weekly,  16  pages. 
Price  $2  a  year. 

The  Counselor  has  long  been  one  of  our  best  monthly 

publications.     We   hail    its  weekly  venture  with  pleasure 

and  wish  it  success,  W.  C.  R. 

Transactions  of  the  Wisconsin  State  Hom<eopatiiic 
Medical  Society.     1881. 

This  pamphlet  of  88  pages,  containing  21  articles,  is 
before  us  and  we  find  its  tone  decidedly  above  the  average 
of  society  proceedings. 

Dr.  E.  F.  Storke,  Milwaukee,  is  the  able  secretary,  to 

whom  we  return  thanks  for  having  remembered  us. 

W.  C.  R. 

HoM(EOPATnic  Therapeutics  as  Applied'to  Obstetrics. 
By  Sheldon  Leavitt,  M.  D.,  Professor  of  Physiology  and 
Clinical  Midwifery  in  Hahnemann  Medical  College, 
Chicago.     Duncan  Brothers,  publishers. 

This  is  a  valuable  little  book  of  120  pages,  in  which  is 
mirrored  most  faithfully  the  indications  of  a  limited  num- 
ber of  drugs  that  are  found  useful  in  obstetric  practice. 

While  the  work  is  elementary  in  character,  still  it  will 
be  found  to  cover  the  characteristics  of  the  best  tried  of 

our  remedies,  and  should  be  in  the  hands  of  ^v^ry  prac- 
titioner. W.  C.  R. 

The  Homoeopathic  Physician,  Visiting  List  and  Pocket 
Repertory.  By  Robert  Faulkner,  M.  D.  Second 
Edition.    Boerick^  &  Tafcl,  New  York  and  Philadelphia. 

Every  physician  in  actual  practice  needs  a  visiting  list, 
and  of  all  those  that  we  have  examined  we  find  none  equal 
to  this.  It  contains  calendars  for  1881-82-83-84,  Poisons 
and  their  antidotes.  Ready  methods  in  Asphyxia,  an  ex- 
cellent condensed  Repertory  of  85  pages,  seven  pages  for 
addresses,  obstetric  record,  the  remainder  is  taken  up  with 
daily  engagements  and  prescription  record.  The  book  is 
bound  in  morocco  in  a  splendid  manner  Every  physi- 
cian should  have  one,  J.  T.  B, 


28o  The  Homceopathtc  Courier. 

Library  of  Medical  Classics.  Birmingham  &  Co.,  pub- 
lishers, 1260  and  1262  Broadway,  N.  Y. 

No.  I — Manual  of  the  Treatment  of  Diseases  of  the 
Rectum.     By  Henry  Smith,  F.  R.  C.  S.     Price,  250. 

No.  2 — Clinical  Lectures  on  the  Diseases  of  Women. 
Delivered  in  Saint  Bartholomew's  Hospital,  by  J. 
Mathews  Duncan.     Price  35c. 

No.  3  —A  Manual  of  Venekial  Diseases,  for  students 
and  practitioners.  By  Berkly  Hill  and  Arthur  Cooper. 
Price,  20C. 

No.  4 — Indigestion  and  Billiousness.  By  J.  Milner 
Fothergill.     Price,  35c. 

No.  5 — Diphtheria;  its  nature  and  treatment.  By  M. 
Mackenzie,  M.  D.     Price,  20c. 

The  Messrs.  Birmingham  &  Co.  promise  to  furnish  twice 

a  month  for  one  year  a  book  printed  in  pamphlet  form  for 

the  exceedingly  small  sum  of  $%, 

This  method  of  re-publishing  in  cheap  form  the  most 
valuable  recent  foreign  publications  will  place  them  in 
the  reach  of  those  who  might  not  be  able  to  purchase  them 
in  the  original  expensive  form. 

The  books  will  be  sold  separately  for  the  price  stated 
above,  but  we  advise  all  to  subscribe  for  the  whole  year. 
By  so  doing,  twenty-four  books  ranging  in  price,  in  the 
original  form,  from  $2  to  $5,  or  say  ;2l6o  to  $70  worth  of 
literature  will  be  had  for  $8. 

The  character  of  the  books  and  the  ability  of  the  auth- 
ors are  first-class.  W.  C.  R. 

A  New  Form  of  Nervous  Disease.      Essay  on  Ekv- 
TtiROXYLON    Coca.      By  W.   S.   Searle,    A.   M.   M.   D. 
Fords,  Howard  &  Hulbert,  publishers,  N.  Y. 

This  little  book  of  138  pages  is  an  interesting  contribu- 
tion to  our  literature. 

The  first  part  treats  of  a  form  of  nervous  disease  hereto- 
fore not  described  by  any  author. 

The  peculiar  habits  of  the  American  people  as  to  work. 


Book  ReviriVS,  281 

diet  and  education,  no  one  doubts,  tend  to  the  development 
of  many  new  forms  of  new  lesions,  and  it  is  one  of  these 
lesions  which  Dr.  Searle  has  written  up  for  the  profession. 
The  book  is  a  good  one.  W.  C.  R. 

Indigestion,  Billiousness  and  Gout,  in  their  Protean 
Aspects.     By  J.  Milner  Fothergill,  M.  D.,  N  Y.,  Pub- 
lisher. • 

This  is  an  elegant  appearing  volume  of  320  pages. 

The  subject  matter  is  ably  considered  by  the  eminent 
author,  and  we  feel  it  our  duty  to  recommend  it  to  all  who 

wish  information  on  the  subject.  W.  C.  R. 

Female  Diskase.  The  result  of  errors  in  habit  and  hygene 
during  childhood  and  puberty,  with  remarks  on  treatment 
of  Rachialgia  with  igni-puncture,  an  interesting  pamphlet 
of  45  pages,  by  R.  G.  Nunn,  M.  D.,  Savannah,  Ga. 

W.  C.  R. 

The   American    Homceopathic    Directory    and    Year 
Book. 

In  accordance  with  an  understanding  had  with  Dr.  Pettct, 
publisher  of  the  **  North  American  Homoeopathic  Direc- 
tory," 1877-78,  the  undersigned  will  issue,  early  in  the 
coming  year,  a  work  to  be  entitled  "  The  American  Ho- 
moeopathic Directory  and  Year  Book.'*  It  will  include, 
first,  a  directory  of  the  homoeopathic  physicians  of  North 
America.  Second,  homoeopathic  societies,  national,  state 
and  local,  with  times  and  places  of  meeting  for  the  year 
1883,  ^^c-  Third,  public  institutions,  colleges,  hospitals, 
public  dispensaries,  asylums  "homes,"  etc.,  in  which 
homoeopathy  is  taught  or  practiced.  Fourth,  literature, 
titles  of  books,  journals,  pamphlets,  etc.,  issued  during  the 
past  year,  with  names  of  authors,  editors  and  publishers, 
and  the  size,  style  and  price.  Fifth,  pulic  medical  service, 
homcx^opathic  physicians  acting  as  members  of  health 
boards,  pension   examiners,  surgeons  in  the   army,  navy 


282  The  Homoeopathic  Courier, 

national  guard,  or  militia,  physicians  in  government  hos- 
pitals, prisons,  amlshouses,  etc.,  etc.  Sixth,  legislation 
enacted  in  i86i,  specially  affecting  the  rights  and  privi- 
leges  of  homoeopathic  practitioners. 

The  completeness  and  accuracy  of  such  a  publication 
must  depend  almost  entirely  upon  the  aid  voluntarily 
furnished  by  physicians  in  all  parts  of  the  couutry.  With- 
out an  abundance  of  this  practical  sort  of  encoaragement 
I  shall  make  but  sorry  work  of  it.  I  therefore  appeal 
most  earnestly  that  each  reader  of  this  notice  will  immedi- 
ately send  me  by  postal  card  his  or  her  full  name,  state, 
county,  postoffice,  and  if  residing  in  a  large  city,  the  street 
and  number.  Especially  should  this  be  done  by  those 
who  have  commenced  homoeopathic  practice  or  changed 
their  residence  since  1877,  the  date  of  publication  of  Dr. 
Pettet's  Directory.  It  is  also  requested  that  officers  of 
societies  and  public  institutions  will  forward  at  once,  such 
information  as  is  above  indcated,  and  that  publishers  will 
likewise  transmit  complete  lists  of  their  publications  of 
187 1  for  insertion  in  the  Directory. 

A  copy  of  the  work  in  paper  cover  will  be  sent  to  each 
physician  who  takes  the  trouble  to  forward  his  name  and 
address,  or  who  in  any  other  way  aids  in  its  publication. 
A  few  copies  will  be  neatly  bound  in  cloth,  for  one  dollar 

each.     Applications  for  these,  with  remittance,  must   be 
sent  not  later  than  January  i,  1882.     Address, 

Pemberton  Dudley,  M.  D., 

S.  W.  corner  Fifteenth  and  Master  Sts.,  Phila. 


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